08/22/2026
2026 CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH HOMECOMING
What a wonderful day of worship and fellowship we had on Sunday. Last count was around 82 in attendance. Thanks to all who came. It was so wonderful to reunite with former members - many precious memories were shared. The Hospitality Committee did a great job with the food, and desserts provided by our ladies were delicious.
THANKS - to the Homecoming Committee - and to all of the willing workers who freely gave their time, energy and love for Christ and His church to make the celebration of the Central Baptist Church 137th anniversary a success. We won't name names because there were so many busy hands and feet involved, we wouldn't want to leave one person out.
One man, however, deserves special recognition as he spent so much of his time, knowledge, effort and energy to give Sunday a more pleasant environment (in the absence of air conditioning). Thank you Bryan SanSeverino for a job well-done. And I believe he had assistance from another dedicated young man, Jacob Mathis.
The program was excellent:
Jim DeLay kicked off the program with a warm welcoming song, "Feeling at Home." Due to technical difficulties, most attendees said they couldn't hear what he was saying. So, here's a brief recap.
Current Church Staff Members were introduced.
Family members of former CBC staff members were recognized...
Debbie Drake, Brenda (Drake) & Ray Kiser - daughters & son-in-law of Pastor Charles Drake
Mike Martin - nephew of Marian (Bunny) Martin, former Youth Director
Rev Billy Emmett - Billy's Grandfather, James William Trotline Emmett, was one of the original CBC Deacons
Helen Martin - longtime SS Director and CBC Historian
Introduced guest speaker, Dr John Yarbrough - former Minister of Youth at CBC and married to our own Diana Henry. Diana's family were dedicated leaders at CBC for many years.
Introduced former members, Uncle Ben Pethel & Nephew Stan Pethel
Highlights of Worship Service:
*Transitional Pastor Charles Jones led congregation song "To God Be the Glory" and showed a video of CBC memories
*Michelle Martin sang "The Holy City" - hearts were blessed beyond measure by this gifted Godly woman's voice
*Ben Pethel shared fun Central Memories & Stan Pethel led a musical segment called "Old Time Heart Blessing Songs." Nancy Pethel Duncan also participated. It was like an "ole time meetin" at Central! Pethel family members were deeply involved in all areas of service for years. Coleen was recently recognized for her many years of service as Sunday School Secretary. Brothers David, Jack, and James have passed away but their memories are cherished for their love and dedicated service.
*Dr. John Yarbrough preached a powerful sermon that stirred our hearts and lifted our spirits.
Don Elrod sang "He Touched Me" - Don has served Central Baptist for many years and inspired our hearts through his music. We are blessed to have Don & Martha at Central.
*Prayers were given by Rev. Billy Emmett & Rev. Mike Taylor.
*Pianists assisting with music - JoAnn Pethel & Lorrie Webb Freeman
God has blessed Central BC for 137 years and we look forward to finding His will for the future ministry. Please pray with us as we seek God's will in finding His Pastor for our church. Thank You!
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LOOKING AHEAD
Wed. Aug 19
4:30 p.m. Pastor Search Committee Meeting
6:15 p.m. - Church Conference & Youth Bible Study
Fri, Aug 21, 10:30 a.m. - Bible Study at Lakes at Gainesville, led by Terry Lockhart
Sun, Aug 23
9:30 a.m. - Prayer Group
10:00 a.m. - Bible Study
11:00 a.m. - Worship Service
3:00 p.m. - Bible Study at Smoky Springs Apartments, led by Jim DeLay
JOY, JOY, JOY, JOY
Down In My Heart
Calling All Senior Adults
Our beautiful friend, Joyful Judy Hayes is coming
Thursday, September 3, 2026
11:00 a.m.
If you have ever attended a Senior Adult Homecoming at Toccoa Conference Center
or at St Simons Island or a conference at Camp Pennacle,
You have likely met "Nurse Judy."
Judy is a retired nurse with the sweetest heart you will ever meet. She leads workshops at Senior Adult Conferences and speaks on all sorts of topics from "Medicine in Your Pantry" to "Don't Let Anyone Steal Your Joy." She gives practical advice as well as health and spiritual guidance. She uplifts you heart and encourages you in your daily walk. You don't want to miss meeting Judy. Spread the word to all of your friends. Especially tell friends who have attended a Senior Adult Homecoming at Toccoa or at St Simons. She loves seeing old friends.
Lunch will be Sandwiches & Salads
More Later!
Margie
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PRAYER REQUESTS...
Debra Bell - Hospice
Janet Bryant - Recovering from Surgery
Billy & Gail Emmett (Gail recovering from surgery)
Judy Ferguson - recovering from stroke
David Hall - was hit by a car in a restaurant parking lot over the past weekend - was carried to hospital by ambulance, examined & treated; he had a concussion and spent overnight in hospital. He is at home recovering with pain and bruises abd is very grateful for all the prayers for him.
Juanita Hatcher & Daughter Anita Sneath (cancer)
George Hatfield, recovering from surgery
Grace Kemp's sister, Brooksy White
Terry Lockhart
Sue Martin - recently experienced a fall
Danny Meeks (recovering from brain cancer surgery)
Randall McIntyre
Micky Martin - Shingles
Nancy Merck - broken wrist from fall
Genell O'Kelly - PT for torn rotator cuff
Phillip Parsons - recovering from surgery
Kathy Smith Tiley - very ill with many health issues
Doris Watson
Ricky Williams, Genell O'Kelley's nephew - nursing home suffering from a stoke and blindness
Continue to remember:
Barbara Allen, Nancy Barfield (good to see Nancy at homecoming!), Evelyn Brock, Frances Brock, Cooper Brown (2024 Johnson HS grad) - recovering and PT following surgery for brain bleed, Patricia Doyle, Don & Martha Elrod and sons-in-law (Mickey Latimer & Steve Browning), Billy & Gail Emmett, Heidi Ferguson (cancer treatment). Phil Forrester, Sue Gittens, Lisa Kesler, Shirley & Jerry Lothridge, James Miller, Peggy Miller, Jim Minghini, Cathy Savage, Micki Walker, Lola Whitmire, Ray & Mary Watt, Stan & Sharon & Steve & Fran Wiley
Homebound/Nursing Facilities:
Clarence Barnett, Becky Byrd,Jean Curtis, Loraine Davis, Brenda Hambrick, Roberta Hartman (Hospice Care), Bea Levine, Ethel Page, Coleen Pethel, Bobbie Powers, Linda Rodgers, Betty Rooks, Mary Ann Seay, Howard Scales, Glenda & Eli Morrow, Jan Thompson, Patsy Ralston Waters, David Wester
