Racial healing bus tour touts peace, unity
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — “I understand now better why the devil…
Across the Nation: A tent revival, a ‘Church of Christ Day,’ a unity service and more quick takes
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Across the Nation is our monthly rundown of news briefs, links and quotes from Churches of Christ across the U.S. Got an idea for this column? Email Audrey Jackson at [email protected].
Featured image (above): Crowley’s Ridge College leadership Tim Wooldridge, advancement executive; Paul McFadden, vice president for student affairs; Richard Johnson, president; Brett Carlile, vice president for enrollment and advancement; and Jeremy Pierce, vice president for academic affairs, pose with a grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation. The organization awarded a $662,333 grant to the college in Paragould, Ark., which is associated with Churches of Christ. The grant will partially fund the construction of the college’s new chemistry building and lift stations detailed in the college’s “Mission Possible $12 Million Capital Campaign.”
MISSOURI
CABOOL — More than 80 residents of this small Midwestern town gathered under a large canopy on a recent Sunday night to hear the gospel message, eat and fellowship together.
The Cabool Church of Christ hosted the tent revival with visiting preacher W. Tom Hall, minister for the Mt. Pleasant Church of Christ in Bowling Green, Ky.
The leadership team for the tent revival at the Cabool Church of Christ.
It was a significant turnout for a congregation that had averaged around 20 at Sunday worship — thanks in part to members knocking on hundreds of doors.
“We met so many people,” Hall said. “We could see their interest and realized maybe this would make a difference in this community.”
“And I believe it did. God can use old ways and new ones to remind us to share the Gospel.”
“There is something about being close to God’s creation that inspired worship without air-conditioned buildings and padded pews.”
For Cabool minister Jerry Tackitt, the meeting reminded him of a time of “evangelistic fervor.”
“Tent meetings were common,” he said. “There is something about being close to God’s creation that inspired worship without air-conditioned buildings and padded pews.”
OHIO
MIDDLETOWN — The Crosspointe Church of Christ recently moved from its rural cornfield location to a historic downtown building that formerly belonged to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
It’s the fourth move in the church’s 75-year history.
The Crosspointe church celebrates its move to a new location.
Though the 115-member congregation is downsizing its facilities, it has baptized an increasing number of new believers — some in a horse trough, since the new building doesn’t yet have a baptistery — and hopes to continue that trend.
“We are moving back to the center of our city, which is a mission field, where we can help more people,” said elder Jim Cornwell.
The sale of the previous building to Grace Point Fellowship has also provided the Crosspointe church with resources for additional Kingdom work, including a $5,000 check to Shalom Homeless Ministries given at the new location’s inaugural worship service.
Middletown Mayor Elizabeth Slamka, who attended the June 9 service, proclaimed the day “Crosspointe Church of Christ Day.”
SOUTH CAROLINA
ANDERSON — Two Churches of Christ in this community about 30 miles southwest of Greenville recently joined in fellowship and racial unity.
The predominantly White Upstate congregation and predominantly Black Graceview congregation worshiped together in Graceview’s building. Upstate minister Dakota Moody spoke from the pulpit.
Related: Racial healing bus tour touts peace, unity
His message was on the struggle of covetousness, based in Luke 12.
Afterward, members of both churches shared a meal with a goal of sitting with and getting to know unfamiliar faces.
Members of the Upstate and Graceview churches in Anderson, S.C., worship together in a unity service.
“As a White Christian, I realize how I and my other White brothers and sisters in the faith are missing out on the blessings of worship, teaching, singing and fellowshipping with our Black brothers and sisters in the faith,” Upstate member Connie Burth said. “Jesus prayed for unity — I’m sure this sort of unity was included.”
The two churches plan to swap roles in a future unity service, with Upstate hosting and Graceview minister John Davis Marshall preaching.
NEWSMAKERS
APPOINTED: Kaylan Stewart as associate vice president for enrollment management for Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tenn. Stewart previously spent seven years leading the university’s undergraduate admissions.
BAPTIZED: Taron Barger and Dana Goodwin-Ross at the Newburg Church of Christ in Louisville, Ky. Rich Cicilia of the San Nicolas Church of Christ in Aruba. Brian Keith Johnson at the Vansant Church of Christ in Virginia. A.J. Schweinzger at the Violet Ridge Church of Christ in Crittenden, Ky. Blakley Highsmith at the Maysville Church of Christ in Oklahoma. Breanna Dishongh at the Hickory Knoll Church of Christ in Harahan, La. Gloria Arel at the Owens Cross Roads Church of Christ in Alabama. Nomar and Xyrus Macario at the Midtown Church of Christ in Baguio City, Philippines. Bo Neely Fowler at the Ninth Avenue Church of Christ in Haleyville, Ala.
From left, Kaylan Stewart, Taron Barger, Blakley Highsmith (center), Greg Ziegler.
NAMED: Scott Wyatt as the new director of chorale and an assistant professor of music at Freed-Hardeman University.
RETIRED: Greg Ziegler from ministry after more than 40 years. Ziegler served at the Odessa Church of Christ in Missouri for 30 years before moving to work for the Bentonville Church Of Christ in Arkansas 10 years ago.
