Dr. Deborah Thigpen
Gadsden County News Service
Bear Creek Bethel Missionary Baptist Church hosted its fifth annual Veterans Day Program during its 11 a.m. worship service on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, honoring servicemen and women for their dedicated courage, service, and sacrifice. Centered on the scripture John 15:13—“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends”—the service brought together faith, patriotism, and community gratitude.
Major Willie Jackson presided over the program, giving an overview of the six branches of the military: the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard.
Held at the sanctuary located at 3476 Old Federal Road, the annual observance holds deep personal significance for Host Pastor Terrence D. Milton. A retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant with 28 years of military service, Pastor Milton makes it a priority each year to ensure local military veterans are formally recognized and celebrated by the congregation.
Pastor Milton delivered an inspiring sermon titled “Honor the Sacrifice but Remember the Savior.” Referencing the importance of voting in society and its role in protecting American freedom,Pastor Milton connected the recent midterm election results to the responsibilities of citizenship and faith. Drawing from Galatians 5:13, he reminded the congregation that believers are called to use their freedom to serve others, connecting spiritual devotion with selfless military duty.
“Believers should lead the way in appreciation,” Pastor Milton shared, emphasizing that honoring veterans is a vital reflection of faith, gratitude, and community unity.
During the service, local veterans representing multiple branches of the armed forces were called forward to be recognized for their military service. The congregation expressed heartfelt gratitude as tokens of appreciation were presented to the veterans in attendance.
The fifth annual program reinforced Bear Creek Bethel’s ongoing commitment as “A Caring Church for Changing Times,” uniting faith and patriotism to ensure the sacrifices of military service members are never forgotten.
(Pictured: Pastor Terrence D. Milton stands with local military veterans honored during the 5th Annual Veterans Day service at Bear Creek Bethel M.B. Church on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026.)
Connect & Support:
- YouTube: Bear Creek Bethel Missionary Baptist Church
- Facebook: Bear Creek Bethel M.B. Church 1887
- Building Fund Contributions: Donations can be made via Givelify to “Bear Creek Bethel.”