Trustees of the Religious Herald voted unanimously Oct. 7 to merge with Associated Baptist Press, creating a new print and online media platform aimed at enhancing the mission and heritage of both organizations. ABP executive David Wilkinson called it “truly…
CBFVA announces its first mission coordinator at meeting which also adopts increased budget
RICHMOND — The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Virginia has named a Richmond minister to be the organization’s first mission coordinator. Mark Snipes, who had been associate pastor of youth and young adults at Central Baptist Church in Richmond, assumed his…
Suffolk, Va., pastor Mark Croston, former BGAV president, to assume LifeWay position
SUFFOLK, Va. — Mark Croston, a longtime Virginia pastor and former president of the Baptist General Association of Virginia, has been named national director of black church partnerships for the Southern Baptist Convention’s LifeWay Christian Resources in Nashville, Tenn. Mark…
With mailboxes and lockers, Richmond church helps homeless transition to more stable lifestyle
RICHMOND — Home is where your mailbox is and for some homeless residents in Richmond’s historic Oregon Hill neighborhood, that’s now Pine Street Baptist Church. The recent addition of 50 lockers and 25 mailboxes is about more than a safe…
As BTSR adjusts to new campus, an open house will give public opportunity to tour new facility
RICHMOND — As Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond begins operations at a new location, friends and supporters will have an opportunity to tour the new campus Oct. 17, when the seminary hosts an open house for the public. The 22-year-old…
ABP directors adopt merger plan, Religious Herald trustees to vote Oct. 7
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (ABP) — Associated Baptist Press directors voted Sept. 30 to merge with the Religious Herald, continuing a process begun in the summer of 2012. Details of the merger plan, by mutual agreement marked confidential until acted upon by…
On the Eastern Shore, church’s new facility will offer ‘home away from home’ to ministry volunteers
KELLER, Va. — Hollies Baptist Church on Virginia’s Eastern Shore recently added a 4,000-square foot ministry center to its facility which the church hopes will serve as a “home away from home” for those coming to the Shore to serve…
Playground for children with disabilities is church’s gift to community in Jesus’ name
HERNDON, Va. — Southview Community Church is making sure no child gets left behind — especially on the playground. On Sept. 8 this congregation in Herndon, Va., held a grand opening for its accessible community playground that “provides an environment…
Blacksburg, Va., pastor Tommy McDearis to be nominated as BGAV president
RICHMOND — Blacksburg, Va., pastor Tommy McDearis, currently serving as first vice president of the Baptist General Association of Virginia, will be nominated in November as president of the state association, it was confirmed Sept. 17. If elected, McDearis, who…
Nationals Park echoes as nearly 550 handbell ringers from more than 50 churches open baseball game
WASHINGTON — The celestial sounds of handbells rang loudly when 542 ringers chimed together Aug. 29 to play the national anthem before a crowd gathered for a game at Nationals Park in Washington. The mass choir, organized by a regional…
Suburban church hosts birthday bash for homeless in Richmond’s center city
POWHATAN, Va. — Powhatan Community Church threw a birthday party for 130 people Aug. 31 — all of them homeless. It was held in Richmond’s Monroe Park with plenty of cake, ice cream and birthday gifts. The event is one…
Bluefield College’s football team gears up to battle hunger in community with ‘Sack the Quarterback’
BLUEFIELD, Va. — The Bluefield College Rams and a local grocery store will kick off the 2013 Sack the Quarterback hunger relief program with a special Rams Football Day at Food City in Bluefield on Aug. 17. From noon to…