Wilton Baptist Church

Night in Bethlehem 2010

2011-01-26T09:32:00.000-08:00

The 4th annual production is in the Wilton history books now....here are a few photos! Thank you Lord for letting us share the gospels with 250 visitors!

A Night in Bethlehem.....

2010-12-01T07:01:00.000-08:00

We are so filled with anticipation right now....kind of like you feel the night before Christmas when the presents are waiting under the tree to be unwrapped! We have spent weeks and weeks on preparing for the coming event and we are putting the finishing touches on now....Night in Bethlehem 2010 is almost here!

Lord, we praise you for the giving us the ability to re-enact that special night over two thousand years ago when you sent your son as the perfect gift! The first Christmas ever included the best possible gift - Jesus Christ!

Please join us for a hands on a walk-thru experience that will leave you changed forever! The story never changes but lives do! Rejoice with us over the birth of our savior!

This event is free - open to the public Dec 9, 10 and 11 from 6:30 - 8:30.

The journey will be inside and out so we encourage you to dress for the weather so that you will be comfortable throughout. Wear good walking shoes, a warm and weatherproof hat, gloves and coat. Bring an umbrella if the forecast calls for rain. This magnificent journey will run in all types of weather.

Take a break from the hectic Christmas season that we have grown accustomed to and step back in time…for an adventure that will deliver a special gift that cannot be bought in stores. Our cast and crew of 50people are standing by to make this a memorable event for you and your family and perhaps a new Christmas tradition.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions – call 205-665-1406 or email lmurdochburns@yahoo.com. Check out our website – www.wiltonbaptist.com

Reservations are now being accepted.

A good laugh is.....

2010-04-15T08:04:00.000-07:00

A good laugh is like a warm bowl of macaroni and cheese…..it is filling and satisfying and so ever needed in this world today! On Sunday night, WBC celebrated surpassing the goal of 400 boxes of macaroni & cheese for donation to the Shelby Baptist Association’s food bank with the final count being 480 boxes!! Praise the Lord – that is a whole bunch of mac and cheese.

The theme again this year was Mac & Cheese & Jesus Please – the kids (along with the adults) had about six weeks to collect boxes and bring them to the church. Each box was prayed over – that the family that cooks it and eats it will be blessed and come to know our Jesus as their personal savior!

Our pastor, Bro. Greg, had issued a challenge to the children to meet the goal and if they did – he would dress in costume – thus Macaroni Man was born. The pictures below show us laughing and having fun – celebrating and enjoying fellowship with each other. We worshipped the Lord, we prayed over the boxes, we enjoyed a meal together, and we LAUGHED!!!

Sometimes as adults, we forget to laugh – we forget how good it feels. Proverbs 15:13 says “A joyful heart makes a cheerful face”. As Christians, we should laugh more. It does not cost us anything, it is good for our souls and it is very inviting to others! A good laugh is sunshine in the house! Yes – there was sunshine in the house this past Sunday!!! Thanks to all who helped with this project!!!

Bro. Greg – thanks for being such a good sport with Macaroni Man!

Easter Sunrise Service 04/04/10

2010-04-07T06:49:00.000-07:00

We gathered at the cross - it was still dark outside. Some were in their Sunday best while others were very casual – ALL were welcome there. The sweet spirit among everyone that attended filled the morning air.

On this precious Easter, nothing else was on our minds except celebrating the Risen Savior. In the still of morning, we were all one body, one spirit, one truth. Each of us very different yet all of us the same in Christ!

The singing of the hymns as the sun began to rise sent chills over the body. The solos were more beautiful than normal and The Word was alive! Tears of joy filled our eyes and our hearts were overwhelmed at the miracle of the resurrection! As the sunrise service dismissed, there was no doubt that God was among us.

Jesus Christ did what He said He would do. He rose from the dead. HE IS ALIVE!

Praise the Lord for Jesus! Because of Him, we, who believe, will have eternal life in heaven. Oh what a sacrifice, oh what a gift, oh what love!

GPS - Wilton style

2010-03-31T19:07:00.000-07:00

GPS - God's Plan for Sharing. Plain and simple - share the gospel with every household in the United States by 2020....can this be done??? Oh yes!!

We are in the beginning stages of sharing...Last week, Wilton Baptist prayer warriors walked (yes I said walked) the Town of Wilton praying individually over each house...It was cold, it was windy, it was wet but IT WAS A BLAST!!!!

What a blessing we received from prayer over the houses! This past Sunday afternoon, we revisited those same houses on foot to deliver pamphlets and invitations to Easter services. This time the day was gorgeously sunny and again IT WAS A BLAST!

And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:15

Thank you Lord for letting us put feet to our prayers! Thank you for Jesus!!

May be never take for granted the privilege of sharing the GOOD NEWS!

Below are some pictures from from the refreshments afterward....this was just the baby steps - lots more work to do...you can help!!! We need volunteers at Wilton - the Lord will bless you for it!!

LNO 02/27/10 Misc...

2010-03-30T09:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who helped with this annual event!! Thank you for serving the Lord faithfully! Thank you Lord for laughter, old friends and new ones, for blessing us so much more than we deserve! To God be the glory - great things He has done!

