Church service at festival a special event

By David Gambrel
Staff Writer

The Sunday morning worship service at the annual Great American Brass Band Festival is one of those all too rare moments when believers of various backgrounds and denominations come together.

``It usually is a very special service. Everybody comes expecting something good to happen and something good usually does happen,'' said Dr. Norman Hagley, who helped begin the services in the first year of the festival.

Hagley, senior minister of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Danville, has brought the message at each of the community worship services.

The service will be held on Sunday of the festival at 9:30 a.m. on the main stage. If it rains the service will be moved indoors to the Norton Center for the Arts.

Hagley said this year's service will be the first time an African-American congregation has moved its services to be included in the community worship service. The Christ the Head Missionary Church, which normally meets in First Christian's Chapel, will take part in the service. The Rev. Ben Carter is the church's pastor.

In addition, Lexington Avenue Baptist Church, The Presbyterian Church of Danville, SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Trinity Episcopal and the Salvation Army of Danville will take part in the service.

Music will be provided by Olympia and the Salvation Army Band. An interpreter for the deaf will also be a part of the service.

Hagley said in organizing the church service he tries to take into consideration all the different churches involved. The worship service includes a variety of styles of songs and worship. However, Hagley said, it is not possible to organize a truly nondenominational service. ``Everyone has to bend just a little,'' he said.

In his message Hagley tries to focus on things the various believers have in common. ``We are all in need of the divine touch of God in our lives. That's what I try to stress,'' he said.

In organizing the event consideration is also given to the offering taken up. The offering is divided between the host churches with a portion going to the festival. In addition Hagley said if church members want to specifically designate their offering they can do that as well.

The dress at the church service is casual. Hagley encouraged everyone to come out regardless of what church they attend. ``It's just a wonderful time where we can all embrace each other as fellow believers,'' he said.