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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Pines Baptist Puts Up Some Good Numbers

The numbers are in and last year was a good one for Pines Baptist Church.

The church at S714 Pines Road had more baptisms during the last church year than any other in the Northwest Baptist Convention. (The statistical church year runs from Sept. 1 through August 31.)

Were the 106 baptisms at Pines Baptist the result of growth in Valley population, greater interest in religion, more active outreach programs - or all of the above?

“Yes, yes, yes, and yes,” answered Richard Kirk, the church’s minister of education. “It’s due to all those things.”

According to church spokeswoman Bobby Strom, Pines Baptist has put increased emphasis on making weekly follow-up contacts with visitors.

“Every Monday we have visitations to guests who have filled out communication cards,” she said.

Strom said the church also makes follow-up visits to the homes of new or visiting Sunday school students. The church’s education motto in this month’s bulletin reads, “When it comes to Sunday school growth, there is no U-turn.”

The church is serious about continuing the membership expansion, too. Recently, Pines Baptist hosted a conference featuring a church growth expert.

Food Bank donations needed

Tomorrow is Food Bank Sunday at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit, E15319 Eighth.

According to spokeswoman Dorrie Hoisington, those attending the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. services are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items with them. The church will deliver the donations to the Spokane Valley Center.

February is also the month when members of the congregation work as volunteers at the Valley Center food bank.

For more information about donating or volunteering, call the church at 924-5094.

Spaghetti feed planned

You don’t have to be Italian to enjoy spaghetti. Nor do you have to be a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church to enjoy the church’s upcoming spaghetti feed.

The pasta will be plentiful on Feb. 12 from 5 to 6 p.m. at the church, located at the corner of 26th Avenue and Pines Road.

According to organizer Kitty Rowse, the event is open to the community. The cost is $3 per individual or $10 per family.