LNO 02/27/10 The Wilton Ladies Choir...

2010-03-30T09:16:00.001-07:00

Special thanks to Sara Whitfield for leading the ladies and to David Whitfield for running the sound!! Ladies - you sounded great!!!!

LNO 02/27/10 The B-Team Angels...

2010-03-30T09:07:00.000-07:00

This was the second time that the B-Team Angels have been to Wilton Baptist Church - they continue to be a blessing to us! We laughed, we cried and we worshipped the Lord - what a wonderful evening!

LNO 02/27/10 The Waiters....

2010-03-30T08:54:00.000-07:00

Special thanks to all the men of Wilton who gave up their Saturday night to serve the ladies!!! They did a wonderful job - we appreciate them so much!!!

LNO 02/27/10 The Ladies...

2010-03-30T08:34:00.000-07:00

LNO 02/27/10 The Tables...

2010-03-29T11:46:00.000-07:00

Below are the tables that were decorated by the Wilton ladies -
they are fabulous!!!!

Ladies Night Out - Feb 27, 2010 Summary

2010-03-29T10:56:00.000-07:00

One of the annual traditions at Wilton Baptist Church is the Ladies Night Out program that is sponsored by our Women's Ministry group. Each year we invite friends, family, co-workers, neighbors etc to join us in a fun filled night of worship and fellowship! We have ladies come from miles and miles to visit with us and enjoy a good meal, awesome worship and testimony. This year was no exception and the night was fabulous! Old friends, new friends, sisters in Christ from different denominations - all ready to have their cups filled with power of the Lord.

This years theme was ONE WORD - each table was decorated with a one word theme and everyone was told that the only word that mattered when the night ended was JESUS!

The Wilton Ladies Choir performed and the BTeam Angels were the guests speakers/performers. Each lady in attendance received a door prize and went home with a tote bag of mission information!

There is so much to post that we will breaking this event into several post so stay tuned...Lots of photos to come!

Living, Loving and Laughing.....

2010-02-18T07:21:00.001-08:00

This past weekend was the annual WBC valentine’s banquet. Everyone who came was treated to a wonderful dinner and great fellowship! The dinner consisted of pork loin, rice, green beans and roll – all excellent!!! The desserts were fabulous (with no calories – haha) with colors of chocolate and red! Once again the chocolate fountain was a hit….nothing like pouring chocolate over bananas, cake, and pineapple – etc…..All the ladies loved it!!!

After dinner, we played a game that will go down in history as the best one for laughter!!! Each person had to write down something that no one else (other than their spouse) knew about them. Michelle Whitfield collected the papers and began to read them aloud one at a time….Our mission was to guess which person the note was about. This is when the real laughter began….Can we say TMI? Oh the things that we found out about each other….just to name a few here goes – we have one person who has no big toenails, a person who can snap their toes, another person who ate her sisters pet frog, another one collects guns, a shopaholic, a foot lover, a flute player in the marching band, a broken arm from falling out of a tree, urinated on floor furnace while sleepwalking, a women who loves all sports, scar on toe shaped like a heart, got locked in an outhouse – these are just to name a few….But perhaps the one that got the most laughs is the revealing of a distinguished member in our church who picked his toenails off and then chews on them….ewwwwww!!!

What a fun night we had of all age’s young adults to senior saints!!! Special thanks to Michelle Whitfield and her staff of young/college career students – they did an excellent job!!!

As you can tell from the title of this post – Wilton Baptist Church does a lot of living (Praise the Lord for Jesus Christ), a lot of loving (check out the photos) and an enormous amount of laughing!! What a joy it is to be a Christian – where we can live, love and laugh all because we are sure of where we are going when we leave this temporary home! If we are living, loving and laughing this much here on earth – I can only imagine the parties in heaven!!! Thank you Lord for your grace and your mercy and for the promise of heaven!!

MAC & CHEESE & JESUS PLEASE!!!!!!!

2010-02-16T09:58:00.000-08:00

Mac & Cheese & Jesus Please!!!! The kickoff is this Sunday Feb 21st - once again this year our Wilton kids are collecting boxes of macaroni and cheese for the SBA food pantry....Our goal is to have 200 boxes there on the 21st and 400 boxes collected by the end of the drive 4 weeks later.....YOU CAN HELP!!! Next time you are at the grocery store - pick up some boxes of Mac & Cheese - it will make you feel good to help others!!! Nothing like a warm bowl of mac and cheese on a cold day!!!!

Praying, Planning and Counting...

2010-02-08T08:11:00.000-08:00

Wilton Youth and College/Careers are buzzing right along with praying, planning and counting.....for their NEW ROOM!!! It has been their request for quite some time now to have a place in the WBC facilities that they can call their own...a warm inviting room where they can fellowship, study, and just hangout! They are on a mission to raise the money for alterations/renovations that need to happen to make some unused space upstairs become functional. Below are pictures of them counting the first deposit from their coin/change drive. Their first deposit was $103.50 and the second one was $107.00 - they collected all of that in one week!!! They are on a mission!!! You can help - save your change and bring it when you come to church - drop it in their jar - they will do the rest!!! Please continue to pray for the youth and the college/careers as they work on this project!

