A message from Marty Watts:

First Baptist has generously granted me a sabbatical for the month of January and a good portion of February. This will be my first sabbatic leave in my thirteen and a half year tenure at First Baptist. I’m excited about the conferences, CenturyMen recording project, books, lessons, and downtime I have lined up.

While I’m away, the Music Ministry will be in good hands. Gary Aikens, retired Minister of Music (most recently at First Baptist Tifton), will be leading Celebration Worship and directing Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra rehearsals. Lynn Borton will be covering the Handbell Choir and Karen Sutton will lead my children’s choir. Kathy Gore will be playing piano for Chapel Worship.

I’ll miss being with you during that time, but know of my prayers for you and the whole Music Ministry while I’m away.

 

Gary Aikens is a graduate of Mercer University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and has recently retired after more than 40 years as a minister of music with over 36 of those years in Georgia and his last full-time church service at First Baptist Church, Tifton, GA. He has served in leadership positions tin Georgia Baptist Church Music Conference, as a member of both the Sons of Jubal and The Centurymen. Married to Becky Taylor Aikens, they have 3 daughters (and sons-in-law) and 5 grand-daughters and now resides in Warner Robins.