RECENT EVENTS

Below are some recent ministry events.

Another Great Ramp Project

A team from The Texas Ramp Project met in Hubbard on April 17th to build another great ramp for a deserving family in need. Our Men’s Ministry volunteers and four helpers from Recovered and Free in Hubbard provided the labor, and the Heart of Texas Area on Aging financed the material. This ramp was the 174th built by our Hill County team since starting in 2013. The team’s motto is “Lord, make us a blessing to someone today”.

Pictured are the volunteers for this project. From left to right: Tim Reardanz, Howard Clement, the client Mike Autrey, John Toler, four helpers from RAF Hubbard (3 in black shirts and 1 in blue), and Ron Williams. Not pictured is the photographer David Kernan.

After completing each ramp, the team presents the family with a Bible, signed by the volunteers. This project had a twist! The client presented the team three poems written by his wife. Please read below Our Tears, by Carlene Autrey.

Our Tears

A reunion, praise God!

We’ve been invited to some day;

For Jesus didn’t leave this earth,

And simply go away.

We’re to look forward with expectation,

Yes, He’ll be coming with the clouds…

And to know we are God’s children

Should make us mighty proud!

He’s the Alpha and Omega,

The Precious Lamb, our own God’s Son…

Don’t just sit there gathering dust,

We must spread the news to everyone!

Our Saviour’s been quite busy

Preparing the New Jerusalem we’re told,

Creating another of His wonders

With Heavenly streets of gold.

But it’s not the beauty of Paradise

That we really long to see;

It’s Our Heavenly Father of Love

Whose gift has set us free!

When we stand in the presence of Our Lord,

After waiting all these years;

He’ll understand without a word…

The emotion behind our tears.

Easter Services

Hallelujah! Christ has Risen! Christ has Risen, Indeed! What glorious services to worship our King. Special services began the week before Easter with Palm Sunday. Children and choir waved palm branches as they entered the sanctuary. On Maundy Thursday, communion was served to all who wanted to partake in the Lord’s Supper. The next night was the Tenebrae Service. Families read scriptures and extinguished candles. The music was spectacular beginning with the Ring of Praise, continuing with a duet with Mary and Marsha, the choir and several hymns.

Easter morning began early, as members were excited to rejoice our Risen King. They gathered by the marina for the Sunrise Service. Worship continued at the Chapel for the 9:00 and 10:30 services.

Easter Sunday alone, more than 500 attended one of the three services. Our Chapel is so blessed to have a wonderful staff and so many volunteers who made these services so special.

Kid’s Eggstravaganza

Children and their families gathered at the Chapel for a fun morning. The children painted wooded eggs, played pin the tail on the Easter bunny, and hunted for candy filled eggs. After all of that excitement, they joined Pastor Aaron for music time. Later, Pastor Randy shared the Easter story with the children.

Dental Mission Trip

Dr. Jody Yarbro just returned from a dental mission trip in Guatemala. His team was comprised of dental students, including seven students that the Chapel has supported with scholarships. The clinic saw more than 260 children a day. What a blessing this is for children who have no access to oral care without this loving team!

Pictured are: a few of the children being screened before they enter the dental clinic, Jody making a presentation during Acts 2:42, and the dental team.

Chapel Family Testimonies

As the Chapel prepares for our Covenant Sunday on April 21st, four families have spoken during our worship services: Brent, Julie and Luke Leverett, Jim and Pat Griffin, and Darren, Melanie Clark and Kegan, and Susan Borg. (There will be two more family’s testimonies in April.)

We were honored to have them tell their story about what the Chapel has meant to them. They all stated the importance of new building growth for our increasing ministries. One couple spoke about the very beginning of White Bluff Chapel. If you were unable to hear their testimonies, we encourage you to follow the directions below to view them.

To hear their testimonies, please go to the home page and click view all services. Then select the dates: February 18th , March 3rd , March 10th and March 17th to view the service in which they spoke.

Mission Trip Barbecue Luncheon

Danny and Glenna Bodeker prepared a delicious brisket luncheon with all the fixin’s for everyone after Sunday’s worship services. This luncheon was a fundraiser for their grandson, Cohen. Cohen will be traveling to Alaska this summer on a mission trip.

Cohen led the congregation with the scripture reading during both services.

