Corsicana —
It officially feels like Christmas to me now.
I heard “Oh, Holy Night” sung at First Baptist Church.
As I write this on Friday, the sixth annual ladies tea was held at FBC last night, and it was the largest crowd thus far, with over 350 ladies in attendance.
The premise is this: Many large tables are decorated by the “hostesses” (ladies who volunteer to do a table, or two) with their fanciest dishes, elaborate centerpieces, teapots, China, party favors, etc. and invite their friends and/or family to be their guests. The church provides a catered meal and entertainment. The tickets are $8 or so.
This event is done by the women’s ministry of First Baptist, and I have to say, there are three ladies in my office who don’t even hold memberships at that church, but each year (for several years running) host a table. This year, everything was in English and in Spanish, as FBC has a very large, active Hispanic congregation.
I love seeing the beautiful, creative, original tables they decorate, as well as the wonderful food and the music of 412 (formerly Shiloh). But I honestly think my favorite part about it is looking across the sea of 350-plus women and seeing Catholics, Episcopals, Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists, Cowboy Church-goers and perhaps some who don’t go to church anywhere, all sitting together enjoying “Oh, Holy Night.”
Way to go, FBC.
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I heard about some other collaborative efforts this week that warmed my heart ...
There’s a huge-hearted lady named Jean O’Connor who has been packing boxes every month for our military serving overseas and elsewhere, for years sending them goodies like socks, snacks, puzzle books, etc. She collects all the items, and at Christmas has stockings made, and sends all this in huge boxes which cost quite a bit to mail! (Jean does this each and every month, but the December packing contains Christmas stockings.)
Saturday, Dec. 1 was their packing, and it warmed my heart to see the Moms of Military support group, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1009, and the Navarro County Retired Teachers all there to help with the packing!! Way to go, people!! Team Work!!
That same Saturday was the Eighth Annual Navarro County Toy Run, where bikers from clubs and individually gather for a nice scenic ride through the county, then return to the VFW where they have a meal, an auction and music. They collect toys and cash, all of which were donated to The Salvation Army to help with needs for children and families for Christmas.
Also that same day, my step-daughter’s softball team hosted a tournament at Nature Park where part of the admission fee was a new, unwrapped toy. The Corsicana Fire Department brought out a big truck and took care of the donated toys, which will find a way into the hands of a child who might not have had much otherwise.
I will never forget several years ago when my dear friend Major Chuck Anderson of The Salvation Army, prior to his untimely passing, gathered all the ministers, social agency heads, all the people who would have dealings with those “down on their luck,” and talked to us about how poor economic times were coming. Chuck said we hadn’t seen anything yet, and we needed to be proactive and get prepared.
I’m pleased to report that FBC is still dedicated to its commitment to feed the hungry and/or homeless every Monday at noon the late Bro. David Edwards made that day.
Folks, those times Chuck predicted? They’re here. It may get worse, but right now, there are so many out there struggling just to eat and feed their families.
In this season of celebrating the birth of Jesus, let us not get so caught up in what Little Suzie wants from Santa, or who can have the most lights on their house, or even how bad we can max out our credit cards. Please let’s lift up in prayer and support those who are lonely, or ill, or grieving the loss of a loved one. Give us eyes to see those around us who need a helping hand, and reach out to give one.
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Deanna Kirk is editorial assistant, Explore editor and Daily Sun staff writer. Contact her via email at dkirk@corsicanadailysun.com.
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