MHBC "Together"

May this new year be marked by God’s presence, steady faith, growing love, and joyful service.

May we walk together, trusting God one step at a time.

Jan 7 - Chancel Choir Resumes

Jan 11 - Second Sunday Meal

Jan 13 - Children's Choir Resumes

Jan 14 - Handbell Choir Resumes

Feb 8 - Game Day with Special Friends

Karen Blevins is a retired educator from Madison County Schools and currently serves as Chair of the Madison County Board of Education. She well knows the school staff and families of Madison County to help coordinate this project. Karen begins months ahead to prepare for this project. Jennifer Miller Rice is a teacher in Madison County Schools and does a fantastic job behind the scenes organizing and ensuring that each family has what they need and ask for. Nancy Fosson is retired from Mars Hill College/University and adds her compassionate spirit and dedication to make a better Christmas for so many families.

The commitment of these ladies to serving our community with kindness and generosity is truly inspiring and we are thankful for their leadership with this amazing project. These ladies are truly the "heart and soul" of this project. Their leadership truly embodies the spirit of Christmas!

A special thanks to Stephanie Cody for assisting with the project this year.

This Christmas season marks a significant milestone for Operation Santa, a beloved community initiative that has been spreading joy and hope in Madison County for 30 years. This year, thanks to the generosity and support of church members, local donors, volunteers, and organizations, the project was able to sponsor 170 children from 55 families, ensuring they experienced the magic of Christmas.

Since its inception, Operation Santa has provided Christmas gifts and essential items to children in need, making sure that no family has to go without during the holiday season. Over the years, the project has grown, but its mission has remained the same: to bring light and love to families facing difficult circumstances.

Congratulations to these members who have been elected as Deacons, beginning a three year period of service in February 2026. We look forward to their service and leadership. We will have an ordination service in February.

1. Tim Clifton
2. Brian Coomer
3. Jesse Scott
4. Treva Scott
5. Becky Tucker
6. Austin Wyatt

Dear Church Family,

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to each of you for the generous monetary gift presented to the church staff during the Christmas Eve service. Your kindness and thoughtfulness mean more to us than we can fully express.

Your generosity is a powerful reminder of the love, care, and encouragement that define this congregation. It is a joy and an honor to serve alongside such a faithful and caring church family. Thank you for blessing us so generously and for the many ways you support and uplift our staff throughout the year.

With sincere appreciation,
The Church Staff

Epiphany is a season in the Christian calendar that begins on January 6 and celebrates the moment when the light of Christ was revealed to the world. It remembers the visit of the Wise Men to the Christ child and reminds us that Jesus came not just for a few, but for all people.

As we begin a new year, Epiphany invites us to look for God’s light in new places, to listen for God’s guidance, and to follow Christ wherever He leads. It is a season of discovery, growth, and renewed purpose as we continue our journey of faith together.

Scripture: “We have seen his star in the east and have come to worship him.” — Matthew 2:2

• Congratulations to Grace Kanarr, (Bob Zink's granddaughter), who graduated from Mars Hill University with a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice.
• Congratulations to Haley Wallin, she graduated from Lees McCrae with a BS in Criminal Justice.

Stay warm and show your church pride! Hoodies and sweatshirts are now available for just $20 each. Cozy up and represent our church!

Tori Smith will be taking orders each Sunday morning or you can call the church office. See the products below, Tori is wearing the sweatshirt, Earl and Nicholas are in hoodies.

In looking back through church archives, the Board of Finance presented the following amounts in the proposed 1961 church budget. These proposed numbers were approved for that year's budget. This does not include all budget items, just some to note.

• Minister's Salary - $5,000
• Minister's Car Expense - $750
• Associate Minister of Education's Salary - $4,000
• Minister of Music's Salary - $1,100
• Organist - $10 per Sunday
• Church Secretary's Salary - $2,700
• Sexton's Salary - $2,050
• Christian Education Materials/Supplies - $1,725
• Lord's Supper Materials - $10
• Seed and Fertilizer for lawn - $50
• Floral Designs for Funerals - $50
• Weekly Budget Requirement - $915

In looking through 1995 "Together" newsletters, this information was found.

• The February 1995 Sunday School Attendance Report shared that 81 people had 100% attendance in Sunday School. This was spread out over 16 different Sunday School classes.

• June 2, 1995 - A telephone answering machine has been installed in the church office on line 689-2911. The machine will answer after four rings.

• August 18, 1995 - We rejoice that Tommy Justus has accepted the call as pastor of our church, and we look forward to Tommy, Tanya, and family being a part of us. Pray for them as they begin cutting ties in Charlotte and turning their thoughts toward Mars Hill.

Enjoy this reflection by our own church member, Wanda Kidd, on the joy and community found in the church Christmas pageant — from crooked halos to fellowship hall parties.

Click here for the article, published in GoodFaith Magazine.

Key Scriptures:

• Isaiah 43:18–19

• 2 Corinthians 5:17

Focus: God’s work of renewal and fresh starts.
Reflection angle: A new year isn’t just about resolutions—it’s about trusting God to make us new.
Faith in Action:

• Encourage yourself, and others, to pray daily, asking God what He is renewing in your life.

• Write down one habit you would want to surrender and one spiritual practice you want to grow.

2 - Lindsay Froman Gribble

6 - Rachel Hoffman

6 - Emily Murray

6 - Glenn Tucker

7 - Reese Steen

9 - Pat Smith

10 - Nancy Fosson

10 - Augusta Gladding

10 - Alex Wallin

12 - Laura Beth Murray

14 - Brady McDevitt

15 - Sarah Griffin

16 - Gary Webb

17 - Bruce Anderson

18 - Isaac Coomer

18 - Jennifer Shelley

19 - Sharon Howell Welsch

20 - Phil Briggs

21- Elaine Thomas

21- Noah Vaught

21 - Ronnie Wallin

1 - Sandy Smith

5 - Jonathan McDevitt

9 - Bristol Briggs

9 - Tom Smithwick

13 - Stephen McConnell

15 - Dan Kidd

17 - Jeff Russell

18 - Joel Dempsey

19 - Ellen Coomer

21 - Jennifer Miller Rice

24 - Jimmie Durham

26 - Bruce Frost

Mars Hill Manor

• Eloise and Glenn Howell
• Elizabeth Narron
• Frances Powell
• Mary Ruth Roberts
• Peggy Thomas

Madison Health and Rehabilitation

• Beverly Lunsford
• Lila Nikla

Elderberry Health Care

• Vickie Allen

Click here for the daily devotional experience.

d365 is a daily devotion written for youth and adults. The devotion follows a five-step format – Pause, Listen, Think, Pray, Go.

• The Pause step remains the same all week and is designed as a centering tool as you begin the devotion.
• The Listen step is the scripture passage for the day, using the Common English Bible translation.
• The Think step is the devotional thought by the week’s writer.
• The Pray step is the start of a prayer that you can expand into your own conversation with God.
• The Go step is a call to action – launching you from this moment toward acting on what you have heard.

If you have information, ideas or topics you would like to see in future editions of "The Together," please email newsletter@marshillbc.org or let Nicholas Honeycutt know.

• Board of Church Music and Worship - Denise Dellinger
• Board of Deacons - Isaac Justus
• Board of Finance - Becky Tucker
• Board of Missions - Wanda Kidd
• Board of Trustees - Bruce Murray
• Church Council Chair - Nicholas Honeycutt

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