A Care Group’s Gathering

The Yarbro/Triplett Care Group gathered together recently at the Triplett’s home for a fun evening. They had discussion and prayer time, and then the rest of the night they enjoyed fellowship, food and a lively game of Crazy Bridge.

White Bluff Chapel has many Care Groups. These are small groups of individuals that meet on a regular basis to share a portion of God’s Word, pray for the needs of our community, and build relationships with others. If you are not in a Care Group and would like to join one, please contact Marla Bennett.

Texas Ramp Project Volunteer of the Month

In the Texas Ramp Project Newsletter, there was a special tribute to Ron Williams. He received the honor of becoming the Volunteer of the Month for February. We are blessed to have Ron in our congregation as he serves our Chapel ministry in many ways.

Men’s Ministry Chili Cook-Off

Saturday night over 100 people gathered to support the Men’s Ministry. Twenty two chili contestants eagerly brought their delicious chili early to be judged. Five judges sampled each chili and filled out a rating sheet. Categories were: Hot, Mild/Med with beans, Mild/Med no beans, Wild Game, Vegetarian, and a new category was added, for Youth chefs.

The category winners were:

Chili-mild/med no beans- Bobby Littlefield
Chili-mild/med with beans- Nancie Yarbro
Vegetarian- Ava Wood
Youth- Allison Elmore
Chili-hot- Louis Hicks
Wild Game- Ron Williams

The Overall all winner was Louis Hicks. His name will go on the new Chili Cook-Off Trophy created by John Knightstep.

Valentine Dinner

The White Bluff Chapel Hospitality Committee hosted a Valentine dinner for its members and guests on Friday evening. Close to 100 gathered to enjoy a delicious meal along with entertainment by Bill Louthan, David Murphey, and games by Joyce and Steve Triplett. Bill told funny stories based on his experiences and David Murphey entertained us with live music. It was especially enjoyable to hear some of David’s own compositions that he had written for his wife Kathyrn. Steve Triplett led a game of “Name that Love Song”. Tables competed against each other as they tried to name the song, artist and the year the song was published. All had a fun filled evening.

New White Bluff Chapel Soundboard

If you have noticed a sweet sound emanating from WBC, it’s due to a new soundboard and upgraded microphones that have been in service since December. The new digital mixer board is a PreSonus 32S, and it can accommodate up to 32 mic and instrument inputs. The old analog board served us well for many years, but its capabilities were somewhat limited for a growing music ministry. Mark Fusselman has been at the forefront in implementing the new system. He has used his vast sound experience and personal equipment to install, setup, and troubleshoot the new board to ensure high quality sound in the WBC sanctuary. Mark has also spent many hours training the WBC Audio Team on the new mixer board operations. Thank you Mark!

Kudos also go to Lois and Tom Partridge for their time and talents in constructing a beautiful cabinet to house the new board and sound equipment.

Hospitality Chairman Retires

Mary Parish officially passed down her apron strings at the end of 2023 after serving as the Chairman of Hospitality for 13 ½ years. She stated that she thoroughly enjoyed every one of those years as Chairman. Mary and her hospitality ladies were busy with many special events such as the Christmas Gathering, Progressive Dinners, Mother’s Day Luncheon, Dinner for 8, and Supper Club.

During Covid, the Chapel was not open due to the necessity to quarantine. Mary was concerned about the shut-ins and others who needed a warm meal. She prepared meals weekly for those who wanted a home cooked meal. Meals were delivered to homes or members drove to Mary’s home for a take home dinner.

When Acts 2:42 was introduced, meals were needed every Wednesday. The unofficial motto was, “Feed them and they will come!” AND come, they did! Marilyn Pollard began preparing delicious soups and later, Mary began to prepare the meals.

We appreciate Mary’s dedication to White Bluff Chapel over the years.

WBC COLUMBARIUM & PRAYER GARDEN

Who may use the Columbarium?

Inurnment in the WBC Columbarium will be limited to current/former members of WBC, spouses of members, children/grandchildren/ stepchildren of members, parents/ stepparents of members, and current or past ministers of WBC.

How much does a Columbarium Niche Cost?

Each niche, holding up to two urns, will cost $2,500 including two engravings. Additional engravings will be paid by the member at a cost of $100 each. This cost does not cover the cost of the urns or the cremation.

Why a Memorial Wall?

WBC members may choose to have a family member memorialized by purchasing a memorial wall plaque with their name on it. The plaque will cost $500 which will include one engraving. Additional engravings will be paid by the members at $100 each. No more than four names may be placed on a plaque. Font style will be determined by WBC.

