In 1776 our nation was just born, but not yet free. Throughout the colonies the British still held powerful control over the lives of its people, and many were the Baptists who suffered great hardship, imprisonment, and persecution at the hands of the authorities. In those early years it was not popular to be a Baptist believer.
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WMU Dues ($2.00 for each member of Women on Mission and consultants for age-level organizations) are due now for the 2003-2004 year. Checks should be payable to Strawberry WMU and mailed to Mrs. Jeanette Southall, 2306 Old Farm Road, Lynchburg, VA 24503. Please mail by November 17, 2003.

Nine churches were represented, with 61 total attendance, at the associational observance of Baptist Women's World Day of Prayer on Monday, November 3, 2003, at Sedalia. The offering of $255 will go toward the work of the Baptist World Alliance Women's Department. Following the program, a delicious soup and sandwich lunch was provided by the host church.

The Missions Mosaic magazine for October 2003 (page 7) features an article entitled "Helping Preemies" and focuses on the provision of 15 isolette covers (approximate cost to purchase is $100 each) to Virginia Baptist Hospital. The mission project was sponsored by the Sedalia Stars WMU group who was joined by WMU groups from Big Island and Hunting Creek churches.

To see an online copy of our 2004 proposed budget, please click here.

An Associational Service of Worship, "A Festival of Praise To Honor God, The Creator of All Things," was held at Bedford Baptist Church on Sunday, October 12. The service featured scripture, congregational singing, and musical offerings.

Seven Strawberry churches participated: the orchestra from Rainbow Forest presented several selections; Taylor Creasey and Hannah Lukin from Mentow sang solos; Glade Creek's choir shared, as well as Don Hairfield and Cecilia Frame; from Bethlehem, John Vance sang and Whitley Sellick played the harp; Norwood' choir presented two selections; Kalenna Jarels from North Bedford played two piano selections; Bedford Baptist's handbell choir and instrumental ensemble presented several selections; Olga Vlasova-Swisher, one of our ESL students, played the Bandura, a Ukranian instrument. In addition, Fairview Christian Church in Lynchburg was represented by Harold Wright, organist.

On October 25, 2003 our young people participated in a Youth Fall Festival at Flint Hill Baptist Church. We began at 1 p.m. with a number of activities that included volleyball, football, relays, and tug of war. Two Virginia Tech athletes, Mike Farino and Beth Harkins, drove over for the afternoon and joined right in. Just before our chili dinner they shared what a difference Jesus Christ has made in their lives. During mealtime the band "Broken" ministered to us by playing a number of contemporary Christian songs. The grand finale was the drama duo "Re:Creations" of Bluefield, WV. They brought the drama of the Word to life through their humorous and meaningful portrayals of several Bible stories.

A special thanks goes to the folks at Flint Hill who hosted the event and prepared the outdoor activities and food. We also appreciate Ron Borer's help in lining up our guest speakers and musicians for the day. (Check out the photos at www.sbava.org)
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Under the Lordship of Christ, to equip, support, and involve our family of churches in meeting the spiritual and physical needs of a changing community and world.

Jeff Powers, our newly elected moderator, underwent cancer surgery at the Sloan Kettering Cancer Treatment Center in New York this week. The family is very encouraged by the doctor's report.
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We offer sympathy to Rev. and Mrs. Harold Lewis (Walnut Grove) on the death of their son Harold, Jr.,

December 22 Harry Leland (Pastor/Shady Grove/1 yr.)

November 19 Bill & Marion Vest (65 yrs) (Norwood)
December 4 Jack & Carol Deans (Terrace View)
December 19 John & Esther Woodford (SBA)

Hosted by Glocal Missions and Evangelism Team and Woman's Missionary Union of Virginia