Nominations open for ‘Giants in the Faith’

Clark County

Discussion

June 9, 2012

Nominations open for ‘Giants in the Faith’

NEWS AND TRIBUNE newsroom@newsandtribune.com The News and Tribune Sat Jun 09, 2012, 01:39 PM EDT

> SOUTHERN INDIANA — What is this event?

This is the sixth year for “Giants in the Faith” sponsored by Hope Southern Indiana (formerly Interfaith Community Council) to focus on the Floyd County Christian community. The public is invited to a family-centered luncheon at a new location this year: Plantation Hall at Huber Winery from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 19. Local people of all ages will be honored for having had an impact on someone’s Christian faith. Reservations can be made starting in mid-July, but members of the community must submit names of people now for having an impact on their Christian faith.

How may I designate someone?

Send or deliver a completed Honoree Submission Form (available at area churches, Hope, and on its website at interfaithinc.com) indicating the name of someone who has strengthened your faith. Past honorees are not eligible. Those names are listed on the website as well.

Who will be honored?

We will honor the first 35 who are submitted on a form that is complete (incomplete ones will not be accepted) and who commit to being present Aug. 19 (please ask the honoree first). Do not use the word “nominate,” for there is no selection process. God’s people don’t compete for impact. They just touch us in various ways. It’s an opportunity to celebrate God’s goodness through His servants NOW instead of listening to glowing testimonies after a person is gone.

What are the criteria?

The honoree must live or worship in Floyd County and be a Christian of any age serving in any walk of life and in any role — job, home, church, community. You and your honoree must be able to attend Aug. 19, and then we’ll publicize the names of all honorees when we invite the public to make reservations for the event later.

When is the deadline?

Your completed form must be sent or delivered to Hope, now located in the Brown-Starks Neighborhood Place at 1200 Bono Road in New Albany, no later than July 2. To ensure accuracy, no submissions will be accepted orally or via voice mail or email. They must be turned in on the form. To allow adequate time to recognize all honorees at the luncheon, only the first 35 will be featured. So get the forms in right away.

How will the names of honorees be shared?

A list of all honorees — the first 35 — will appear in newspaper in mid-July when reservations will be taken through mid-August. Honorees’ names and the brief explanation of their impact will be compiled into a booklet given to all attendees at the celebration Aug. 19. In addition, their names and comments about their background and areas of Christian impact will be read during the program.

May I submit the name of more than one person?

While you may have been blessed by many such people, this is a time for a submitter to designate just one individual or a married couple.

Will we get to sit together?

People will be seated with or near their honorees at tables of eight, which will be clustered together. You may request that on the reservation form that will be available at member churches and will appear in The News and Tribune ads starting in mid-July. Once you have submitted the name of an honoree, begin to invite his or her family members, friends, and others who would enjoy sharing in the afternoon that will applaud such wonderful people. It would be most convenient for you to make reservations as a group, although that is not required.

What is the cost?

This is a family-friendly event, so costs are kept as low as possible. Hope will pay for the honoree. Others will pay $25 for adults (ages 12 and older) and $20 for children (ages 4 to 11) It’s free for children age 3 and younger. Watch for reservation information starting in mid-July. The cost includes a buffet of chicken, honey ham, vegetables, slaw, potatoes, fried biscuits with apple butter and honey, homemade chicken and dumplings, assorted fresh fruit cobblers, ice cream, and unlimited beverages (soft drinks and tea).

Check interfaithinc.com for a list of free family activities associated with the program this year.

QUESTIONS?

For additional information, call Hope at 812-206-1800.