Staff Changes
Lewis McElfresh, to Summit Point Church, Summit Point, W.Va., as pastor.
Virginia Swaim White, to Arlington Church, Arlington, as permanent part-time pastor.
Jonathan Wolf, to Dundas Church, Dundas, as pastor.
Mark T. Holland, to Boulevard Church, Richmond, as pastor.
Wayne Harrison, resigning as pastor of Memorial Church, Hampton, effective Feb. 1.
Dan Panter, to Old Powhatan Church, Powhatan, as interim pastor.
Touching base
Wendy Ryan, a retired Baptist World Alliance staffer now ministering in South Africa under the auspices of the Woman's Missionary Union of Virginia and the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, met with WMUV leaders last week during a visit to Richmond. Ryan coordinates a variety of ministries to women in South Africa, helping them learn skills for employment and to deal with the effects of HIV/AIDS.
Joseph L. Womack, to First Church, Petersburg, as interim pastor.
Bill McMahon, to Greenbrier Church, Arlington, as interim pastor.
Dwight Hutchins, to Elk Creek Church, Mineral, as associate pastor for youth ministry and contemporary worship.
Tom Forrest, to Memorial Church, Hampton, as minister of music.
Judy DeBres, to Rivermont Avenue Church, Lynchburg, as associate pastor for children and families.
Matthew Miller, resigning as minister of students and education at Indian River Church, Chesapeake, to become a United States Army chaplain.
Tiffany Shelton, to Westhampton Church, Richmond, as youth minister.
Ordination
Matthew McCraney, a member of Sunset Hills Church, Alexandria, was ordained to the gospel ministry on Nov. 19.
David McNew was ordained to the gospel ministry on Oct. 29 and Debra Carter was ordained to the gospel ministry on Nov. 5 by Powers Memorial Church, Hopewell.
Retirement
Charles Hoffler has retired as pastor of Coopers Cove Church, Hardy. Since being called to the ministry, he has served as pastor of five churches in Virginia. He had been pastor at Coopers Cove since 2004.
Death
Retired Virginia Baptist pastor Scott C. Hutton Jr. died Jan. 17 in Staunton. He had served as pastor of Cheriton Church, Cheriton; Elkton Church, Elkton; and Fishersville Church, Fishersville. He was the son of the late Rev. and Mrs. Scott C. Hutton Sr. and was preceded in death by a brother, Rev. Edgar T. Hutton. He is survived by his wife, Helen Landis Hutton; a son, Thomas; one grandson; a sister and brother. Funeral services were held Jan. 19 at First Church, Waynesboro.
Church News
New Life Church, Richmond, will host the music group, “Greater Love,” in concert on Jan. 28 at 6:30 p.m.
West End Church, Petersburg, will celebrate its 125th anniversary on March 25. George Mullinax will lead a combined adult Sunday school at 9:15 a.m. Elise Phillips will lead the 11 a.m. worship service with special music by James Peake.
Other
Charles A. Chilton, a native of Fredericksburg and a Virginia Baptist pastor for over 50 years, is now publishing a daily devotional to inspire and encourage other believers. You may visit the site daily on the web at http:// charliechilton.blogspot.com.
As part of the observance of the 100th anniversary of Ridgecrest Baptist Conference Center, a reunion of summer staffers is being planned for Aug. 9-11. If you are a former summer staffer or know of someone who is, you are encouraged to attend the reunion by calling 1-800-588-7222 to make a reservation.
CORRECTION: The name of the new church restarted from Fair-Park Church in Alexandria is Convergence Church. It is a “creative community of faith.”
Mission Moments
Beulah Baptist Church, Rocky Mount
For nearly a year the youth of Beulah Baptist Church did projects to raise funds to go on their first mission trip. Last July the trip became a reality as a team went to Gautier, Mississippi, on a disaster recovery trip. The team did carpentry, painting and clean-up to help the Turner family move back into their home. In bottom photo Kasi Quinn scrapes, sands and digs caulk to prepare for painting while Katie Hodges and Brandon Orr hold the ladder. At far right is the team on the last day of the trip after the painting had been completed. From front left are Jordan Orr, Brittany Stone, Brian Hodges, Susan Stone, Mark Hodges, Jessica Wilson. Back left: Mike Hodges, Tom Siddle and Katie Hodges.
Mount Olivet Baptist Church, Beaverdam
A team of 10 members from Mt. Olivet Baptist Church went to New Orleans in October. This was the third team to go to the Gulf area. This trip the team did carpenter and roof repairs on four homes. Pictured at left are team members getting ready to drive for 17 hours to arrive Sunday afternoon. Front row (l-r) Ruby Bumpass, Cathy Williams, Paul Harris and C.B. Schools; back row: Robert Williams, Russell Bumpass, Jim Sams, Carol Draper, William “Bootsie” Stanley and Ernie Bates. Below are team members replacing siding on a home.