Chicago Christian Band

We (Georgia Front Page, http://www.youtube.com/user/GAFrontPage) received an invitation to subscribe to a YouTube site from a group titled "Strive" out of Chicago. Being a news organization we don't subscribe to other sites as we never know what will pop up on OUR YouTube site, but we did go take a look, and listen. We thought we'd share this YouTube with you, see what you think. Currently they only have three songs posted, two are secular. We liked one, so-so on the other (but noticed a lot of people liked the one we thought was so-so, which goes to show you that music is definitely a personal thing!). Here's the link to their YouTube site if you'd like to take a look: http://www.youtube.com/user/strivemusic Here's the video if you just want to give it a listen instead of popping over to hear all three songs:

Fayette County Library Hosts “Christian Writers Fair”

Acclaimed Christian fiction author Gilbert Morris will deliver the keynote speech for the Fayette County Public Library’s “Christian Writers Fair” on Saturday, May 3. The event begins at 1:00 p.m., and also features eight local Christian writers of both fiction and nonfiction. Each author will give a presentation, answer audience questions, and sign books. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments to be served.

Gilbert Morris is a prolific and bestselling author of over 20 different series of fiction for adults, teens, and children, as well as numerous stand-alone fiction titles. His writings span many genres, but always remain true to a Christian theme. An ordained Baptist minister, Morris says, “I am an avid reader of popular fiction—mystery, detective, western, and suspense. It is my ambition to write many novels with just a touch of the Christian viewpoint.” His many fans agree that, in his long career, he has succeeded in this goal. His 2000 novel “Edge of Honor” received a Christy Award; among his many popular series are “House of Winslow,” “American Odyssey,” and “The Appomattox Saga.”

Dale Cramer, a resident of Henry County whose novels “Levi’s Will” and “Bad Ground” both garnered Christy Awards, says, “I believe God is endlessly interesting, surprising and mysterious, I believe we are the arms of God, and I believe the forgiven have an obligation to forgive.” From this starting point, he writes novels of human struggle and redemption, with strong characters and imaginative plotting.

Barbara Cunningham is a minister and teacher whose mission is to educate people to help themselves. A Fayetteville resident, Cunningham is the pastor of The Living Truth Center of Christ in Stone Mountain. Her book, “I AM Consciousness of Being” instructs the reader to see beyond the physical, prompting those seeking spiritual liberation through the Divine Messenger to explore their inner dimension.

Rose Marie Harper is co-founder—with her late husband Dr. Byron Harper, Jr.—of Christian City, a nonprofit, nondenominational organization in Union City that provides affordable residential, health and social services primarily to children, the aged, and the infirm. Mrs. Harper has written the “Legacy” series of historical fiction books, inspired by her own family history.

Mamie Harris, a resident of Fayetteville, is the founder and senior pastor of the New Generation Christian Fellowship Church in Griffin. Her book, “Detour to Destiny,” is a message from the perspective of a pastor’s widow. It illustrates the real life obstacles that we face from day to day with realism and transparency.

Vickie Keyes, a homeschooling mom and mentor in a local congregation for women, cherishes most being able to encourage women to move beyond energy-restricting life issues. In her book, “Overcoming the Issues of Life,” she shares stories and insights to heighten the faith of others.

Jimmie Lucas wrote “Custom-Built by God” to motivate and inspire readers to understand their uniqueness and fulfill the purpose for their God-given gifts, talents and abilities. Lucas is president and founder of Voice Of Light International Ministries, and CEO of Maximum Output Leadership Organization.

Creston Mapes provides fiction lovers with exciting, page-turning reads that will draw them to a better understanding of God’s unconditional love. His latest novel, “Nobody,” is a gritty tale about a homeless murder, packed with intrigue, mystery, suspense and a touch of romance.

Tammy Melton is a Christian speaker, author, and the founder of Legacy Ministries for Christ in Fayetteville. Her book, “Loving God with All Five Senses” conveys the message that God delights in satisfying our deepest longings—even beyond the desires of the five senses.
The free public event is sponsored by the Fayette County Public Library and the Friends of the Fayette County Public Library. A reception will follow including talks with the authors, a book signing—books available for purchase—and light refreshments. Proceeds from books sold benefit the Friends of the Fayette County Public Library.The Fayette County Public Library is located behind the Fayette County administrative complex in downtown Fayetteville, at the southwest corner of Highways #85 and #54. For additional information, please contact the library at 770-461-8841.

