Merry Christmas!!!!

We, at Gibsontown Ministries, would like to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas!!!  This Christmas may our joy be found in Christ, the giver of true hope, peace, comfort and love.  Praying we will each experience Him in His fullness as Christ the King and Savior. 

Rummage Sale

Items that were left from the Bazaar a few weeks ago will be available for sale as part of a  rummage sale Friday, December 6th from 8 am - 2 pm and Saturday, December 7th from 8 am - noon at 990 Wilcox Court, Kingsport (Wilcox Drive to Wilcox Court then follow signs to building #5).  Various handcrafted items including pillow cases, dish clothes, scarves, Christmas decorations and more.    Other items will also be for sale but proceeds from those items will not benefit Gibsontown Ministries. GTM will receive 100% of the proceeds from the items left from the Bazaar.  Some friends of the ministry are allowing us to set up during their rummage sale.   Come do some Christmas shopping!!!

CHRISTMAS DINNER

Gibsontown Ministries

Annual Christmas Dinner

Thursday, December 12

5:00 PM

Everyone Welcome!

We had a change of plans and didn't go to the farmers market today.  We hope to have a booth set up very soon with Christmas decorations.  We had some people volunteer to make some additional items and will allow them time to finish their items.

THANK YOU... THANK YOU... THANK YOU!!!!!!

We are so very grateful for the generosity of so many people who helped to make our Autumn Splendor Breakfast and Bazaar a huge success!!  We sold  lots of beautifully handcrafted items, art, Christmas decorations, toys, furniture, delicious baked goods and on and on.  A huge thank you to First Baptist Church for blessing Gibsontown Ministries with your support of this event!  Thanks for the use of your wonder facility!  We estimate that we feed around 60 people at the breakfast and many others came just to shop.  Thanks to Kohl's Department Store employees who volunteered their time to help! This allow us to meet the requirements to receive a $500 grant from Kohl's for Kids program.   We also made some new friends and had a wonderful time of fellowship.  

We believe that when given the opportunity one ministry should help another, so following the bazaar we donated some items to Habitat for Humanity for the resale store.  Other items such as Christmas decorations, we plan to have at the farmers market next Saturday.  Some items such as kids clothes and toys were taken to Gibsontown Ministries to be made available to those that participate in the ministry.

God just keeps on blessing and blessing!  Praise His name!!

  

Autumn Splendor Breakfast & Bazaar - Saturday, November 2

We hope you are making plans to join us Saturday at the breakfast and bazaar.  We have some very nice items!!  Remember breakfast is 9:30 - 11:00 am and the bazaar continues until 1:30 pm.  Bring your entire family. Some have asked a little more directions to 441 Clay Street.  Hope the map below helps.

Autumn Splendor Bazaar and Breakfast

Our Autumn Splendor Bazaar and Breakfast will be this Saturday, 9:30 am - 1:30 pm!!  We are receiving lots of nice things for the Bazaar.  Lots of toys, holiday decorations, handcrafted items, art, baked goods and more. You can see a few pictures on the "A few of my favorite things" page.  If you plan to come to the breakfast, please purchase your tickets from a GTM board member by Wednesday, Adult/$5 and Children/$2.50.  Breakfast will be served 9:30 - 11:00 am.  Please remember this is Gibsontown Ministries main fundraiser for 2013.  

Fall Festival at GTM

Get your tickets NOW.....

AUTUMN SPLENDOR

Fall is in the air.... well almost.  It will not be long until we see the leaves start to change and the mid-day air is filled with a little nip rather than a little drip.  At Gibsontown Ministries we are working hard on the events we have scheduled between now and the end of the year.

We are seeing an increase in the number of people attending the Thursday Bible Studies.  Not only are more people coming but the class discussions about the lessons have been so good.  It is exciting to see people get excited about studying God's word.

This ministry is dependent first upon the Lord to supply our needs.  He does that through  in-kind and monetary donations from churches and individuals.  He has blessed the ministry in so many ways.  It will soon be time for our main fundraiser of 2013. First Baptist Church has made their counseling center at 441 Clay Street available to us on Saturday, November 2nd.  We will be having a country breakfast and bazaar with the theme "Autumn Splendor".  This event is being coordinated by Mrs. Betty Iverson.

 

You and/or your church can help by donating items for the bazaar. The following list will give you an idea of the types of items we would like to make available:

      - crafts

- jewelry

- art

- toys

- wreaths

- handmade items

- knitted items

- canned goods

- potted plants

- baked goods

- Fall & Christmas decorations

 

Doesn't matter big or small. We are accepting nice handcraft items of various nature. Think about it. Pray about it.  Donated items should be new or gently used and clean. Also, monetary dontations to help cover the cost of the breakfast will be accepted.  Let us know if you have something you would like to donate.

