The City of Minden hosted its second annual Ministers’ Breakfast on August 19 at the Community House, bringing together local pastors and public officials for fellowship and discussion of city issues.
Among those in attendance were Mayor Nick Cox, council members Buddy Myles, Charlie Thomas, Michael Roy, and Andy Pendergrass, Sheriff Jason Parker, Police Chief Jared McIver, Fire Chief Brian Williams, and Assessor Denise Edwards. Representatives from U.S. Speaker Mike Johnson’s and U.S. Sen. John Kennedy’s offices also attended, along with city department heads, and church leaders from Minden and the surrounding area.
The purpose of the event is to connect city leadership with local churches. “It’s not about the breakfast, and it’s not just about the fellowship,” Cox said. “This is the one time of the year where the City of Minden wants to say thank you for what you do, because it matters. We look to you to give us feedback on what we’re doing wrong; we look to you for feedback on what you need.”
Cox also noted his appreciation for serving the city. “There’s nowhere else I’d want to be mayor because the City of Minden is full of the best people God ever made, and I believe that.”
After introductions of city officials, Cox emphasized accessibility. “I want us to be familiar with each other,” he said. “When you have questions and I don’t know the answer, these are the people I’m going to call to figure out how to help you with your problem.”
Church leaders shared announcements of upcoming ministries and events. Minden Baptist Church on Lewisville Road will hold a First Responders Appreciation Day on September 7. First Baptist Church Minden is launching a ministry for special needs children and their families this weekend and will also host A Tribute to Freedom on September 13. First Methodist Church downtown announced its new food pantry ministry, open Monday through Thursday from 9:30 AM until noon. Greater St. Paul Baptist Church directed attendees to its website, greaterstpaulmbc.com, for a list of ministries.
Other community announcements included the upcoming Minden St. Jude Community Night of Worship, set for Sunday, February 1, from 6 to 8 PM at First Baptist Minden. Organized by Jennifer Thomas, the event will feature a community choir, soloists, and worship.
Sarah Overall of Pearls of Purpose LLC confirmed that the Live Nativity will return this year, with invitations to participate being sent to area churches in September. “Even if you can’t participate, we hope you’ll come out with your families and experience the magic of the Christmas story,” Overall said.
Cox also outlined city projects underway, including expansion of the airport hangar, construction of a new animal shelter, installation of a 2-million-gallon water tower, replacement of the century-old main water trunk on Shreveport Road, plans for a new water well and sewer lift station, and upgrades to the REC Center to attract more tournaments.
“We have to plant seeds today that will spring up and grow for tomorrow,” Cox said.