1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

Albion
Antioch
Bannertown
Blues Grove
Calvary
Cedar Lane
Central View
Christian Community
Community
Copeland
Cornerstone
Cross Roads
Dobson, First
Dover
Fairview
Faith
Fancy Gap
Fellowship
Flippin Memorial
Fuente de Vida
Gum Orchard
Haymore Memorial
Highland Park
Hills Grove
Holly Springs
Indian Grove
Ivy Green
Jessup Grove
Ladonia
Little Richmond
Mount Carmel
Mount Zion
Mountain Park
Mountain View
New Bethel
New Hope
New Life
New Venture
Oak Grove
Oak Ridge
Pauls Creek
Pinnacle View
Pleasant View
Rock Hill
Rockford
Salem
Salem Fork
Shoals
Siloam
Simmons Grove
Slate Mountain
Sparta, First
Sulphur Springs
Turkey Ford
Union Cross
Victory
Welcome
Westfield
Westview
Woodland
Woodville
The Surry Baptist Newsletter
“Sixty-one Churches, Partners In Ministry”
Surry Baptist Association
364 Welch Road
Mount Airy, NC 27030
Volume No. 55
336-789-5701 Office
336-789-4342 Fax
email: [email protected]
web site: surrybaptist.org
Surry Christian Counseling Center 789-7405
MARCH 2015
Billy Blakley, DMin, Dir. of Missions
Sylvia M. Chilton, Adm. Asst.
No. 3
“The Mission of Surry Baptist Association is to glorify God through Jesus Christ by assisting and encouraging Congregations in
a partnership of cooperative ministries of reaching people and developing believers.”
The Surry Baptist Newsletter
March 2015
Page 2
From Your Director of Missions — Billy Blakley
One of the things I really enjoy about winter is snow. I love to watch it fall, watch it cover the grass and bushes
and roads with white, beautiful snow, and decorate roof tops with a blanket of thick, fluffy snow. It doesn’t matter
if it is a groomed yard or a red dirt barren field, snow transforms everything into a winter wonderland. I remember
years ago as I was traveling through eastern North Carolina after a freezing rain storm, all the trees looked like
crystal sculptures. But even the beautiful crystal sculptures cannot match the beauty of new, clean, fresh snow.
The wonder of a winter event can capture our minds and take us magically back to our childhood, yet the realities
of such an event also brings us back to our everyday responsibilities. Somehow we must carry on with our jobs,
our lives, our duties. And now the beautiful snow becomes a problem for us to navigate through to reach our
destinations. As much as we like to see the snow fall, we like equally well to see the snow plows scrape the roads
clean, allowing us to get out of our homes. As the snow lies beside the roads, waiting for the sun to melt the
mounds, it seems to get dirtier every day until it’s finally gone,
leaving a pile of dirt in its place. Then we can only wait for winter to
bless us once again with its beauty.
Whenever we have bad winter weather, our office follows the
schedule of the Mount Airy City Schools in deciding about closing.
It’s not that I can’t get to work safely, but that you can’t get to our
office safely on snow or ice. I trust all of you know that even if our
office is closed due to inclement weather, I’m still available by
phone should you need to reach me. It is never an interruption for
you to call me should you need me. As a matter of fact, by Tuesday
afternoon, I was walking around our house wishing someone would
call. I was bored out of my mind. I had finished the next week’s
Seminary Extension class and was ahead in my planning for this
summer’s mission trips. And having no legitimate excuse to drive in
the snow, I was stuck inside. Please don’t misunderstand what I’m
saying. I enjoy spending time at home with Pat. But I don’t like feeling trapped inside. It’s not just me feeling
trapped. Pat was excited about getting to go to Walmart on Wednesday! She must have really been suffering from
Cabin Fever!
Now the snow is gone, for all practical purposes, and we’re back on our regular schedules. We’re back to
work, praying for our churches, and waiting to assist them any way we can. I understand the saying, “When you
love what you do, you never ‘work’ a day in your life.” I love working with our churches and our pastors. I love
praying for all of you and seeing how God is working through you. I love coming alongside a church or a pastor if
a problem arises in order to make the burden easier. I love leading teams on mission trips. I love working with our
local ministries in order to tell people about Jesus. I love teaching men and women in conferences and in Seminary
Extension. I love visiting with Surry Baptists who come to our office. I love being one of you. I consider it a real
blessing to be called to serve Surry Baptist as your Associational Missionary.
