Opening of the Word

Prelude
Teresa Wallace

Call to Worship- Hymn of the Month:"Renew Your Church"

Greeting & Welcome
Pastor Mark

Fellowship Song: #393 "The Family of God" 

Children's Sermon
Pastor Connie

Hymn: #294 "Jesus is Lord of All"

Offertory Prayer
Patty Huffman

Offertory: "The Truth"
Anna Mullins

Pastoral Prayer
Pastor Mark

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Jeb Wallace

Sermon: "Finding a Fixed Point in Space"
Pastor Mark 

An Invitation: #435 "Just As I Am"

Announcements

Hymn: #668 "Doxology"

Benediction

Postlude
Susan Matney 

"I am the Way, the truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father but by Me." - John 14:6

Next Tuesday: LAAF
Those 50 and older are invited to this month's Living Abundantly After Fifty (LAAF) gathering on Tuesday, April 14 at 10 AM. The program for this month is a presentation by Debby Hill on her trip to the Holy Land. Lunch is a potluck so please bring a dish to share!
Please bring donations of homemade cookies with you to the meeting as the Mission Action project is going to be packing them for first responders. 

Creatives Night: DIY Tote Bag
This month's Creatives Night will be on Friday, April 24 at 5:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. This month's project is customizing a tote bag with a hexagon flower. We will learn how to make the flower using the traditional quilting technique English Paper Piecing. This event is FREE, open to all, and all materials will be provided. We are requesting that those planning to attend please register on the church website here. This helps us properly plan enough supplies for everyone.

New to Creatives Night? Creatives Night is a monthly gathering where individuals from all walks of life are invited to join us as we celebrate the creativity that God blesses us all with while also enjoying the fellowship of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Coming Up- Girls Day Out 
The girls are going on a little road trip! Come and spend the day with us girls on Thursday, April 23 as we travel to Lynchburg, VA to shop at Hobby Lobby & Mardel Christian Store. We will enjoy lunch at Red Lobster and on the way home stop at Crumbl Cookies for a sweet treat. We will depart the church at 9:30 AM!

We have 14 seats on the bus available so please register by calling the church at 540-366-6631 or stop by!

Opening of the Word
Gary Dixon & Gedeon Kasinga

Prelude: "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name"
Shalom Handbell Ensemble

From Crucifixion: "Listen to the Hammer Ring"
Amy Mofield, soloist, Sanctuary Choir, & Susan Matney

To Resurrection: Responsive Reading

Resurrection Hymn: #270 "Christ the Lord is Risen Today"

Greeting & Welcome
Pastor Mark 

Fellowship Song: #393 "The Family of God"

Children's Sermon
Pastor Greg

Hymn: #273 "Christ Arose"

Offertory Prayer
Tabby Adkinson

Offertory: "Alleuia, Alleuia"
Shalom Handbell Ensemble

Pastoral Prayer
Pastor Greg

Scripture Reading: John 20: 1-18
Leslie Dixon

Sermon: "The Confidence of Resurrection"
Pastor Mark 

An Invitation: #269 "He Lives" 

Announcements

Sending Song: #272 "Alleluia, Alleluia"

Benediction
Pastor Mark

Postlude: #271 "My Redeemer Lives"
Melrose Instrumentalists & Susan Matney 

“I am the Resurrection and the LIfe!  Whoever believes in Me, even if he dies, shall live.”  
- John 11:25 

Office Closed Monday
The church office will be closed on Monday, April 6 to give the staff some time with their families after Easter. If you are in need of pastoral care on this day, please call the church office at 540-366-6631 and select one of the pastor's extensions. Leave them a message and they will get back to you ASAP! The pastors can check their voicemails remotely.

THANK YOU!
The Children in Action program wishes to thank everyone who participated and donated items for this year's Pastors Competition. The winning team this year was the Louisville Cardinals! The grand total was 4,079 items collected during the entire competition. This included over 1,000 pudding cups and fruit cups and over 1,500 oatmeal packets. Every single donation is going to the MBC Backpack Ministry to help feed local school children in need.
 
Your support for the CIA missions group is so appreciated and together we are teaching our children to “brighten the corner where they are” by being a missionary in their community.

Greeting
Rev. Mark Mofield, Melrose Baptist Church

Resurrection Praise- "Christ the Lord is Risen Today"
Rev. Connie Cruze and Rev. Christy Krispen

Scripture Reading
Sarah Robinson

Sunrise Sermon
Rev. Christy Krispin

Closing Song: "Majesty"

Closing Prayer
Rev. Greg Hetherington

Breakfast will be served in the church Fellowship Hall at the conclusion of the service. Breakfast is provided by the Baptist Men's Ministry. 

Click the link button below to view this month's Messenger. 

