Brantley Baptist Church, Brantley, AL

Issue 8
September 2015
EditorSara McGinty

TRUSTING GOD FOR HIS PROVISIONS

Summer is beginning to look a little like fall. I have noticed the leaves falling from the pecan trees. Last week the leaves
looked like a swarm of locust as the wind scattered them across the ground. School has started and the taste of football is in the
air. Excitement begins to stir at this time of year. There is so much that will be going on this next quarter until Christmas.
Brantley Baptist Church has had a great summer loaded with activities. It started this quarter with Fathers Day on June
21. A Sopping Super came on July 8. On its heels came Vacation Bible School, July 12-15. Mrs. Rachel Moates and Ms. Teresa
Foster did a great job as director and co-director in getting everything ready for VBS. The youth went to camp on July 15 and had
a really great time. We celebrated our 123rd Homecoming. We had about 140 in attendance for the special occasion. The youth
attended a youth rally at Mt. Zion Baptist church on August 12th . Three of our youth made professions of faith and 3 rededicated their lives to the Lord.. The day before school started, August 16, we went to BHS and prayer walked then came back to
church for a Back to School Celebration for all the children and youth. A great time was had by all. On Sunday night, August 23,
our youth attended a Back to School Blast at South Luverne Baptist Church. Ending out the quarter was the nursing home birthday party sponsored by WMU. Fifteen residents had birthdays.
Now we are looking forward to a new quarter and start of a new church year. The budget committee and nominating
committee are hard at work. They continue to covet your prayers as they seek to serve the Lord and Brantley Baptist Church.
Last but not least, the Pastor Search Committee has been hard at work and because of that we now have a new pastor. Rev.
Wes Hatcher and wife Cynthia will be coming to Brantley Baptist Church. Bro. Wes was called as our new pastor on Wednesday
night, August 19. He will begin to serve our church on September 6. We welcome them to Brantley Baptist and can hardly wait
to begin serving with them. It has been a long process in getting a pastor, one covered in prayer. It has been 8 months since Bro.
Burneys passing but I can say we have carried on in times of sadness and uncertainty. We all worked together to keep Brantley
Baptist alive and flourishing. Now it is time to write a new chapter in the life of Brantley Baptist Church, and with Bro. Wess leadership, we are going to make a difference. Bro. Wes and Cynthia, we welcome you to Brantley Baptist Church. We will love you,
work with you, serve with you and most of all we will encourage you and one another and give God the glory for the things that
are accomplished through our church, community, and around the world.
WriterSara McGinty

News for the Soul

Brantley Baptist Church recognized all of their fathers on June 21, Fathers Day. The oldest, youngest, and the one
with the most children were recognized and given a gift by Miss Kim Graham. The oldest was Mr. Sam Thornton.
The youngest was Matthew Ellis. The one with the most children present was Robert Fisher. We ended our Baby
Bottle Boomerang on Fathers Day. Baby bottles were picked up by members of the congregation on Mothers Day.
They placed money in them and brought them back on Fathers Day. The Baby Bottle Boomerang is a project of Save
-A-Life in Troy, an organization that gives an alternative to abortion. Mrs. Rachel Moates headed up this mission
activity for our church. We collected $400. Thank you so much Miss Rachel for your hard work and dedication to
this project.
On July 8, the youth hosted a Sopping Supper. It is just what it sounds like. We sopped tomato and sausage gravies with those delicious biscuits. We, also, had bacon, cheese grits, jelly, and syrup. The youth served the meal to
about 50 people. The youth praise band entertained those enjoying the meal. Madison Keener and Grace Grosenbach sang. Justin Mills, Adam Williams, and Paul Lowery played instruments. Maleighka Jobin is a member also but
she was not present. This was a fundraiser for their youth camp retreat. Donations were made to support our youth.
Vacation Bible School came on the heels of the sopping supper. It was July 12-15. Ninety-eight were enrolled in
VBS. The theme was Fun Run. Racing themes were visible in all areas of the church. We had classes for Pre-K
adult. Mrs. Rachel Moates, director, led the opening rally while Ms. Teresa Foster, co-director, assisted. Everyone
participated in the pledges to the American flag, the Christian flag, and the Bible. Several youth led the songs and
the children joined in and sang while doing the motions to the songs. They really enjoyed that. Mrs. Sara McGinty
presented a missionary story each evening during the worship rally. The classes were challenged to bring the most
money and win a special prize the last night. Stephanie Fishers class won and they had ice cream. We collected
over $250 which was sent to the Alabama Baptist Childrens Home. We do want to thank the kitchen crew, Mrs.
Elaine and Mr. Jerry Stricklin, Mrs. Linda and Mr. Dale Graham, and Mrs. Shirley and Mr. Sam Noblin, for their hard
work. We could not have VBS without them or the teachers who gave of their time to teach, do crafts, recreation,
and music.

