By Sharon Mager
One of the church’s most powerful and beloved events is their annual reenactment of the Lord’s Supper. Last year, Steve Hokuf portrayed Jesus.
NORTH EAST, Md.—First Baptist Church of North East will celebrate their 60th anniversary on Nov. 20. The theme is “Back to our Roots—Rooted in Jesus,” based on Colossians 2:6-7, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
In preparation for the anniversary, each week, longtime church members have been sharing their testimonies.
Special guests have been visiting leading up to the celebration. Elwood Ulmer, who pastored the church from 1973-1980, shared recently. Oklahoma Evangelist Richard Coss, an ex-convict who came to faith in prison and was eventually pardoned by President Gerald Ford, and a frequent speaker at the church, will share on Nov. 6.
On Nov. 20, the anniversary celebration day, Rev. Phil Meekins will be the guest speaker. Meekins is a former FBCNE deacon and now serves as pastor of New Beginnings Christian Fellowship, a church plant sponsored in part by FBCNE, Susquehanna Baptist Association, and Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware.
The combined celebration will begin at 10 a.m. Stephen Hokuf, FBCNE senior pastor for 36 years, said there will be many musicians from decades past who have been invited to participate. In addition, there will be testimonies and a slide show presentation. They will also recognize retiring ministry assistant, Kathy Gray, for 36 years of service.
The church will have a celebratory dinner after the worship service.