Opening of the Word
Kathy Malloy & Tegan Carter

Prelude
Susan Matney

Call to Worship: Palm Sunday Processional

Greeting & Welcome
Pastor Greg

Fellowship Song: #393 "The Family of God" 

Children's Sermon
Pastor Greg

Hymn Medley: "At the Name of Jesus"

Offertory Prayer
Joan Mullins

Offertory: "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded"
Pastor Greg, soloist, Sanctuary Choir, & Shalom Handbell Ensemble

Pastoral Prayer
Pastor Mark

Scripture Reading: Luke 19:35-44
Chip Stephenson

Sermon: "The Tears of a Messiah"
Pastor Mark 

An Invitation: #285 "Blessed Redeemer" 

Announcements

Hymn: #426 "Open Our Eyes, Lord" 

Benediction

Postlude
Melrose Instrumentalists & Susan Matney 

"Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet Him, and cried, “Hosanna!  Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the Name of the Lord.”  
- John 12:13 

The Living Lord's Supper- A Tenebrae Service 
Come and experience "The Living Lord's Supper" on Wednesday, April 1 at 7 PM. This Tenebrae service will feature a dramatic retelling of the Last Supper, communion, and the extinguishing of light to help us prepare our hearts for the coming Resurrection of our Savior. Doors will open at 6:30 PM. 

Easter Community Event
Join us for our Easter Community Event on Saturday, April 4 from 11 AM-1 PM here at Melrose Baptist Church. This event will feature an Easter Egg Hunt, children's crafts, and a FREE hot dog lunch. All children will receive a Children's Easter activity book that has been curated by Melrose Baptist Church to help children learn the story of Easter and promote their cognitive skills and creativity.

We need help packing candy bags! Every child in attendance will get a bag of candy and we need help packing those bags! If you are able, please come and help us pack candy bags on Wednesday, April 1 at 4 PM in the Fellowship Hall.

Easter Sunrise Service & Breakfast
Join us on the front lawn of the church at 7:15 AM Easter Sunday for a sunrise service. We are so excited to be worshipping with Rev. Christy Krispin and members from her congregation. Breakfast will be served following the conclusion of the service by the Baptist Men's Ministry.

Easter Sanctuary Service
We welcome all to join us for a traditional Sanctuary service on Easter Sunday at 10:45 AM. This service will also be live streamed on the church YouTube page HERE.

Pastor's Competition- Last Sunday! 
So far we have collected a little over 3,000 items for this years Pastor's Competition. This Sunday, March 29 is the final Sunday to bring in donations. Remember- all donations are going to help the Backpack Ministry provide food for local school children in need. Please bring in donations of individually packaged oatmeal, fruit cups, or pudding cups and place your donation in the box of the team that you think is best- the Cardinals, Blue Devils, or Vols! Donation boxes can be found outside of the Sanctuary! The Melrose Children's in Action program express their thanks to all those who have donated and helped them support the Backpack Ministry!

Opening of the Word

Prelude
Judy Caudill

Greeting & Welcome
Pastor Greg

Fellowship Song: #393 "The Family of God" 

Children's Sermon
Pastor Greg

Hymn: #623 "Something Beautiful" & Hymn of the Month "Let Your Heart Be Broken"

Offertory Prayer
Sheri Tickle

Offertory: "Morning Has Broken"
Teresa Wallace & Pastor Connie, flute duet

Pastoral Prayer
Pastor Mark

Scripture Reading: John 1:1-18
Jack Batten

Sermon: "The Creative Heart of God"
Pastor Mark

The Heart for the Not Yet Prayer Time

An Invitation: #654 "Change My Heart, O God"

Announcements

Benediction

Postlude
Melrose Instrumentalists & Susan Matney

"Create in my a new heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."
- Psalm 51:12

Easter Community Event 
We welcome our church family and community to join us for our Easter Community Event on Saturday, April 4 from 11 AM-1 PM here at Melrose Baptist Church.

This event will feature:

• Easter Egg Hunt- every child will leave with a bag of candy! 
• Children's Crafts 
• FREE Hot Dog Lunch for all in attendance 
• Children's Easter Activity Books- An age appropriate activity book curated by Melrose Baptist Church to help children learn the story of Easter and promote their cognitive skills and creativity. 

Want to help in other ways?

• We need candy! We are now accepting donations of Easter candy to use during this event. Donations can be placed in the marked container in the Fellowship Hall. 
• We need help packing candy bags! Every child in attendance will get a bag of candy and we need help packing those bags! If you are able, please come and help us pack candy bags on Wednesday, April 1 at 4 PM in the Fellowship Hall.

The Living Lord's Supper- A Tenebrae Service
Come and experience "The Living Lord's Supper" on Wednesday, April 1 at 7 PM. This tenebrae service will feature a dramatic retelling of the Last Supper, communion, and the extinguishing of light to help us prepare our hearts for the coming Resurrection of our Savior.

Pastors Competition 2026: Why should your donations for the Backpack ministry go into the box with the Louisville Cardinal?
Think about this: The word "cardinal" comes from the Latin cardo, meaning "hinge."

