First Central Baptist Church of Chicopee, MA, has an annual tradition on Thanksgiving Day. For the past 105 years, the congregation meets at Szot Park at 7am for a Sunrise Service. Gathering around a bonfire, the group sings, shares favorite Scriptures and answers to prayer, and praises God for what he did during the past year. Each person writes their verse or praise on a tongue depressor. After sharing their thought, they toss the “stick” into the bonfire.
The folks have met in the snow and cold. Only one time in recent memory has the event been forced indoors due to heavy rain. This year was Carol and my first as we joined the congregation back in September.
The verse I shared was Matthew 19:29. “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for my name’s sake will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.” For whatever reason, God has never allowed us to minister near our families. But he has allowed us to have an ever larger family and FCBC is now part of our family.
What a great way to start Thanksgiving Day!
Joseph T. Trevathan
November 22, 2012 at 6:47 pm
Pastor Mark and Carol, we hope your enjoyed your first Thanksgiving Sunrise Service. It was a good time and a great way to start the day. Thanks for the pictures.