The members of Shady Grove Baptist Church support several ongoing ministries – one of those being Operation Christmas Child Shoe Boxes. Members are now collecting the following items through September: items for boys ages 2-4, mild soap, washcloths, socks, flip flops, stuffed animals, small cars – larger than Hot Wheels – caps, sunglasses, tote bags, crayons, coloring books small balls and other items. 

The church also has the Meals and More Ministry for homebound elderly clients. If you know of someone who might be eligible, call Rod Gillott at 256-612-3077.

The Sav-A-Life Pregnancy Resource Center needs formula, diapers, bottles, bibs, wipes, lotion, blankets, clothes in sizes newborn to 3T. 

The Food Pantry and Clothes Closet and the Community Need Program help the community with needs such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and other items. All support for these programs will be greatly appreciated. 

California resident visits area relatives

Los Angeles resident Tim Besnyl enjoyed visiting with his mother Carolyn Besnyl and brother Randy Besnyl in the Massey community during the July 4 holiday. He also enjoyed visiting his sister Terry Boyd and family in Decatur. The family enjoyed an afternoon at Point Mallard July 3, and July 4 everyone enjoyed a swim party and picnic at the home of Terry Boyd. 

Other activities were also planned for Tim and family during the holiday weekend. Tim enjoyed his visit with his family and also going to scenic and historic places in north Alabama. 

Corinth West Baptist and Macedonia Baptist participate in mission work

Tim and Shanda Garner and Jessie and Taylor Emerson were on a mission trip from Corinth West Baptist Church June 23-29. Macedonia Baptist Church was represented by Iva Nell Rodgers in the mission work. 

The women taught Bible classes each day to Hispanics and African-Americans in a Mississippi Delta community. The men did carpentry work and repaired homes of the residents. They also did basic plumbing, cleanup and sanitation projects for safe drinking water and food preparation, as well as other activities – including budget yet healthy meals that were very helpful to the community. 

The group does mission work in deprived rural communities each June as part of the Baptist Association.

Eva High School holds class reunion

The Eva High School Reunion for all former Eva students was held June 22 in the school cafeteria and catered by Swamp John’s. JoAnn Makerson coordinates the event, and it will be held every two years. 

Everyone enjoyed visiting classmates, and some of the teachers also enjoyed attending. Some of those attending said that it was the best school reunion ever. 

Mt. Zion holds Vacation Bible School

Farm Fresh Faith was the theme for the Vacation Bible School at Mt. Zion, held June 23-27 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. 

Tracy Ward and Tamia Simmons were directors for the Bible School. Linda Houston was supervisor of meal planning and preparation. 

The VBS was proud to have an adult class again this year. The teachers were the Rev. Dr. Hayes, Lana Tew and Brandon Tew. 

Jamie Stewart taught the youth classes; Beverly Murphy and Faye Ward taught the upper children’s group; the lower children’s group was taught by Michelle Tapscott; the nursery class was taught by Karen Tapscott; and the mission class was taught by Kim Hall and Gloria Penn. 

The craft classes were creative and conducted by Loretta Gilstrap, and the music director was Lasanna Holmes.  

For the closing night program, the youth and children marched in with the Christian, U.S. and Alabama flags and recited their pledges. They also sang their theme songs from the Farm Fresh Faith books. Awards, certificates and door prizes were given by Jamie Stewart.