This relates to the idea of a person (or bird) serving as a pivotal point or a "bridge" between the earthly and spiritual. For many, seeing a cardinal is a reminder of their "hinge" role in service—being the point upon which others’ faith or comfort might depend. The children that our backpack ministry serves depend upon our willingness to give graciously and generously.  In addition, the red coloring of the cardinal bird, reminds me of the blood that Christ shed on the cross, exemplifying the ultimate act of sacrificial service.

While I refrain from speaking ill about my fellow pastors, I'm not sure giving to a 'blue devil' or a group of hounds that include the dangers of a 'rocky top' in their calling card is the best decision.  

LOL - all joking aside, we have done an amazing job collecting donations in this ministry endeavor.  Please continue to support the Children in Action and Backpack Ministry through your willingness to give.  And, feel free to put your items in whichever box you want.  It all goes to the same ministry and serves the same children, and that makes us all winners!  Reminder that the last day for collection is March 29th.

- Pastor Greg

Opening the Word

Prelude
Susan Matney                                                          

Greeting & Welcome
Pastor Greg

Fellowship Song: #393 "The Family of God" & Hymn of the Month- "Let Your Heart Be Broken"

Children's Sermon
Pastor Greg

Hymn: #391 "We Are Called to Be God's People"

Offertory Prayer
Stephanie Cook

Offertory: "Breathe"
Kiele Dudley, Amy Mofield, Pastor Connie, Pastor Greg, & Susan Matney  

Pastoral Prayer
Pastor Mark

Scripture Reading: Romans 15:18-29
Stephanie Cook 

Sermon: "The Mission Still Unfolding"
Pastor Mark 

Heart for the Not Yet Prayer Time

An Invitation: #371 "Come, All Christians, Be Committed"

Announcements

Sending Song: "Let Your Heart Be Broken"

Benediction 

Postlude
Susan Matney 

Candy donations needed for Easter!
We are starting to accept donations of candy for the Easter community event. Donations can be placed in the marked container in the Fellowship Hall.

You're invited to this month's LAAF gathering!
Those 50 and older are invited to this month's LAAF gathering on Tuesday, March 17 at 10 AM. This month's program is featuring Heritage Hymnal favorites, jokes with John Tillery, and a ring and sing along with the Melrose Baptist Sonshine Choir featuring Alan Malloy on the trombone. The mission action project is a collection for Monterey Elementary School- please bring a donation of the items listed below. All are invited to lunch following the gathering at Famous Anthony's.

Needed items for Monterey Elementary: kids stretchy pants in sizes 8, 10, or 12, kids shorts in all sizes 5 and up, kids belts, kids scissors, glue sticks, and plastic folders with prongs

Creatives Night: Watercolor Cards
This month's Creatives Night will be on Friday, March 20 at 5:30 PM and is going to be led by church family member, Abby Wilson. During the evening Abby is going to be showing everyone the basics of watercolor and how to make some fun Spring cards! This event is open to anyone, FREE, and all materials are provided!

We do request that those planning to come register HERE so that we can gather enough supplies for everyone.

Opening the Word                                                           

Greeting & Welcome
Pastor Greg

Fellowship Song: #393 "The Family of God" & Hymn of the Month- "Let Your Heart Be Broken"

Children's Sermon
Pastor Greg

Hymn: "God is Calling Through the Whisper"

Offertory Prayer
Debby Hill

Offertory: "Lord of the Harvest"
Sanctuary Choir, Pastor Greg (soloist), & Susan Matney

Pastoral Prayer
Pastor Mark

Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 3:1; John 5:2-9
Don Slone

Sermon: "The Work Before the Harvest"
Pastor Mark 

Heart for the Not Yet Prayer Time

An Invitation: #174 "I Gave My Life for Thee"

Announcements

Sending Song:"Let Your Heart Be Broken"

Benediction 

Postlude
Susan Matney 

"My Father never stops working, so why should I?" - John 5:10

Candy donations needed for Easter!
We are starting to accept donations of candy for the Easter community event. Donations can be placed in the marked container in the Fellowship Hall.

Climbing to New Heights: Spring Church Leadership Training 
On Saturday, March 21, Melrose Baptist Church will be hosting a church leadership training event sponsored by the Barnabas Partnership. The conference will take place from 8:30 AM - 12 PM and will feature a keynote presentation by Rev. Skip Wallace, BGAV Field Strategist, followed by a chance to attend 2 of 4 breakout sessions that are focused on the topics of deacon ministry, evangelism, social media, and the life cycles of a church.  

The fee for attending is already paid for, so if you would like to attend this training event, please let Pastor Mark know by Friday, March 13.