Update from the Youth....

2010-01-19T07:21:00.000-08:00

News from the Youth Group, Just 4 Christ
Hey everyone! Three students attended the Scott Dawson, Strength to Stand Conference in Pigeon Forge, TN over Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend. The theme of the conference was, “Stir the Gift, STIR THE WORLD.” It was based on 2 Timothy 1:6 and spoke volumes.
The students and chaperones were challenged to stir the gift God has given us to effect the world around us. The speakers, Dr. Jay Strack, Jared Herd, David Nasser and Scott Dawson were awesome! We are excited about what God has in store for these students.
At the gospel presentation, it was amazing to watch God work in the lives of not only the students but the adults also. Afterwards we were treated to a concert by Toby Mac. Watching 7,000 students getting crazy for God will do your heart good.
The conference was closed out by Mike Lewis, also known as the Jesus Painter. Mike has an incredible gift that he is using for God’s glory. Are you ready to use your gifts for God?

Cheers for the Children!!!

2009-12-14T07:32:00.000-08:00

Last night (after a long weekend of Night in Bethlehem) the Wilton Baptist children's choir presented their Christmas musical/play in grand fashion! Under the direction of Audrey Carpenter, the children sang and protrayed their various roles to a packed sanctuary! How beautiful it was to hear the story of the birth of Jesus Christ through the children! Jesus loved the little children so very much - we are so proud of the WBC group for all their hard work. Praise the Lord for these children and their families!!

To hear the GOOD NEWS from the mouths of children is music to everyones ears!

Anticipation....

2009-12-01T09:02:00.000-08:00

December is here and that means NIGHT IN BETHLEHEM is fast approaching. This years production promises to be filled with new experiences and memories to last a lifetime. Imagine stepping back in time and experiencing first hand what that special night might have been like. I can see the evil king plotting for his own purposes, the people traveling to their birthplaces to register with the census taker, the busy marketplace,the smell of the bakery, the tax collector bullying a poor woman, the shepherds keeping watch in the field - scared by the angel who brings the Good News,the animals, the innkeeper turning folks away, the stable where Baby Jesus lays wrapped in swaddling clothes with Mary and Joseph watching him sleep....Oh what a night that must have been!!!

Join us - December 11 and 12th for a hands on family experience! Make this part of your Christmas traditions! Open to the public 6:00 - 9:00 pm - FREE

Community Wide Thanksgiving Service...Oh My!!!

2009-11-23T11:45:00.000-08:00

What do you get when you fill a sanctuary with Wilton Bible Baptist, Mount Olive Baptist and Wilton Baptist Church members? You get a visit from the Holy Spirit - Oh my!!!! Oh what a night!!!!! The choir loft was filled to the brim with beautiful voices all under the direction of Wilton's Ron Foster! The WBC youth drama team was flawless - anointed from on high! The Mt Olive singers were fabulous and the crowd was overjoyed with enthusiasm! Austin Foster brought the house down with his special music despite the microphone problems! Bro. Greg delivered the message saying no more and no less that what the Lord wanted him to. THE COMMUNITY OF WILTON WORSHIPPED!!! God was glorified and everyone in attendance was blessed!

In this season of thanksgiving - may we always remember to thank God from whom ALL our blessings flows! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!

Workday Saturday Nov 21st....

2009-11-23T11:42:00.001-08:00

The preparation continues for our annual Night in Bethlehem hands on experience for the whole family. Below are pictures taken this past Saturday morning! I cant tell you enough what a blessing it is to have such dedicated folks working for the Lord! Young and old alike, we enjoyed the day and working in harmony all giving glory to God from whom ALL blessings flow!

Still time to join in the fun - Night in Bethlehem is only two weeks away!!!

Night in Bethlehem preparation

2009-11-17T07:03:00.000-08:00

Below are just a few shots of the work that goes into designing, building, publicising and preparing for our annual Night in Bethlehem production....Thanks to everyone who is helping with this major outreach event. You will be amazed at how it looks on opening night!

This was last Thursday's work night....

The Wilton Church van....gets name tagged

2009-11-17T06:57:00.000-08:00

Well as most you know, Wilton Baptist Church purchased a 15 passenger van last Sept/Oct and we love it!!! It has been on many church functions with the womens, the children, the youth and the men! However, it was a little plain and lacking in the eyecatching department.

That has changed and now the WBC van is lettered both sides and the back - thanks go to our new pastor, Bro. Greg for his excellent work with the lettering. We are so blessed!!!

Choir Rehearsal.. join us!

2009-11-17T06:46:00.000-08:00

Wilton Baptist Church is so very fortunate to have Ron Foster (WZZK Southern Gospel Jubliee on early Sunday mornings) as our minister of music. Ron and Kim and their son Austin all sing beautifully. Austin plays the keyboards at every service jointly with Margie Hatcher our pianist. The music at Wilton is mixture of contemporary praise and worship songs along side the beautiful hymns that we have all grown up with. You have to come hear it to believe it!!!