Homecoming was celebrated on August 2. Rev. Harry Driggers brought the morning message. A memorial time was
held for those who passed into eternity this past year. They were: Rev. Burney Enzor, Mrs. Elizabeth Henderson,
Mrs. Doris Bryan, Mr. Elton Mitchell, and Mr. Jerry Bell. The families accepted certificates from Elaine Stricklin as a
remembrance of them from Brantley Baptist Church. Mrs. Elaine spoke a few words about each before presenting
the certificates. Mr. Earl Henderson sang a special tribute to their memory. About 140 were present for Homecoming. A meal was awaiting them at the conclusion of the service. There was no evening service. Thanks to the Decorating and Homecoming committee for a job well done.
Our Acteens and youth attended a Youth Rally at Mt. Zion Baptist Church on Wednesday, August 12. About 15 or 20
of our youth attended. Mr. Wade Morris brought the message after the meal. He spoke from Philippians 2 and John
4. It was a spiritually charged service. Three of our young people, Kaitlyn Smith, Maleighka Jobin, and Hannah Fisher made professions of faith while Paul Lowery, Madison Keener, and Anthony McCarthy made rededications of
their lives. The youth were joined by Mr. Michael and Mrs. Peggy Marvin, Mrs. Patricia Smith, and Ms. Teresa Foster.

WriterSara McGinty

Brantley Baptist Church welcomes new members

Linda Williams, Justin Mills, Alyson Gibson
Denny and Tula Bludsworth
By Transfer of Letter

Brantley Baptist Church

Greetings from the pastor..

Greetings to everyone in the name of our Lord
I am writing this with rejoicing and thanksgiving in my heart for your calling me as your Pastor. Thank you so much for allowing
me to serve you at Brantley. I am anticipating some great things for the church. Cynthia and I are so thrilled at the opportunity
that the Lord has afforded us. Mike Green, the former pastor of South Luverne and friend of mine, used to say at the start of
every service, God is good all the time, and all the time God is good. How true and accurate. It would be impossible for my
finite mind to list all of Gods wonderful attributes, but good would be a great place to start the list. I am anticipating September 6 as my official Sunday as your Pastor. I hope each one of you will be in the service so I can meet you and start the process of
learning everyones name. Should any of you need me before that start date, my cell number is 334-434-2577, and my home
number is 334-335-3750. Feel free to call anytime. Again, thank you so much and God bless you all. Bro. Wes

News From Youth Camp!!

This year our youth headed up north to Odenville, Alabama for their youth camp. Seventeen went. They were Michael and Peggy
Marvin, Justin, Alyson, Chris, Adam, Paul, Grace G., Madi, Kaitlyn, Gracie, Madison, Anthony, Bryce, Abigayle, Hannah, and Lillian.
We went to Springville camp to the Renown Ministries, All in for Jesus, retreat. Our memories began with a bus ride up there
without cool air in the back. A few lucky ones got to ride with Miss Peggy, whose AC worked just fine. On the trip Justin played
the guitar, and the youth sang. Thanks to Birmingham traffic and a few jams on the interstate, we just missed supper. Thankfully
the other churches remembered us and put back some plates. From there it was on to worship which was led by The Next Level
praise band. This brought us into the right mindset, opening the door for the Spirit of God to move.
Greg Key brought the message Friday night from the book of Philippians chapter 2:1-8. Greg is the youth minister of Lakeview
Baptist Church in Auburn. The focal point of the message was having the mindset of Christ, the attitude that we as His followers
should carry. Stepping out of heaven, Jesus became as His creation putting on flesh. He set aside the right to His glory and power
and humbled Himself. Our Lord gave His all for us. He was on a rescue mission to pay that which He did not owe so that we would
not have to face eternal death. Our Lord was all in. Shouldnt we be all in for Him?
Saturday brought a day filled with worship and fun. After breakfast our youth were encouraged to break into groups with students
from different churches. They were given questions and topics to discuss among themselves about Friday nights message. I was
proud that our youth were ready to answer many of those questions. From there it was back to worship with The Next Level
and another great message from Greg. Gods hand was definitely in it. The message was on John 4, about the Samaritan woman.
This lesson was one that we had during VBS. Our Lord was all in for us and His patience and mercy are beyond our ability to understand. He will pursue us until we either respond to Him, or by our own choice and hardness of heart, we make ourselves unreachable. The Samaritan womans life was changed when she realized who Jesus was. She was emboldened to become all in for
her Savior. This attitude is one that we should have. Are you doing your part to tell others about the Savior?
After lunch it was time for the lake, and the youth as well as adults got to enjoy many activities on the water. Zip lines, a five story
waterslide, floating trampolines, paddle boats, and of course the famous Blob were a blast. After dinner our youth were asked, by
surprise, to play a song during the offering. They performed like pros, not missing a beat when the sound system went haywire.
This led to a repeat. The evenings message culminated in John 4 about the parable of the workers and the harvest. All of us who
claim Christ as Savior are missionaries, and the field is ready for harvesting. Some of us plant while others sow, but we are equally
responsible for seeing souls won to Christ. So lets go to work! From the youth group to all of our church members, thank you for
your support and prayers. Bro. Michael

NEWS FOR THE SOUL (CONT.)