Prelude
Teresa Wallace 

Opening the Word                                                           

Greeting & Welcome
Pastor Connie

Fellowship Song: #393 "The Family of God" & Hymn of the Month- "Let Your Heart Be Broken"

Children's Sermon
Pastor Mark 

Hymn: #547 "We Are An Offering"

Offertory Prayer
Jeb Wallace

Offertory: #404 "The Communion Hymn"
Sanctuary Choir, Teresa Wallace, Susan Matney, & Pastor Connie 

Pastoral Prayer
Pastor Mark

Scripture Reading: Acts 6:1-6
Patty Huffman

Sermon: "The Church Becoming"
Pastor Mark 

The Lord's Supper

Heart for the Not Yet Prayer Time

An Invitation: #443 "Open My Eyes That I May See"

Announcements

Commissioning Nickelsville, VA Mission Team

Sending Song: #389 "Blest Be the Tie"

Postlude
Susan Matney 

"But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, praying in the power of the Holy Spirit..." - Jude 1:20 

Thank you for supporting our blood drive!
On Tuesday we hosted an American Red Cross Blood Drive and we wanted to thank everyone who donated and supported this drive. During the drive we were able to collect 7 units which may be small but makes a big impact during the Red Cross's urgent plea for donations. Due to the winter weather in January, the Red Cross had to cancel over 30 local drives and over 700 unites of blood donations were not collected. Every little bit helps close this gap and we thank everyone for their support!

Please mark your calendars as we will be hosting another blood drive in August!

Climbing to New Heights: Spring Church Leadership Training 
The Barnabas Partnership is hosting a Spring Church Leadership Training day here at Melrose Baptist on Saturday, March 21 from 9 AM-12 PM. The Barnabas Partnership works to educate and support ministers and churches to be able to continue Kingdom work. There will be sessions on social media for the church, understanding the cycles of church life, building relationships, and building an effective Deacon ministry.

Interested in this event? Please let Pastor Mark know by Thursday, March 13!

Click the link button below to view this month's Messenger. 

Opening the Word

Call to Worship: #270 "Christ the Lord is Risen Today                                                              

Greeting & Welcome
Pastor Mark 

Fellowship Song: #393 "The Family of God" & "Creator God, Creating Still" 

Celebration of Baptism: Macie Preston

Congregational Response: #6 "How Great Thou Art"

Melrose Honors Celebration
Pastor Mark

Hymn: #161 "Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us"

Offertory Prayer
Tom Tickle 

Offertory: "Trust His Heart"
Pastor Connie

Pastoral Prayer
Pastor Mark

Scripture Reading: John 4:16-26, 39-42
David Heath

Sermon: "The Edge of Belief"
Pastor Mark 

Heart for the Not Yet Prayer Time

An Invitation: #449 "Because He Lives"

Announcements

Sending Song:"Melrose Is a Place of Grace"

Postlude: #6 "How Great Thou Art" 
Melrose Instrumentalists & Susan Matney 

“When they saw Him, they worshiped Him—but some of them doubted.”  - Matthew 28:17 

Help us make an impact on those in need- donate on Tuesday! 

Did you know....

• That the American Red Cross continues to serve American service men and women by being able to find them anytime and anywhere when their families need them? 
• That the American Red Cross supplies 40% of the nation's blood supply? 
• That because of last month's winter weather, over 30 drives had to be canceled and over 700 units of blood were not able to be collected? 

Help us support the work of the American Red Cross by signing up to donate during our blood drive on Tuesday, February 24 from 10 AM- 2 PM! You can sign up by going to the Red Cross website HERE or by calling the blood donor hotline at 1-800-733-2767.

Coming Up: Creatives Nights- Beaded Succulents
We are finally hosting the first Creatives Night of this year on Friday, February 27 at 5:30 PM. This month's project is learning how to make beaded plants. These small, beaded plants are perfect as gifts and for those who struggle to keep real plants alive.

This event is FREE and open to all but we are asking those attending to please register for Creatives Night by going to the church website HERE!

Opening the Word
Louise Via 

Prelude
Judy Caudill

Greeting & Welcome
Pastor Connie

Fellowship Song: #393 "The Family of God" & #122 "Creator God, Creating Still" 

Children's Sermon

Hymn:#365 "Song for the Nations"

Offertory Prayer
Mary Gilley

Offertory: "I Will Follow"
Pastor Greg & Pastor Connie 

WMU Recognition
Mary Gilley 

Pastoral Prayer
Pastor Mark

Scripture Reading: Matthew 17:1-9
Pastor Connie

Introduction of Speaker
Pastor Mark

Sermon: "Mountaintops and Missions"
Rev. Laura Davis 

An Invitation: #523 "Here Am I, Send Me" 

Announcements

Sending Song: #112 "Grace Alone" 

Benediction
Pastor Mark

Postlude: #625 "Cry of My Heart" 
Susan Matney 

"For in My Holy Mountain..."There the whole house of Israel, all of them, will serve Me in the land." - Ezekiel 20:40

Business Meeting Reminder
This is a friendly reminder that the church's monthly business meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 18 at 6:15 PM in the Sanctuary.

Coming Up- Sweet Fellowship
The Sunday School Directors invite everyone to join them for doughnuts, coffee, and conversation at 8:30 AM on Sunday, February 22. This is a great way to start your morning before going to your Sunday school class- with fresh doughnuts and coffee!