As you can see from the pictures here -we have a great looking group of choir members with wonderful voices and energy! Join us - we would love to have you. We practice every Sunday afternoon at 5:00. Trust me - you will be blessed by it!!!

We are currently working on our Christmas Cantata which will be performed December 20th, 2009 during the AM worship service....Make your plans to join us!!!

Laughing out Loud....

2009-11-02T11:38:00.000-08:00

Wilton Baptist Church did a lot of laughing out loud this past Saturday afternoon at our annual fall festival....As Proverbs 17:22 says - "A merry hearts does good, like medicine" then laughing was just what the Great Physician had in mind when some of our Wilton members showed up for the festival. The costumes were magnificent - these pictures speak for themselves.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this event a huge success - despite the hard work and the uncertain weather - it was a great day to fellowship, make new friends, share the gospel, eat, play, and enjoy the gift of laughter! We serve an awesome God and we thank him for the gifts that He has blessed us with including the ability to laugh and love all in the name of Jesus!

Fall Festival....this Saturday!!

2009-10-26T10:53:00.000-07:00

Wilton
Baptist Church

Fall Festival
Saturday
October 31st
3:00 PM until 5:00 PM

Hey Kids….Come and climb on
Montevallo’s Big Red Fire Truck
Food, Fun & Fellowship
Games, Costume Contest
Trick or Treating

Contest and Dinner starts at 5:00 pm
Hot Dogs
Costume Contest for kids and adults
Chili Contest
Cheese Toast
Dessert Contest
Prizes will be given!!!

ON HIGHWAY 25 SOUTH
TOWARD WILTON 2 MILES PAST LUCKY’S - ON LEFT
Fun For The Entire Family

Wilton says Goodbye and Thank You....

2009-10-26T05:29:00.000-07:00

On Sunday October 25th, 2009, Wilton Baptist Church said goodbye and thank you to Bro. Matthew Pless, who had been our interim pastor for over a year. Matthew blessed the congregation with a song prior to preaching his final sermon and all of Wilton was blessed. Thank you Bro. Matthew for your faithful service to the Lord - for leading us while we searched for a pastor and for your friendship, your love and your smile! We wish you the very best in your future endeavors and pray God's blessing upon you and your family for years to come! You may never know the impact that you had on Wilton Baptist Church but we will be careful to give God all the glory! Go in peace until we meet again!

WOW takes on Memphis......

2009-10-13T06:34:00.001-07:00

Saw billboard sign on the ladies trip to Memphis that said ‘What happens in Vegas started in Memphis’! Hmmm…. This past weekend the WOW (Women of Wilton) embarked on a journey to Memphis to attend the Living Proof Conference with Beth Moore. Like so many other visitors to Memphis, we had to stop at Graceland – Home of Elvis Presley –the king of rock and roll; the legend, the great talent that died too soon. In dreary rain, we toured the mansion, auto museum and the airplanes. We ate at the Rock n Roll Diner and we shopped. We stood in the memorial gardens at the gravesites and realized how quickly life can leave us even from someone who had every worldly luxury at their fingertips. So much more he could have done for the Lord with his talent….

A fun day led us to the Fed Ex Forum for the conference – Travis Cottrell praise and worship team is like none I have ever seen or heard. The music, the singing, the crowd involvement was electric from beginning to end. Beth Moore taught us on a “Wild God Chase” . Spunky and funny, serious and bold, Beth has a way of teaching that inspires all to go forth and produce good fruit. Time with her goes by too quickly and she always leaves us wanting more. 13,300 women from 32 states – all in that arena because God wanted them there – He had something to say each and every person there….were we ready to listen? Each women walked away from that conference with a different experience yet all left refreshed with a burning desire to share with others the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

As the event closed on Saturday, Travis began the song “Shout to the Lord” - all he sang was the first line; My Jesus, My Savior,Lord, there is none like You;All of my days I want to praise The wonders of Your mighty love; there was no music at all; the 13,000 ladies in the arena sang praises to the Lord and it was beautiful – words just don’t do it justice. I kept thinking that this must be how sweet heaven will sound when all God’s people are rejoicing together for eternity……what a day that will be!

So the theme “What happens in Vegas started in Memphis” now more appropriately could read – “What is happening at Wilton now is the result of revival in Memphis” . Thank you Beth Moore and team for your devotion to the Lord. Thank you ladies for your dedication to Jesus Christ and to Wilton Baptist Church.

PS – this post would not be complete without thanking the two Wilton men that spent the weekend chauffeuring the women around – Randy Johnson and Mike Boudreaux. Our sincere gratitude for your driving skills, your attitudes and your servant hearts. We appreciate you more than you know!

More pictures....

A new chapter begins....

2009-10-12T12:37:00.000-07:00

On Sunday evening October 11, 2009 after a wonderful day of worship at Wilton Baptist Church, we turned the page and began a chapter in our service to the Lord. At the conclusion of the evening services, the votes were tallied and Greg Sellers became the new full time pastor of Wilton Baptist Church! Greg and his family had spent the entire day at WBC starting with Sunday School, preaching the AM service, fellowship luncheon, question and answer session, preaching the PM service and then the vote...Greg accepted the call to be our pastor and we are overwhelmed with joy!

