MIYAH MARTIN
Contributor
On August 30th, the Jasper First Baptist Church held its third annual Beans, Greens, and Bluegrass function. It started at 5 p.m. with dinner and entertainment. There was a $10 fee for a ticket, where each ticket sold went towards a good cause. The church runs the Women’s Ministry Conference and Outreach, with the event serving as a fundraiser to help support the organization throughout the year. All the money that was donated goes straight to the Women’s Ministry. The donations will also help women in the community in various ways, as well as help them get to a future conference in Gatlinburg.
Dana Young, Director of the Women’s Ministry in Jasper, stated, “It is a way for women to be involved and form relationships with a sort of neighborly bond.” The ministry helps women all around Marion County, with the church also spreading the love of God to everyone.
Like the name suggests, there were many beans and greens. There were two large tables full of home-cooked food, with many participants lined up to get a plate full. There were pinto beans donated and cooked by Scott Morgan, greens from Top of the River, freshly-baked cornbread, barbecue cooked by Fred Hawg Tudors, and many desserts to eat afterwards.
For entertainment, Jasper First Baptist Church invited two special guests, the Bluegrass Band and Blackberry Winter. They performed live for everyone in attendance. This was their first time at the event, with the band consisting of Merielle Flood on the guitar, Ginger Slack on the upright bass, Tommy Martin with the banjo, and Eric Geissinger playing the dobro. The band has played for over eight years, each member having previous experience in the music industry.
The function was full of supporting people, willing to help the ministry. The church is to continue hosting the event for years to come, helping as many women as they can. The money they raise through the function will continue to help the Women’s Ministry Conference and Outreach throughout the year. And with their kindness and encouragement, they shall continue to reach outside of their own church walls.
Photos by Miyah Martin