Summer 2013 Caring Place Magazine

CARINGPLACE Volume 48, Issue 2

Dr. Jimmy Jackson A tribute to 35 years as Pastor of Whitesburg Baptist Church page 7

I Love America Coming this summer! page 12

Travel Planning Get the most out of your vacation page 4

Summer 2013

Inside

CARINGPLACE Volume 48, Issue 2

4

Contents

12

the caring place

WHITESBURG

Summer 2013

1 Summer Activities

This summer at Whitesburg

2 Changed at Camp Caring for students

3 Vacation Bible School

Colossal Coaster World at Whitesburg

4 Travel Planning

Get the most out of your vacation

7 Dr. Jimmy Jackson

A tribute to 35 years as Pastor at WBC

11 College Focus

The highlight of every week

BAPTIST CHURCH

Caring Place magazine exists to open a window into the multifaceted ministries of Whitesburg Baptist Church whose purpose is to know Jesus Christ and to make Him known. We desire to know Jesus Christ through the Word and Worship, to exalt the Savior through education and evangelism and to mature all believers to minister and to be on mission.

Caring Place magazine is a bimonthly publication by Whitesburg Baptist Church, 6806 Whitesburg Dr., Huntsville, AL 35802-2299. (Permit No. 446) To get your copy call (256) 704-5678, ext. 210 and leave your mailing address.

Subscription Rate: $12.00 donation a year anywhere in the U.S.

Publisher: Whitesburg Baptist Church Editor: Dr. Greg Corbin Publishing & Graphics: Melissa Schuster, Ron Snyder Editorial Assistants: Dana Hubbard, Karen Tidwell, Beverly Dishman Distribution Team: Jennifer Baggett, Billy Davis, Larry Hardy, Marylin Johnson, Bob Raines, Walter Tharpe, Paul Lanier Cover Photo: By Katie Dye

12 I Love America

A patriotic celebration coming this summer

Summer Activities AT WHITESBURG BAPTIST CHURCH

HIGH SCHOOL CAMP JUNE 3-7, 2013

For 8th - 12th grade students (2012-2013) at Fort Faith in Brigadoon, AL. Call 256-704-5678, ext. 247 to sign up.

DISCIPLE DYNASTY MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMP JULY 26 - 29 SIGN UP BY JULY 17 BY CALLING 256-704-5678, EXT. 247.

Vacation Bible School June 10 - 14, 2013 from 9 am - Noon

Don’t miss this exciting VBS for children ages 4 through 5th grade completed (must be age 4 by 9-1-12).

3 ways to get info and sign up: • call 256-704-5678, ext. 245 • text 256-679-7051 • email patti.hatmaker@wbccares.org

PRAISE ARTS CAMP FOR KIDS An exciting day camp for kids Grades 1-6 completed!

July 15-19, 2013

Monday - Thursday 7:45 am - 5:00 pm Friday 7:45 am - 12:45 pm

Get info and register at winshapecamps.org.

A week of singing, choreography, drama, crafts, Bible study and fun for kids Grades 1-6 completed!

July 8-12, 2013 9 am - 1:30 pm

Get info and register at 256-704-5678, ext. 229.

WHITESBURGBAPTIST.ORG | CARINGPLACE 1

Changed at Camp

By Kevin Bozeman I grew up in the camp experience.

As a young 6th grader, I remember thinking how incredible everything was, even the stops at fast food chains were amazing. As time went by, camp was no less magical. The Lord made His work evident in my life in 7th grade. He pressed on my heart that I never had a biblical baptism - baptism after salvation. Like many of my friends, I was baptized in the Fort Faith swimming pool.

Years went by and in 9th grade, I had the chance to work at middle school camp as well as be a “camper� at high school camp. While working at middle school camp, I was able to use what I had learned throughout the years and assist students that walked the same middle schools I had.

When 10th grade came around, I had acquired the knowledge to work some tech equipment and was given the great privilege of working behind the scenes, running power point or lights.