Wilton has a new found sense of excitement - laughter abounds, praise and worship is beyond words - the choir loft is filling up and we welcome more to join; bible study curriculum seem to fit right where we are! As we enter into this chapter, may we pause a moment and give thanks for all the blessings that the Lord has bestowed on us recently - what a roller coaster ride it has been and we give all the glory to the Lord for the past present and future experiences!

The new few weeks will be very busy for WBC as we say goodbye to our interim pastor, ready the parsonage for the Sellers family and work on the upcoming fall mission projects. Therefore,let us go forth in unison - hand in hand -armed with the Bible and the love of Jesus and together we will shine the light into the darkness.

Welcome Greg, Amory, Kelli, Taylor and Carl!!! We look forward to serving the Lord with you!

And all God's people said AMEN!

2009-10-02T06:32:00.000-07:00

TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOREVER AND EVER AMEN!!!

The Next 125 Years.....

2009-10-02T06:31:00.000-07:00

As Bro. Kevin Peters summed it up in the 125th memory book....

The call went out. The answer was returned. A gathering of God’s servants came together in obedience to His command. “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20 NIV) This gathering in 1884 was the start of Wilton Baptist Church. Wilton Baptist Church has survived the turn off two century marks, two World Wars among several other wars. Amid all the calamities and trials of this world, Wilton Baptist Church always remained an anchor point for the community.
Where will Wilton Baptist Church be over the next 25, 50, 100 or 125 years? God alone knows. He orders our footsteps. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declared the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV) As we answer God’s daily call to His service and remain faithful to God’s direction, Wilton Baptist Church will be a beacon of light, reflecting God’s glory to the those in need.
From humble beginnings, Wilton Baptist Church has remained a body of believers standing ready for the trumpet call. The numbers, faces, and personalities may have changed over the years but the goal has remained the same. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV)

Homecoming 2009 - the celebration!!

2009-10-02T06:30:00.000-07:00

Thank you Lord for a BEAUTIFUL day!!! Wilton Baptist Church celebrated Homecoming with a full house of friends, family, guests and fellow believers - all were there for one reason - To give God the glory on this special occasion!

The choir started things off with special rendition of Lighthouse. This was followed by presentations from the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission, the Shelby Baptist Association, the Town of Wilton and the Office of Senator Erwin. WOW - what a morning as we stopped to thank the Lord for all the blessings of the past 125 years.

As the room continued to fill up, our resident calico cat decided to make an appearance down the aisle - guess he/she wanted to hear the GOOD NEWS and join the party!

Uplifted was the featured musical guest and they were a crowd pleaser. Carolyn Monk was the guest pianist - she was fabulous. Wilton's very own Ron and Austin Foster blessed our hearts with a song. Sara Whitfield rocked the house with "David Danced" - she has an awesome voice. Julie Johnson followed and put us in the perfect frame of mind for worship - thanks to all of them - Wilton is so blessed with singing talent!! Kathy Weese played that clarinet the sweetest ever!!!

Bro. Charles Stroud preached the word like he has done many times in the past and God was glorified throughout. The service ended with recognition of the oldest living member - Ms. Ruth Gaddy! Thank you Ms. Gaddy for your service to Wilton Baptist Church!

The dismissal sent everyone to the front steps for the celebration photo then upstairs for the best food and fellowship ever!!! What a day - What a blessing! What a memory!

Homecoming 2009 -Worship!

2009-10-02T06:17:00.000-07:00

Brother Stroud delivered the Homecoming message just the way God planned for it! Thank you Brother Stroud for always being willing to do what the Lord ask of you and for your dedicated tenures at Wilton Baptist Church!

Thank you Carolyn Monk for your piano playing during our Homecoming service - you are a treasure to Wilton Baptist Church!!

Thank you Lord for packing the house!!!!

Homecoming 2009 - the presentations!

2009-10-02T06:16:00.000-07:00

Pat Musselwhite from the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission

Brother Charles Stroud from the Shelby Baptist Association

April Price from the Town of Wilton

Mr. Baker from Senator Hank Erwin's Office

Homecoming 2009 - Ms Ruth Gaddy

2009-10-02T05:11:00.000-07:00

Special hugs and kisses to Ms. Ruth Gaddy (Wilton's oldest living member) who was able to join us on this most wondrous ocassion... Thank you Ms. Gaddy for your many many years of service to the Lord! May God continue to bless you!!!

Homecoming 2009 - the fellowship!

2009-10-01T12:43:00.000-07:00

THE FELLOWSHIP!

Reception day 09.26.09

2009-10-01T12:40:00.001-07:00

The day began with a beautifully decorated fellowship hall with royal blue and white as the primary colors. With a forecast of definite rain, the crowd was small but what a great time we had! Lots of stories were told, good fellowship, new friends made, sharing of memories and making of new ones!! The food was excellent - the memory boards were a hit and the Lord again blessed the efforts of Wilton Baptist Church. The pictures tell it best.....

