Message from Mirror, Mirror on

the Wall... Dr. Rusty Brock

Pg. 2

Church-wide Luncheon Celebrating

Global Missions 11:30 AM

Pg. 5

Message from Dr. Rusty Brock…………………………………….………….…...pg. 2

Congregational Life…………………………………………………………………......pgs. 3-6

Mission.………....…………..……………………………………………………………….pgs. 7

College Student News….……………………………………………………………...pg. 8

Youth………………………..…………………………………......………………………...pg. 9

Preschool & Children News……….…………………......………………………...pg. 10

Music News……...………………………………………………………………………….pg. 11

Earth Care Ministry…………………………………………………………………...…pg. 12

March Calendar of Special Events & Ministry Meetings……………....pg. 13

Serving………………………………………………………………………………………...pg. 14

Volume XLII March 2015 Number 2

THE TIE

Highlighted Inside This Issue

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Mirror, Mirror on the Wall. . .

Most of us know the phrase Mirror, Mirror on the wall... the famed questioned posed daily by

the evil Queen in the fairy tale, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”. The more accurate saying

is "Magic Mirror on the wall...or the earliest depictions have, "Magic Mirror in my hand..." Either

way, the evil Queen stands before the magic mirror each day and summons a reassuring

response to her question, "Magic, mirror on the wall, whose the fairest of them all?" With

obvious distain, the Magic Mirror would pronounce, "Why you my queen, are the fairest in the

land." Then one day the moment of truth arrives when the magic mirror says, "Famed is thy

beauty Your Majesty, but a lovely maid I see - rags cannot hide her grace at last she is fairer

than thee." The nerve of one’s own mirror to prevent our illusions is of course unacceptable,

thus Snow White must be destroyed.

The season of Lent invites us to stand before the proverbial mirror and take an honest look at

our lives and ask ourselves the hard questions of, "Who am I and what am I becoming?" In his

book, Beyond Words, Fredrick Buechner beckons us to allow Lent to give us this kind of honest

reflection. The following is an excerpt from this book:

After being baptized by John in the river Jordan, Jesus went off alone into the

wilderness, where he spent forty days asking himself the question what it meant to be

Jesus. During Lent, Christians are supposed to ask one way or another what it means

to be themselves.

If you had to bet everything you have on whether there is a God or whether there isn’t, which

side would get your money and why? When you look at your face in the mirror, what do you see

in it that you most like and what do you see in it that you most deplore? If you had only one last

message to leave to the handful of people who are most important to you, what would it be in

twenty-five words or less? Of all the things you have done in your life, which is the one you

would most like to undo? Which is the one that makes you happiest to remember? Is there any

person in the world or any cause that, if circumstances called for it, you would be willing to die

for? If this were the last day of your life, what would you do with it?

To hear yourself try to answer questions like these is to begin to hear something not only of

who you are, but of both what you are becoming and what you are failing to become. It can be

pretty depressing business all in all, but if sackcloth and ashes are at the start of it, something

like Easter may be at the end.

See You in Worship,

Rusty

Seeking Following Serving

First Baptist Church of Clemson - CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

First Baptist Church Welcomes Our New Members

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We welcome into our church membership Tim & Whitney Sexton. They have two sons, Andrew and Matthew. They reside at 211 Grove Drive, Clemson, SC 29631. Their deacon is Bill Swedberg.

Joined February 15, 2015

We welcome into our church membership Ben & Mary Brown. They reside at 40377 Waverly Court, Seneca, SC 29678. Their Deacon is Nancy Linvill.

Joined February 15, 2015

We welcome into out church membership Buddy & Liz Thompson. They reside at 604 Top Ridge Drive, Sunset, SC 29685. Their deacon is Kelly Durham.

Joined February 22, 2015

UNCLAIMED DISHES/CROCK POTS There are several sets of unclaimed dishes & crock pots located in the Family Life Center left over from the church-wide luncheons. We ask that you stop by the church if you are missing a dish. Any unclaimed dishes will be donated to Helping Hands in March.

Leadership Council monthly meeting minutes

are now located on the church website at

www.firstbaptistclemson.com

The minutes are located under the About uS

heading, then click on Governance.

