Oklahoma parsonage burns down during Sunday worship
Worship services for the McLoud Church of Christ in Oklahoma…
Across the Nation: First responder appreciation, a massive food distribution and more quick takes
Across the Nation is our monthly rundown of news briefs, links and quotes from Churches of Christ across the U.S. Got an idea for this column? Email Audrey Jackson at [email protected].
Firefighters give children tours of their equipment and fire engines at the Eastgate Church of Christ.
Featured image (above): Members of the Eastgate Church of Christ in Siloam Springs, Ark., spent time with first responders, firefighters and police officers recently during a special appreciation Sunday service.
The theme of the day was Phillipians 1:3, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you.” The firefighters gave children tours of their equipment and fire engines in the parking lot before gathering inside for a meal with the congregation.
“Just like Jesus is our Good Samaritan, these men and women work hard to be there for us,” the church posted on its Facebook page.
DELAWARE
WILMINGTON — Six million pounds of food. That’s what Sue Maynard estimates the Greenbank Church of Christ has distributed to the community.
Maynard and her husband, Ed, have helped with the food program since it began 10 years ago, continuing the ministry work through a church merger in 2019 and the shutdowns because of COVID-19.
Volunteers with the Greenbank Church of Christ load food into grocery carts.
The first year the pantry opened, volunteers provided food for about 100 people in the community. The need doubled the following year.
In 2022, it swelled to 65 families per week.
Now the Greenbank church functions as one of the largest emergency food distributors in the Wilmington area, according to the Food Bank of Delaware, with which the church partners to meet U.S. Department of Agriculture food requirements.
“The good Lord has made it possible for us to do it, and I give him all the praise,” Maynard, who coordinates orders for the program, told the Wilmington News Journal.
Newsmakers:
APPOINTED: Andrew Baker as president of the National Christian School Association by the board of trustees. Baker will continue in his administrative faculty position at Harding University in Searcy, Ark. James W. Carr, former senior vice president and executive vice president of Harding University, to the board of directors of 21Wilberforce, a Christian human rights organization.
HONORED: Helen G. Martin for eight years of service on the Warren County school board in Kentucky. Her son, Zack Martin, is minister for the Cedar Springs Church of Christ in Louisville, Ky.
From left, Andrew Baker, Helen G. Martin, Kelly Neill, Chris McCurley, Wesley Garland and Charles Abernathy.
HIRED: Stephen Bailey as director of strategic growth for Made in the Streets, a ministry that serves children in Nairobi, Kenya. Kelly Neill as the lead minister for the Bentonville Church of Christ in Arkansas. Chris McCurley as the preaching minister for the Walnut Street Church of Christ in Dickson, Tenn. Sam Dilbeck as minister for the University Church of Christ in San Marcos, Texas. Michael Whitworth as preaching minister for the Newport Avenue Church of Christ in Bend, Ore. Cliff Hand as youth minister for the Hilldale Church of Christ in Clarksville, Tenn. Wesley Garland as preaching minister for the Warners Chapel Church of Christ in Clemmons, N.C. Charles Abernathy as preaching minister for the Washington Street Church of Christ in Fayetteville, Tenn.
Quote of the month:
Fred Gray speaks at the Nashville Christian Institute’s final reunion.
“Keep going, keep pushing, keep the record straight — do it in a nonviolent manner, and continue to do it until justice rolls down like mercy and righteousness like a mighty stream,” said Fred Gray at the Nashville Christian Institute reunion, echoing the words of the late Georgie Rep. John Lewis.
