Union Hill Baptist
by Mickey Bigbie

Courtesy Photo Brent Miller and racing legend AJ Foyt

It was a beautiful fall Sunday, both inside and outside at Union Hill Sunday. The choir looked good and sounded great, Betty's special music was wonderful and Brother Bill's message taken from Luke 14:15-24 was one of his best!

Got lots to tell you about this week. If you are one of those who get to read the paper on Wednesday, remember tonight is Family Fellowship, because next Wednesday is Fall Fest at Union Hill. Speaking of Fall Fest, sign-up sheets for volunteers are available in various locations at the church. Also, there is a large box in the entry way in which to put your donations of individually wrapped candy. There will be food concessions available at Fall Fest with proceeds going to benefit Kingdom Kare Pre-school. Auction items are on display and ready for your bids but that doesn't mean you can't still donate items ... you can. Bring them on. The Women's Ministry Silent Auction is already underway with the final bids being the night of Fall Fest, October 31st. I remind you also to bring your canned goods and help support the Food Pantry.

October is Pastor Appreciation Month and you know we have the very best. After the evening service on Sunday, the 28th, we will have cake and ice cream for everyone, so plan to be there to let Brother Bill and Ms. Charlie know how much we love and appreciate them.

I mentioned at the beginning how good the choir sounded Sunday ... they have a joyful, contagious spirit in their singing, and if you'd like to be a part of it, now is the time for you to join in. Plans are being made to start practicing for a Christmas program. Our Choir Director, Steve Goodrich says it is not only a great way to serve the Lord, but also a great time of fellowship with Christian friends. Come join in.

For you youth, Danny Cotton and his group are gearing up for many activities during the upcoming holidays. Youth have the opportunity to participate in Youth Alive every Tuesday morning at Brownsboro High School at 7:30 a.m. This week our young people have been attending the Revival at the Salvation Army Worship Center in Tyler and many of them are planning to travel to Dallas Saturday to go to Hell House. I might remind you that Hell House is not just for kids, adults will find it a rewarding experience too. If you're interested in going, contact Danny at the church. They will leave the church at 4:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon. Tickets are $10 plus money for your meal on the way home.

I promised you information about a special project the Wheels of Mercy were involved in this past week. I'm sure you all remember Brent Miller, the young man who was paralyzed in an accidental shooting back in 2001. Brent is an avid race fan. On Thursday, October 18th, the Wheels of Mercy along with Wal-Mart drivers involved in the "Wal-Mart Heart" program made one more wish come true, this one for Brent. Wheels of Mercy members Bill Hamilton, Ray Moore, Calvin Morris, Robert McCurdy and Jill Callahan, along with Youth Minister Danny Cotton escorted Brent and his father Glen, to the Wal-Mart Distribution Center in Palestine, where they were joined by Wal-Mart General Transportation Manager Michael Page and drivers Ray Moore, Sr., Alan Shierling and Bruce Crawford. Brent was presented with a cap, an ID card, a pin and a plaque making him an honorary Wal-Mart driver.

"Wal-Mart Heart" makes wishes come true for not only children and young adults, but also for some of our servicemen coming home with life altering injuries. Once honored in this manner, there remains with the group a life-long commitment to the individual. Once presenby tations were completed, the group proceeded to Houston to visit the great race car driver, A.J. Foyt. Brent visited the race shops and enjoyed a good long visit with the popular Mr. Foyt, who gave unselfishly of his time to brighten the life of one very happy young man. It was a marvelous time not only for Brent and his dad, but for those who accompanied him and those who made the trip possible. The group returned to Brownsboro about 8:00 p.m. Thursday to complete the making of an unforgettable day. Thanks to God for those who gave Brent this opportunity, the Wheels of Mercy, "Wal-Mart Heart" and a special thanks for the caring Mr. A.J. Foyt, wellknown legend among race fans. In our hearts, he received one more checkered flag for giving this young man an experience that he will never forget.

Our Wheels of Mercy members are already off on another project. They will be working the Scimitar MC's winter welcome rally October 26-27th in Kilgore with a concession stand to raise money for the annual toy run to the Baptist Home for children in Waxahachie. Ray Moore, now known as Reverend Redbeard asks that we all pray for their safety and that God will renew their strength and energy so that they may press on, doing their work for the Lord.

Time to go. Don't forget to come Sunday evening and help us show our appreciation to Brother Bill and Ms. Charlie. They are a super team and have touched the lives of so many. We are so blessed to have them, aren't we?! See you on the hill.