Rev. John Boyles is serving as interim at Big Island. He is a Chaplain at Lynchburg General Hospital. We welcome him and his wife Bonnie to Strawberry.

On December 1, Glade Creek’s 7 p.m. service will be “9 Scriptures and Carols,” featuring the Handbell Choir of Thaxton Baptist Church. At 7 p.m. on December 8, there will be a concert of sacred Christmas music with vocal soloists, brass ensemble, organ and piano solos and duets. On December 15, the sanctuary choir will present “Emmanuel, Hope of Our Hearts.” On December 22, the children will present the musical, “A Star Is Born.” On December 24, there will be a Christmas Eve Communion Service at 11 p.m.

Mentow’s adult choir will present the cantata "More Than a Manger" for both morning worship services on December 15. The children will present the musical drama “Away in a Manger” on Sunday, December 22, 7 p.m.

Mt. Hermon has called Rev. Eugene Campbell to serve as their supply pastor. Rev. Campbell, along with his wife Gwen, pastored the church from 1955 to 1959.

Mount Zion will present a Christmas drama titled "Case of the Missing Meaning" on Sunday night, December 15, 6:30 p.m. The choir will present a Christmas cantata titled, "A Night To Remember" on Sunday, December 22, 11:00 a.m. The Bluegrass Gospel Heirs will present a Bluegrass Christmas Music Program on Sunday night, December 29, 6:30 p.m. The church has collected over 35 shoe boxes filled with items for children for Operation Christmas Child.

Dr. William Vest began an interim pastorate at Norwood on September 1. Bill and Marion are familiar faces in Strawberry, having served an interim at Sedalia, and full time at Mount Zion and Forest.

On November 10, Norwood had a special Veteran's Day Service led by Dr. Vest. After the service a surprise luncheon was held in the fellowship hall celebrating Dr. & Mrs. Vest’s 64th wedding anniversary.

The Music Ministry of Radford will present "Hope Has Come" on December 15, 7:00 p.m., in the main sanctuary. A reception will follow the service. Radford will also host a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on December 24 at 9:00 p.m.

Shady Grove has called Rev. Harry Leland to serve as their interim pastor. We welcome Rev. Leland and his wife Nilah to Strawberry.

Rev. Chris Smith was installed as pastor of Staunton on November 17. He is a graduate of Liberty Bible Institute and Liberty University, concentrations in Bible and Business. He is currently working toward a Master of Divinity at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. Prior to coming to Staunton, he served as pastor of Mayflower Hills Baptist Church in Roanoke for five years. Chris and his wife, Susan, have two children: Michelle and Andrew.

Beth Vinson, Minister of Music for Thaxton, has announced her resignation, effective December 15.

Thaxton has called Rev. T. Ivey Adams to serve as Intentional Interim, effective November 3. Rev. Adams holds a Masters of Religious Education degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Dolly, have three grown children: Martha, Thomas, and Phillip.