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Wow,
Homecoming at the Stanton 1st Church of God - that sure does bring back
memories. When I was growing up here some 20 plus years ago, I always looked
forward to Homecoming. There were always special singers, usually a guest
speaker and of course the great cooking that went along with it. And being the
pastor’s son I was always afforded a few extra treats by some of the special
ladies of the Church. After service and dinner and just before the afternoon
singing service there was always a game of football in the yard of the
parsonage. The memories of years gone by seem to be so fresh in my mind; I can
still hear Jean Slemp telling Deana, Jennifer and myself to shhhhh! But all that is in the past. Some of the old
timers are gone, Granny Morrison, Denny and Mae Faulkner, Sister Baker, Sister
Oaks, Sister Faulkner, Bruce and Ruth Gillespie, just to name a few. The
football field is now a parking lot and a couple of pastors have come and gone. There is no 2:00 p.m. service this year but
glory to God we still have food.
As
I set back and reminisce about my childhood, back to the days when Don Pelfrey
and Rex Hampton could fix anything, I remember most vividly the excitement and
fire that I saw within the Saints that worshiped at Stanton. I saw men and women that I wanted to
be like, people that had a love and a drive for the Lord. That was where I
learned how good our God really is from those testimony services that would
take place ever so often. Boy, those were the days.
There
are things about the past I wouldn’t want back. Like the football games, I just
don’t think I could handle that today. But I would sure like to see that fire
and drive for God and His Church be rekindled in the
Saints at Stanton
today. This is not only a day to remember the past but to also look to the
future. To seek out the old paths and follow them again.
It is a time to step into a new era with God. Remember old things are passed
away and God is ready to give us a fresh blessing; are we ready to receive it?
I
hope you have a great day and thanks for joining my Church family and myself for this very special day.
In my prayers - Pastor Anthony
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