Published: July 19, 2008 04:32 pm      

Giants in the Faith: Son lets giants cast tall shadows

Giants are casting tall shadows throughout the land, and the impact of their faith is reaching far beyond their stature and age.

While casting meaningful shadows, these individuals and couples prefer to remain in the shadows for their humble acts and Christian walks, yet the second annual “Giants in the Faith: Celebrating Today’s Christian Role Models” luncheon will highlight them for the sake of crediting God for using them to reach others.

“You can’t have a shadow without the sun, and as Christians, we know that Son is Jesus Christ,” explained Christine Harbeson, executive director of Interfaith Community Council (ICC), which is sponsoring the event. “So ‘Giants’ is designed to give glory to God while bringing the community together to celebrate the power of His movement in our lives.”



THE EVENT

The public is invited to the luncheon and program from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24, at Huber’s Barnyard Bash in Starlight, and must reserve their spots before the deadline of Thursday, Aug. 14.

Honorees will be guests of Interfaith, and others may attend at a cost of $20 for adults (ages 12 and older) and $15 for children (ages 4 to 11). Those ages 3 and under are free. Harbeson points out that the event is not a fundraiser, so prices are as low as possible to encourage families to attend.

The celebration was created last year to recognize these Christian giants in the present, not after they are gone, and to encourage others to likewise be Jesus with skin on, according to ‘Giants’ co-chair and ICC board member Jim Kanning. That first-ever celebration was a huge success, he said, with 33 honorees and 300 in attendance. He expects this year’s to be even bigger, so “make reservations early, because seating is limited.”

Reservation forms are available at Interfaith Community Council, 702 E. Market St. in New Albany; at The Tribune office, 303 Scribner Dr., between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; using the form that appears in The Tribune each week; and at Interfaith member churches. The Tribune is the title sponsor. Supporting sponsors are Seabrook Dieckmann & Naville Funeral Homes and First Harrison Bank.

For additional information, call Interfaith Community Council at (812) 206-1800.



SPIRITED PROGRAM

This year 41 people will be honored — 10 couples and 21 individuals, ages 9 to 88 — who were designated when Interfaith invited the public to submit names of those whose faith has influenced theirs.

Honorees will be recognized during the program and in a commemorative booklet for all attendees, and will receive corsages and boutonnieres; personalized, framed gifts; and notecards.

In addition to Huber’s popular family buffet, the afternoon will feature Stephanie Heitz, local Christian vocalist.



HONOREES

The honorees, who represent 23 churches of several denominations, were submitted by people who prove that an authentic Christian faith is seen in all arenas. Submitters are friends, co-workers, pastors, children, in-laws, parents, ministry partners, and teachers.

Those being honored at the event and who met the criteria of living or worshipping in Floyd County are: Bro. Lanny and Freda Amy, Stephanie Bensing, Bill and Sue Boyd, James and Harvey Buescher, Carol Dougherty, Wendy Ennis, Jesse Floyd, Bro. Rodney Foster, Jeff and Lou Ann Ganote, Barbara Gilbert, Ben and Laura Gipe, Harvey Hamilton, Evelyn Heichelbech, Ron and Dolly Jenkins, Rev. Dennis Laffoon, Kyle Larson, Mitzi Lyon, Darryl and Denise Marias, Mary McDaniel, Emma McDaniels, Barbara Peacock, Norma Robbins, Terry and Amy Ruff, Wilbur Schoen, Donald Scott, Reuben and Betty Seese, Theresa Simmons, Georgianne Weathers, Rev. Ben and Amelia Williams, Sarah Wiseheart, Patty Wolfe, and Sandy Young.