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Volume Volume 22, 22, Issue Issue 11
A Inc. Observer Inc. Osprey Observer from Osprey Publication from Free Publication A Free
January 2018
GRAMMY® Award-Winning Bands Casting Crowns And The Gaither Vocal Band Return To The Strawberry Festival
Inside:
By Amanda Boston
supports multiple philanthropic efforts to include Global Youth Ministry and mission relief efforts. Also taking the stage is the renowned Gaither Vocal Band that has toured the world since the early 90s
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Since 2007, the band Casting Crowns has held the top-selling act position on the Billboard Charts for Christian music.
As Plant City rolls out its 83rd Strawberry Festival, the contemporary Christian band Casting Crowns will take the Wish Farms Soundstage on Tuesday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. with the legendary gospel Gaither Vocal Band performing earlier that day at 3:30 p.m. Recipient of a GRAMMY®, six GRAMMY® nominations and 17 GMA Dove Awards, Casting Crowns is a mainstay in the Christian music community with more than 10 million albums sold. Concertgoers can anticipate a set list highlighting Casting Crown’s most recent album, The Very Next Thing, along with hits from the band's extensive catalogue. More impressive than Casting Crowns’ celebrity is the band’s continual commitment to its local student ministry. For more than 25 years, lead singer Mark Hall has maintained his role as the student pastor at his church in Atlanta. Additionally, the band
admission. Festival gate admission is free for ages 5 and under, $5 for ages 6-12 and $10 for ages 13 and over. With the construction the GT Grandstands bleacherstyle seating area, free concert seating is no longer offered as it was in previous years. Casting Crowns tickets are $30 per person, and the Gaither Vocal Band tickets are $25 per person. To purchase tickets, visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com or the Amscot Main Ticket Office located at 2209 W. Oak Avenue in Plant City. The Strawberry Festival will take place from March 1 to 11 at 303 N. Lemon St. in Plant City. The festival fea-
spreading the message of grace, hope and redemption. Its founder Bill Gaither is listed among the list of ‘Who’s Who’ in the gospel music industry. To date, the band has garnered two GRAMMY® Awards, eight GRAMMY® nominations and 24 GMA DOVE Awards. Gaither said, “We are The legendary Gaither Vocal Band is a staple in the gospel music industry performing in prestigious venues such as excited about coming to Sydney Opera House and Carnegie Hall. the Strawberry Festival in March.” He continued, “It is always a hightures nightly headline entertainment, venlight for us. Looking forward to seeing all dors, Midway rides, youth livestock, deliour friends and enjoying some strawbercious strawberry treats and much more. ries.” For information, visit www.flstrawberTickets for each concert are sold separyfestival.com, Facebook, Instagram and rately and do not include festival gate Twitter (#berryfest18).
Church And Community United: A Service To Bring Our Communities Together
By Amanda Boston
New Year Message
Columns: GraceNotes
Page 5
Hooked On Books
Page 12
Newswire
Page 15
Faith & Footprints
Page 18
On Sunday, November ferences,” said Dr. 19, more than fifteen area Rummage. “Any time peochurches converged at the ple are authentically folLifePoint Church in Tampa for lowing Jesus, God creates the third ‘Church and unity.” Community United’ service. Emphasizing a grassSpearheaded by Rep. Ross Spano, roots approach, Rep. Pastor A.D. Shaw and Dr. Stephen Spano from the Florida Rummage, the evening centered on House of Representatives the church acting as the conduit to prosaid, “Until we are able to mote peace and unity to a country unite our differences within divided. the church, we cannot Pastor Shaw, the senior pastor of expect to make a differShekinah Glory Cathedral, explained, ence in the broader com“Over the last couple of years, our munity.” nation experienced a great deal of disRep. Spano continparity and racially motivated violence ued, “It is our goal as pasSenior Pastor A.D. Shaw from Shekinah Glory Cathedral that created grave tension in our comtors, politicians, and public described the United service as leaders to have the Tampa munities.” “an inspirational and uplifting worTo a racially diverse crowd, pasBay area be a national ship experience.” tors throughout the Tampa Bay area leader in uniting our comRep. Ross Spano addressed walk hand in prayed and discussed how the church munities as one.” hand. ” the importance putting aside should respond to the hot-button More ‘United’ events are planned political, social and ethnic differPastors ences and coming together as a issues facing the nation. Two major throughout the year with a block party also spoke on united community. issues presented included the NFL scheduled in April. The block party will offer the necessity of players taking a knee and the racial families the opportunity to learn more teaching unity within the home and church. violence in Charlottesville, Virginia. about the various agencies and resources Dr. Stephen Rummage, the senior pastor The resolution was clear—the pathavailable in the community. at Bell Shoals Baptist Church, pointed to way to peace and unity begins with prayer. If you would like to get involved or be following Jesus as the path to unity. Pastor Shaw concluded, “Prayer is added to the mailing list, please contact “This third United service shows that, color-blind, it unites regardless of ethnicity, the office of Rep. Spano via email at for Bible-believing pastors and churches in social-economic status and political affiliaPamila.briest@myfloridahouse.gov or via Tampa Bay, the gospel of Jesus Christ tion. We don’t have to see eye to eye to phone 744-6256. does bring us together and overcome dif-