The Buddy & Bettye Baker Center of Hope on Main Street in Bristow has been bustling with activity. On December 1 the doors were opened to Bristow’s Christmas parade-goers. Church members handed out free cookies and hot chocolate, making it very popular. Becky Johns stated, “It was like the loaves and fishes. As more people came, more cookies were delivered by church members.” There were cookies left over so those were shared with the Bristow police department.
To start off 2023, Jennifer Medlock led out in “Toast the Noon Year” on January 1. Community children, ages 5-10, were invited to join in various activities and crafts. Delicious toppings were provided for toast at noon.
The small community was invited to a “senior night” on January 21 for anyone 60 or older. It began early with a viewing of the first episode of “The Chosen,” followed by snacks and board games.
Larry Seery shared his ministry from Adventist Fellowship to lead out in our town’s first “Café Youth” on January 28. Café Youth is a relaxed, café style event planned by the youth for the youth to create an environment that is safe to ask hard questions and to connect with other Christian young people. We will have Café Youth at least once a quarter, inviting the youth from other denominations in Bristow to join us.
A Junior-Senior banquet was the highlight of February. On February 11, a vespers service was followed by a meal of baked spaghetti, salad, bread, and dessert. Festivities began with the crowning of the king (Melvin Ailey) and queen (Gayle East). Young people ages 14 to 21 were teamed up with seniors (60 or older) to play Generation Gap. It tested all ages' knowledge of popular culture from years ago to the present. The lucky winners received gift cards to Subway.
On February 21, the Center of Hope started a study of Max Lucado’s book Anxious for Nothing, which continued at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday evenings. Sherry Fisher is the leader and you can join in person or online on Facebook by searching “PB&J” featuring Lucado’s book.
We hope to continue growing our ministries and making a positive impact on our community, all centered in hope.
By Laura Weber
Comments