FAMILY OF GOD WORKING TOGETHER IN UNITY

FEBRUARY- MAY ISSUE RELEASE DATE: JUNE 2018 FAMILY OF GOD WORKING TOGETHER IN UNITY FEBRUARY 2018- MAY 2018 AFRICAN-AMERICAN SPIRITUALS Damiyah Reavis, Diamony Reavis, Mariah Lee, Jayden Craig, Dassia Reavis, Dessiah Reavis, Makiya Lee, Daylen Craig, Stacy Craig, and Dr. Kendall Lee (Director). On Sunday, February 11th, members of the WHBC Youth Choir presented "They Sang Spirituals" in recognition of African American History Month. They Sang Spirituals included a montage of popular Negro spirituals originating during the slavery years. The spirituals performed offer a historical record revealing the slave's struggle for freedom and survival, and yet reflect the exciting worship experiences that expressed their hope for life's possibilities. African-American spirituals speak to the continual relevance of these songs and the reason they still heal souls today. FAMILY OF GOD WORKING TOGETHER IN UNITY 1

REMEMBERING NEW GROVE SCHOOL On Sunday, February 18th, the church traveled to worship with the New Grove Baptist Church family in Kenbridge, VA, for their Annual African-American History Month worship service. Sister Shirley Lee and the combined W.H.B.C. choir rendered the service. Sister Lee spoke about New Grove's history and New Grove School. She and former students of New Grove School, shared memories of the school before it closed in 1962. Sister Lee also presented a photograph of New Grove School to Reverend Bagley, pastor, and Sister Geraldine Bell, church clerk. Former Members of New Grove School Rev. Curtis Bagley, Sister Geraldine Bell, & Sister Shirley Lee FAMILY OF GOD WORKING TOGETHER IN UNITY 2

USHER SERVICE The Usher Ministry held their Annual Usher Service on March 18th. Rev. Marvin Oliver of Pilgrim Baptist Church of Jetersville, VA, and their Male Chorus rendered the service. Rev. Oliver preached from Ephesians 6: 10-18 with the title of Putting On the Whole Armor of God. The service was wonderful and inspirational not only to the ushers but to everyone in attendance. Front Row: Thelma Craig, Teresa Lee, D. Belinda Craig, and Patricia Hines. Back row: Jessie Craig, Rev. Charles Lee, Shirley Lee, Walter Craig, Kendall Lee, and Stacy L. Craig. Not pictured: Pastor Hurt, First Lady Rev. Hurt and Willette Hazelwood. 40 DAYS OF FASTING AND PRAYING In recognition of the 2018 Lent season, WHBC hosted a Lent small group. Church members who participated in the small group challenged themselves to 40 days of fasting and prayer. The Lent small group was a spiritually rewarding period of penitence as members remained committed to daily devotion, self-reflection and team support. Together, group members sought a new way in the life in Christ, day by day, recognizing that as the church grows larger, we must also grow smaller. A special thank you to Trustee Kendall Lee and Sister Stacy Craig for leading the small group. FAMILY OF GOD WORKING TOGETHER IN UNITY 3

REMEMBERING THE RESURRECTION On Sunday, April 1st, WHBC members gathered at Bethany Baptist Church in Kenbridge, VA, for the Easter sunrise worship service. Those who attended participated in a beautiful experience celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Reverend Carlton Clark, Jr., pastor of Bethany, delivered the message. Continuing Easter celebrations, WHBC youth were given candy bags following the youth service on Sunday, April 8th. A special thank you to Sister Karen Williams and Brother Chase Andrews for assembling the candy bags. CHOIR WORKSHOP On April 14 th Sister Stacy Craig held a choir workshop at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Jetersville, VA. The West Hill youth & adult choir took part in the workshop along with other churches. The workshop focused on learning how to pick the appropriate songs for different programs and places within the service. The workshop also focused on learning how to keep time and rhythm. The choirs enjoyed learning, singing, and fellowshipping with one another. FAMILY OF GOD WORKING TOGETHER IN UNITY 4

REVIVAL WEEK During the week of April 16 th - April 20 th West Hill held their Annual Revival Services. The week was filled with uplifting and soul reviving messages from each guest preacher and choir. Monday, April 16 Rev. Sharon Baskerville of Blooming Hill Baptist Church preached from Philippians 3: 7-10 with the title You Can t Steal My Joy. Tuesday, April 17- Rev. Craighead of Massingford Baptist Church preached from Psalm 150 with the title We Owe Him too much not to Praise Him. Wednesday, April 18- Rev. Irene Allen of Mt. Gazerine preached from John 6:1-12 with the title A Lad with a Little Thursday, April 19 Rev. Raleigh Bagley of Concord Baptist Church preached from 1 Corinthians 2: 1-5 with the title The Anointing Makes the Difference Friday, April 20- Rev. Jimmy Dews of St. Luke Baptist Church preached from 2 Timothy 3:10-17 with the title Learning is Essential. Thank you to everyone who made our revival week special. CONGRATULATIONS SISTER SHIRLEY LEE The Lunenburg County Historical Society and the Lunenburg County Public Libraries jointly hosted a program and book signing on Sunday, April 22nd, to celebrate the publication of Sister Shirley Lee s Trails and Trailblazers: Public Education and School Desegregation in Lunenburg County, Virginia 1870-1970. The event was held at Central High School in Victoria, where the three former high schools in Lunenburg came together in Fall 1969 to mark the beginning of a unified, desegregated school system for the entire county. Congratulations Sister Lee on this great accomplishment. FAMILY OF GOD WORKING TOGETHER IN UNITY 5

