When Pastor Keith Moore first came to Clanton in 2005, one of his initial goals was to reach out to the community.

One way Morning Star Baptist Church is doing this is by holding events that are focused on the entire community rather than the church itself or a particular denomination. Recently, the church hosted a county-wide Communion service with the idea of bringing people of different denominations and races together.

“It was about half black, half white,” Moore said of the Communion service. “It brought our churches together.”

Starting Wednesday of this week, the church is hosting a women’s conference called “Change 09: Open Your Womb.” The idea of the event is to help women find purpose in ministry and life.

“It’s not just about preaching but also about self-help and development,” Moore said.

Morning Star will host the conference at 6 p.m. through April 7, with the exception of Saturday’s program, which will begin at 10 a.m.

Also in the works are community-based services to be held at a different location each week of the month. The program, called Guiding Light, is held at Agee Brothers Funeral Home Chapel the first Sunday of the month from 8-9 a.m.

Starting the second week in May, a Guiding Light service will be held at the B&B Auction building the second Sunday of each month from 8-9 a.m.

“We’re looking to plan a service each Sunday of month in a different area of town to meet people where they are,” Moore said.

Finally, a night of hymns is scheduled for Sunday, April 26 at Morning Star beginning at 6 p.m. This will be an hour-service featuring the singing of traditional hymns.

“Regardless of race, creed or color, we want you here,” Moore said.