Meetings of the Leadership Council are held the

first Sunday of each month.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME

Sunday, March 8 marks the beginning of Daylight Savings Time. Don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour before going to bed Saturday evening.

Donna Baun Celebrates 14th Anniversary as Church Secretary

"What would we do without Donna?" This expression is often heard around the church by church members and staff alike. Donna puts her best into everything she does whether

publishing documents, organizing our data base, creating displays, or updating our website (just to name a few!). She is a delightful person with whom to work and a friend who will be there for you if needed. She is truly a blessing. We are lucky to have Donna as our Church Secretary and look forward to serving alongside her in ministry.

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

The Arts Enrichment Ministry Team would like to thank Gene Rochester for his time and effort spent on researching, purchasing, and installing shelves in our team's storage closet. And to Kathryn Dunmyer for helping organize the items on the shelves. It is going to be a HUGE blessing for us to have things organized and accessible!

Thanks so much!

Church-wide Luncheon

Sunday, March 1 Sunday, March 1 the church family will gather in the FLC after worship for a covered dish luncheon. This will be a wonderful opportunity to interact with other members, students, and visitors. The main course will be beef stew over rice. Members are asked to bring LARGE side dishes and desserts.

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

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Sarah Cooper Group

Tuesday, March 17 @ 3:00PM

(Ernie Corley Center Clemson Downs)

Sarah Cooper Group

Seekers

Tuesday, March 24 @ 7:00PM (at the home of Jane Camper)

The Service at the Downs will be held on Wednesday, March 4 at 11:00AM.

Service at the Downs

All men are

welcome to join us every Thursday

morning at 8:30AM at

Dyar’s Restaurant.

Monday Morning Bible Study

Monday, March 9 @ 9:30AM Monday, March 23 @ 9:30AM

The Monday Morning Bible Study will meet from 9:30-11:00AM in room #212.

Midweek Ministries Meals Join us each Wednesday evening at 5:00 PM for our Midweek Meal & Ministry. Menus for Midweek Meal: March 4 Meatloaf, mashed potatoes w/gravy, green

beans, salad, rolls, and red velvet cake. March 11 Dijon honey chicken breast, sweet potatoes,

succotash, salad, rolls, and carrot cake. March 18 St. Patrick’s Celebration – Corned beef, cab-

bage, parsley boiled potatoes, rolls, salad, and lemon cake.

March 25 BBQ bone-in chicken breast, baked beans,

baked potato, salad, rolls, and peach cobbler w/vanilla ice cream.

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

Adult Discipleship

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March 4 - CORD Classes

2

March 11– Cooperative Student Ministry Celebration

3

March 18 - Adult Discipleship

4

March 25 - Family Promise Focus

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If you would like to donate a lily in honor of or in memory of a loved one, please call the church office at 654-2347. Please make your check payable to First Baptist Church in the amount of $8.00. The deadline to order the Easter Lilies is Friday, March 27.

Sunday, March 29 at 10:30AM

Musical Lenten Worship Experience on

Palm/Passion Sunday, March 29 at 10:30AM.

The worship service will include a choir and orchestra

led offering of “Colors of Grace: Lessons for

Lent” by Joseph Martin.

FBC ON MISSION

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SECOND HELPINGS

CLEMSON COMMUNITY CARE Sunday, March 8 is Second Helpings Sunday. The following items are needed by Clemson Community Care: canned meats, mixed vegetables, canned and dry pasta, canned potatoes, flour , corn meal, dried beans, powdered or canned milk, tomato sauce and pork and beans. Let us all join in Second Sunday Helpings and continue feeding hungry neighbors right here in Clemson!

FAMILY PROMISE - FBC MARCH 8 — 15

Family Promise update:

Thank you to all of our church family for your support of our involvement in Family Promise by giving of your time, your gifts of household goods and toys, and your willingness to provide food. These people so appreciate all that is done for them.