I got to see God work in a completely new way from the tech booth. I had

2 CARINGPLACE | SUMMER 2013

been to seven camps so far, five middle school and two high school, but never had the ability to watch God move over all the students as a whole.

For the next two years I was able to help set up stage designs, plan rec games, and work very closely with the band and speakers. My favorite part of helping with camp events is going down early and transforming the stage.

It may seem like a silly thing to enjoy so much but I get to use my talents that God has given me to take an ugly stage and transform it. I think this is one of the ways that we can show the students how much we truly care about them, by working incredibly hard on something that many will never even know happens. It has been my privilege now to attend seven middle school camps and four high school camps serving and being served. Camp has truly changed my life by teaching me about the Lord and allowing me to give back to Him some of the talents He has given me.

It’s time to turn VBS upside down!

June 10-14

9:00 am - 12 Noon Ages 4 (as of 9/1/12) through Grade 5

Through every twist, turn, and dive, Colossal Coaster World will challenge kids to face their fears and trust God. There’s excitement around every curve as kids learn that God has given them a spirit of power, love, and sound judgment (2 Timothy 1:7). This evangelistic VBS is the ultimate ride. At the end of the week, kids will want to do it all over again!

Reporter Rhonda: Roller Coaster Joe, why are people saying that this could be the best VBS ever?

Roller Coaster Joe: Woooo, just imagine mixing the saving power of Jesus with the thrill power of roller coasters! We’ll spend the week teaching kids the importance of trusting God no matter what the challenge might be.

The theme is based on 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love and sound judgment” (HCSB).

Reporter Rhonda: Can you really trust God no matter what?

Roller Coaster Joe: Wiggity wiggity whack, God’s got your back!

He opened the Red Sea for Moses and the Israelites. He brought Lazarus and Jesus back from the dead. He fed 5,000 hungry people. What do you think?

By David Loyed

Reporter Rhonda: Wow….God can be trusted. Has God done something amazing in your life?

Roller Coaster Joe: You bet He has! When I was nine years old, He took all of the things I had ever done wrong and forgave me of them. It’s as if they were never there.

Reporter Rhonda: WHAT? How in the world did that happen?

Roller Coaster Joe: At VBS, I learned that we are all sinners and do wrong things. I asked God to forgive me and asked Jesus to be the Lord of my life. WOWZERS what a life change that was! You see, now I am a Christian.

Reporter Rhonda: So you can learn all that at Colossal Coaster World VBS this year?

Roller Coaster Joe: That and so much more. We’ll have different stations where we can enjoy tons of colossal fun! Coaster Alley (Bible study), Scissors & Stuff Emporium (crafts), Tune Town (music), Cotton Candy Café (snacks), and Adrenaline Zone (recreation).

Rhonda Reporter: Ladies and Gentlemen, you’ve heard it here first… this VBS will be one serious thrill ride!

Join us, children ages 4 (as of 9/1/12) through grade 5, on June 10-14 from 9 am to Noon for Colossal Coaster World VBS - the ride of your life!

WHITESBURGBAPTIST.ORG | CARINGPLACE 3

urmuehlen Z n te is r K By

If there’s one thing you need to know about me, it’s that I’m a planner. I also like to travel. I guess that’s technically TWO things but they coordinate so well together that they seem like one.

At least to me.

It is now the time of year when we begin counting down to warmer weather and sunshine, and our minds naturally begin to think about summer.

And summer means vacation. So in case you don’t know where to begin I’m going to tell you how I go about starting to plan a get-away. But know upfront: what works for my family may not work best for yours. Let’s just say these are more what you’d call guidelines than actual rules.

always something to shoot for later.

I start planning our “big” trips 12-18 months in advance. Sounds excessive, but it helps us to budget and make our “dream” trips become reality.

If you are flying, try to be flexible

with your dates. While planning my daughter’s graduation trip to the United Kingdom, I discovered if we left

Once the destination

First, pick your destination

and then budget accordingly. This is obvious, I know, but it’s okay to let yourself dream a little at this point.

