Union Hill Baptist
by Mickey Bigbie

In the absence of our Pastor, Brother Bill, who with Ms. Charlie has been gone on a well-deserved and much overdue vacation, Trevor Morris took the pulpit on Sunday morning and delivered an awesome message. The message hit home to everyone in attendance. Even steel-toed boots couldn't save those toes this time. His words, taken in part from Colossians 4:5-6 were, much to my shame, applicable to my own behavior at times and I'm quite sure that there were many others in the congregation who felt the same way. Powerful message! Thank you, Brother Trevor for making us see that ugly reflection in our mirrors!

Kim Brown, putting aside the song she had been preparing for the morning service, sang one that God had laid on her heart and how appropriate it was. In her beautiful voice, she sang "Keep Me in Your Will" ... "so I won't be in Your way." Isn't it amazing how God has it all planned out.

Brother Bill and Ms. Charlie returned in time for the evening service Sunday. We have been studying from the book of Samuel on Sunday evenings and this lesson from chapter eight, fit right in with the morning message. God commands us to love each other, but in truth there is much hatred out there, and as Brother Bill explained, hatred destroys us, not the one to whom it is directed. The old adage, "actions speak louder than words" definitely applies to us Christians. What are we telling those non-believers who are watching us? That reflection rears its ugly head again, doesn't it!

Many thanks to all who helped make the Fall Fest one of the best ever. Kids and adults alike had a great time. The Women's Ministry auction was a big success too, and we appreciate all who donated items and all who placed bids. Likewise we thank you for the food donations for the Food Pantry.

On Saturday, November 17th the Chandler Winchester Park will be the site of "Gospel in the Park." It starts at 5:30 p.m. and you are invited to bring your lawn chairs, blankets, etc., and enjoy the evening. We'll have more information next week, but mark your calendar now for a fantastic time.

I also remind you again to mark your December calendars for the two following activities: the ringing of the bells for the Salvation Army for the month of December (get your name on that signup sheet) and December 11th should be reserved by you ladies for the Ladies Dinner ... sign-up sheet for that too. You know that in the blink of an eye, December will be here.

I promised you further information on the activities of the Wheels of Mercy. It will be here next week. As always, they are busy and involved. There's much good news to report. We invite you to read it in the next issue.

With the holiday season here, we'll all be doing lots of shopping. Let's try to remember both Brother Trevor's message Sunday morning and Brother Bill's message on Sunday evening and keep in mind "that our actions influence the lives of others. Every encounter you have with a lost person, everything you say and do influences other people." As Trevor said, even though the tongue is a powerful muscle, it is small and cannot prevent us from getting our foot in our mouth! Remembering James 3:5-6 gives us much food for thought this week, doesn't it!

See you on the hill.