Central Baptist Church enjoys record turnout for Wednesday luncheon

Barry Byers Posted November 5, 2009 7:30pm Religion

Image: Reaching out one bite at a time — Pastor Todd Gray enjoys a turkey and dressing meal along side Central Baptist Church members and visitors from around the community during the Wednesday luncheon hosted by the CBC on the first Wednesday of each month. — Reaching out one bite at a time — Pastor Todd Gray enjoys a turkey and dressing meal along side Central Baptist Church members and visitors from around the community during the Wednesday luncheon hosted by the CBC on the first Wednesday of each month. (Barry Byers)

On Wednesday, as they do on the first Wednesday of every month, the Central Baptist Church hosted an open luncheon for the community.

Pastor Todd Gray thanked everyone for joining the Central Baptist Church for lunch and then led the prayer before Freddie Ivy announced that the Mt. Zion AME Church was “Calling All Seniors” to join them for their Senior Saints High Noon Worship Service on Thursday, November 12 at 12:00 p.m.

And then Mr. Ivy announced, “Let’s eat!” And with that, 71 church members and welcomed guests (71 being a new record) enjoyed a meal made from the heart including turkey and dressing, beans, sweet potatoes, a variety salads and deserts, hot rolls and more.

And what better time to discuss the ups and downs of colon cancer prevention than during a church meal. November’s gas of a guest speaker was Dr. John M. Sullivan, M.D. of General and Vascular Surgery of Ennis.

Dr. Sullivan offered some comedic relief when speaking about colon cancer and and the methods used to prevent colon cancer.

Dr. Sullivan, along with Paula Brooks a CBC member and co-worker of Dr. Sullivan’s at Ellis County Medical in Ennis, both encouraged everyone to at least get an exam at the ages of 50, 60, 70 and so on.

Mr. Tom Little, a former patient of Dr. Sullivan’s, raised his hand and thanked Dr. Sullivan for removing his colon cancer in June of last year. Mr. Little admitted, however, Dr. Sullivan probably didn’t recognize his face.

And after a roaring laugh from the crowd, Dr. Sullivan concluded his speech but recommended everyone go to the AmericanCancerSociety.org website for more information on colon cancer and prevention.

As the CBC Luncheon was coming to an end, Joe Ivy announced the events prize winners:

James & Joyce Hobbs of Hobbs Feed & Supply donated 4 movie tickets with Nelda Commons, Linda Mosley, Tina Rios and Zina Hollaway Crecelius being the winners.

Stevan Varner of Italy Fina donated a $20.00 gift certificate and the winner was Vonda Jacinto.

Trinity Mission of Italy, LLC donated a potted plant won by Paula Brooks.

The Central Baptist Church Luncheons are the first Wednesday of each month and you are invited to enjoy a good meal while sharing the company of friends and neighbors.

Psalm 107:1 – Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. (NIV)

See how to “live and share Christ’s love” at
www.CentralBaptistItaly.org

Dr. John M. Sullivan, M.D.
General and Vascular Surgery of Ennis
Advanced Laparoendoscopic Surgery
Big Operations, Small Incisions

802 W. Lampasas
Ennis, Texas 75119
Office: (972) 875-4700
Fax: (972) 878-4527
Assistant: Paula Brooks

Good to see you — Dianne Lawson, Ann Byers and Lois Helen Reeves conversate before the lunch hosted by the Central Baptist Church in Italy. (Barry Byers)

Dr. John Sullivan, M.D. — The Central Baptist Church had a gas of a guest speaker in Dr. John M. Sullivan, M.D. Dr. Sullivan offered some comedic relief when speaking about colon cancer and how to prevent it. (Barry Byers)

Interesting… — Guests were captivated by Dr. Sullivan’s views on colonoscopies…during their meal. (Barry Byers)

Try some of this — There was plenty to eat for all the guests. (Barry Byers)

Heavenly dishes — The meal was lovingly cooked and served by Central Baptist Church members. (Barry Byers)

Easy as gravy — A concentrating Karen Mathiowetz delivers the gravy to lunch line, without spilling a drop. (Barry Byers)

With Little’s effort — Barbara Little helped the Central Baptist Church serve 71 guests during their Wednesday luncheon. That’s a CBC record! (Barry Byers)

With all the trimmings — The menu included turkey and dressing, ham, sweet potatos, beans, corn, rolls, and a variety of salads and deserts. (Barry Byers)

Catching up — The meal, which is offered on the first Wednesday of every month, provided an opportunity for everyone to catch up on local news and greet friends. (Barry Byers)

EventFULL — The dining area filled with 71 total (a CBC Luncheon record), and no one left hungry. (Barry Byers)

Goodness — Good friends, good food…God is good. (Barry Byers)

Gracious it’s good! — Stevan Varner, the owner of the Italy Fina, donated a $20.00 gift certificate won by Vonda Jacinto. (Barry Byers)

This is delicious! — Enjoying fine food warm the conversation at the Central Babtist Church Luncheon. (Barry Byers)

Not now…we’re eating — No time for pictures, the meal is just too tasty. (Barry Byers)

Still eating… — Not a problem, plenty of time was allowed for eaters to enjoy the meal. (Barry Byers)

And eating… — It was a fun gathering for the all the folks and everyone in the community is invited every first Wednesday of each month. (Barry Byers)

Freddie and Joe — The Ivy’s had a great time welcoming everyone to the Central Baptist Church for a warm meal. (Barry Byers)

A relaxing lunch — A relaxing lunch…and then Dr. Sullivan, with General and Vascular Surgery of Ennis spoke on the importance of early colon cancer detection and all that that entails. (Barry Byers)

James & Joyce Hobbs — James and Joyce Hobbs donated 4 movie tickets on behalf of Hobbs Feed & Supply. The winners were Nelda Commons, Linda Mosley, Tina Rios and Zina Hollaway Crecelius. (Barry Byers)