The History Of

MULDRAUGH HILL BAPTIST CHURCH

(September 2016 through Present) The Monthly Business Meeting was held on September 7, 2016. (1) Bob Moore, representing the Parsonage Remodeling Committee, reports that all they have left to do is to hang towel racks and window blinds. Bro. Steve and Shirley are preparing to move in. (2) Ernest Carol Taylor reports that they are looking into getting various quotes for insurance coverage of the church and grounds, vehicle, and parsonage. They have had a locked in 3-year policy but that is no longer an option so are looking at getting estimates from various agencies for annual coverage. They are up against a deadline for the vehicles (buses) as their policy expires the middle of October. The church building does not expire until December. They hope to have finalization by the next Business Meeting and may have to call for an emergency meeting if necessary. (3) Bro. Steve reports that MHBC will host the October Central Association Meeting. “Operation In As Much-Kentucky” is a ministry to reach out into the community in a  ONE-DAY event in September. MHBC joined other KY Baptist Churches in doing outreach ministry right here in Marion and Taylor counties beginning with prayer at 8:00 a,m. on Saturday, September 10th before beginning the day of service. There were about 55 folks, according to Bro. Steve, from MHBC that participated in Inasmuch Muldraugh Hill. (Click to view details about the Day of Service). Sunday School Perfect Attendance Awards for the Church Year of September 1, 2015 to August 31, 2016 were presented during the Morning Worship Service on September 11, 2016 for the following: Karli Veatch (3 years), Jean Sallee (4 years), Anita Lanham (12 years), Michelle Gribbins, (13 years), Jessica Veatch (15 years), Annette Dennison (16 years - absent for the photo), Ann Lee (18 years) and Josh Veatch (28 years). The Fourth Annual Ladies Luncheon was held on September 17th at 11:00 a.m. The ladies gathered purses for women at the Louisville Rescue Mission in a project they call “Purses with Purpose.” They also heard from a dynamic speaker, Susan Bryant who is president of the Kentucky WMU, about the Bucket Project, a ministry through the KBC and Baptist Global Relief for women in Africa who are dying from Aids. Melissa Skaggs, daughter-in-law of Bro. Steve and Shirley Skaggs, provided special music. Church-Wide Hayride was on September 25th. There were multiple wagons with about 80 people riding that left the church at 5:00 P.M. and then returned for a bonfire and wiener roast. The church provided the hot dogs and buns. Individuals attending brought chips, drinks desserts, snacks etc. to complete the meal. What a great time of fun and fellowship! During the church year of September 1, 2015 to August 31, 2016 there were: • 8 additions by baptism and 6 by letter • Total recorded members was 548 with 485 being resident members • Sunday School/Bible Study/Small Group Total Enrollment 169 • The Sunday School/Bible Study/Small Group Average Attendance was 112 • The Sunday Morning Worship Service average was 187 • Vacation Bible School Enrollment was 188 • Total Mission Project Participation was 89 • Financial Giving o Cooperative Program = $23,270 o Annie Armstrong Giving = $2,017 o Lottie Moon Giving = $4,114 o Association Missions Giving = $3,878 o Great Commissions Giving = $39,525 o Total Missions Giving = $45,468 • Organizational Structure for 2015 - 2016 • The recorded deaths were: o Gerald Moore Muldraugh Hill Baptist Church hosted the Central Association of Kentucky Baptists Annual Fall Meeting on Monday, October 3rd from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. A potluck meal was provided for the event. Approximately 100 people attended the event. The Monthly Business Meeting was held on October 5, 2016. (1) Bro. Steve reports that Darryl Wilson, with KBC, will be here October 16th for "Christian Education Faithfulness Sunday". He will be preaching in the Morning Worship Service and be issuing a challenge for us to be serious about teaching/discipleship, etc. He will emphasize education such as Sunday School, AWANA, and Wednesday Evening activities with children/youth. Brother Steve urged everyone to look at their class rolls and invite people to come. This day will is like a "mini revivial service". There will be a meal after Worship Service. Bro. Steve reported that there were just under a 100 attendees at the Central Association Meeting last Monday, hosted by Muldraugh Hill Baptist Church. The church provided a potluck meal. (2) Shirley Farmer, representing the Parsonage Committee, reports that the blinds are now hung. Bro. Steve and Shirley plan to stay there after they return from vacation next week. (3) In New Business: (a) David England, representing the Deacons, brought forth a recommendation from the Deacons to have the following people serve on the 2017 Stewardship Committee: Betty Joyce Witham, Margaret