Thanks to the internet, information is available right at your fingertips.

Use it! You might be surprised at how little some places cost to visit. Even if a trip is out of the budget now, it’s

4 CARINGPLACE | SUMMER 2013

three days earlier it saved us quite a large sum of money. More vacation for less cash? Sign me up! Also, look into buying “open jaw” tickets. Instead of purchasing a roundtrip ticket to and from your chosen destination, purchase one-way tickets instead. This allows you to see a little more sometimes for less. For instance, for my daughter’s trip we flew into Edinburgh, Scotland but then out of London, England.

San Diego, CA

has been decided, it’s time for the fun part – the planning of what to do and where to eat! This is also the part that can induce crying, wailing, and gnashing of teeth. Or so I’ve heard anyways. I’ve found it’s helpful to get some input from those going along – but not too much input or you’ll go crazy trying to fit it all in. I generally ask the family to give me their top 2-3 ideas. Most of the time, their ideas overlap, making my job that much easier. Tripadvisor.com is one of my go-to sites. I also like to use Frommers.com and Ricksteves.com.

These sites also have forums where

e Franc Paris, Disney Cruise you can ask questions from fellow travelers. Very helpful!

It’s also a good idea

to really think about your family dynamic when planning. Not morning people? Then you may want to hold off scheduling that balloon ride before dawn. There are some places like Las Vegas or Walt Disney World where time goes out the window and eating dinner at 9pm seems normal. Just be cautious not to overdo it. Meltdowns are generally

London, England

not the kind of vacation memories you want to have. Trust me. My kids are teens now and have more stamina than when they were little. They are good travelers and are willing to see and do a lot. Which is good because I tend to pile a lot into our days. We’re also walkers. Not THAT kind but after a few days of walking around a city or theme park ALL DAY LONG we can get a little zombie-like. Which brings me to my next suggestion.

hope you enjoy the planning process as much as I do. Regardless of the budget the rewards of spending quality time with your family are priceless.

Photos courtesy of Kristen Zurmuehlen.

PLAN SOME DOWN TIME!

I really cannot stress that enough. I’ve learned this the hard way. Leave some empty spots in your scheduling. Allow for an afternoon (or two!) to lie by the pool. Or take a nap. Or read a book. Or just do nothing. We used a “free” day during our recent UK trip to act like locals. We ate our way through the local farmer’s market and then spent a lazy afternoon watching a polo match.

It was one of the best days of our trip.

Whether you decide on a European get away, a stateside retreat, or a “staycation” right here in Huntsville, I

Magic Kingdom, WDW WHITESBURGBAPTIST.ORG | CARINGPLACE 5

Dr. Jimmy

Jackson

A Tribute to 35 Years as Pastor of Whitesburg Baptist Church

6 CARINGPLACE | SUMMER 2013

35 YEARS OF SERVICE AT WHITESBURG

John Crocker

The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:7 “casting all your care upon Him for He cares for you.” For the 28 years I have had the honor of having Dr. Jimmy Jackson for my Pastor, he has epitomized the care God has for His people and the lost. While serving in West Africa as Southern Baptist missionaries, Suzanne and I found ourselves in Cotonou, Benin. Suzanne had to have emergency surgery and God sent an American physician. During the surgery, Dr. Jackson called from the United States, prayed with me over the phone, and assured us of God’s love and care during this challenging time.

In addition, for the past 35 years, our Pastor has led Whitesburg to give over $14 million dollars to global mission outreach, manifesting the care of Christ for our world.

him since 2007, and I can honestly say that I have more respect for Jimmy Jackson now than I did when I came to Whitesburg. There are not very many people who have that type of character.

He is one. I love and honor my pastor on his 35th anniversary!

Rick Stone

I have known Bro. Jimmy since I was 19 years of age and I looked up to him greatly. Now that I’ve had the privilege of working with him these 9 months, I look up and see Jesus!!

It is a great blessing to minister with a man of humility and a man who preaches the whole counsel of God with conviction and passion!

