Focus on Faith JESUS SAVES

Big Bethel AME is a Downtown landmark

By Annie Kinnett Nichols

If you travel through Downtown Atlanta, chances are you’ve noticed the neon blue glow of the “Jesus Saves” sign atop Big Bethel AME (that’s African Methodist Episcopal). The sign has been a fixture on the skyline since 1922, when the church was rebuilt after a fire into the edifice that remains a vibrant part of the Sweet Auburn district.

I’ve been looking at the “Jesus Saves” sign since I was a child. My father, Ken Kinnett, is an Episcopalian minister and I was brought up to believe God loves everyone, so growing up it was just a cool sign. And Big Bethel believes it is a sign of hope for all and that all are welcome.

Big Bethel was a Methodist church until after the Civil War when it became an AME – the first independent denomination in the country. Formed into a corporation in 1843, four years before Marthasville changed its name to Atlanta, the church is the oldest predominantly African American congregation in the city.

Big Bethel has been a center of the community and social action since its beginnings. In 1879, the Gate City Colored School was the first public school for African Americans and it opened in the church’s basement. In 1881, Morris Brown College also held classes in Big Bethel’s basement until its campus was ready. Throughout the years it has been one of the largest meeting spaces in the community and was known as “Sweet Auburn’s City Hall.” President Taft spoke there in 1911 and Nelson Mandela spoke at the same pulpit in 1990.

For the congregation, the iconic “Jesus Saves” sign has been a both a beacon and a sign of hope for the city. After meeting the folks at Big Bethel, including the wonderful church administrator, Marvin Fleming, who sweetly gave me his time and a tour on the coldest day in Atlanta, I concur it is about hope.

I had been to Big Bethel before for night concerts and the church itself is quite beautiful. A large semi-circle of pews face the pulpit and the centerpiece is a gorgeous Moller organ built onsite in 1924. The organ has been played every Sunday for the past 25 years by Phillip Skerrett.

Fleming noted that Georgia State University’s opening of a new dorm next door to the church had caused an uptick in attendees. “Youngsters are the future of Big Bethel,” Fleming said.

For more information about the church, visit bigbethelame.org.

Songs & Services: Atlanta Jewish Music Festival offers diverse line-up

By Collin Kelley

A line-up of local, regional, national and international musicians along with special services will highlight the 6th annual Atlanta Jewish Music Festival from March 12-23. Taking place at various venues around metro Atlanta, the event festival is the only annual celebration of Jewish music in the South.

“AJMF6 is going to be our biggest and best yet,” Founder and Director Russell Gottschalk said. “I’m most excited about the spotlight we’ve given Israeli performers at our main event, offering Atlantans and visitors from around the South a chance to connect to Israel here at home.”

The AJMF6 line up includes:

Opening Night featuring Jump Babylon: The festival begins March 12 with the Atlanta premier of Ska/Roots/Rock group Jump Babylon from Montreal. The event will be held at Steve’s Live Music, 234 Hilderbrand Drive. Doors at 6:30 p.m., music at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.

Shabbat Service: Ahavath Achim Synagogue and Congregation Bet Haverim musicians will celebrate the spirit and reach of sacred Jewish music through Kirtan chanting on March 13 at Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave. The service begins at 7:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

“Fortress” Release Event: Singer/songwriter Hannah Zale is releasing her debut solo record “Fortress” with Republic Records on March 14 at Steve’s Live Music, 234 Hilderbrand Drive. Doors at 6:30 p.m. and music starts at 8 p.m.

Atlanta Community Food Bank Hunger Walk/Run: AJMF will produce a stage at the 31st annual Hunger Run Walk on March 15 from noon to 4 p.m. at Turner Field. Musicians taking part include 4th Ward Afro-Klezmer Orchestra and Tony Levitas. Register for the walk at acfb.org.

Red Heifers: Macon-based band Red Heifers will perform a concert rooted in modern improvisation of Klezmer, Zydeco and other world music styles on March 15 at Congregation Beth Shalom, 5303 Winters Chapel Road. Doors open at 7 p.m. and music at 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public.

Yael

Shabbat Ruach: Join Rabbi Brian Glusman, Cantor Lauren Adesnik, Sammy Rosenbaum, and local musicians from the AJMF community for a Shabbat Ruach celebration on March 20 featuring timeless melodies, new creations and soothing grooves. The event will be at Temple Emanu-El, 1580 Spalding Drive. Service begins at 6:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

Main Event: The festival Main Event featuring Israeli artists Yael Deckelbaum and Diwan Saz is March 21 at Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave., in Little Five Points. Doors at 7:45 p.m. and music 8:45 p.m. The show is for ages 13 and up.

Interfaith Dialogue: Members of Diwan Saz will converse with community leaders on March 22 about their lives in the Middle East and how they are using music to promote peace. The event will be at the Emory Center for Ethics, 1531 Dickey Drive, at 10 a.m. Free and open to the public.

Cantorial Showcase: Cantors Adesnik, Hartman, Kassel and Margolis will join together to celebrate sacred music from across the ages on March 22 at Temple Emanu-El, 1580 Spalding Drive. Doors at 4 p.m., music at 4:30 p.m. Free and open to the public.

Holocaust Remembrance Concert: Lead by Dr. Laurence Sherr, this event featuring Summit Trio and more will offer music of resistance and survival will create connections to the lost and forbidden voices of composers, songwriters and poets lost during the Holocaust. The event will be held March 23 at The Temple, 1589 Peachtree St., at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public.

For tickets and details visit AJMF atlantajmf.org.

GRAND OPENING! mARCH 15

English & Spanish service

March 15 - 10:00am

Endeavor Church at Hills Park

1755 Annie St NW Atlanta, GA 30318

Between Marietta St and Marietta Blvd

Now meeting each Sunday at 10:00 AM for English and 11:30 AM for Spanish www.theendeavoratlanta.org facebook.com/endeavorchurchatlanta

For the convenience of our patients, we have a new office location at Northside Hospital Campus. Appointments being accepted now! Call to schedule for either office today: 404-352-2850