It’s a Time for Celebration at Southside Church

Southside Church celebrates a new and growing campus! After recently completing the purchase of the property and building at 777 Robinson Road, Peachtree City, Georgia from Landmark Christian School, Southside Church also broke ground on a 9,600 square foot addition to the existing 28,000 square foot campus.

The addition, designed by Foley Design Associates Architects, will provide badly needed classroom space for this rapidly growing church. Group VI has already begun preparing the site for the building and plans to complete the addition in August of 2008.

According to Chris Patton, Pastor of Southside Church, ““The leadership of Southside is very excited about what God is doing to connect with the estimated 100,000 people who live within a 15-mile radius of Peachtree City who do not go to Church. God has assembled an amazing team of volunteers and partners to create relevant and irresistible environments. Leading those in the community into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is what drives everything that is done at Southside Church.”

The church first opened its doors back in 2004 when a group of people in the Southside area of Atlanta wanted to start a Church where they could safely bring their friends who did not go to Church - a church similar to North Point Community Church (NPCC) in Alpharetta, and it’s campus Buckhead Church in Buckhead. They were willing to drive to Alpharetta or Buckhead to attend, but knew their un-churched friends and neighbors that lived on the Southside probably would not. In the summer of 2004, this dedicated, small group of people began meeting every other Sunday night. The leadership team of NPCC encouraged and advised this group, and in fall of 2004 asked them to become a strategic partner with North Point Ministries. North Point strategic partners are independent churches that share the same mission, strategy, values, and ministry model as North Point Community Church but provide their own leadership, finances, and government.

This small group became Southside Church. They continued meeting in small groups until September of 2005 when worship services were launched with over 500 people attending the opening worship service. Like the early days of North Point, Southside held services every other Sunday for the first six months. In March of 2006, weekly services were launched including two morning service times.

Currently, Southside Church has an average 1,200 people participating in two morning worship services. During the week, close to 600 adults meet around the Southside Atlanta area in community groups for Bible study, prayer, and fellowship.
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Parent's Morning Out Now Registering at Brooks UMC

Brooks United Methodist Church Parent’s Morning Out Program is now registering for the 2008-2009 school year. We offer nurturing, educational, Christian based classrooms for ages six weeks through four years. For more information or for a program tour, please contact Jennifer Robinson at 678-883-6162 or Brooks UMC at 770-719-7593.

Lutherroad Day Camp at Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church

Lutheroad Day Camp comes to Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church in Peachtree City from June 9 – 13, 2008. Cost is $125 for the week (9 AM – 4 PM Mon-Thurs, 9-12 on Fri) for children currently in grades K – 4th. Day camp is a unique blend of outdoor ministry and congregational ministry staffed by counselors from Lutheridge+Lutherock Ministries. The camp staff brings their enthusiasm, curriculum, schedule and leadership abilities, and serve as positive Christian role models. The program will include fun!, worship, games, Bible study, fellowship, crafts, sharing and prayer. Contact the church office (770) 487-8717 for more information.

STATEMENT BY JOHN MCCAIN ON PASSOVER

U.S. Senator John McCain today issued the following statement regarding Passover:

"At sundown tomorrow, families across this country and around the world will join together in celebrating the Exodus of their ancestors from bondage in Egypt. As families gather together for Seders, members of the Jewish faith reflect upon the painful sacrifices made by their ancestors, the joys of freedom, and the triumph of inherent goodness over evil. From our family, Cindy and I would like to extend our best wishes for a happy Passover. Chag Kasher V'Sameach.

"As Passover commences, we should also take a moment to reflect on several individuals who will celebrate this occasion, once again, in captivity. In summer 2006, Hamas and Hezbollah kidnapped three young Israelis -- Gilad Shalit, Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser -- and have held them ever since. When I met with the families of two of these men in December 2006, I heard firsthand about their difficulties. To go on without knowledge of these men's whereabouts or physical condition is a terrible thing, and yet these families endure. I committed then to bring attention to this situation, to insist that the Geneva Conventions are observed, and to call for the swift release of these men. I remain committed to this effort and I hope the entire international community will do the same."
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Two Concerts at The Summit

Church @ The Summit will present a free concert on Friday April the 18th. The Crave Worship Band from Douglasville, GA will share up beat, inspiring music.

