Ellis
Rev. George T. Ellis of Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church is president of the Scotland County Ministerial Alliance, an organization which represents over 20 local churches. Ellis expects most churches to use New Year's Eve services to "celebrate the old and anticipate the new" while setting new goals and renewing commitments to old ones.
"Most churches have goals, spiritual or otherwise" that will be discussed during the services, he said.
Ellis also believes that the services should be a time of thanks for the "blessings of the past year," even though for many it was a difficult one.
"The focus of most churches this year has been helping people get through these crippling economic times," Ellis added.
Pastor Patricia Stone of Caledonia United Methodist Church will be overseeing a "Watch Night" service, during which she said attendees will "rededicate themselves to serving God more faithfully," by praying and thinking to solemn candle light.
"I'm looking forward to it," she said.
Stone also emphasized the importance of the date as an opportunity for people to turn away from "bad habits that are not good for themselves and their families."
At Union Grove services will begin at 9 p.m. with "Youth Hour", a time when Ellis said the church's youth will take over. Plans are for the youth to perform miming routines, a speech or two, and music.
"At Union Grove we say they are the 'present and the future of the Church', so we try to make sure they are really part of what we do," said Ellis.
With the future in mind, Ellis said that many of the other church leaders he has recently spoken with are going to be preaching positive messages about the '09 year during their Dec. 31 services.
"We have to keep up the message of hope, because people look to us to do that. By the help of God we pray the coming year will be a better one for us all."
If the economy does not improve, then the churches in Scotland County will be relied upon more than ever to help those in need. With Dec. 31 services many churches will begin the process of rallying to meet that challenge in the upcoming year.
The following churches will hold services Dec. 31:
Laurel Hill First Baptist Church at 12360 McFarland Road, Laurinburg, will hold a New Years’ Eve Service beginning at 11 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
Fletcher Grove Missionary Baptist Church invites everyone to their New Year celebration beginning at 10 p.m. Special guests include Resurrection of Bennettsville, S.C. and Greg Kelly and Foundation of Greensboro. This is a building fund project. A donation of $10 is requested and breakfast items will be sold.
Holy Ground Church at 702 E. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Maxton, will hold a New Years’ Eve service beginning at 10 p.m.
Caledonia United Methodist Church at 15201 Barnes Bridge Road in Laurinburg will offer Holy Communion at 7 p.m.
Next Level Ministry at 507 N. Main St., McColl, S.C., will hold a watch night service at 10 p.m. Apostle Ida McRae, former leader of Next Level, will be the speaker. Breakfast will be served after the service.
Union Grove Baptist Church will hold a watch night service beginning at 9 p.m. with youth hour. The youth will be in charge from 9 until 10 p.m. All young people are invited. The worship service will begin at 10 p.m. with Min. Elinda Peguese officiating.
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