Jenny Campbell

I am so grateful that our Lord so ordered Dr. Jimmy Jackson to come to Whitesburg Baptist Church in 1978 to be our pastor. He has been such an inspiration to me in his 35 years. He is a friend, counselor, and a man of God. He has a love and compassion for God’s church and its people. When

Greg Corbin

I have known “Bro. Jimmy” since 1992 when he was gracious to me as a young pastor. While there is much that I could say, I think the most important thing I can share is the respect I have for him.

While I knew him fairly well and had great respect for him before I came to Whitesburg, I have worked closely with

Whitesburg Baptist Church’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, 2007.

WHITESBURGBAPTIST.ORG | CARINGPLACE 7

Dr. JIMMY JACKSON - THANK YOU FOR

I went through the darkest valleys of love you with the love of the Lord and my life, he was there to counsel and cherish your friendship. May the Lord instruct me to keep moving forward, continue to shower you with the riches to remain faithful, and keep my eyes of His love and prosper you in health on Jesus. His personal phone call to even as your soul prospers. me when my mother passed away in November 2010 was The a comfort and blessing to me Pinkletons and as well.

Zimmermans Bro. Jimmy’s transparency David Pinkleton and and his experience walking Karen Ayers met in the road of pain have allowed the singles at WBC in him to be able to relate not 1983. Brother Jimmy only to his congregation but married us on June also people he meets every 23, 1984. We will soon day because he identifies celebrate our twentywith them. I pray for Bro. Above: The Pinkletons ninth wedding Jimmy every day; that God at Baby Dedication anniversary. Our first will sustain him and allow November 1994. child, David Allen, was him to keep preaching. We Below: The Zimmerman born in October 1986 are so blessed that we hear wedding, March 2011. and was dedicated in the word of God from the May 1987. Our second pulpit.

He preaches the child, Megan, was gospel and truth and guides born in February 1989 us toward our eternal home. and was dedicated in God bless you Bro. Jimmy.

May 1989. Our third

Dick and Lois Thomassian

Congratulations on 35 God-blessed years as Pastor and wife of WBC. Lois and I

8 CARINGPLACE | SUMMER 2013

child, James, was born in October 1994 and was dedicated in November 1994. All three of our children were dedicated in a

baby service led by Brother Jimmy. All three of our children have been saved and then were baptized at WBC. Brother Jimmy has always shown love and kindness as well as prayed for us during hard times such as our three miscarriages of four children, death of David’s father, and various hospitalizations. David has been on several mission trips with Brother Jimmy and Brother Dick over the years.

Bro Jimmy has also spoken at church camps our children have attended.

It was an honor for our family to have Brother Jimmy marry our daughter Megan to Michael Zimmerman on March 26, 2011. Brother Jimmy also provided marriage counseling to Megan and Michael like he did for David and Karen years earlier.

In addition, our oldest two children (David Allen and Megan) celebrated their high school and college graduations with Brother Jimmy on their graduation Sundays. Now our youngest child, James, is about to celebrate his high school graduation with Brother Jimmy this May. Needless to say, Brother Jimmy has impacted our family over the past thirty years in so many different ways.

We are so thankful for Brother Jimmy’s

35 YEARS OF SERVICE AT WHITESBURG

leadership, prayer, preaching and living the Bible, and love he shows to us as a family and to our church.

our Pastor, I was privileged to serve on your staff as Recreation Coordinator.

After Jerrie and I were married in 1982, we worshipped weekly in the new Worship Center you led our Kenny Spain Bro. Jimmy, your 35 years at Church to build to minister to current Whitesburg are a time capsule of and future generations. You baptized precious memories and eternal my Mom, Lila Spain and me on the blessings to the Spain family. My dad, same night during the great revival of Leon Spain, was honored to serve on October 1982. For the next 20 years the Pulpit Committee that God used to my mom never tired of hospitality call you to Whitesburg in June 1978. As to her Pastor, especially making you a college student the year you became her homemade fresh coconut cakes.

