Storms rip roof from Alabama church building
A strong storm last week caused extensive damage to the…
Across the Nation: A 50th anniversary, worship for the immunocompromised and more quick takes
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): Members and guests from near and far gather at the Prestoncrest Church of Christ in Dallas on March 27 to celebrate its half-century anniversary. Started in 1972 by 33 families from five Churches of Christ — the Lake Highlands, Skillman Avenue, Preston Road, Webb Chapel and Waterview congregations — the Prestoncrest church now counts 1,500 members.
Celebrating the 50th anniversary with the theme “Because of Him,” John Scott Davis, Prestoncrest’s worship minister, led the assembly in singing “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.” Members also sang that hymn during the first meeting of the Prestoncrest church. After the worship assembly, attendees gathered outdoors under white tents to share memories and a fellowship meal.
Quick takes
ALABAMA
FLORENCE — A strong storm recently caused extensive damage to the Cornerstone Church of Christ building.
No one was injured, but the church expects to be out of the building for at least a year, Cornerstone elder Charles Haddock told The Christian Chronicle.
The Cornerstone Church of Christ in Florence, Ala., expects repairs to its building to take at least a year.
Cornerstone had canceled its Wednesday night Bible study ahead of the expected storms, so only three people were in the building — safely hidden in the basement — when it was hit by 90-mph straight-line winds.
Read more at christianchronicle.org/cornerstone.
NEW JERSEY
SEWELL — Eight U.S. Military Academy cadets led singing, read Scriptures and preached for the Pitman Road Church of Christ.
U.S. Military Academy cadets lead worship at the Pitman Road Church of Christ.
They were in the southern New Jersey area on their spring retreat. Luke Olley and Brianna Peoples — two of the West Point cadets who visited — are members of the Pitman Road church.
The congregation hosted a barbecue after the service. At a later devotional, the cadets, the church youth group and members answered the question, “What is my favorite Scripture, and why?”
NORTH CAROLINA
A private viewing room limits James
Cochran’s exposure to germs at church.
HAYESVILLE — When James Cochran’s doctor advised him to avoid public settings while undergoing chemotherapy, his home congregation made sure he still could attend worship.
The Hayesville Church of Christ banded together after hearing about Cochran’s situation.
The congregation built a sealed room inside the auditorium with a large glass window, allowing Cochran and his wife, Nancy, to participate in worship and fellowship safely.
“We miss the hugs, but at least we get to see them,” church member Mary Cain said.
TENNESSEE
MURFREESBORO — The North Boulevard Church of Christ set out to raise $5 million to make disciples “near, here and far” through its New Day Vision.
The actual amount raised far exceeded that.
“We received $12,134,076.46 in pledges,” said John Magnuson, North Boulevard’s communications minister. That news was announced during the church’s recent “Celebration Sunday.”
Newsmakers
Oklahoma Christian Academy students celebrate their Academic Bowl State Champion win.
High school students at Oklahoma Christian Academy, which is associated with Churches of Christ, earned 2022 Academic Bowl State Champion honors in their division. The teenagers shared their experiences from the season with the Edmond-based academy’s secondary school during a special chapel.
APPOINTED: Christine Merideth as chief advancement officer at Oklahoma Christian University in Oklahoma City.
HIRED: Shane J. Mushonga as the lead minister for the New Braunfels Church of Christ in Texas. Mike Baker as the minister for the Green Hill Church of Christ in Mount Juliet, Tenn. Chris Bobo as the preacher for the Wartrace Church of Christ in Tennessee. Matt Jones as the minister for the Mercedes Drive Church of Christ in Vance, Ala. Derek Drake as the church relations manager for the World Bible School based out of Cedar Park, Texas. Noah Jordan as the youth minister for the Rose Hill Church of Christ in Columbus, Ga. Russell Wyatt as the involvement minister for the Church Street Church of Christ in Lewisburg, Tenn.
HONORED: CeCe Spencer and John Allen Thomas as Mr. and Ms. Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tenn., for the 2021-22 academic year.
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