Ministries

CHURCH SUPPORT

THE BROTHERHOOD

This is a service-oriented ministry open to all males in the church. It is affiliated with the Citywide Brotherhood Union. Meetings are 6 p.m. on first Tuesdays.

B N SCOTT MISSIONARIES

These youth missionaries share God’s loving-kindness through service projects and fellowship activities. B.N. Scott Missionaries are males and females, ages 10-20. Activities include:

The Cooperative Ministry’s Back-to-School School Supply Drive

Harvest Hope Food Bank’s CROP Walk for Hunger

Samaritan Purse’s Project Christmas Child

Parents’ Night Out sleepovers

Personal hygiene and etiquette seminars

The Souper Bowl, which raises funds for charities that fight hunger

Benedict College’s PLUS Community Service Day

Meetings are 10 a.m. on fourth Saturdays.

CHURCH AID MINISTRY

This ministry provides financial and other support to the church as needed. The ministry meets at 2 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month.

DANCE MINISTRY (Garments of Praise)

DEACONESS MINISTRY

The mission of the Deaconess Ministry is to provide support to the Pastor and the Deacon Ministry in the spiritual well being of the Church. Membership in this ministry is restricted to wives and widows of ordained Baptist deacons. Meetings are 4 p.m. on fourth Saturdays.

DRAMA MINISTRY

The mission of this ministry is to share the Word through skits, plays, monologues and other dramatic presentations throughout the year. The ministry meets at 6 p.m. on the third Thursdays.

GREETERS MINISTRY

The mission of the Greeters Ministry is to reach out and extend to visitors and newcomers at Sunday worship the church’s friendliness and kindness, through a spirit of warmth, acceptance, and hospitality, welcoming them to our faith community. The ministry meets at 6 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday quarterly.

MEDIA MINISTRY

This ministry spreads the gift of spiritual growth and enrichment by sharing the Preached Word and other services through audio/visual media, including compact disks (CDs) and digital video disks (DVDs).

MUSIC MINISTRY

B.N. SCOTT CHORALIERS

The B.N. Scott Choraliers is an anointed choir, with a repertoire ranging from traditional gospel standards and anthems to standard hymns and contemporary gospel. They touch many lives as they travel, sharing the Word through their music ministry.

The choir is made up of persons age 18 and older.

The B.N. Scott Choraliers sing at 11 a.m. worship on the second and third Sundays.

The choir accompanies the Pastor for revivals and other preaching engagements.

Rehearsals are are at 7 p.m. on second, third and fourth Mondays.

BROTHERHOOD CHORUS

The mission of the Brotherhood Chorus is to provide an opportunity for male members of the church to render song service at worship. The Brotherhood Chorus is open to male members of the church who enjoy singing. The chorus sings at 11 a.m. worship on third and fourth Sundays and other occasions as requested The chorus sings at 11 a.m. worship on the third and fourth Sundays. Rehearsals are on the second, third and fourth Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

JUBILEE CHOIR

This choir renders song service through traditional shaped-note, a cappella singing. It is open to anyone who enjoys singing in this traditional method. The choir fellowships with other jubilee choirs throughout the community. Rehearsals are 1 p.m. on Saturdays

MASS CHOIR

This choir provides song service at the 11 a.m. worship on each first Sunday in the month and at other church services as requested. Membership on the Mass Choir is open to anyone in the church who enjoys singing. Rehearsals are 6 p.m. on the Monday preceding the first Sunday of each month.

CHURCH SUPPORT

SANCTUARY CHOIR

The mission of the Sanctuary Choir is to lend gifts and talents to the body of Christ for the edifying of saints and the building of God?s kingdom through music ministry. Membership is open to anyone who desires to sing the songs of Zion skillfully. This choir provides song service at the early morning worship. Rehearsals are 6:30 p.m. every Thursday.

SANCTUARY YOUTH CHOIR

This choir is made up of youth between the ages of 6 and 18 and renders song ministry at the 7:45 a.m. Sunday worship on fifth Sundays and other occasions as requested.

SENIOR MUSICAL CHOIR

The Senior Musical Choir provides song service at the 11 a.m. worship on the second and fourth Sundays. Membership is open to anyone who likes to sing. Rehearsals are 5:30 p.m. Mondays.

W.H. NEAL YOUTH CHOIR

This choir ministers to the saved and unsaved through song service. It is made up of youth between the ages of 6 and 18. The choir renders song ministry at the 11 a.m. Sunday worship on the third and fifth Sundays of each month and on other occasions as requested. Rehearsals are 10 a.m. Saturdays preceding third and fifth Sundays.