You stood with Jerrie and me as we dedicated our three children and in the years that followed you baptized them. January 2000 you officiated at the burials and homegoing service for Mom and Dad who both loved you greatly and knew Jesus better when they entered His presence as a result of your faithful ministry. June 2007 you officiated the marriage of Thomas and Stephanie as generations of Spains, Qualls, Faulkners Dedication of the Whitesburg Baptist Center, and Hatleys stood with December 2000.

them. You prayed with us and for us as God blessed us with our three grandchildren. From 2001 until now, it has been my privilege to serve on your staff as Operations Administrator. So, at this 35th Anniversary milestone in June 2013, Kenny and Jerrie, Dr. Thomas Kenneth Spain Jr. and Stephanie and their children Becky Ann, Ella Rose and baby Thomas Kenneth Spain III, and Andrew and Sarah Becky say in unison to our Pastor and friend, “We love you, Bro. Jimmy!”

Emerson Lyle

A tribute to my pastor.

Doctor Jimmy Jackson has a pastor’s heart demonstrated by his love for his congregation. I have the greatest respect for him because he faithfully studies, preaches and lives the Word of God. We first met at a prayer meeting in 1966 at the New Orleans Seminary.

Some 30 years ago now, while praying and seeking God’s direction for my life, I spoke with Dr. Jess Henley about joining the staff here at Whitesburg. He replied, “God has His hand on Brother Jimmy and is doing a marvelous work in Huntsville. Go with God and assist

WHITESBURGBAPTIST.ORG | CARINGPLACE 9

35 YEARS OF SERVICE AT WHITESBURG

him in that ministry.”

I never dreamed that God had such a wonderful plan for my life. We moved to Huntsville in 1983 and served for 25 years with Brother Jimmy. It has been a glorious honor to serve with one of God’s choice servants. He shepherds the flock and feeds the sheep. His pulpit ministry consistently lifts the weary, edifies the saints, and evangelizes the lost.

Through the years, we have experienced God’s sufficient grace. We have cried, laughed, loved, labored, prayed and worshipped, together. The Lord has given us a special relationship as laborers together in love. I treasure our friendship and love him as a brother.

Terry Herald

Few staff members have the awesome privilege of serving with a man like our BELOVED PASTOR, Dr. Jimmy Jackson. The Pastor and I met in 1982, over 30 years ago. He led Whitesburg Baptist to call me as Minister of Administration and Education during an exciting time in the life of our church. For four years I served in this capacity. I am so grateful that he officiated my ordination

10 CARINGPLACE | SUMMER 2013

ceremony and “laid hands on me.” I was and teaching God’s Word. My greatest away for 10 years and came “home” privilege in ministry is to serve him as over 16 years ago as Executive Pastor. he serves Whitesburg Baptist Church.

Some would say you can’t return to a I want to say, “AMEN!” to every other place you previously served, but our article written in this communication.

Lord has a way of working outside of Happy 35th Anniversary, Pastor. normal circumstances.

For over 30 years the Pastor has been my friend, “companion in labor,” mentor, supervisor and leader. He is considered by Southern Baptist seminary presidents, pastors of both large and small churches, and denominational leaders as a MAN OF GOD. He has both the wisdom of Solomon and the faith of Abraham. He is the most mature person I have ever met. As one can imagine, we have dealt with very difficult and delicate situations through the years. He has never disappointed me.

He understands my weaknesses and ministers to me personally through the numerous meetings we are in together as well as when he is preaching Groundbreaking for new sanctuary, 1980.

College Focus

By Courtney Meyers

To be honest, I feel rather beyond my college years, even though I just graduated from the University of Alabama in Huntsville in December of 2012! The finality of graduation and seeking employment in the adult world has a tendency to change your perspective. But, I have been asked to share some thoughts with those who are home for break or have just finished college so I will do my best.

My college years were split between Auburn University and UAH. That being said, I have experienced both living in a dorm and living at home while completing my coursework.

