Service in the Park held by Licking Ministerial Alliance

The Licking Ministerial Alliance held their annual Service in the Park on Sunday evening at Licking’s Old City Park. Over 50 people brought lawn chairs and settled in for an evening of worship. The Ministerial Alliance offered a free hot dog meal to all before the service.

Pastor Russ Stigall, of Boone Creek Baptist Church shared the message for the evening, and though many denominations were represented at the service, he pointed out that all attending were family – family in God. His message focused on Luke 8:22 – Jesus asked the disciples where their faith was when the storm came. Pastor Stigall said that life isn’t guaranteed safe and secure; storms will come. If there is never a storm, never a need, there is no opportunity for miracles, or for God to work through the people of the community to help out in a storm.

Pastor Stigall explained that people like to be comfortable, but Jesus is going to move you forward, spiritually. Storms may be encountered, but there is nothing God can’t handle; God wants to see his followers grow and see victory. The pastor warned those attending not to be so focused on the problem that they forget Jesus is with them. He asked if Jesus was in their boat, and encouraged them to turn to Jesus for help first, not last.

Pastor Erin McConnell, of Licking Pentecostal Holiness Church, challenged listeners to “make yourself available to the Lord to be used by Him.” He thanked all the individuals and organizations who helped to make the event possible.

The Church Band from Licking Pentecostal Holiness Church performed worship music, with those attending joining in to lift the joyous music to Heaven.

Pastor Rob Lilly, of Licking First Baptist Church, prayed over the offering and explained how that offering is used to help others. He explained that the Ministerial Alliance is about helping others, whether with a utility bill, an auto repair, a motel room, or another need. Community service also allows the community to come together in prayer, Pastor Lilly added.

Other pastors involved in the evening included Pastor Gary Parker, of New Life Free Will Baptist Church, Pastor Matt McGuire, of Abounding Hope Baptist Church, and Pastor John Jordan, of Rock Springs Baptist Church.

Also at the meeting, Kathy Hooker, Operation Christmas Child coordinator, shared that 867 shoe boxes were collected from this area last year. Shoe boxes went from here to Rolla, where over 13,000 were shipped. Worldwide over 11 million were collected. Hooker shared that millions of children received them, but millions more exist who haven’t heard about Jesus. She hopes to see 1,000 shoeboxes collected this year in the Licking area.