Ministries
Apalache Missions Opportunities
Apalache has always had a heart for missions. We help support over ten thousand missionaries worldwide through the Cooperative Program. We also have three special offerings each year to support missions. Our church is involved in many local mission projects. Amoung the local mission projects are the Greer Christian Learning Center, Meals on Wheels, Greer Community Ministries, and Piedmont Women's Center. Our church also has a group that we call Apalache Baptist Carpenters. This group is involved in many needy projects of our community.
We have a Women's Missionary Union that is involved in missions. Also, groups of people from our church have made trips to Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Romania.
There are other projects that we are involved in that helps us to carry out the Great Commission of our Lord. If you have a desire to participate, visit Apalache and check us out.
Pre-School Ministry
The mission of the Pre-school Ministry here at Apalache Baptist is to help preschoolers develop, understand and come to know who Jesus Christ is and what He has done for them. We strive to aid and strengthen families for Christ's kingdom and to honor and glorify Christ in all we do.
AWANA
A - Approved
W - Workman
A - Are
N - Not
A - Ashamed
As a ministry of Apalache Baptist Church, AWANA strives to reach boys & girls with 2 goals in mind. The first is to bring boys and girls to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. The second goal is to, as the AWANA pledge states, train them to serve Him. To help them find their purpose in Christ -
'Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth'
2 Timothy 2:15
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School is one of the outreach ministries here at Apalache Baptist Church. Our goal is to reach boys & girls within our community of the ages 3 thru 6th grade with a week of fun-filled theme activities to grow in the knowledge of our Lord. VBS usually takes place in early to mid June. Every member from youth to senior adults of Apalache is urged to be a part of growing children for Christ.
Children's Ministry
Our Children's Ministry is to help children develop their relationship with Christ, understand what & who they are in Christ as they begin to live as a child of God. We strive to 'bring the heart of the gospel to the heart of the child.' This will aid in strengthening families for Christ's kingdom. In all we go to build, honor and glorify Christ with events and activities like:
Sunday School = 1&2, 3&4, 5&6 grade classes
KIDS Priase = K5 - 6th grade
AWANA = Sparks K5 - 2nd grade
Truth in Training 3rd & 4th grade girls
Truth in Training 3rd & 4th grade boys
Truth in Training 5th & 6th grade girls
Truth in Training 5th & 6th grade boys
Events and activities = Frankie's Fun Park, festivals & Encouragement visits, Etc.
At Overflow Student Ministries, we help students grow in their faith with Jesus. We help mold lives to develop a true relationship with Christ. Our mission is to grow disciples of Christ that will change the world.
Our goal is to give students the knowledge of Christ while they seek a personal relationship with King Jesus.. It our desire to see God glorified and
Deacon Family Ministry
Deacon Family Ministry is a family care ministry involving the 14 elected men that serve as our church deacons. Each of these men are assigned a certain number of families within our church body. It is the responsibility of these men to care for and personally contact each family within their group.
The Deacon Family Ministry involves supporting our members during a time of loss, encouraging our families in times of joy, and serving as a contact to our families in times of need.
Sunday School
Sunday School is one of our Bible Study ministries here at Apalache Baptist Church that meets at 9:15 AM. We have material for all ages within our church family.
We offer preschool, grade school, middle school, and high school classes for our students. We also offer Bible study groups for singles, men, women, and Co-ed classes for adults.
We are all instructed in 2 Timothy 2:15 for 'Study to show ourselves approved unto God, workmen that needeth not to be ashomed, rightly dividing the word of truth.' Come and get involved in our Sunday School ministry here at Apalache as we 'Study' God's Holy Word together.
Discipleship
Discipleship Training is a way to help people grow in their knowledge and understanding of the word of God.
Most Discipleship Training classes use a workbook, which is studied daily by the individual and then a class, which meets weekly, to discuss what has been learned and to answer any questions the individual may have.
Anyone can benefit from Discipleship Training, but it is mainly geared for the Christian who wants to increase their knowledge of God.
Study Courses usually run from 6 to 16 weeks, with a once a day personal study time and a once a week class time which last 1 to 2 hours.
Prayer Ministry
Wednesday night at 7:00 PM we have a prayer service in our sanctuary. This is a time when we lift up specific prayer needs for individuals, our community, and our nation.
The Prayer Ministry of Apalache Baptist Church is one of the most essential ministries we have. It's focus is keeping the Pastor, staff, membership and all of the other ministries of the church bathed in prayer, along with lifting special needs of the body of believers. Within this ministry there are two areas you may want to look into.
Intercessory Prayer Room
Our prayer room is located on our main campus. You can reach our prayer line 24 hours a day 7 days a week at 877-3583.
