Whether gospel, country or heavy metal, music is heard by everyone. A local church is using it to spread love and build the community.
The First Baptist Church of Taylor invites the community to a night of food, fellowship and live music at their second annual Music in the Park fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24 in Heritage Square Park. Bishop Larry Johnson said the church is excited to be back for a second year.
“We are trying to make sure the church is doing what the Bible says,” Johnson said.
“That’s making sure we are clothing the people, feeding the people, helping them spiritually and making sure we are doing what God told us to do.” Last year, the event focused on gospel music in different forms such as church choirs, singleinstrument performances and recording artists. This year, the event will feature a variety of genres of music including hip-hop and R&B.
Johnson said the goal was to provide entertainment that can reach different demographics.
“People are people,” he said. “Music is the language that crosses all borders. You understand where people are coming from if you hear their story.”
Performers include singer Ronnie Hall, jazz gospel artist Jacques Brown, The First Baptist Church choir and male chorus. Returning for this year is Austin-based singer and songwriter Michaela Watson. She headlined the event last year and is excited to return this year.
“I absolutely love this event and I love my church,” Watson said.
“It’s also for a such a great cause, I couldn’t say no.”
Proceeds from the event will go towards the construction of the church’s new fellowship hall.
She is looking forward to performing, but is also ready to hear other artists.
While the entertainment is the avenue, Watson said the event has a bigger purpose.
“Most importantly, it’s about spreading the word of God and his love,” she said. “I’m praying that everyone does well and that whatever people come for, they end up finding.”
Taylor Press Area Editor, Jason Hennington, is set to perform his original blend of hip-hop — sometimes with assistance from his daughters as backup singers.
“This is a great event for people to come together and enjoy different styles of music,” Hennington said. “Music is a universal language and can reach all people through various genres.
I’m blessed and honored to be asked to be a part of this event this year.”
Attendees can purchase pulled pork sandwiches, turkey legs and beverages as they listen to live music from a talented lineup of local musical performers.
Johnson said a new fellowship hall will provide space for the church to help and feed more people. “When we feed people on Fridays and do our Thanksgiving dinner for the neighborhood, we want a place that they can come in and sit among us while they eat and we serve them,” he said. “In order for us to continue to share the word of God and to continue to help people, we have to go to the community and express to them that this takes money and effort.”
The event begins at 6 p.m. in Heritage Square.
“We’re bringing this activity free of charge to the public and continuing to seek ways to be of service to our community,” Johnson said, “to uplift them and bring joy to their lives.”