Since moving home, I have enjoyed getting plugged into the college ministry here at Whitesburg. Here is a College Ministry snapshot for your life on the go whether it be as a student or recently cap-and-gowned graduate.

Sundays 9:30 am - College Life Group or GAP class 11:00 am - Contemporary Worship Service Tuesdays 7:00 pm - Guys’ Bible Study Wednesdays 8:30 pm - Verge

Thursdays 7:00 pm - Girls’ Bible Study

If you are interested in these or other areas of outreach, feel free to email Anna Hatchett, College Coordinator, at anna.hatchett@wbccares.org.

Okay, for all those who are about to exit the student world or who, like me, are in that awkward transition from the familiar role of student to the notso-familiar role of independent adult, meet the GAP class! This is the Life Group that I happen to have the most in common with and I am so grateful for it. While I feel comfortable in collegetype environments, I am beginning to adapt to life without exams. The rich discussion over Scripture is one of the best blessings of this class.

Wednesday nights at Verge are casual, fun and full of laughter. Free food and fellowship start off the evening, followed by worship and a message. Worship has a contemporary and comfortable vibe. After opening in prayer, Jerry Rufe leads a discussion that centers on the truth of God’s Word. He offers unique insight into the relevance of Scripture as God has tailored it to fit our day-in and day-out lives. Verge is the perfect way to spend your Wednesday evenings—simply enjoying friends, fellowship, food and fun!

I have to say, the highlight of my week - every week - is Girls’ Bible Study. Girls’ Bible Study meets every Thursday evening at Jena Rowe’s house. Jena and Anna Caye lead the Bible study, chapter-by-chapter, verseby-verse, through a book of the Bible.

Each week, we enjoy laughter, love and true humility as we study God’s Word and lift each other up in prayer. I have

been attending for 8 months and have enjoyed meeting fellow, like-minded believers each week. Whether home for break or living nearby, college girls flock to Jena’s house.

Guys, don’t feel left out! You have a Bible study during the week as well!

Obviously I don’t know as much about it but you don’t want to miss any time spent digging into the Scriptures and fellowshipping together. Guys’ Bible Study meets every Tuesday night at the home of Jimmy and Tina Bozeman. It’s a great time to get to know other guys with a similar focus and passion for the Lord. The guys go through different books of the Bible, chapter-by-chapter, verse-by-verse, just like the girls.

Just in case you can’t commit to Life Groups, don’t feel that you can’t come to other events as well. Sundays, Wednesdays and mid-week Bible studies are all separate from each other. Verge and Bible studies provide more casual environments for visitors to get involved before committing to the more traditional setup of “Sunday School.” Whatever you choose, know that the focus remains on Christ and Christ alone. By reaching out to your local community of believers, you are cultivating Christ-based relationships that will be greatly beneficial in your personal relationship with the Lord.

WHITESBURGBAPTIST.ORG | CARINGPLACE 11

I am standing in a narrow, dark space.

There’s a wooden wall behind me, and in front of me. I’m holding onto a metal bar, waiting for the music to start.

The orchestra begins the introduction.

The announcer introduces the Living Flag. My pulse quickens. Bum, bum, bum, bum, LIGHTS, “I Love America” (ILA), and so it begins. I’ve sung it hundreds of times but no matter how many times I sing those words, it never gets old. Standing on the flag in anticipation is always thrilling, every single time.

The first I Love America presentation was in 1983 with Sandi Patty and Pat Boone as special guests. For the first three presentations, named Christian artists were brought in to boost the attendance of this new patriotic event.

After having artists like Sandi Patty, Pat Boone, Larnell Harris and Dean Jones, there was a question as to whether ILA could stand on its own as a successful event. I guess we needn’t have worried.

Even though there are certain songs that have been sung as “standards” in the I Love America presentations, the theme is different every year. We’ve celebrated our nation’s independence with many of the Founding Fathers, learned about the constitution from the perspective of a Colonial British woman, visited a WWII canteen, had an Apollo astronaut grace our stage, seen the Korean War memorial come to life and watched a young Werner Von Braun attempt to launch his wagon into space. (That year we did six performances of ILA. The wagon actually launched every other night.)

