09449
June 5, 2009

Birthday bash

Big Tent to end with celebration of Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s 26 years

by Bethany Furkin
Presbyterian News Service

LOUISVILLE — The first-ever Big Tent gathering in Atlanta next week will be new in several ways, but it will also take a look back.

In 1983, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) was formed in Atlanta. And on Saturday, June 13, conference participants will recognize the life and ministry of the church in its birthplace.

Held from 6:30 to 10 p.m. in Centennial Olympic Park, the celebration will offer music, dancing, food, fellowship, reflections — and birthday cake.

Several local musical groups are performing, such as the Contemporary Choir from First Presbyterian Church in Douglasville, GA, and Moving in the Spirit, a youth dance troupe. Also performing will be Winds of Hope, Winds of Healing, a musical group formed in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. It works to raise awareness about disaster preparedness and assists when disaster does strike. The group is raising money to re-establish mental health services along the Gulf Coast.

The celebration will also feature several activity centers and food and memorabilia vendors.

Attendees can also create hygiene kits to be distributed by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to people in need. Those who’d like to participate in this activity are asked to bring any or all of the following to Atlanta:

• hand towel (about 16” x 28”)
• washcloth
• wide-tooth comb
• nail clippers (no metal files or emery boards)
• bar of soap in wrapper
• toothbrush in original packaging
• adhesive bandages

The Big Tent celebration is free and open to the public, and organizers are hoping for about 2,000 people to attend. Centennial Olympic Park is about four blocks from the conference site, and attendees can walk to the celebration. Vans and handicap-accessible transportation will also be available.

Vendors will accept cash only. An ATM will be on site.

For more information about Big Tent, click here.