To bring you up to date, there are still three families. The mother with the 17 month old daughter has found a job and a place in daycare for Essie. The mother with the baby and 2 boys has also found work, and

the third mom with the 4 boys has been offered employment, but is still looking for something that will provide her with hours that are conducive to family life. Also, two of the families are looking for suitable and affordable housing. Our next date to host is the week of March 8. Individuals to stay the night and to bring food have already stepped up. If you would like to come in and play games, tutor or otherwise spend time with our guests, please let Judith White or Ann Young know of your interest.

A New Habitat Build

First Baptist is partnering with

Fort Hill Presbyterian & Clemson

United Methodist to build a Habitat

house for the Wyant family.

DeWayne Brooks and Charlie White

will be the FBC volunteer

coordinators. Work days will begin

later this month. Stay tuned to

more info and updates about how

you can be part of this important

ministry.

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SPRING BREAK 2015

March 13 - 21 *Come with CSF for a WEEK in NYC*

Fellowship, Service, Sight Seeing, Church Tours

$100 for the week! Includes transportation, lodging, some food, sight-seeing tickets,

subway passes

ALL COLLEGE STUDENTS WELCOME!!

ANY QUESTIONS OR MORE INFORMATION:

CONTACT JESSIE KEARNS AT 703-785-0032 OR

jessie.kearns.mdiv@gmail.com

Wednesday Night Opportunities

All students are invited to enjoy a FREE meal from FBC Chef - Louis Sardinas @ 5PM and Bible Study led by Jessie Kearns @ 6PM. PLEASE NOTE: There will be a special CSF Celebration on March 11th, including a time of sharing, music, and of course food!

Sunday Opportunities

Fellowship Gathering from 9:30-

10:00AM led by Jessie Kearns Worship @ 10:30AM - FBC Sanctuary Lunch Bunch on the 2nd and 4th

Sundays of each month after worship. We'll grab a bite to eat at a restaurant nearby!

CSF Thursday Night’s Free Supper @ 6:45PM & Worship @ 7:45 PM

March 5 March 26

WELCOME REV. JESSIE KEARNS

Jessie Kearns is originally from Woodbridge, VA. She graduated from Asbury University in Wilmore, KY with an undergraduate degree in Bible and Theology (Pre-seminary). She received her Master of Divinity degree along with a certificate of Theology and the Arts from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. Prior to coming to Clemson in February 2015, Jessie served as a chaplain, a youth pastor, and as the director of a Christian non-profit organization for youth and young adults in Virginia.

Youth News Tiffany Hamilton

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Sunday Evening Bible Studies

Sunday Night Schedule March 1, 15, & 22 4:45 – 5:30 PM Guys’ Bible Study with Jacob Barnes; Girls’ Bible Study with Tiffany 5:30 – 6:15 PM Youth Choir 6:15 – 6:30 PM Youth Supper 6:30 – 7:00 PM Youth Choir 7:00 – 8:00 PM Jr/Sr Bible study

Midweek Ministries Supper from 5 – 6 PM

Bible Study from 6 – 7 PM Middle School Bible study (The Story: A study of scripture) High School Bible study (Movie Ministry)

Mission Trip Sign up this month!

Middle School Mission trip June 13 – 19, 2015 Jacksonville, FL

High School Mission Trip July 10 – 19, 2015

Navajo Nation, New Mexico

Youth Choir Retreat Festival By The Sea

Myrtle Beach March 6-8, 2015

KFC on Sunday Nights

4:45-5:30pm Bible Study

5:30-5:45pm Snack/Supper

5:45-6:30pm Choir

During the season of Lent, we are going on an investigation, searching Scripture for clues that will lead us to figure out the Messiah Mystery! Reminder: No Sunday evening activities on March 29th – its Spring Break!

KFC Midweek Ministry 5-6pm – Supper in the FLC

6-7pm – Bible Study in Room 206

Our journey through the Bible has brought us

to the stories of Jeremiah, Daniel, Ezra,

Haggai, Zechariah, and Esther.

Serving Others Build a Bear

On Sunday, March 8th, the 1st-5thgraders will go to Build-a-

Bear in Greenville, to make bears to take to the Children’s Hospital.

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Mission Friends During March, our 4 and 5 year olds will hear stories about

Grandin Court Baptist Church in Roanoke, Virginia and how

this church does justice, loves kindness and walks with God.