There are a lot of things taking place in our Surry Baptist churches. There is one thing I wish to bring to your
attention. Ever since I’ve come to the Surry Baptist Association, I’ve had people say they wish we would start a
Christian school. This is a vast undertaking, especially since we don’t have the facilities to host a school. One of
our churches – Salem – has undertaken such a challenge. Salem Christian Academy began last year with a pre-4
preschool. This coming year, they hope to add a 5-year-old kindergarten, depending on the need expressed by preregistration of students. Please be praying for this endeavor. It is a step of faith to help meet the perceived need for
Christian education. If you are interested or desire more information, call Salem or the associational office. We
will be happy to put you in contact with the director of the kindergarten.
Snow is beautiful but it cannot compare to the beauty of our Lord or His people. I love each of you and desire
God’s very best for you. I pray we continue to work closely with one another as we reach our community and our
world for our Lord.
The Surry Baptist Newsletter
Page 3
March 2015
WMU News
Medical Ministries Clinic: Bring food anytime to be
given out on March 24. Thanks to Flippin Memorial
for helping give out food in March; Woodville in
April; Fellowship in May; Turkey Ford in June; Dover
in July; Hills Grove in August; Salem in September;
Salem Fork in October; Pinnacle View in December.
Baptist Men Update
Our February Baptist Men meeting was well
attended with representatives from 11 associational
churches. Several suggestions were discussed as we
look at ways to expand the Baptist Men’s ministry in
the months ahead. What a blessing to meet with men
who have a passion for helping others. No doubt
someone is being touched each week by one of our
Baptist Men.
Our Firewood Ministry supply is critically low. If
you can provide a load of firewood, please do so.
The CD ministry to truckers is in need of more CDs.
Thanks to Rev. Russell Parsons for serving as our
Baptist Men’s chaplain. He is unable to continue due
to health reasons so remember him in your prayers.
Our next meeting will include our wives. Plan to
attend on March 3, 6:30 pm, at the SBA Resource
Center. Fellowship Baptist will be providing our meal.
Our guest speaker will be Sheriff Graham Atkinson.
We look forward to seeing you there.
BIRTHDAYS
Mar. 11:
Mar. 12:
Mar. 17:
Mar. 17:
Mar. 20:
Mar. 23:
Mar. 24:
Mar. 29:
Mar. 30:
Mrs. Tammy Clement (Jessup Grove)
Mrs. April Summerlin (Antioch)
Rev. Joshua Summerlin (Antioch)
Mrs. Jewel Faw (Siloam)
Mrs. Hope Sechrist (Blues Grove)
Mrs. Carlene Lyons (New Hope)
Mrs. Renee Martin (Shoals)
Mrs. Tanya Benfield (Fellowship)
Rev. Jimmy McCraw (New Bethel)
Surry Christian Counseling
Center Statistics for
January 2015
Total Sessions Conducted = 85
Total Clients Served = 48
Client Assistance Fund Sessions = 58
Client Assistance Fund Clients Served = 33
To make an appointment with John Shuler,
Counselor, call 789-7405.
Volunteer receptionists needed. Call the SBA
Office (789-5701) if interested.
2014 Printed Minutes Books
Printed Minutes books that the churches
ordered are ready. Have someone from your
church come by the SBA Office to pick up
your church’s copies.
2015 Calendars
There are still copies of the
2015 Calendar of Associational
events to be picked up at the SBA
Office. This year, the calendars are
hole-punched for you to place in a
notebook. Have someone from your church come by
and pick up your church’s copies.
The Surry Baptist Newsletter
Page 4
March 2015
Upcoming Missions Opportunities in 2015
The following have shared their mission trip opportunities with the SBA Office. If you are
interested in participating on one of these trips, contact the SBA Office or
church sponsoring the trip.






Cornerstone: Chinese Family Camp in Brooklyn, NY (May 23-30)
Haymore Memorial: Portugal (July 3-12)
Jessup Grove: Hazleton, PA (June 14-20)
Copeland: Casper, WY (June 30-July 3)
Fairview: Casper, WY (July 4-12)
SBA: Trinidad (Aug. 1-8).
Next Seminary Extension Class
TH-3200 Systematic Theology
March 24 - May 26, 2015
Tuesdays 6:30-10:30pm
A survey of Christian doctrines, with emphasis upon
revelation, the nature and work of God, Jesus Christ,
humankind and sin, the Holy Spirit, salvation, and last
things or eschatology.
Cost: $169.00 (for students who already have books.
Instructor: Dr. Billy Blakley
Call the SBA Office (789-5701)
NOW to register.
VBS Clinic for
Workers & Directors,
April 13, 7:00pm,
Calvary Baptist
Church.
