Augusta focus. ([Augusta, Ga.) 198?-current, December 19, 1996, Image 20

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Newspaper Page Text4B December 19, 1996 AUGUSTA FOCUS Ministersback Beasley’scall for racial reconciliation B Debate over flying Rebel banner atop state Capitol prompts multi-racial religious coali tion to support call for racial harmony. All white minister group, however, wants hands off Confederate flag. By Robert Tanner ASSOCIATED PRESS Writer COLUMBIA, S.C. Gov. David Beasley’s call for compromise on the Confederate battle flag got a response from morethan 100 ministers whosaid the state should come together and resolve the dispute about the banner. The ministers — black, white and crossingmany denominations — endorsed Beasley’s approach Thursday, but stayed away from explicit approval for his plan to ‘movetheflagfrom the Statehouse dome to a nearby Confederate monument. The goal needs to be racial rec onciliation, the ministers said as Church, Business & Ethics sy rev. vichael w. Newion The night before Jesus came "Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house Not a creature was praying, not one in the house. Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care “{n hopes that Jesus would not come there. The children were dressing to crawl into bed, Not once ever kneeling or bow ing a head. And Mom in her rocker with Baby on her lap Was watching The Late Show while I took a nap. When out of the East there arose such a clatter, I sprang to my feet to see what Bethel African Methodist T Episcopal Church T 623 Crawford Avenue Augusta, Georgia 30904 Rev. Larry W. Hudson, Sr. Pastor Office: (706) 736-4060 Sunday Wednesday 9:30 Sunday School 7:00 Bible Study 11:00 Worship Service 1[ cﬂlﬂ) ermnac ]1 € Baptist Church Dr. C.S. Hamilton, Minister 1223 Laney-Walker Blvd. Augusta, Ga. 30901 Church School 9:30 A.M. * Morning Worship 11 A.M. Broadcast Hour gWT HB 155912 * Nursery, Kindergarten Open » Bible Study-Tues. 6 P.M. Prayer Nfccting Tﬁcs. 7P.M.: Daif;' Kindergarten Services 7 A.M. to 5 P.M. agroup, though individuallymany said the flag should come down from atop the Capitol. South Carolina is the only state to fly the Rebel banner above its Statehouse. “It is something that divides the state. No matter what our tradition is, we’re about reconcili ation,” said the Rev. Sam Candler of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. Beasley went on statewide tele vision last month to explain that after considering a series of racist incidents and hate groups’ use of the banner, the state would be best served by moving the flag. He said the flag had become a moral question that could not be ignored any longer. Legislators, who must approve was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash! When What to my wondering eyes should appear But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here. With a light like the sun send ing forth a bright ray I knew in a moment this must be The Day! The light of His face made me cover my head It was Jesus! returning just like He had said. And though I possessed world ly wisdom and wealth Spirit Church News any change, are sharply divided, with the most vocal opposition coming from Beasley’s fellow Re publicans. While the flag brings out strong feelings and division, many of the state’s clergy are uniting to en courage the state tosolve the prob lem, said the Rev. Dick Lincoln of Shandon Baptist Church, where Beasley attends. “It’'s more of a groundswell,” Lincoln said. Their stance was in stark con trast to a group of 16 ministers, all white, whospoke out Wednesday to argue that taking the flag down would be morally wrong and that Beasley was ignoring more impor tant moral issues like abortion. But the ministers in favor of Beasley’s approach said that ra cial divisions are the moral issue that must be resolved. “The Bible tells us that the hon oring of traditionsis not as impor tantastodojustice,” said the Rev. Lewis Galloway of Shandon Pres byterian Church. An organization Icried whenlsaw Him in spite of myself. In the Book of Life which He held in His hand Was written the name of every saved man. He spoke not a word as He searched for my name; When He said, “It’s not here,” my head hung in shame. The people whose names had been written with love He gathered to take to His Fa ther above. With those who were ready He rose without a sound While all the rest were left standing around. We Invite You To BAPTIST CHURCH Dr. Sam Davis, pastor 1434 POPLAR STREET AUGUSTA, GEORGIA 30901 TELEPHONE: (706) 724-1086 Baptist Training Union (BTU) at 6:00 p.m. Sunday Sunday School at 9:30 Sunday morning Bible Study 7:00 p.m. Wednesdag, and 9:30 a.m. Saturday Prayer Service at 11:00 Saturday morning Thirty-five Christian Ministries s All Services Are Bible-based and Holy Spirit-led _l. Williams Memorial RN : &7/ C.M.E. Church | Rev. Alex R. King 1630 Fifteenth St. Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 733-9430 Sunday: Sunday School 9:30 a.in. Worship Service 11:00 a.m. Ist Sunday Evening 6:30 p.m. Wed: Praise Bible Study 7:00 p.m. Thurs: Senior Services 10:00 a.m. Day Care Center: 6:45 a.m.-5:30 p.m. of Presbyterian churches several years ago passed a resolution call ing for the flag to be transferred. Some congregations are divided on the flag, others are strongly in favor of removing it, ministers said. But the best approach is to talk, think and pray for a solu tion, they said. “To walk holy with God is more important than tradition,” Gallo way said. No follow-up work on the gath ering is planned. But ministers said the talk between church lead ers will continue, as will conver sations with congregations. The idea for the gathering, which included a prayer, began with conversations among sev eral ministers, Lincoln said. Beasley’s office helped coordinate, he said. “A lot of it was just spreading the word,” said Beasley’s spokes woman, Ginny Wolfe. “And then all of a sudden, people were call ing and saying, ‘How do I get involved?” Ifell tomy knees, but it was too late; I had waited too long and this sealed my fate. I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight; Oh, if only I had been ready tonight. In the words of this poem the meaning is clear; The coming of Jesus is draw ing near. There’s only one life and when comes the last call We'll find that the Bible was true after all! This poem courtesy of Bethany Farms, Carroliton, 111. Author unknown. B The Music Ministries of Trinity-on-the-Hill United Method ist Church will present a fully-staged and costumed production of the beloved Christmas musical drama, Amahl and the Night Visi tors. Performances, free of charge and open to the public, will be on Friday, Dec. 20, at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 22, at 11 a.m. This popular favorite was composed by Gian-Carlo Menotti, founder of the famous Spoleto Festivals, and was the first opera ever commis sioned for television. The production will be staged by Sandra Walker of the Metropolitan Opera, who will also sing the role of the mother. The crippled boy Amahl will be sung by boy soprano Kevin Wickware. Choir soloists will portray the three kings and singers from five choirs will make up the chorus of shepherds. The perfor mances will be accompanied by members of the Augusta Symphony, conducted by Melvin Brown, director of music ministries at Trinity on-the-Hill. Set near Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth, this tuneful and inspiring opera tells the touching story, as seen through the eyes of the boy Amahl, of a visit from the three kings on their way to find the baby Jesus, and of the miracle that occurs because of a small boy’s faith. B Second Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, 1404 Brown St., will be having their Annual Christmas Program on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 3 p.m. Rev. Andy Thornton is pastor. B The Matthew 25 Ministry of Jerusalem Baptist Church will be serving hot meals to the homeless and needy on Christmas Day at Eleanor’s Kitchen, 856 Laney-Walker Blvd. Worship service will begin at 11 a.m. Meals will be served at noon following the service. Last year, over 500 meals were served. The goal of this ministry is to establish a positive presence in the community by helping to meet their needs as commanded in the bible. The Jerusalem Baptist Church is located at 1415 Jones St. in Augusta. Rev. Tommy Burgess is pastor. B Christ Church Unity, 2301 Central Ave., is sponsoring Hatha Yoga classes. Beginner classes are taught Tuesday evenings at the YWCA and Thursday mornings at the Unity Church. Call 733-6494 for more information. Intermediate yoga classes are held Monday evenings at the church. Please call Donna Calhoun, church secre tary, at 738-2458. B Macedonia Baptist Church, 1828 Wrightsboro Rd., has free clothing for those in need. The Clothes Closet hours of operation are 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturdays. For additional information, please contact Ms. Candy Katz at 737-6834 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday). Family Enrichment Ministries January is FEM Family Emphasis Month as the Greater Young Zion Baptist Church SUNDAY, Jan. 5,1997 “The Family Covenant” SUNDAY, Jan. 12,1997 “A Godly I-¥usband” SUNDAY, Jan. 19,1997 “A Godly Wife” SUNDAY, Jan. 26,1997 “Christian Parenting” Two Morning Worship Times: 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Each Sunday Bible Study/Workshop will be conducted each Thursday at the church after each Sunday sermon based on its title at 7:00 p.m. COME JOIN US FOR OUR STATEWIDE WORKSHOPS! SINGLES (Albany) Jan. 10-11, 1997 MARRIAGES (Savannah) Jan. 24-25. 1997 Registration is FREE! “ieie SINGLES-S4O-includes transportation, motel room, continental breakfast and lunch. *DEADLINE: January 6, 1996 MARRIAGE-SBO-includes all of the above. *DEADLINE: January 20, 1996 CALL 724-1720 FOR MORE DETAILS Subscribe to Augusta Focus for only $24.95 per year. Call 724-7855 to arrange your purchase.