FRANKLIN

Many customers at the BP service station on Armory Drive got a near heavenly treat on Feb. 9 when the Men’s Ministry of Celebration Church Franklin offered to pump $10 of free gasoline in each vehicle until the allotted $1,200 ran out.

Pastor Anthony Rawlings said he had been told by the store manager that cars were lining up as early at 5:30 a.m.

“We got there at 8 a.m.; it was supposed to start at 9 a.m., but we got going at 8:30 a.m. because traffic was backing up,” he said.

This was not the first time the ministry has performed such a community service. Rawlings said the men’s idea came about a couple of years ago during a Table Talk session, which takes place the second Tuesday of each month.

“They put a vision in place,” he added. Plans were made, and the first gas giveaway took place in December 2017. The goal is to do this event twice a year. In addition to the one on Feb. 9, the next is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 21 this year.

The pastor said the money for the most recent giveaway came from the group members, who had contributed $30 to $40 apiece, and $1,000 were collected. That was originally going to be the set amount, he said, but then there were five to six other people who heard about the project and were moved to contribute $200 more.

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Another way that Celebration Church wants to contribute to the community is through a planned “red carpet” event on Saturday, April 6. The goal is to honor faculty and staff of the Southampton County Public Schools division.

Rawlings said the church is seeking out sponsors, and anyone who is interested in contributing or for more details can call him at 354-5136.