SBA Mid-Year Meeting, April 27,
7:00pm, Blues Grove Baptist
Church.
WMU Annual Meeting, April 30,
location to be announced.


SBA will be collecting paper products
& gift cards only. Bring to the SBA
Resource Center by May 1.

The Surry Baptist Newsletter
News From The Churches
March 2015
Antioch had Baptist Men’s Day. Sisterhood sponsored Blood
Drive. Youth went to WinterJam in Greensboro. Sisterhood
sent care packages to college students and military personnel.
Sisterhood helped with Surry Medical Ministry food bags.
Golden Autumn went shopping and ate lunch in WinstonSalem. Had Baptist Ladies Day. Currently looking for parttime Music Director; if interested contact Cathy Hull (7892609).
Bannertown had Blood Drive. Pastor began sermon series on the
book of Revelation. Church is seeking a pianist/accompanist
for Sunday morning worship as well as accompanying choirs,
groups, and soloists. Must possess strong musical
background and training with experience and ability to read
music and play different styles of music, including
contemporary, gospel, and traditional hymns. Send
applications to the church: 1834 Westfield Rd., Mount Airy.
Blues Grove Youth sponsoring Pancake Breakfast, March 7,
7:00am-10:00am with donations going to youth projects.
Plans in progress for new Church Directory. Special offering
on March 1 for Counseling Center. Katelyn Houston was
Wed. night speaker telling about her mission trip to 11
countries in 11 months in Central & South America.
Cedar Lane Baptist Women presented bridal gift to newlywed
couple. Members celebrated Valentine’s Day with souper
supper, games and fun. Baptismal Service scheduled for
March 1.
Central View received four new members. Had one young man
announce his calling to preach. Had Baptist Men’s Day with
all men’s choir. Had Focus on WMU with short program to
remember members who passed away last year. Youth
prepared Valentine’s meal for church.
Community had church-wide fellowship with pizza and bowling.
Youth on Mission sent all widowers Valentine cards.
Children on Mission continue to meet each Wed. night.
Cornerstone received four new members: two by statement, two
by baptism. Enjoyed Souper Bowl Sunday with 22 different
kinds of soups. Collected canned goods for Foothills Food
Pantry. Women on Mission made snack trays to give to
various places in appreciation for their work. Recognized
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Casey Flynn received Eagle
Scout award. Had two firewood cutting and splitting days.
Baptist Men completed handicap ramp in Ararat, NC.
Observed Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. Received
donations of baby items and money for Legacy Center. Had
Ordination Service for Youth Pastor Wes McGarry. Had
Awana Training with missionary David Roach. Had Youth
event with supper and laser tag. Receiving Annie Armstrong
Offering and observing Week of Prayer for N. American
Missions. Awanas will participate in Awana games at Salem
Baptist. Women on Mission serving meal at Pilot Mtn.
Library for Pilot Outreach Ministry. Summer mission plans
being made including New Jersey with Baptists on Mission,
Centri-Kid at Gardner Webb, Mfuge at Louisville, KY, and
The Appalachian Coalfields Ministry Backpack Project.
Dobson, First welcomed two new members by letter.
Brotherhood held “Souper Sunday” luncheon, raising $940
for local family experiencing medical financial hardships.
Kid’s Night allowed parents to enjoy Valentine’s date night.
WMU sponsoring Women’s Missions Sunday on Mar. 1.
Kelly Hemmings, active member, spoke on her numerous
mission trips; she is in last stages of becoming a doctor at
UNC School of Medicine.
Fairview Youth had Lock-In with approximately 30 in
attendance. Had Super Bowl Party. Attended WinterJam
concert in Greensboro.
Fancy Gap had baptismal service. Youth Council met. Had
Page 5
Nursing Home Service at Golden Living.
Fellowship conducted Card Shower for Mrs. Rose Anna Hayes,
wife of church’s first pastor, Rev. Elliott Hayes. Baptist Men
had breakfast meeting at Olympia Restaurant. Had White
Bible Service honoring Miss Crystal Lyons, bride-elect of
Michael Warren. Gave offering to Cody Hall who is
preparing for Missionary Ministry. Contributed to fund for
The Shepherd’s House repairs.
Flippin Memorial celebrated one profession of faith. Youth
collecting yarn for Hospice Home. Had Communion. Youth
went to Winterplace. Had benefit for Lily Midkiff, child
member who is battling unique type of epilepsy.
Haymore Memorial had one profession of faith. Continue to
pray for Pastor Robert McCrary who recently had surgery.