Prayer Network
In the event of an emergency there are people who embrace the need at that very moment in their home and commit it to the Father's hand on behalf of those in crisis. To communicate the emergency please call Mary Lou Wilson at 879-2672.
Visitation Ministry
Visitation Ministry is the coordinated outreach ministry of Apalache Baptist Church. This ministry meets every Monday night from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. All members are encouraged to participate with a willingness to be obedient to follow the Great Commission. Visits include recent visitors to the church, members with needs & the homebound. Anyone with a need, please let your deacon or any church member know so we visit accordingly.
Tape / Homebound Ministry
The Tape Ministry provides audio tapes to Shut-in or Homebound members of Apalache Baptist Church in order that our shut-in members can also enjoy the preaching and teaching of God's Word. Our goal is to help our shut-ins to continue to grow spiritually, regardless of their age or physical condition.
The Tape Ministry delivers audio tapes to shut-in or homebound members each Monday morning. During the visit, delivering members fellowship with the shut-in and also pick up tapes from the previous week. These tapes are then reprocessed and used for recording, duplication and delivery for the up-coming Sunday's message.
Music Ministry
'Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God.' Psalm 147:1 All ages have opportunities to join in joyful song through areas of our music ministry.
Children ages two to four sing in Wee Praise. Youngsters in grades five-year-old kindergarden to sixth grade enjoy Kids Praise and share their song and musical productions during our worship services. Our youth grades seven to ten participate in Teen Scene, a drama ministry. The Adult Sanctuary Choir helps lead in worship of our Lord each Sunday. Soloists and small group ensembles present special music during Sunday and Wednesday services.
Greeters/Ushers Ministry
Greeting Ministry - a ministry of hospitality
Our ministry is to welcome guests, reflect God's unconditional love, and offer friendly assistance, encouragement, and a loving greeting to everyone who walks through our doors.
Greeting times are Sundays at 10:15AM and 5:45PM.
Working with the Greeter ministry is the Usher ministry. They serve at all church events, becoming familiar with the church buildings so as to direct guests to needed areas, collecting of offerings, greeting people as they arrive and assistance, as needed, as they leave.
Golden Hearts
The Purpose of Our Golden Hearts...
We are a group of born again believers now in our Golden Years of life. We believe in being faithful to our GOD, to our church, and to our Golden Hearts group.
We enjoy good clean fellowship together with our brothers and sisters in CHRIST and we accomplish this through fellowship meals each month by going out to eat together in our church buses, and by taking out of town trips (if you are able and want to go) together four or five times a year.
If you would like to join our group and are fifty-five (55) years of age or older, we would love to have you.
Banner / Drama Ministry
The banners of God anointed, word based standards that announce who we represent. They are designed to follow the command to make His praise glorious.
They symbolize the coming of the Holy Spirit and remind worshipers they must move forward into the world, proclaiming His Name and living Word.
Making of the banners has been a blessed and incredible spiritual journey. We are so humbled God chose to use us and direct our path in this aspect of His work. We are overcome by unspeakable joy, love, and worship for the God whose sacred name is lifted up by the use of the banners in our Church services.
We support the various dramas and plays of the Church through designing and making costumes and various props required.
We pray for health, strength, knowledge, and guidance from God to continue these noteworthy ministries.
Brotherhood/ABC Ministries
Our Brotherhood is a ministry that brings men of the church together in one accord to display a willingness to serve. Each year brings new and exciting things for this group through a men's breakfast, Bible studies, and our annual Christmas baskets to our church's shut ins. These men help our elderly members or a member in need of yard work, house repairs (with ABC Ministries), and other church members ministry needs. All men of the church are a part of the Brotherhood.
ABC Ministries stands for Apalache Baptist Carpenters Ministries. This ministry is part of the Brotherhood ministry and is formed to allow the men from our church to use the skills they may have in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and other 'handy man' type activities. ABC Ministries was formed to help elderly, widowed, or any family in need within our church family with small projects around their homes. This ministry is open to any of our men who want to participate. ABC Ministries is available to any our our members that find themselves in need of assistance with a project that ABC Ministries is able to assist with.
Garden Path Women's Ministry
Garden Path Women's Ministry desires to touch the lives of ladies in the Apalache Baptist Church family through distinct areas. These are through the power of PRAYER, by gaining a closer knowledge of our Lord through BIBLE STUDY, by serving and studying about MISSIONS, and by bringing those we come in contact with to Garden Path events as part of our OUTREACH. There are six very unique ministries that form the Garden Path Women's Ministry where every lady can find her place to be a part of the Women's ministries here at Apalache Baptist Church.
Around the World invites women to practical studies of God's Word.
First Place is a weight-loss program that balances all areas of life: spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental.
Women on Missions purpose is to increase awareness of mission projects, missionaries, and opportunities around the world.
