Westhaven holds annual Christmas fellowship

First time attendant Dorothy Moore of Progressive M. B. Church was stunned to be awarded a microwave. Photo by Janice K. Neal-Vincent

By Janice K. Neal-Vincent, Ph.D.

Contributing Writer

First time attendant Dorothy Moore of Progressive M. B. Church was stunned to be awarded a microwave. Photo by Janice K. Neal-Vincent
First time attendant Dorothy Moore of Progressive M. B. Church was stunned to be awarded a microwave. Photo by Janice K. Neal-Vincent

Pushing the theme “We’ve Come This Far by Faith,” the staff of Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. ended the year with reverence to God and goodwill during their annual Christmas fellowship.

The event was held at 6 p.m. Dec. 12 at Black’s Chapel M. B. Church in Jackson. Those who arrived at 5:30 p.m. and later found a loaded parking lot, a loaded lawn, and a loaded sanctuary. Pews were occupied to maximum capacity from the balcony to the choir loft to the floor.

Community leader Frank Bluntson was the evening’s master of ceremony. Psalm 100 was read and prayer was given by the Rev. James Shoulders, pastor of Rising Sun M.B. Church. Joy, love, and thanksgiving were pegged as essential elements of praise within the scripture and prayer.

Markus Bell offered a hearty welcome and occasion and words of encouragement were offered by the Rev. John A. Wicks, pastor of Mount Nebo M. B. Church. A gospel mix of carols and other songs were passionately song by Westhaven Memorial Choir. Songs included Norman Hutchins’ “Emanuel,” Doc McKenzie’s “I’ll be Alright After While,” Ben Taylor’s “God has Been So Good to Me” and Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.”

Floyd Knight Jr.’s familiar African-American chant, “I Know I’m a Child of God,” was embraced by the crowd prior to Wicks’ message. After thanking God for His “awesome presence and amazing power” and thanking Him for the owners of WMFH, Wicks diverted to Luke 2:46. He pinpointed the night before Christmas when “the world was in bad shape and desperately needed a Messiah.” The minister firmly said to the audience, “You’ve come expecting gifts, but Jesus Christ is the greatest gift.”

Bent on the need to love everybody, including “people who don’t look like us” was the message’s highpoint. Wicks emphasized John 15:13: “Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friend.” He then sealed his words while fervently articulating Psalm 150 as he charged the audience to “inhale and exhale” with “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.”

Randomly distributed Christmas gifts flooded the sanctuary and were donated solely by WMFH. They included an abundance of dinette sets, barbecue grills, microwave ovens, DVD players, luggage sets, turn table systems, comforter sets, dinner ware, lamps, televisions, recliners and bicycles.

Responding to the worship service were WMFH owners Freddie L. Davis, president, and Audrey B. Wiley, vice president. “Give a gift to someone that cannot give you a gift back,” Davis told the audience. According to him, “We give back to the community because we appreciate the business we receive.” Davis further noted that the gifts are not only meant for Westhaven policy holders, but for whoever attends the annual gala.

Wiley who also directs Westhaven Choir, humbly thanked the audience for their attendance and the choir for “all that you do.” She said, “This choir goes all year round and never asks for a penny. The choir sings at a variety of events throughout the year including the Magnolia Retirement Home, birthday parties, musical appreciations and pastors’ appreciations. Directors are Markus Bell, the Rev. Greg Smith, Tammy Johnson, and Sherry Milton, who is also a musician. Other musicians are Morgan Redmond, drummer, and Cedric Dotson, base guitar.

Choir membership requires no screening. “Persons interested come at will,” Wiley added. Rehearsals are at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays at WMFH.

WMFH, founded April 16, 1996, has four locations: Jackson, Utica, Hazlehurst, and Magee. They provide two benefit programs between $4,500 and $5,000 each for Mississippi Sickle Cell Foundation and Federation for the Blind. The organization is embarking upon its 20th anniversary to be held in April 2016.

Visit Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home online at www.whmfh.com or call (769) 798-1022.

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