Skip to main content

'Practicing the Way of Jesus' theme of 2013 Summer Celebration set for June 30-July 2

Kim Chaudoin | 

Fireworks and Concert info

For a live stream of keynote events, go to www.lipscomb.edu/live

Some of the most dynamic speakers from across the nation will share faith-shaping messages about “Practicing the Way of Jesus: The Message of the Sermon on the Mount” at Lipscomb University’s Summer Celebration 2013 set for June 30-July 2.

Summer Celebration combines serious reflection upon Scripture with practical application, powerful worship and memorable experiences for the entire family. Keynote speakers will share their insight in a fast-paced, dynamic and worship-oriented presentation style. Summer Celebration is capped off with a spectacular fireworks display and festival to celebrate Independence Day on July 2.

“We wanted to position Summer Celebration as the place where Christian leaders and churches can come to engage the Word of God not just as information, but for transformation,” said Scott Sager, vice president for church relations, “We hope people come to be inspired, shaped, stretched and challenged to leave looking more like Jesus. What better place to begin this transformation than with Jesus’ own Sermon on the Mount? So the theme, ‘Practicing the Way of Jesus’ is all about this challenge to intentionally live out the ways of Jesus  in our own churches and lives.”

Key “Celebration Sessions” will feature Randy Harris, “Practicing Jesus” and “A Tale of Two Kingdoms;” Chris Seidman, “Be-ing Jesus: Living the Beatitudes;” Lipscomb University President L. Randolph Lowry, “We Hate to Admit It;” Carl McKelvey, “The Discipline of Prayer and Fasting;” Dave Clayton, “Finding God by Losing Stuff;” Fred Gray, “Don’t Judge;” Lee Camp, “Law, Grace and Kingdom Ethics;” Jonathan Storment, “ASK: Ask, Seek, Knock;” Patrick Mead, “Letting Your Light  Shine;” Rubel Shelly, “Sexual Ethics for the Kingdom;” and Lynn Anderson, “Don’t Worry!”

“We wanted to take the ‘lecture’ out of lectureship and replace it with a ‘Celebration’ of the text,” said Sager. “So we have planned each 90 minute Celebration Session to include two riveting messages that call us to action. To deliver these timely messages we selected some of our most gifted presenters and said to them, ‘Give us the sermon of your life, and give it in 20 minutes.’ Around these messages we are crafting a 90-minute experience that cannot be duplicated on video . You’ll want to be here to join in the moment.”

A variety of programs will be offered for all ages. Other features include:

• Morning classes designed to awaken the soul and inspire you to live out the ways of Jesus,

• Afternoon classes and Life Labs and feature 25 interesting topics,

• Late-night sessions that highlight some of the great work going on around the world,

• Classes in Spanish,

•  A unique opportunity to worship daily with thousands of believers,

•  ACAFEST ’13, Summer Celebration’s international acappella singing festival ,

• Full programming for children and teens throughout each day, and

• Spectacular fireworks display and outdoor concert on Tuesday evening.

“Only Summer Celebration plans an experience of faith, fun, family and fireworks with the whole family in mind. From early morning events to late night music, Summer Celebration has programming for everyone in the family from two to 102,” said Sager. “Children, youth and teens have classes and events just for them while over 100 classes give a wide variety of options for the rest of the family. The food is great, the lodging cheap and the fun to be had on campus and in the city is second to none. It is our focus upon families that differentiates Summer Celebration from everyone else.”

The event is free, but registration is requested. Limited on-campus housing is also available for a nominal fee. More details and registration information is available at summercelebration.lipscomb.edu or call 615.966.6609 for details. 

 

Free Independence Day celebration, fireworks set for July 2

Independence Day comes at little early as Lipscomb University celebrates the holiday with its annual free festival Tuesday, July 2 from 4:30-9:30 p.m. in the Allen Arena Mall area.

sc fireworks 2010.1“The festival provides an opportunity to give the neighborhood a family-friendly way to see professional fireworks without the traffic hassle,” said Scott Sager, vice president for church services. “We hope everyone will come out and join us for this fun event to help celebrate Independence Day.”

Lipscomb’s Independence Day celebration begins at 4:30 p.m. with free inflatable games for children and a picnic with food available for purchase from Blue Coast Burrito, Chick-fil-A and Jim ‘N Nick’s BBQ. A period of family worship, featuring Jonathan Storment and Randy Harris, begins at 6:30 p.m. in Allen Arena.

At 8:30 p.m. guests may enjoys a concert by the Annie Moses Band, a unique family ensemble that blends fiddle, jazz and classical influences with folk-inspired vocals to create a refreshing sound. The Nashville-based, classically-trained family, led by Bill and Robin Wolaver, fuses classical and contemporary to create a distinctive style. The evening ends with a professional fireworks display that begins at 9 p.m. in the Allen Arena Mall area.

The festival is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

The Independence Day celebration concludes three days of free family activities at Lipscomb University’s annual Summer Celebration, combines serious reflection upon Scripture with practical application, powerful worship and memorable experiences for the entire family. Keynote speakers will share their insight in a fast-paced, dynamic and worship-oriented presentation style.

For more information, visit summercelebration.lipscomb.edu.