Saturday, November 21, 2009

From the Pastor...

Someone has said, “If you want to make God laugh, just tell him your plans.” That little quote has replayed over and over in my mind during the past few weeks, as my family and I have struggled over God’s plan for us. During this time, God has confirmed that His plan for us involves moving us to a new field of service. At our Quarterly Church Conference on November 11th, I announced to the congregation my intention to remain as pastor until January 17, 2010. The following week I will begin my duties as pastor of Manteo Faith Baptist Church in Manteo, NC.

One of the most difficult things for a pastor’s family to do is to leave behind people they love in order to move to a new church. I can honestly say to you that we are excited about what God has in store for us at Manteo, but we are truly sad to leave behind our friends at Swift Creek. For more than seven years you have shown us love and kindness as we have ministered together. It has been a very good ministry experience for us.

Words cannot begin to express our thanks to you for your love and support. I am confident that you will continue to bless this community through benevolent ministries and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am also confident that God is already preparing someone to step in as pastor, to lead SCBC to even greater heights!

We do ask you to continue to keep our family in your prayers as we make this difficult transition. We would love for any of you to visit us whenever you come to the Outer Banks, and we hope that you will honor us with the privilege of coming back to see you from time to time. We especially look forward to receiving an invitation to the dedication of your family life center in the near future!

In the meantime, the month of December is upon us! That means that there will be lots of opportunities for us to tell the world about the coming of the Lord Jesus. I am excited about the Christmas Drama, Buried Treasure, written by our Minister of Music Lane Miller. We will present this drama at the Holly Springs Cultural Center on December 8th. Be sure to invite your friends and family to come and witness this work of art that reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas.

Finally, let us be reminded of the words in Ecclesiastes: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven…” My family has chosen to trust God’s timing during this season. We appreciate your prayers and we love you all very, very much!

In Christian Love,
Billy Dennis

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Mary Livengood




Mary Bryant Livengood
(November 15, 1940 - November 11, 2009)

Mary Bryant Livengood, 68, of Raleigh, left this world for a better one on Wednesday, November 11, 2009. Mary was born November 15, 1940 to Roy and Iris (Long) Bryant, in Lexington, NC. She retired after many years as a controller for Guilford Mills' Fiber Division in Fuquay-Varina, and was a dedicated member of her church, Swift Creek Baptist. Mary is survived by her husband Dr. Charles Livengood of Raleigh; daughter Melissa Circelli and Son-in-law Rob Circelli of Holly Springs; and daughter Jill Liles and Son-in-law Mac Liles, Jr. of Fuquay-Varina. She is also survived by her older brothers Barney and Bill Bryant, both of Lexington; and her beloved grandchildren Ryan, Robyn and Ricky Circelli. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Alene Harris. Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00PM, Friday, November 13, 2009, at Swift Creek Baptist Church, 9300 Penny Rd., Raleigh. A Celebration of Life service will be held 2:00PM, Saturday, November 14, with Rev. Billy Dennis officiating at the church. Burial will follow in Swift Creek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Swift Creek Baptist Church Building Fund or the Susan G. Komen Foundation for a Cure. Condolences may be made online at www.apexfuneral.com