The Tie That Binds

Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.
— “Blest Be the Tie That Binds”

Three congregations came together Wednesday evening at Bethlehem AME Zion Church for a Community Thanksgiving Eve Service.

The visiting congregants came from Brookstown United Methodist Church and Olivet Moravian Church. Some of them became part of the combined choir, while others found their place of worship alongside each other in the pews.

Reverend Doug Rights, from Olivet, shared a scripture and the opening prayer; and Reverend Chip Webb, from Brookstown, gave the Thanksgiving Eve message. Administering communion was Bethlehem’s pastor, Reverend Beverly McMillian.

Across the congregation, the faces were black, white, young and not-so-young. Yet though diverse in many ways, they were united in worship, communion and fellowship.

To see more photos of the service, as well as a few photos taken in the fellowship hall, please visit the Bethlehem AME Zion Church photo gallery. At the end of the gallery, there’s a close-up of a very gracious lady, a member of Bethlehem AME Zion Church, who is 99 years old.

Brookstown Community Festival

I stopped by the Brookstown Community Festival that was held last Saturday, October 18, at Brookstown United Methodist Church. It was my first time to attend the event, and I had a thoroughly enjoyable time. There truly was something at the festival for all ages.

Kids enjoyed competing in the Kiddie Tractor Pull, in which they tested their ability to pedal a John Deere “tractor” pulling a small wagon of heavy weights. The competition was “somethin’ fierce,” with final contenders straining and grunting to pull increasingly heavier loads across the finish line. When it was all over, winners in the various weight categories received prizes.

Vendors lined the sidewalk with a variety of wares on tables or under tents, which included a woodworking area where demonstrations were given. Just inside the church building, there were additional vendors, many with a variety of handmade or homemade items. Baked goods, arts and crafts, greeting cards, jewelry, pottery, and massage therapy were some of the many offerings.

Elsewhere on the grounds you could find delicious food, vintage cars and tractors, plants and a Farmer’s Market, where you could purchase apple cider, ice cream, gourds and pumpkins. You could also “go back in time” by visiting the campsite of Wayne and Riely Woosley (of Woosley Farm in Pfafftown) which served as an 18th century living history presentation.

And there was more — games for the youth, a Kid’s Korner playground, and barnyard animals. Plus, a variety of live music took place at scheduled times at the Pavilion

More photos of this enjoyable event can be seen in the Brookstown Community Festival photo gallery.