Greensburg —
On Sunday morning, many residents filed into their respective churches to seek solace in a higher power, offering praise and worship while finding strength in reverence.
However, on Sunday evening, the open air of the courthouse lawn became a place to find that comfort as well. New Beginnings Assembly of God brought its message to a non-denominational Rally For Christ on the lawn in the hopes of reaching those who may not normally see the inside of a house of worship.
"Some of the people have never stepped into a church, but maybe they'll come out to this," Angie Cunnington, who runs the church along side her husband Mike Cunnington, said.
The church brought a small but spiritual contingent to the lawn Sunday. As the gospel and Christian rock played from the gazebo, curious onlookers around the square found themselves lingering on the lawn. Church members quickly offered up their own chairs so the new audience members could rest. As the music played the flock grew. It was the goal, Cunnington said before her husband began his sermon. They were not looking to recruit new members, only to bring the word of God to the masses.
"We've got more people out here that don't attend our church than we did last year. That's our goal, to spread the word," Cunnington said.
An attractive part of the program was the $300 to be raffled off to one lucky person at the event. Cunnington said it was designed to bring people in, but only so they could get closer to something they need more than money in these economic times: Jesus.
Ben Jury, a church member, agreed. He said he grew up in Missouri with a rich religious background. However, he never considered Jesus until he stepped out of the Navy.
"I smoked, drank, went to bars," he said. "I was spending $3,000 a month to feel sick in the morning," he said.
Jury said he found Jesus and was born again. He met his wife and settled down in Batesville. Now, he helps spread the word to others who need to hear the encouragement the Good Book has to offer, he said.
And that was the point of the entire Rally for Christ. As Mike Cunnington noted at the beginning of his sermon, the point is to find God.
"That's what it's all about, being born again," Cunnington told those assembled on the lawn.
Angie Cunnington said they have done two others since beginning this tradition a year ago. It has grown each time and the message, she believes becomes stronger. The church, she noted, will continue to hold these rallies and invites anyone to come listen.
Features
Related Photos
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Justin Rowland, center, bows his head in reverence with the Good Book in his hand before performing a "human video" - a lip sync performance about being born again. Adam Huening
Christians Assemble To Rally For Christ
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