Save the date and note the time....  The time of the bazaar will be 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM with breakfast  served between 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM. The cost for breakfast will be $5.00 for adults, $2.50 for children between 6 and 12 years and no cost for for those 5 years and under. Advance tickets for the breakfast will go on sale in early October.  Plan to bring your entire family and all of your friends.
 

I hope you will prayerfully consider partnering with us in this event.  Not only will it help the ministry financially but I believe it will be a great opportunity for fellowship and outreach.  If you have any questions, please contact me.

 

In Christ,

Wayne Sherfey
President, Gibsontown Ministries
Email:  gibsontownministries@gmail.com

 

August at Gibsontown Ministries

Sewing classes and Thursday Bible Study have started back.  Attendance at the Bible study classes  has been very very good and we are seeing new faces!

Thursday mornings at 11:00 am Cindy Eldridge is leading a study of the book of Acts, "A Walk with Paul, A Walk to Remember."  This is a study she wrote.  She is so excited to be back teaching after taking a few weeks off. 

 

Wayne Sherfey is also glad to be back teaching the Thursday evening classes.  Join him at 5:00 pm for a challenging in-depth look at the Bible. 

 

Plans are in full swing for our Fall Fundraiser on Saturday, November 2nd at First Baptist Church building on Clay Street in Kingsport.  This will be our main fundraiser of 2012.  We are looking for artisans and craftsmen to donate handmade items, art, needlework, candles, flower arrangements, canned jams, jellies, pickles, relishes, homemade breads, cakes, holiday decorations, apples, pumpkins, etc.  Do you or someone you know make something that you would gladly donate to this fundraiser to help us raise much needed funds for the ministry??   If so, please contact us at gibsontownministries@gmail.com.

 

Also, as part of this fundraiser there will be a brunch.  Tickets will be on sell soon.  We are looking for a representative in each church to be our ticket master for that church. Would you help promote it and pre-sell tickets?  Let us know if you are willing to do that.  Watch this spot for more information about how to get your tickets. 

 

We are always looking for volunteers to serve in some way at Gibsontown Ministries.  Right now we have a need for additional child care workers on Thursdays at 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM.  The older children have a Bible study lesson at 5:00 PM and volunteers are needed to assist in that area too. 

 

We are just praising God for how He continues to use us to build relationships to point others to Him and for the lives that are being changed for His glory! 

School Supplies ~ Rummage Sale ~ Shoes & Socks ~ Sewing ~ Bible Study

The last two weeks and this week have been the busiest weeks of the year at Gibsontown Ministries!  It all starting off with VBS, July 22 - 25 conducted by First Baptist Church at GTM. They had a great week and had 35 enrolled.  

Last week 271 students received grade appropriate school supplies. Our friends at First Baptist Church coordinate the school supplies drive and distribution.  I believe the number receiving supplies is up by about 20 over last year.  

Saturday, we had a rummage sale for the community and sold many items for under $1.00, most were only $.25.  Many of you donated items  to be placed in the sale and we are so thankful!  You helped raise $250 for the ministry but more importantly, several parents got to do a little shopping for their kids to having something new (to them) to wear to school.  During the Rummage Sale Neal Hartley, singer/song writer who also moonlights as Youth Minister at West Colonial Hills Baptist Church gave a concert.  Tony Ellis, Children's Minister at West Colonial Hills Baptist Church delighted the kids with balloon animals while Amy Hartley and the youth provided games. The left over clothes are being picked up tomorrow by Orebank Baptist Church to be placed in their clothing give away.  Other items are being given to other ministries.  It is good for one  ministry to help another. We share a common goal, to sharing Christ with a lost world.  

Over the last month Indian Springs Baptist has collected over 100 pairs of used and some new shoes and new socks that are being given to the kids starting today.  We have had 60 kids preregister to receive a pair of shoes.

We greatly appreciate our partnering churches and individuals! You are helping to put smiles on the faces of others and allowing us to show the love of Jesus to them. 

Sewing class started back this evening at 5:30 pm.  Bible Study starts back on Thursday at 11:00 am and 5:00 pm.  These classes are open to everyone!

Thank you!  Thank you! Thank YOU!!  Just doesn't really express our gratitude to the many volunteers and contributors to Gibsontown Ministries that are helping to give a hand up to many in the Gibsontown & Cloud Apartment area. May the Lord bless you beyond your wildest dream! 