If you have questions, you may contact any of these Columbarium Committee Members:

Betsy & Bill Torman, Chairman
Marilyn & Mike Pollard
Maura & George Collins
Kathleen & John Knightstep

Texas Ramp Project Continues To Help Others

The Men’s Ministry vamped it up this December; they constructed two ramps for two gracious families. The first ramp project consisted of four men who completed a ramp in four hours! After working on the ramp, the men presented the family with a Bible.

The second project was a two part job. It consisted of building a ramp and leveling the porch. The daughter continually thanked the men for the ramp and leveling the porch.

This group is such a blessing. As you can see, the transformation is amazing. The recipients now have a safe entrance to their home.

It’s beginning to look like Christmas

Tuesday, several members arrived at the Chapel eager to decorate for our busy Christmas season. Crews decorated the exterior, set up the Chrismon tree in the foyer, hung garland in the sanctuary, and added more Christmas touches throughout the building. You can see below the many possible Christmas programs that you may participate in.

Sunday, December 3rd : Advent Sunday: Hope Candle during 9:00 and 10:30 services
Wednesday, December 6th: Whitney High School Jazz Concert at the Chapel 6:00
Friday, December 8th : Christmas Gathering at 5:30
Sunday, December 10th : Advent Sunday: Peace Candle during 9:00 and 10:30 services
Community Christmas: 6:00 at the First Baptist Church
Youth Christmas Party: 6:00 at the Chapel
Tuesday, December 12th: POA Dinner at the Chapel 6:30
Wednesday, December 13th: Acts 2:42 5:45
Sunday, December 17th : Advent Sunday: Joy Candle during 9:00 and 10:30 services
Wednesday, December 20th: Acts 2:42 5:45
Sunday, December 24th : Advent Sunday: Love Candle. One service only-10:30
Happy Birthday Jesus Party for the children- 10:30
Christmas Eve Services: 5:30 and 7:00
Sunday, December 31st: Once service only-10:30

Honoring our Veterans

We were privileged to honor our Veterans during both of our Worship Services on Sunday Morning, November 12th. There was a patriotic touch during the services. Veteran Larry Lively shared some thoughts and led in prayer. Veteran Ron Stone read the Scripture. Our Pastor and Veteran Colonel Randy Marshall preached on the faith of a Roman Centurion from Matthew 8:5-11. The morning worship allowed us to recognize and appreciate our Veterans and their families while focusing on the grace and mercy of our God.

After the 9:00 Worship service, many gathered in the Fellowship Hall for cake, visited with one another, and heard some stories from days past.

Barbecue at the Griffin’s Ranch

WBC church members and friends gathered at the Griffin Ranch on Saturday, October 21st to enjoy a time of great fellowship, a bounty of food, and live music. This biennial event is an opportunity for us to gather and celebrate as we anticipate the coming Fall activities and ministries. A special thanks to Jim and Pat Griffin for their hospitality!

Critters

Thanks to the WBC Ministry Opportunity sheets, there were SEVEN new people who joined Critters and Knit/Crochet. There was also a lot of interest at our Mission Sunday. The "Halloween" cats are finished and it is time to start working on "Christmas" puppies for the Food Bank and Samaritan's Purse.

Our friend Beth Woolsey has been busy making "aprons" for our Whitney nursing home residents.

Supporting the Whitney Wildcats!

Thursday evening before the Whitney Wildcats hosted the Maypearl Panthers, the Men’s Ministry fed the Wildcats. The group served smoked brisket and the fixins’. Pastor Aaron led a devotional from Ecclesiastes 4, which focuses on becoming the best teammate, while the Wildcats ate.

The next evening, a group from the Chapel worked in the visitor’s concession stand helping the Wildcat Football team raise money. Hotdogs, brats, pickles, nachos, candy, drinks and smiles were eagerly passed out!

Another Successful Ramp Project

The Men's Ministry of White Bluff Chapel helped a family in Hubbard by building a ramp to their front door. The Texas Ramp Project started in 1985 by members of the Kiwanis Club of Richardson, Texas. Since 2006, the Texas Ramp Project has expanded into more the 40 Texas regions, from Texarkana to El Paso and Amarillo to McAllen. Over 24,000 ramps have been built, which laid end to end, would extend for over 122 miles. White Bluff Chapel is honored to be a part of this project by helping those in need.

