[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 154 (Thursday, November 6, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S11892]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CHRIST COMMUNITY CHURCH OF ALLEGAN, MI

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today in celebration of the 
first Thanksgiving worship in Christ Community Church of Allegan, MI's 
new meetinghouse. The Christ Community Church's congregation has 
traveled a long way to get where they are today. Without a church home 
in December of 1993, a core group of Christian friends gathered to 
discuss the planting of a new church in the Allegan area. By December 
of 1996, this dedicated group grew nearly threefold, and was 
worshipping in a brand new facility built with their own hands and 
prayers. In just 3 years, a land contract had been drawn up and paid 
for in full, and a church home was built that could serve up to 350 
worshipers.
  This faithful assembly of friends derives its members from over a 25-
mile outlaying area encompassing much of southwestern Michigan. They 
are a contemporary group concentrating in non-traditional and 
culturally relevant Christian fellowship. The congregation focuses its 
energy and resources on local and international missions and ministry. 
Also, personal familiarity with the Bible and Christian ideals is 
promoted and nurtured.
  Indeed, his Thanksgiving is a special one for the devoted men and 
women of Christ Community Church. The community is certainly well 
ministered to by this congregation. As they look forward to building 
further services and facilities, Christ Community Church will continue 
to champion the needs of its members and community. Again, it is an 
honor for me to recognize Christ Community Church and their first 
Thanksgiving celebration.

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