We had a Back To School Celebration Sunday afternoon, August 16 for the children. After the Acteens, some from
our youth group, and several adults went to BHS to prayer walk, they returned to the church to enjoy fun games and
food. There was a water slide and a water baseball game to enjoy. About 60 people enjoyed the event. The youth
furnished the hot dogs and sausages while the ladies furnished side dishes and desserts. We were joined by Rev.
Wes Hatcher and wife Cynthia whom since we have called to be our pastor. We are excited to have them join us at
Brantley Baptist in serving our Lord . We can hardly wait for Bro. Wes to begin serving as our pastor.
Brantley Baptist youth traveled to South Luverne Baptist Church, Sunday night, August 23 to join them in a Back to
School Blast. Eric Hixon, Director of M.U.D. Ministries, was the guest speaker. Music was provided by the Of the
Tide musical group. After the rally, everyone enjoyed a fellowship meal. Six churches were represented. Thirteen
of our youth attended. Michael and Peggy Marvin accompanied them.
Brantley Baptist WMU sponsored the nursing home birthday party on Thursday, August 27. There were 15 residents
having birthdays in the month of August. About 40 gathered in the dining to celebrate the occasion. Gayle Henderson, Sara McGinty and Teresa Foster were there to serve the residents. We had ice cream, cookies and cheese
puffs. Sara McGinty led in the birthday song. Teresa Foster read scripture, read a poem, and said a prayer Gifts
were given to all who had birthdays by the WMU. Everyone seemed to have a great time.

September 2015
Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Prayer Meeting

Fri

Sat

BdayNell Hall

BdayJudson
Stricklin

11

12

18

19

Youth
G.A.s and R.A.s
BdayWilliam
Bradshaw

10

Deacons Meeting

Hostess meeting for

Womens Conference 5:00 p.m.

BdayMarjorie
Pettus

Prayer Meeting

BdaysSara Solt ,
Ann Godwin

Bro. Wess first

Sunday with us!
Acteens meeting

BdayMaggie
Myer

13

14

Quarterly Business
Meeting

G.A.s and R.A.s

15

16

BdayTroy Brannon

Family Night Supper

6:30 p.m.

Acteens meeting

20

Youth

17

AnniversarySam
and Shirley Noblin

BdaysPeggy Johnson, Anne Kelly

21

22

23Prayer Meeting 24

Brotherhood meeting

Youth, G.A.s and

R.A.s

Pray for our children 4:00 p.m.

BdayJulie

25

26

Ballard

27

28

29

30Prayer Meeting

Acteens meeting

BdayTeresa Foster

BdayWilliam
Thomas

Youth, G.A.s and

R.A.s
BdayAdam Williams

Kathleen Mallory State Mission Offering taken this month Goal $500

Brantley Baptist Church

PO Box 61
Brantley, AL 36009

We are on the web:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brantley-Baptist-Church/106195596069386

Events and Activities for This Quarter

September

PASTOR:
Rev. Wes Hatcher

Kathleen Mallory OfferingGoal $500

Cell: 334-434-2577Home: 334-335-3750

September 6 Deacons Meeting

MUSIC DIRECTOR:

September 13Business Meeting

Kim Graham

September 16Family Night Supper

YOUTH MINISTER:
Michael Marvin
DEACONS:
Michael Marvin, Earl Henderson, Dale Graham, Mike Morris, Pete Johnson, Blake
Moates, Sam Thornton, Jerry Stricklin
OPPORTUNITIES TO WORSHIP:

October
October 1Womens Conference
October 19WMU Associational Meeting (New Ebenezer)

(We are co-hosts at the New Ebenezer meeting)

Sunday:

October 22Associational Annual Meeting (here)

Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m.

Trunk or TreatTBA

Sunday Night:
Acteens 4:00 p.m.
Evening Worship 5:00 p.m.
Choir Practice 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday Night:
Prayer meeting 6:30 p.m.
Youth and G.A.s and R.A.s 6:30 p.m.

November
November 2Womens World Day of Prayer (South Luverne)
November 11Veterans Day
November 26Thanksgiving