Almost 150 people gathered on February 7th to enjoy the annual Blue River-Kansas City Baptist Association Appreciation Banquet. Pastors, staff and spouses enjoyed a fun night of delicious food, great door prizes and hilarious comedy.
In addition to the normal crowd, former missionaries and retired pastors were invited and recognized by Dr. Hammer with gift cards.
BR-KC recently created a new award to recognize and affirm outstanding and extensive volunteer service. The award was named after Ruth Carpenter who went home to be with the Lord last fall. Ruth was a pastor’s wife who devoted her life to serving others. She served in many church capacities at Spring Valley Baptist, in WMU leadership, with Restoration House and other Associational and ministry roles. 
Ruth gave of herself tirelessly and served until the moment of her passing. The inaugural recipient of “The Ruth Carpenter Distinguished Volunteer Award” is Sheriann Kessinger. Sheriann is a long-time member of FBC Grandview and has spent many years serving the Lord and others. Some of her volunteer services include Disaster Relief, Associational WMU leadership (including Missouri WMU), Royal Ambassador leader (including RA Congress in Sedalia), Boy Scout leader, Vacation Bible School Clinic instructor, nursery worker, mission trips (including Vancouver partnership), BR-KC office help and much more! Sheriann was presented with a beautiful crystal award and given a standing ovation.
Entertainment this
year was provided by Rik Roberts, a Nashville-based comedian. Rik’s style of humor, which included Barney Fife impressions, had the crowd engaged and roaring with laughter!
We would like to give a big thank you to our sponsors – Diakonos Counseling, Techni-Serve, Moyer & Moyer Insurance as well as Connection Point Church. Your generous contributions helped make this evening possible for those individuals that give of themselves every day.
