Head of largest black churches in Midstate endorses Music City Inaugural Charity Ball with rousing statement; 'Spirit of Unity' is the theme

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Music City Inaugural Charity Ball


Jan. 6, 2009


The head or overseer of the largest African-American churches in Middle Tennessee -- including the 20,000-member Mt. Zion congregation in Nashville -- has issued a ringing endorsement of participation for believers in the Music City Inaugural Charity Ball.

"Talk is cheap without action," the Rev Danelle Stephens said in his statement.

" 'Faith without works is dead.' "

In addition, ball organizers announced today that the "Spirit of Unity" would be theme of the Nashville gathering that has drawn prominent people across political, religious and racial lines -- including country music superstars Ricky and Sharon White -Skaggs and Kennedy Center inductee, Dr. Bobby Jones. All three will provide entertainment for this historic event in Music City.

The Rev. Stephens presides over Full Gospel Baptist Churches in the Midstate. Mt. Zion, led by Bishop Joe Walker, is under the authority of Overseer Stephens. The inaugural ball, set for the evening of Jan. 20, is the largest gathering outside of Washington, D.C. to celebrate the swearing-in of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States.

Here in his rousing statement of endorsement:

"What a wonderful opportunity for our Nation, State of Tennessee, the great city of Nashville, and its surrounding cities and communities to come celebrate with Volunteer Nashville as we engage the Spirit of Unity on Inauguration Day.

"As we embark upon this historical day it is my prayer regardless to your ethnicity, religious affiliations, social and economic status that you plan to unite with us this day. We are thankful to God for blessing us to have elected President elect Barak Obama but we must remain unified.

"We are not ignorant of the spirit of division that is among us, so we must remain focus in love, hand in hand unified to make a change. As District Overseer of the Mid-West District of Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, Bishop Paul Morton International Presiding Bishop, I ask that our Mid-West District pastors and parishioners join with us.

"Talk is cheap without action.

" 'Faith without works is dead.' "

"Let us Come together with Volunteer Nashville on Inauguration Day in the Spirit of Unity and show the world we are "One Nation Under God"


Momentum continues to build behind the Ball as does the number of people who will be helped and recognized. Twenty-one charities will hopefully receive $44,000 in support. Corporate, organizational and individual sponsorships are needed to meet this most worthy goal.

Additionally, 44 servicemen and women and their spouses from Ft. Campbell will be invited free of charge to attend the Ball and stay overnight. Churches are asked to contribute $400 to help pay for the costs of hosting these heroes. Their service to this nation in the war on terror will be recognized prominently at the historic event, in addition to the appearance of Tennessee Gold Star mothers and their families.

To buy tickets online, go to www.volunteernashville.com. Your tickets will be available at the door on the night of the Ball.

To buy tickets offline, contact the Rev. Jackie Baugh at (615) 569-3010. You can write a check and pick up tickets from her or she will bring the tickets to you.

Make your check out to: The New Hope Foundation.