Piece of the puzzle: Community Worship Service builds relationships with law enforcement, residents

The Barnwell County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) notoriously looks for innovative ways to connect and engage with the community.

“Historically, churches have invited law enforcement officers to come to church in uniform and fellowship with them. We took that very same concept, changed it, and decided to have a church program consisting of law enforcement officers from various agencies welcoming the community to be our guests,” BCSO Lt. Eric Kirkland said.

These unsung heroes in blue did just that when this puzzle of fellowship came together this past Saturday, March 23 as BCSO hosted their 2nd Annual Community Worship Service at Barnwell Elementary School between 1-3 p.m.

Community members of all ages filled the auditorium as they joined law enforcement officers representing numerous, statewide agencies. The collection of law enforcement professionals each possessed specific spiritual gifts and talents.

“Their profession is law enforcement, but in actuality they use these gifts daily in the performance of their duties to serve others. How wonderful it is to have all that talent representing song, praise, speech, combined with a dynamic message from our law enforcement communities. Then we incorporate the most important piece of the puzzle, the future, which is our youth. The program is a unique service designed to promote and build positive relations, especially with the county’s youth. We were pleased to have our youth serve as ushers,” said Kirkland.

Usher Edward Ross, age 20, is a student from Aiken Technical College, a youth minister at his church in Williston, and a walking testimony of the program’s positive influence. Ross said he wanted to participate because he’s been “inspired by Lt. Kirkland’s participation during youth ministry Zoom calls” and since his first impression, he added, “it’s been on my heart to likewise serve the community.”

Kirkland, like the other officers involved in the program, walks the walk and talks the talk. A favorite motivational scripture of his, which he quoted, was 1 Timothy 4:12. “‘Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity’. That is what this program and a very important part of our mission is at our agency. To make a difference in the lives of our youth by leading by example.”

Andrew Still, another young usher, said the BCSO, and especially Lt. Kirkland, inspire him too. “They do a lot for the community. Seeing law enforcement working constantly, doing different events, it looks so great because you don’t see that very often. It warms my heart to see that and makes me want to give back and encourage others to do so too. A couple of my family members work with law enforcement. My cousin works as a records clerk and my sister-in-law is a dispatcher. Law enforcement officers protect us and keep us safe, so I think we all should help them and do whatever we can do,” said Still.

Kirkland, in presence, is seen by the community as standing tall and strong, is a most humble man; however, he wouldn’t have it any other way than to give God all of the glory. As a brother in Christ, he also proudly recognizes and states, “BCSO Sheriff Steven Griffith is a major piece of the puzzle because he encourages, supports and gives approval for these community outreach programs.”

Sheriff Griffith didn't hesitate to return that brotherly respect by saying, “Lt. Kirkland’s done an excellent job ever since we got started three years ago, sheriffing this team. It’s part of our ongoing projects; getting the community team together with law enforcement. But the main thing we work on is our youth. It's for the youth that come.”

And for all the youth in our community, he wanted to share, “Please, never be afraid to come up to one of our officers if you need help. You can trust us and we’re here for ya. We’ll take care of you.”

The program began with the Law Enforcement Processional led by ushers Ross and Still. BCSO Captain Darren Towne introduced Kirkland as the Master of Ceremony, followed by scripture, Ephesians 4:4-9, given by Chief John Jones of the S.C. Law Enforcement Association. Prayer by BCSO Sgt. John Holston followed.

The Welcome was presented by Hampton County Sheriff Anthony Russell and Response from Cpl. Devon Gilmore of the Orangeburg Dept. of Public Safety.

1st Sergeant Trey Staley of the Blackville Police Department sang the first worship song, “Falling in love with Jesus.” Major Florence McCants of the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy, shared the Occasion, “It can all be bundled up in one word, Need. There’s a need for this occasion. A need for gratitude, grace, mercy and kindness. When we walk out of here, we need to keep that in mind,” she said.

The Message to the Youth was given next by Special Agent Katie McCallister of the S.C. Law Enforcement Division (SLED). She noted Romans 12:4 (One Body) and focused on the wounds a community has a hard time recovering from “the wound of violence.”

Paraphrased, directed primarily to youth in the crowd, she said, “We all feel it. If one of you were not here, you’d be missed. If we lose one of you young people, we don’t just lose you, we lose the gift God gave you.”

Barnwell County Career Center criminal justice student Cindy Mason gave The Reading with a personal and inspiring speech and shared in part this message with fellow youth: “Never give up on your dreams and always keep going, no matter how hard it is; because it pushes you to make progress. And remember your faith, it motivates you to become someone in life.”

Next, Master Deputy Donald Danner, who is director of the S.C. DARE Training Center at the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, offered a beautiful song of praise (“His Eye is on the Sparrow”) as he stepped up and stood in for Ronnie Scott, director of the S.C. Youth Challenge Academy, who was unable to attend.

Major Stuart Robertson with SLED gave the Message to the Community, followed by more powerful praise and worship songs, captivating the attention of everyone in the room, by Evon Lebby, First Source Defense, LLC, and the Protect and Serve musicians.

Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell introduced the Speaker of The Message, Chief Deputy Chandra Gibbs from the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office.

With inspiration from the Bible book of Romans, Gibbs encouraged the audience to look inward and consider the thoughts. “I am you and you are me. We are community. But are we? Look around the room. We need to blend.”

And with that said, she had everyone switch seats and mix up their seating arrangements. “If we’re going to talk about unity…remember, we are each different parts, but dependent on one another.” Giving the crowd puzzle pieces as a remembrance.

She emphasized, “If I have the ability, but it does not build the community, then what I am is selfish.”

Community Announcements and Remarks from Sheriff Griffith and the Benediction brought the program to its finale. Yet with so many more undocumented, wonderful moments experienced, the crowd departed looking forward to next year's presentation.

“This was our second annual and by all accounts it was a huge success. Collectively, we managed to host some of the best law enforcement professionals from various agencies, including ours, to come take part in a Community Worship Service. Every good thing we have is ours only by God's grace and solely intended to be used for His purpose,” Lt. Kirkland said.

And indeed, Barnwell County has so much to be thankful for with God on our side and these brave men and women in blue, working together for one and all.