The Tie That Binds

November 28, 2008 · By Deb Phillips - The Photo Gal 

Worshippers fellowship at Bethlehem AME Zion Church in Lewisville, North Carolina (Forsyth County) - Deb Phillips, photographer.

Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.
— “Blest Be the Tie That Binds”

Three congregations came together Wednesday evening at Bethlehem AME Zion Church for a Community Thanksgiving Eve Service.

The visiting congregants came from Brookstown United Methodist Church and Olivet Moravian Church. Some of them became part of the combined choir, while others found their place of worship alongside each other in the pews.

Reverend Doug Rights, from Olivet, shared a scripture and the opening prayer; and Reverend Chip Webb, from Brookstown, gave the Thanksgiving Eve message. Administering communion was Bethlehem’s pastor, Reverend Beverly McMillian.

Across the congregation, the faces were black, white, young and not-so-young. Yet though diverse in many ways, they were united in worship, communion and fellowship.

To see more photos of the service, as well as a few photos taken in the fellowship hall, please visit the Bethlehem AME Zion Church photo gallery. At the end of the gallery, there’s a close-up of a very gracious lady, a member of Bethlehem AME Zion Church, who is 99 years old.

Share This Article:
  • del.icio.us
  • Digg
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • StumbleUpon
  • LinkedIn
  • Google Bookmarks

Share Your Thoughts

Share your thoughts ...
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a free Gravatar!


  • Photo Moments

    Lewisville, NC Postmasters plaque presented by John Craft to the Lewisville Post Office (Forsyth County).Christmas wreath close-up at the Enchanted Cottage in Lewisville, NC (Forsyth County). Photographer Deb Phillips.Lewisville residents were walking with their dogs after the recent snowfall.Stop sign at Shallowford Square in Lewisville, NC.
  • VISIT THE PHOTO GALLERY

    Visit the LewisvillePhotos.com Photo Gallery
  • Photo Quote

    The medium of photography can record not only what the eyes see, but that which the mind's eye sees, as well. The camera is not only an extension of the eye, but of the brain. It can see sharper, farther, nearer, slower, faster than the eye. It can see by invisible light. It can see in the past, present, and future. Instead of using the camera only to reproduce objects, I wanted to use it to make what is invisible to the eye, visible. —Wynn Bullock
  • More Photo Moments

    Snow-covered Shallowford Square in Lewisville, NC. Photography by Deb Phillips.Patrick Nelson of Lewisville, NC (Forsyth County) having fun in the snow.Lewisville citiens pose at the Nissen Wagon at Shallowford Square in Lewisville, NC (Forsyth County).Brad Craver, Civil War reenactor, gave a Civil War presentation to the members of the Lewisville (NC) Historical Society.Held at Shallowford Square, the First Annual Best of Lewisville Festival was sponsored by Karate International of Lewisville and MediaFit.West Side Civic Theatre sponsored The Pirates of Penzance at Shallowford Square in Lewisville, NC.The Old Cemetery at Shiloh Lutheran Church in Lewisville, NC (Forsyth County). Photography by Deb Phillips.