Our 308th – Ask Somebody

For 308 years the congregations of the PBA have met for their annual session.  I have attended at least twenty of the meetings.  The 308th was surely among the top.

We were hosted by one of our newest congregations. the St. Paul’s Baptist Church of West Chester.  The building was beautiful inside and out. Pastor Croft, the church staff, choir, and members are to be commended!  The congregation went well beyond the call of duty to accommodate our needs.

Over 260 people from 38 congregations were in attendance.  The fellowship was as fine as fine can be.  We gathered from across the Region.  It looked like a little slice of heaven as people from all around the world were in attendance.  Folks whose heritage is from Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, South America, and Australia were present.  Our focus was on being the welcoming people of Christ.  We examined current patterns of global migration, US immigration policy, church assistance in resettlement, and advocacy for just public policy.  We asked the question of just how welcoming a people we really are.

The speakers, workshop leaders, preachers, ushers, and musicians were all top notch.  We welcomed two new congregations into the Association.  The worship service lifted our spirits and challenged our hearts. The fellowship hour featured music from Burmese, Puerto Rican, and Liberian, Christian music traditions. One participant said to me, I thought last year’s annual meeting was fantastic but this year’s was even better!

A number of congregations sent their regrets for not being represented.  For those of you who did not attend, simply put, you missed a blessing!  We are clear that we missed the blessing of your presence.  We hope to see you all next year on the first Saturday in May of 2016.

If you think I am exaggerating, all that you need to do is, “ask somebody!”

James E. McJunkin Jr.

Executive Minister