Pyles, Josh Veatch, Jim Sabo, Jr. and Andrea Morrison. It was voted on and approved. (b) David England, representing the Deacons, made a motion to have Brotherhood Mutual Insurance carry the insurance for the church at a cost of $6,691.33. The deductible will increase from $1,000 to $2,500, saving the church $932 annually. This will be a one year contract. The motion was voted on and approved. (c) Bro. Steve made a motion to have the church order a witnessing tool in the form of a pamplet or fold-out brochure published by Billy Graham Evangelism Association entitled, "Knowing God Through His Word". They cost $149 per 100. He'd like to have them in time to use them at Trunk-N-Treat coming up in a few weeks. The motion was made to order 100 and approved. Muldraugh Hill Baptist Church hosted the Central Association of Kentucky Baptists Annual Fall Meeting on Monday, October 3rd from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. A potluck meal was provided for the event. Approximately 100 people attended the event. October was Pastor Appreciation Month. So on October 23, 2016, at the conclusion of the Morning Worship Service, the Chairman of the Deacons, David England, presented Bro. Steve and Shirley a monetary gift and an autographed picture from the congregation to show appreciation and thanks for their years of service and dedication at Muldraugh Hill Baptist Church. We had our annual Trunk N Treat activity on October 26, 2016. The weather was beautiful! There was an estimated 181 children in attendance according to one source after she counted her leftover bags. Bro. Steve reported that there were at least 100 families represented. What a wonderful time of fun and fellowship for all! The Monthly Business Meeting was held on November 9, 2016. The Assistant Moderator, Ernest Carol Taylor, led the meeting as Bro. Steve was in Revival Services in Danville, Ky. (1) Bob Moore, representing the Parsonage Committee, reported that Bobby Veatch will be doing to outside work. They are finishing the porch and landscape. There is an Open House scheduled for this Sunday, November 13, 2016 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (2) Tracy Mays Cochran reported that AWANA will be visiting Bradfordsville Baptist Church next Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (3) Catherine Sabo reported that the WMU had a good meeting last month with Diana Deeringer at the guest speaker. WMU will meet again on November 15th at 10:00 a.m. All women are invited to attend and  participate. Bro. Steve and Shirley hosted an Open House at the parsonage on November 13, 2016 to show off the renovation that has been done over the past several months. There are still plans to repair some guttering and add storm doors but everyone seemed pleased with the changes and improvements. Our Annual Hanging of the Greens Service, a traditional service that helps us kick-off the Advent and Christmas seasons, was held on November 27 at 6:00 p.m. Non- perishable food and misc. items was collected during the service for the Brookhaven Mission during this service. The Monthly Business Meeting was held on December 7, 2016. (1) Bro. Steve reported that he has been elected to serve on the Kentucky Baptist Convention Mission Board. He will be attending the meetings next Monday and Tuesday. He reported that there will be no evening services on December 25th, January 1st, or January 28th. The 3rd Annual Marriage Retreat will be held on January 20-21, 2017 at Cumberland Falls Resort Park. The cost for each couple is $70. (2) Andrea Morrison, Chairman of the Stewardship Committee, presented the report with recommendations for the budget for the church year beginning January 1, 2017. The budget was voted on and approved. (3) Mark Speer, Chairman of the Parsonage Committee, reports that the remodeling is essentially done but the approved budget of $58,000 is short $776 to pay the contractor. He made a motion to increase the approved budget by $2,000 in order to pay the $776 for the contractor and add storm doors and guttering to the parsonage to complete the project. After some discussion, the motion was voted on and approved with the anticipation of receiving donations to the White Christmas Offering that can be used to cover the expenses. On Saturday, December 24th, we had our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service and observed the Lord's Supper at 6:00 p.m. The Annual White Christmas Offering was collected during the Morning Worship Service on December 18, 2016. There was low attendance due to bad weather. However, a total of $18,835.00 was received ($13,885.00 was placed in the general fund with the rest placed in designated funds according to specifications made by the gifter). Thank you to everyone who participated in this special service. Note: $1,670 was also donated to the White Christmas Offering with $100 of the total donated on the December 11th and the rest on December 25th. The