Photo by Pam Dudding
Pam Dudding
Contributing writer
Most everyone needs a fun and relaxing day these days and that is just what two churches gave Craig County community on Saturday, July 22.
Though much hard work and planning went into the entire day, the attendance and the amount of food was “over the top” in expectations.
Almost 150 people attended, bringing side dishes and desserts to add to the barbeque meat and the fresh cooked barbeque chicken legs that were prepared by Randy Stanley.
It took a few hours to cook but the results were delicious, many shared.
Craig Valley Baptist and Grace Baptist churches have joined their congregations lately in hosting different events for the Christian community which have proven to be successful and fun.
Photo by Pam Dudding
This was their first “Bluegrass and BBQ” event and though their expectations were high, they had no idea the turnout would be double what they were expecting. It was held at their pavilion beside the Field of Dreams.
They had posted signs around town with balloons directing everyone’s attention to the event.
People showed up with chairs in one hand and side dishes in the other. There were canopies set up also in the grass, but over half the day, the clouds gave everyone a cool break.
It seemed everyone had smiles and chatter was abundant, as well as laughs and giggles from the children.
They played badminton, corn hole and other games that were set up, while others dipped in the cool creek that flowed beside the pavilion.
Music played throughout the day and some even stood up and danced a little, while others tapped along to the beat with their feet and hands.
The musicians were Rick and Joe Francisco, Mike King, Tim Chaney, Jessica Dennis and Randy Dudding.
The food tables stretched from one end of the pavilion to the other and every table was jammed packed with food.
The churches provided all the paper products as well all the drinks and ice.
Photo by Pam Dudding
Though there was a question as to whether there would be enough food for all the people that came, after everyone went through the line, there was enough for another 100 people to eat.
“God multiplied it as He usually does!” one member shared with a smile.
Randy Spencer, the interim pastor of both churches, gave a short sermon from the book of John, chapter three, speaking of Nicodemus.
“Nicodemus had the miracle of spiritual birth,” Spencer explained. “God totally transformed him and told him what it was to be born naturally and then to be born again into spiritual life.”
Photo by Pam Dudding
He added, “Without that, no one can see the kingdom of God. It is your second birth, from natural birth then to your spiritual birth as first we are born into the world and then we have the option of being born into the kingdom of God.”
He shared how one enters into heaven by faith.
“Jesus had to enter earth like man in a natural birth so we could then enter heaven by Jesus Christ,” Spencer said. “Jesus told us, “I Am the way, the truth and the life and no man enters the Kingdom but by Me.””
Photo by Pam Dudding
More music was played as others joined the group playing. Relaxation seemed to be the unspoken theme of the evening.
More and more kids and adults decided to wade the creek as the sun came out with a bit of intensity.
As people started to pack up and leave, several took meals to some elderly while others shared theirs with family members there.
The churches extend their appreciation to everyone who attended, and especially to all those who helped to plan, set up and make the day a true pleasure.
They also extend an invitation to attend their churches if someone does not have a church home. “We would love to have you to join us!” they shared.
