Keeping it a cappella
MADISON, Tenn. —Yes, Keith Lancaster knows about the decline of…
Across the Nation: Revitalizing worship, inspiring New England, celebrating love 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 Calvin Cockrell at [email protected].
Featured image (above): Perfecting Gifts choir members perform during Agape Fest in Memphis, Tenn.
ALABAMA
FLORENCE — Infusion Ministries, based in Huntsville, Ala., hosted one of its WorshipFest events at the Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ in Florence.
Joined by Acappella Ministries founder Keith Lancaster, Infusion song leaders led the group of Christians in an hour and a half of revitalized worship, with a cappella congregational singing of blended songs, reciting Scripture and teaching.
Matt Parker leads a hymn at a WorshipFest event.
Founder Matt Parker, a member of the Beltline Church of Christ in Decatur, Ala., said his mission is to “infuse joy back into our congregational worship.”
“We want to see our worship come alive again and see people’s lives changed when they leave a WorshipFest event,” he said.
The ministry emphasizes uplifting, inspiring and unifying Christians through a passionate, full-bodied worship experience and connection with God.
It hosts WorshipFest events throughout the South, as well as “lunch and learns” and leadership summits — all with the goal of returning worship in Churches of Christ to its “fullest form.”
For more details, see WorshipFest’s website.
CONNECTICUT
MANCHESTER — About 40 Adventures in Missions students traveled from the Sunset International Bible Institute in Lubbock, Texas, to the Manchester Church of Christ for the annual Inspire New England conference.
Phil Brookman, preaching minister for the Memorial Road Church of Christ in Oklahoma City, was the keynote speaker for the theme of “Praying for Harvest.”
AIM students put on a flag presentation at the Inspire New England conference.
AIM students take a March Madness trip each year, visiting parts of the U.S. where the program is less known before heading off to their mission field time.
“We go to these places to get the word out that we are seeking to train more young people for the harvest,” AIM director Cory Burns said. “We usually do a flag presentation that is encouraging and inspirational and reminds us of our mission to make disciples of all nations.
Adventures in Missions director Cory Burns speaks at the Inspire New England conference.
“Our goal is to be an encouragement,” Burns said, “but the truth is that the Manchester Church of Christ was more of an encouragement to us.”
Manchester members have taken up AIM’s daily prayer —at 10:02 a.m. — for more laborers in the Lord’s harvest, inspired by Luke 10:2.
TENNESSEE
MEMPHIS — Agape Fest brought together hundreds of families, local leaders, faith communities and supporters for an afternoon of entertainment, connection and celebration at the Sycamore View Church of Christ.
Hosted by Agape Child and Family Services, which offers a variety of social services for children and adults in need, the annual event is designed to bridge gaps among Christians of all races and ethnicities.
Memphis Mayor Paul Young, right, speaks at Agape Fest.
It was formerly called the Faith Family Festival and is held the day after the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination.
“It is about coming together as a community, celebrating love and supporting one another across neighborhoods and backgrounds,” Agape President David Jordan said. “Seeing so many families show up, even through the rain, reminds us that our community is strong, hopeful and resilient.”
The Cordova High School Choir performs at Agape Fest.
Agape Fest featured performances from choirs and other music groups, and attendees included Mayor Paul Young and Police Chief C.J. Davis.
A special tribute honored Ricky Floyd, a prominent Memphis pastor who was killed in a shooting in March.
NEWSMAKERS
BAPTIZED — PAT BOSTICK and MIKE TAYLOR of the Ridge Avenue Church of Christ in Tifton, Ga. AMARIELLYS CRUZ and TAILYN WHITE of the Millington Church of Christ in Tennessee. ASH HUBBLE of the Cornerstone Church of Christ in Centerville, Ohio. REGINA McCOY of the Paintsville Church of Christ in Kentucky. VAGANA MOE of the Lupelele Church of Christ in Ili’ili, American Samoa. TRINITY STORMS of the Church of Christ at Belen in New Mexico. SHANYIA HARVILEY, MARIAM TRAORE and DENISE TURKSON of the Harlem Church of Christ in New York.
HONORED — W. TOM HALL for 21 years of ministry for the Mt. Pleasant Church of Christ in Bowling Green, Ky. Hall recently retired from local ministry and plans to conduct gospel meetings across the nation.
W. Tom Hall and his wife, Tina, stand next to a cake that reads, “Thank you for planting the seed!”
AWARDED — BRUCE GOODWIN, the Minister’s Heart award during York University’s recent Equip Conference. Goodwin served as longtime minister for the East Hill Church of Christ in York, Neb., and other congregations across the nation. BEN LANGFORD, Elite Coach of the Year by the Oklahoma Energy Football Club for his work with youth soccer teams. Langford is preaching minister for the Springs Church of Christ in Oklahoma City.
NAMED — RORY BARNECHE, ED HIGGINBOTHAM, LARRY RANKIN and RICHARD STEVENS as elders of the Northwest Church of Christ in Southaven, Miss. PHIL KURLAND as deacon of the Grand Strand Church of Christ in Surfside Beach, S.C. AMANDA NICHOLS as director of the Honors Program at Oklahoma Christian University in Oklahoma City. DAVID SRYGLEY, as chair of the standards committee for the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. Srygley is chief academic officer of NationsUniversity, an online Christian university associated with Churches of Christ.
