Around the State_62303

Posted: 6/20/03

The Boykins	The Griners	The Wagleys

Around the State

Three Texans recently received degrees from New Orleans Theological Seminary. Justin Joiner of Austin received the master of divinity degree in Christian education; John Pemberton of Kingwood received the master of divinity degree in Christian thought; and Paige Schultz of Corpus Christi received the master of arts in marriage and family counseling degree.

Jo Anny Russell, daughter of Juilano and Sheila Britton of Canutillo, recently graduated from Midwestern Theological Seminary with a master of arts in Christian education degree. She also received the North American Professor for Christian Education award.

Texans receiving degrees from Southern Theological Seminary include Arthur Murphy Jr., master of divinity; Christopher Bass, master of theology; Calvin Wittman, doctor of ministry; Osmond Ingram Jr., doctor of education; William Smith, doctor of education; Tod Tanner, doctor of education; Jerry Johnson, doctor of philosophy; and Joshua Bullock, bachelor of science.

Appointments

Couples with Texas ties appointed as missionaries by the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention include:

Eric and Wendy Boykin, who will serve in Frederick, Md., where he is a church planter intern and pastor. He previously was pastor of Fairview Church in Greenville and four churches in Mississippi. She has served churches in Texas and Mississippi as worship leader. They have three children, Zachary, Stephen and Emili.

Robert and Jennifer Griner, who will serve in New York City, where both will work on the staff of the New Hope New York Strategic Focus Cities outreach effort. He is communications director, while she is a staff associate. He previously served as collegiate and 20s minister at North Richland Hills Church in Fort Worth. She grew up in Mesquite and is a Dallas Baptist University graduate.

Dustin and Julie Wagley, who will serve in Breckenridge, Colo., where he is a resort missionary starting house churches. They were appointed through the US/C-2 program, in which young adults complete two years of service in the United States or Canada. He is a Texas native, while she is from Arkansas.

Anniversaries

Mike Drinkard, 25th, as pastor of Bois D'Arc Church in Palestine May 4.

Rusty Waller, 10th, as pastor of First Church in Gordonville June 9.

Larry Newberry, fifth, as minister of music at Tabernacle Church in Ennis June 15.

Charles Higgs, fifth, as pastor of First Church in Portland June 17.

Derrick Reaves, fifth, as pastor of Saint John Church in Corpus Christi June 21.

Bluegrove Church in Bluegrove, 125th, June 22. Former pastors Steve Lowrie and Robert Parker were guest speakers. Joe Ainsworth is pastor.

Jerry Royal, 10th, as minister of youth and college at First Church in Wichita Falls June 22.

Neale Oliver, fifth, as pastor of First Church in Whitewright June 28.

James Crawford, fifth, as pastor of Progressive Missionary Church in Hearne.

Wes Hill, 15th, as minister of education/administration at First Church in Longview.

Teri Road Church in Austin, 40th, July 19-20. For more information about planned activities, call (512) 444-6009. Gerald Dickerson is pastor.

South Avenue Church in Pasadena, 50th, July 20. Plans include a meal provided by the church, followed by an afternoon service. Jeff Berger is pastor.

Retiring

Carl Smith, pastor of First Church in Center, June 15. He served the church as associate pastor 13 years and as pastor 10 more.

Clarence Ham, dean of the School of Education at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, June 30. He served the school 11 years and was in the field of education 43 years.

Death

James Lawless, 74, May 13 in Clyde. He had been a pastor in New Mexico and Texas, including more than nine years at Iglesia Calvario in Roby. He was preceded in death by two brothers and two sons. He is survived by his wife, Joan; son, William; daughters, Lydia Lang and Debra Long; and five grandchildren.

Licensed

John Whitten to the ministry at Wildewood Church in Spring June 1.