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INSPIRATION |
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From left, Katrina Barnhill, part of music team; First Lady Debra Brock, Pastor Cedric Brock, Bobby Lucas III, part of music team show community spirit at Mt. Nebo Community Outreach Picnic. |
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Picnic launches outreach to community
By: Mary Ann Wasserman
The Toledo Journal
Originally posted 7/6/2010
Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church hel a first ever Community Outreach Picnic on Sunday, July 4.
''The event is sponsored by the church outreach program,'' said Pastor Cedric Brock. ''I want to give special thanks to our sponsors, Deacon Ray Wood of the local unions, Sister Debbie of Auntie Ann’s and Mt. Nebo youth staff for making the picnic possible.''
Pastor Brock says the picnic is to show the church is involved in the community as a partner. The effort of Mt. Nebo was to assist those who are less fortunate and to feed them for the Fourth of July celebration.
Althea McClelland agreed with the pastor in the goal of having a holiday activity.
''I think it is great that church reaches out to the community for those who may not have any activities planned,'' Ms. McClelland said.
Bobby Lucas III also expressed appreciation in having something to do.
''It put me to work,'' Mr. Lucas said. ''I posted papers on the street to tell the community about the picnic.''
Pastor Brock says as a church his congregation is able to help and to clothe the naked, those who are less fortunate and is what the church should be about.
Yvonne Jett commented,'' They always say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach and they presented that today by bringing us closer to God and bringing us closer to the church through our stomachs.''
Yolanda Banks has 11 grandchildren and a good number of them were at the event.
''Even though it is hot, they are having fun and it is something good when the community gets together,'' Ms. Banks said.
Velma Hicks also seemed to feel satisfaction at the number of children attending the picnic.
''It is good to see all the kids together and play and having fun,'' Ms. Hicks said. ''We are more like a family. We are more than friends. The picnic gives the kids something positive to do.''
Likewise, Della Cathcart-Wade expressed pride at her family coming together with those at Mt. Nebo.
''My kids like to come to church,'' Ms. Cathcart-Wade said. ''They did the praise dance at church.''
Pastor Brock spoke about Christ saying He was hungry and ''You fed me.''
''I think the fellowship and smiles and well wishes of the congregation has made us more unified,'' Linda Billups said. ''I think it really allows us to catch up with each other and find out what each other is doing.''
Mt. Nebo Baptist Church’s leader invited people to a church service. People seemed to respond to rallying to the calling of God. The picnic as an outreach to the community inspired Ivan Coley.
''It helped me to be sensitive and to be a servant for Christ and not to be selfish and just to help other people,'' Mr. Coley said.
Deacon Alan Crawford Sr. commented, ''I am so happy I’m about to devote my service to the community and about to reach out to people who may not even know anyone in the community.''
Terry Amstutz also appreciated the opportunity to be of help to other people.
''I think it is a wonderful activity for the community,'' Mr. Amstutz said. ''I try to help out as much as I can with it. I think it helps bring people to God.''
Jerome Hicks said of the picnic, ''I think it is great.''
Zarael Nurruddin suggested, ''I think it is a lot of fun; it helps the community to get active.''
Mission Successful could be the name of Mykayla Jackson’s response.
''It helps me to learn to share our food with people and it will help the church grow,'' Ms. Jackson said.
Pastor Brock stressed the Bible says in Psalm 41-l: ''Blessed is he the considers the poor. The Lord will deliver him in the time of trouble.''
''We plan on doing the picnic next year and making it bigger and better,'' Pastor Brock said. ''We are going to do a carnival; we want something to remind that this community is a great community.''
He mentioned the congregation is sponsoring dress down for summer services.
''We want people to feel comfortable during the summer months,'' Pastor Brock said.
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