THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 15, 1996 TAG: 9602140176
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 86 lines
IT'S THE SEASON of love, and Faith Temple Apostolic Church began its Valentine's celebration with a Christian Sweetheart Ball Saturday at the Suffolk Elks Lodge.
Dressed in formal and semi-formal attire, 300 guests participated in the fun-filled evening. Fresh flowers, fine dining and live instrumental music set the mood for the romantic affair. Gospel music and entertainment patterned after a TV game show were featured.
Chairperson Betty Knight said the idea came from a Women's Department meeting at Faith Temple nearly a year ago. ``We wanted to put on a nice, formal affair,'' Knight said, ``something everyone could dress up for, an evening to socialize and have a good time.''
A six-member committee organized all details and extended the invitation for the first of what is planned as an annual Christian Sweetheart Ball. About half of the guests were Faith members, but others came from throughout the community and Richmond, Baltimore, Norfolk and Newport News.
``It had a very positive effect, bringing together people of different churches and different organizations,'' said Bishop Obadiah Colander, the pastor. ``There were many new faces, and part of the purpose was to reach out into our community.''
Already plans are being formulated for Sweetheart Ball '97. ``Everyone had such a wonderful time,'' noted Laverne Flythe, director of the Faith Women's Department. ``But we need a bigger place to accommodate the overflow crowd for next year.''
Knight added, ``It felt so good to be there having fellowship with people of all ages - teens to senior citizens. It was a lot of work, but well worth the effort.''
Faith Temple is trying to make inroads into Suffolk neighborhoods and surrounding areas. The church has a well-rounded program of Christian education and training for all ages, but concern for Suffolk's young people seems to be at the heart of the congregation.
``The future looks very bright,'' Colander said. ``Our vision is to put more emphasis on our children and strengthening families. If we can do this, then we can do a lot to make a real impact on the city of Suffolk.''
Faith Temple is already reaching many young people in building projects around the city through its sponsorship of Kings' Kids of America. This youth organization, envisioned and organized by two Faith members, now involves about 250 children in weekly training sessions in Suffolk neighborhoods.
``If we start with them when they're young, and train them, then we can help to keep them on the right track,'' Colander said.
``People have been good to us,'' Colander said, referring to local businesses and organizations that have supported the organization financially. ``But we could expand our program and do so much more if we only had additional funds.''
Faith Temple has a full roster of weekly activities. Sunday School and Sunday worship are the backbone to the church's spiritual training. Theological studies, special enrichment programs and General Equivalency Diploma (GED) classes offered at the church also help members broaden their education and skills.
A full music program includes choirs for all ages led by volunteer musicians. The church's worship band enhances Sunday services and special events with a mix of traditional and contemporary musical arrangements. MEMO: AT A GLANCE
Faith Temple Apostolic Church
476 Wellons St., Suffolk
Bishop Obadiah Colander, pastor
Average weekly attendance: 500
Established: 1952, as Rehoboth Apostolic Church; 1957, changed to
Faith Temple
Weekly services:
Sunday: 8:30 a.m., Free breakfast for children and senior adults;
9:30 a.m., Sunday School; 11 a.m., worship.
Monday: 7 p.m., prayer meeting.
Tuesday: 6:30 p.m., Theological studies.
Wednesday: 7-8 p.m. - General Bible study, all ages
Thursday: Noonday prayer ILLUSTRATION: Photos
Betty Knight, project chairperson, said the idea came out of a
Women's Department meeting nearly a year ago.
Laverne Flythe, director of the Women's Department, said plans
already are being made for Sweetheart Ball '97.
by CNB