Walling opens 2008 Summer Celebration

Kim Chaudoin | 




Click here to view a photo feature of Summer Celebration 2008

Summer Celebration 2008 festivities officially began Wednesday evening with Jeff Walling speaking to a crowd of more than 2,000 guests in Allen Arena.
Walling, minister of the Providence Road Church of Christ in Charlotte, N.C., engaged the audience with a discussion of "The Challenge: Bringing Stones to Life" based on the story of the prophet Nehemiah. Ken Young, worship minister at Fourth Avenue Church of Christ in Franklin, Tenn., led worship in song prior to the keynote message. Former first lady of Pepperdine University, Helen Young, was also honored in opening night activities for her life of service to Christian education.

Other opening night activities included inspiring sessions with Lynn Anderson and Randy and Camilla Becton, a one-act play by Oracle Productions, concerts featuring Revival and Hallal, and a book signing with Winfield Dunn, former governor of Tennessee.

The lecture series continues through July 4 and will feature more than 130 inspiring and practical sessions on living as a Christian in today’s world and will end on a festive note with a free fireworks display held for the community.

Keynote speakers Prentice Meador, of Nashville, Don McLaughlin of Atlanta, Ga., and Jerry Taylor and Randy Harris, from Abilene, Texas, will headline Summer Celebration. The Acafest workshops will be held again this year, featuring sessions on producing and performing spiritual a cappella music.

Classes are offered from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., exploring many day-to-day struggles such as family issues, marital challenges and money management. Class topics range from addressing concern for the environment to promoting healthy relationships and aging issues. Participants can also enjoy a one-act play by Oracle Productions, numerous free concerts by a cappella groups such as Durant, Hallal, the Southside Singers and Acappella, and a special interview with Christian entertainers Pat Boone and Sonny James. Children and teen activities are also planned.

Click here to register your children for the kids' program

Click here to register for the teens' program

All sessions are free and open to the public, although dinners and special events may require admission fees. For a complete schedule of events and locations or to register online, visit http://summercelebration.lipscomb.edu or call 615.966.6609.