The children will also learn the New testament story of a

group of people who brought their friend to Jesus to be

healed. By showing kindness to a friend in need, these

biblical friends fulfilled the in teachings given in Micah 6:8.

FBC of Clemson

Easter Egg Hunt Get your baskets ready!

Our annual Easter Egg Hunt

will be on Saturday,

March 21, 10:00-11:30am.

For preschoolers and

children through 5th grade.

Come enjoy the family festivities, with a

visit from the Easter Bunny and fun-filled

eggs!

We'll gather in the Welcome Center at

church :-).

VBS and Nothin’ But Net

Save the date!

June 8-11th

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Upcoming Plans in Music and Worship

Music Ministry for Youth: A group of our youth will be attending Festival By the Sea,

a youth choir festival sponsored partially by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of SC. This event grew out of a need to provide high quality music festivals for Cooperative Baptist Fellowship churches. This has grown into an ecumenical series of festivals. The festival will be held at Springmaid Beach Resort, Myrtle Beach on March 6-8.

A group of youth with leaders are planning to attend Music and Worship

Arts Week at Montreat Conference Center (vicinity of Asheville, NC) this summer from June 28—July 4. There are still openings available. In addition to dynamic, creative worship times and choral singing; there are classes in drama, handbells, art, instrumental ensembles, intro to organ and more! The cost is $175 for the entire week (including meals). Please let Ryan know asap, so that a place can be held for you.

The Season of Lent 2015

Rehearsals have begun in preparing for a Musical Lenten Worship Experience on Palm/Passion Sunday, March 29. The worship will include a choir and orchestra led offering of “Colors of Grace: Lessons for Lent” by Joseph Martin. Through music, word, symbols, and colors, we will be reminded what it means to “take on the yoke of Christ.” Worship will explore lessons on comfort, service, obedience, humility and forgiveness. If you are interested in singing, rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm, plus 2 extra rehearsals are scheduled: Sunday, March 15 after morning worship (lunch provided) and Saturday, March 28 from 4:00pm-6:00pm. You can hear the music online at http://www.firstbaptistclemson.com/#/worship/lenten-musical-worship

Musica Ecclesia—Choral Festival at SWU Members of the FBC Chancel Choir recently sang in “Musica Ecclessia,” a choral festival jointed sponsored by Southern Wesleyan University and Clemson Community Care. The event was also a fundraiser for CCC and resulted in an offering given of over $1,500. You can hear and see the choir on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzX7445ny2U

HAPPY (Chinese) NEW YEAR! photo credit Ifremer/ESA/CNES via Bing

Do you remember when “acid rain” became a hot environmental issue? Even though the term originated in the 1870s, it took 100 years for the media to publicize it and the public to become concerned. The sulfur dioxide gas from industrial emissions reacted with rain to produce sulfuric acid. This, along with lesser amounts of nitric acid from nitrogen oxides, made lakes and streams uninhabitable for fish, lowered nutrient levels in soils, and even destroyed metal structures and marble statues. New regulations cut down on the sulfur and nitrogen emitted, and the impact of those resulting acids has decreased. Now, however, other bodies of water are becoming acidified by a different compound: carbon dioxide. One quarter of the carbon dioxide produced is absorbed by the world’s oceans. A recent article in “Environmental Science and Technology” featured a map [above] that shows the pH (acidity or alkalinity) of the oceans of the world, using satellite measurements. While the open expanses are more alkaline (reddish), areas around certain coasts are more acidic (blue). This acidity has a drastic effect on sea life, particularly for organisms that have shells. Coral reefs, home to many species that are important to other sea life and humans, are suffering. During upwells of acidic ocean water, oyster farmers in the Northwest are losing 90% of the larvae they put out. Acid prevents organisms such as scallops from forming their shells, and scallops account for 80% of the marine income off Massachusetts. Studies have shown that Alaskan king crabs are also very sensitive to increasing acidity, causing concern among those who earn a living harvesting them. Obviously both humans, who depend economically and nutritionally on these species, and the sea creatures themselves are threatened unless humans reduce our carbon dioxide production. February 19 was the Chinese New Year (of the Sheep/Goat). Now you have a fresh opportunity to make some resolutions to cut down on your carbon footprint and make a difference! Drive less. Plant a tree. Keep doors closed to conserve heat. Shop secondhand. Buy local. Small changes add up. Have a Happy GREEN New Year!