Another photo of the sign....

2009-09-24T13:19:00.000-07:00

God is so good! God is so good! He is so good to Wilton Baptist Church!

Gearing up for the BIG weekend

2009-09-24T13:10:00.000-07:00

Well everyone - Homecoming weekend is almost here! We are so excited with all the big plans - please join us if you can - great worship, good food and fellowship - who could ask for anything more while we are here on earth?

Don't forget the Homecoming reception is Saturday the 26th from 11:00 - 2:00 in the fellowship hall - come and see some old friends and make some new ones. The anniversary committee has gone over all the final details with a fine tooth comb and is ready to CELEBRATE 125 YEARS IN HIS SERVICE!

Homecoming worship begins promptly at 10:00 am in the sanctuary with Charles Stroud speaking, the musical group - Uplifted - singing, presentation from the Town of Wilton and the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission along with special singing by Austin Foster, Julie Johnson and Sara Whitfield. The guest pianist will be Carolyn Monk. Please make plans to attend!

Immediately following the worship service, everyone in attendance will go to the front steps of the church for the commemorative 125 photo and then upstairs to the fellowship hall for a covered dish luncheon. What a great day it will be in the Lord's house - you don't want to miss it!

WBC Prayer Walk 09.19.09

2009-09-23T11:59:00.000-07:00

Wish I could tell you that the weather cooperated with our plans for the Prayer Walk through the whole town of Wilton but that was not the case. However, a little rain did not stop us for a while - we left the church armed with door knocker invitations and good intentions promising to give God all the glory of the day. As we walked, we prayed over each house that we passed - not knowing the circumstances inside but knowing that our God can sustain or provide whatever they might need. We prayed for their salvation, for their homes, their children, their immediate troubles and we asked the Lord to show us how to minister to them if He desired us to do so.

Despite the rain and soggy weather, we drew closer to the Lord on that Saturday morning and we will count that as a huge success. Thank you Lord for the rain, the blessings of the day, the ability to walk the community and the spirit that we all felt as the morning ended....

The sign is here....

2009-09-22T06:48:00.000-07:00

Here is a work in progress photo from this morning....you will note that the old sign has not been taken down yet but that is happening today provided the weather holds out....Could not wait to show you a photo of the progress though! Take a moment and give the God the glory and thank Him for all our blessings! God has been so good to us! Let us promise to use this sign to as an invititation to all who pass by it assuring them that they are welcome in the house of the Lord.

09.20.09 pm...O What A Night...

2009-09-21T11:16:00.000-07:00

On Sunday evening, one year to the day that he preached his last sermon for Wilton Baptist Church in 2008, Brother Bert Breland returned home to friends and loved ones that welcomed him with hugs and smiles. What a special night it was as he told of how we (Wilton) had helped him and all the while we were thanking him for helping us throughout his interim stay here. Bro. Bert delivered the words from God and we listened intently and was amazed at how quickly the time flew by. Before we knew it, another great day in the house of the Lord was ending and yet we left wanting more! Now that is a wonderful day of worship!!
Thank you Brother Bert & Rene for coming back to worship with us during this 125th anniversary celebration. We will always think of you as family and we appreciate so much the healing we received during your time with us!

09.20.09 am - Hard to find the words

2009-09-21T10:56:00.000-07:00

It is so hard to find the words to describe the blessings we received on Sunday 09.20.09 a.m and p.m. services - "AWESOME" does not seem to do it justice. With eager anticipation, Wilton Baptist Church welcomed home a fast talking, snazzy dressing former pastor by the name of Steve Johnson. He did not disappoint as he preached with the passion that we remember and we love so dearly. After first blessing us with an emotional song, Steve quickly began his sermon with tales of "Wilton time - The Johnson Way". We laughed and laughed. But all of that aside, Steve delivered the words that the Lord gave him and Wilton needed to hear. Thanks Bro. Steve & Charlotte for your dedication to Wilton Baptist Church throughout your time with us. You and your beautiful family were and still are a blessing to us!!!!

09/13/09 the blessings just keep coming...

2009-09-14T08:08:00.000-07:00

The Lord is truly blessing Wilton Baptist Church right now with the messages that He is sending through our former pastors! At the 09.13.09 PM service, all the way from Texas, WBC proudly welcomed home Bro. Marion Corley and his family.

Brother Corley inspired us with a sermon from Matthew Chapter 5,commonly referred to as 'The Beatitudes'. He told of his missionary work in Columbia and of his time at Wilton. His work for the Lord has been remarkable - cant wait to read his book. He so graciously donated copies of his book to the church and even personally signed them for us last night! A few copies of the book is still available if you did not get one. He asked that donations for the book be made to Wilton Baptist Church.

Thank you Brother Corley for you dedication to the Lord and for participating in our 125th celebration!

Another wonderful day at WBC...

2009-09-14T07:51:00.000-07:00

On Sunday morning September 13, 2009, Wilton Baptist Church welcomed home former pastor Dennis Draper who congratulated us on 125 years in His service and also issued us a challenge for the next 125 years - keep preaching the Bible. Plain and simple - the Bible has the answers and as long as WBC remains true to the Bible then we are following God's plan for us. Thank you Bro. Draper for your straightfoward words regarding the times that we are living in now. It was our pleasure to worship with you and your wife! Thank you for your service to God via Wilton Baptist Church!

