By SAVANNAH ROGERS

Staff Writer

The Rev. Buren Goss' message was perfectly suited for the service as he preached on "An Attitude of Gratitude" at the first worship service of the new Eagles Way Church in Fayetteville. Not only was it the weekend before Thanksgiving, but his dream of starting a church in Fayette County had finally become a reality.

Goss, an avid golfer, had visited Fayette County often and mentioned to other leaders from his church, Eagles Way in Griffin, that he would like to start a church here. Five months ago, a building became available in Fayetteville and the pieces fell into place.

Sixty-eight people attended the new church's first service Nov. 22 some families from the Griffin church and several new visitors. "It was very exciting for everybody to have that many people there," said Jeffrey McCullough, associate pastor in charge of public relations.

The church's worship format is the same as its home church in Griffin featuring positive messages and contemporary, arts-focused music in a casual setting. Goss and pastor Mike Oliver share Sunday morning speaking responsibilities at the Fayette County church. "It's like having one church in two locations," McCullough said.

A continental breakfast begins a time of fellowship at 10 a.m. Sundays, then the worship service starts at 10:30. There is a time of music, featuring a praise band with guitars, drums and vocalists. There may also be a small, relevant drama or a modern, interpretive dance number before the teaching begins.

"A relationship with Christ isn't something to weigh someone down," said McCullough. "He said he came to give life more abundantly." The church strives to provide relevant messages of hope to people.

Eagles Way in Griffin, established 30 years ago, has been actively involved in the arts for about 15 years. A performing arts center was started in the church which later moved into the community and became Arts in Motion. The church also put on a passion play each year until it got too big; now Arts in Motion is in charge of the performance. One of the country's foremost mimes attends the church and gives performances there.

The expansion into Fayette County comes in the middle of Eagles Way's "Opportunity '98" building program. A new office and counseling complex is being built in Griffin, and McCullough is in charge of the church's new television ministry, which is slated to be up and running by this spring.

The television ministry involves building a state-of-the-art digital video production facility, enabling the church to put together "very tasteful, informative programs to air on cable," McCullough said, like talk shows, music and church services. "It is our hope to be able to put that on a couple of the major cable networks in the area," like PAX.

Plans are big for the Fayette County branch, as well. Church leaders hope to soon begin a midweek service and possibly another night for youth activities. Eventually they hope to offer services throughout the week.

The new Eagles Way Church is at 1332 Ga. Highway 92 South. For more information call 770-716-0500.

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