Second Missionary holds resource fair for the glory of God, the good of the community
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On Saturday, October 24, Second Missionary Baptist Church welcomed community members to its grounds for a resource fair focused on connecting residents with valuable services while celebrating the church’s 139 years of service.
The event, which ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., brought together local organizations, community members, and vendors in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Attendees had the opportunity to enjoy food and music while learning about resources available to support their health, well-being, and everyday needs.
Among the organizations represented were Center Township, the A. Philip Randolph Institute, Gilead House, Minority Health Alliance, IBE, and other health and community resource providers. Their presence offered residents an opportunity to connect directly with organizations that serve the community.
Pastor Edward Thomas of Second Missionary Baptist Church said the resource fair represents a new effort under the church’s current administration, with hopes of establishing the event as an annual tradition.
“Our prayer and our hope is to take it from being a first to becoming an annual event, making it bigger and better to the glory and honor of God and for the good of this community and this city as we go and serve,” Thomas said.
For Thomas, the event was about more than celebrating the church’s history. As the congregation marks 139 years, he emphasized the importance of looking beyond the church’s walls and embracing its responsibility to the surrounding community.
Thomas explained that the community in which the church is planted deserves the same care and attention as those who gather inside the building each Sunday. He believes the resource fair provides a practical way to put that commitment into action by helping residents access services and build connections.
“We’re outside being the church rather than just being in the building,” Thomas said. “Jesus didn’t call us to assemble; He called us to ‘go ye therefore.’ So, we’re going.”
That message served as a guiding principle for the gathering, bringing faith and community service together in a tangible way. By creating a space where residents could connect with local organizations, enjoy fellowship, and learn about available resources, Second Missionary Baptist Church demonstrated its desire to remain actively engaged in the community it has served for nearly a century and a half.
As the church looks toward the future, its leadership hopes the resource fair will continue to grow, reaching more residents and strengthening relationships between community members and organizations equipped to serve them.