NEWS RELEASE

Gay-Affirming Christian Church Announces 5th Anniversary Celebration

Grammy-Nominated Artist Scheduled to Minister and Perform During Annual "Homecoming" of DC Metro Area Ministry

LANGLEY, VA; October 10, 1999 - The Open Church of Jesus Christ today announced plans for its Fifth Anniversary Celebration for November 19-20, 1999 which include a weekend of fellowship and worship, culminating in an afternoon concert by Grammy-nominated musician, Jeff Ferguson.

"The anniversary weekend is a highlight of our church year because it has become a special time of homecoming for many who have moved onto new ventures," said Pastor Dale Jarrett. "Everyone who has ever attended The Open Church is invited to come on home for a visit with us and to enjoy the wonderful cover dish feast following the morning worship service. Newcomers are always welcome!"

The celebration begins on Friday night, November 19, at 7:30 p.m., with the regular monthly Praise and Renewal Service featuring The Witness Praise Team & Band. On Saturday, Novermber 20, worship starts at 10:45 a.m. with what is traditionally called the "Homecoming Service" followed by a scrumptious, cover dish "Dinner on the Grounds." At 2:30 p.m., Jeff Ferguson will perform in concert. A love offering will be received in lieu of admission.

Evangelist Jeff Ferguson. (Click on photo above to view larger version).

The weekend will feature rising comtemporary Christian music artist, Jeff Ferguson, who has appeared on Trinity Broadcasting Network and the Inspiration Network. He recently completed his fifth album, "No Secrets," a solo project. Since beginning his singing career at 13, Jeff has also evolved into a songwriter with other artists recording his songs over 50 times in the last two years. Ferguson's last album, "Woman, Thou Art Loosed," was nominated for the 1998 Dove Award for Gospel Album of the Year and 1998 Grammy Award for Gospel Album of the Year. His musical "style" is similar to comtemporary Christian music star, Michael W. Smith.

All anniversary events will be ASL interpreted for the deaf and hard-of-hearing and will be held at The Langley Hill (Friends) Meeting House, 6410 Georgetown Pike, Langley, Virginia. Participants are encouraged to bring a meal item to share with others for the covered dish dinner. Casual dress is welcome.

For further information about this weekend, about housing while in the Washington, DC area, directions, or to receive a free church brochure, call the church at (703) 643-9645 or contact via e-mail at OCJC1234@aol.com. Information is also available online at The Open Church of Jesus Christ website: http://www.theopenchurch.org/.

The Open Church of Jesus Christ was founded in 1994 as a nondenominational, "bridge building" congregation between the non-gay community with the gay and lesbian communities together through our relationship with Christ. The church's primary goal is ministering to the spiritual needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered communities in the Washington, D.C. metro area by providing a safe, nurturing environment for praise and worship, Christian fellowship, and study of the practical application of Bible-based principles of "how to have a happy, successful life!"

The Open Church of Jesus Christ is an equal opportunity congregation welcoming all persons without regard to race, gender, age, education, social status, national origin, sexual orientation, creed, denominational history or doctrine; and a 501(c)3 nonprofit tax exempt organization.

The Open Church of Jesus Christ worships on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. with Prayer Meeting and Bible Study on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. and a Praise, Worship and Renewal service one Friday every month at 7:30 p.m. at The Langley Hill (Friends) Meeting House, 6410 Georgetown Pike, Langley, Virginia.

For More Information:

The Open Church of Jesus Christ, Dale Jarrett, (703) 643-9645
The Open Church of Jesus Christ, Brenda Lim, (703) 643-9645