CELEBRATION 2000 CRUSADE GEARING UP FOR SIKESTON

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Plans are shaping up for the Celebration 2000 crusade coming to Sikeston in late August.

More than 200 people have already agreed to sing in a mass choir during the four-day revival event at Sikeston Field House.

The Rev. Dr. Ralph Bell, an associate minister with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, will preach during the Aug. 24-27 event. Services will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night.

Bell has been an associate evangelist with Graham since 1963 and has served as a pastor, professor and chaplain in the Los Angeles area.

Celebration 2000 is being planned as a regional event and includes churches throughout Southeast Missouri from Fredricktown to Portageville.

Ten area churches are now holding Christian life and witness classes. Current sessions end July 22 but the series will repeat July 24-Aug. 4. For information or church locations, call the Celebration 2000 office at (573) 481-0075.

The classes "talk about living the Christian life and a victorious Christian life," said Dave Fost, event director.

"Being a witness is 90 percent what we do and 10 percent what we say," Fost said.

Response for the classes has been good so far, he added. "It is a personal, spiritual growth class and if it benefits the individual it can benefit the church, which benefits the community."

Community support is key to planning a crusade. Volunteers are needed as ushers, greeters, and choir members during the nightly services. Others have behind-the-scene jobs working to publicize the crusade and help churches get involved.

Advertising in local papers, on television and radio stations and with signs around the area will begin soon.

But word is already getting out. Even before the choir emphasis begins Sunday at area churches, "we have 200 people signed up," Fost said. "I always tell people that even if you can't sing you can make a joyful noise."

Anyone interested in joining the choir can attend a practice and rehearsal Aug. 14 at First Assembly of God Church in Sikeston from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Two worship and music leaders, Tom Bledsoe and Huntley Brown, will attend to lead the rehearsal.

"We're encouraging people to sign up for the choir. We're looking at a possibility of 600," Fost said.

The four-day schedule includes activities for adults, children and youth. A special emphasis is being planned for the children and youth with puppets, music and a carnival-like atmosphere.

The Celebration 2000 has been in the works for nearly two years. Most of the crusade events are held in smaller- to medium-sized communities around the nation.

AT A GLANCE

What: Celebration 2000 Crusade sponsored through Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

Who: Dr. Ralph Bell will preach.

When: Aug. 24 through 27 at 7:30 each night.

Where: Sikeston Field House auditorium at Sikeston

Volunteers are needed for all aspects of work, from serving as ushers to singing in the choir. To volunteer call the crusade office at (573) 481-0075.