editorial3@thomastontimes.com

Over 430 community members packed the First Baptist Church of Thomaston on Wednesday night to celebrate and give thanks this holiday season.

An additional one hundred and fifty young people from 12 different churches attended the youth program service.

Rev. Ryan Garrett of First Baptist said there were 13 decisions [to accept Christ into their lives] and that the turnout and program was great!

The multi-cultural, multi-racial, multi-denominational local crowd enjoyed the 125 member mass choir from churches throughout the entire community.

Rev. Bill Barber, Pastor at First Baptist, welcomed the enthusiastic congregation and Claude Turner, Director of the Community Assistance and Transient Program, explained the evening offertory, “We are here tonight to bring the community together to help those in need.”

The Community Assistance helps to fund those in need of the essentials for living, as well as, assisting the Cancer Car, the House of Care, and the Heritage House.

The Transient Fund assists those travellers staying in Thomaston that might need help with the cost of a place to stay, food, or gas.

The service, reaching members from many different denominations, was led by Reverend Greg Smith from New Life Church.

His sermon, “Love and Unity in the Body of Christ”, centered around text from Ephesians 4:1.

“We’re from different backgrounds, races, and denominations. What can we agree on?” Smith asked from the pulpit.

“We are all here together. God is the Father, Jesus is the Holy Spirit.

“What we disagree on is so insignificant compared to what we do agree on.” Smith said.

“When God looks at us, He sees us all as one in Christ.

“Be excited about what he has called us to do on this earth - to be the salt and the light.”

Smith continued, “We have got to get involved... get together and make a symphony together.

“The demonstration that we love the Lord is that we can love each other.

“We can come together, not intimidated by each other... and this will spill into the community,” Smith added.

Smith, saying it does not matter what color we are, in the love of Jesus, we can:

“Be intentional about getting together (multi-racial). You will not get a personal breakthrough unless you make an effort.”

He continued, “Bridge the gap and tear down the walls. reach out hand.

“Be intentional about unity in our relationships with people of other races and denominations.

Smith concluded with, “Love is contagious. If we love unconditionally, we will see is revival.”