Help us save lives- sign up to donate blood! 
We are hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Tuesday, February 24 from 10 AM- 1 PM. Help us save lives by signing up now to donate blood!

You can sign up to donate by either:
1) Going to the Red Cross website HERE.
2) Calling their donation hotline at 1-800-733-2767.

Opening the Word

Call to Worship- Hymn of the Month: "Creator God, Creating Still"

Greeting & Welcome
Pastor Greg

Fellowship Song: #393 "The Family of God" 

Children's Sermon
Pastor Greg

Hymn: "The Summons"

Offertory Prayer
Pastor Greg

Offertory: "People Need the Lord"
Amy Mofield, soloist, & Pastor Connie, flute 

Pastoral Prayer
Pastor Mark

Scripture Reading: Hosea 11:1-11
Sandy Sloane

Sermon: "The Waiting Heart"
Pastor Mark

Heart for the Not Yet Prayer Time

An Invitation: #414 "Softly and Tenderly" 

Announcements

Benediction
Pastor Mark

Postlude
Susan Matney

"...The Lord does not see as mortals see, for people look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." - 1 Samuel 16:7

Makers on Mission: Ditty Bag Sewing Class
We are hosting a fun, informal sewing class on Friday, February 13 from 10 AM- 1 PM to learn how to make simple cotton ditty bags. These ditty bags are not only a great introduction project for the beginning sewer but are an important element for the local Women's Missionary Union's mission trip to Nickelsville, VA. They fill these handmade bags with personal hygiene items and distribute them to local school children.

Local quilter and seamstress Cindy Perdue will be teaching this class and she has designed it in a way that all can come learn how to make these bags without the need to bring a sewing machine. If you have an easily portable machine, please feel free to bring it with you, but it is not a requirement for the class.

Registration is being requested so we can keep a headcount for supplies. Please let Blair know by sending her an email at communications@melrosebaptist.org or by calling the church office if you are planning to come.

Dartball Fellowship
Dartball Fellowship will be meeting for play this Monday, February 9 at 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. All are welcome to come and play- even if you have never played before! 
Never heard of dartball? Dartball is a fun game that is a mixture between baseball and darts. Team players earn points for hitting different areas of the baseball field board.

Good morning Melrose Baptist Church Family!  Conditions at the church remain quite icy, so the church staff will continue to work remotely for the remainder of the week.  We are working to improve conditions, but please be aware that the church sidewalks are very slick and there are still icy patches in the parking lot.  At this time, there are no activities scheduled to take place in the building before Sunday morning, and we encourage everyone to exercise extreme caution if you need to enter the building.

A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for our area for this weekend, which obviously means we may be facing another round of winter weather.  Although we hope it will not be as severe as last weekend, the possibility that we may not have services on Sunday at church remains.  We will be monitoring the situation throughout the weekend and will make you aware of any changes in a timely manner.  In the meantime, please know that your staff is here to serve you in the best ways possible.  We are checking our voicemails and returning phone calls as rapidly as we can, and we are responding to our emails as well.  Please let us know if there is any way that we can serve you.

Because of the uncertainty surrounding the conditions this weekend, there are some schedule changes that we have made that we want you to be aware of.  First, we will not be celebrating communion this Sunday if we do meet in person.  Second, Youth and Children's activities (S.O.Y. And C.I.A) will not meet on Sunday, February 1.  In addition, the memorial service for Michael Shermat that was to take place at the church this weekend has been rescheduled for Sunday, February 8 at 2 PM.

Like many of you, I am ready for a return to more normal circumstances! In the meantime, please stay safe and let us know how we can be praying for you.  God bless you brothers and sisters!

In Christ,
Pastor Mark

Click the link button below to view this month's Messenger. 

Opening the Word
Edna Slone

Call to Worship: "Worthy is the Lamb"
Sanctuary Choir, Susan Matney, and Teresa Wallace, flute

Greeting & Welcome
Pastor Greg

Fellowship Song: #393 "The Family of God" 

Children's Sermon
Pastor Greg 

Hymn: #260 "Lamb of Glory" & #37 "Blessed Be the Lord God Almighty"

Offertory Prayer
Sheri Tickle

Offertory: "Watch the Lamb"
Pastor Greg 

Pastoral Prayer
Pastor Mark

Scripture Reading: John 1:29-42
John Saunders

Sermon: "The Lamb of God"
Pastor Mark

An Invitation: #261 "Lamb of God"

Announcements

Sending Song: #261  Chorus of "Lamb of God"

Benediction
Pastor Mark

Postlude
Susan Matney 

"God himself will provide the lamb..."
- Genesis 22:8

This Sunday: Help us serve those in our community!
We are asking our church family to help support our neighbors by bringing in donations for the Local Office on Aging’s Soup for Seniors drive, as well as donations of travel-size toiletry items that will be used during the upcoming women’s retreat to pack emergency kits for women fleeing domestic violence situations.

