EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you have a Revival, Homecoming, a new pastor, a community outreach or a concert? The Baptist Message would love to share your church news with the rest of the state. It is very easy to do, just send in your information (who, what, where and when) to philip@baptistmessage.com or call 318.449.4345. To get your event in the paper, please submit your information three weeks prior to the event.
IN REMEMBERANCE
Glen Wagnon, 80, a native of DeRidder and resident of Baton Rouge passed away November 3. He also served in full-time ministry for over 40 years in churches throughout Louisiana — Ludington Baptist, DeRidder; Baptist Temple, Alexandria; Northside Baptist, Lafayette; First Baptist Church, Olla; First Baptist Church, Starks and Emmanuel Baptist Church, Oakdale. He also served on the Board of Trustees for the Baptist Message for a number of years. Following his retirement he continued to preach as an interim and had supply preaching roles for numerous churches. He preached his last sermon only four weeks before his death. In his spare time, he was an avid hunter, fisherman, and LSU sports fan. He was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Sheppard; by his father, Malvin Wagnon, Sr.; and by his sister, Virginia Wagnon Henderson. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Billie Wagnon; his son, Robert Wagnon; his daughter, Ruth Payne; his five grandchildren Hannah, Paul, Mary, Sarah, and Ethan; and his brother, Malvin Wagnon, Jr.
Jerry H. Edmondson, 86, passed away October 30, 2019. Born September 13, 1933 in Newellton to Frank and Opal Colvin Edmondson, Edmonson was a graduate of Lake Providence High School, Louisiana Tech University, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Luther Rice Seminary. He joined the U.S. Air Force He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force serving 30 years of active duty and in the reserves and retired with the rank of Colonel. A long-time member for First Baptist Church, West Monroe, he served as Director of Missions for the Northwest and Morehouse Baptist Association from December 1978 until he retired in December 1999. He taught the Tennison Life Group at First West for many years. He was active in community and civic affairs. He was a member of the Rotary Club of West Monroe and was a member of the Board of Directors of the Monroe-West Monroe Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum and the West Monroe Heritage and Preservation Commission. He is preceded in death by his parents and by his brother Ned Edmondson of Lake Providence. Edmonson is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patsy Pippen Edmondson, a son, Eric Edmondson and wife, Gina, a granddaughter, Brooke and a grandson, Grant. He is also survived by his sister, Alyce Edmondson Henley and husband Coy of Norphlet, AR; sister, Shirley Edmondson Crump and husband Dr. Kenny Crump of Ruston; brother, Gene Edmondson and wife Jo of Lake Providence and sister-in-law, Merle Edmondson of Lake Providence.
Robert C. Miller, 87, passed away on November 8, 2019 in Sherman, Texas. Born on December 21, 1932 in Negreet to Rev. Versie Robert Miller and Florie Sibley Miller, he was laid to rest at Oak Grove Cemetery in Converse. He graduated from Oak Grove High School in 1952 and later graduated from Louisiana College in Pineville with a BA in History and Religious Education. He served as a minister in the DeSoto Baptist Association for over 45 years while pastoring churches at Aimwell, Benson and Mansfield. He also worked more than 40 years at Community Bank and was on the Board of Directors at the time of his death. His favorite hobby was spending time with his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 67 years, Jean Brown Miller of Sherman, Texas; son, Larry R. Miller, M.D., PHD and wife, Cecilia of Sherman, Texas; brother, Julius Miller of Ragley, Louisiana; grandchildren, Robert Stephen Miller and wife, Jordan of San Antonio, Texas and Thomas Lee Miller of Sherman, Texas.
ON THE MOVE
Randy Bowman has resigned as pastor of Lakeview Community Church in Catahoula to become the new pastor at First Baptist Church Delcambre. n Herb Cowan has retired as Pastor of First Baptist Church, French Settlement.
Chase Stanley is the new associate pastor/student minister at First Baptist Church, Slidell.
Andy Allred has resigned as pastor of Litroe Baptist Church, Marion to become the new pastor at Zion Hill Baptist Church, Farmerville beginning in December.
Frank Nihart is the new minister of music at First Baptist Church, Farmerville.
Terry (wife Renee) Mims is the new pastor at Rocky Branch Baptist Church in Rocky Branch, LA.
Bill (wife Linda) Robertson is the new pastor at Fellowship Baptist Church, Trout.
LAGNIAPPE
Washington Baptist Church, Washington: Volunteers carpenters needed to install a stud wall inside a metal building. Approximately a 2-3 day project. Visit historic Washington and enjoy good Cajun hospitality with us. Call Pastor Louis Charrier at 337.308.0336 or email louis.charrier@yahoo.com if you can help.
