Norwood Baptist's Wood Ministry
I spoke on the importance of starting new ministries focused on serving the needs of those in our community.

Our wood ministry helps in meeting the needs of the elderly, shut-ins, and less fortunate in our surrounding area by supplying them with one or two pickup truck loads of fire wood to stay warm and also for those who still use a wood cookstove.

This ministry has grown so much that when we meet on the first Saturday in December at church, we can no longer get all of the wood split that has been gathered throughout the year from individual donations.

This is with constantly running 5 to 6 wood splitters. We also have been running short of volunteers with trucks to deliver the wood.

So the invitation goes out to all of our sister churches, brother and sisters in Christ, that are willing to help. We would love to have you join us in this ministry to reach out to those in their time of need. We know that you too will be blessed if you do!

This ministry is based on James 1:27 (NKJV). Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Putting feet to our prayers is the theme for this year's evangelism conference. Prayer is such a vital part of any evangelism effort—we've even changed the name: Prayer Evangelism Conference. Once again this year, the event will be held over two days in four different locations: Seaford, Stafford, Max Meadows, and Fincastle. More details and registration are forthcoming.

Nine men from Bedford Baptist recently served on a one day mission trip to help renovate two cottages at Eagle Eyrie Baptist Conference Center.

Mount Olivet needs a pianist (paid) for Sunday morning worship services. For more information, contact Judy Meador, 540.586.1008.

On Saturday, January 24, the ladies of Mt. Zion met at the church to prepare soup for the elderly and shut-in. A total of 32 quarts was delivered to 17 families. What a great day we had! We praise God for the opportunity to serve.

Mt. Zion had the privilege of having a group of young students from Liberty University Praise and Drama teams on Saturday, January 31, at 6:30 P.M. The talent, of these students was outstanding. All the youth, children, and adults who were present had a great time of worship. This program was arranged by Kendall Bartholomew who has been doing mission work at Mt. Zion. Thanks to Kendall and we praise God for all He has done.

Saturday evening, February 14, Mt. Zion had their yearly Spaghetti Dinner. Everyone had a wonderful dinner and a great fellowship time with family and friends. This was a benefit dinner to help defray the expenses of Kendall Bartholomew who will be going on a mission trip to Africa in March. A total of $559.00 was donated. What a blessed evening we had!

“No one should despise your youth; Instead, you should be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” —1 Timothy 4:12
For more info contact Rev. Rock Chocklett @ 540.875.8656.

Click for March Calendar

(A covered dish lunch will be served. Plates, cups, plasticware, and beverages will be provided.)

The Bedford Community Christmas Station was organized in 2006 to assist needy families from the city of Bedford and Bedford county at Christmas in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. In the first three years of operation, the Christmas Station has served more than 2,800 individuals. Eligible families received assistance in choosing new clothing and toys for each child in the home as well as household goods and a large box of food. This service was provided free of charge—shoppers were assigned points to use in each department, which allowed them to choose items they knew their children needed and wanted.

With help from individuals, community organizations, businesses, and churches, the Christmas Station hopes to grow each year until all eligible families are served. In preparation for Christmas 2009, when as many as 400 families could be served, the Christmas Station is seeking monetary donations and donations of new items such as clothing for children, teens and babies as well as pajamas, diapers, toys games, and teen gift items. Household supplies such as blankets, coffeepots, dish sets, and toasters are welcome as are nonperishable foods and cleaning supplies. In addition, volunteers are needed now to shop, to inventory incoming items and to pack them in storage containers. In December, volunteers will be needed to assist shoppers, re-stock shelves, and load vehicles during the scheduled shopping days of December 10, 11, and 12, 2009.

We hope that your congregation will be able to help the Bedford Community Christmas Station ensure that Christmas is a joyous time for our neighbors and friends in need. Please consider making a monetary donation and/or collecting new merchandise for the Christmas Station.

Board members are available to make a presentation or answer questions for your congregation. For presentation information, to volunteer, or to make a donation, please contact Karen Hughes.

With warmest regards,
Patty Brown and Melissa Davis
PR Committee Co-chairs