On June 2, 2024 New Hope Baptist Church in Chesapeake, Virginia held an innovative Sunday service focused on health and wellness. The service was part of the church’s 105th anniversary celebration. Pastor Sam Logan used to day to launch an initiative called “90 Days To A Better Me.” The innovative worship service included a short physical fitness session with Bro. Cliff Barnett from Temple Builders Fitness Ministry. Imagine the sight of about 200 church members of all ages in anniversary shirts doing jumping jacks in the sanctuary! Rev. Heber Brown, III was the morning preacher sharing a sermon that was in line with the church’s theme.
The Black Church Food Security Network worked with New Hope leading up to the service; helping them to incorporate the involvement of local Black farmers from Winfield Farms LLC, Mighty Thundercloud Edible Forest and the MidAtlantic Black Farmers Caucus. Also in attendance was the beautiful family behind Fourtee Acres. (A documentary called “Family Tree” was recently released featuring this Black farm and their work in forestry.) After worship, members were invited to a congregational healthy meal and were given the opportunity to purchase produce and goods from the Black farmers and others in attendance.
Thank you to Pastor Sam Logan III, First Lady Tonya Logan & the leadership of New Hope for organizing such a holistic and memorable worship experience! We’re planning to do a full farmer’s market and farm tours with this church later this fall.
