Faith & Blue Weekend 2021

by Rebecka Hoyt, Editor & Photographer

Last weekend was Faith and Blue Day 2021. This has been happening around our nation for the last couple of years and this year, the police department reached out to Buchanan’s area churches to participate with them.

On Saturday, 10/9/21, there were “Pastries and Police” at Life Action Ministry by Mayflower Road. Then an Ice Cream Social was held at St. Paul Lutheran Church on Front Street. I wasn’t able to attend all of the events, but according to Chief Ganus at the City Commission meeting this past Monday night, he said that “It was a great event and it gave the community an opportunity to build relationships with the police officers.”

At my church, Buchanan Christian Church, several officers came and Sergeant Police Officer Harvey Burnett sang the song, “Until Then” composed by Carl Stuart Hamblen ©1958. He also gave some inspiring words: “Church is the grass roots of the community, and the police are partners with the churches.”

Associate Minister Brandon Smith’s message was based on the scripture from Jeremiah 29:4-14 NIV (New International Version) and how peace and prosperity are made known in this passage. Jeremiah 29:7 says, “Also, see the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” (NIV). Another verse that he focused on is a well-known one: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV).

I encourage you to say “Hi” or even a wave to a police officer when you are out and about or just driving. Do not feel afraid of them, as they want to get to know you and establish relationships within our community. The more you do it, the more you will feel comfortable talking to them. Have a blessed weekend!

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About National Faith & Blue Weekend: Faith & Blue was launched to facilitate safer, stronger, more just and unified communities by directly enabling local partnerships among law enforcement professionals, residents, businesses and community groups through the connections of local faith-based organizations. The initiative aims to re-calibrate police-community relations through solutions-focused, in-person, socially distanced and/or virtual activities that are organized jointly by faith-based or other community groups and law enforcement agencies.