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Churches from communities across Sampson are invited to participate in the Unity in the Community day in Harrells. Pictured are members of Evergreen Baptist Church manning the church’s booth at a past celebration.
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All activities and items are free of charge during the Unity in the Community event. Crowds enjoy the various displays from the different churches and organizations during the day-long event.
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Food items are provided for anyone attending Unity in the Community. Pictured are some attendees enjoying the offerings from Keathern Baptist Church.
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A tent provided by Snow Hill Missionary Baptist Church provides a place to rest and eat a bit and enjoy fellowship with others at Unity in the Community.
The dream of one faithful Christian leader continues even after his death. The dream of the late Rev. Glenwood Hemmingway, former pastor of Wards Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Harrells, to have a day when all parties within the community could come together in unity to fellowship, learn about each other and have fun is still going strong.
Unity in the Community, as Hemmingway named it, will celebrate it 5th anniversary this year when the communities throughout the county and area come together at Harrells Community Park on Saturday, Nov. 5. The day begins at 9 a.m. and lasts until 4 p.m.
Hemmingway passed away in 2009 after leading two very successful Unity in the Community events. It was his dream of unity across Sampson that brought area churches, businesses, families and politicians together for a day of free food, religious fellowship and fun. He believed that the entire community benefited from networking, regardless of color or cultural differences.
From an earlier story in The Sampson Independent, Hemmingway is quoted as saying, “The purpose of Unity in the Community is to bring people together in a way that allows them to experience every denomination in our community. I wanted to do something that would network all of the churches in our community together. I love fellowship, and it does not matter what color or creed, I believe in treating everyone right,” stated the former pastor and founder.
Since Hemmingway’s passing from cancer, the event has continued to grow. This year’s event will feature local talent performances, face painting, Bingo and more.
The Rev. Harvey Robinson, moderator of the Middle District Missionary Baptist Association and co-founder of Unity in the Community, as well as pastor of Keathern Missionary Baptist Church, along with committee members, have successfully contacted many area schools, churches, businesses and individuals, to help sponsor this years event.
To celebrate the 5th anniversary of Hemmingway’s vision, for the first time Unity in the Community will offer financial scholarships to two students participating in the event from supporting organizations or churches.
According to Robinson, “There’s always a need to strengthen relationships between our diverse communities. This year, our prayer is that more folks than ever before will come, join in and share our multi-cultural gifts and abilities in one glorious, Christian presentation of true Unity In The Community.”
The committee members are aware that the economy has impacted everyone but feel that this event is a way to step away from the everyday problems that people face to come together and support one another and fellowship together. Helping to forget or put away the trials and tribulations they face for a while to enjoy a little pleasure that life has to offer.
Steering Committee chairman Charles Strickland expressed, “If all goes according to plays, this November’s Unity in the Community will be the best ever in Harrells Park. Proving that even if there is a downturn in the nation’s economy, there can still be an uplifting of the community spirit. To God be the glory.”
Should anyone wish to register, make donations, participate or desire more information, contact Charles Strickland at 910-590-4925 or Shirley DeVane 910 532-4474, or sdevane@hotmail.com.
As the flyer states…Communities coming together for a funtastic day.
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