FIRST BRETHREN HOMECOMING CELEBRATES 115 YEARS
First Brethren Church in Buena Vista, Virginia, will hold an old-fashioned Family Homecoming this Sunday, October 9.
Sunday School meets at 9:45 a.m. followed by the Homecoming Worship Celebration at 10:30 a.m. A potluck dinner is planned for 12:45 p.m. in the church’s fellowship hall.
The afternoon Homecoming Concert will begin at 2:00 p.m. An infant nursery and toddler church will be provided in the morning and a nursery in the afternoon.
Rev. Mick Rockafellow will be the Homecoming speaker. The Virginians Quartet (pictured) will provide the special music in both services.
Mick Rockafellow served as pastor of the First Brethren Church from 1987 to 1990. He and his wife, Bonnie live in Lansing, Michigan, where he pastors the Lansing Grace Brethren Church.
Howard McVey and Don Lipscomb organized the Virginians Quartet in July 1970. From 1970 through 2003 the group ministered in an eight-state area and recorded many TV programs, tapes, videos and CD’s.
The quartet has recently reorganized with the original members it started with in 1970. In addition to Howard and Don the group includes Sonny Kingery, Elijah Burke and Donnie Kidd.
According to McVey, the group’s sole purpose in singing is to see people come to know the Lord Jesus Christ and to receive a “Spiritual Blessing” through the ministry of song.
With this Homecoming, First Brethren Church celebrates 115 years of ministry in Buena Vista. Founded in 1890, it is part of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches.
The church’s senior pastor, the Rev. Christian Becker, noted, “Grace Brethren Churches are united by their love for Jesus Christ and a belief in the Bible as the complete Word of God. Our commitment is to serve God and others with the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Becker recently completed his sixth year of ministry with the church. Under his leadership the church’s attendance has grown steadily since 1999.
He is enthusiastic about the church and added “First Brethren Church is a family church. We have children’s and youth programs as well as an active men and women’s ministry. If someone is looking for a church, we like to say that ‘First Brethren is the church with a place for you!'”
“And speaking of Homecoming,” he said, “We hope that former attenders, members of the community, and folks looking for a church will come this Sunday as our guests.”
Due to the Homecoming concert in the afternoon, there will be no evening service on October 9. First Brethren Church meets at 100 E 29th Street (U.S. 60 E) in Buena Vista. For information, call the church office at (540) 261-6425.