All donations will be collected from now through Sunday, February 1. Donations for Soup for Seniors can be placed in the bin in the Fellowship Hall, while toiletry donations can be placed in the colored cart outside the Sanctuary.

Items needed for LOA’s Soup for Seniors (no glass containers, please):

• Soup
• Peanut butter
• Canned meats
• Canned fruit
• Canned vegetables
• Crackers
• Oatmeal
• Boost or Ensure

Travel-size items needed:

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Individually packaged toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Body wash
• Deodorant

Join us for LAAF! 
Those 50 and older are invited to this month’s Living Abundantly After Fifty gathering on Tuesday, January 20, starting at 10 AM. The entertainment for this month’s gathering will be a series of party games hosted by Pastor Greg. Lunch is potluck, so please bring a dish to share!

The Mission Action Project for this month is a collection of needed items for McCleary Elementary School in New Castle, VA. Items needed include boys’ and girls’ underwear (sizes 4–6X or 6–8), leggings and sweatpants (sizes 4–6X or 6–8), and socks.

Business Meeting Reminder
This is a friendly reminder that this month’s Church Business Meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 21, at 6:15 PM in the Sanctuary. Due to this meeting, Pastor Mark’s Bible study will resume the following week.

New Media Series: Bible Breakdown 
Pastor Greg has launched a brand-new media series titled Bible Breakdown, where over the next couple of months he will break down every book of the Bible, starting with the Old Testament. These short-format videos are posted Tuesday–Thursday on the Melrose Baptist Church social media pages. Links can be found below!

Opening of the Word
Jay Dillon
 
Prelude
Judy Caudill
 
Call to Testimony
 
Greeting and Welcome
Pastor Greg

Fellowship Song: #393 “The Family of God”  

Scripture Reading: Psalm 29
Pastor Greg

Hymn: #24 "O Worship the King"  

Offertory Prayer
Patty Huffman

Offertory: "Oceans"
Justin Broughman  

Pastoral Prayer
Pastor Connie

Children’s Sermon & Sermon: “God, the Storm”
Pastor Mark
 
An Invitation: #447 “It Is Well With My Soul”
 
Announcements
Pastor Greg      

Hymn: #667 "As We Go"

Benediction  
Pastor Mark

Postlude
Susan Matney  

"Whom have I in heaven but You?  On earth there is none I desire besides You. But for me, it is good to be near God.  I have made my Lord God my refuge. So I will tell of all Your works."
- Psalm 73:25, 28

NEW Wednesday Night Bible Study
Pastor Mark is starting off the New Year with a new adult Bible study on Wednesday evenings at 6:15 PM in the Sanctuary. This study, called "Bible Stories for Grown-Ups” examines 4 stories in the Bible and gives full consideration to how these stories speak into our modern world and modern lives. Some of these stories will be stories you know (or think you know). Some of these stories may not be as familiar to you. All of them are stories that deserve the attention of grown-up eyes and minds.

Dartball Fellowship has resumed!
Dartball fellowship has resumed after a short break. Play will take place on the first and second Monday of every month at 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. The next day of play is Monday, January 12.

New to the game or never played before? No worries! All levels of play are welcome to join in the fun of this unique and exciting game of baseball and darts!

Help us serve those affected by domestic violence!
As part of our upcoming women's retreat in February, those attending the conference will work together to pack emergency packs that are given to women who are fleeing domestic violence situations. This mission project is being done in partnership with TAP Domestic Violence Services. Melrose Baptist's Women's Missionary Union (WMU) wishes to invite all members of their church family to participate in this important mission project by bringing in needed donations from now through Sunday, February 1.

Donations needed are travel sizes of the following items:

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Individually packaged toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Body wash
• Deodorant

Donations can be placed in the colored card located in the hallway outside the Sanctuary.

Journeying to Joy: A Christian Women's Retreat
Registration has opened for Melrose's upcoming women's retreat, "Journeying to Joy." This one-day retreat is an opportunity for Christian women to rediscover joy and find rest in God's presence through care, compassion, connection, and creativity.

The retreat will take place on Saturday, February 7 from 10:30 AM- 4:30 PM here at Melrose Baptist Church. The cost is $25 per person and registration can be completed by going to the church website HERE or by contacting Blair at 540-366-6631, ext. 5. Payment can be made via credit card or by check made out to "Melrose Baptist Church."

The retreat will begin with worship, breakout sessions led by various female pastors and ministry leaders from all over Virginia, a catered lunch, Bible study, and a mission project packing emergency packs for women fleeing domestic violence situations.
For more information and to register, please go HERE.

Click the link button below to view this month's Messenger. 

