Special to the American
At 28, Anthony S. McCaa Sr. has six years of pastoring under his belt. Three of those years, he has served as senior pastor and founder of New Life Fellowship Church. If you ask him what his greatest accomplishment has been during that time, he smiles and says “completing three years.”
McCaa established his church in May 2005 as a part-time pastor with only a handful of members. His first church service was held in a barn. These days, McCaa and his members are in their own building, located at 8310 Olive Blvd. in University City. Services are held on Sundays at 10:30 a.m., and bible study is on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.
Through the years, many have not known what to expect of this not-yet-30-year-old man of God. But whatever you do, McCaa says, “Don’t box me in.” His strategy has seemed to work as his membership continues to grow.
“My greatest challenges come from the responsibility of being accountable for the sheep that God has given me,” he said. “It means helping members through their situations, while dealing with my own. I consider myself a fish in a fishbowl, because I know eyes are always on me.”
As his third year of pastoring closes and his fourth year begins, McCaa looks forward to working with his committed discipleship.
“I enjoy the diversity in being a pastor,” McCaa said. “I deal with a wide-range of people n different ages, backgrounds and personalities. I am passionate about preaching and teaching and being a blessing to everyone. I also enjoy being an administrator, having literally watched this baby grow from birth.”
All eyes will be on McCaa Saturday, Oct. 18, as his church honors him with a Pastoral Anniversary Reception at New Northside Conference Center, located at 5939 Goodfellow Blvd. The event begins at 6 p.m., and tickets are $40 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under.
On Sunday, Oct. 19, at 10:30 a.m., a special church service will be held for the pastor at New Life Fellowship Church. For tickets or additional information, call 314-991- LIFE (5433).
Feed the needy
On Saturday, October 25, Centennial Christian Church and Feed the Children will be doing a Food Drive to feed 300 families in St. Louis.
The church needs volunteers to help with the food drive. You can sign up by sending your contact information to Connie Wilson at wilsoc4444@sbcglobal.net.
If you know of a family that has recently lost their income or who is facing dire need, send their information to: Centennial Christian Church, Attention: Debbie Carter, 4950 Fountain Avenue, St. Louis, Mo. 63113. Or email nuvybe@yahoo.com or call 314-809-33873
The deadline for this information is October 21.
Churches recognize students
Eight Ferguson-Florissant students have been recognized as leaders by North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice (NCCU).
The students are Audrey Freiberger, Brianna Page, Errynne Page, Cathy Jenkins and Allison Wallace, all of whom attend McCluer High School; Enanuvie Ewharekuko of McCluer North High School; Elizabeth Brown of McCluer South-Berkeley High School; and Diamond Watson of Ferguson Middle School.
The youth task force of NCCU, which advocates racial harmony, will honor the students during an October 26 dinner.
The Ferguson-Florissant School District serves about 12,000 students at 24 schools in the suburbs of Ferguson, Florissant, Berkeley, and other areas of North St. Louis County.