GROVES — When Pastor John Stancil’s house burned down on his birthday last year, he saw fire fighters in action. After his grandmother’s recent stroke, he was awed at the medical professionals working to keep her healthy.

On Sept. 7, he hopes emergencies won’t call anyone away from Honor Our Heroes Sunday at Val Verde Baptist Church, 3900 Cleveland Ave. in Groves.

“It’s our biggest day of the year, as our church really has embraced this idea of giving back to these guys who serve us,” Stancil said. “It’s a day we can just say ‘thank you.’”

Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. and will conclude at about 12:30 p.m. Public servants in attendance will receive gifts and a catered lunch will follow.

“We do a big spread,” Stancil said.

Rebecca Callis, special projects coordinator, said the day is “incredibly moving.”

“This is the fifth year we have set aside a day to honor our military, first responders, public servants, and others who serve our communities and country. This year we will be honoring Army Spec Kamisha J. Block posthumously. We will also be honoring a public official from our community as well as a one of our local first responders,” she said.

Block, of Vidor, died in August of 2007 in Baghdad, Callis said.

Other honorees have included Steven Schulz, who was injured, and the family of the late Ryan Berg of Sabine Pass.

Callis said church members have met many families who are “so committed to this country.”

To RSVP, e-mail Rebecca@valverdebaptist.org or call the church office at 962-8463.

Val Verde Baptist Church is an Independent Fundamental Baptist Church at 3900 Cleveland Ave. in Groves. 

Sunday service times, conducted in English and Spansh in separate areas, are at 9:45 a.m. 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m.  

Mid-week services are at 7 p.m. Wednesdays.