Union Hill Baptist News
by Mickey Bigbie

Churches across the nation had a patriotic theme to their services on Sunday, whether in song or message, when people gathered to give thanks for our freedom. As Brother Bill reminded us, "freedom is not free ... it did not just happen, it cost a lot ... the freedom we find in Jesus Christ was not free either. It cost the Father His son." It is our prayer that we never take the cost of this freedom lightly. As a guest at Union Hill Sunday, Stephen Vestal sang "Let Freedom Ring," and in his second special offering, affirmed what we all feel as we think of our Lord, "I Have Nothing Without You." It was a good day of reflection and celebration. Hope you had a fine day of picnics and fireworks and fellowship with family and friends.

Piles of packages containing multiple pairs of socks greeted Union Hill members as they gathered for their coffee and-donuts time prior to Sunday School. They were still coming in at the evening service too. These will go far when distributed to the homeless by the Salvation Army. Thanks to all of you who participated in this effort.

Now our focus turns to this coming Sunday, July 8th. Brother Bill will be celebrating his 70th birthday! He is a unique and dedicated man who had led a remarkable life. There is no counting how many lives he has touched and how widespread the ripple effect has been. He says he's just a "hoochie" preacher from the hills of the Carolinas, but to us, he's our teacher, our counselor, our confidant, our friend, our pastor. I don't know how many other "hoochie" preachers there are in those hills, but I will venture to say, we got the best one and if you ever meet him, you'll never forget him!

I know that there are many, many of you out there who have met Brother Bill and who owe some little spark in your life to your encounter with him. He's going to preach as usual Sunday, before his birthday celebration. I urge you to come hear him preach from the Word of God. You'll receive a blessing from his message, then stay and help us celebrate his 70th birthday.

We're all bringing a side dish and/or a dessert to go with the meat that will be furnished by the church. Whip up your favorite dish and come join us for a memorable day. There's no better way to honor Brother Bill, than with your presence. He'd like nothing better than seeing you up on the hill.