Monthly Business Meeting was held on January 4, 2017. (1) Mark Speer, representing the Parsonage Committee, presented a final statement of the money made available for the remodeling of the parsonage and expendatures as per requested at the last Business Meeting. $58,000 was initially allotted to be used for the renovations. Prior to that $3,270.00 had been designated by individuals and $2,000 was added last month during the December Business Meeting (A total of $63,270). Of this total, $1,923.93 is still available to be used. Storm doors still need to be installed and the guttering is almost done. (2) David England, Chairman of the Deacons, reported that they are tentatively planning the Annual Men's Day on April 23rd. (3) Bro. Steve reported that during the month of December the goal of the Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions was $3,500.00. The donations far exceeded this as $4,934 was collected. The 3rd Annual Marriage Retreat was on January 20-21, 2017 at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. Fourteen couples attended the event: Bro. Steve and Shirley Skaggs, Donnie and Beth Veatch, Josh and Jessica Veatch, Steve and Carolyn Morris, Steve and Shannon Lee, Tony and Michelle Yocum, Jason and Tiffany Underwood, Trent and Carey Pyles, Tommy and Wanda Buckler, Ray and Beth Osborne, Mark and Kelly Carney, Nick and Rhonda Cobb, David and Lori England, Adam and Jennifer Bland. Everyone had a great time of fun and fellowship. The weather was awesome! The Monthly Business Meeting was held on February 8, 2017. (1) Bro. Steve reports: (a) the church will start having an opening assembly at 10:00 each Sunday Morning for children and anyone else interested. (b) Once per month he will host "Breakfast with Bro. Steve" just prior to Sunday School. This will begin February 19th with heart- shaped pancakes. (c) The youth are hosting their annual Valentine's Luncheon fundraiser on February 12th. (d) We will have a Gideon speaker on April 23rd. (e) April 30th has been set aside for Men's Day. (2) McKenzie Hardin, representing the Women's Ministry Committee, reported that they will be starting a Bible Study on Wednesday, March 1st, as they study the book of Ruth.(3) Tracy Cochran, representing AWANA, reports they are averaging 20 children each Sunday evening and they are working on an interpretive movement perormance for Easter morning. (4) McKenzie Hardin, representing the Christian Education Revitalization Focus Group, reported on the goals of the group with a detailed outline of the plans thus far for revitalization of our Sunday School Program. They will have a recommendation at the March Business Meeting for setting up a special fund for this project. (5) Barbara Jean Benningfield reported that there will be a Children's Ministry Day at Lebanon Baptist Church on February 18th from 12 to 2 p.m. with many activities for children. Those attending should bring Hershey Kisses to help fill bags to distribute along with the tracks. (6) On May 20th, there will be training for Sunday School teachers, with the location still to be announced. The Monthly Business Meeting was held on March 8, 2017. (1) Bro. Steve updated everyone on uncoming events: (a) The KBC All State Chorus will be held April 21-23. Jacklyn Farmer and Maddie Hardin were both selected to participate. (b) The Annual Easter Egg Hunt will be on April 12th. (c) Sunrise Easter Service will be on April 16th. (d) A Gideon speaker will be here April 23rd, and (e) Men's Sunday will be April 30th. (f) Wesley Paul will be here May 7th reporting on his missionary trip to Africa. (g) A Revival will be at the Village Sunday through Wednesday in the afternoons during Family Fest July 22-27th. (2) In New Business: (a) McKenzie Hardin made a motion (it was voted on and approved) that we establish a designated fund, "Education Area Revitalization Fund" (EARF) for future projects developed and adminstered by the Focus Group (which includes leaders of Youth, R.A.'s, G.A.'s, Mission Friends, AWANA, and Sunday School). The Focus Group has developed a plan of projects to improve the education and facility for education of the children and youth such as: recently starting "Mountain Movers" Sunday School Opening Program for school age children prior to Sunday School classes; improving lighting; adding a new 55-inch television to the education area; and having an upcoming "Cleanup and Declutter Day" on March 11th. More to be planned later. (b) Bob Moore made a motion (it was voted on and approved) we change the locks on the doors. There are 11 locks at a cost of $897. (c) David England, representing the Deacons, presented the Audit Committee's 2016 Report recommendations for a system of checks and balances for safeguarding personel and the handling of cash. The Deacon Body, after consulting with the Audit Committee and the Church Treasurer, made a motion that the church accept the Audit Committee's recommendations. Further, that