Staff Changes
William Attaway is now serving as pastor of Southview Church, Herndon.
Allan D. McConnell Jr., to Lael Church, Lignum, as pastor.
Jason Sanders, to Groveton Church, Alexandria, as interim minister of music.
George Davis,retiring as church administrator at River Road Church, Richmond, effect. Dec. 31.
Death
Former Virginia Baptist pastor Hammette Nolden Riner Jr. died Nov. 12 at the age of 83. He had served as pastor of New Bridge Church, Richmond; Cool Spring Church, Mechanicsville; and Biltmore Church, Glen Allen. He retired from the ministry as pastor of First Church, Dobson, N.C. He is preceded in death by his wife, Florence Hayes Riner. He is survived by two daughters, Sharon Fritter and Tressie Ellis; three grandchildren; two sisters and a brother. Funeral services were held Nov. 14 at Elkin Valley Church, Elkin, N.C. with interment in the church cemetery.
Church News
Farnham Church, Farnham, is 216 years old, but the building the congregation worships in is only 150 years old. The church will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its building on Nov. 26.
Associational News
Jerry Hall is retiring as director of missions for Clinch Valley Association. A retirement celebration will be held on Dec. 3 from 2 to 4 p.m. at First Church, Weber City.
Christmas music
Cool Spring Church, Mechanicsville; “Home-front Christmas: Hope on the Airwaves!” Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. and “Miracle on Main Street,” Dec. 10 at 6 p.m.
First Church, Alexandria, will present its 2006 living Christmas tree, “Clued into Christmas,” on Dec. 7-10 at 7:30 p.m. and also Dec. 9 at 2:30 and 5 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 5 p.m. For information or to order tickets, visit www.fbcalexandria.org or call 703-299-3614.
First Church, Hopewell; second annual Walk through Bethlehem; Dec. 1 from 6-9 p.m.; Dec. 2 from 4-9 p.m. and Dec. 3 from 2-7 p.m. This is a dramatic presentation that brings to life the days in Bethlehem at the time of Christ's birth. There is no charge for admission.
Mount Vernon Church, Glen Allen; “A Christmas Prayer,” Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. and Dec. 5-8 at 7 p.m. Tickets required. Call 804-270-6600.
Ocean View Church, Norfolk; “Beyond the Cradle,” an outdoor walking tour; Dec. 8 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. across the street from Sarah Constant's Park. Free admission.
Olivet Church, Shanghai, will host Bill Lewis of Midlothian for a program of Christmas music on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m.
Sandston Church, Sandston; “His Name Will Be Called,” Dec. 9 and 10 at 7 p.m.
Staples Mill Road Church, Glen Allen; “A Christmas Prayer,” Dec. 9 and 10 at 6:30 p.m.
Mission Moments
Lawrenceville Baptist Church, Lawrenceville
A mission team from Lawrenceville Baptist Church traveled to Lake Placid, New York, last August to assist the Lake Placid Baptist Church with Vacation Bible Camp. The team stayed at the church and assisted with teaching, acting as student guides, coordinating recreation, video and photography and music ministry. The team worked with over 100 children and adults. More than 25 people made commitments to the Lord as a result of this effort. Pastor Derek Spain and Lake Placid Baptist Church are part of the Virginia Baptist Impact Northeast ministries. Pictured above at left are the Lawrenceville mission team: (front row-l-r) Diane Hutchinson, Terri Borgardts, Alison Kilgore, Scarlett Raney, Rachel Bretner, Beverly Shearon and Johnny Marks; (back row l-r): Beth Raney, Will Hutchinson, Billy Hutchinson, pastor of Lawrenceville Church, Joel Shearon, Monty Raney, Kris Hutchinson and Kenneth Marks. Also pictured (from left to right) are a VBS opening assembly; a group photo of VBS children and workers at Lake Placid Baptist Church; and team members during a recreational activity.