Sunday May 4th will be Jazz @ The Summit. Enjoy the music of Ernie Maxwell, Michael Wheeler, and Brad Bradshaw and their bands. There will be a wonderful meal and great easy jazz sounds. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the company of your neighbors. Visit www.southfayettepc.com for more information on both concerts.

Summit Presbyterian Serves as Host Site for Angel Food Ministries

The Summit Presbyterian Church is a host site for Angel Food Ministries. This is a food service at an economical price. A $30.00 box of food feeds a family of four for a week. The orders are taken on the first of each month and the food distribution is usually on the second Saturday . There is no application. This service is open to everyone. For more information go to www.southfayettepc.com or call 770-460-3335.

April Peachtree City AGLOW Meeting

Peachtree City AGLOW, the local chapter of the AGLOW INTERNATIONAL (http://www.aglow.org/, will hold its April meeting on Monday, April 14, 2008 at 6:45 PM at Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church. The guest speaker will be Doctor Nan Anderson. Dr. Anderson received her Doctorate of Divinity through the FLM Institute at Washington State University. She has a deep love for God, and desires to share His Word wherever He leads. You won't want to miss her testimony. Each Aglow meeting also includes Praise and Worship as well as a time of prayer. Our meetings include attendees from the greater Fayette area and beyond and reflect the diversity of our region. Come share the love of Christ in a welcoming, affirming, and unify environment. Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church (http://www.coslutheran.org/) is located at 101 N. Peachtree Parkway, at the corner of Peachtree Parkway and GA Hwy 54. For more information, call Marianne at 404-840-3659 or email Pam at ptcaglow@yahoo.com.

It Was Movie Night At All Saints

Photo: Parishioner Janet Duncan checks out Rev. Michael Fry on the All Saints popcorn machine at the church’s first “Movie Night.” The free movie with free popcorn is scheduled on the fourth Friday of each month.

There was free admission and free popcorn last Friday as All Saints Anglican Church had its first “Movie Night” with the showing of Facing The Giants, the Christian football film produced by an Albany, Ga. church.

“Movie Night” is scheduled at All Saints for the fourth Friday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The next featured film will be The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe: Chronicles of Narnia on April 25th. Later, the church will screen The Ultimate Gift and Amazing Grace.

“I hope to alternate between thoughtful Christian films and some that are just fun and wholesome.” Rev. Michael Fry said. “Visual media are having such a powerful impact on society today that I think the church should have a hand in guiding folks to what is best in a sea of mediocrity and at times refuse.”

An audience of about 25 parishioners cheered every touchdown by the Shiloh Christian Academy Eagles on their way to the state championship. One parishioner told Fry as he was leaving, “Father, movie night has been a huge success!.”Fry added that he had always wanted to have a movie night at his previous churches but never got around to it.

Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church in Peachtree City will present the Rust College A’Cappella Choir in concert on Saturday, April 12, at 5:00 p.m.

The A’Cappella Choir features a broad repertoire of classical, spirituals, opera, and contemporary and traditional gospel music. The choir has toured Africa and has made two European trips as Ambassadors of Friendship. They have appeared on Good Morning America and the International Protestant Hour. Most recently the choir competed and won first place in the 13th Annual American Negro Spiritual Festival in Cincinnati.

The choir was founded in 1936, and is currently conducted by Mr. Zebedee Jones.

Rust College is a four-year, historically black, fully-accredited liberal arts college in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Founded in 1866 by the United Methodist Church to educate newly-freed slaves, it boasts an enrollment of nearly 1000 students.

The concert is free, but an offering will be taken for the college’s scholarship fund. Christ Our Shepherd is located at Georgia Hwy. 54 and Peachtree Parkway.

Orthodox Holy Week & Easter – April 27, 2008

Especially when the dates for Western Easter and Orthodox Easter are so far apart like this year, when Western Christians celebrated Easter on March 23rd, and Orthodox Christians will celebrate it April 27th, the question comes up why the Orthodox Church celebrates Pascha on a different date.

