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Volume 22, Issue 3
Celebrate!
A Free Publication from Osprey Observer Inc.
March 2018
Christian Comedian Leslie Norris Townsend To Perform At Bell Shoals Baptist Church
By Amanda Boston
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Busch Gardens Food & Wine
Easter Egg Hunts
Section 2
Easter Services
Section 2
“I wanted a better life for my family, and I couldn’t do that on the road,” explained Townsend. “So here I was, this prissy beauty queen in heels, out in the mud and in the middle of nowhere.” Townsend praises God for bestowing her with the gift to make others laugh and for the opportunity to return to stand-up comedy. Today, she employs comedy as a way to connect with women and point them to Jesus. Townsend wants them to know that they are more precious than rubies. “Laughter is so healing,” said Townsend. “It’s important for women to come together and lean on one another. We are going to have a great time at this event.” The fun kicks off at 5 p.m. with a shopping EXPO where ladies can mingle and sample lite hors-d'oeuvres and Comedian Leslie Norris Townsend captivates her audi- decadent desserts. For a larger appetite, food trucks will be on the ences through song, dance and clean comedy. premises. The event takes places on the Bell Shoals Brandon Campus Touted as part comedy and part testi- located at 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in mony, Townsend’s act Brandon. General admission is $10 per perpulls from her life son with VIP seating at $29 per person. experience as she For further detail or to purchase tickets, recounts her journey visit www.letstalkfaith.com/ladiesnightout. from a comedian with a burgeonFor more information about Townsend, ing career in Hollywood to a farmer and visit www.leslienorristownsend.com. stay-at-home mom in rural Ohio.
FishHawk & Lithia Gains A New Church With The Launch Of New Next Level ChurchBy Amanda Boston
Christian Writers Meet See Page 7
New Water Slide See Page 18
Columns: Your Monthly Catch
Calling all ladies! Tampa’s FaithTalk radio station presents Ladies Night Out on Thursday, March 22 at Bell Shoals Baptist Church. Grab your girlfriends and get ready for an evening of laughs when Christian Comedian Leslie Norris Townsend takes the stage at 7 p.m. Townsend, also a former beauty queen and grand finalist on Star Search, received her first major break into showbiz performing at Walt Disney World. Shortly after, Hollywood noticed her knack for improvisation and knocked on her door. With 30 plus television appearances, including The Tonight Show and Comedy Central, Townsend easily connects with her audiences through song, dance and comedy. The accomplished performer has also shared the stage with the likes of Robin Williams, Bryan Cranston and Henry Winkler, just to name a few.
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GraceNotes:
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Faith & Footprints
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Hooked On Books: Page 19
On weeks to sixth January 28, grade during Next Level both experience Church times. (NLC) On FishHawk Wednesday busted at evenings, the the seams student ministry as it welmeets from 6-8 comed 415 p.m. hosting attendees to grades 6-12. its official NLC men’s and launch on women’s After a remodel, NLC FishHawk has moved into Bobby Brown, the location pastor, (pictured right) Browning groups convene its permanent dwelling in Lithia. said each week NLC delivers relevant music and Road. throughout the video and a life-giving message. “The timing was The week at the church and in local homes. right to launch in FishHawk location is NLC’s “I get emotional that God entrusted Florida. We drove tenth church plant. Founded in us with 415 people,” commented Pastor down and discov2008, NLC originates from New Brown. “The vast majority of people that ered how underHampshire and is led by its attended had not been attending anychurched this area founding Pastor Joshua where. They came in, felt loved and was and deterGagnon. The church exists to were welcomed just as they were with mined that we connect others with Jesus by no strings attached.“ would not be combeing “a loving, relevant, and On Easter, NLC FishHawk will hold peting with other life-giving church.” two Easter Experiences at Newsome churches but offering something differFor the past three years, NLC has High School at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. ent.“ been among the top 10 fastest-growing Afterward, NLC has planned a With less than a year in the area, churches in America. Its mission is to Helicopter Egg Drop. Further detail can Pastor Brown formed his leadership open new locations and reach as many be found at 2018eggdrop.com. team, renovated a building and inaugupeople as possible with the hope and For more information, visit rated NLC FishHawk. The nondenominalove found in Jesus Christ. NLCFishHawk.com or contact Pastor tional church holds experiences on “I always had a desire to launch a Brown at Bobby.Brown@NLC.tv or 740Sundays at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. with location in Florida,” said Bobby Brown, 225-3095. NLC FishHawk is located at an NLC Kids program for ages six the location pastor of NLC FishHawk. 10540 Browning Rd. in Lithia.