THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 31, 1994 TAG: 9407290252
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY EILEEN MALEC, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 79 lines
When looking for Victory Life Church of Virginia Beach, don't let the gold dome and Byzantine cross fool you. The church has been meeting in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Byzantine Catholic Church since December. Where it lacks a steeple and building, the church makes up with enthusiasm.
Victory Life's pastor, the Rev. Laurence D. Hitchings, said he finds the co-existence to be a pleasant and peaceful one, and he boasted of a good relationship. Father Glen Davidoich of Our Lady agreed.
``We are happy to share whatever space we have,'' he said. ``At first, I wasn't sure how it would work in logistics, but I didn't see any reason why not. To help a brother and to learn more about each other's faith is working toward unity.''
Glen is also sympathetic to the plight of new churches trying to sustain themselves. ``We were once guests of St. Francis Episcopal Church, and I can appreciate living out of someone else's quarters,'' he said.
Despite the theological differences, the relationship works beautifully considering that Our Lady, which has more than 50 families, holds its services on Sunday evenings while Victory Life, with 14 members, worships on Sunday mornings. Victory Life also assists with the upkeep of the landscape of the property and interior of the church building.
Victory Life is not the only church ``borrowing'' its facilities. Glad Tidings Church in Norfolk has offered its buildings to Korean Gospel Church for the past 1 1/2 years, and Beth Chaverim, the Reform Jewish Congregation, has been meeting within the Church of the Ascension of Virginia Beach for more than nine years.
``It's different with all the symbolism and not something we're really used to,'' said Hitchings' wife, Becky, who works part-time at CBN. ``But we do have more room with a sanctuary and kitchen.''
Getting the church started has been a welcome challenge for the Hitchings family, which also includes three daughters, Ann, 14, Mary, 12, and Sarah, 10. They opened its doors eight months ago and just over a dozen people presently attend.
``Most theological seminaries do not teach pastors or offer training on how to start a church on your own,'' said Hitchings, who has a secondary education degree from Old Dominion University, a master's degree in education administration from the College of William and Mary and a master's of divinity from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond.
Hitchings, who also pastored a number of churches in the area, said the main problem was letting people know the church existed. He and his family went door-to-door, sent out letters, put up fliers in stores and businesses, and did some phone canvassing.
``The return you get for this is low,'' he said. ``You are asking people for a relationship. . . .'' Yet, he said, he believes ``the Lord is going to build a church here.''
Betty Kight, 74, has been attending Victory Life since it began. ``At Victory Life, everyone knows you, there's just a closeness there - like your family.'' Kight, who is also a member of Kempsville Presbyterian Church, attends the early service there and the regular morning service at Victory Life. ``I think I just would go exclusively to Victory Life, but I have many friends at Kempsville that I know I'd miss their fellowship.''
Hitchings said he believes in the emphasis of unity of the church. ``I don't feel like I'm in competition with anybody,'' he said. ``The prime thing is the bigger picture of worshiping the Lord and helping people use the personal gifts that God gave them.'' MEMO: Victory Life Church meets at 216 S. Parliament Drive. Sunday school is
at 10 a.m. and the Sunday service is at 11 a.m. Nursery care is provided
for both times. Call the Rev. Laurence D. Hitchings at 495-0445.
ILLUSTRATION: Photo by PETER D. SUNDBERG
The Rev. Laurence D. Hitchings, pastor of Victory Life Church,
boasts of a peaceful co-existence with Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Byzantine Catholic Church, where his congregants have met since
December.
by CNB