a "Counting Committee" be formed and initially be made up of the Deacons, who will rotate weekly, with a minimum of two unrelated committee members doing the counting. Since confidentiality is paramount while dealing with church contributions, each member of the "Counting Committe" will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement. David, as a matter of summary and clarification, also reported that the Deacon Body wants to make it clear that no problems have been found or suggested. He went on to say that "We, as a Church have the responsibilty to protect the integrity and the reputation of the church, the church Treasurer, and those who are asked to handle money. The implementation of these procedures are part of standard and accepted accounting practices for being fiscally responsible in the handling of cash, and we want to be the best stewards of each member's contributions by practicing acceptable accounting standards." The motion was discussed, voted on, and approved. The MHBC Women’s Ministry six week Bible study concluded on Wednesday, April 5th at 6:00 P.M. "A Woman Who Doesn’t Quit" by Nicki Koziarz was the study guide. The study offered “5 Practical Habits to Keep Your Eyes on God” from the book of Ruth. “Every woman will eventually face it: the temptation to give in and give up. But something transformative happens when a woman decides to persevere in the face of difficulty and pain. A woman who refuses to quit influences her world in ways she could never have imagined.” Jennifer England Bland and Carolyn Morris led this study for women of all ages. Over thirty women participated in the Bible study. The Monthly Business Meeting was held on April 5, 2017. Due to extreme storms in the region and many being on vacation during Spring Break in the school systems, the attendance was considerably less than normal. Linda Sabo, Assistant Clerk, read the old minutes and served as recorder. In New Business: (1) Mark Carney, representing the Deacons, made a motion for MHBC to pay the registration fee of $25 each for the two girls, Maddie Hardin and Jacklyn Farmer, who will be participating in the KBC All State Chorus competition April 21st to 23rd. The motion carried. (2) Mark Carney, representing the Deacons, made a motion (after presenting a quote from Purcell's Products to members present) to enter in an agreement with Purcell's Products for a 60 month FMV buyout lease for a refurbished copier with costs of $40.32 per month for the copier plus $30.00 per month for the maintenance agreement (covering all parts, labor, travel, developer, drum, and toner for 2,500 copies per month). Total cost would be $70.32 per month ($4,219.20 for 60 months). THe new copier will be placed in the secretary's office. Because her office will be locked up when she is not in the facility, the old copier will be moved to a location accessible by members of the church. The exact location to be determined. The motion was voted on and motion carried. The Monthly Business Meeting was held on May 10, 2017. (1) Bro. Steve reminded everyone that on June 4th the Sunday Evening Services will return to meeting at 7:00 p.m. He also reported that 2 of our young adults, Brittany Speer and MaKayla Sabo, are going on separate mission trips to Haiti in the coming weeks. In New Business, David England (Chairman of the Deacons), upon recommendation of the Deacons, made a motion to match the donation of $100 by the Baptist Association to be given to each of the two girls going on the mission trips to Haiti to assist with their costs. The motion was voted on and approved. Muldraugh Hill Baptist Church showed appreciation to all the mothers attending the Morning Worship Service on May 14, 2017 by presenting each of them with special gift of a “Godly Women Are a Treasure Beyond Measure” bookmark. Also, a $250 donation was given in honor of the mothers to Sunrise Children’s Services . Amanda and Jacklyn Farmer provided special music. Special recognition was given to (see pictures): • The “Oldest Mother Present”: Janet Moore • The “Youngest Mother Present”: Jessica Paris (represented by her mother, Janice Chappell as Jessica was in Nursery) • The “Mother with the Most Children, Grandchildren, and Great-Grandchildren present”: Helen Mays and Phyllis Wise (8 descendants each) • Mothers present with “A Baby Born Since Last Mother’s Day”: o Shane and Katie Morris with daughter o Jill Montgomery with daughter o Mindy Bright with daughter and son o Judy Benningfield, representing Tiffany Underwood, upon the birth of a son • Bro. Steve recognized Clara Evans as being the “Oldest Mother on the role of Muldraugh Hill Baptist Church”. She is 97 years old. Congratulations to our graduates for 2017: • Erin Cox (Campbellsville University) • Kaitlynn Farmer (Marion County High School ) • Micah Franklin (Taylor County High School) • Mat Livers (Marion County High School) • Taylor Nelson (Marion County High