One year, Terrance Mason, with his beautiful baritone voice, played a freed slave from the Civil War. The theme of another year was to feature veterans from Whitesburg Baptist Church and to tell their stories from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. We’ve seen puppets fill

12 CARINGPLACE | SUMMER 2013

the flag, bombs burst in air, flags wave from every corner of the sanctuary and a parade of historical characters.

We have used the children from our children’s choirs dressed as “Little Sammies.” to the delight of our audiences. Our young people have been featured many times as singers, actors, tumblers, soldiers and dancers.

One of the most important roles that our young men play is to re-enact the planting of the flag at Iwo Jima at the end of “The Armed Forces Medley.”

From our vantage point, we watch the soldiers in uniform readying to come down the aisle, polishing their brass and waiting for their turn to march to the stage during their theme song.

There’s no better view in the house than to be standing on the flag and watch our veterans stand, young and old, side-by-side, to honor their branch of the service. And then to watch our own boys run on the stage with an authentic 48 star flag to present the Iwo Jima image. WOW, it gets me every time.

There is another way that we have been able to engage more people.

During the hour after the doors open and the performance starts, we have members of Whitesburg dress up as famous Americans and literary figures to act as greeters to our guests. We have had Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn with Mark Twain, the Marx Brothers, George and Martha Washington, the Little Women, Babe Ruth, Helen Keller with Ann Sullivan, Sally Ride and many, many more. What a wonderful way to involve so many more of our members.

I guess my favorite ILA would be in the summer of 2002. Following 9/11, we presented “It’s a Wonderful Flag,” based on the Christmas classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” with Uncle Sam assuming the role of the George Bailey.

By Melody Hubbard

When George Bailey was in trouble, the whole town came to his aid, much like the countries of the world came to the aid of America following 9/11. There was a moment in this show, where the NYPD firefighters, played by three of our young men, pulled an American flag out of the rubble, at a crescendo in a beautiful arrangement of “Amazing Grace.” I cried on the flag every single night.

While it is a thrill to step onto that flag every night, there are so many more people involved. Actors.

Orchestra members. Stage managers.

Tech crew. Light operators. Costumers.

Seamstresses. Ushers. Ticket Takers.

Make-up artists. Prayers. And on and on and on. I Love America has given so many people an opportunity to use their talents and abilities in unique ways.

ILA is back this year. Our theme is “If My People… Prepare for the Challenge” - both a celebration and a challenge. It is based on 2 Chronicles 7:14 which says, “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (NKJV) We love our country but we are losing the America we know and love. We are losing it because the world is seeping into the church. We, as the church, have lost the salt and light God has given us to lead others to Him. We can make a change if we are willing to turn back to God. I’m so ready to stand in that narrow space, with a wooden wall behind me and in front of me. I’m ready to hold on to that bar, and to sing, “I Love America.” Can’t wait. Can you?

I LOVE

AMERICA Friday, June 28 at 7 pm • Saturday, June 29 at 3 pm • Sunday, June 30 at 10:30 am Whitesburg Baptist Church, Huntsville, AL WHITESBURGBAPTIST.ORG | CARINGPLACE 13

Whitesburg Baptist Church

Non-Profit Organization US Postage

6806 Whitesburg Drive Huntsville, AL 35802

the caring place

W H I T E S B U R G B A P T I S T C H U R C H

PAID

Huntsville, AL Permit 446

LOCATIONS & SUNDAY SERVICES Whitesburg Baptist Church 6806 Whitesburg Drive Huntsville, AL 35802

Bible Study 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 am Blended Traditional Service 9:30 am Contemporary Service 11:00 am Evening Service 6:15 pm

The PLACE

3911 Pulaski Pike Huntsville, AL 35810

Worship 9:30 am Bible Study 11:15 am

WhitesburgBaptist.org Pictured above: Blended Traditional worship service at 9:30 am on Sundays.