Baptism at the Highlands Pool

On Sunday, October 8, Pastor Aaron had the opportunity to baptize Kegan Nadal at the Highlands Pool. Kegan is the third White Bluff Chapel student who attended Wild Week summer camp who has now been baptized.

A big “Thank You” goes out to everyone who supports our Chapel students.

Mission Sunday

White Bluff Chapel was founded with the mission of sharing the Gospel message to a world in need. Everything we do has the intent purpose of telling others that Jesus died on the cross, conquered death and was risen from the grave as a sacrifice for our sins. We share the gospel of Christ in our chapel building. But we also have funded missions outside our building. Our funded missions are divided into Local/Education and National/Global. Each of these ministries has a liaison, a member of the chapel, who connects and reports back to the mission committee. On Mission Sunday, the liaisons of each funded mission, had an opportunity to share the story of their assigned area.

Mom 2 Mom

We are excited to introduce a new group to White Bluff Chapel. Mom 2 Mom is a group comprised of new moms and their children from the Whitney area. They meet in the Children’s room on Wednesday evenings at 6:00. This is a time for getting to know one another, fellowship, and play time for the children.

Dinner for Eight

Dinner for Eight is a wonderful opportunity to meet people from the congregation that you might not know very well. After signing up in August and or January in the Fellowship Hall with Hospitality, you will be assigned a group that you will have dinner with for the next three months. When it is your turn to host, you may decide on a dinner in your home or in a restaurant or at a fun evening activity. Your imagination is your only limit.

WBC Columbarium and Prayer Garden

Having a memorial on church grounds can be a source of personal emotional support for members. It provides a dignified, yet serene place to pray and meditate. The Columbarium is accessible all year and its setting is pastoral and peaceful so families can visit and be comforted. With an increasing awareness of the benefits of cremation, WBC can provide through a columbarium a dignified, aesthetically pleasing resting place for cremains at a significant cost savings.

Cost of a funeral and burial today is between $15K—$25K. Two funerals/burials might be twice this amount; however each niche can hold two urns reducing the overall cost.

If you have questions, you may contact any of these Columbarium Committee Members:

Betsy & Bill Torman, Chairman
Marilyn & Mike Pollard
Maura & George Collins
Kathleen & John Knightstep

Ice Cream Social

What do you do when it is 108° outside? You have an ice cream social! Over 50 friendly faces gathered for some ice cream and delicious desserts. After cooling off with ice cream, they played a game with their table.

Freedom Sunday

Pastor Randy has been preaching a series of sermons through the 23rd Psalm entitled, “A love song in the summer of ’23.” On the Sunday before the celebration of our nation’s independence, we celebrated the freedom we all have in Christ. As Pastor Randy said, “Overlaying this Psalm with the theme of freedom is appropriate because the only freedom we can enjoy is the freedom that results from following the Good Shepherd – Godly freedom that leads to true fulfillment and lasting peace.”

The worship service included patriotic music as well as songs of the cross. Both remind us that freedom comes with a sacrificial cost.

Special Music for Father’s Day

In a conversation with new members, Brent and Julie Leverett, we discovered that Brent and his son Luke enjoyed playing the guitar and fiddle together. It was a treat to hear Brent and his son, Luke play “Barbed Wire Halo” for the special music on Father’s Day. This father and son duo touched our hearts with their beautiful music.

Pastoral Anniversaries

The chapel has been blessed beyond measure with the pastoral leadership of Dr. Randy Marshall and Aaron Franklin. It is hard to believe how fast time flies! During the Wednesday night weekly Acts 2:42 meeting, we celebrated Randy’s third anniversary as pastor of White Bluff Chapel. The following Monday, on the first day of Vacation Bible School, Aaron was recognized as being the Minister of Family/Music.

Baby Dedication

Our second Baby Dedication Sunday was held on Father’s Day. Conley Elizabeth was presented by her parents Clint and Katy Gober. Conley was given a pink New Testament Bible and a certificate, as well as a handmade blanket from the ladies of the Knit and Crochet group.

All were reminded that “Children are a heritage to the Lord.” (Psalm 127:3) and each child is a special gift of God.

Celebrating Memorial Day…and a Birthday!

