MINISTRY REQUESTS
-The Salvation Army is in need of gloves, hats and hand warmers to provide to the homeless population as well as heaters and monetary donations to assist residents with utility bills and supplemental heat during the cold weather. Items may be dropped off at 822 McCallie Ave. Monetary donations also may be made online at csarmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
PROGRAMS, EVENTS
-Forward: First Baptist Church, 401 Gateway Ave., will host an ecumenical group offering mutual support for those who have lost a spouse, no matter how recent or long ago. The first of four sessions starts today, meeting 1-4 p.m. in Room E213 in the Church Education Building. Attendees will share experiences and find ways to step “Forward” into the future. There is no charge, but call 423-265-2257 to register.
-Prime Time January Series: Four-week series by First-Centenary United Methodist Church’s United Methodist Women at Oak Street Center, 403 Oak St., meets 6-7 p.m. Wednesdays on the theme “How Do We Respond to God’s Call for Social Justice?” This week, Jan. 10: “Maternal and Child Health,” featuring Lisa Vincent, fetal and infant mortality review and prevention program manager at the Hamilton County Health Department. No charge. Information: 423-756-2021.
-Pastor anniversary: Pilgrim Rock Baptist Church, 1726 Church Road, will celebrate the first anniversary of service of the pastor and his wife, Floyd and Rose Croft, on Jan. 14. Guests will be Danny Wesley, associate minister of New Horizon Baptist Church, at the 11 a.m. service and Pastor Carlos Williams and Orchard Knob Baptist Church at 4 p.m.
-Clubs for Kids: AWANA Clubs for children age 3 through 6th grade meet 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Hickory Valley Baptist Church, 2320 Hickory Valley Road. 423-892-1916.
-Recovery, a Christ-centered 12-step program for anyone struggling with addictive issues, compulsive behaviors, loss and life challenges, meets each Thursday at Ooltewah United Methodist Church, 6131 Relocation Way. Dinner at 5:30 p.m., worship at 6:15 p.m., open share groups at 7:30 p.m. Child care provided. 423-238-9216, oumclive.org/recovery.
-Grief support: 5 p.m. every first Tuesday at Fort Oglethorpe United Methodist Church, 1733 Battlefield Parkway, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. Presented by PruittHealth Hospice. Free. For more information, call 706-602-9546.
-Not Alone, a support group for family and friends of a loved one who is incarcerated, meets at 11 a.m. the fourth Saturday of each month at LaFayette Presbyterian Church, 107 N. Main St., LaFayette, Ga. Refreshments and child care are provided.
FUNDRAISERS
-Lyerly cookbook: Lyerly United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 152, Lyerly, GA 30730, has published its third cookbook, “Feeding the Flock.” To order, send $10, plus $3 shipping and handling. Call JoAnn Mitchell, 706-895-2636, for information on buying from a church member or a Chattooga County business.
-Payne’s Chapel cookbook: Payne’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Lookout Mountain, Ga., has a new cookbook, “Payne’s Chapel Cooks,” a collection of recipes from members. Proceeds will go into the church building fund. Cost is $12, plus $4 shipping/handling if mailed. To order, email debroskyp@gmail.com or leave a message at 706-820-2095.
To be included in Faith Briefs, send information to LDenton@timesfreepress.com. Listings must be sent by Wednesday morning each week.
Younger Phillips succeeds father as lead pastor at Abba’s House
The congregation of Abba’s House will welcome a new but familiar face Sunday. Dr. Ronnie Phillips Jr. will take the pulpit for his first Sunday as lead pastor, assuming the role his father, Dr. Ron Phillips, held for nearly 40 years.A native of Chattanooga, Ronnie Phillips has been a part of Abba’s House since he was born and has served the Hixson church full-time since 2007 in many capacities, including senior associate pastor, and preaching regularly for several years. He also served as interim pastor at Truth Tabernacle in Stone Mountain, Ga.He holds a bachelor’s degree in theology and a Master of Ministry degree in biblical studies. He graduated with a Doctor of Ministry degree from Covington Theological Seminary in 2015. He also has led crusades in Guatemala, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic and in states across the Southeast for Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He and his father co-wrote the book “The Power of Agreement,” a message on unity for the restoration of churches. He serves on the executive board of Houses of Hope International, which manages 31 orphanages around the world.The younger Phillips serves on several local boards in the city and has ministered to children on a weekly basis as the former vice president of the Hixson Youth Athletic Association and chaplain for the Hixson High School football team (2010). He worked at Unum for seven years before officially joining the Abba’s House team.His wife, Kelly, is an executive with Cigna Healthcare. They have three boys: Trey, Reid and Ryce.Morning worship begins at 10:30 a.m. Abba’s House is at 5208 Hixson Pike. Visit abbashouse.com for more information.