Opening of the Word

Prelude: "On Christmas Night"
Sanctuary Choir, Susan Matney, & Congregation

Greeting & Welcome

Fellowship Song: #393 "The Family of God" & #183 "Good Christians, All, Rejoice" 

Children's Sermon
Pastor Greg

Hymn: #197 "Sing We Now of Christmas"

Offertory Prayer
Jack Batten

Offering: "Joyous Carols of Christmas"
Sanctuary Choir & Susan Matney

Pastoral Prayer
Pastor Greg

Scripture Reading: Genesis 2:3
Thalia Engebretson

Sermon: "Are You Preparing?"
Pastor Connie

An Invitation: #194 "O Holy Night" v. 3 & #385 "We Are One in the Spirit" v. 1, 4

Announcements 

Sending Song: #196 "O Little Town of Bethlehem" v. 4

Benediction
Pastor Connie

Postlude
Susan Matney

"Prepare the way of the Lord. Make straight in the desert a highway for our God."
- Isaiah 40:3 

Opening of the Word
Becky Tobey

Prelude: A Festive Call to Christmas"
Sanctuary Choir & Susan Matney

Greeting & Welcome
Pastor Mark

Fellowship Song: #393 "The Family of God" & #201 "Emmanuel"

Advent Candle Lighting- Love
Gerald & Donna Tobey

Advent Candle Lighting Song: "Light the Candle" 

Children's Sermon
Pastor Greg

Hymn: #188 "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear"

Offertory Prayer
Louise Via

Offering: "Silver & Shadows"
Sanctuary Choir & Susan Matney, Amy Mofield & Pastor Greg, soloists

Pastoral Prayer
Pastor Mark

Scripture Reading: Luke 1:67-75

Sermon: "Can You Remember the Light?"
Pastor Mark

Hymn: #206 "Silent Night, Holy Night"

Announcements 

Sending Song: #199 "O Come, Al Ye Faithful"

Benediction
Pastor Mark

Postlude
Susan Matney

“So we have come to know and trust in the love that God has for us. God
is love. Now whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in
them.” - 1 John 4:16

Thank You!
Our children and youth wish to thank the Melrose Baptist family and friends for supporting their recent mission projects. The Children in Action program was able to provide diapers, clothes, and wish list items for children in the TAP Headstart Program. Our Youth were able to collect wish list items for 4th and 5th grade children who participate in the West End Center's after school program.

Holiday Office Closures
Please note that the church office will be closed on Wednesday & Thursday December 24 & 25, and Thursday, January 1.

Opening of the Word
Jeanne Murphy

Prelude
Judy Caudill

Greeting & Welcome
Pastor Connie

Fellowship Song: #393 "The Family of God"

Youth Drama: "A Perfect Country Christmas", Scenes 1 & 2 at The Inn

Advent Candle Lighting
The Barger Family

Advent Candle Lighting Song

Youth Drama Scene 3 at The Cottage

Offertory Prayer
Chris Sloane

Offertory: "In This Very Room"
Susan Matney & Pastor Connie, flute

Youth Drama Scenes 4 & 5 at The Inn

Pastoral Prayer
Pastor Mark

Youth Drama Scenes 6 & 7 at The Cottage

Announcements
Pastor Greg

Hymn: Chorus of #182 "Go Tell it on the Mountain"

Benediction
Pastor Mark

Postlude
Susan Matney

"Yes, you will go out with joy..."
- Isaiah 55:12

Next Tuesday: Living Abundantly After Fifty
Those 50 and older are invited to this month's LAAF (Living Abundantly After Fifty) gathering on Tuesday, December 16 starting at 10 AM. This month's meeting will feature: 

• A performance by pianist Tommy Adams. 
• Lunch is being catered by Patty Huffman and will be $14 per person. 
• The Mission Action Project to pack Compassion Packs for the Roanoke County Department of Social Services. These packs will be given to children who are being placed into the care of Social Services and will help bring them comfort during a very difficult time in their life. 

Each pack will include one of the following:

• Small bottle of water or juice
• Individual packs of Gold Fish, Cheez-Its, gummies, Teddy Grahams, cookies, etc,
• Small toy
• Small stuffed animal
• Small book or journal- no religious themes
• Socks

Please bring donations of the above list to the LAAF meeting to help fill the Compassion Packs. Example of these packs can be found around the church building.

Christmas Food Box Collection for Mission Centers
The Melrose WMU Mission Centers are collecting food for the mission centers (Keystone Community Center and Friendship House Roanoke) Christmas food boxes program. The deadline for donations is Sunday, December 14. Donation boxes can be found in the Fellowship Hall.

Here is a list of the food items needed:

• 26.2 oz box of instant mashed potatoes
• Small bottle cooking oil
• Canned corn or green beans 
• Evaporated milk- canned
• Cereal 
• Pancake mix- just add water 
• Syrup- small bottle 
• Dishwashing liquid- small bottle
• Boxed mac-n-cheese
• Jello gelatin- not instant pudding
• Saltine crackers 
• Peanut butter- small plastic jar 
• Jelly- no glass jars
• 1 lb. bag of granulated sugar 
• 25 ft. aluminum foil 
• Canned soup 
• Instant oatmeal- in packets 
• Turkey or chicken gravy mix- no glass jars 
• Detergent- small bottle 
• 25 ft. plastic wrap 
• Spaghetti pasta 
• 24 oz. spaghetti sauce 
• Fruit

Save the Date: Blue Christmas Service
Those who find themselves facing loneliness or grief during this special time of the year are welcome to join us on Wednesday, December 17 at 6:15 PM for our Blue Christmas service. This service acknowledges these feelings while also making room for the gift of Jesus' eternal light.

