Joy in the City 2005 to Hit D.C.
The nation’s capital is gearing up for another major community outreach called ''Joy in the City 2005'' to bring thousands of families together for a safe, fun and healthy holiday celebration on Dec. 30-31.
WASHINGTON – The nation’s capital is gearing up for another major community outreach called "Joy in the City 2005" to bring thousands of families together for a safe, fun and healthy holiday celebration on Dec. 30-31.
Joy in the City is a faith-based, private-public collaboration initiative between The New Samaritan Baptist Church and corporate, small business and community partners. Themed "It's A Family Affair," the citywide event is expected to draw over 5,000 people to the D.C. Armory where D.C. Council Members including Mayor Anthony Williams and other community officials will be present.
"Our goal is to encourage a renewed level of hope particularly among the socially and economically disadvantaged in our city," said Bishop Michael V. Kelsey, senior pastor of NSBC, in a released statement. "Through Joy in the City, we look forward to filling the D.C. Armory and demonstrating outreach and love for humanity."
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Just two months ago, Williams had welcomed the DC Festival – a family-oriented community outreach event with evangelist Luis Palau – where Kelsey had served as the ministerial co-chairman. The festival, one of the largest faith-based events in D.C., had drawn more than 118,000 people with over 7,000 decisions made for Christ.
Filling the city with even more spiritual enrichment and celebration, Joy in the City is presenting a weekend of outreach, music, and dynamic messages from Bishop Michael Kelsey and Elder Sheila Bowens Kelsey.
Outreach services will be provided for low-income and displaced individuals on the opening day where the disadvantaged will receive hot meals, personal care items, health and lead screenings as well as assistance in employment, housing and education.
Doors will open the following night for the New Year's Eve Celebration featuring life changing testimonies and Christian entertainment by Tye Tribbett & Greater Anointing, Jonathan Dubose, Isaiah Thomas and the New Samaritan Praisers, Kelsey and the The New Samaritan Mass Choir, and other gospel artists.
Along with life enrichment opportunities for D.C. residents, the two-day program is focused on fostering improved community relations and bringing in the New Year with a positive message.
Corporate sponsors include McDonalds, Industrial Bank, Lanham-Ford, Kelsey Ministries, Samarisound, Inc, Unity Healthcare, Howard University Lead Awareness, Yohnnek Sports, WAVA 105.1 Radio, Heaven 1580 Radio, Giant Food, American Council on Education, UNCF Gates Millennium Scholars Program, Small Business Administration, and others. Government Agency supporters are Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority, D.C. Department of Transportation, D.C. Human Services Cluster Agencies, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, and D.C. Fire & Emergency Medical Services Outreach among others.
