Published: October 03, 2008 03:38 pm      

Church Briefs for October 3

Outdoors Expo offers something for everyone

At 10 a.m. Saturday the Piney Woods Outdoors Expo opens on the campus of First Baptist Church, 210 Phillip St. in Jacksonville.

The events are free to the public and while the Outdoors Expo will conclude at 4 p.m. Saturday, the worship celebration will continue at 10 a.m. Sunday, followed by an area-wide crusade service at 7 p.m. Monday.

With activities planned for children on up to senior citizens (and every age group in between), fun, food, fellowship and excitement — in a relaxed Christian setting — will be plentiful throughout the weekend.

Children’s activities include pony rides, bounce houses, Gloryland Express (train) rides, tasty treats, a live catfish pond and a football clinic by former Texas A&M quarterback Randy McCown.

A paint-ball course, rock-wall climb and mechanical bull highlight events aimed to appeal to teenagers.

Other projects expected to be popular with area residents include an antique car show, a wild game trophy exhibit, labrador retriever training seminars, a fishing seminar, a golf-swing analysis, horsemanship demonstrations, a working farrier, roping lessons and a visit by an authentic chuck wagon.

Gospel music fans will find two spacious tents filled with joyful sounds from nearly a dozen different groups throughout the day.

A women’s dinner will be held on Friday night, with Laurie Cole scheduled to address the gathering.

Jay Lowder will be the keynote speaker Saturday evening at the men’s dinner, which will take place at 6 p.m. in the gym.

Sunday morning services will be under the direction of Lowder with music by Doug Richison and Reba Andre, while John McKay will lead Sunday evening services with Susan Peppers of Houston guiding the music ministry.

Our Lady of Sorrows blessing pets

Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church is celebrating on Saturday, Oct. 4, the Feast of Saint Francis Assisi, the patron saint of animals and peace among others.

The annual celebration of the blessing of pets helps to remind us of our need to care for God’s creation. The blessing of pets will be celebrated at 3 p.m. at the church, 1023 Corinth Road in Jacksonville. All are invited to bring their pets. For more information, call 903-586-4538.

Lookout Valley

celebrating Nazarene Church’s 100th

Lookout Valley Church of the Nazarene is celebrating the Centennial of the Nazarene Church at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 5.

The Nazarene Church has been sharing the gospel of Christ for 100 years, and the congregation of Lookout Valley Church of the Nazarene would like everyone to celebrate the achievement with them. The church is located at 2040 County Road 3908. For more information, call Pastor Ron Hart at 903-586-8215.

St. John’s celebrates 50th anniversary

St. John’s United Methodist Church will celebrate its 50th anniversary at 10:50 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 5. District superintendent and former pastor the Rev. Nick Scholar will bring the message. The Rev. John and Nancy Montgomery and Robin Best will provide special music. A fellowship meal will be served following the service.

People’s Church sets fifth anniversary event

The congregation of People’s Church, led by the Rev. Andy Fannette and his wife Mary, are inviting all who will to join them at 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, to celebrate the fifth anniversary of their church. The church is located on Highway 79 East in Jacksonville.

The Rev. Michael Lewis will be guest speaker. Special guests include the Honorable District Judge Dwight Phifer; the Rev. David Butler of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; and Larry Ferguson of Nashville, Tenn., longtime manager for the late Dottie Rambo.

Several musical selections will be presented by various singers and five people will give testimonies. Following the service, lunch will be served in the Family Life Center.

The Rev. Butler will be guest speaker at the 6 p.m. service.

People’s Church began Oct. 12, 2003, at the Norman Activity Center with 14 present. Groundbreaking for the church was in 2004 and the completed facility was dedicated April 25, 2005, with Honorable District Judge Bascom Bentley III the guest speaker.

In the fall of 2006, ground was broken for the Family Life Center. The first event in that facility was a women’s conference April 28, 2007, which was attended by 350 women.

During the years the church has hosted numerous concerts by noted artists in the Southern Gospel Music field. All have been open to the public, at no charge.

In addition to Sunday services the church hosts Men’s Night the second Tuesday of each month; Bible study at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday; Caring Hearts Women’s Bible Study at 6:30 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of each month; and singing at 5 p.m. the last Saturday of each month.

Upcoming events include Men’s Night, 7 p.m. Oct. 14; Joel and LaBreeska Hemphill with testimony and gospel music, Nov. 15-16; and the Palmetto State Quartet concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 6.

Longcrier speaking at Manley Distinguished Lecture series

Jacksonville College is pleased to introduce Wade Longcrier as the featured speaker for the Manley Distinguished Lecture Series. The series begins at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 13, in Buckner Chapel. The public is welcome. The title for the lecture is “I am…” based on Romans 1:14-16.

Women of Grace Conference rescheduled for Oct. 18

The Women of Grace Conference has been rescheduled due to Hurricane Ike. The event will now be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 18 at Southside Baptist Church in Palestine. Worship will be led by Janis Harris of Evangelistic Temple and Angela Woodard of Southside Baptist. Music will be led by Kendra Moer of Flower Mound. A love offering will be taken.

Branded by Christ presents playday for young cowpokes

Branded by Christ Cowboy Church is holding a playday for young cowboys and cowgirls on Saturday, Oct. 18, at the church’s arena located five miles north of the intersection of Hwys. 84 and 110 in Rusk. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m., events begin at 10 a.m. Classes include barrels, poles, rescue, egg and spoon and potato and apple bobs. Classes will be divided into under age 15 and open brackets. Entry fee is $5 a class or take five and get the sixth free. Negative Coggins is required. Call Brandi Jones, 903-683-5868 or Joe Transier, 903-743-5441 for details.

Shiloh, The Stanleys at Texas Gospel Music Hall

Texas Gospel Music Hall in Athens presents the southern gospel groups Shiloh and The Stanleys at 6 p.m. Oct. 18. For more information, call 903-677-2492.

Holy Highway Ministries

holding bake sale

The Holy Highway Ministries will hold a bake sale at 8 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at the Jacksonville Wal-Mart. Proceeds from the sale will help build a building for the church.

Episcopal garage sale

set for Oct. 25

Trinity Episcopal Church announces the 2008 annual Rummage Sale, set for Saturday, Oct. 25, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sale items will include clothes, small electric appliances, some furniture, and miscellaneous items, including Christmas decorations. The church is located at 1000 S. Jackson St. in Jacksonville, at the corner of Hwy. 69 and Tyler St., across the highway from Church’s Fried Chicken. All are welcome. Call 903-586-4336 for more information.