New church assembles on Pine Island
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With a goal to bring “tradition” back to traditional church services, early last fall, Friendship Harmony Baptist Church welcomed parishioners in St. James City.
“We had learned that many of our seniors were seeking a church that was more like what they were accustomed to as young adults and decided that we needed to provide that atmosphere for this group,” said Pastor Vic Cooper. “We only sing songs from the hymnal and don’t flash the words up on the wall. While I realize a lot of people find that a help, our seniors prefer things done in a more familiar and traditional format.”
Cooper, formerly of the First Baptist Church of St. James City, began holding traditional Southern Baptist services at the Flamingo Bay clubhouse last August and while the number of attendants was small in the beginning, he is slowly seeing that number increase each Sunday.
“We now have as many as 40 people show up regularly each Sunday and anticipate that number will grow as the snowbirds return and more people are aware of who we are and what we do,” Cooper said. “So far, the people attending services are very happy that we have gone back to the basics and feel very comfortable attending Friendship Harmony.”
As for the name of the church, Cooper said that it was a collaborative effort among his parishioners.
“We began by asking everyone to submit a name for the church and two words kept re-appearing.” said Cooper. “Those words were Friendship and Harmony so we decided to combine the two and it seems to be a good fit.”
In addition to Sunday services, Friendship Harmony also has dedicated itself to the island senior population in other ways.
“We not only strive to support each persons spiritual needs, but physical needs as well,” Cooper said. “Whether it is help with household chores, a ride to the doctor or just a home visit, we will be there for anyone who needs us, whether they attend our church or not. We will do whatever we can to make sure everyone’s needs are addressed.”
Cooper has been delivering services on Pine Island for the last 14 years before relocating to Florida from Cincinnati, Ohio. While in Ohio, he was the pastor at the Calvary Baptist Church and attended Slidell Baptist seminary school in Louisiana as well as Miami University. He first came to Pine Island to visit with a fellow pastor and friend.
“When I first came to the island, it was to help a friend with his church in Bokeelia,” Cooper said. “During my stay, this friend had urged me to submit a resume to the Baptist church in St. James City where they were in need of a pastor. I was accepted and have been here ever since.”
In keeping with a family like atmosphere, following services on the third Sunday each month, Friendship Harmony welcomes the Pine Island community to join them for a meal at the Flamingo Bay clubhouse.
Before services each week, Sunday school also is offered. Many of the lessons learned have a seasonal content such as during the Christmas season, the group explored the subject of why Christ is the Messiah and, beginning later this month, those attending Sunday school will study the Bible Codes.
Sunday school is offered each week at Friendship Harmony Baptist Church at 9 a.m. followed by the worship service at 10 a.m.
For more information about Friendship Harmony, call Pastor Vic Cooper at 283-8331 or e-mail to preachercooper@hotmail.com