THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, April 20, 1995 TAG: 9504200144
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 84 lines
CYPRESS CHAPEL Christian Church will be host for the Mid-Atlantic Conservative Congregational Christian Regional Fellowship on Saturday.
The bi-annual regional meeting is open to all Conservative Congregational Christian Churches in Maryland, Washington, Virginia and North Carolina. The meeting, geared toward teaching and training laity, is open to the public.
``Our focus, even with the business meetings, is on fellowship and worship,'' noted Cypress' pastor, the Rev. John R. Kimball, program chairman. ``We will take care of some denominational business, but our emphasis throughout the day will be on personal spiritual growth and lay ministry.''
Saturday's meeting begins at 9 a.m. with registration and fellowship. Morning devotions will be led by Southside Baptist Church's pastor, the Rev. Stewart McCarter. Morning worship will include inspirational singing of local recording artist Claire Whitehurst of Corapeake.
A second morning session will include a presentation by Mr. and Mrs. Dana Cook, founders of ``Lambs Nest,'' a local Christian ministry providing housing and counseling for abused children. The spring business meeting, featuring the nomination of new officers, will conclude the morning session.
Following a dutch-treat lunch at Ryan's, the afternoon program will highlight a presentation by the Rev. David Martin of the Genesis Treatment Center in Virginia Beach. His topic - ``Who Pastors the Pastor?'' - will include inspiration and insight for both laity and ministers. According to Kimball, Martin hopes to develop a full time ministry to help meet the needs of pastors suffering from difficult and broken relationships.
Cypress Chapel Christian Church traces its roots to 1750 and the Wesleyan Society. Later, in 1794, Cypress Chapel was a leader in the establishment of the Christian denomination which held its first official denominational conference at Cypress Chapel.
In 1931, the church merged with the Congregationalists but chose not to participate in another merger which formed the United Church of Christ in 1961.
Cypress Chapel remained independent for over 30 years. Then, in 1994, on the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Christian denomination, Cypress Chapel returned to its historic roots by joining the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference (the ``4C's'').
``There has been quite a bit of excitement about uniting with the 4C's - we feel like we have gone back to our roots,'' Kimball said. The 4C's denomination seems equally pleased with its new association with Cypress Chapel and has adopted the history of this Suffolk church as part of its historical records at its national headquarters in St. Paul, Minn.
For more information about Saturday's regional meeting, call the church office at 986-4096. The church is at 1891 Cypress Chapel Road, Suffolk.
On Saturday and Sunday, , Main Street United Methodist Church will celebrate a gala homecoming for members, former members and family and friends.
The kickoff event will be an outdoor dinner at 6 p.m. on Saturday under large tents in the side yard of the church. The McLemore Bible Class will provide this meal.
Following dinner, a ``Sing Along'' is to begin at 7:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Next, Kenneth Steward will do a dramamtic presentation portraying the historic circuit rider Robert Strawbridge of the 1700s, the first preacher of Methodism in America. Refreshments will follow in the church social hall.
Sunday's homecoming schedule will begin with Sunday School at 10 a.m. followed by refreshments in the social hall. During the 11 a.m. worship hour, the church will recognize its oldest mission, the Boy Scouts. Former choir members are invited to participate with the Chancel Choir in special music for the morning worship service.
At noon on Sunday, lunch will be served by the United Methodist Women of the church under tents adjacent to the church parking lot. A program at 1 p.m. will feature former ministers and the recognition of former members.
Throughout the weekend celebration, historic displays will be set up in the fellowship hall featuring wedding pictures and albums of members of the congregation. Each Sunday school class will provide a display along with the Scouts, church committees and other organizations within the church. A history display will offer take-home copies of the history of Main Street Church.
For more information, call 539-8751. The church is downtown at 202 N. Main St. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
The Rev. John Kimball, pastor of Cypress Chapel Christian Church, is
host and program chairman for the Mid-Atlantic Conservative
Congregational Christian Regional Fellowship.
by CNB