Watson Grove volunteers give back to the community
During the season of giving, we look back at the efforts of Watson Grove as they held an annual Community Praise Outreach Picnic in mid-October. The 18th annual Watson Grove Community Praise Outreach Picnic was held in the Edgehill Community Park, located directly across the street from Watson Grove Missionary Baptist Church.
For the second year, comedian Chris Bond and radio personality from 760AM, the Gospel, served as the hosts.
There was a variety of entertainment from start to finish following a devotional by Sister Alfreda Morris-Jernigan. Watson Grove Mass Choir and the House of Prayer of Holiness Youth Choir each sung two A&B selections. Other stage performances were performed by the following: IT Creswell Arts Magnet School Step Team, Rev. Deborah Foster Steadfast Ministries Puppet Ministry, and Youth for Christ Gospel Rapper King Antonio, who also shared the word of God with the crowd.
Over 200 people in attendance enjoyed praise, worship; free food (provided by Feed the Children, Frito Lay and Wendy’s on West End); fellowship; activities for the children such as cotton candy, snow cones, popcorn, inflatable ‘bouncies’ and face painting provided by Rev. Dev. Deborah Foster Steadfast Ministries; a clothing give away by the WGMBC Willing Workers; and other community resources.
“This is one of many opportunities that the partners of Watson Grove Missionary Baptist Church give back to the community and win souls for Christ,” said Yolanda Hockett, member and event coordinator.
Those in attendance were also offered the opportunity for prayer from the WGMBC Ministries who accepted prayer requests throughout the event. Gideons International also handed out Bibles.
Watson Grove’s new Partner’s Ministry and Incarceration Ministry had information on hand.
The Neighborhood Health Services Health Mobile was on site and conducted Blood pressure checks and provided health information. The WGMBC Men’s Ministry, Usher Ministry, Greeter’s Ministry, and Culinary Ministry were all involved in the event as well. Several community organizations were on site with informational tables, including: Tennessee Dept. of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services; Tenn. Commission on Aging and Disability; Meharry Project Cope (HIV/Aids Aware; YWCA Domestic Violence; Metro Police Dept. G.R.E.A.T program; Metro Health Dept.; Next Door Services for Women; and Metro Social Services.
At the end of the event, each attendee was given a bag full of grocery items and school supplies. Watson Grove is located at 1415 Horton Ave. Rev. John R. Faison, Sr. is the pastor.
ThanksLiving Fellowship Meal held
by Wanda Clay
On November 27, the members and friends of Watson Grove Missionary Baptist Church, affectionately called, ‘The Grove,’ hosted an annual ‘ThanksLiving Fellowship Meal’ for the Edgehill community.
“The church has a responsibility to reach out to the community. It is in our DNA to bless the Edgehill Community. We must embrace the reality of sameness. We are all more alike, than we are different,” said John R. Faison, Sr., senior pastor, Watson Grove.
The event was done in conjunction with Belmont University and 760 AM, The Gospel, who also wishes to bless the Edgehill community with generosity.
Other businesses joining in the support of this event and the citizens of Edgehill (in addition to Belmont University and 760 AM, The Gospel) included: Walmart, Pizza Hut, Hardees, Piggly Wiggly, Nashboro Family Dental, White Castle, Harris Teeter, Kroger, CVS, Burger King and H.G. Hills.