Youth sponsored Senior Adults Valentine’s Banquet. Baptist
Men had breakfast Bible study at Olympia Restaurant.
Highland Park received four new members. Pastor Darrell Tate
and wife Tina hosted Couples Banquet with sixteen couples
attending. Celebrated Baptist Women’s Day with all ladies
choir and guest speaker, Siv Ashley. Enjoyed Fellowship
meal. Youth went snow-tubing at Winterplace. Sign-ups
beginning for Pictorial Directory. Annual Brotherhood
Pancake Supper on Mar. 6, 5-8pm; cost is $5 adults, $3
children, with proceeds going to Brotherhood mission
projects. Team will participate in Helping Hands 5K Color
Walk/Run on Mar. 28 at Veteran’s Park; for info call Brittany
Hawks at 336-325-8338. Youth will be selling chocolate
cream-filled Easter eggs in flavors peanut butter, mint, butter
cream and coconut; cost is $6 each for 8 oz. size or 4 small
for $8; call church at 336-786-4275 to order. Team will be
participating in Autism Walk on Apr. 25 at Riverside Park;
for info call Bridget Soots at 336-789-2982.
Hills Grove had Christmas program. Had Christmas card
exchange. WMU sponsored Ladies Tea at Mountain View
Restaurant. Attended Pastors & Wife Breakfast at SBA.
Participated in Souper Bowl of Caring. Collected 301 food
items and $597.67 for The Shepherd’s House. Had
Valentine’s Party with food and games and crowned
Valentine King & Queen with money for votes going to
mission projects. Had Fifth Sunday Night Singing featuring
“The Journeys.”
Indian Grove had breakfast on first Sunday of month. Ladies
Circle delivered meals to shut-ins. Had Outreach “Dinner &
Movie Night” with spaghetti supper and movie, “God Is Not
Dead.”
Ivy Green had dinner and movie with donations going to shoebox
ministry. Collecting for Food Pantry. Fifth Sunday Singing
on Mar. 29. Revival services scheduled for Mar. 29-Apr. 1.
Mount Carmel had four attend SBA Senior Adults Luncheon and
two attended SBA Quarterly Meeting. WMU collected
Christmas cards for St. Jude and collecting snacks for
Northern Hospital surgical waiting room. Brotherhood
installing ramp for senior member.
Mountain View “Kid’s Quest” made Valentine scripture rings for
three local nursing facilities. Collected for Yokefellow and
Cedar Ridge backpack program. Sweetheart Supper cooked
and served by men to all ladies for Family Night Meal.
“Kid’s Quest” enjoyed trip to Airbound Trampoline Park.
Youth went to WinterJam concert. Had Baptist Women’s
Day with guest speaker, Deborah Brintle, sharing Nicaragua
missions.
New Life congratulated piano/organist Scottie Isaacs and wife
Jenny on their 50th wedding anniversary. Prepared and
delivered meals to shut-ins.
Pauls Creek observed Men’s Day with all men’s choir, scripture
reading from men in congregation, and special singing.
Hosted Philippine missionary Niczon Edrosolam for Wed.
night service. Pastor Justin McCreary will preach in Revival
Continued on back
The Surry Baptist Newsletter
March 2015
Church News continued from inside
Surry Baptist Association
Financial Contributions
January 2015
2015 Budget
ReceiptsTo
Date
Albion
Antioch
Bannertown
Blues Grove
Calvary
Cedar Lane
Central View
Christian Community
Community
Copeland
Cornerstone
Cross Roads
Dobson, First
Dover
Fairview
Faith
Fancy Gap
Fellowship
Flippin Memorial
Fuente de Vida
Gum Orchard
Haymore Memorial
Highland Park
Hills Grove
Holly Springs
Indian Grove
Ivy Green
Jessup Grove
Ladonia
Little Richmond
Mount Carmel
Mount Zion
Mountain Park
Mountain View
New Bethel
New Hope
New Life
New Venture
Oak Grove
Oak Ridge
Pauls Creek
Pinnacle View
Pleasant View
Rock Hill
Rockford
Salem
Salem Fork
Shoals
Siloam
Simmons Grove
Slate Mountain
Sparta, First
Sulphur Springs
Turkey Ford
Union Cross
Victory
Welcome
Westfield
Westview
Woodland
Woodville
Other
TOTALS
Designated &
Other Receipts
$500.00
$423.08
$595.90
$1,000.00
$166.67
$0.00
$110.22
$137.25
$250.00
$377.26
$188.23
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$2,000.00
$0.00
$2,000.00
$662.80
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$83.34
$0.00
$300.00
$229.17
$0.00
$0.00
$1,500.00
$80.00
$146.71
$300.00
$0.00
$0.00
$105.59
$100.00
$0.00
$65.18
$0.00
$0.00
$944.34
$0.00
$0.00
$25.00
$0.00
$1,100.00
$4,125.00
$1,163.54
$696.25
$1,006.00
$4,000.00
$0.00
$1,250.00
$120.00
$0.00
$200.00
$225.00
$0.00
$806.80
$50.00
$100.00
$0.00
$27,133.33
Page 6
$0.00
$0.00
$50.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$75.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$600.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$100.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$350.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$25.00
$0.00
$500.00
$1,250.00
$0.00
$0.00
$425.00
$500.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$500.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$4,585.97
$8,960.97
*Designated & Other Receipts are additional monies given for
specific SBA ministries (such as Surry Christian Counseling
Center, Handyman Ministry, etc.) as well as General Funds.
