Photo by Brenda Potter
The band Praise Out Loud performs at the July 17 Worship in the Park service. Contemporary Christian music is a big part in the worship services held at Royal Lane Park.
Photo by Brenda Potter
Pastor of the Enlighten the World Worship Center, the Rev. Thom Miles, speaks to the worshipers during Worship in the Park.
Photo by Brenda Potter
The Rev. Thom Miles counsels with a worshiper at the cross found at the amphitheater at Royal Lane Park, where Enlighten the World Worship Center holds Worship in the Park services during the summer months
Photo by Brenda Potter
Among the worship offerings that take place at Royal Lane Park, the new church, Open Arms Ministry, holds its services at the Bellamy Center on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights.
Photo by Brenda Potter
Pastor of Open Arms Ministries, Dwight Sessoms, delivers the message during a recent Wednesday night service at the Bellamy Center.
People seeking to meet God attempt to find him in many places, including, now, Royal Lane Park, where anyone looking for a varied and often non-traditional worship service are being several opportunities.
The Clinton Recreation and Parks Department has teamed with two churches to provide services of ministry to the community. The facilities are being rented for these ministries, but the recreation department is eager to promote the worship opportunities.
This summer, the Enlighten the World Worship Center and the Clinton Recreation and Parks have been co-sponsoring Worship in the Park. The event is free, but they do request donations. “All donations will go towards our missions: Mission of Mercy, N.C. Children’s homes and Children, Inc and Sampson, Bladen and Cumberland counties homeless. Donations will also go towards other events and our church building fund,” explained the Rev. Thom Miles, pastor.
Miles is excited about what’s happened at the park.
“The last two events have been spectacular,” he attested. It is fun and exciting to see people singing along and dancing in their seats. Even if you don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you’re insured to have a great time. We are people having fun serving the Lord. It is all about paying forward God’s love, showing others that they and their problems are important to God and, therefore, are important to us,” asserts Miles.
The pastor expressed that the Praise and Worship tends to allow one to focus on God through music and praise, instead of focusing on the negative that may be going on in their lives. At the July 2 event, the Chapel Church Band played. The last band that played opn July 17 was High Road. This Saturday, Aug. 6 ,is Youth Day. The band is Kings Krest which plays heavy Christian rock. Pierced will be playing Aug. 20. The final summer event in the amphitheater will be held on Sept 17.
“Our message for Saturday, is ‘Hope and Healing for the Hurting Family,” the pastor noted. “Unfortunately, because of my movie license through Christian Copyright Licensing International, LLC, we are not legally allowed to publicly announce what movie is playing, but people interested may call us at 910-531-4680 or email us at church@enlightenworshipcenter.org to get the movie schedule.”
Cold beverages are being sold and the pastor encourages visitors to bring a picnic or snacks and to dress in comfortable attire (shorts and t-shirts are normal) since the event is outside in the amphitheater. “We have an information table set up for people to find out more about our ministry and to sign up to help with our missions,” shared Miles
The event will be held, weather permitting. Interested persons may call or watch the church’s website for cancellations.
Brenda Potter, program coordinator for the recreation department, explains that the Enlighten the World Worship Center, led by Miles performs a “Worship In The Park” church service in the amphitheater that is open to the public and is held on each first and third Saturday evening during the summer months of June through September, beginning at 7 p.m. and lasting until 10 p.m. (weather permitting).
“Each service includes music by some of the most popular Christian bands in the area,” said Potter. Following each service, a movie will be shown. Each movie will be of Christian origin providing a message for family growth. Most movies will have been produced by Billy Graham Evangelical Association.
“Enlighten is a contemporary-style worshiping non-denominational Christian church with a desire to breathe life into everyone. They are passionate about sharing the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. They believe this can only be done by truly caring for one another. Their goal of showing love and compassion is that it will make a positive impact to our community, for everyone whom lives and works here,” adds Potter.
The program coordinator attests to its offerings.
“What a wonderful way to come out with your family and friends to enjoy an evening in the park at our very own city amphitheater filled with music, a positive message and ending with a good wholesome movie that everyone can relax and watch under the stars. Events likes this are what makes our community special and everyone needs to take advantage of these great opportunities. This is a free event however donations are appreciated.”
The Open Arms Ministry led by the Rev. Dwight Sessoms is another opportunity to worship God and is offered in conjunction with Clinton Recreation and Parks. The newly organized church meets on Sunday beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Bellamy Center and on Wednesday nights starting at 7 p.m.
“If you are in need of a sanctuary and a place to bring your family on Sunday morning beginning at 10:30 a.m. until noon, come join us at the the Bellamy Recreation Center in the Community Center to experience a powerful message,” shared Sessoms.
“Every Wednesday night from 7 through 9 p.m. everyone is invited to attend the Bellamy Recreation Center where adults enjoy ‘Bible study’ with me in the Community Center while the kids take part in educational activities in the Bellamy Center Gymnasium after which they have a chance to play ” asserted the pastor.
Open Arms Ministry began the ministry at the Bellamy Center in March of 2009. It was created to build and equip people for the work of the ministry. It is nondenominational and multicultural. “You may come as you are, meaning you do not have to be well dressed in a shirt, tie or dress. Even though there is not a steeple here everyone will experience love and will be welcomed with open arms. The most rewarding feeling is gaining a new life experience through the Lord before you leave,” explains Sessoms. “If you are longing for love and acceptance we promise you will find it here. Come as you are but you will leave changed,” added the pastor
“This dedicated group are a delight to get to know and worship with. If you are in need of a blessing, new friends, and a place to be yourself as you worship the benefits are endless with Open Arms Ministry. Everyone is invited and welcome to come to the Bellamy Recreation Center,” commented Potter.
To contact the Rev. Thom Miles, Enlighten the World Worship Center, call 910-531-4680 or 91-578-3559. To speak with the Rev. Dwight Sessoms, Open Arms Ministry, call 910-990-0131. Brenda Potter, Clinton Recreation and Parks Department, call 910-299-4900 ext. 3074.
To contact Billy Todd, call 910-592-8137 ext. 117, or e-mail siobits@heartlandpublications.com.
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