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Sunday, March 1 *Church-wide Luncheon—Global Mission Celebration at 11:30AM (FLC) *Deacons’ Meeting at 12:45PM (College Lounge) *Children’s Choir at 4:45PM *Youth Bible Study at 4:45PM *Leadership Council at 5:00PM (OCR) *Children’s Snack Supper at 5:30PM (FLC) *Youth Choir at 5:30 PM *Children’s Bible Study at 5:45PM *Youth Snack Supper at 6:15PM (FLC) *Youth-Handbell Ensemble at 6:30PM (Handbell Room) *Adult-Handbell Ensemble at 7:00PM (Handbell Room)

Monday, March 2 *Men Morning Bible Study at 7:30AM (OCR) *Monday Night Men’s Basketball at 7:30PM (FLC)

Tuesday, March 3 *ESL (English Second Language) at 10:00AM (Basement)

Wednesday, March 4 *Service at the Downs at 11:00AM *Midweek Fellowship Supper at 5:00PM (FLC) *Adult Discipleship—CORD CLASSES at 6:00PM (Various Rooms) *CSF Small Group Study at 6:00PM (College Lounge) *Youth HS Bible Study at 6:00PM (Basement) *Youth MS Bible Study at 6:00PM (Room #207) *KFC-Children’s Bible Study at 6:00PM (Room #206) *Mission Friends at 6:00PM (Rooms #109/110) *Chancel Choir at 7:00PM (Choir Room)

Thursday, March 5 *ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eat Out) at 8:30AM (Dyar’s Restaurant) *Cooperative Student Fellowship at 6:45PM (FLC)

Friday, March 6 *Youth Choir Retreat—Festival by the Sea (Myrtle Beach, SC)

Saturday, March 7 *Youth Choir Retreat—Festival by the Sea (Myrtle Beach, SC)

Sunday, March 8 *Youth Choir Retreat—Festival by the Sea (Myrtle Beach, SC) *Family Promise *KFC to Build-a-Bear & Children’s Hospital at 11:30AM (Greenville)

Monday, March 9 *Family Promise *Men Morning Bible Study at 7:30AM (OCR) *Monday Morning Bible Study at 9:30AM (#212) *Monday Night Men’s Basketball at 7:30PM (FLC)

Tuesday, March 10 *Family Promise *ESL (English Second Language) at 10:00AM (Basement) *Minister Luncheon at 12:00PM (OCR)

Wednesday, March 11 *Family Promise *Midweek Fellowship Supper at 5:00PM (FLC) *Adult Discipleship—Cooperative Student Ministry Celebration at 6:00PM (FLC) *CSF Small Group Study at 6:00PM (College Lounge) *Youth HS Bible Study at 6:00PM (Basement) *Youth MS Bible Study at 6:00PM (Room #207) *KFC-Children’s Bible Study at 6:00PM (Room #206) *Mission Friends at 6:00PM (Rooms #109/110) *Chancel Choir at 7:00PM (Choir Room)

Thursday, March 12 *Family Promise *ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eat Out) at 8:30AM (Dyar’s Restaurant)

Friday, March 13 *Family Promise

Saturday, March 14 *Family Promise

Sunday, March 15 *Children’s Choir at 4:45PM *Youth Bible Study at 4:45PM *Children’s Snack Supper at 5:30PM (FLC) *Youth Choir at 5:30 PM *Children’s Bible Study at 5:45PM *Youth Snack Supper at 6:15PM (FLC) *Youth-Handbell Ensemble at 6:30PM (Handbell Room) *Adult-Handbell Ensemble at 7:00PM (Handbell Room)

Monday, March 16 *Men Morning Bible Study at 7:30AM (OCR) *Congregation Green Luncheon at 12:00PM (#102) *Monday Night Men’s Basketball at 7:30PM (FLC)