God is working in and through Gibsontown Ministries!

God is working in and through Gibsontown Ministries!  We are humbled to be used by Him to help supply basic needs as we also share about Christ and how He is the answer, the way, the truth, and the life.

First Baptist Church held VBS at Gibsontown Ministries last week.  The Bible school went very well. We didn't have any professions, but the children were good listeners during story time. The Kindergarten class memorized John 3:16, and recited it at the Thursday evening closing time. We had about 35 enrolled with an average of 24 children daily. Some of that 35 where mothers, and two teens, and four PK. Total enrollment including workers = 60.  To God be the glory!
SCHOOL SUPPLIES DISTRIBUTION:  Monday various churches brought school supplies to First Baptist Church which were packaged in grade appropriate bags.  First Baptist then delivered them to Gibsontown Ministries for distribution on Friday.  We had approximately 220 children pre-register to receive supplies.  Those that pre-registered will be picking up their supplies Friday morning.  Friday afternoon at 1:00 pm the supplies that are left will be available for those that did not pre-register or failed to pick them up. 

RUMMAGE SALE:  If you have children's items such as clothes, toys, etc. or household items you would like to donate for the sale, please take them to Gibsontown Ministries  Friday afternoon 1:00 - 3:00 pm. We are needing more items!! Check out the Rummage Sale tab for a price list.  Pre-pricing is greatly appreciated by our Board of Directors!!  Saturday is the big sale day!  We will be open for business from 7:30 am - noon.  We will have an added treat during the Rummage Sale.  Neal Hartley, Youth Minister at West Colonial Hills Baptist Church will be doing a concert and the youth ministry will have games for the kids. 

August 5 - 8 shoes and socks will be distributed to the 60 kids that pre-registered to receive a pair.  The following week shoes will be available on a first come basis as sizes allow for those that did not pre-register.

Sewing class will start back on Monday, August 5 at 5:00 pm.

Thursday Bible Studies will start back August 8th, 11:00 am and 5:00 pm.  Those attending the Bible studies  are offered a limited supply of diapers or toilet paper.  Baby wipes are available from time to time.

Thank you so much for your prayerful support of Gibsontown Ministries! 

Busy next few weeks!!!!

Summer is going by way to fast!  Next week First Baptist Church will be having VBS at Gibsontown Ministries at 6:00 pm each evening.  They have lots of exciting things planned for the week.  I know everyone will have a great time learning about Jesus.

Monday, July 29th will the collection day for school supplies at First Baptist Church.  School supplies will be bagged appropriately by grade and taken to Gibsontown Ministries for distribution on Friday.  Last year over 250 students received a bag of supplies to start the school year with.  Several area churches help with this and we are so grateful for everyone's efforts!  We want to thank each church in advance for helping with this project!  Thank you First Baptist Church for everything you do through Gibsontown Ministries! 

Also on Friday, August 2nd we will be receiving donated items for our Rummage Sale on Saturday, August 3.  This will be our Back to School Rummage Sale for the community offering mostly children's items.  Items will be priced low for the community.  Check out the Rummage Sale tab for more information.

The first full week of August we will be distribution shoes and new socks to kids in the Gibsontown Community who have pre-registered.  This is being sponsored by Indian Springs Baptist Women's Ministry.  Last year over 75 pairs of new and gently used shoes and new socks were given away.  Thank you Indian Springs Baptist for you continued support of this ministry!

Thursday, August 8 Bible study classes will start back up also known as Diapers and Devotions.  The classes are at 11:00 am and 5:00 pm.  I know some Bible study teachers that are ready to get back to teaching God's word and learning together.  This is a great time to start attending as a new study begins.  Those that attend are offered a limited number of diapers or toilet paper.  Child care workers are always needed.

Please pray for this ministry as we continue to press forward doing what we believe God has called us to do in the Gibsontown community.  Lives are being changed by the power of Jesus Christ. To Him be all the glory!



 

RUMMAGE SALE - SATURDAY, AUGUST 3

As you are cleaning out the kids closets this summer, making room for new school clothes and getting rid of items they have out grown, we would appreciate it if you would keep the kids in the community around Gibsontown Ministries in mind.  Just before school starts back on Saturday, August 3 we are planning a RUMMAGE SALE for the community.  On Friday afternoon of August 2nd we will be accepting items for the sale.  SCHOOL SUPPLIES DISTRIBUTION is also that day.   We are looking for children's items... clothes, shoes, toys, etc.  Also, household items.  If you have items you would be willing to donate, please contact us. If you would like to help us out even more, we can send you a price list.  We will also need volunteers on Friday evening to help organize items and on Saturday at the sale. This will be more of a ministry to community than a fundraiser, as items will be priced low.  Parents and grandparents can come and do some back to school shopping. 

