Calvary Celebrates Don & Allison Bishop's 20th Year of Ministry

September 14th, 2021
by Eli Dorman

On Saturday, September 11, we hosted a surprise banquet in honor of Don & Allison Bishop’s 20th year of Ministry at Calvary Baptist Church. As you can see in the pictures below, the Bishops were utterly surprised as they walked into the Worship Center (turned into a Dining Room) filled with friends and family to celebrate and commemorate the Bishop’s 20 years of faithful service to the Lord and the people of Calvary.

Don & Allison were completely surprised as they walked
into the Worship Center filled with family and friends.

“We have gathered tonight to pay tribute to your commitment to Christ, your support of His church, and your leadership of His people,” said Pastor Ben Kimmell as the Bishops entered the room of friends and family welcoming them with applause. He continued, “We would like to begin by first congratulating you both on 20 years of outstanding service, leadership, and friendship. You have both been a model of Christian fidelity, as well as spiritual constancy here at Calvary. From musical worship to AWANA leadership, church council guidance, and so much more, you have both been a gift and a blessing from God to countless people here in this church as well as in this community over the last two decades.”

Pastor Ben addressing Don & Allison as they entered the room.

The night started off with a time of fellowship prior to dinner. During this time, guests enjoyed personal charcuterie cup hors d'oeuvres, as well as a glass of vanilla peach mint lemonade. Shortly after the time of fellowship, the staff of volunteers from the Point of Grace Christian School Key Club began serving salads and dinner plates to the over 150 guests in attendance. After dinner, dessert was served while a video of well-wishes and testimonials from friends and family played on screen for all to view. Following the video, singer/songwriter Brian Norris played the piano and sang the song “Thank You”, in which the lyrics read:

One by one they came

Far as the eyes could see

Each life somehow touched

By your generosity

Little things you had done

Sacrifices made

Unnoticed on the earth

In heaven now proclaimed

Thank you for giving to the Lord

I am a life that was changed

Thank you for giving to the Lord

I am so glad you gave.

Brian Norris explaining the reasoning as to why he chose to sing "Thank You".

Brian is a friend of the Bishops; Don, Allison, and Brian used to sing together as a trio. Kristy Goodman, Allison’s sister, asked Don and Allison if they would all three sing a song together as a close to the wonderful evening. Willingly, the Bishops agreed to sing a song with Brian. They choose “I Just Keep Watching the Gates,” a staple song of the trio.

The trio of Don, Allison, and Brian singing "I Just Keep Watching the Gates".

“It was very difficult to keep the secret of the surprise banquet from Don and Allison, as they are so involved in every event Calvary hosts,” said Eli Dorman, the banquet director. However, my team of coordinators and helpers pulled off the surprise banquet, and a great time was had by all. I would like to extend a huge thank you to Trina Bean, Mary Roberts, Anna Kimmell, Marti Lee, Abbey Tharpe, the Will and Melissa Moody family, and all that took part in making this night perfect and unforgettable.” Eli continued, “Not only would I like to thank the aforementioned people for their help, but also to the young girls for serving in childcare and the POGC Key Club for their outstanding service as waiters/waitresses. They did a great job managing their tables while also being friendly and attentive to the banquet guests.”