Happy New Year!!!!  It's hard for me to believe that 2005 is history and we are entering into the year 2006.  I am so thankful for the many blessings experienced during this past year.

1. One of the highlights of this past year was our "Reading the Bible through in 2005" emphasis.  So many people accepted this challenge of reading their Bible through this year.  Again, we are challenging our members and readers to read the Bible through in 2006'. If you were one of those who started out reading the Bible through, but fell behind, make it a priority to accomplish this goal for the year 2006.  Praise the Lord for those of you who completed the challenge of reading the Bible through in 2005.  God bless you!
2. I thank the Lord for a wonderful Church family. I have come to know, love and appreciate you in so many ways.  One of the saddest aspect of our church ministry is the adjustment to the passing of so many of our members during these 5 ½ years I have been here as Pastor.   We will miss their smiles, their presence, and though they are gone, they will never be forgotten.  
   Our church membership has grown and with the new faces comes the awesome challenge of ministering to each other and to the regions beyond.  
3. I am so thankful that God has allowed me the opportunity of working with some of the finest staff people to ever be assembled at a Church.  Our church has been blessed with some of the most fervent, godly servants of the Lord.  The support staff and Ministerial staff work hand-in-hand to fulfill their God given calling here at First Baptist Church.  Thank you staff for going the second-mile' in ministry.
   I am so thankful for my salvation, my family and for my calling as Pastor of the great First Baptist Church of Walton, KY. 
   God bless you as together we open our hearts and mind to the two-edged Sword of God's Word.

Because of Calvary,
Bro. Hale     Ps. 16:11