Wednesday, April 24, 2002
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Wednesday, April 24, 2002 |
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Christian City begins 40th birthday celebration Light a candle and join the celebration as Christian City celebrates its 40th birthday this year with several community events planned from now through September. Also, a special Birthday Commitment Campaign encourages local residents and supporters to purchase prayer candles in honor or in memory of a loved one. The kickoff event begins this Saturday, April 27, with the dedication of the new Christian City Welcome Center and chapel. The ceremony will include a celebration honoring donors. The center will be available to the community for civic meetings, education programs, weddings, concerts, worship services and community events. To participate in the Birthday Commitment Campaign, donors may purchase a Christian City birthday candle in someone's honor and recipients will receive a special birthday card announcing the tribute gift. Donors also may request that their donation target a specific area or program at Christian City. The new chapel and its adjoining gardens will feature stained glass windows, stonework, garden benches and obelisks that may be purchased as honorariums and memorials. The Birthday Commitment Campaign reaffirms the commitment and is reminiscent of the grassroots fund-raising efforts that launched Christian City 40 years ago. "The Birthday Campaign is an opportunity for today's community to support Christian City's ongoing mission to serve seniors and children," a spokesperson said. Lillian Ansley, vice president of development at Christian City added, "A birthday is a perfect time for celebrating or honoring those we love and, as we mark our 40 years of achievement in meeting the needs of seniors and children alike, we felt the prayer candles would offer another way for the community to participate. This celebration is an exciting time for us as we honor our heritage and credit those who sacrificed to make the dream of Christian City a reality." Christian City began as a dream for a few church members who met to discuss the need for a safe haven for children who were in need. In 1962, it received its charter, and the dream began to take shape. What started out as a grassroots meeting 40 years ago has turned into a thriving 400-plus acre campus community that includes retirement living, a home for children, assisted living, personal care, Alzheimer's care, and convalescent care. "It's a marvel that an idea inspired by a small group of church members could develop into an ongoing community dream that helps so many people," said Rose Marie Harper, founding member of Christian City. "Sky's the limit for what can be done, as Christian City fills a tremendous niche. We and our supporters are involved for the love of Christ because we are all loving people ... loving people." Other planned events to commemorate the anniversary include a golf tournament on Monday, May 20, at Smoke Rise Golf and County Club, and a Christian City birthday celebration fund-raiser for the community on Sept. 15. To buy a candle, play in the golf tournament, become a sponsor, or to be part of the birthday celebration, call 770-703-2636. |