George Meredith is available for interim or supply music director in a 50-mile radius around Monroe. Call 318.376.1865.
First Mount Nebo Baptist Church, Nebo: From the Manger to the Cross walk-thru, November 30, 6 p.m. and December 1, 8 p.m. Event is located at the Nebo Ball Park, HWY 777, Jena LA., in the Nebo Community. What better way to kickoff the Christmas season than with a walk-thru of the life of Jesus Christ, who’s birth is the true reason we celebrate Christmas! The walk through begins with the prophesy for Jesus’ birth and concludes with his resurrection. This is a handicap accessible event and perfect for all ages! For more information call Erica at (318) 419-3566. Pastor: Mark Breland.
First Baptist Church, Houma: Very Merry Christmas Tour 2019, December 1, 6 p.m. Cost: $25. Featuring: NewSong, Mac Powell and The Family Reunion, Citizen Way. For more information, contact the church at www.fbchouma.com or call 985.851.2520.
Start Baptist Church, Start: Richland Baptist Association Christmas Choir Festival, December 1, 6 p.m.
First Baptist Church, Shreveport: Holiday in South Highlands, December 1, 4-7 p.m. Christmas market, Live Nativity, carnival, petting zoo, live music, food trucks and more.
First Baptist Church, Many: Southern Plainsmen in concert, December 1, 11 a.m. Pastor: Jonathan Bost.
Noble Baptist Church, Noble: Southern Plainsmen in concert, December 1, 6 p.m. Pastor: Jimmy Price.
First Baptist Church, Pineville: First@First Business Leader Luncheon, December 2, noon. Speaker: Larry Turner, pastor of Christian Love Baptist Church, Alexandria. Cost: $10 (lunch catered by Southern Creations) and open to the business community. Please RSVP by 8 a.m. on December 2 to Lori Pruitt at lpruitt@ fbcpineville.net. Pastor: Stewart Holloway.
First Baptist Church, Lafayette: 2019 K-LOVE Christmas Tour, December 5, 7-10 p.m. Come and join Matthew West, Matt Maher, I Am They and Hannah Kerr on the K-LOVE Christmas Tour as they celebrate the reason for the season. This family friendly show will be sure to your warm your heart with holiday favorites you know and love. Cost: $26.55 and $75.
First Baptist Church, Denham Springs: CHRISTMASVILLE Spectacular! 2019, December 5-8 and December 12-15, 6 & 7 p.m. Tickets are free at www.eventbrite.com/e/christmasville-spectacular2019-tickets-77149818183. Everyone will start indoors in our auditorium with our presentation of “Welcome to Christmasville!” where we’ll sing along with great Christmas carols and be entertained through sight and sound. They’ll move outside to Christmasville Village or to the Winter Wonderland in the Gym. They’ll encounter carolers and interactive story cabins where cast members and actors invite them into the stories surrounding the first Christmas at the cabins. When they enter the Winter Wonderland in our gym, they’ll be greeted by authentic sights, smells, and sounds of Christmas. Families will find Santa and his helpers hard at work busying themselves for Christmas Eve! The Christmasville Farm is where guests can interact with farm animals and then kids can catch a ride on the Bayou Express Train for a fun ride. This is a fun and interactive experience for the whole family! Pastor: Leo Miller.
Beauregard Baptist Women’s Mission and Ministry Second Annual Food Tasting Event – In Good Taste, December 6, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Wooten Theatre, 102 E 1st St, DeRidder, LA 70634. Cost: $5. Sample more than 30 delicious, mouthwatering foods/ confections. Also receive a cookbook with a recipe of every food prepared. For more information call Jasmine at 337.202.4043 or 318.729.8922.
First Baptist Church, Slidell: Parenting Seminar; Shepherding a Child’s Heart, December 6-7, Friday, 7-9:15 p.m., Saturday 8:30 a.m. (breakfast), 9 a.m.12:30 p.m. (seminar). Speaker: Tedd Tripp. Cost: $10. Childcare available thru sixth grade by online registration. Pastor: Casey Stark.
Eastern Louisiana Baptist Association, Walker: Retirement reception honoring Freddie and Elaine Arnold, December 7, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Everyone is invited to come give Freddie Arnold special thanks for his 10 years of service to the ELBA. The office is located at 9126 Comar Drive, Walker. DOM: Richard Blue.
First Baptist Church, Moss Bluff: Christmas Time with Masters4, December 7, 4:30 p.m. Pastor: Steve Bennett.
