The 128th annual session of the Second Union Missionary Baptist Association (SUMBA) was held at Greater St. James Missionary Baptist Church. This association consists of five Emanuel County Baptist Churches: Greater St. James MB Church, Lester Grove MB Church, Oak Grove MB Church, First Baptist MB Church and St. Galilee MB Church.
On Tuesday night, youth from the SUMBA churches and other area churches (Trinity MBC, New Mt. Moriah AME Church, Smith Grove MBC, Promise Connection Church, William Chapel Holiness Church, Mt. Gilead MBC, and Gethsemane MBC), presented a spiritually enriching and exciting night of signing, poems and Praise dances. Youth of all ages filled the sanctuary to capacity with standing room only to share their God-given talent with everyone present. Tuesday night culminated with a powerful message (“We’ve Got Work to do”) from Reverend John E. Sanders, Pastor of St. Galilee MBC, Summertown, GA.
On Wednesday night, the Association’s Women’s Department led another spirited soul stirring service. The night was enhanced with a powerful devotion followed by a heartfelt welcome. The SUMBA Women’s Choir then rendered spirit filled inspirational songs of praise, taking the service to another level. Afterward, a beautiful, touching and heartfelt Candle Lighting Memorial tribute was presented in memory of members who have gone on from labor to reward. The night culminated with a soul stirring message (“The Solid Foundation”) from Reverend Charles Holloway, Pastor of Lester Grove MB Church, Swainsboro.
The third night of the annual session, the Moderator, Deacons and Laymen night, brought about its own spirit filled energetic and inspirational flavor to close out this 128th annual session. The night’s service was spiritually packed with singing, praying, and preaching. Musical selections were provided by the SUMBA Male Choir. An interpretive praise dance was one of the highlights of the night. Moderator, Reverend Dr. E. Muriel Bell, Pastor of First Baptist MB Church, delivered a powerful, soul-stirring message (“Update Your Resume”), which was THE highlight of the night.
The 128th annual session of the Second Union Missionary Baptist Association proved to be one of the best yet! Without our music ministry (Matthew Howard, Donte Johnson, Skylar Coney), youth and youth directors, women and laymen from many of the area churches, it would not have been the success that it was.
Other ministers in attendance were Reverend Dr. Alfred Cason, past moderator and Pastor of Oak Grove MB Church and Reverend Jerry Armstrong, Pastor of Mt. Gilead MB Church.
Reverend Dr. E. Muriel Bell, Moderator and Reverend Melvin Adams, Jr., Vice Moderator extends a heartfelt thank you to all who supported our effort.
