Editor’s Note: This continues our Celebrate Community series on nonprofit organizations that improve North Okaloosa County residents’ quality of life.
BAKER — The Baker Area Ministerial Association unites North Okaloosa church pastors and staffers for conferences, religious events and various training sessions.
The nonprofit group's next gathering is a Palm Sunday celebration scheduled 6 p.m. April 9 at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 5595 U.S. Highway 4 S., Baker.
In the Christian tradition, Palm Sunday observances take place the week before Easter Sunday, in celebration of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem as king, his crucifixion and resurrection.
For the association’s observance, Pilgrim Rest Minister of Music Darren Williams will direct a community choir of members from local churches. The guest speaker is the Rev. Curt Rainey, First Baptist Church of Holt's pastor.
The group will accept offerings at the event to support its various ministries.
Multiple North Okaloosa County churches coming together during the Easter season is nothing new for the association.
"We have an Easter service annually. Sometimes it's sunrise service, but this year we decided to try a Palm Sunday service," Eugene Strickland, the association’s secretary, said.
The group also has an annual Thanksgiving service, and two churches — First Baptist Church of Holt and Shady Grove Assembly of God in Baker — operate food pantries for area families in need.
In addition, the association, as a go-between for the Baker Lions Club and the Florida Baptist Convention, coordinates FBC's annual free mobile dental clinic in Baker.
And, just in case you’re wondering, community involvement doesn’t stop there.
Two member churches provide food ministry and utility bill assistance to area residents.
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WANT TO JOIN?
North Okaloosa church congregations interested in joining the Baker Area Ministerial Association may attend its meetings, which are 8:30 a.m. second Tuesdays of the month at Shady Grove Assembly of God in Baker.
Baker Area Ministerial Association members include:
•Cross Creek Country Fellowship
•First Baptist Church of Baker
•First Baptist Church of Holt
•First Baptist Church of Milligan
•Golan Assembly of God
•Holt Assembly of God
•Magnolia Baptist Church
•Milligan Assembly of God
•Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church
•Shady Grove Assembly of God
•Shockley Springs Baptist Church
•The Shepherd's Church
DID YOU KNOW?
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker area churches unite