BROOKLET, GA – The Brooklet Kiwanis Club’s annual Community Prayer Breakfast, held Christmas Eve at Brooklet Community Church, brought together residents for a morning of fellowship and reflection. Reverend Kirk Hagan, pastor of Brooklet Community Church, delivered a message focusing on navigating life’s unexpected turns, drawing parallels to the journey of the Magi.
Rev. Hagan, a Statesboro native and Georgia Southern University graduate, shared his own circuitous path to ministry. Initially aiming for a career with the Atlanta Hawks, he discovered a different calling, beginning as a youth minister at his home church, Pittman Park UMC. He then earned a Master of Divinity from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology and served United Methodist churches throughout South Georgia, including Tifton, Statesboro (First Methodist), Wrightsville, and Warner Robins. This past June, he returned to Brooklet, taking on the role of pastor at Brooklet Community Church.
Using the story of the Magi from Matthew 2:1-12, Rev. Hagan emphasized the importance of adapting to life's detours. He compared the Magi’s journey, and their decision to return home by another route after encountering King Herod, to the need for individuals to sometimes change their course to reach their destination. He noted that the Magi paid attention to warnings and ultimately followed their dream, illustrating the importance of recognizing and heeding life's “red flags.”
“If you want to change your life, you have to change your way,” Rev. Hagan stated, emphasizing that it’s not about changing the destination, but about adjusting the path. He acknowledged the many unexpected turns and changes people experience in life, highlighting the importance of being open to God's leading and trusting in His guidance throughout the journey.
Rev. Hagan also extended an invitation to the church’s Christmas Eve service later that morning. The service provided an opportunity for further reflection and celebration of the Christmas season.
Kiwanis members cook and serve breakfast at the annual breakfast. There is no fee for the breakfast or the event, instead they accept donations which they distribute back into the community throughout the year. This years breakfast raised $1,778.
In addition to Pastor Hagan:
- Brooklet Kiwanian Jason Norton, served as the Master of Ceremonies
- Edward Rich provided background music
- Troop 337 lead the Pledge of Allegiance
- Brooklet Kiwanis President Jeff Graham gave the welcome
- Brooklet Kiwanian Tom Bigwood welcomed special guest
- Casey Webb provided the blessing of the food and invocation
- Kiwanis Lt. Governor Chris Wiggins praised the cover for all the great work they do in the community.
One of the highlights of the breakfast is entertainment by Cliff Proctor. Cliff led the attendees in Christmas songs and ended with Christmas in Brooklet taken from Alabama's Christmas in Dixie.
The Brooklet Kiwanis Club expressed their gratitude to all who attended the breakfast, continuing a cherished community tradition.