By Stephen Smoot
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
These words of Jesus Christ come from Matthew 18:20. Certainly the more than 50 individuals, including representatives of three county social services organizations, who gathered at North Fork Baptist Church could feel Him in their midst.
“We have these about three or four times a year,” said Pastor Mike Clements about the community meal held at noon last Wednesday. Though this has been customary at this house of worship, the last two have included participation from organizations dedicated to helping those in the most need across Pendleton County.
“It’s been a real blessing,” he shared.
Linda Hedrick stood in front of those assembled to spread the Word before they rose to eat the buffet style meal. She read from I Peter 2:2, then quoted Deuteronomy 31:6, saying “be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble . . . God will not forsake you.”
Her message was that God’s children need not fear because He watches over His people as parents do their children, even to the point of disciplining when needed.
“Those whom God loves, He disciplines,” she explained.
Hedrick also led the group in singing “Jesus Loves Me” and happy birthday for “Miss Edna” Mullenax, representing Community Action
Organizations joining the attendees were MountainHeart, Potomac Highlands Guild, Community Action, and The Health Plan.
Mullenax brought Community Action to the meal. Currently, their Family Resource Center in Franklin helps to support families in need, whether it be learning cooking, best parenting practices, or even to give families a place to socialize and relax in a safe environment.
Interestingly, both of them celebrated their birthdays that day. Community Action turned 60.
She stated that “we’re doing food boxes” and also brought meat and other supplies.
“This is our community outreach,” she said.
