“Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. Though one goes along weeping, carrying the bag of seed, he will surely come back with shouts of joy, carrying his sheaves.” Psalm 126:5-6
“Knit-Wits” enjoy fellowship and raise over $20,000 for church
Hughesville Baptist Church (HBC) in Hughesville, Maryland, will have their annual Fall Bake Sale and Craft Fair from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 26.
The fair is sponsored by the church’s “Knit-Wits” group. HBC member Nyra Mullican founded the Knit-Wits to give senior women an opportunity to use and discover their gifts. The ladies meet on the third Thursday of each month to quilt, embroider, crochet, paint, and create other works of art. They enjoy the fellowship, learn new skills, and provide gifts for those who need encouragement. They also sell their handmade items at church fairs twice a year to raise funds for the church.
“So far since 2015, when I organized this group, we have made and donated over $20,000,” Mullican said in a matter-of-fact tone. The church uses the funds to pay off the mortgage on the church building.
“We have craft fairs in the fall and yard sales in the spring. One (lady’s) husband makes birdhouses,” she said. Another does woodworking and donates his work.
The women in the Knit-Wits group range in age from their early 60s to nearly 90. Mullican is 85.
Nya Mullican (left) and Mary Jean Lyle enjoy spending time together sewing.
“When the ladies come in, I say, ‘God gave you talents; you just have to find them. We will help you find your talents.’ Everyone can do something,” Mullican said. “We’re willing to teach them. Some have arthritis and their hands cramp up, but they can do something.”
Mullican said her mother taught her to avoid idleness and she learned to embroider. “My five sisters did crochet. I am going to learn (crochet) once we get past this craft fair,” she said.
After forming the Knit-Wits group, Mullican started a monthly game day for seniors on the second Thursday of the month. About 15 folks attend each week to play cards, checkers, and other games, and then enjoy lunch together. “It’s very enjoyable,” Mullican said. “My husband made a corn hole set. He passed away last November,” she shared.
Mullican said she organized the Knit-Wits group and the game day to give seniors a place to belong and a chance to get out and fellowship. “I don’t like to see people just sit and do nothing and be lonely,” she said. “That hurts me. I love people, being around a group and sharing our thoughts. Good fellowship is good for the soul.”
WBA churches and friends minister at Autumn Glory Festival
Volunteers from the Western Baptist Association (WBA) churches, along with a team from Oak Grove Baptist Church in Bel Air, Maryland, ministered at the annual Autumn Glory Festival in Garrett County, Maryland on October 12-13.
Oak Grove Baptist Church, in Bel Air, sent a team west to help the WBA’s ministry at the annual Autumn Glory Festival.
In addition to OGBC, WBA Director of Missions Kenny Heath and his wife, Deborah, who organized the event, served with volunteers from Smithsburg Valley Church in Smithsburg, Maryland, Deep Creek Baptist Church, in Oakland, Maryland, and LaVale Baptist Church in LaVale, Maryland.
Nineteen volunteers provided assistance on Friday and Saturday nights at the Maryland State Banjo, Fiddle & Mandolin Championships as well during the Grand Feature Parade on Saturday afternoon. They also had children’s activities and offered a clean area for moms to feed and change their babies.
“Despite the cool and rainy weather, we had over 200 people come to the Children’s Tent/Baby Comfort Station,” said Deborah Heath.
Darla Lewis, a member of LaVale Baptist Church, did clown ministry, including tricks and balloon art for the kids. Volunteers also offered craft activities for kids, and they gave out free popcorn, coffee, and hot chocolate. At least 60 children and their parents heard the Gospel presentation through the children’s crafts and activities, Deborah said.
“Soctober” and “Care Night” at Calvary Baptist Church
It’s “Soctober” at Calvary Baptist Church in Bel Air, Maryland. Throughout the month, the church collects new socks for men, women, and children, and distributes them to needy families in the church and community.
The church also has a “Care Night” food ministry. Each Monday, volunteers serve a free complimentary hot meal to the community. Volunteers enjoy talking with neighbors, meeting new friends, and sharing the love of Jesus.
Marriage Seminar
Southern Calvert Baptist Church in Lusby, Maryland, will host the seminar, “Sexual Relationship in Marriage,” from 9 a.m. to noon on October 19. The seminar will look at society’s secular view of marriage as opposed to God’s plan and focus on what the Bible teaches about sex and how to maintain intimacy in marriage. Lunch will be provided. Please call or text 505-803-2802 to reserve a seat.
Swedish music group shares free Gospel concert
Leonardtown Baptist Church in Maryland will host a free Gospel concert at 7 p.m. on Oct. 29, featuring the group, By Grace.
The 21-member ensemble is from Stockholm, Sweden. They tour Europe and the United States, regularly share at Centrumkyrkan Evangelical Church north of Stockholm, and have released six albums.
According to the group’s website, “The essence of ‘By Grace’ is conveyed in Ephesians 2:8-9, ‘For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.’”
The concert is free and all are invited.