St.Andrew Primitive Baptist Church, hosted the 2009 Community Watch Night Worship Service on Thursday December 31st, featuring the organization known as CARES, INC.(Christians: Assisting, Responding, Enabling and Serving. Although, St. Paul, St.Peter and Springhill United Methodist, Bethlehem, Big Shiloh, St.Andrew and Mt.Zion Primitive Baptist, and Lewis Chapel, New Hope, St.Elizabeth and Triana CPCA Church members could have chosen to participate in plenty of raucous parties, they chose this time for reflections. With over a hundred of members turning out, thanking God for this past year and looking forward to what God has in store for us in the emerging year.
The Service was called to worship by Rev. Roderick "Red" Stallworth, with Springhill UM Male Chorus singing spiritual filled songs to the congregation. SAPBC very own Deacon Dwight Lewis welcomed all to the 2009 Cares Watch Night Service, with Rev. James Childress, President of CARES, INC and Pastor of Triana CPCA Responding to the welcome.
Devotional service was done by New Hope officers and Bro. Calvin Rogers Jr.
Reading of the Old Testament by Rev. Columbus Waddle, Pastor of St Elizabeth CPCA and New Testament by SAPBC very own Youth Minister, Minister Brandon D. Nance.
The occassion was done by Rev. Dr. Paul Hillard.
The Congregation was opened up for Testimonial/Reflections with inspiring reflections and praises to God by Young and Old.
During the remaining of the Night we were blessed with singing from SAPBC Youth Choir and Sanctuary Choir. Big Shiloh and New Hope Combined Choir. Praise Team dances from SAPBC and St. Paul. Spiritual offertory prayer by Sister Phyllis Brandon from SAPBC.
Introduction of Speaker by Elder Woodrow Kirby, Pastor of Big Shilow P.B. Church. He explained to the congregation that he asked Pastor Hartwell for some notes about himself, but he never received any. He knew how many degrees Pastor Hartwell has and what type of Business man he was but all over he explained to us that he is a Teacher, a Leader, Family man and most of all a true Man of God. The congregation shared in singing the Hymn of Preparation while fellowshipping with one another.
Pastor Hartwell's scripture came from 2nd Corinthians 5:21. His Subject was "Get it Right"
He basically told the people that if you missed something in 2009, Get it Right in 2010. We as people are always trying to get our hair right, or get something on the job right, but we do not spend enough time trying to "Get it Right" with God.
Invitation to Christian Discipleship was done by Rev. Darius Holden, Associate Minister, Triana CPCA. Very inspiring young man. Told the people, do not make New Year's resolution, get a Reservation to see the Lord one day. During his ministering to the people, three people came up, two for baptism and one to rededicate, what a hallelajuh, shouting good time that was.
With the service coming to an end, people up praising God for being blessed to see 2010, it was time for the President's Moments. Rev. James Childress praised and thanked everyone for coming out to support the CARES 2009 Watch Night Service and informed the people that Cares can now go on assisting people in the time of need. He thanked God for the organization, as well as reflected back on Eld. George Franklin Sr. being one of the founders of CARES and Mother Amanda Franklin continues to play a great role in the organization to this day.. Closing prayer was done by Rev. Percy Nolan, Pastor of Springhill UM and Closing Song by Choir and Congregation. Benediction/Grace by Rev. Terry Ragland, Vice President, CARES,INC. & Pastor of New Hope CPCA.
Breakfast was served in the Elder George Franklin, Sr. Fellowship Hall.
Submitted by: Cathy LaVaughn Horton