Kid s Corner PRE-BAPTISM CLASS West Hill is honored and blessed to have two new candidates for baptism, Sister Makiya Lee and Sister Damiyah Reavis. Baptism service is scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 29, 2018. Currently, Rev. Hurt with the assistance of First Lady Rev. Hurt, is teaching a baptism class to not only the candidates, but to the entire Junior and Beginners classes. The class provides the students with an opportunity to learn and ask questions about the reason and importance of baptism. SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS Congratulation to Sister ZaDaai Janay Reavis for graduating Pre-Kindergarten on May 17th. Congratulations to Zahlian and Zharia Rainey for graduating from Central High School. Congratulations to Brother Daylen Craig and Brother Jayden Craig for being selected as youth spokesmen in a video for Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to help promote safety for National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 9-13. The video can be viewed on VDOT s Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/virginiadot/videos/10155249537295974/. FAMILY OF GOD WORKING TOGETHER IN UNITY 6

ABUNDANTLY BLESSED Submitted By: Pastor L. Reginald Hurt And God is able to bless you abundantly. so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. II Corinthians 9:8 I thank God for blessing West Hill with an awesome Revival. I give Him the praise for the two new candidates that accepted the Lord within their lives. First Lady and I are having a New Covert Class with all the youth to prepare and educate them on baptism. I thank God for the spiritual services that are held every Second and Fourth Sundays. I thank God for Rev. Charles Lee who now is the Associate Pastor of the church. I am very thankful for all the ministries, leaders, teachers, and the five Sunday School classes. I am especially grateful to West Hill s two spiritually uplifted choirs as they are blessed to travel to many different churches, using their singing gifts to praise Him. I thank God for His continued blessings toward us. Many thanks to God and to the West Hill Baptist Church Family. WHAT A PRIVILAGE Submitted By: Rev. Charles Lee, Jr. What a privilege to be a servant. What a privilege to be a servant in God s Kingdom. What a privilege to be chosen to accomplish God s purpose. His word tells us that God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; He hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty and the base things of this world, and things which are despised to bring to nought things that are (KJV 1 Cor. 1:27-28). So, I don t need to a mighty person, a great person, or a wise person of this world to be used by God. He takes me as I am and fills me with Himself and use me for His glory. What a privilege! FAMILY OF GOD WORKING TOGETHER IN UNITY 7

SUNDAY SCHOOL TRIP The West Hill Baptist Church Sunday School traveled to Richmond, VA to see the UniverSoul Circus on May 5 th. UniverSoul Circus granted an interactive spectacle of acrobatic stunts, dance and comedy set to popular music. The youth and adults enjoyed a day full of laughter, excitement, fellowship, and fun. HAPPY MOTHER S DAY On May 13 th, after Second Sunday Service, the West Hill Youth presented all the mothers and mother figures beautiful flowers in honor of Mother s Day. Deaconess Eva Lee and Sister Otelia Lee gave the mothers a heartfelt card to show their love and appreciation. Thank you, mothers for all your love and motherly wisdom. FAMILY OF GOD WORKING TOGETHER IN UNITY 8

CHOIR DAY On May 20 th the W.H.B.C Combined Choir was honored with songs from a guest choir and singers. Bethany Baptist Church choir, Deacon James Boswell of New Galilee, and First Lady Rev. Hurt all rendered beautiful selections. Special thanks go to Sister Myrtle Taylor for her enthusiastic mastering of the service and thank you to everyone who took part in the program. GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN Deaconess Otelia Jones was called to be with the Lord in February 2018. Up until her passing, Deaconess Jones was eldest member of West Hill at the age of 99. Deaconess Jones will be remembered for her dedication to her family, West Hill Baptist Church and to God. Her wisdom, fun loving, feisty, and cheerful spirit will be greatly missed. FAMILY OF GOD WORKING TOGETHER IN UNITY 9

Upcoming Events WHBC P.O. Box 868 10349 Oral Oaks Rd Victoria, VA 23974 June 6/4-6/8-7 P.M. Vacation Bible School at Bethany Baptist Church. 6/23 @ 12:30 P.M.- Business Meeting. Phone: (434) 696-1606 E-Mail: thewhbc@gmail.com We re on the Web! Visit us at: www.thewhbc.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/thewhbc July 7/8 @ 11:45 A.M. Homecoming. 7/8-7/13.- Association Week at Bluestone Harmony 7/28 @ 10:00 A.M.- 12:00 P.M. S.W.A.G Workshop 7/29 @10:00 A.M.- Tri-Union at New Galilee August Sunday School Teacher Appreciation Month. Pastor L. Reginald Hurt Family of God Working Together In Unity September 9/16 @ TBA - 110 th Church Anniversary 9/22 @ 12:30 P.M.- Business Meeting 9/30 @10:00 A.M.- Upper End Union Editors: Stacy L. Craig & Kendall Lee FAMILY OF GOD WORKING TOGETHER IN UNITY 10