Tuesday, March 17 *ESL (English Second Language) at 10:00AM (Basement) *Sarah Cooper Mission Focus & Bible Study Group at 3:00PM (Ernie Corley Center—Clemson Downs) Wednesday, March 18 *Midweek Fellowship Supper at 5:00PM (FLC) *Adult Discipleship at 6:00PM (FLC) *CSF Small Group Study at 6:00PM (College Lounge) *Youth HS Bible Study at 6:00PM (Basement) *Youth MS Bible Study at 6:00PM (Room #207) *KFC-Children’s Bible Study at 6:00PM (Room #206) *Mission Friends at 6:00PM (Rooms #109/110) *Chancel Choir at 7:00PM (Choir Room)

Thursday, March 19 *ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eat Out) at 8:30AM (Dyar’s Restaurant) *Cooperative Student Fellowship at 7:00PM (FLC)

Saturday, March 21 *Easter Egg Hunt at 10:00AM to 11:30AM (Basement) Sunday, March 22 *Children’s Choir at 4:45PM *Youth Bible Study at 4:45PM *Children’s Snack Supper at 5:30PM (FLC) *Youth Choir at 5:30 PM *Children’s Bible Study at 5:45PM *Youth Snack Supper at 6:15PM (FLC) *Youth-Handbell Ensemble at 6:30PM (Handbell Room) *Adult-Handbell Ensemble at 7:00PM (Handbell Room)

Monday, March 23 *Men Morning Bible Study at 7:30AM (OCR) *Monday Morning Bible Study at 9:30AM (#212) *Monday Night Men’s Basketball at 7:30PM (FLC)

Tuesday, March 24 *ESL (English Second Language) at 10:00AM (Basement) *Seekers Group at 7:00PM (at the home of Marion Greene)

Wednesday, March 25 *Blood Drive 4:00PM to 8:00PM *Midweek Fellowship Supper at 5:00PM (FLC) *Adult Discipleship— Family Promise Focus at 6:00PM (FLC) *CSF Small Group Study at 6:00PM (College Lounge) *Youth HS Bible Study at 6:00PM (Basement) *Youth MS Bible Study at 6:00PM (Room #207) *KFC-Children’s Bible Study at 6:00PM (Room #206) *Mission Friends at 6:00PM (Rooms #109/110) *Chancel Choir at 7:00PM (Choir Room)

Thursday, March 26 *ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eat Out) at 8:30AM (Dyar’s Restaurant) *Cooperative Student Fellowship at 7:00PM (FLC)

Saturday, March 28 *Chancel Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary)

Sunday, March 29 *Chancel Choir presents Colors of Grace: Lessons for Lent by Joseph Martin at 10:30AM (Sanctuary) Monday, March 30 *Men Morning Bible Study at 7:30AM (OCR) *Monday Night Men’s Basketball at 7:30PM (FLC)

Tuesday, March 31 *ESL (English Second Language) at 10:00AM (Basement)

THOSE SERVING SUNDAYS IN THE MONTH OF MARCH

DEACON ON CALL

Kelly Durham March 1 710-9202

Craig Williams March 8 654-3927

Andrea Acorn March 15 710-4228

Kappy Jordan March 22 643-0287

Rob Hubbard March 29 653-4615

EXTENDED CARE WORKERS

March 1 George & Nancy Bennett

March 8 Joy Boatwright

Harriet Simmons

March 15 Wendy Hapeshis

Todd & Melissa Speary

March 22 Chris & Hope Sielicki

Cathy Turner

March 29 Kyle & Jamie Young

Karen Lanham

ORDINANCE BAPTISM & COMMUNION

March Ben & Mary Brown

Jim & Jean Nickless

CHILDREN’S WORSHIP

March 1 Jason & Erin Richardson

March 8 Ted & Susie Swann

March 15 Neil Burton

Jean Nickless

March 22 Kappy Jordan Karol Williams

March 29 Russ Marion Peggy Cover

HEAD USHER & UNLOCKING DOORS

March 1 March 8 Rob Hubbard Craig Williams

March 15 March 22 Chuck Lee Frank Cox

March 29 Tom Hennessy

MARCH ACOLYTES Jackson Rice Kate Simmons

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