Initially, early Christians converted from Judaism and celebrated the Resurrection of Christ according to the Jewish (lunar) calendar. For Christians, Christ was the Paschal Lamb, the fulfillment of all that the Passover had foreshadowed since the first Passover which celebrated the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

Orthodox Christians celebrate “Pascha” or Easter as the New Passover; the victory of the new Paschal Lamb Who shed His blood for the salvation of all people. Thus “Pascha” (from the Hebrew pesach, meaning Passover) was celebrated on Passover, the 14th day of the month of Nisan (the first full moon following the vernal equinox). At the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea in 325 AD, the Bishops determined the Pascha date would be the first Sunday after the first full moon of the spring equinox, (which is after Jewish Passover). In keeping with historical practice, since Jewish Passover is April 19th this year, the date for Orthodox Christians to celebrate Pascha or Easter is delayed until April 27th.

Holy Week in the Orthodox Church is the culmination and the zenith of liturgical worship and the Christian life, as the Faithful gather to experience the Gospel portrayed before their eyes. During Holy Week, worship becomes almost continuous, from Palm Sunday Services on Sunday morning through the Resurrection Service early Sunday morning (midnight). We see and experience the whole drama of Christ’s Holy and Saving Passion and Resurrection through liturgy, hymns, prayers, and Scripture readings. Each service opens our hearts and minds to the experience of Christ, giving us the precious opportunity to join with our brothers and sisters in declaring that Christ is the center of our lives. Holy Week invites us to share with Christ the experience of betrayal, arrest, trial, crucifixion, death and resurrection. In Holy Week we come face to face with Christ upon the Cross.

Since the early days of the Church, there has been a cycle of services celebrated during Holy Week and Pascha. We learn from the letters of Egeria, a Spanish nun made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 383 A.D. and experienced Holy Week and Pascha in the same services still being conducted today by the worldwide Orthodox Church.

Fr. George Tsahakis, Pastor of St. Christopher Hellenic Orthodox Church in Peachtree City, GA, will celebrate all the traditional Orthodox services of Holy Week and Easter with the help of his parishioners, choir, and chantors. Visitors are welcome and encouraged to attend as their schedules permit. The journey begins with Lazarus Saturday, on April 19th. The Gospels clearly relate that six days before Christ's own death, He raised his friend Lazarus from the dead. On Palm Sunday, we celebrate His triumphal Entrance into Jerusalem, with a procession of palms. On Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings of Holy Week (4/20-26), the Nymphios, or Bridegroom Vespers, have as their theme Christ the Divine Bridegroom, and His Second Coming. The solemn procession of the Icon of Christ-Bridegroom takes place around the church, as the Faithful, anticipating His sufferings, sing: "Thy sublime sufferings, on this day, shine upon the world as a light of salvation". The services tell us to watch for we do not know when Jesus Christ will come again.

On Holy Wednesday evening, the ceremony of the Sacrament of Holy Unction takes place. The themes of the service are repentance, confession and the remission of sins by the Lord, preparing the faithful to receive Holy Communion. Holy Unction is one of the seven Sacraments of the Church, and it has its origin in the practice of the early Church as recorded in the Epistle of James (5:14-15). The Priest anoints the people with Holy Oil, as a sign of healing and remission of sins. The Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Thursday morning commemorates the Last Supper, breaking the solemnity of the week with the Eucharist. In the Service of the 12 Gospels on Holy Thursday evening, we hear the dramatic events of the final hours of our Christ’s life, His betrayal and Crucifixion, from the Gospel accounts. We witness the procession with a wooden cross as representing Christ carrying His own cross along the Via Dolorosa, and we see before us the King of Glory crucified.

On Holy Friday afternoon, the body of Christ is removed from the wooden cross and that evening, the service begins with Lamentations, hymns of mourning, sung as we stand before the tomb of Christ (pictured above), the image of our dead Lord lies inside, His funeral bier decorated with flowers offered by the faithful present. There is a solemn procession of the wooden “tomb” led by the clergy outside the church accompanied by all the people present holding candles.

The Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Saturday morning celebrates “Christ descending into Hell” and breaking down its doors, His Victory over sin, death and hell. Christ, having been laid in the tomb began our vigil of the Resurrection. The tomb has now become a place of life, and the service is bright and joyful. The Priest passes through the congregation flinging bay leaves and chanting psalm verses as a symbol of Christ's victory over sin and death.