Prayer Ministry focuses on lifting special needs, staff, and other ministry needs.
Titus 2 Fellowship purpose is to assemble quarterly as a community of women and grow in a bond of Christian love.
Garden Gatherings presents two events during the year to bring all ladies together for encouragement and fellowship.
Adult Mission Work
Apalache Baptist Church offers mission trips each spring and fall for the adult members of our church family. We have sent teams to do foreign mission work in Romania and Mexico, as well as having teams to work in Pennsylvania in the Pittsburgh, Waynesburg, and Philidelphia areas and in Trenton, New Jersey doing construction and evangelism work. Sign up sheets are posted several months in advance.
Recreation
Apalache Baptist Church provides programs for adults and children to participate in Christian-based team sports.
Members interested in volunteering three hours per week during seasons to guide children or adults in team sports as coaches and assistants should contact the church office at 877-6012.
Piedmont Women's Center
Piedmont Women's Center mission is to be an oasis of hope, that is committed to demonstrating the love of Christ to those with pregnancy-related needs. There are many services that PWC offers to those in need such as:
Free pregnancy test with immediate results, confidential counseling, and limited ultrasounds.
Information about pregnancy, abortion, and alternatives.
Clothing and supplies for mother and child.
Child loss Bible study support group for women and men.
Referrals to churches, Christian adoption agencies and shehperding homes.
Piedmont Women's Center requires training for all of its volunteers. This is the first step in preparation for your involvement in this ministry. PWC training is a life-changing seminar to help you make a difference in your community! Contact Piedmont Women's Center at 864-244-1434 or at training@piedmontwomenscenter.org for more information.
Emergency-Response Team / Security Ministires
Our Emergency-Response Team is available at all church functions with medical assistance in a timely manner - as needed until other medical attention is needed or the situation is resolved. This team of members within our church are CPR certified and some are presently in the medical profession. Each year this team is put together and trained here at Apalache.
Working with our Emergency Response Team is our Security Ministry. This team of members watches out for the welfare of those who attend church functions. The Security ministry makes this possible by monitoring the parking lot, securing all building exits during services, and is pager-equipped for the use in all areas of the building. Especially our pre-school wing.
Benevolence Committee
Deuteronomy 15:11 states 'There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.' According to this scripture, our mission is to prayerfully and compassionately provide assistance for the practical needs of church members along with non-church members in our surrounding community. These needs may arise due to difficulties such as sickness, unemployment, or family problems and are met with financial assistance for food, utilities, and medications. Our committee consists of church members who are appointed annually by the Nominating Committee. Contact the church office at 877-6012 if your would like to request assistance.
Bereavement Committee
Bereavement Committee consists of teams of our ladies who take a delicious meal to the family of any Apalache Church member who has passed away. This is just a small way of showing our love, not only for the member of the church, but also a way of showing our love to their family during this time in their lives.
All of our ladies are invited and encouraged to seek out more information about this fulfilling ministry.
Greer Community Ministries
Greer Community Ministries is a nonprofit organization that reaches to many who are in need within our community. Without our volunteers, we could not begin to reach all of those who need assistance in our area. Many participate in the programs we offer throughout the year. These programs provide assistance, food, and fellowship in our community. Here are some of those special events and programs: Big Thursday, Mobile Meals, Dining for Seniors, 10K race - 'Run the Verne', Golf Tournament, and Food & Clothing Pantry.
For more information, contact us at 877-1937.
Release Time
Greer Christian Learning Center is a place where middle school and now high school students can come to learn more about their faith and how to share it with others. During 45 to 50 minute lessons, once a week, students are lead to have or begin a closer relationship with Jesus. Morning prayer breakfasts sponsored by area churches, youth rallies, See You at the Pole morning, and many other events or activities have seen many come to know the Lord. Here is what the students say about GCLC:
'I learned that God can use anyone, even me.'
'Going to Release Time has changed who I hang out with outside of school.'
'I have learned how to tell other people about the Lord.'
'My favorite part is the prayer request time.'
'The teachers at Release Time are super, the drivers are super, everybody here is super.'
'I accepted the Lord here. That is great news.'
For more information on or to volunteer at Greer Christian Learning Center, call at 848-3591.
Blood Connection
Apalache Baptist Church and the Blood Connection work together in order to meet some of the medical needs of our community by sponsoring two blood drives a year. One in the spring and one in the fall. This year our blood drives are in April and October.
The Blood Connection must have 283 units of blood every day, five days a week. They service 17 area hospitals in eight counties.
If you are unable to give blood at one of the drives here at Apalache, feel free to go by Greenville Memorial Hospital or Allen Bennett Hospital and tell them that you want to donate some blood for Apalache Baptist Church.
REMEMBER: YOU ARE GIVING THE GIFT OF LIFE!