ANNUAL SCHOOL SUPPLIES COLLECTION AND DISTRIBUTION

It will be time for school to start back before we know it.  Gibsontown Ministries and First Baptist Church are getting ready for our annual school supply distribution.  Monday, July 29th at 9:00 am is the deadline to have the supplies to First Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall.  Volunteers are needed to help bag the supplies on Monday, July 29th.  Distribution will be the following Friday at Gibsontown Ministries, 1022 Dorothy Street.  Volunteers will be needed that day as well.  Students who have pre-registered will pick up a package of grade appropriate supplies on Friday, August 2nd from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. 

Last year over 250 students were given packages of grade appropriate supplies through Gibsontown Ministries under the coordination of First Baptist Church with the help of several area churches.  Would you prayerfully consider giving students a hand up as school starts back by helping to provide their needed supplies?  Would you encourage your church to participate? 

 

2013-2014

School Supply List 

·       Notebook Paper (Wide rule) 

·       Colored Pencils
·       3-Ring Notebooks 1 ½”, 2”, or 3”
·       Pens (Blue and Black)
·       Notebook Dividers                            
·       Pocket Folders with brads
·       #2 Pencils                                 
·       Glue Sticks (Not bottles)
·       Crayons (24 count)     
·       Fiskar Scissors
·       Regular Composition Books
·       Primary Composition Books
·       Pencil Boxes for Kindergarten

Please Note:

No spiral notebooks are on the school lists.          

No glue bottles are on the school lists.  

GTM Happenings....

July 4th - August 1 Thursday Bible Studies (aka Diapers and Devotions)  will be taking a break, but be ready to start back Thursday, August 8th.  Just because Thursday Bible Studies will not be going on doesn't mean we will be closed and on vacation! There are several things planned during that time.... VBS (July 22 - 25), school supplies distribution (August 2), Back to School Yard Sale (August 3) and we are hoping to add to that list soon.  Stay tuned! During that time those needing diapers, toilet paper or food can contact Sybil to log some volunteer time.

 

If you would like to get involved, here's your opportunity!!! 

 

We would like to ask that if your church does not already have plans to collect school supplies, please consider it. Thanks to several churches, last year over 200 school kids were provided with the grade specific items listed by their school. PTL!!  First Baptist Church organizes that for us each year (thanks F.B.C.K.!!!) Collection day and bagging will be Monday, July 29 at First Baptist.  You may email us for a list of needed items (gibsontownministries@gmail.com).  Distribution day will be Friday, August 2 at Gibsontown Ministries.  Volunteers are needed!

 

Saturday, August 3 just before school starts back we will have a fundraising/community ministry Back to School Yard Sale offering only children's clothing, shoes, baby items, and toys.  Items will be priced low for the community.  We need lots of items of the sale!!  We will be collecting donations the prior week. 

 

The first full week of August everything will be back in full swing at GTM!  Also, during that week Indian Springs Baptist Church will be distribution shoes to children (birth - high school senior) of those that attend sewing classes, Thursday Bible Studies or Tuesday night Bible study (Communitas).  Children must be pre-registered and sized by July 15th.  Last year 75 pairs of shoes and new socks were given away to those in need.

 

We want to thank our friends at Mountain Empire Community College for their generous donation of silverware and lots of it!!!  Thanks so much!  We will put it to good use!

 

One last but very important thing.  We would like to ask you to pray with us about our need for a stove, dishwasher and commercial grade copier.  The dishwasher no longer works at all, stove barely does, copier well we might get one or two copies off it.  The board of director's discussed getting a used stove and dishwasher but felt like most of the time appliances are being replaced because there is something wrong with them.   We do not need all the bells and whistles.  After checking a few prices, we can purchase a new stove and dishwasher which will meet our needs for $800 or less.  Please pray with us about the three items! We are accepting designated donations toward the purchase of these.

Also looking to November 2nd....  Fundraiser.  We are looking for artisans and craft makers to make and donate items for our Fall Bazaar and Breakfast on Clay Street.  A GA group has made pillow cases for us to sell.  Thanks!!  Lots and lots of items are needed!
 

The Lord is at work at GTM and we are so excited to see what He does next!! Praising Him each step!  Thank you most of all for your prayers and also for your in-kind and monetary donations! 

 

Grace and Peace to you!

 

 

 

THURSDAY BIBLE STUDY CLASSES

You are invited to join us each Thursday for Bible Study!!  Thursday mornings at 11:00 AM and then at 5:00 PM.  Child care is provided. 