NEW BEGINNINGS INTERCESSORY PRAYER MINISTRY

This ministry provides an extension of the ministry of Jesus Christ through his body, the Church. It prays for First Nazareth community, individually and corporately, and provides leadership in prayer for First Nazareth.

The ministry intercedes or stands in the gap for the Church and others by praying in their behalf.

The ministry ministers, supports and encourages the Church by interceding through prayer for the leadership and all ministries and/or activities connected with the Church,

The ministry seeks to develop an attitude of praying without ceasing and through faith, knowing that there is much power in prayer.

The ministry seeks to develop a community of intercessors.

Meetings are 5:30 p.m. on the Friday preceding every first Sunday.

PALS (Parents Association of Little Singers)

PALS encourage and provides parental support to the W.H. Neal Youth Choir, formerly known as the Little Singers. PALS membership includes parents/guardians of members of the W.H. Neal Youth Choir. Activities include financial support of choir activities and the church?s building fund. Meetings are held in conjunction with W.H. Neal Youth Choir rehearsals.

PASTOR’S AID MINISTRY

This ministry provides assistance to the Pastor in carrying out his pastoral responsibilities. It coordinates the annual observance of the Pastor?s anniversary. Membership is open to anyone in the church family. Meetings are second Sundays immediately after 11 a.m. worship.

PROGRESSIVE MINISTRY

This ministry brings cheer to shut-ins by sending flowers to members who are hospital patients. Meetings are 10 a.m. on second Saturday of each month.

SUNSHINE GARDEN MINISTRY

This ministry shares a bit of sunshine with sick and shut-in members by sending rays of love, faith, hope and Christianity beaming into the lives of the church family members who are sick or shut in. The ministry meets on the first Saturdays at 12:30 p.m.

B.N. SCOTT USHERS

This ushers ministry serves as church doorkeepers on the first fourth and fifth Sundays at 11 a.m. worship. Membership is open to any church member, but there is an emphasis on youth. Meetings are 12 p.m. on fourth Saturday.

SANCTUARY USHERS

In addition to serving at 7:45 a.m. worship, the Sanctuary Ushers serve on Monday and Wednesday at church revivals and on other occasions as requested. The Sanctuary Ushers are co-sponsors of the Thanksgiving Baskets Project and contribute gifts to Project Angel Tree. Meetings are 10 a.m. on first Saturday.

SANCTUARY YOUTH USHERS

This youth ushers ministry serves on fifth Sundays at the early morning (7:45 a.m.) worship. Members are ages 6-18.

MISSIONS MINISTRY

This ministry promotes the cause of Christ through missions. The Missionary Society offers many opportunities for sharing, strengthening and widening the vision of its members in the building of God?s kingdom on earth. By working together, individual talents and gifts are centered on helping a worthy cause.

Activities include:

Monthly meetings with a Bible study period

Nursing home visitation on the third Saturday of each month

Clothing drives, as requested, for The Cooperative Ministry and other charitable causes

Preparation of personal hygiene kits for distribution to migrant workers and homeless persons

Mary L. Neal Scholarship Fund that provides funds to enhance the education of college students

Christmas Cheer tokens of love to shut-in members of the neighborhood

International Luncheon Fellowship for foreign students at the University of South Carolina

Meetings are 5:30 p.m. first Mondays.

SENIOR USHERS MINISTRY

The Senior Ushers serve as church doorkeepers at 11 a.m. worship on the second and third Sundays

The Senior Ushers Ministry is a member of the Capital City Ushers Union.

Membership is open to any church member who is interested in performing this service.

The Senior Ushers serve at revivals, funerals, church programs and other occasions as requested.

These ushers also accompany the Pastor at revivals.

These ushers visit a nursing home on the fourth Sunday of each month.

Meetings are 6:30 p.m. on second and fourth Mondays.

TECHNOLOGY MINISTRY

The Technology ministry embraces advanced computer knowledge, software, and networking as a means to spread the Gospel and publicize the good works of First Nazareth within the Community.  The ministry meets every other 2nd Tuesday at 6:30pm.

VINEYARD WORKERS MINISTRY

The welfare of church members, as well as others, is the primary objective of the Vineyard Workers Club. This is an all-around church ministry that meets at 10 a.m. on third Saturdays.

WOMEN WORKING SOCIETY

This ministry provides financial assistance to the church, invites others to know Christ and provides support to needy families and community organizations. The group also fellowships with sick and shut-in members both in and out of town. Service projects have include support to such community organizations as SisterCare, The Woodyard Fund, Columbia Boys Home, God?s Storehouse and Walter?s Retirement Home. Meetings are 2 p.m. on first Saturdays.