The Services of Great and Holy Pascha (Easter), the Joy of Joys, Holy Day of Holy Days, celebrating Christ's Resurrection begins with the Canon of the Crucifixion at 11:00 p.m., anticipating the Resurrection. It is followed by the Paschal Service and Divine Liturgy which continues on well into the early hours of Easter morning. At midnight, all the lights in the church are extinguished, and the Faithful wait expectantly in total darkness. The Priest then bears a lighted candle through the Royal Doors and all the Faithful light their candles from this flame. Then all is light and joy, with the great Paschal hymn – "Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs bestowing life!"

Early Sunday morning, the faithful return to church to hear the Resurrection Gospel of Christ proclaimed in as many languages as possible – proclaiming the universal message of salvation to the world. After this Vespers Service of Love (Agape) – a red-dyed egg is given to all the faithful as they depart, encouraging them to proclaim the victory of life over death through the miracle of Christ’s death and resurrection for all.

For information on scheduled Holy Week and Easter Services, contact Tammy Soulakos, 770/487-1004, or email her at tammy@peachcity.com, or visit the parish’s website at www.saintchristopherhoc.org.

DALLAS COWBOY LEGEND GEORGE TEAGUE TO VISIT LOCAL AUGUSTA SCHOOL

Note: We're including this for two reasons... One, it's a well-written, great release and we thought it might inspire some of our readers to write and send us some local news. Second, we thought some of our local schools might want to consider doing something similar to inspire their students (not that you're not already doing monumentally well, just this is something that might not have hit your radar screen yet!). - FFP

Excitement is building this week at Curtis Baptist School in Augusta. Students there are about to get a personal training session from a real NFL star. But Dallas Cowboy legend George Teague isn’t coming to talk about building strong muscles; instead, he’ll coach students and parents about the value of building strong character. You might say he plays by a different playbook.

“I was able to work side by side with George in Texas,” says new Curtis Headmaster Bill Pevey. “He inspired me by his humility and earnest desire to be a positive role model for kids by living a solid, Christ-filled life. That’s why we invited him to come share his passion with our school family.”

His words of encouragement come just as parents are making decisions about where to enroll their children for next year’s classes. As more and more families feel the pinch of a weakening economy, schools like Curtis understand that parents make tough sacrifices when they choose a Christian education over public school. “For us, there really is no other choice,” says parent Brenda McKinnon. “We’ll eat peanut butter sandwiches if we have to, to keep our kids in this environment, because we see the results of it every day.”

Teague, who was a star at the University of Alabama before becoming a first-round NFL draft pick, now serves as an athletic director and is an outspoken advocate of Christian education. “George understands that parents need to be cheered on, too – to be reminded that what they’re doing is worth it,” says Pevey. That’s the message Teague is expected to give an eager crowd of parents Thursday night at the school’s First Annual Parent Teacher Banquet.

But first, he will visit with students and athletes on campus. For a small high school football team, it’s a rare opportunity: straight talk from someone who has lived the dream of winning a college national championship and playing 9 NFL seasons. “Our coaches teach us that choosing a relationship with God is the key to success in every area of life,” says Curtis football captain Deion Jones, who says he made that important decision himself this year. “If anyone is going to be a role model for me or my teammates, he would have to be more than a great athlete. He would have to have a serious commitment to Christ.”

These athletes know a little something about commitment. As part of small team, they play both offense and defense for all four quarters each game, and they do it without complaining. Some say that shows strength of character not found in today’s spoiled superstars. For that, George Teague is likely to be just as impressed with these kids as they are with him.

Flat Rock AME Announces Annual Usher's Anniversary

4/1/08 (1:41 p.m.) Flat Rock AME Church located at 148 Old Chapel Lane, Fayetteville, Georgia will have it's Annual Usher's Anniversary on Sunday April 13, 2008 at 2:30 pm. Dinner will be served for all between 1:00 and 2:00 pm.

Reverend Milton Reeves, Pastor of Rising Star Baptist Church of Fayetteville, Georgia will bring the message for the afternoon Worship Service. Flat Rock AME and Rising Star Baptist Church choirs will render the music for this afternoon service.

Everyone is invited to celebrate with "The Oldest Black Church in Fayetteville" as their Ushers celebrate service as doorkeepers in the house of the Lord. For more information please call the Church at (770) 461-0283.