The Fruit of the Spirit presented at Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church
by Audrey Grayson, Photos by Audrey Grayson and the Metropolitan church
On Saturday, September 9, 2023, Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in Cocoa hosted a Fall Festival that was one of the special programs in celebration of the church’s seventy-sixth anniversary. The original Fall Festival was the brainchild of Sister Marilyn Smith who chaired the event seven years ago. This year’s festival was the vision of Sister Jackie Isom, and her team members Sisters Sheila Walker Mobley and Twilar Peeple. The minister at Metropolitan is Pastor Steve Brock.
The theme of the event was taken from the book of Galatians. According to Paul the Apostle, in Chapter 5 of his letter to the Galatians: “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
The fruits represent nine attributes of a person or community living in accord with the Holy Spirit. They display the character of a life submitted to God. Each of these qualities is important for living a life that is pleasing to God. According to writings, when we seek the presence of God with humility and faith, we can experience true joy and peace from living according to God’s will. The Fruit of the Spirit is something to strive for daily: a fruitful life in communion with God.
The program that took place on that beautiful Saturday was presided over by Dr. Crystal McQueen of Christ the King Redemptive Ministries church. Nine members of the community participated in the program and as shown below in my condensed version, together they defined the function of each of the nine fruits.
- Love: Love is derived from the Greek word (agape) and represents an active and selfless love for others. Agape’ is perfect love that only God can give. (Minister Jan Kirkland of Soaring Eagles in Rockledge. Pastor Janet C. Moragne.)
- Joy: It signifies a deep sense of happiness and contentment that transcends circumstances. (Elder Derrick O’Neal, Sr. of Gospel Outreach Ministries, Rockledge, FL. Sr. Pastor Ronald Stapham.)
- Peace: Peace refers to a state of tranquility, harmony, and freedom from worry or conflict. (Lady Linda Taylor of New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Melbourne. Pastor Ronald Taylor.)
- Forbearance: Also known as patience or longsuffering, it denotes the ability to endure hardships, delays, or provocation without becoming annoyed or anxious. (Minister Terrance Jones, The R.E.A.L. Church of Brevard, Cocoa. Pastor Jarvis Wash.)
- Kindness/Meekness: It involves being considerate, compassionate, and helpful towards others. (Minister Amy Robinson of Faith Temple, Rockledge. Pastor Shaun Ferguson.)
- Goodness: Goodness implies moral excellence, integrity, and virtue. (Minister Sammie Brown Martin of Sharpes Church of God, Cocoa. Pastor Michael J. Brown.)
- Faithfulness: Faithfulness refers to being loyal, dependable, and trustworthy in one’s commitments and relationships. (Bro. William “Bill” Simmons, Zion Orthodox Primitive Baptist Church, Cocoa. Elder Drodney Williams.)
- Gentleness: It signifies having a mild and humble demeanor, treating others with tenderness and respect. (Sister LaKia Broomfield.)
- Self-Control/Temperance: Self-control involves restraining one’s impulses, desires, or emotions to maintain composure and make wise choices. (Dr. Beverly Payne of Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, Cocoa. Pastor David E. Bryant.)
A praise dance was beautifully performed by the Praise and Worship Minister Kerrilyn Kelly-Moss.
The committee decorated the perimeter of the hall beautifully with tables piled with food and fall paraphernalia which added to the spirit and the ambiance of the occasion. At the end of the program, the attendees were invited to partake of the delicacies.
You may ask, how can I get the fruits of the spirit? One might answer, the best way to bear fruit is to stay connected to the vine, and that is Jesus. Remember that what you sow, you will reap. Sow to the spirit and you will reap the fruit of the Spirit. Spend time with God and you will grow in your ability to “have the mind of Christ.”
Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church is located at 474 King Street, Cocoa, FL, 32922. Pastor Steve Brock is the minister.
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