School) • Danielle Pelphrey (Marion County High School) • Caroline Reed (Marion County High School) • Allison Sallee (Marion County High School) William Maurice "Billie Veatch, a church deacon for 39 years, passed away at age 90 on June 1, 2017. The Monthly Business Meeting was held on June 7, 2017. (1) Bob Moore, representing the Trustee Committee, made a motion, it was voted on and approved, to have Steven Lee replace the 8 lights in the Fellowship Hall with LED lights per estimate of $2,400 for parts and labor. (2) Barbara Jean Benningfield reported on the recent Association Executive Board meeting. She reported the because of a resignation of the Moderator, Bro. Steve will be serving out the rest of the year in this position. She reported that Bro. Jay and Cheryl Hatfield will be serving on a mission trip to Swaziland August 10- 21, 2017. September 17, 2017 has been scheduled for Music Night for the Association and she passed out leaflets about FamilyFest event to be held July 22-27, 2017. Youth Vacation Bible School was held from June 4th to June 9th, 2017. Children Vacation Bible School (for children from Nursery age to 6th Grade) was Sunday, June 11th through Friday, June 16th fro m 6:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. The number of children present ranged from 81 to 106 with an average of 96. The numbers of teachers/workers present was between 56 and 76 each night. The theme this year was “Galactic Starveyors....Discovering The God of the Universe”. Friday night was Parent's Night. There was a Bouncy House and Bouncy Slide, a Dunking Booth, Hot dogs, sandwiches and other food, Sno cones, Popcorn, and Cotton Candy. A total of $805.15 was collected during Bible School was given to The Backpack Program in Kentucky. Muldraugh Hill Baptist Church showed appreciation to all the fathers attending the Morning Worship Service on June 18, 2017. A gift in honor of them will be given to Sunrise Children’s Services. They were also each given a mini tire gauge. Special recognition was given to (See Pictures): • The “Oldest Father Present”: Jim Bob Moore (91 years) • The “Youngest Father Present”: Dustin Benningfield (29 years) • The “Fathers with the Most Children, Grandchildren, and Great-Grandchildren present”: Charlie Poff and Ernest Carol Taylor (7 each) • The “Father with a Child Born Since Last Fathers Day”: Jason Underwood • The “Oldest Father not Present”: Howard Farris (represented by son, Mark Farris) The Monthly Business Meeting was held on July 5, 2017. (1) Bob Moore, representing the Trustees, reported that the lights in the Fellowship Hall have been replaced with LED lights. Even if only half of them are on now, the area is brighter than with the old lights. (2) Donnie Veatch, representing the Transportation Committee, reports that the van that was given to Stewarts Creek Baptist Church back in September, 2010, when we upgraded to 2 buses has now been given by Stewarts Creek as a gift to a church in Bradfordsville because Stewarts Creek has since upgraded their method of transportation. The van is "the gift that keeps on giving"! (3) Bro. Steve reports that he will be on vacation for a week beginning July 9th and Bro. Coffman will be covering the pulpit in his absence. (4) David England, Chairman of the Deacons, made a motion for the following people be added to the Nominating Committee for the new church year: Mark Carney (Chairman of Deacons for new church year), Josh Veatch (Sunday School Director), McKenzie Hardin, Trent Pyles, Shannon Lee, Dennis Wise, and Catherine Sabo. As pastor, Bro. Steve will be involved with the committee as it moves forward to fill positions for the new church year. The motion was voted on and approved. National WMU, Kentucky WMU, and Central Association of Kentucky Baptists partnered together for FamilyFest in Lebanon and Springfield for family service projects, backyard Bible clubs, Vacation Bible School, block parties, and other ministries July 22-27, 2017. More than 150 volunteered from all across the country. They conducted 46 different ministry projects at 18 locations. MHBC was in charge of projects at The Village of Lebanon. The results of the week were four professions of faith decisions. The Monthly Business Meeting was held on August 9, 2017. (1) David England, Chairman of the Deacons, reports they had their August meeting on August 6, 2017 and elected Sam Graham to serve as Vice Chairman and Josh Veatch to serve as Assistant Secretary in the church year beginning September 1, 2017. (2) Noted AWANA will resume August 27, 2017. The time will be changed to 6:00 p.m. for Sunday Evening Services to coincide with the AWANA church year. (3) The Nominating Committee members presented their recommendations for church positions in the new church year. The recommendations were voted on and approved, including adding Trent Pyles to the active deacons for the new year which will require him to be ordained at a later date. (3) In New Business, David England reports that the two safes that are used to store important documents are full. He made a motion for the church to purchase another small safe. The motion was voted on and approved. (4) Also in New Business, Joe Skaggs, representing the Trustee Committee, made a motion for the church to purchase 3,000 gallons of fuel for the coming season at a locked amount of $1.09/gallon. The motion was voted on and approved as presented. The Annual "Men and Boys Skeet Shoot" will be held August 19th at 4:00 p.m.  