LEADERS Steven D. Flippo began serving June 12 as the new director of missions for the Lawrence County Association of Baptists. He previously was pastor of congregational care at Highland Park Baptist Church in Muscle Shoals, Ala. He also served as a missionary with the Southern Baptist International Mission Board in South Africa for nine years. Flippo holds degrees from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, Cordova, and Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee,

CHURCHES Harmony Baptist Church, Stanton, near Brownsville, held revival services April 23-26. One person made a profession of faith. Speakers included Ron Davidson, Dale Denning, David Worley, Danny Sinquefield, and Todd Brady. Every Sunday School class and department of Meridian Baptist Church, Knoxville, has been challenged to hold an “An Outreach of Love” during April and May. These efforts can be acts of kindness or the distribution of Bibles or

LEADERS Joe Shannon, associate director of missions, Judson, Stewart, and Truett Baptist Associations, based in Dover and Bon Aqua, for 11 years, and pastor, Pomona Baptist Church, Dickson, for two years, was named director of missions Feb. 1. William Gray, director of missions for 30 years, was named associate director of missions. He is pastor, Bear Spring Baptist Church, Dover. Shannon also was pastor of Grace Baptist Church, Dover.

CHURCHES Brace Baptist Church, Summertown, celebrated its 100th anniversary celebration on April 9. A luncheon followed the morning worship service and then an Easter egg hunt for children was held. West Hills Baptist Church, Jonesborough, is offering a Grow-Your-Own Community Garden with raised beds assigned to families who agree to volunteer in three events. For more information contact Pastor Daniel Shrader at 252-916-6813 or [email protected]. Westwood Baptist Church, Nashville, is

LEADERS Michael W. Morgan, worship pastor, Indian Springs Baptist Church, Kingsport, for 38 years, will retire April 30. During his tenure, he also was worship and youth pastor for 24 years. Morgan and his wife, Brenda, will be honored on Saturday-Sunday, April 29-30, at the church. For more information, contact the church at 423-323-2187 or [email protected]. Patrick Bottoms has been called as pastor, East Side Baptist Church, Elizabethton. Mike Garrett

SCHOOLS For the fourth year in a row, Carson-Newman University’s forensics team won the Tennessee Intercollegiate Forensics Association state championship. Capturing the university’s ninth state championship in 11 years, the Carson-Newman team placed first with a total of 325 points, while the team from Middle Tennessee State placed second with 165 points. Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, based in Cordova, and Crossroads Baptist Church, Eads, will present the passion play, “The

LEADERS Mike Thrower, director of missions, Beech River Baptist Association, based in Lexington, retired Jan. 31 after serving almost 15 years. He has be en called as minister to senior adults and of pastoral care, First Baptist Church, Lexington. Formerly he was pastor, Brunswick Baptist Church, Brunswick, for 20 years; and pastor of two churches in Mississippi for six years. Thrower is a graduate of New Orleans (La.) Baptist Theological

CHURCHES New Market Baptist Church, New Market, will hold its 20th annual “Trail to the Empty Tomb.” About 650 people viewed the presentation last year on two nights. One night was rained out. This year the outdoor dramatic presentation will be offered Thursday – Saturday, April 13-15, from 8-9:30 p.m. For more information, contact Becky Finley at 865-850-6313 or [email protected]. Trinity Baptist Church, Knoxville, will hold revival services March 19-22.