YOUNG WOMAN’S AUXILIARY (YWA)

This ministry works to more effectively involve young women in the work of the church. This fellowship of young women comes together for mission study, personal evangelism and mission action. It aims to carry the gospel of Jesus Christ to others by witnessing and winning, carrying the message of God?s love and redemption for the world. The YWA is affiliated with the Midlands Baptist Association, Inc.(MBA) and the Woman?s Educational and Missionary (E&M)Convention of South Carolina.

Activities include:

College students? fellowship dinner on the third Sundays of each month

Prison ministry at the Department of Juvenile Justice

Bible study at Walter?s Retirement Home and the Alston Wilkes Society

Preparing and serving Saturday breakfast with HOPE Ministry

Feeding homeless persons on the fourth Saturday of each month

Coordinating the annual church carnival

Coordinating the church’s adoption of a Baptist ministry in Kenya.

Meetings are 6 p.m. on second Tuesdays.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

ANGEL TREE

This ministry coordinates Prison Fellowship?s Project Angel Tree annually in December. This involves recruiting volunteers who coordinate the donation and purchase of Christmas gifts for children of incarcerated adults and ministering to the families during the delivery of the gifts.

DISASTER EMERGENCY RELIEF MINISTRY (DERM)

DERM provides mental, spiritual, physical and emotional support to persons in the state and nation who are impacted by natural or human disasters. By engaging church members, community and business leaders, DERM assists with the healing process and recovery, which is necessary following a catastrophic event.

Meeting Schedule: 2nd Saturday of each month

EVANGELISM

This ministry seeks to fulfill the Great Commission and to joyfully share the love of God by witnessing in word and action. This ministry strives to teach, to do and to be the Good News of Jesus Christ. Activities include the Members Class and Thanksgiving Baskets Project.

Contact:

FOOD PANTRY

The mission of the food pantry is to provide food staples to persons in need living in the Greater Columbia area. The pantry, which is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., is operated by the Deacon Ministry and volunteers from the congregation.

LEGAL ASSISTANCE MINISTRY

The mission of this ministry includes the following:

To provide legal assistance and/or advice to church members as well as the general public, including the preparation of wills

To provide education on various issues of concern relating to finances

To promote good citizenship and respect for the law by all persons.

Membership is open to persons in the judicial, criminal justice and law enforcement fields as well as social workers, firefighters, emergency responders and other interested persons. Meetings are at 6 p.m. on third Tuesdays.

PRISON VISITATION MINISTRY

This ministry visits incarcerated persons and share the Gospel, to provide Christian literature that enhances incarcerated persons? knowledge of Christ while providing witnessing opportunities and to assist in providing after-care service to offenders upon their release and seeking their church attendance.

VETERANS MINISTRY

This ministry?s mission is to provide support to and share information and resources with persons who have completed their military service as well as those currently on active duty.

VOLUNTEER MINISTRY

This ministry?s mission affirms that all members are endowed with special God-given gifts. This ministry coordinates our system of recruiting volunteers and matches needs with identified gifts and interests.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

EDUCATION/TUTORIAL MINISTRY

This ministry provides educational, intellectual and spiritual support for students in grades 1-12. Membership is open to any member who has an interest in supporting higher academic achievement of students.

Affiliations include the S.C. Department of Education, Richland School Districts One and Two, School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties, The State Newspaper?s Newspaper In Education (NIE) program, Benedict College and the S.C. Commission on Higher Education.

Activities include the Annual Honors Fellowship recognizing high school graduates and secondary honor roll students, providing American Education Week mementos for practicing and retired educators, quarterly honor roll recognition and facilitating the church?s faith-based partnership with W.J. Keenan High School.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT MINISTRY

This ministry conducts seminars for the church on financial matters ranging from simple checkbook balancing to understanding credit insurance, investments and financial planning.

CHURCH ENRICHMENT MINISTRY

The objective of the Church Enrichment Ministry is to sponsor programs and activities that support and enrich spiritual growth and development in the fine arts by providing musical instruction for a variety of instruments and supporting young children and adults in developing talents, building confidence and increasing spirituality in a Christian environment.

COMPUTER TRAINING

Free computer classes are offered to the congregation and community during the day and early evening throughout the week. Internet access also is available.

Other evening classes may be available if there is sufficient interest. For further information, contact Robert Davidson, instructor, at 960-2663.

FAMILY ENRICHMENT

COUPLES MINISTRY

This ministry promotes the sanctity of marriage by providing opportunities for married couples to strengthen their marriage bonds through education based upon Biblical teachings and the Christian faith, through shared experience and through fellowship.