Once a month, Pastor Randy leads a Worship Service for Whitney’s Country Club Retirement Community (CCRC.) At the most recent Service, residents invited him to a Monday Memorial Day picnic. Randy was able to be a part of their Memorial Day Observance as he visited the residents and led a prayer. He was also able to have his picture taken with one of the residents who was celebrating a birthday.

TAPS ACROSS THE NATION

White Bluff residents joined 100,000’s of trumpets around the nation to remember more than 1,000,000 brave men and women who have lost their lives fighting for our freedom. Larry Smith organized this local event which was held on the front yard of the Inn. Colonial Randy Marshall led a short service. At precisely 3:00, Taps was played by Brad Lundberg.

Holy Week Services

What a powerful week! Christ the Lord is risen! He has risen indeed!

Holy Week started on Palm Sunday as we proclaimed,” Hosanna! Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord!” Throughout the week, all were encouraged to reflect upon the sacrifice of Jesus. Maundy Thursday and Friday Tenebrae Worship Services were meaningful with over 100 attendees in each service. During the Maundy Thursday service, communion was served to all who chose to receive the elements. The Tenebrae service was a touching service with members who read Scripture as the lights were dimmed. The choir sang “Arise, My Soul, Arise”, accompanied by Dr Rogerio Nunes on the violin.

Over 450 adults and children attended the services Sunday morning. The Sunrise Service started at 7:00 a.m. overlooking picturesque Lake Whitney. The 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Worship Services were held in the chapel with joy and celebration. In the Chapel, Jesus’ cross was beautifully decorated by flowers brought from people’s garden representing new life and new beginnings. The services ended with the choir singing the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Hallelujah! May the joyful celebration of our risen Lord resound as we glorify and serve Him!

If you would like to view a service during Holy Week and our Easter Celebration Service, you may go to the link on the front page of this webpage.

Our First Baby Dedication Service

Four precious babies and their families participated in our first Baby Dedication Service. Each child received a baby blanket, created by our Knit and Crochet ladies, a New Testament Bible in pink or blue, and a certificate.

Children were presented by their loving parents along with family and friends who gathered for the special event and Worship Service. The babies dedicated to the Lord were: Emmitt, Ruthie, Taysam, and Quinn.

All were reminded that “children are a heritage to the Lord.” ( Psalm 127:3) and each child is a special gift of God.

Ordination Service

Our Worship Service on Sunday was highlighted with the Ordination of Aaron Franklin, our Minister of Music and Family. Family and friends from Aaron’s former churches were present to read scripture, pray, and encourage Aaron as he goes forward in his ministry.

Community Veterans Recognition 2022

The Whitney community gathered at the Whitney Senior Sunday on November 11th to honor our Military Veterans. The event, sponsored by the Fort Graham Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution organized school, community, and military-support organizations to highlight the contributions of our military men and women. A special WBC thanks to the event organizer, Madeleine Lively; the WBC choir; WBC Men’s Ministry; and Keynote speaker, Pastor Randy for their participation and assistance in making this a memorable event.

Paw Pals Garage Sale

Our Men’s Ministry recently helped our local animal shelter (Paw Pals) with a garage sale. We are always amazed how God works in our ministry. We had planned to work for a couple of hours. Life changes and we ended up helping several White Bluff families who have been going through some rough times. We were there to help, but visiting with these families gave us tears, re-connection and life awareness. It is amazing how God works in our ministry. Several in our neighborhood are moving and were ready to donate items to the garage sale. The men gladly helped load and take the items to the sale. Those assisting were Rick Faught, Ron Stone, Jay Miller, Larry Lucas, Terry Newman, Kathy Coons, Roy Ringwald, Reba and Mike Miller.

Safety Response Team

The White Bluff Chapel has a well-trained Safety Response Team. These men and women are trained to handle medical, as well as security, emergencies. Their training is frequent and ongoing to sharpen their skills and ensure our safety. Below is a picture of their recent training on gun use and safety. Thanks to Ron Roberts for sharing his shooting range, expertise, and leadership!

Celebrating the Franklin’s with a “Pounding”

We had a large turnout to welcome and celebrate the Franklin’s arrival by giving them a “pounding”. In years past, people would welcome their neighbors by bringing them a “pound” of useful items. Thanks to a well-organized team, we were able to fill the Franklin’s pantry, refrigerator as well as their laundry room with “pounds” of needed and useful items for their new home.

Services: 9:00 AM | 10:30 AM

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