By Sam WallerMothers Day Out childcare program begins its new year Friday, Sept. 8 with a full enrollment.Director Meg Walser, who previously served as a teacher for several years, said 20 children ages 1 to 5 will meet 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

By Sam WallerFirst 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.

By Sam WallerThe 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.

By Sam WallerDakota 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.

By Sam WallerTwo 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.

By Sam WallerFriendship 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.

By Sam WallerAbout 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.

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.

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 RodriguezHeidee & Stan LailBrenda Kidd

By Sam WallerFirst Baptist Church of Albany is gearing up for a string of summer children’s programs that will extend into August.Preteen MinistryA Preteen Ministry started Wednesday, May 3 for students who are finishing sixth grade.The program will be held 5:30-7:15 p.m.