Hallelujah, rejoice. It is with jubilation that the Christian Hope Baptist Church, 301 LaSalle St., cordially invites all area churches and community members to join us in celebrating our 14th anniversary program, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23.

Brother Alvin Shelby and the Adams County Mass Choir will minister to us in song with Rev. Larry Hawkins, pastor of the Union Baptist Church in Pascagoula, serving as guest speaker for the evening.

The church’s formation, under the leadership of Pastor John Scott Jr., started May 14, 1994. The initial worship services were first at Natchez College Chapel.

The following November the Rev. Robert Greene and the congregation at Mount Bruin Baptist Church opened their doors and hearts to the young church.

The meeting arrangement was a unique one in that Christian Hope members were allowed to have worship services each Sunday morning with Mount Bruin hosting pastoral services on fourth Sunday night.

In the inception stages, the membership consisted of only 22 committed believers. But like the early church in the book of Acts, God has bestowed his Holy Spirit upon their efforts, resulting in growth and prosperity.

Two major fundraising drives occurred within a short two-year span netting approximately $100,000. With God’s blessing of abundance, this financial venture enabled the purchase of the former Immanuel Baptist Church in 1996, renaming it Christian Hope Baptist Church.

The schedule for church services each Sunday includes, Sunday School at 9:30 a.m., followed by 11 a.m. worship services. Communion services are the first Sunday of each month. Wednesday morning devotional is at 10 a.m. followed by prayer meeting and Bible study Wednesday night, beginning 6:30 and 7 p.m. respectively.

Because God is a “rewarder of him that diligently seeks Him,” (Hebrews 11:6) Christian Hope recently was blessed to hold its mortgage burning ceremony. This milestone event was a testament to the great work God is doing in and through his people.

Our hearts are filled with gratitude with all that God has done and all that He is going to do. Through His divine guidance, much has been accomplished in these past 14 years. Yet there is much to be done. As believers walking by faith, our trust is anchored in the God of faithfulness.

Because the role of the church is to bear witness of Christ to this darken world, we open our doors for you to “Come and see” humble believers exalting a mighty God. For our worship to be acceptable, we realize that God created us to worship Him. We must understand that worship isn’t for ourselves, but for God.

“Come and see” examples of Godly oversight exemplified by the pastoral staff as they assume the awesome responsibility of caring for Christ’s sheep. Assisting with these duties is the newly formed laymen’s ministry.

This association of brotherhood has been established to witness to the hearts of Christian brothers equipping them to render invaluable assistance to the needs of the pastor, church and congregation.

“Come and see” how the opportunity to regularly fellowship with our brothers and sisters turns ordinary people into extraordinary people. Because we are all members of the body of Christ, it is imperative that we obtain and maintain the love of Christ for our brothers.

Our relationship with these ones should be viewed from an eternal perspective. After all, these are the ones in which we will be spending all eternity. Our fellowship further generates a great witness to the world “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” 1 John 2:5

“Come and see” how amid struggles and hardship, we continue in grateful worship to a sovereign God. Sometimes we are held captive by fear, heartache or worry. God may seem distant, or we think we’ve lost our way. It is during these difficult moments, God speaks to our hearts through a sermon or song activating the indwelling Holy Spirit, giving us assurance that: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5

Most importantly “come and see” how God is allowing imperfect people to do his perfect will. On behalf of Pastor Scott, officers and members of the Christian Hope Baptist Church please join us for this wonderful occasion. We hope you will “come and see’ us then. Dinner will be served following the program.

Diane Prater-Smith is a member of Christian Hope Baptist Church.