By Martha Jackson

Mt. Zion Baptist Church honored retiring pastor the Rev. Wayne Penn and wife Gloria Johnson Penn Dec. 30 after the worship service, with a covered dish lunch. The Rev. Penn delivered his farewell and appreciation message to a full sanctuary. Former members, ministers from the area, the Penns’ family and friends attended the event.

The Rev. Wayne grew up in the Penns’ community west of Massey and attended Friendship Baptist Church off of Highway 41 near Danville. His parents were the late Marvin and Grace Penn. His brothers were the late Willard, Billy and Ronnie Penn.
He is a 1952 graduate of Danville High School.

Mt. Zion asked him to be their interim pastor and then persuaded him to continue for more time. Through his leadership, a lot of prayers and work, their membership increased, and the congregation was able to build a new church on the property. They have also enjoyed many improvements in music, youth and children’s activities, Bible studies and outreach.

The Rev. Wayne will not be far from Mt. Zion, and he will always be thankful for his 11 years there.
Jan. 6 the Rev. Hayes, former pastor at Cullman First Baptist Church, was the guest minister at Mt. Zion’s Sunday services.

Slater Robinson graduates Auburn University

Slater Robinson, son of Darrell and Marla Robinson of Danville, graduated from Auburn University Dec. 15 with a major in poultry science and a double minor in agribusiness and aquaculture. He will begin employment with Wayne Farms in January.
Slater’s brother, Garrett Robinson, is a student at Auburn University and has a Randolph Scholarship. He is a freshman and is majoring pre-vet in poultry.

Both Slater and Garrett have spent the holidays in Danville.

Falkville First United Methodist Church News

The Rev. Bill Smith, assisted by Billie Smith, conducted a Christmas Eve Communion Service at Falkville First United Methodist Church. Individuals and family groups came to participate from 1-3 p.m. The sanctuary had lights from two Chrismon trees and the four candles in the Advent wreath.

Falkville United Methodist Church youth will meet in the fellowship hall Jan. 9 at 6 p.m.

Walker family of Desoto, Kansas, visits relatives in Alabama

Jim and Karen Bryant Walker of Desoto, Kansas, have been visiting relatives in Massey and Hartselle during the holidays.
Dec. 29, Theron and B.B. Anders of Huntsville, Larry Anders of Sheffield and Kay Farrer of Hartselle joined them for lunch at Oh! Bryan’s Steakhouse. Dec. 30 they visited their Aunt Lorene Bryant of Massey and cousins Pam Owens Holmes of Massey and John Steven Bryant of the Blair community.

Dana Henslee, formerly of Corinth West community, visited Jim and Karen and Kay Farrer.
The Walkers spent New Year’s at Fort Rucker and then went on to Key West, Fla., for the month of January. From there they will visit Jim’s sister Jan and her husband Rusty Forbes near Estero, on the Gulf.
Emmanuel Mennonite Activities

Wanita Nisly from the Emmanuel Mennonite Church at Massey continues her work at the Mission in Belize this month. She works with the children, the elderly and the sick and also works in the study groups as well.
Her quarter term of service will end, and she will return home, Jan. 31.

The second term at the Emmanuel Mennonite School started Jan. 2. Mose Yoder continues as their administrator.
Jan. 13 at 2 p.m. the Mennonite choral group from the Emmanuel Church will sing at the Summerford Nursing Home in the activities room. Residents of the nursing home and Summerford Rehab will attend, along with visitors and some of the staff.