By JOHN THOMPSON
jthompson@TheCitizenNews.com

A new church on the south side is getting ready to build a new facility to better accommodate its faithful flock.

The Christian Fellowship Church-Southside is currently meeting at 4000 Jonesboro Road in Union City. The church starts building its new home at the intersection of U.S. Highway 29 and Ga. Highway 138 after meeting earlier this year in Fairburn at the Higgins Funeral Home.

The church started in August 1999 and met in Union City at different homes. The next move was to the funeral home, where the church moved in, bought 100 chairs and started mapping out its future, said pastor Charles Crenshaw.

All of the church's staff works voluntarily, including the minister, and the congregation has 34 charter members. Even though money has been tight, the church has been successful in reaching out to the community.

Some of the projects have included transporting elderly residents to doctors and shopping; paying $1,400 in medical bills for poorer residents and giving $2,000 in family clothing and gifts.

Crenshaw is no stranger to new churches. During his 50 years in the ministry, he has pastored 20 churches in five states, built 12 structures and married more than 100 couples.

He said the church will continue to focus on visiting the elderly and sick, along with assisting families with basic needs.

This weekend, the church begins its Advent celebration and is preparing for Christmas, which Crenshaw said will be the best time ever for the church.

Regular services include a 10:30 Sunday morning brunch, followed by an 11 a.m. worship service and children's activities celebration.

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