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What a joyful celebration of the 85th Forty Year Christians Anniversary at Historic Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church! This year’s theme was “Practical Christianity” from The Book of James.
Sister Diana Mabson and the choir opened morning worship singing “All Day Long” as members of the 40 Year Christians marched into the sanctuary together.
The Call to Worship was given by Rev. Dr. Samuel U. Peoples, Interim Pastor. He encouraged all to pause and thank God for all He has done for us! “Let’s worship the Lord this morning in spirit and in truth!”
Sister Vicki Laine, Mistress of Ceremony, introduced this morning's special 40 Year Christians Anniversary Program and warmly welcomed all in attendance to join in the praise and worship of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! She shared that “the 40 Year Christians have been studying the book of James and my favorite scripture is from James 1:5 which reads, ‘If any of you needs wisdom to know what you should do, you should ask God, and he will give it to you. God is generous to everyone and doesn’t find fault with them.’”
Sister Diana Mabson and the Mass Choir shared an uplifting, soul stirring medley comprised of “I’m A Soldier In The Army of The Lord,” There’s A Storm Out”, and “Praise The Lord Everybody. ”
Sister Lisa Molinari shared our scripture reading from James 4:8-12 followed by Brother Thomas Peoples, III who offered a heartfelt morning prayer thanking God for our lives and for “how far He has brought us.”
Sister Anna Tatman extended a hearty welcome to all visitors and friends in attendance. She assured all that they would be fed spiritually in the Lord this day!
A special rendition of “My Soul Has Been Anchored In The Lord” was rendered by guest worship leader and drummer, Brother Jimmy McDuffie.
In the absence of Dr. Alyce Emerson and Sister Elizabeth Brooks, Sis Linda Gates, President of the 40 Year Christians, presented this year’s special recognition of Forty Year Christians 80 and older. “On this special day, we honor…”Sister Juanita Black, Sister Mattie Brooks, Sister Mary Cloyd, Brother John Drake, Sister Jane Duncan, Deacon Marvin Emerson, Deacon Charles Frye, Sister Anna Jarber, Sister Ruth Ann Gaylord, Sister Nancy Holmes, Brother Charles Jones, Sister Dorothy Jones, Sister Sarah Jones, Sister Willa Lewis, Sister Jackie Maupin, Brother Don Offutt, Sister Dorothy Offutt, Sister Rosemary Owens, Sister Delma Peoples, Sister Eleanor Smothers, Sister Delores Spencer, Sister Anna Tatman, Brother Marvin Thomas, Sister Norma Thomas, Sister Cleo Washington, Sister Thelma White, Sister Tassa Wigginton, and Brother James Wright. A special gift was given to all in the 80 Year and older class of 40 Year Christians.
Mistress of Ceremony, Sister Vicki Laine, and her special “Sister Delma Peoples Appreciation Committee”, paused to share a video message from Governor Andy Beshear, honoring Dr. Delma Peoples as a Kentucky Colonel, the highest honor a Governor can bestow on a civilian! Governor Beshear praised Dr. Peoples for her dedicated service throughout the community, for standing up for civil rights and for spreading God’s love as a devoted member and First Lady of Historic Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church.
Dr. Delma Peoples thanked the church for the memories and encouraged all in worship to “Give God all the praise. Thank you for all these honors and recognitions!”
A poignant Memorial period was observed by Rev. Leo and Sister Joyce Fain. Those saints remembered this day are…Brother Hugh Sterling, Sister Franceen Drake, Sister Eleanor Beatty, Sister Rene Givens, Brother Melvin Sykes, Deacon Richard Briscoe Sr., and Brother George Ray. Families of those remembered were presented with a beautiful vase of roses. Rev Fain closed out the memorial tribute in scripture, sharing Romans 8:38-39. Rev. Samuel Peoples thanked God in prayer for the memories of those honored this day and thanked God “for the heroes of faith that have fought a good fight and have gone on before us. We thank You for their witness, in Jesus name, Amen!”
