Rev. Kelvin Edwards, Sr., senior pastor of the Washington Cooperative Parish, was given a vision to collect 500 cases of canned string beans, corn and peas for area food banks by holding a concert.
By assisting his mother at the Mt. Zion A.M.E. food bank for over 20 years, Rev. Edwards has seen the need for such services. Halesford United Methodist Church (UMC) has been working with Rev. Edwards for 5 years with the string bean, corn and Peas Concert.
Rev. Jeff White, associate pastor of the Parish, and Rev. Susan Hughes, associate minister at Redwood UMC, coordinated the concert for 2017, held outside for the first time in its history at Redwood UMC! Musicians included Melodi Huston and Mark Cannaday, the Halesford Gospel Singers and choirs from Redwood UMC and Halesford Baptist Churches. In addition, there was also face painting, dunking booth, slot lines, popcorn, hot dogs, and more!
The event was free. The only request was to donate a case of string beans, corn or peas. With donations received before the event, from area church food drives, as well as those received that day, the concert exceeded the goal by collecting 600 cases, (or 7200 cans) of food!
Area food banks that received the donations from the concert included: Stepping Stone, Henry Fork, and Lake Christian Ministries as well as food ministries at Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, Parrish Chapel UMC, and Hill Street Baptist Church.
Hope to see you at the concert next year!