Daniel Raikes was the guest speaker for the event this year. What a great time of fun, fellowship, and great food! The Annual Women’s Luncheon was on Saturday, August 26th at 11:00 A.M. Peggy Richardson was the guest speaker and Melissa Skaggs was the guest vocalist.What a great time fo fun, fellowship, and great food! Several men participated as the servers. The Deacons and church officers were installed for new church year, on Sunday August 27th during the morning worship service. Also, Trent Pyles was ordained in a special Deacon Ordination Service. Bro. Steve Skaggs performed the ceremony. The following deacons participated in the "Laying of the Hands" Ceremony: Roger Barnett, Larry Bright, David England, Sam Graham, Jim Sabo, Jr., Jim Sabo, Sr., Mark Speer, Josh Veatch, and Dennis Wise. Trent’s wife, Carey, stood at his side. His daughters and mother were also present during the ceremony. During the church year of September 1, 2016 to August 31, 2017 there were: • 4 additions by baptism and 0 by letter • Total recorded members was 545 with 482 being resident members • The Sunday School Attendance average was 111 • The Sunday Morning Worship Service average was 180 • Vacation Bible School Enrollment was 223 • Total Mission Project Participation was 187 • Financial Giving o Cooperative Program = $23,312 o Annie Armstrong Giving = $1,473 o Lottie Moon Giving = $4,959 o Association Missions Giving = $3,885 o Great Commissions Giving = $40,242 o Total Missions Giving = $46,296 • Organizational Structure for 2016 - 2017 • The recorded deaths were: o James Robert Caulk, o Carrol Benningfield o William Maurice “Billie” Veatch (deacon) Bro. Steve Skagges presented his resignation as pastor of Muldraugh Hill Baptist Church to the Chairman of the Deacons, Mark Carney, and to the congregation at the conclusion of the Morning Worship Service. His last day will be September 24, 2017. The Monthly Business Meeting was held on September 6, 2017. (1) Mark Carney, Chairman of the Deacons, reported that Debbie Farris cleaned out one of the two small safes and have moved some of the documents in it that they needed to have stored. There is a need to have a bigger fire-proof safe for storage of documents instead of a new small one as was voted on and approved at last month's Business Meeting. Therefore, as Old Business, he made a motion to recind the request and approval for the new small safe. This was voted on and approved. Then in New Business, he made a motion, and it was approved, to purchase a larger safe for estimated cost of $800. (2) Also, in New Business, Bob Moore, representing the Trustee Commitee, made a motion and it was approved per vote to install a railing in an L- shape around the back patio of the parsonage for costs of $1,900 including parts and labor. On Sunday, September 24, 2017, Bro. Steve Skaggs gave his last sermon as pastor of Muldraugh Hill Baptist Church. A reception/meal was held in honor of Bro. Steve and Shirley to thank them for their service the last 5 years. They were presented with a love offering and two Cracker Barrel rocking chairs with their names and the church name engraved in them and the placement of a UK Wildcat emblem, Bro. Steve's team.  It was announced during the Morning Worship Service by Mark Carney, Chairman of the Deacons, that a discussion will be held at the next monthly business meeting on October 4, 2017 to start the process of forming a Pulpit Search Committee. Bro. Steve published his last “At The Break of Day” (ATBOD) message on September 30, 2017: September 30, 2017 -- “At the Break of Day” “At the break of day” has, from the beginning, meant to inspire you to have a daily devotional life. Prayer and scripture should always be the basis of our daily devotions. Paul wrote, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” (II Corinthians 4:6). Perhaps his thoughts were inspired by Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” There are so many good devotional resources available today including posts like this one. And, while I use these myself, my personal preference is to have a book in my hands. Plus you know that I would tell you to not neglect the hymnal as a devotional resource. Looking at hymns as devotional poetry rather than between the lines of music can bring new insight to even the most well- known hymn. But you can have a devotional moment with just your Bible! We can, of course, pray and have