Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
Bishop Rob Bailey speaks to the congregation during the veteran's service held at the Grace Pointe Community Church of God. Bailey's theme of his keynote speech was "What Being a Good Soldier Means" noting to be a fighter, be focused and be obedient.
Gospel legend Janet Paschal speaking to Grace Pointe Community Church of God congregation during their Veteran's Service. Paschal joked that since Charles Schwab was from Williamsburg, "Y'all must be rich."
For many veterans, Veterans Day is just another day, but those at the Grace Pointe Community Church of God wanted to change that.
Four years ago along with Pastor Jim Spivey, the church put on their first Veterans Day service, and since then, the service has only gotten better.
This year's service opened with a slideshow of all church members and some community members who have served or are currently serving in the military. Sgt. 1st Class retired Daryl Cole led the scripture reading of the Sunday, Nov. 7 service. Retired Navy member and current Martinsburg mayor Rich Brantner Sr. led the congregation in the Pledge of Allegiance.
One of Spivey's favorite parts of the service is when each of the branch's theme songs is played and members of the congregation who served that branch stand.
State Representative Jim Gregory attended and praised the veterans there. He noted the number of banners in Williamsburg honoring the heroes of our town. Gregory also noted he was the prime sponsor of a bill that increases the stipend for blind/severely disabled veterans – a stipend that has not been increased in over eleven years.
Spivey spoke next, introducing the musical guest – Janet Paschal. Spivey joked to the congregation that his mom, when presenting music to him at a young age, introduced him to singers such as Engelbert Humperdink and Barry Manilow, while his father, introduced him to the Rex Nelon singers, which Paschal was a part of. "I fell in love," said Spivey.
Paschal performed a few of her hits, "I Give You Jesus," "I Love Today," and then presented the audience with a news snippet about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and performed her hit "Another Soldier's Coming Home," with the video in a powerful moment of the service.
Bishop Rob Bailey was the keynote speaker who is the International Youth and Discipleship Director of the Church of God and a retired Marine who served in 1990 under Operation Desert Shield. Bailey told the full congregation, "regardless of fear or anxiety, you (the veterans in the crowd) rose to the occasion – so thank you." He continued, "Where would we be as a nation without those dedicated with military service?"
Following the service, a luncheon was offered to all veterans and their families.
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