Church Buzz

Abig event heads to Columbia next week. Jehovah’s Witnesses are having two 3-day conventions at the Colonial Life Arena - July 20-22 and July 27-29.

As in past years, local Witnesses invite the public to attend.

Admission is free and no collection will be taken.

The participants will comeg from the Carolinas and Georgia.

Their 9 congregations in Lexington County and 16 in the Columbia area will participate in the two conventions.

In talking to Dan LaFreniere, he said they expect 8,000 to 9,000 people at each event.

The theme is “Be Courageous” and the talks, classes, activities and speakers will focus on being practical and relevant in the world today.

When you look at the news today, you can clearly see that people of all ages are dealing with more anxieties and fear than ever.

It takes courage to face these pressures.

Dan said there will be plenty of practical advice from the Bible.

Dan told me that “we very much consider the Bible to be the ultimate authority as God’s word. It’s principles are timeless and full of practical wisdom for daily living.”

The program is divided into 54 parts and will be presented in a variety of formats, including brief discourses, interviews and short videos.

A 50- minute film, “The Story of Jonah – A Lesson in Courage and Mercy,” will be shown on Sundays at 1:50 p.m.

The Jehovah’s Witnesses main office in Warwick, NY arranges programs, materials, speakers and similar conventions around the United States.