Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department and Family Worship Center partner for Faith & Blue

BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – It’s a powerful initiative that builds bridges to more inclusive communities.

Sunday, October 13 the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department is partnering with Beckley’s Family Worship Center for Faith & Blue — connecting law enforcement, faith leaders and the community.

“It probably could not come at a more important time. This is our second year of doing that. And we had such a great turnout and great response last year that we kind of expanded,” said Sheriff Jim Canady. “We’re gonna incorporate it into a fall festivity that’s gonna occur after the service. I think that gives people an opportunity to see law enforcement on a more personal and human level.”

Pastor Luke Hodges says with the uncertainty of our times, people have inner fears. So let’s change that.

“People that work in public service, whether that be the sheriff’s office or a pastor himself — to connect with people is vital,” Hodges said. “To calm those fears and to know that we can have a common faith in the God we serve.”

Churches need to be a cornerstone of the community, reach people and provide us with a sense of morality; according to Canady.

“In this country we’ve lost a moral compass. And regardless of faith or religion, we don’t have a common purpose,” said the sheriff. “The church is very important in establishing or reestablishing that.”

Connecting with local government is powerful and builds more engaged communities.

“Sometimes people use party lines to make them stay away, or they use fears,” the pastor said. “When they see people partnered together in faith and connection, I believe it helps people drop their guard, come together in a place of commonality and let God calm some fears. Let the opportunity for us to serve be a connection place in the community.”

 

IF YOU WANT TO GO
What: Faith & Blue
When: Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024
Where: Church of God Family Worship Center
224 Pinewood Drive, Beckley