A guest preacher from a church that experienced its own tragedy will deliver the sermon Sunday at the Maryville, Ill., church where the pastor was shot and killed.

The Rev. Fred Winters, pastor of First Baptist Church of Maryville, was killed March 8 by a lone gunman who walked into the church during worship services. The Southern Baptist church is east of St. Louis. 

The Associated Baptist Press reported that the Rev. Al Meredith, pastor of Wedgwood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, will preach at the First Baptist Maryville’s three worship services. 

About 10 years ago, Sept. 15, 1999, a gunman walked into Wedgwood Baptist and opened fire, killing seven and wounding seven before turning the gun on himself.

Associated Baptist Press reported that Meredith wasn’t at the church during the attack, but has experience in dealing with the aftermath of a deadly assault.

Meanwhile, a trust fund is being set up for contributions be made to a trust fund being set up for Winters’ two daughters.

For information on where to send donations, go to the church’s Web site: First Baptist Church of Maryville.
Read about Winter’s funeral service in a Baptist Press story: “Widow of slain Ill. pastor points to ‘celebration day.’” 

(AP PHOTO: Memorial service for the Rev. Fred Winters, pastor of First Baptist Church of Maryville, Ill.)

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

Many Oklahoma Southern Baptists are in the midst of the 40/40 Prayer Vigil which began Sept. 24 and continues through Nov. 2, right before the presidential election on Nov. 4

The prayer effort is to culminate with 40 hours of around the clock intercession during the last three days of the vigil. This 40-hour finale is to begin at 4 p.m. Oct. 31 and end at 8 a.m. Nov. 2.

Participants have been encouraged to focus personal spiritual revival, then to expand their circle of prayer concerns. 

More details are located on the Southern Baptist Convention’s Web site at www.sbc.net.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

Popular worship duo Shane & Shane will perform at Oklahoma Baptist University’s annual “Saturday in the Park” Saturday at Woodland Park in downtown Shawnee.

The event is free and also features Oklahoma’s own, contemporary Christian recording artist Jami Smith.

“Saturday in the Park” is OBU’s “welcome back to school” celebration.

Dale Griffin, the university’s campus pastor, said students requested both Shane & Shane and Smith and the artists they wanted to headline the annual back-to-school bash.

Activities start at 1 p.m. A Battle of the Bands will begin about 1:30 p.m. Bands interested in battling it out should contact Rick Cordova at rick.cordova@okbu.edu. The winning band will be honored before the evening’s concert at 7 p.m.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

Edmond Mayor Dan O’Neil 

It always nice to be appreciated.

I say that because one of the first people I ran into at Wednesday’s big school supply give-away in Edmond was the city’s Mayor Dan O’Neil.

He was walking with the Rev. Kim Swyden in the entry gathering area at Henderson Hills Baptist Church, which organized and hosted the community give-away.

There were tons of parents and their children there, but I spotted Swyden, the church’s executive pastor, right away and he introduced me to the mayor.

Before I could say anything, O’Neil said he appreciated the church for its efforts on behalf of the community.

From the chatter of excitement of the crowd around him, I gathered that he was not the only one grateful for the church’s generosity.

The Rev. Jeff Wilson, church spokesman, said he estimated at least 1,000 people had already gathered for the give-away — and this was fairly early in the evening.

The line of families snaked across the entry way and down into the gym, where students picked out backpacks and everything from tissue paper to highlighters.

After choosing the free supplies, families got free vision check-ups and a presentation by a local nutrition expert about proper nutrition.

Then there was fun to be had. I saw a dunk tank (which Swyden jokingly thought I might like to get into), moon bounce and other fun activities, plus free hot dogs.

Wilson said he estimated that about $30,000 worth of supplies were given out, thanks to church members, businesses and invidiuals in the community who generously donated.       

Watch a related video by going to www.newsok.tv and look for the title “Church donates supplies.” 

Incidentally, the new office for the Ministries of Jesus free health clinic is quickly taking shape there on the Henderson Hills’ grounds. The Rev. Jeff Wilson, church spokesman, said construction should be completed by November and the church is planning an open house at some point.  

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor