The Rev. Roletta Banks, assistant to the pastor of Little Bethel Baptist Church of Stony Creek, was the honored speaker at the Mission Day Anniversary service at Mount Sinai Baptist Church on Sunday, March 13.

Immediately drawing the audience in with a remembrance of her aunt as she readied the house for guests, Banks taught the story of sisters Martha and Mary from Luke 10:39, in which Martha was in the house cleaning in preparation for a visit from Jesus. When He arrived, instead of her sister Mary coming to help, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to him.

Too often, Banks said, “women run around doing busy work for people who have no Heaven or Hell to send them to. Sometimes we need to stop and take care of ourselves by refueling — in other words, by sitting at the feet of Jesus.”

“She told the congregation that she was just a country preacher who dropped by for a while to tell us there is power, salvation and many other positive things to be gained at the Master’s feet,” said Clorinda W. Copeland, president of Mount Sinai’s Missionary Ministry. “We say that she is a mighty woman of strength, sense, intellect and the Holy Spirit.”

In addition to the Mount Sinai Inspirational Choir, music was rendered by soloist Carlton Williams of Laurel Hill UCC. Also from Laurel Hill, Deacon Robert Williams served as worship leader. Missionaries from Piney Grove Baptist Church in Franklin, Buckhorn’s Piney Grove Baptist Church, and Little Bethel Baptist Church were special visitors.

Mount Sinai is located at 6100 Holy Neck Road and pastored by the Rev. William L. Lang.