Events during the week preceding Father’s Day caused me to reflect on the effects of our forefathers’ actions as well as to consider how we are strengthening the faith of succeeding generations.
I read a framed 1964 newspaper article about Pete Clement, who ran a ferryboat in Etowah County. He passed away years ago, but his son Ken performs a similar function today: As pastor of Mount Hebron West Baptist Church in Elmore Association, Bro. Ken helps sinners cross over to “God’s side.”
The annual session of the National Sacred Harp Convention is set in Birmingham each year the three days prior to Father’s Day. The powerful, unaccompanied “fa-sol-la singing” exalts Jesus and points to the joys of heaven.
This year more than 450 people attended, coming from many states. I read name tags from Texas, New Mexico, North Carolina, Illinois, and Connecticut. There were even eight people from England and four from Australia. Although many people consider the powerful music “old-timey,” the good number of younger participants makes it likely that the inspiring music will continue for generations to come.
A wide range of musical experience was represented in the crowd. Sue Martin, who works in the Walker Baptist Association office and whose husband, Bill, is pastor of New Canaan Baptist Church, Jasper, enjoyed the Sacred Harp music but called herself “just a piddler; I sing about every other note,” she said. On the other end of the spectrum was Harry Eskew, who retired last year after 36 years in the music department at New Orleans Baptist Seminary.
A time for celebration
On June 9, Carey and Clay associations dedicated their renovated and expanded missions building in Ashland. Pete Phillips, the only layman serving as director of associational missions in Alabama, has served them well for 12 years. As Bro. Pete noted, my late father, J.W. Sentell, would have been very happy about the day. He purchased the property years ago so the former church location might continue to be used for the Lord’s work.
Members of several local Baptist churches helped renovate and expand the building: Ashland First, Bowden Grove, Corinth, Liberty, Lineville, Lystra, Mount Zion, New Fellowship, New Hope and Spring Hill. Also helping were local Carpenters for Christ, led by Pete Gaither. This Sunday he will be named deacon emeritus at the Ashland church.
The main speaker at the dedication was Ron Madison of the State Board of Missions in Montgomery. He wisely noted the real reason for such a celebration is not bricks and mortar but the love of God.
Every year Baptists share God’s love with the younger generation during the week of Vacation Bible School. At our church last Sunday night, the children were excited about what they had learned the previous week. One of their songs described the love of God as never-ending and always forgiving. That’s a wonderful assurance to carry with you the rest of your life.
Another important practice is sending this state Baptist paper to your church members. As your church prepares its budget for next year, remember this inexpensive way to provide weekly information, inspiration and practical helps for living the Christian life.
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