Church Anniversary in New Providence to Benefit At-Risk Children

Editor's note: The following information was supplied by The Presbyterian Church at New Providence.

For 275 years, has been a place that cares about children.

Since the early days in 1737 when pioneer families carved their homesteads out of the wilderness, the church has provided a fun, safe place for children to grow together in a community of faith.

Even today, the Presbyterian Church at New Providence is known as a regional leader in excellent ministries for children and teens through its pre-school, kindergarten, Youth Club, Sunday School, and student activities.

“But we didn’t want our 275th anniversary celebration to be only about us,” says senior pastor, Dr. Jeff Ebert. “We see this anniversary as an opportunity to positively impact the lives of hundreds of children in the Chilenje region of Malawi, Africa where we have a long-term partnership with World Vision. World Vision is one of the most well-respected international Christian relief organizations, and their program of child sponsorship forms the basis for transforming an impoverished community. When you sponsor a child, you help bring nutritious food, clean water, healthcare, education and a sense of hope to that child. When we do it together, an entire community can change for the better. I’ve seen this first hand.”

The goal of the church’s 275th anniversary celebration is to see 275 new child sponsors. On Saturday night, September 8th, two internationally known contemporary Christian music groups, JJ Heller and Starfield, are coming to perform in the church parking lot, and both groups promote the World Vision child sponsorship program at their concerts.

“We’re very excited to host JJ Heller and Starfield,” said Pastor Ebert. “And the concert will be outdoors under a huge circus-size tent set up in our parking lot. It’s open to the public but tickets are going fast. It’s going to be a great party!”

Tickets for the concert are $20 and can be purchased on-line at www.celebrate275.com.

The party begins on Friday, Sept. 7th with a concert for students and young adults with Christian hip-hop performers Manafest and DJ Maj. Doors open at 7 p.m. with a $10 cover charge.

On Saturday, Sept. 8th at 12:30 p.m., there will be an incredible show for families and children called ‘The Laffin Show.’ Illusions and so much more. There is no charge for this event, but donations will be accepted.

The celebration concludes on Sunday morning, Sept. 9th with an unforgettable worship experience outdoors as the whole church unites for one service only at 10:30 a.m.

All events are open to the public. For more information about the weekend, go to www.celebrate275.org, or visit the church’s website at www.pcnp.org. To sponsor a child, go to www.worldvision.org.