First Baptist welcomes Dennis Daniels, plans Christmas Remembrances service

By Carole Kelly

The special days of December highlighting the Christmas season begins at First Baptist Church on December 6 at 5 p.m., with the Senior Adult Ministry hosting a service of Christmas Remembrances.

Senior Adult Minister Dennis Daniels, in announcing the service, said, “For those dealing with the loss of a loved one, the holidays can be particularly challenging. Instead of joy, excitement and happiness, this time of year can bring with it an incredible feeling of sorrow, pain, grief, and maybe even anger.”

The service includes friends and families gathering to share stories, poems, music and reflections of loved ones no longer with them.

“We will light votive candles in remembrance of those precious lives and allow the lights to illuminate our memories as they are placed on our special Christmas tree,” Daniels said.

A reception fellowship is planned following the service.  Everyone is invited to attend the special remembrance program and the reception.

Daniels points out that it is common for grief to spike during the Christmas season, when many people find that the holiday traditions such as cheerful Christmas music, jubilant holiday parties and festive décor enhance the pain they are experiencing, reminding them of their loss.

“If there is someone missing from your Christmas festivities this year, I’m sure they won’t be far from your thoughts and your hearts,” said Daniels. “Continue to honor their lives by sharing their stories and reminiscing with family and friends about favorite times spent together.  It is through our thoughts and our shared memories that we keep them alive.”

Well acquainted with life’s griefs, Daniels shares how his life continued as he faced his personal grief as well as the grief of his sons, whom he raised alone for seven years, after his wife died in a car accident. His sons were 14, 11, 10, and 5. His varied experiences and his training have enhanced his ability to aid persons in facing life’s challenges. He has worked in banking and dry cleaning, as a music director, senior adult pastor, and as a pastor.

Born in Hawkinsville, Georgia, Daniels graduated with a degree in psychology from the University of Georgia.  He has a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth.  He is certified in thanatology, gerontology and counseling and has led many grief groups over the years.

No stranger to many churches in Mississippi, he has served as supply pastor in a number of towns, including Greenville, Indianola, Lexington, Hermanville, Isola, Carthage and Yazoo City.  Known by many through his service in Jackson, he refers to the late Dr. Frank Pollard as his mentor who led him to serve as senior adult service congregational care and prayer pastor at First Baptist Church, Jackson, from 1997 to 2015.

He is renewing his ties in Clinton, where his sons began their school years when he was at the Reformed Theological Seminary from 1989 to 1991.

Welcomed to Clinton First Baptist in September, he is married to the former Ginger Roby of Kosciusko and enjoys golf when not busy with his senior adult ministry duties.

For further information about the service, call 601-924-6705 or 601-940-9214.