40 Year Christians President, Sister Linda Gates shared an overview and the mission of the group. “We are an active, mission minded group. We meet the 3rd Saturday of every month at 1:30pm. Sister Thelma White is our Vice President, Sister Gloria Hatchett is our Treasurer and Sister Bonita Brown is our unofficial Corresponding Secretary. We partner with Step By Step for Single Moms and have partnered with Homestead Nursing Home. We are mission minded and this year we are thankful to have been able to help victims of Kentucky flooding disasters. We traveled to Frankfort to help First Corinthian Baptist Church and Pastor Leslie Whitlock. That church and community were affected by the floods and we were able to bless them with tangible items and financial aid. And on a lighter note, we had a great time of fellowship playing Miniature Golf at Malibu Jack's on Saturday!”
Ranking golfers were presented gifts (as well as interim Pastor Peoples and Guest minister, Rev Gates) by Sister Valerie Marshall…1st place: Sister Nina Jackson, 2nd place: Sister Valerie Marshall, 3rd place: Sister Jackie Maupin, 4th place: Sister Linda Gates.
Sister Linda C. Gates, President of the 40 Year Christians, led the Induction of the New Member, Sister Dawn Offutt, welcoming her to the group. In closing, Sis Gates thanked all on the program and shared that “We will begin studying the book of Titus soon. Titus is a bad boy! The mission Paul sent him on is something! There is a serious need for the word of God to be taught and spread.”
Sister Beverly Bowman introduced our Guest Preacher for the day, Rev. Robert Porter Gates, Sr., Pastor of the Historic First Baptist Church at Camp Nelson.
Sis Mabson and the Mass Choir sang “We Will Understand It Better By And By,” offering encouragement through the classic gospel hymn.
Rev. Robert P. Gates, Sr., Pastor of Historic First Baptist Church at Camp Nelson led the congregation in singing the negro spiritual, “I Want Jesus To Walk With Me.” Rev Gates then read from 2 Timothy 2:1-3 and shared his subject, A Good Soldier: It Still Pays To Serve Jesus! Rev Gates shared the following…“This message is a message of hope, encouragement and faith. It pays to serve Jesus as a soldier of the cross. I still believe that there is power in the Word. I still believe that the Word will convict, convert and save. It will make you walk right and talk right. I still believe that the word will make you treat me right and will make you love your enemies. It will be a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my pathway. Serving God is gonna pay off after a while. In the midst of your trials and tribulations it still pays to serve God. Paul said put on the whole armor of God. Paul wanted Timothy to understand that this is a process on your way to Glory and it pays to serve Jesus!
Three points I’d like to share…The ENDURANCE OF A SOLDIER..endurance of trials leads to the fulfillment of Gods promise. Every morning when you think about the goodness of God, praise Him. Paul wanted Timothy to understand, don’t get weary in well doing for in due season you will reap if you faint not. The trying of your faith worketh patience. God is our Refuge, a Mighty Help!
The LIFE OF A SOLDIER..Do you know how to let God work it out? Do you know how to have a little talk with Jesus? Anybody know how to get down on your knees and say ‘Father I stretch my hands to Thee, no other Help I know.’ Whatever I’m experiencing He’s already experienced! By His stripes we are healed!
The REWARDS & APPROVAL OF A SOLDIER…The rewards we get as a soldier is God saying ‘Well done my good and faithful servant!’ There is a reward in heaven for those who endure as soldiers of the Lord. It still pays to serve Jesus. I’m a soldier in the army of the Lord. I wouldn’t take nothing for my journey. We are soldiers in the army of the Lord. I’m going home! I’m going home to live with my Lord. It pays to serve Jesus as a good soldier of the cross!”
Rev Gates extended the Invitation to Discipleship singing, “I Know I’ve Been Changed” accompanied by the Mass Choir and congregation.
Rev Samuel Peoples gave the offertory appeal and prayer. He thanked God for the 40 Year Christians and for the Word!
The Benediction and Doxology were given by Rev. Robert P. Gates, Sr.
A delicious 40 Year Christians 85th Anniversary reception immediately followed morning worship.
To God Be The Glory for a beautiful, spirit-filled worship service celebrating the 85th Anniversary of our faithfully, blessed 40 Year Christians! What a blessing to be a soldier in the army of the Lord!
Sister Cathy Black
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