Fair Park Baptist Church, West Monroe: One Hope Christmas musical & reception, December 8, 6 p.m. A church wide reception will follow the performance. Christmas morning service, December 25, 10 a.m. Pastor: Waymond Warren.
Trinity Baptist Church, Lake Charles: The Gift – Christian Worship Celebration as part of the Lake Area Christmas Celebration, December 8, 6-8 p.m. Pastor: Steve James
First Baptist Church, Amite: A Night of Christmas Praise, December 8, 6:30 p.m. A fellowship will take place afterwards. Pastor: Trey Waldrop.
First Baptist Church, Bossier: Point of Grace in concert, December 8, 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Brad Jurokovich.
First Baptist Church, Winnfield: Joseph Habedank in concert, December 8, 6 p.m. n Eastwood Baptist Church, Haughton: Choirs & Carols – The Moment, December 8, 6-7:30 p.m. Join us for a night of worship presented by Eastwood Worship Choir, Children’s Choirs, Youth Choir, 55+ Choir & Praise Hands. Pastor: Rusty Shuler.
First Baptist Church, Ruston: Celebration Choir Christmas Musical, December 11, 6:15 p.m. Pastor: Chris Craig n First Baptist Church, Mandeville: A Mandeville Christmas Live Nativity, December 13, 14, 15, 6-8 p.m. nightly. Pastor: Corey Fontan.
First Baptist Church, Covington: The Story of Amazing Love Musical, December 13, 7 p.m. and December 14 at 2 p.m. & 6 p.m. Pastor: Waylon Bailey.
Broadmoor Baptist Church, Shreveport: 2019 Fa La La Fest, December 13, 4-9 p.m. Make plans now to shop with our amazing vendors, eat some wonderful food, and sing along with our carolers! There will be something for everyone from the young to the young at heart. This event is FREE and open to the public. Pastor: Chuck Pourciau.
Ridgecrest Baptist Church, Ridgecrest: Trevor Thomas Drama Ministries, December 14, 6 p.m. Pastor: Dennis Baker.
North Monroe Baptist Church, Monroe: The Sounds of the Holidays, December 14, 7 p.m. Featuring the Monroe Symphony Orchestra. Cost: $30. The Monroe Symphony Orchestra will be having their December concert in the Main Worship Center at North Monroe. Pastor: Bill Dye.
Philadelphia Baptist Church, Deville: Light has Come, December 14, 6:30 p.m.; December 15, 10 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.; December 16, 6:30 p.m. For more information, call the church at 318.442.0754 or email madelyn@pbcministry.com. Pastor: Philip Robertson.
Goldonna Baptist Church, Goldonna: Trevor Thomas Drama Ministries, December 15, 5 p.m. Pastor: Jason Wommack.
Summer Grove Baptist Church, Shreveport: A Night of Hope, December 15, 5-7 p.m. Join us for a musical Night of Hope presented by the Summer Grove choir and orchestra as we celebrate Christ’s birth! Pastor: Heath Peloquin.
Rocky Branch Baptist Church, Rocky Branch: ‘Christmas Message’ Cantata; December 15, 10:45 a.m.; Music Director: Phillis Gates. Pastor: Terry Mims.
First Baptist Church, Jonesboro: Song of Joy! (Christmas Cantata and Fellowship), December 15, 6 p.m. Guaranteed to be more than ‘just another Christmas performance’, Song of Joy will lead your congregation and visitors in grand celebration of this joyous season, and anointed moments of worship and praise, while offering non-believers the lifechanging opportunity to come to know Christ and declare Him Lord. Pastor: Brian McAllister.
Longview Baptist Church, Deville: Messiah Heaven’s Glory Cantata, December 15, 10:30 a.m. Presented by the Longview choir. Pastor: Robby Poole.
First Baptist Church, West Monroe: Northeast Louisiana Christmas Celebration at First West, December 21-22, 6 p.m. The NELA Christmas Celebration is your opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of the Christmas season. You will experience all the comforts of the Christmas season. You’ll celebrate the birth of Jesus and reflect on the silent night by candlelight. Help us eliminate the medical debt of Ouachita Parish by purchasing a $5 ticket to the Celebration. We’re doing this through a partnership with RipMedicalDebt. RIPMedicalDebt works with collection agencies to pay pennies to the dollar on medical debt. Pastor: Michael Wood.
First Baptist Church, Ruston: Touch Ruston, December 21, 10 a.m., December 23-24, 5:30 p.m. Candlelight Service, Pastor: Chris Craig.
Longview Baptist Church, Deville: Christmas Candlelight Service, December 22, 6 p.m. Pastor: Robby Poole.
