From Randy...

Youth Group By Cathy Lyon & Stephen Hagewood

It’s hard to believe we just celebrated Christmas and it’s 2020! It was wonderful to see our youth involved with the church’s Christmas programs and have a great time at their annual youth Christmas Lock-In. Our regularly scheduled youth activities will resume January 8th with Wednesday night youth Bible study at 6pm and Sunday youth group at 5pm. For those who already signed-up for Winter Blast at Camp Piankatank on February 14-16, it’ll be here before we know it! And be on the lookout to sign-up for the Summer Youth Mission Trip. We’ll start sign-ups in January for our trip with World Changers to Morganton, NC in July 13-18.

Music News By Barbara Perry

What a wonderful Christmas Season! The youth choir did a beautiful job in early December with "I heard the Bell on Christmas Day." The children were so sweet with their rendition of "Away in a Manger" and the adult choir really topped it off with the beautiful cantata, "Song of Bethlehem." We also had several wonderful moments with special music this month but the highlight was definitely Rob Dean's group tribute to Mrs. Burnley, the Twelve Days of Christmas! Thank you to everyone who participated in this celebration month!

Did you notice that three new ministry events took place in the month of December? The Service of Light was planned by the Grief Support Group. It’s purpose was to provide a service of hope, healing, and faith for those who are experiencing grief during the holidays. It was noted during the service that not everyone is experiencing the “Joy To The World” that is sung, especially during the holidays. Candles were lit in memory of loved ones as a way of saying our loved ones are not forgotten.

Our Military Outreach Team provided the ministry of placing a wreath on the grave of each Veteran who is buried in the church’s cemetery. Sixty-five holiday wreaths were placed even though the weather was wet. It was a special way of saying “You are not forgotten” to those who have served in our country’s military.

A Community Carol Sing was held with a bonfire and a free meal that was open to Shiloh members and to the community. Earlier the traditional singing of carols took place at the homes of our shut-ins. This was a staff sponsored event and was designed to allow the church to share its faith through the singing of Christmas carols. The bonfire and singing took place near the Nativity that was given to the church by Jean Miller. This was the Nativity set that Kendall Miller would put up each Christmas. Now it is seen by those who drive by the church during the day and night.

“Thank You” to those who decorated the outside of the church including the lamp posts and railings of our new steps and ramp. Lindy, Cindy, and family and friends, you decorated as you grieved the passing of a loved one. I have heard so many compliments from those who pass by the church daily.

Our new verse for the year is found in the writings of the Apostle Paul, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). I will be preaching on this the first Sunday in January, 2020. Join me as we also observe the Lord’s Supper the first Sunday of the new year.

My Friends’ Best Friends

by Cindy Miller God will have prepared everything for our perfect happiness in heaven, and if it takes my dog being there, I believe

he'll be there.—Rev. Billy Graham

S ometimes God places unsung he-roes in our lives, and we are right under their noses. Their sense of smell, way stronger than ours, can

pick up fear, anxiety, and sadness. Some are trained to assist military personnel that are dealing with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. They can sniff us out and know if we’re angry, happy, sick, sad, or in danger. They are our loyal, devoted canine companions deserving of recognition.

Melissa Rollins’ beloved Poodle, Chance, had to take a backseat last year to German Shepherd puppies, Ariel and Hudson. Al-most daily, Melissa and her mother, Mildred, watched them grow by leaps and bounds. Chance took notice, too, and may not love them as much as Melissa does. Hudson is nice to him, but Ari-el is in Chance’s face every chance she gets.

Billy and Katie King’s doggies: Whiskey, a mix of lab and pit, is a big snuggle bug, loves hugs, loves rubs; and Charlie, a mix of pug and Chihuahua, is the boss and struts around like he owns the world. Both compete for attention and are very spoiled momma’s furbies.

Joe and Brenda Parker’s German Shepherd, Sugar Bear, whose reactions are in overdrive, will come and lie down beside them when they do not feel well, and she will plop her body right between them during intense discussions. And, if you’re a regular hugger like Butch Maples, beware of hugging Brenda. Like lightning, Sugar Bear bolted from the couch, jumped up and with her paws sent Butch stumbling to the kitchen. Sugar Bear then returned to the couch as if nothing had happened. Brenda and Joe have to spell out some words to keep Sugar Bear from knowing what they are discussing. If they happen to men-tion their son, Kris, and his wife, Arline, are coming, Sugar Bear immediately goes to the door and waits until they arrive even if it takes hours. Their granddogs are Corabell and Pasha (Kris and Arline’s) and Snoopy (Kevin and Tina’s).

Jane Heath’s Biscuit, a Jack Russel mix that had been with Jane for 12-l/2 years, was soon to depart this world. Jane put out the word that she just could not be without a dog. It took two dogs to fill the void: Muffin Snuggles, a Maltese, and Minnie Cuddles, a Chorkie, which is a Yorkie and Chihuahua mix.

Bob and Shirley Baird’s Bella is a Chihuahua/rat terrier mix. Chihuahuas are described as “brimming with personality—often a quirky and eccentric personality unmatched by any other breed.” Bella fits the description but is a Chihuahua on steroids, according to Bob.

Most doggies reflect their owners’ personalities. Barbara Yancey’s little Miss Mattie radiates Barbara’s sweetness and

loving, caring qualities. Roger and Suzanne Rouse’s Willow, a Havanese, loves everyone, including strangers, children, other dogs, cats—and even her Nana Cindy.