This winter and spring we have been blessed during the 11:00 AM class to have Cindy Eldridge teach and share with us from God's word.  She has done and outstanding job and we appreciate her commitment to the Lord.  She will be taking a break while school is out for the summer to enjoy her grandchild.  During that time Sybil Manis, our Interim Director will be teaching "Forgiveness: Breaking the Power of the Past" by Kay Arthur, David and B. J. Lawson.

As imperfect people living in an imperfect world, we eventually confront in nearly every relationship the need to extend or receive forgiveness. But when the wounds run deep, forgiveness doesn't come easy.
This eye-opening study deals with the difficult questions of forgiveness, including How can I forgive when the pain is so great? Does forgiving mean I have to forget the past? and What if I choose not to forgive? As you dig into what the Bible says on this vital topic, you'll encounter the depths of God's own mercy and discover how choosing forgiveness can free you from a painful past and propel you toward being all that God intends you to be.

On Thursday evenings at 5:00 PM Wayne Sherfey continues to teach practical lessons from God's word of how to live and walk daily with the Lord.

Everyone is invited to join us for these Bible studies as we strive to grow closer and more like Jesus.

Those that attend the Bible studies will be offered a limited supply of baby diapers or toilet paper.  You must arrive no later than 10 minutes after the hour and stay for the entire Bible lesson to qualify.

TWO IMPORTANT NEEDS!

There are two items we need to replace very soon!  The most important is the stove.  We are in need of a 30" range.  Color doesn't matter and we don't need a lot of bells and whistles.  From time to time we provide meals and without a stove that works properly it is becoming more and more difficult. 

The other item we need to replace is our copy machine.  Ours is on its last leg.  We can only print a page or two at a time now.  When we have bigger printing needs we are having to pay for the copies.  We just need a very simple commercial grade machine.  Doesn't need to do anything fancy other than being able to print at least 100 pages at a time with minimal expense.

Please join us in prayer about these needs.  We know that God is at work in and through this ministry and that He will provide. He says to ask and so we are praying and letting these needs be known.

How You Can Get Involved

Summer is quickly approaching and with that comes many opportunities for ministry in the Gibsontown community.  There is need for groups to provide summer activities for the children during the months they are not in school.  This could be a week of VBS or a weekly one day activity which might be a reading program or Back Yard Bible Club.  This is a great place to do pre-mission trip training for your youth group.  The needs are great, spiritually and economically, in this community.  

In addition to the needs for children is also the need for individuals to teach Life Skills Classes to adults.  These classes are offered to teach job skills so they can get a job or a better job such as basic computer, resume' writing, and income producing skills.  To teach basic homemaking skills such as cooking, sewing, budgeting, basic health care, etc.   The list could go on and on.  Classes may be a one day class or on going. 

If you or your church group is looking for a ministry to be involved in, we have the location.  Contact us for additional information at Gibsontownministries@gmail.com or 423/765-2950.

EASTER SERVICE & EGG HUNT

EASTER SERVICE

Sunday, March 31, 2013

2:00 PM

Come celebrate the Risen King, Jesus Christ who is THE Saviour of the World!

A hot dog lunch will be served prior to the service.

Children's Egg Hunt following the service.

 

Everyone is Welcome!!!

SEWING AND ARTS & CRAFTS CLASSES

As part of our Life Skills Classes the following are currently being offered:

• Sewing classes -  the first and third Monday of each month at 5:00 PM.
• Arts and Crafts  - Classes are in the process of forming.  Come learn how to make Arts and Crafts to sell for extra income.

Everyone is welcome to participate!! There is no charge to participate.  If you are interested in sign-up for either or both contact Sybil at 423/571-1287.

Gibsontown Ministries Welcomes Cindy Eldridge!

Gibsontown Ministries would like to welcome Cindy Eldridge to Thursday morning Diapers and Devotions! Cindy is no stranger to Gibsontown Ministries. She and husband Terry attended church here when it was a mission church and have served as volunteers since that time. They are active members of West Colonial Hills Baptist Church. Cindy is a long time member of Bible Study Fellowship, having served as part of the leadership team. Cindy has a heart to serve the Lord where and as He leads. She is excited to begin teaching during the Thursday morning Ladies Bible Study. They will start out with a study of Esther. Cindy is a very gifted teacher and we look forward to how God is going to use her in this ministry. Welcome Cindy!

Everyone is welcome to attend the Thursday Bible Study Classes at 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM. The 5:00 PM class is a COED Class taught by Wayne Sherfey.