Honor to whom honor

Elders at North Highlands church of Christ present a Bible to three local law enforcement agencies.

By Alison James

alison.james@fct.wpengine.com

At North Highlands church of Christ in Russellville, local law enforcement officers were the focus on Sunday’s service.

Minister Trae Durden’s sermon centered on law enforcement and how their power and authority is given by God and why they should be respected, referring to verses like Romans 13:1 – “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God,” – and celebrating the officers in their roles as protectors and peacemakers, James 3:18, “A harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

“It’s our responsibility to encourage them,” said Durden. “We’re not going to be right with God unless we show appreciation to those who are serving us.”

This was a first-of-its-kind event for North Highlands. Durden said it was planned at the beginning of the year to coincide with Sept. 11; all the police controversy this summer made it that much more timely and appropriate.

Following the worship hour, Durden and the elders presented a Bible to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, the Russellville Police Department and the Alabama State Troopers, who were each represented at the appreciation event, after which everyone in the congregation fell into a line to thank each officer and shake their hands.

“It was really nice,” said Sheriff Shannon Oliver. “Sometimes as a law enforcement officer, you usually only see and hear the bad things, and it’s nice to hear good things.”

The officers were invited to stay for a potluck luncheon following the service.