Labor Day a time of serious reflection

Elder John Settles

“Then saith He to his disciples, the harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few.”

On Monday, our nation will celebrate Labor Day. Labor Day marks the last official holiday of the season. This day was set aside years ago to reflect on the contributions made by men and women all across the nation in the workforce. Many will use this day for the final cookout of the year or trips to be with friends and family, and for some it will be a time to celebrate at various parties.

From a spiritual perspective, Labor Day for Christians should take on an entirely different meaning. In our scripture passage, Jesus looked at the large crowds that followed him and compared them to a ripe field ready for harvest. Many people are ready to give their lives to Christ if someone will show them how. Jesus commands us to pray that people will respond to this need for laborers.

Many times when we pray for something, God answers our prayers by using us. Get ready for God to use you to show another person the way to him! Amen.

Thought for the week

“Working for Jesus pays with rewards that are out of this world.”

NAACP meeting

The Richmond/Madison County Branch of the NAACP meets on the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church on the corner of Francis and Collins streets.

Linden Street Church

Boyd Vanwinkle and Noel Kendrick will be sharing their musical talent with The Linden Street Baptist Church (behind the YMCA) Sunday at 6 p.m. Brother Paul Pearson and the congregation would like to invite every one to come and join them.

Back to the Basics Conference

The Temple of Deliverance will host the second annual Back to The Basics Conference at Mt. Nebo on Sept. 10-11. Speakers will be Elder John Settles and choir of Pleasant Green Predestinarian Baptist Church on Sept. 10 at 7 p.m., and Pastor Philip Holman and the praise team of Victory World Outreach Ministries on Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. The community is invited. Pastor Floyd Ballew is host pastor. There are no registration fees.

Homecoming and revival

Grace Chapel Weslyan Church will celebrate its homecoming on Sept. 13 with Pastor Roy Carver and singers “Determined.” Revival services will be Sept. 14 -20 with Pastor Kenny Hamilton from Morehead. Service on sun will be at 6 p.m. All other day services start at 7 p.m.

Church yard sale

The Children’s Fellowship at First Baptist Church, 302 Francis Street, will be having a yard S.A.L.E. (Serving All in Love Everybody) on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 8 am to 12 p.m. All items in the yard sale are free. We will have clothing, shoes, household items, furniture, toys and much more. This is a mission’s project sponsored by the Children’s Fellowship. The theme is “Come to Jesus,” from Matthew 11:25-30. The Rev. Robert R. Blythe is the host pastor.

Men’s and women’s day

On Sunday, Sept. 20, at 3 p.m., Pleasant Green Predestinarian Baptist Church in Waco, will observe men’s and women’s day. The special guests will be Elder Anthony W. Phelps and the Concord Predestinarian Baptist Church. Dinner will be served. Bro. Raymond Covington and Sis. Beverly McKay are the chairpersons. Elder John Settles is the host pastor.

Special note

To all churches and civic organizations: To place your church or civic activity in this column, please send all information at least one week in advance via the U.S Postal Service. The new address is: Church & Community Focus, 246 Sunset Ave., Richmond, KY 40475. E-mailed announcements should be sent to: tpollary@roadrunner.com and all announcements must be received by 6 p.m. on the Tuesday of the week you wish you announcement to appear in the newspaper.

Until next week

May the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus stay fresh in your minds until we meet again.