Ever since the disastrous events of Sept. 11, 2001, we all have
become more aware of the role of
”
first responders
”
(law enforcement officers, fire fighters, paramedics, etc.)
– those who daily risk their lives to keep the rest of us
safe.
Ever since the disastrous events of Sept. 11, 2001, we all have become more aware of the role of “first responders” (law enforcement officers, fire fighters, paramedics, etc.) – those who daily risk their lives to keep the rest of us safe.
Sunday has been set aside by the congregation of Morgan Hill’s Shadow Mountain Baptist Church to honor local people who serve this role in our lives. It will be the fourth annual Community Servants’ Appreciation Day, held this year at the new Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Arts Center (17000 Monterey St. at the corner of Dunne Avenue).
“Our desire is to provide people an opportunity to meet and honor the courageous and dedicated servants that keep our growing community safe, productive and free,” Senior Pastor Max Hudson said.
All South Country residents are invited to this special event. At 10:30 a.m. the parking lot will feature police cruisers, fire engines, ambulances and a Calstar helicopter for visitors to examine and for children to have their photos taken. Many uniformed personnel will be available for face-to-face meetings and question/answer opportunities.
At 11 a.m. a service of recognition and appreciation will be held in the main auditorium with patriotic music and a special message focused on how community servants help make Morgan Hill a better place to live and work. During this time loving nursery care and fun children’s classes will be available for younger family members. Each of the expected 50 or so community servants in attendance will be presented with a basket of gifts donated by local merchants.
Immediately following this service there will be a free tri-tip luncheon served to all in attendance. Meanwhile, children can watch police canine demonstrations, receive stickers and badges and enjoy the use of two jump houses brought in for the occasion.
Shadow Mountain Baptist Church, located at 280 Llagas Road, has been one of South County’s success stories. In 1997 the congregation had dwindled to the point where there were thoughts of closing the facility down, but when the Rev. Max Hudson came from San Jose to became pastor in October the church made a remarkable turnaround.
Since then attendance has increased, more buildings have been added, a school founded, additional ministries established, and the church has been carrying out its mission: “to impact, inspire, include, instruct, and involve people of the community in positive and uplifting Christian fellowship.” Sunday attendance often reaches 600, and resources are now available to meet the varied spiritual needs of the community.Services include Sunday: 8:30, 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; Sunday School/Adult Bible classes: 10:00 a.m. (English and Filipino), and 11:00 a.m. (Spanish); Wednesday (7:00 p.m.), There are also groups meeting regularly for men, women, and youth.
For more information about Shadow Mountain Baptist Church call 782-7806 or check the Internet at www.smbc.net.
Chuck Flagg teaches English at Mt. Madonna High School. Write him c/o The Dispatch, P.O. Box 22365, Gilroy, CA 95021.
