TENNESCENE: JUL. 22

LEADERS

Central Baptist Church, Oak Ridge, called James R. Raffety of Owasso, Okla., as senior pastor, effective July 1. He was called to full-time ministry in 1995 and has 16 years of Christian service as a youth minister, singles minister, houseparent and as a senior pastor.

Daniel McKenzie was called June 14 to serve as discipleship pastor at First Baptist Church, Manchester. He will begin on Aug. 2. Also, at First Baptist, Cyndi Cox, director of Christian education, is retiring after 22 years on staff.

Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City has named three additions to the Executive Leadership team: Aaron Porter, vice president for enrollment management; Jeff Roberts, vice president of the newly formed division of university relations; and Gloria Walker, acting vice president for student services.

James Bentley has been called as interim pastor of Union Baptist Church, Hampton.

Jayson Hoagland recently resigned as pastor of Sinking Creek Baptist Church, Johnson City. Bart Richardson will serve as interim pastor.

Greg McCall was called July 12 as pastor of Birchfield Baptist Church, Maryville.

First Baptist Church, Dover, recently called Steven Head as pastor.

DEATHS

James McCulla died June 20 at the age of 93. A native of Knoxville, McCulla served as pastor of churches in Texas, Montana and California before returning to his home state in the mid-1960s where he served as pastor of churches in Knox and Blount counties. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dottie. McCulla is survived by three children, 10 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

ASSOCIATIONS

Nolachucky Baptist Association, based in Morristown, will hold its annual baptism service on Sunday, July 26, at 7 p.m. at Harrell Park in Bean Station. Chris Keathly, pastor of Alpha Baptist Church, Morristown, will speak. Social distancing will be practiced and facemasks are encouraged by those who attend.