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Christian Methodist Episcopal Church |
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News
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Kirkwood Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church rejoiced in the celebration of our 79th Church Anniversary. This year’s anniversary celebration theme was "Celebrating 79 Years of Standing on the Rock" and under the visionary leadership of our dynamic pastor Dr. Jerry L. Christian, Sr., we enjoyed a spirit-filled celebration season. The celebration began with a Fall Festival on October 26, 2003, with over 20 vendors present and featuring fun and festivities for the entire family! The Dallas Mavericks road crew stopped by for some free throw competitions, and KGGR Gospel Radio made a stop! Over 300 patrons visited, shopped and relaxed with us that day. Our traditional Scholarship and Outreach luncheon on November 8, 2003 featured the Founder, President and CEO of Warm Spirit, Inc., Mrs. Nadine Thompson, who shared with us how trusting God worked everything out in her life, even through some really strange circumstances. Patrons hearing her will never believe in coincidence again! A highlight of the Scholarship and Outreach luncheon is the presentation of the J. B. Macklin award to a young adult who has demonstrated a spirit of continuous service to the ministries of the Church. This year’s very deserving recipient was Rev. James Searl who is the devoted and dedicated Associate Pastor and Youth Minister. Rev. Searl was immediately congratulated by his son James II and his mother Mrs. Gwen Parsons, as well as the entire Kirkwood membership, and especially the youth in attendance. The luncheon was attended by approximately 150 people. Continuing the party on Sunday, November 9, the Brotherhood sponsored the annual tailgate party! The brothers went all the way out with a fish fry as well as all manner of scrumptious goodies on the many bar-b-que pits behind their trucks or on the patio! And to make matters even better, the Cowboys WON! A new event for 2003 was the Illumination services held on November 30, 2003, when we flipped the switch on our Christmas decorations! Through the vision of our prolific pastor, Dr. Jerry L. Christian, Sr., we were able to not only set up a nativity scene display but also take the time to remember why we shine lights, because of The LIGHT, Jesus, the Christ of Nazareth. Each light decorating the perimeter of the building was purchased in honor or memory of church or family members. There were approximately 200 names listed on the souvenir program.
Another new event for 2003 was the Gospel Literary Cafe held on December 12, 2003! We heard from nine authors specializing in Christian literature about how and why they write. Then we had opportunity to purchase books and relax to Gospel jazz music and enjoy a festive evening. Anniversary Sunday on December 14, 2003 was a glorious day of celebration and praise featuring two dynamic men of God. At the 11:00 service was our own visionary, dynamic and prolific elocutionist, Dr. Jerry L. Christian, Sr. Using our theme scripture of Matthew 7:24-29, Dr. Christian spoke to us about the House Built on the Rock! Dr. Christian reminded us that we each have a house to build in that we have a life to build, and for a firm foundation, we must build on the Rock of our Salvation! Dr. Christian encouraged us that on a firm foundation, we can remain stationary through the storms! Following a scrumptious fellowship dinner prepared by the fabulous Kirkwood cooks, we settled in for our 4:00 service. We were blessed by the presence of Rev. Tyrone Gordon and the St. Luke "Community" United Methodist Church of Dallas, Texas. Rev. Gordon inspired us with his message from John 21:1-6 asking us "Have You Caught Anything?" Rev. Gordon reminded us that production of fruit is a sign of life and challenged us on three points: 1) Don't forget the mission; 2) Don't be disturbed by setbacks; and 3) Don't underestimate the power of God! What an encouraging word from this man of God!
Rev. Tyrone Gordon
The 4:00 service also included the naming of the 2003 Visionary Award winner. The Visionary award is presented to the person providing continuous outstanding service to God through Church ministries as it relates to the vision of the church. The 2003 recipient was the imaginative and dedicated office manager Rev. Annette Bell-Lary. Rev. Lary is an associate pastor and a member of the Finance Team and board member for the Gilmore Community Development Corporation.
The anniversary Sunday services were attended by over 700 people, as we enjoyed the challenge of running out of space on the parking lot as well as in the sanctuary. However, thanks to our Audio/Video team, this contingency had been prepared for and addressed with an overflow screen set up in the chapel. The church also exceeded it's goal of $35,000 in anniversary gifts. We thank God for the 79 years He’s blessed Kirkwood to have and we look forward with faith and hope to His perfect will for our future.
Photos courtesy Kirkwood Audio/Video Ministry, Bro. Leon McCowan Chair
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