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In the Journal’s print edition where this article was originally posted, a mistake was made naming the woman who read the spiritual poem as Anna Richardson. The woman who read the poem is actually Linda Kentz.

 

Nicholasville’s First Baptist Church honored its widow’s ministry at its Sunday, May 19, service. 

 

This year marks the first time the church is holding a service to recognize its nine widows for the work they’ve done for the church and the Nicholasville community. 

 

Seven widows were in attendance sitting in the second row of pews. Two of the nine widows were at home due to illness. The women wore all-white outfits including white shoes, and each had a pink accessory adorning their head. Some wore a pink flower and others wore extravagant pink hats. 

 

Nicholasville Mayor Alex Carter attended the service to announce a proclamation by the city. 

 

“The city of Nicholasville is grateful to these women for all they have done for this community, including being foster parents, working in the school system, feeding children in our local parks with summer programs, driving school buses, and being overall productive citizens.” Mayor Carter said. “The city recognizes the need to support our widow residents and commends all of the communities, organizations and individuals that have dedicated their time serving. These widows and their families are vital members of our community. I, as the mayor of the city of Nicholasville, Kentucky with the full blessing and support of the city commission, hereby proclaim may 19, 2024 as First Baptist Widows day in Nicholasville with recognition of the hard word, dedication, and culmination of years of service to the church and our community. It’s my great pleasure to celebrate these beautiful ladies this morning.” 

 

After a song by the church’s United Voices Choir, and church announcements, the widow’s ministry performed a song and right after, widow Linda Kentz recited a spiritual poem by John Paul Moore. 

 

Before reciting the poem, Kentz asked the crowd if they had remembered the older generations drinking from the saucer under their teacup. The congregation had responded, agreeing, with answers like “yes” and “mhm” throughout the pews.

 

Kentz said this poem made her realize that there was a certain symbolism to the coffee ritual. The poem reads, “I’ve never made a fortune and it’s probably too late now. But I don’t worry about that much, I’m happy anyhow. And as I go along life’s way, I’m reaping better than I sowed. I’m drinking from my saucer because my cup has overflowed. I don’t have a lot of riches, and sometimes, the going is tough. But I’ve got loved ones around me and that makes me rich enough. I thank God for his blessings and the mercy he’s bestowed. I’m drinking from my saucer because my cup has overflowed. I remember times when things went wrong. My faith wore thin sometimes. But all at once the dark clouds broke and the sun peeped through again. So God help me not to gripe about the tough roles that I hold. I’m drinking from my saucer ‘cause my cup has overflowed. God gives me strength and courage when the way grows steep and rough, I’ll not ask for other blessings— I’m already blessed enough. And may I never be too busy to help others bear their loads, then I’ll keep drinking from my saucer,” Kentz asked the crowd to come in to finish the poem by asking, “cause what?” and the audience replied “cause my cup has overflowed.”

 

After service, the church paid for the widows ministry to have dinner together at Sonny’s. 

 

The women in the widow’s ministry include Ruby Mason, Anna Richardson, Linda Kentz, Ann Walker, Carolyn White, Janie Schooler, and Hastella White. Carolyn Burns and Oreda Meads stayed home due to illness, but are also a part of the Widows Ministry.