3+ week, 4+ day ago (263+ words) LUDOWICI, Ga. (WTOC) - With families worried about finding groceries, a church in Ludowici is helping hundreds each weekend during the month of November. At A New Beginning Church, they believe everyone deserves a new beginning and their pastor told us he wanted this to be the most giving church in the state of Georgia, and that started with a monthly food drive that they do, but in November, it's a little different. Pastor Tom Gardner held an emergency food drive last weekend, and plans to do another one this Saturday. Last week's drive fed over 400 families, but he says they do more than just dole out groceries. "We don't pass away food, we add value to people's lives. So in whatever way we can make them feel a little better about themselves, give them a little bit of hope to…...

1+ week, 6+ day ago (298+ words) SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - One of the oldest Baptist congregations in Georgia sits just steps from Chippewa Square. Sunday, First Baptist Church of Savannah celebrated its 225th anniversary, marking a major milestone in the church's long history. As congregants gathered and lifted their voices in song, they celebrated how far their community has come. "We're at 225 years here in Savannah," said Emily Richardson-Dion, Assistant Minister for Families. It's a major milestone for one of the city's most historic congregations. The church building was completed in 1833 making it Savannah's oldest standing house of worship. "We have buildings that have been around for several hundred years, which is kind of unique for America and unique for the South" the church having survived all the different changes that have happened in the last 225 years," Betsy Davis, Deacon. Through those years, church leaders say First Baptist…...

1+ week, 2+ day ago (322+ words) SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - An exciting day on Thursday for one of downtown Savannah's more iconic landmarks. The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist unveiled its renovation of its twin spires, which have been out of commission for the past year. For the last year or so, the bells here at Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist in downtown Savannah have not rung, and scaffolding surrounded the Spires on top, but now the bells are ringing again, and the spires are visible for millions to see. "It feels wonderful," Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist Monsignor Jerry Schreck said. "I am so thankful for Omar for his foresight in discovering this problem and the engineers who helped us. It feels wonderful to know that they are stable and secure, and I love to hear the bell." The bells…...

6+ day, 8+ hour ago (143+ words) SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A youth-led parade walked through a Savannah neighborhood Saturday as organizers promoted a message of love and peace. Organizers called the event "more than a walk" and described it as a gesture of love and peace. Participants walked through the neighborhood with purpose and a commitment of care. The walk served to remind residents that the church is present with a mission to end violence. "This church is here, it is a pillar of this community. It has been for many many years and on today we are bringing awareness to the community that we are still here with open arms giving thanksgiving to God first and also coming together as brothers and sisters," said mayor pro-tem Estella Shabazz. First Nazareth Baptist Church, Pastor Janice Swan Butts, and the Cann Park/Jackson Park Neighborhood Association hosted the…...

5+ day, 22+ hour ago (192+ words) STATESBORO, Ga. (WTOC) - In the spirit of giving, a faith-based organization in Statesboro is passing out Thanksgiving dinners Monday morning for community members in need. Christian Social Ministries is hosting the 16th annual Community Giveback at its food pantry on Zetterower Avenue starting at 7 a.m. The organization is dedicated to helping those who have fallen on hard times. Christian Social Ministries has various outreach programs that run year-round to serve the community, including a food pantry, utility assistance program and a shoe ministry specifically for Bulloch County children. Monday, the organization is passing out more than 400 bags of Thanksgiving dinners along with additional bags of staple groceries. Each bag has a gift card for a turkey or ham from the Auxiliary of East Georgia Regional Hospital. Staff and volunteers from Christian Social Ministries picked up donations from East Georgia Medical Center Friday,…...

3+ day, 10+ hour ago (300+ words) HAMPTON COUNTY, SC. (WTOC) - One group in Hampton County is stepping up to help the community, giving out nearly 5,000 meals ahead of Thanksgiving. This marks the 17th year they've done this. That group is Open Arms Fellowship, a church out of Hampton, which started out the first year by giving out about 300 meals. With partnerships from other churches and other communities over the years, the ministry that feeds those in need every Thanksgiving has grown tenfold. From Tuesday night through Wednesday, volunteers gathered at the old skating rink in Varnville to help. Everything from pulling the meat off of turkeys to building plates to then loading them into vehicles. Each year, 4,600 meals are distributed, but the group makes 5,000 just in case the need grows. The giving starts early on Wednesday when churches from neighboring counties pick up meals to take to…...