“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17).
At BBC, our programs for children, youth, adults, and seniors are more than just activities, they are opportunities to honor God through worship and praise, share the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, grow in our faith through Bible study, prayer, and service, and encourage one another through fellowship. Everyone is welcome to participate.
Youth
The Children and Youth Programs offer event for young people to enjoy Christian fellowship or participate in a service project. Our goal for our children's and youth programs at BBC is to stand side by side with parents to help our children and youth grow closer to God every day and mature into effective and well-equipped witnesses for Christ. Past activities have included hayrides to Sugarloaf Mountain, bowling, swim parties, making sandwiches for the homeless, and roasting hot dogs and making s’mores around a bonfire. Children and youth activities are open to everyone of any age.
For younger children specifically, we offer Sunday School classes and a children’s story during the Sunday service followed by Children’s Church so that they become familiar with the truths of the Bible and God’s love for them. As they attend monthly youth activities and Vacation Bible School in the summer, our goal is that our children experience Christian fellowship and community so that they will, in God’s time, have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. As they continue to grow up, we plan to offer our youth many opportunities to share God’s love with others through missions trips, service activities at local shelters, and by attending state-level youth events.
Our older youth have sought out and created opportunities for Christian ministry on their own, and we are glad to support them in those endeavors. When our youth go on a missions trip to Honduras, organize their classmates to contribute Christmas gifts for poor children overseas, or lead an effort to collect 150 coats for the local homeless shelter, we rejoice that they are stepping up to be the next generation of Christian leaders.
Baptist Men
Men’s ministry at BBC is accomplished through the Baptist Men, who join together for fellowship, Bible study, and service. The Baptist Men sponsor the annual Pig Pickin’ and Chili Cook-Off, turn out for church clean-up days in the spring and fall, and distribute Christmas presents to children. Each January--if there isn’t a snow delay--on Baptist Men’s Day the men cook breakfast and lead worship as the MOB: Men of Barnesville choir. The Baptist Men meet monthly for breakfast on the third Saturday of the month at 7:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
The men of BBC use their talents to help seniors and others in need with home improvements, cutting grass, and plowing snow. Special activities just for men have included a Beast Feast, fishing on the Chesapeake Bay, and special men’s Sunday School classes. Our goals for expanding men’s ministry at BBC include strengthening the bonds of brotherhood, searching out opportunities for missions and service, and discipling men to grow in their roles as spiritual leaders and mentors in their families and communities.
Seniors
Barnesville’s senior members are active participants and leaders in every facet of our ministries and programs. You will find them singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, and delivering groceries to those in need. We look to our seniors as mentors who pass on wisdom and experience from lifetimes of following Christ. Special events just for them include a Love Our Seniors lunch near Valentine’s Day and a summer luncheon in July. For those who can’t make it out to services, we make sure they remain a regular part of our church family by reaching out with home visits and trips to local nursing homes to offer fellowship and communion service.
On the third Sunday of the month, we hold afternoon services at the Spring Arbor of Frederick nursing home. The seniors there enjoy singing classic hymns with us as well as a time of encouragement from the Bible, prayer, and communion.