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New Year’s Eve service is about ‘Reclaming the Time’
By LINDA M. LINONIS
liberty
For many people, New Year’s Eve is the time to take stock of the past 365 days and look ahead to a new year.
Pastor Lock P. Beachum Jr. of Victory Christian Center at Liberty said he is taking his cue for a New Year’s Eve service from Scripture that focuses on “being replenished and how God restores.”
Pastor Beachum will deliver the message at a New Year’s Eve service, “Reclaiming the Time,” at 10 p.m. Wednesday at Victory Christian Center, 3899 McCartney Road, Coitsville.
The pastor said since 2008, he has conducted a New Year’s Eve service at VCC, 114 E. Liberty St., where he has served for 61/2 years. The service was successful, filling all 230 seats in the sanctuary and with standing-room only.
Last year, the service was moved to the Coitsville site, which has more seating. “We had a crowd of about 700,” Pastor Beachum said.
The service will include a welcome by Bishop David Thomas of VCC at Coitsville, praise and worship along with dances by Expressions of Worship and Invasion. Pastor Beachum will deliver the main message. At 11:59 p.m., the group will count the seconds to 2015. An after-party will feature free food and uplifting music.
“What better way to start a new year in an atmosphere that will encourage, empower, strengthen and challenge?” he asked. “This is a safe environment in which to celebrate,” he added, noting that families are encouraged to participate.
The pastor pointed out that some people use the new year as step to “a fresh start with a new outlook.”
Pastor Beachum said he believes 2015 will be a “year of recovery” in many different ways for people. The theme of “Reclaiming the Time” is based on Joel 2:23-25.
He said the Scripture addresses the idea of “restoration of what was lost” ... a short time ago or years ago. “I want people to take away a sense of value and hope ... that God has not forgotten them,” he said. “When we believe in God’s presence, what we desire can happen.”
But, he cautioned, that comes about not in human measurement of time but “in God’s time.”
The service, Pastor Beachum said, provides an avenue for people to realize change is possible with God’s help and positive changes will benefit their lives both spiritually and physically.
“We want people to live lives that are healthy and whole — as God created them to be,” he said.