After singing their hearts out to the Lord...

2009-09-10T06:58:00.000-07:00

these little ones were tuckered out....Sweet dreams!

A few more photos....

2009-09-10T05:46:00.001-07:00

Austin Foster

Margie Hatcher

Are you in the crowd? If not, you should be!!! More exciting things to come as the 125th celebration continues this Sunday 09.13.09

09.06.09 PM Welcomes Scott Bush

2009-09-09T07:40:00.000-07:00

On the eve of Labor day, Dr. Scott Bush returned to Wilton to deliver a message about working in your day to day life as though you were working for the Lord! I, among others, certainly needed that sermon! He also told stories of his tenure at Wilton and laughter rang through the building! Another successful night of the 125th celebration! Leah Wadkins sang the special - WOW what a voice!!! Check out the pictures below.....

09.06.09 The celebration continues.....

2009-09-09T05:40:00.000-07:00

On September 6th, 2009 Wilton welcomed home Sid Cottingham and family. Sid was pastor at Wilton Baptist during the early 1970's. He told stories of his time spent in our neighborhood and brought forth a message from God in a way that only he could deliver. This 125th anniversary celebration series continues to be such a huge blessing to us. Thank you Brother Sid for your time served at Wilton Baptist Church!

08.30.09 PM Singing

2009-09-09T05:29:00.000-07:00

Austin and Ron Foster
Chuck & Sheila Hogge

Walt Williams
Audrey Carpenter

Wilton LOVES to sing....the photos above are some of our finest talent. It is truly a blessing to worship with these folks!

Sunday night - 08/31 KIDS SING......

2009-09-03T06:18:00.000-07:00

The 125th anniversary singing on Sunday night featured Wilton talent and the night would not have been complete without the children's choir! They proudly sang praises to the Lord with all of their hearts....We are so blessed with these youngsters! Thanks Kids!!!!!

Sunday morning Aug 30th am service

2009-08-31T07:10:00.000-07:00

Another wonderful day in the house of the Lord - Thank you Bro. Richard Bryant for your powerful sermon and for participating in our 125th celebration! May God Bless you and your family!

I spy......

2009-08-24T12:05:00.001-07:00

A great looking Sunday morning crowd.....are you in these photos? If not, you should be....join us again next Sunday as the 125th celebration continues!

Sunday evening August 23rd

2009-08-24T08:11:00.000-07:00

Wilton Baptist Church welcomed Rev. Greg Sellers and family for the PM worship service on August 23rd. Greg had spoken at Wilton a couple of years ago - we enjoyed his preaching then and last night also!

We praise the Lord for our time together studying the word of God and also for the fellowship afterwards.

Our sincere appreciation goes out to the Sellers' family for being a part of our
125th anniversay celebration!

Sunday Morning Aug 23rd

2009-08-24T07:33:00.000-07:00

Wilton welcomed home Debbie Martin who blessed us with her beautiful singing voice.

Dr. Eddie Ruddick (former pastor in the 1960's and again in the 1980's) delivered the message by telling bits and pieces of his time at Wilton. He made us laugh, he boldly professed his faith and was a blessing to us all. Thank you Dr. Ruddick for your service to the Lord.

More photos of the 125th kickoff

2009-08-20T12:52:00.001-07:00

Mateo Melendez

2009-08-18T10:31:00.000-07:00

More on the kickoff of the 125th anniversary to come later. For now, sending a special thank you to Mateo Melendez and family for sharing the day with us and blessing us with a message from the word of God.

Oh What a Day!!!!

2009-08-17T11:07:00.000-07:00

Look at that awesome crowd!!!!

Jason & Andy helped kick off the 125th anniversary celebration
on Youth Sunday!

Just a quick update on how the Lord is blessing us

2009-08-12T19:30:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone,

I have just come from the business meeting and decided to write about the blessings that the Lord is bestowing on us right now.. so here goes!

The new sign has been ordered and will be delivered/installed before the finale of the 125th celebration - Special thanks to Building & Grounds Committee for the great job!

The projector has been mounted in the sanctuary ready for power point productions and dvd clips - Special thanks to Jeff Broadhead for all his hard work.

The choir now has microphones installed from the ceiling - soon no more stands in the choir loft.

The new hymnals are ordered and will be here before the celebration is over.

Our former pastors have agreed to come home (so to speak) to help with our celebration.

The building is slowly but surely getting all the honey-do items fixer ups that have been needed for so long - Special thanks to Joyce Sherrer for the painting and to all who worked at the work day recently - what a testimony of fellowship!

The 125th committee is amazing - their endurance and perservance is a sight to behold! Specials thanks to Sheila Hogge for picture taking:Myra Stewart for invitation design and record keeping; Ashley Murdoch for memory book design work; Kelli Slankard for scheduling the former pastors; Kevin Peters for the awesome 125th celebration DVD.

