“Jesus, the Reason for the Season,’’ was celebrated in a joyful manner Tuesday at Blackshear First Baptist Church when nearly 80 JOY Group —Just Older Youths—glistened in fellowship, shared a delicious holiday meal and applauded special speakers at their Christmas luncheon.
The church’s own Pam Brooks set the tone for worship, the Rev. Will Emery took the audience on a “Thanks for the memories’’ segment and church senior pastor, the Rev. Dr. Justin Gambrell was narrator and opened with prayer.
Senior pastor, the Rev. Dr. Gambrell, welcomed everyone to the memorable occasion in the church fellowship hall, adorned with many poinsettias and Christmas trees. He thanked “Jesus for coming to this earth’’ and welcomed the audience— ladies in red holiday fashions and gentlemen wearing ensembles telling of the Christmas season. His invitation to all to put Jesus as the Christmas focus radiated throughout the spacious room.
Mrs. Brooks, talented Christian speaker, teacher and mother of two, was described as an “encourager.’’ In sharing her Christmas cheer message, she urged all to “Remember Baby Jesus, the greatest gift ever given. Due to the “hustle and bustle’’ of the world, we must remember Jesus Is Heaven sent. Make sure we don’t forget the most important baby in your life. Get ready. Make your heart clean and make room for Baby Jesus.’’
A teacher of the Bible in her church, Mrs. Brooks encouraged her listeners to read daily their Bible, devotionals and pray. “Prepare for Jesus. Jesus helps us to open the door to our souls. Prepare to meet and receive the Lord.’’
Mrs. Brooks encouraged everyone to talk to their families about Jesus — ‘’talk how Jesus lights up the world, tell others and brag about Jesus, what He has done for you.’’
The Rev. Emery thanked everyone for his six years of service at this church. Commenting “I strongly desire to serve the Lord. “I have accepted a position as new staff member at the River Church in Loveland, CO. God showed me the right step and I ask all to pray for me as I teach those at the new church to receive our Christ.’’
Each JOY-ster received a Christmas gift, ornaments. Highlighting also was the giving of door prizes, donated by area businesses.
Recognition was given those celebrating recent birthdays and anniversaries.
Besides the red and green traditional decorations in the room, created by a special decorating team, the foods also were complimented. Jim Waters was thanked for the catering of the meal, ham, green beans and loaded baked potatoes. Red cherry congealed salad was the “red,’’ and green beans, the traditional ‘’green.’’ A variety of cakes and pies was offered. Hostesses, members of the Workers for Christ Sunday School class, were applauded for their meal additions.
Class director Ann Cason thanked her dedicated class members and the decorators for a special occasion, commenting, “We have a great team working together. I appreciate so much all of them. Special recognition was given Women of Ruth, an organization for widows, who enjoyed the occasion.
