A time of celebration is in the air.

It’s nice to show appreciation, and members of the Fellowship of Love Church of God in Christ (COGIC) in Allenhurst are doing just that.

At 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. today, the Fellowship of Love Church family is honoring its pastor and elect lady, Dr. Larry S. Murray and Dr. Mary W. Murray.

“We consider it an honor and a great privilege to celebrate them and the service they render to us. Pastor and elect lady Murray are leaders with vision and a passion for ministry. They serve the people of God tirelessly,” minister Brianne Felton said. Felton and her husband, Elder Lenton Felton, serve as the pastor’s aide presidents.

At 9 a.m., Pastor Dale Jones of Perfecting Faith Ministries of Antioch, Tenn., will be the guest speaker. At 7 p.m., Pastor Dennis Martin of the New Life Outreach Ministries in Atlanta will be the featured speaker.

“In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, the Bible says, ‘And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.’ We are embarking upon one of the greatest appreciations ever,” Felton said.

“This is Dr. Larry S. Murray and Dr. Mary W. Murray’s eighth appreciation at Fellowship of Love in Allenhurst. Although they have been pastors for several years, to include pastoring in Korea and in Savannah, Fellowship of Love is the youngest church,” she said.
 
Pastor Murray is the founder and pastor of the Fellowship of Love Church in Allenhurst and pastor of Fellowship of Love Community Church COGIC in Savannah. He has been in the ministry for 22 years.

Besides being a busy pastor, he is the superintendent of the Savannah District Church of God in Christ and also the jurisdiction executive secretary. Additionally, he is a retired Army sergeant first class.  

Both Murray and his wife are graduates of Jacksonville Theological Seminary with doctorate degrees in theology and Christian counseling.

Dr. Mary W. Murray, who is a liaison for Jacksonville Theological Seminary, is a recording artist and author and travels extensively as an evangelist in the ministry.

She also is a teacher with the Fort Stewart school system.  

Not only are the Murrays being honored, but their three children — Kwinetta, Larry Jr., and Lawrence — also are being recognized. The Murrays are natives of North Carolina, but have lived in Hinesville since he was assigned to Fort Stewart with the military.

For additional information concerning the appreciation services, you may call the Feltons at 877-6080.

You also can visit the church’s website at www.fellowshipoflove.net.