Opening of the Word
Patty Huffman

Prelude: "The Holly and the Ivy"
Susan Matney

Hanging of the Greens Drama: "Unpacking Christmas"

Fellowship Song: #393 "Family of God"

Offertory Prayer
Benjamin Kasinga

Offertory: "Silent Night" & "Alleluia"
Shalom Handbell Ensemble

Advent Candle Lighting
Kathy & Alan Malloy

Advent Candle Lighting Song: "Light the Candle"

Pastoral Prayer
Pastor Mark

Hymns and Carols with All God's Children
#205 "Away in a Manger" v. 1
#192 "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing" v. 1
#180 "The First Noel" v. 1, 2, 3
#181 "Joy to the World" v. 1, 4

Announcements
Pastor Mark

Sending Song: Chorus of #199 "O Come, All Ye Faithful"

Benediction
Pastor Mark

Postlude
Susan Matney 

Pastor Greg
Pastor Connie
Teresa Kennedy
Shalom Handbell Ensemble
Heath Crawford
Benjamin Kasinga
Gedeon Kasinga
Josephine Kigazi
Noah Hepburn
Mairéad Markham
Timmy Markham
Willow Spencer
Donye Stokes

"You will go out with joy and be led forth with peace."
- Isaiah 55:12

Making Room Advent Devotional and Podcast 
Follow along with us as we read through the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship's Advent devotional, "Making Room". As part of our read along, the pastors have launched an Advent podcast with new episodes premiering every Wednesday morning. You can watch or listen by downloading the church app or by going to the church website HERE.

You can access a PDF version of the devotional on the church website HERE. We also have a few paper copies available on the welcome table.

December LAAF Mission Action Project
This month's LAAF (Living Abundantly After Fifty) is on Tuesday, December 16 at 10 AM and will include a performance by pianist, Tommy Adams. This month's program also includes a very special Mission Action Project. Together the group will work to pack Compassion Packs for the Roanoke County Department of Social Services. These packs will be given to children who are being placed into the care of Social Services and will help bring them comfort during a very difficult time in their life. The packs are going to be done for two age groups- children 10 and younger and children 11 and older.

Each pack will include one of the following:

• Small bottle of water or juice
• Individual packs of Gold Fish, Cheez-Its, gummies, Teddy Grahams, cookies, etc, 
• Small toy
• Small stuffed animal
• Small book or journal- no religious themes
• Socks 

Please bring donations of the above list to the LAAF meeting to help fill the Compassion Packs. Example of these packs can be found around the church building.

Save the Date: Blue Christmas Service
Those who find themselves facing loneliness or grief during this special time of the year are welcome to join us on the longest night of the season on Wednesday, December 17 at 6:15 PM for our Blue Christmas service. This service acknowledges these feelings while also making room for coming gift of Jesus' eternal light.

Welcome
Rev. Mark Mofield

Call to Center Hearts

Prelude: "Echo Carol"
Melrose Shalom Handbell Ensemble & Susan Matney, organ 

"A Festival Call to Christmas" 

"Celebration of Light" 

"Come, Golden Light" 

"Dazzling Joy" 

"Beautiful Name" with Children's Choirs 

Meditation: "Gesu, Bambino"
Melrose Shalom Handbell Ensemble & Susan Matney, organ

"Angel Song: Glory to the Newborn King" 

"Silver and Shadows"
Amy Mofield & Floyd Boone, soloists

"Joyous Carols of Christmas"

May the Light of Emmanuel illuminate strengthen your hope, calm your heart, and illuminate your steps now and forward, for His joy and love are open to you always.

Participating Choirs  
Melrose Sanctuary Choir
Thrasher Memorial United Methodist Church Sanctuary  Choir
Melrose Shalom Handbell Ensemble
Melrose Master’s Music Makers Children’s Choir
Thrasher Memorial United Methodist Church Children’s Choir

Soloists
Amy Mofield
Floyd Boone
 
Narrators
Rev. Mark Mofield
Debby Hill

Accompanist
Susan Matney, piano

Lamplighters
Benjamin Kasinga  
Mairéad Markham
Heath Crawford
Willow Spencer
Gedeon Kasinga
Timmy Markham
Josephine Kigazi
Noah Hepburn
Eli Calvert
Lamplighters' Assistant: Mauricia Smith

AV Production Crew
Jay Dillon
Stevie Huffman

Conductors
Rev. Dr. Connie Cruze
Rev. Doug Pedigo 

We are so very grateful for the diligent efforts of all who have worked together to make this presentation possible. God's blessing to each of you.