MENTORING MINISTRY

The Mentoring Ministry provides support to all members of the church, with special emphasis on youth. Meetings are at 6:30 p.m. on first Thursdays.

SCOUTING

The scouting programs follow the precepts of the Girl Scouts of America and Boy Scouts of America, respectively.

Girl Scout troops serve ages 5-18, Daisy Troop through Senior Troop and promote programs to build girls and young adult females of confidence and character in order to make the world a better place. Meetings are at 6 p.m. Mondays from September-May.

Boy Scout troops serve ages 7-17, Cub Scouts through Venturing Scouts, and promote programs to help boys and young adult males grow into good citizens who are strong in character, leadership and personally fit.

SENIOR CITIZENS MINISTRY

This ministry supports meaningful activities for Senior Citizens, enabling them to maintain active, healthy and productive lifestyles. Meetings are 10:30a.m. on second and fourth Fridays.

SIGN (Standing In The Gap Now) MINISTRY

The SIGN Ministry acts as a support ministry to offenders and their families. Its mission is to provide a haven where healing can begin and to educate others as a means of prevention. Meetings are 6 p.m. on first Tuesdays.

SINGLE AND SINGLE AGAIN MINISTRY

This ministry seeks to be a holistic instrument for single persons to enhance their lives as individuals in Christ. It serves as a support group and facilitates networking with other Christian singles. Projects are developed that cater specifically to special needs of singles. Meetings are 6 p.m. third Tuesdays.

SINGLE PARENTS MINISTRY

This ministry provides support and resources to strengthen and encourage single parent families, individually and corporately.

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY (YAM)

The Young Adult Ministry serves as an advocate for and to address the needs of the young adult generation of the church. YAM’s mission is to promote personal and spiritual growth through worship, fellowship and service. The ministry has a list serve for communicating and meets at 5:30 p.m. fourth Thursdays.

YOUTH MINISTRY

This ministry strives to develop stronger Christian values and promotes spiritual growth and development, serving toddlers through 18-year olds. The ministry expands biblical precepts by providing a myriad of activities throughout the year. Meetings are 6 p.m. second Tuesdays.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Gardenia Ruff, Coordinator

CANCER SUPPORT MINISTRY

This ministry provides information, support, and encouragement to persons and families impacted by cancer. Meetings are 5:30 p.m. second Fridays.

CARETAKERS SUPPORT MINISTRY

This ministry provides support to caretakers, shares information and community resources with caretakers and empowers caretakers? spiritual and positive attitudes. Meetings are 5:30 p.m. on second Tuesdays.

HEALTH CARE MINISTRY

This ministry renders medical assistance to persons who suffer distress during worship and other fellowships at the church, sponsors an annual Health Fair and provides written information and seminars on various health issues that are prevalent in the black community. The Health Care Ministry is open to anyone who has a degree or certificate in the health care field, along with pertinent work experience. Meetings are 10 a.m. on first Saturdays.

HIV/AIDS PREVENTION AND OUTREACH MINISTRY

This ministry provides spiritual, emotional, educational and financial support to persons diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and provides educational workshops on HIV/AIDS for the church family and the community. The ministry meets at 5:30 p.m. on second Tuesdays.

OVERCOMERS MINISTRY

This ministry encourages persons with challenging disabilities to become as independent as possible. It seeks to enlighten persons with disabilities by witnessing, by providing information on available support services, by partnering with overcomers with similar disabilities, and establishing collaboration with other ministries of the church, the community and local and state agencies. The ministry meets at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday.

PEACE (LIFE SKILLS MANAGEMENT) MINISTRY

This ministry promotes the development of life-management skills, with a focus on self-discipline, utilizing the fruits of the spirit described in Galatians 5:22-23.

The acronym PEACE stands for:

Patience

Endurance

Acceptance

Control

Empowerment

This ministry helps youth address issues relevant to the appropriate expressions of anger and other negative emotions such as frustration and disappointment.

The ministry helps parents in their struggle to raise healthy, socially-competent, self-controlled children through parenting sessions.

The ministry targets adults in general to address their unique difficulties managing anger within various interpersonal situations.

The ministry also facilitates a Grief Support Group.

The ministry meets at 4 p.m. on the third Sundays.

RECOVERY MINISTRY

The mission of this ministry is to provide spiritual support to persons who are recovering substance abusers. The ministry meets at 7 p.m. every Friday.

WELLNESS MINISTRY

The Wellness Ministry promotes the stewardship of health and encourages the pursuit of a balanced, holistic lifestyle through an emphasis on fitness and proper nutrition.