By Staff
CHURCH FUN Donna Jill Johnson, left, of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Jimmy Slay of Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Church, Dr. Raymon Leake, pastor of First Baptist Church, and Mandy Galyean of Northpark Church, represent some of the many churches expected to attend Power Hour services June 5 at First Baptist Church. Power Hour is held the first Thursday of every month at the church. PHOTO BY FREDIE CARMICHAEL / THE MERIDIAN STAR
By Ida Brown / religion editor
May 17, 2003
There's a lot of power packed in the monthly Power Hour lunches held at First Baptist Church.
The power of prayer.
The power of fellowship.
And, of course, the power of good food.
It's "the same reflection and inspiration of Sunday services, but held in the latter part of the week and in a more casual setting."
The hour of power
Started in May 2002, the objective of Power Hour is to bring together the Christian communities of Meridian and Lauderdale County for a time of prayer, inspirational music, testimony, fellowship and good food, said Jimmy Slay, co-chairman of a committee that coordinates the lunches.
Originally, the meetings were weekly. But recently, they were changed to the first Thursday of the month.
The format includes lunch a deluxe meal prepared by the church and priced at $6.50 from 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m., followed by a 30-minute program featuring inspirational music and a testimonial from a guest speaker.
Testimonials have been presented by Scott Elliott, president of Meridian Community College; Chuck Overby, a city of Meridian employee who also serves as pastor of Calvary Tabernacle Church; and Jerry Aull, who conducts the "7 Habits" courses.
Attendance has been steady usually around 40, but as many as 70. While some attendees enjoyed the weekly meets, the monthly sessions seem to be favored by most.
Attendance is open to all races, denominations and genders; no reservations are required. In addition to the main course and side dishes, lunch includes salad, dessert and beverage.
First Baptist Church is at 701 26th Ave. For information, call Slay at 482-9779.