I am sure that I have forgotten something but just look over the list above at all the blessings that we have recieved - what a list just to start! God is SO good all the time - Praise the name of Jesus! To God be the glory!

Schedule of Upcoming Events....

2009-08-04T17:28:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

As promised below is a schedule of upcoming events for the 125th Anniversary of Wilton Baptist....YEAH!!! We have some exciting celebrations planned - you will want to be a part of them!

We will start our celebration with Youth Sunday - August 16th - 11:00 am Mateo Malendez preaching - all former youth are encouraged to attend - immediately following morning worship fellowship luncheon upstairs - members to provide sides and desserts - church will provide main course!!

Youth Sunday will continue for the evening worship on August 16th - 6:00 pm when our youth will give testimonies of the Give Kids The World trip and we will be hosting Friendship Baptist Church who traveled with them on this summers trip. Immediately following evening worship - ICE CREAM SOCIAL - upstairs!! Members to provide toppings - church will provide ice cream.

Our former pastors will be returning to preach for the next few weeks as we continue our celebration - below is the schedule as of today

Sunday Aug 23rd - Eddie Ruddick preaching AM service
Sunday Aug 30th - Richard Bryant preaching AM service
Sunday Sept 6th - Sidney Cottingham preaching AM service
Scott Bush preaching PM service
Sunday Sept 13th- Dennis Draper preaching AM service
Marion Corley preaching PM service
Sunday Sept 20th- Steve Johnson preaching AM service
Sunday Sept 27th HOMECOMING - Charles Stroud preaching AM service
We will not have PM services on the 27th.

Prayer walk will be Saturday Sept 19th at 10:00 am - more details to come under seperate post.

Also a few other things to mention - Our 125th anniversary reception is Saturday Sept 26th at the fellowship hall from 11-2.

All former and current members, youth, friends, families are invited to attend any and all activities.

A few important notes on the 125th

2009-07-27T18:22:00.000-07:00

The "Save the Date" magnets are in - if you have someone that you specifically want one sent to - please let Laurel Burns knows.

The 125th T-shirt order is being placed on the 31st - order yours today. You will want one of these in your tshirt collection.

Don't forget to get your picture made for the memory book - Sheila Hogge is taking pictures again this week - contact her if you need yours made.

Stay tuned for latest info - lots of great things happening at Wilton....TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!!!

Anniversary pictures....IMPORTANT

2009-07-21T07:10:00.000-07:00

Hello WBC,

Please do not forget that we need your photo taken for the 125th Anniversary book - Ms. Sheila will be taking pictures this Wednesday night the 22nd and also on Sunday the 26th.... WE NEED YOU - there is nothing to buy - no sales pitch to endure - just sit for a minute and let us take your photo. We are making beautiful memories this year - please be a part of it!

All smiles for the Lord - there is nothing better than that!!!!

Wilton Kids- Mac& Cheese & Jesus Please...

2009-07-17T10:07:00.000-07:00

Thought it might be a good idea to share some of our kids with you. Wilton Baptist Church is blessed with children. The pictures above is of their most recent mission project back in Feb 2009 - Mac & Cheese & Jesus Please! The children collected 278 boxes of macaroni and cheese for the Shelby Baptist Association food pantry...WOW! How inspiring it was to see the children praying for the families that will be receiving the mac & cheese.

Events this weekend July 18-19

2009-07-16T11:21:00.001-07:00

Everyone,

A quick update on the events of the weekend....

Yard Sale - Saturday 8am til Noon - lots of bargains priced to sell - proceeds going to debt retirement... Come, browse, buy - I understand that there is going to be a kool-aid stand - you dont want to miss that!

Sunday morning services - the best day of the week start with Sunday School at 10:00 am followed by worship at 1l:00 am. You dont want to miss the special performance by Austin this week - amazing! Ron Foster will be leading the worship and Matthew Pless will bring the Lord's message to us! Join us for a powerful time in the Lord's house!

Sunday evening starts with choir practice at 5:00 - if you have ever thought about singing in the choir - now is the time - great fellowship time and worship abounds! Evening worship starts at 6:00 pm - you dont want to miss it!

Wilton is a happening place right now - make sure you are a part of it!!

125 Anniversary Verse

2009-07-13T15:54:00.000-07:00

"Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be shaken but endures forever."
Psalm 125 verse 1

Welcome!!

2009-07-13T12:48:00.000-07:00

Hello and Welcome to Wilton Baptist Church's blog. We are glad that you stopped by! We are getting ready for a celebration - A BIG CELEBRATION - and wanted to share some of the stories, events, photos, thoughts with you!

We are celebrating 125 years in HIS service this year! 1884-2009. We will be posting details for the next few months regarding upcoming events and sharing memories of wonderful times. The Lord has truly blessed us - we all have a story to tell! As we begin to prepare for the celebration - let us take a moment and give honor and glory to the most powerful name on earth - Our Lord and Savior - Jesus Christ!

Father, we thank you for all the blessings You have bestowed on us over the last 125 years but most of all we thank You for sending Your Son to die on the cross to save us from sin so that we might have eternal life with You. In His precious name - Amen.