WS Chronicle

Photo by Timothy Ramsey

BY TIMOTHY RAMSEY 

THE CHRONICLE

The holiday season is more than just what presents one receives under the Christmas tree. It’s supposed to be about family and the ones you love.  To reinforce this basic principle of the season, New Direction Movement Cathedral held its annual “Friends and Family Day” service on Sunday Dec. 18.

For the Friends and Family Day, the three individuals who brought the most people received a special gift from the church to show their gratitude.  The winning member brought over 15 people to New Direction last Sunday.

The invited guests were treated to a service that included a beautiful rendition of “Do Not Pass Me By” performed by the church choir that brought everyone to their feet.  Concluding the service was a raffle that all visitors were entered into.  The church raffled off gift cards of various denominations to fast food restaurants and Wal-mart.

Senior Pastor Essie McCullough delivered the sermon.  Her message was titled “Plenty Good Room.”  She spoke about how there is room for all of us in the Heavenly Kingdom and all we have to do is “take our seat and sit down.”  She told those in attendance of the great-ness of God, and he will wipe away our sins and make room for all.

After the sermon, various ministries and friends presented Pastor McCullough with love gifts.

When asked about the gifts she received, McCullough said, “It tells me that they all care, and I know that they made sacrifices for me.  I am just very touched and pleased.”

McCullough personally thanked everyone for her gifts along with thanking those who came out to visit.

“I was inspired to see how much they love, and love does not talk; love shows,” said McCullough. “Most people think that when people go to church, you just go to find people in church.  The church began in the street and Jesus went to the sinners. The world needs the church.”