By Sam Waller

First Baptist Church will begin its Jesus and Me (JAM) program for children in kindergarten through sixth grade on Wednesday, Sept. 6.

Parents can register their children by using a QR code that can be found on Page 2A of this week’s edition of The Albany News.

JAM will meet 5:30-7:30 p.m. each Wednesday that school is in session.

Two programs for children and youth will begin Sunday, Sept. 10.

Albany Children’s Choir, under the direction of Lacey Anderson and Rachel Williams, will hold its first practice 4:30-5:30 p.m.

By Sam Waller

The Feed Store will conduct its first Fifth Quarter gathering for local youth following the conclusion of the Albany Lions’ home opener Friday, Sept. 1.

The postgame events are sponsored by the Albany Ministerial Alliance and are open to all junior high and high school students. The gatherings will run from the end of each game until 11:00 p.m.

“Everything’s the same as last year,” Feed Store executive director Tisha Wilkins said. “Junior high and high school students will meet at The Feed Store until 11:00.”

By Sam Waller

Dakota Irwin will join Friendship Baptist Church as its new youth minister Wednesday, Sept. 6, as the church holds its Back to School Bash.

Irwin, who grew up at Ranger, is a student at Tarleton State University and has a ministry at Solid Rock.

“After he graduated from high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and served on a submarine,” Friendship pastor Paul Johnston said.

By Sam Waller

Two programs designed for local women are scheduled to start in September.

Thursday, Sept. 14 will be the first session of the Ladies Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). The group will meet 9:00-10:00 a.m. on Thursdays through May at The Feed Store.

The theme will be “John’s Gospel: The Truth.”

BSF is an international, interdenominational in-depth study of God’s word, chapter by chapter.

For information, contact Ashley Moon at 325-370-4484.

By Sam Waller

Friendship Baptist Church will kick off its youth and children’s ministry Wednesday, Sept. 6 with a Back To School Bash.

The event is planned for 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., according to Tanya Petree, one of the coordinators. Local parents can bring their children age 4 and up to register for Friendship Kids and enjoy Coke floats.

“We’re going to have a blowup water slide,” Petree said, “so be sure to have your kids dress appropriately.”

By Sam Waller

About 55 to 60 Albany High School juniors and seniors attended the first weekly luncheon Tuesday, Aug. 22 at The Feed Store.

Feed Store executive director Tisha Wilkins said the total exceeded expectations.

“I had 45 plates set out, and I had to go get my extra stash,” she said.

The number surpassed the attendance for last year’s initial gathering.

With heartfelt gratitude and thankfulness, we appreciate the support we lovingly received from each and every one through prayer, visits, friendships, phone calls, cards, meals, flowers, smiles, hugs, and attendance in celebrating the life of our beloved Maxine Moore. A special thank you to the staff and friends at Shackelford County Health Clinic, CenterWell Home Care, and Solaris Hospice Care. Blessings to each one of you.

Family of Maxine Moore

We would like to say thank you for all the calls, cards, and texts. The overwhelming support from the community is appreciated.

From the family of Justin Rodriguez (JRod)

James Rodriguez

Heidee & Stan Lail

Brenda Kidd

By Sam Waller

First Baptist Church of Albany is gearing up for a string of summer children’s programs that will extend into August.

Preteen Ministry

A Preteen Ministry started Wednesday, May 3 for students who are finishing sixth grade.

The program will be held 5:30-7:15 p.m. each Wednesday in the Fellowship Hall.

Children’s Choir

A community children’s choir will begin meeting 5:00-6:15 p.m. Wednesdays starting June 7 in the FBC Children’s Big Room.

By Sam Waller

The Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ Weekend of Champions girls camp drew more than 150 participants to Solid Rock Camp at Eastland on Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 4-5.

A total of 108 girls from eighth through 12th grade and 44 adult volunteers participated in the program.

“It went really well,” local FCA representative Paul Johnston, who oversaw the weekend event, said. “We had over 150 people out there – girls and adult women. It was tremendously impactful.”