Giving Thanks & Preparing For The Kingdom

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

The churches of the Pamunkey Baptist Association have been mercifully blessed by God with solid pastoral leadership and encouraging fellowship.  This month, the Bethany Baptist Church celebrated the Pastoral Anniversary of Reverend Shelwood Claude.  Oak Grove honored their Pastor, Dr. Raymond Palmer, on his First Anniversary as well.  Our Executive Board continues to handle the business of the association and the clergy continue in the spirit of the late Dr. Leo Wagner, “We Work Better Together.”

Rev. & Mrs. Raymond Palmer (© John Gresham)

We have also worshiped well together as we met at the Third Union Baptist Church for the PBA Division of Clergy Thanksgiving Service on Tuesday, November 20th.  The Rock Spring Baptist Church led us in song with Mt. Sinai’s ushers in service.  We were blessed with a powerful sermon from Rev. Michael Ferguson who preached from Luke 17:11-19  “What Have You Done For Me Lately.”  We were well reminded to give thanks and praises to God for giving us his healing and mercy.

Rev. Michael Ferguson (© John Gresham)

Various churches are busy preparing to celebrate the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ into the world.  Bethany, Third Union, and Trinity will participate in the King William Emergency Ministries “Christmas Through Song” fundraiser to be held at Sharon Baptist Church on Sunday, Dec. 2nd at 6pm.

May God continue to bless and guide you this Holiday Season.

Good Friday: Seven Final Words

The Pamunkey Baptist Association Division of Clergy held this year’s Good Friday Service at the Rock Spring Baptist Church in Manquin with the host pastor, Rev. Michael Ferguson, leading us in worship.  Music was provided by the Oak Grove Baptist Church.

Good Friday at Rock Spring (© John Gresham)

We honored the crucifixion of our Lord and Savior with a traditional Seven Final Words format with the participating preachers speaking for seven minutes per scripture.  The speakers included Reverends Robert Brown of St. Paul, Delores Gwathmey of Providence, Hellen Randall of Ephesus, Shawn Knight of Baptist Liberty, John Gresham of Trinity, Shelwood Claude of Bethany, and Ray Palmer of Oak Grove.

We pray the service has blessed all who worshiped with us.  We have celebrated the resurrection of Jesus just this past Sunday in our respective churches.  May the celebration continue in the way we live our lives.