Chance, Ariel, and Hudson Rollins; (far right) Whiskey and Charlie King

Little girl playing footsies with Sugar Bear, Pasha (with tie), Corabell, and Snoopy Parker (with antlers)

Muffin and Minnie Heath, Bella Baird (with an attitude), Miss Mattie Yancey (sweetness), and Willow Rouse (love child)

Women of Shiloh By Brenda Hastings

GALS – Growing And Loving Servants – Women On Mission – Shiloh Style Happy New Year to all!! As a new year begins, the GALS are up and running with Missions projects and activities as we seek to teach about missions and pray for missionaries around the world. Our upcoming activities are listed below. Fleece Blanket-Making Date – January 18th Time to prepare for our annual fleece blanket making. This will be held during our regular GALS meeting - January 18th, 9:30am until we’re finished, in the Family Life Center. This will be our 6th year that we will have made blankets for the homeless in Fredericksburg. Each year, we turn out more blankets – let’s make this one even bigger! Our goal this year is 100 blankets!! You can drop off the fleece at the table underneath the Missions Bulletin Board. If you prefer to have someone else do your fleece shopping, you may give a cash donation to either Helen Ruth Lyons or Brenda Hastings. See you on the 18th!!

SAVE THE DATE – ANNUAL LADIES’ TEA – SATURDAY, MARCH 7TH, 2:00PM Our annual Ladies Tea is Saturday, March 7th at 2:00pm. Our guest speaker is Sharon Glasgow of Proverbs 31 Ministry. Watch the Missions Bulletin Board and the weekly bulletins for an announcement about the theme. UPCOMING GALS ACTIVITIES: Saturday, May 2nd, 9:30am – Decorating 101 with Jan Williams, in the Family Life Center Friday-Saturday, June 26-27 – Shiloh Women’s Retreat at Columbia Retreat Center in Winchester, VA.

Sunday School By Gail Davis

Well, did you read through The Gospel of Luke while you prepared to celebrate Christmas? Did your reading draw you closer to His kingdom? In Luke 8:10 Jesus says this: “Are your eyes open or don’t you see a thing? Are your ears open or do you not hear a thing?” Jesus tells the story in Luke 8 of the seeds...sown with weeds, sown on rocks. The seeds planted in good earth are the ones that thrive. Good earth? What’s that? Can it be the Word of God? Verse 15 reads “But the seed in the good earth — these (seeds) are the good hearts who seize the Word (the earth) and hold on..” Plant your roots in the Word, grow strong and produce much fruit. Come open eyes and ears as you study the Word and grow strong. Sunday morning Bible classes start at 9:45.

Children’s Ministry By Rebecca Goff

It is a new year with new adventures in the Children’s Ministry! I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us here at Shiloh this year! AWANA will start back on January 5th. Wednesday night with music and missions starts back January 8th. January 24th is family game night. Bring your favorite (church friendly) game and a soup (even if it’s from a can!) or dessert to share and we will enjoy fellowship with each other from 5:30-7-30pm in the FLC. This is a church-wide event so please come out and join us. Our theme in Children’s Church is, “The Big Quiz – Show What You Know”. Since we just celebrated the birth of Jesus in December starting in January we will learn more about his life. Our scripture for the month is “For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth comes knowledge and understanding,” Proverbs 2:6, NKJ. We may never know all there is to know about God, but God gives us lots of ways we can know Him. We can know Him best through Jesus, who showed us how much God loves us. The more we know God, the better we can live His way each day.

Dear Shiloh Family, My heart is overflowing with grateful appreciation and love for all you have done for me and for all you have been to me these past five months. Your understanding and consideration of how I need to grieve and to deal with my loss of Kendall has meant the world to me. As I move forward in this journey I know with all my heart that I do so with your full support. Each of you serves to the Glory of the Lord, which makes this Body of Christ so special. You have been a comfort and joy and refuge to me. I know Kendall would be humbled and honored by your generosity of Spirit to me personally. I will never forget your care and kindness. With love and affection, your sister in Christ, Jean.

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Rev. Randy Allensworth, Pastor Barbara Perry, Music Minister Rebecca Goff, Children’s Minister Cathy Lyon, MS Youth Minister Stephen Hagewood, HS Youth Minister (540) 775-4646 www.kgshiloh.org The Shiloh Visitor is published monthly as

an official communications medium for Shiloh Baptist Church. The deadline for

submission is the 15th of each month. Address all comments and submissions to:

Brenda Wendell, Editor The Shiloh Visitor

Shiloh Baptist Church 13457 Kings Highway

King George, VA 22485-3015 Telephone (540) 775-4646

or email office@kgshiloh.org

Shiloh Baptist Church 13457 Kings Hwy King George, VA 22485

Upcoming Events January 1 New Year’s Day—No Church Activities January 2, 16, 30 Morning Ladies Bible Study January 5,12,19,26 Sunday Night Activities January 5 BOD Meeting January 12,19, 26 Evening Ladies Bible Study January 7,14,21,28 Prayer Team January 8,15,22,29 Wednesday Night Activities January 14 Feed the Needy January 14 Grief Support January 18 GALS Fleece Blanket-Making January 24 Family Game Night