SBA Office Hours
Monday-Thursday.....................8:30am-4:30pm
Friday.........................................8:30am-1:00pm
services at Lambsburg Baptist on Mar. 15 and choir will sing. Church Picnic
set for July 19 at Foster Falls.
Pinnacle View had Communion. WMU and Men’s Group prepared and served
meal at Pilot Mtn. Library for Pilot Mtn. Outreach Center. Children’s choir
and Adult Sunday School Class made Valentines for WBFJ Christian radio
missions project going to Meals on Wheels in Surry County. Three attended
SBA Youth Workers Appreciation Dinner. Three attended SBA WMU
Breakfast. Youth went to WinterJam in Greensboro.
Rock Hill WMU and church members collected supplies for Woltz Hospice Home.
Had all men’s choir on Baptist Men’s Day.
Salem welcomed 10 new members, four by baptism since Oct. Called Rev. Jim
Gore as Interim Pastor. Salem Christian Academy exceeded goals and
expectations and is currently accepting applications for Preschool and
Kindergarten classes; see their website: salembaptistdobson.org for more info.
Brotherhood Chili Cook-Off raised over $3,000 for local mission projects.
Hosting SBA Youth event, “Silver Ring Thing,” on Mar. 1. Four members
went on dental mission trip to the Amazon. Seven members went on mission
trip to Ireland. Upward Sports has 16 basketball teams and two cheerleading
teams participating and reaching 1,000 people per week. Hosting area-wide
AWANA Games Mar. 14, 9am-1pm. WMU sponsoring Blood Drive in honor
of TJ Lievsay on Mar. 21, 10am-2:30pm. Drama Committee and Worship
Choir offering three performances of Easter Drama, “More Than Just A
Man,” Mar. 27-29, 7pm nightly. WMU will host Port-A-Pit Chicken
fundraiser on May 1 for local mission projects.
Shoals exceeded $5,000 Lottie Moon Offering goal. Had January food and
fellowship after church.
Sparta, First Youth sponsored Sweetheart Dinner after Sunday worship service.
Movie night scheduled for Mar. 1 featuring, “Flywheel.” Revival services
scheduled for April 19-22 with guest speaker, Austin Caviness.
Sulphur Springs had one profession of faith. Youth held Praise & Worship
Service. Had Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser for youth mission trip.
Turkey Ford had one profession of faith. Collected 132 lbs. of soup for Foothills
Food Pantry on Super Bowl Sunday. Had Focus on WMU with a “Souper”
Sunday Luncheon sponsored by Women on Mission and a “sweet treat” for
congregation by youth and children. Revival services scheduled for April 1215, 7pm, with guest speaker, Rev. Tommy Nichols and special singing nightly.
Union Cross had Baptist Men’s Day with guest speaker, Rev. Joshua Sechrist.
Youth planning Youth Sunday. Two members attended SBA Senior Adults
Luncheon where Austin Caviness was guest speaker.
Victory received two new members by letter and statement. Brotherhood had
breakfast meeting. Had catered Valentine’s Supper and entertainment and
prizes.
Woodville received one new member by statement. Had Gospel Singing with Jeff
& Sheri Easter. Collecting Christmas shoebox items monthly. Ordained Dean
Hunter as Deacon. Elected Joe Smith as Deacon. Licensed Pete King as
preacher. Easter Sunrise Service planned for 7am followed by breakfast and
worship service at 10am.
Note: Include Easter events with your next church news.
Surry Baptist Association
364 Welch Road
Mount Airy, NC 27030
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Mount Airy, NC
27030
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