Published: June 07, 2008 05:28 pm      

Floyd County celebration of faith ready for second year

Giants in this corner of the world are anything but imposing.

They are compassionate, loving, dedicated Christian servants worthy of being celebrated. That’s precisely what 300 people did last summer at the first “Giants in the Faith: Celebrating Today’s Christian Role Models” community luncheon that honored 33 people esteemed for the impact they have had on others’ Christian faith.

Now it’s time for an encore. The public is again invited to submit the name of such a person or married couple to be honored. The family-centered luncheon at Huber’s Barnyard Bash I on Sunday, Aug. 24, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. will turn the often-shunned spotlight on people deemed to be Giants in the Faith. The event is under the auspices of Interfaith Community Council, the New Albany-based human services agency serving Southern Indiana

The Tribune is again the title sponsor. Supporting sponsors are Seabrook Dieckmann & Naville Funeral Homes and First Harrison Bank.



WHO IS YOUR GIANT?

The first step in focusing on the Floyd County Christian community is to invite the public to submit the name of a person or married couple who has been such a role model. There is no selection involved, for each person whose name is submitted will be honored.

A person may submit only one form. Last year’s honorees are ineligible to be honored again but may submit the name of someone else to be honored.

People may pick up the honoree form in ICC’s member churches, in The Tribune each week, or at The Tribune at 303 Scribner Dr., or ICC at 702 E. Market St. in New Albany, between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The firm deadline is Monday, July 14.



HONOREE CRITERIA

The honoree may be a Christian of any age (last year’s honorees ranged in age from 5 to 92), must reside or worship in Floyd County, and must commit to attending on Aug. 24 with the person who submits his or her name.

Each honoree’s influence may come in a variety of forms on the job, at home or church, or in the community, according to James A. Kanning, ICC board member who is chairing the event.

“It’s an opportunity to celebrate God’s goodness through His servants now instead of after they are gone, so even more people will be encouraged,” he said.



LUNCHEON EVENT

The luncheon, which is a friend raiser and not a fundraiser, is expected to be a sellout with a few hundred people, said Christine Harbeson, ICC’s executive director.

The meal will feature Huber’s family buffet and will cost $20 for adults (ages 12 and older) and $15 for children (ages 4 to 11). Those under age 3 are free.

ICC will pay for the honoree, and all others may purchase tickets beginning in late July. Ticket order forms will appear in The Tribune in July and August along with the names of all honorees so others who know and appreciate them may plan to attend as well, Harbeson said.

Local Christian vocalist Stephanie Heitz will open the celebration to fete honorees, whose names and brief explanation of their impact will be noted in a commemorative booklet for each attendee. Aebersold Florist will provide a corsage for the ladies and a boutonniere for the gentlemen.

“We’ll be drawing attention to the significant ways people of all ages are lending strength and encouragement to each other because of their common faith in God,” she added.