devotional times any time during the day but I believe following Jesus’ example works best: “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35). He spent time with His Heavenly Father the very first thing and we should too before the busyness of our day becomes a distraction. This is the last day I will share my thoughts in this space. Thank you always for beginning your day here and for sharing these words with others. May you continue to “grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ” (II Peter 3:18) as you seek Him daily. Bro. Steve  The Monthly Business Meeting was held on October 4, 2017. Ernest Carol Taylor, Assistant Moderator, led the meeting. Mark Carney, Chairman of the Deacons, assisted with the process. (1) Mark Carney reported to the church that the railing has been installed around the back patio of the parsonage for a significant reduced cost of what was voted on at the last Business Meeting because Trent Pyles and the Trustees were able to accomplish the installation for less than $1,000 instead of the expected cost of $1,900. (2) Erin Cox, Minister of Youth, reported that they are averaging 17 youth on a regular basis in attendance. (3) Mark Carney reported that the gun safe has not been purchased yet and they are waiting until “Black Friday” when the prices are expected to be much cheaper. (4) In New Business: (a) Mark Carney, Chairman of the Deacons, made a motion, it was voted on and approved, to have the following people to serve on the Stewardship Committee for 2018: Steve Morris, Andrea Morrison, Jessica Paris, Mark Speer, and Evelyleen Taylor. (b) Mark Carney also made a motion, upon recommendation of the Deacons, that the amount of pay for the Pulpit Supply be changed to $100 per Sunday Service and $50 for a Wednesday night service. It was voted on and approved. (c) Mark Carney, Chairman of the Deacons, provided written documentation regarding the requirements of forming a “Pastor Search (Pulpit) Committee, as noted in the Church Constitution and By-Laws. He made a motion, it was discussed, voted on and approved, to start the process of nominating people to serve on the committee between now and the Morning Worship Service of October 22, 2017. The nominating forms will be made available in the church vestibule and other entries of the church. The completed nomination forms will be placed in a locked box in the vestibule. The requirements and process will be discussed in detail before the church next Sunday and information provided in the church bulletin. It will be stressed that, before nominating someone, the nominator must ask the person being nominated if they would agree to serve before placing the name in ballot box. The list of nominees will be announced during the Morning Worship Service on October 29, 2017 and the vote will take place during a Special Called Meeting during the Morning Worship Service on November 5, 2017. The five people receiving the largest number of votes will constitute the Pastor Search (Pulpit) Committee. (d) Mark Carney made a motion, it was voted on and approved, to change the name of the Sam’s Club card from Bro. Steve Skaggs to Debbie Farris (church secretary). The name on the card is not the Grantor but simply a contact and approval person. (e) Mark Carney made a motion, it was voted on and approved, to hire a college student who is studying Music Ministry to work with our children’s choir, including Wednesday night practices, and perform special songs at least one Sunday per month and do a special performance on Easter and Christmas at a rate of $75 per week. Applications will probably have to go through the Personnel Committee.  The church family was very saddened upon the death of Elizabeth Jarboe Farmer on on October 7, 2017 at the age of 85. She served for many years as a Sunday School teacher, was a Vacation Bible School teacher, was on multiple committees, and was honored in August 2015 for over 50 years of service at the WMU Director.  She also received 28 years of Sunday School Perfect Attendance Awards! She will be greatly missed. Sunday School Perfect Attendance Awards were presented during the Morning Worship Service on October 15, 2017 to the following: Karli Veatch (4 years), Michelle Gribbins, (14 years), Jessica Veatch (16 years), Ann Lee (19 years) and Josh Veatch (29 years). At the beginning of the Sunday Morning Worship Service on November 5, 2017, a “Special Business Meeting” was called by the Moderator, Ernest Carol Taylor, for the purpose of formulating the Pastor Search (Pulpit) Committee. The deacons distributed ballots with the names of 20 individuals who had been nominated, and had agreed to serve, over the  previous two weeks, to each church member present . The five people receiving the largest number of votes that would constitute the Pastor Search (Pulpit) Committee included the following: Charlotte Benningfield, David England, Margaret Pyles, Jim Sabo, Jr., and Don Veatch.