The Rev. Buren Goss' message was perfectly suited for the

service as he preached on "An Attitude of Gratitude" at the first

worship service of the new Eagles Way Church in Fayetteville.

Not only was it the weekend before Thanksgiving, but his dream

of starting a church in Fayette County had finally become a reality.

Goss, an avid golfer, had visited Fayette County often

and mentioned to other leaders from his church, Eagles Way in

Griffin, that he would like to start a church here. Five months ago,

a building became available in Fayetteville and the pieces fell

into place.

Sixty-eight people attended the new church's first service

Nov. 22 some families from the Griffin church and several new

visitors. "It was very exciting for everybody to have that many

people there," said Jeffrey McCullough, associate pastor in charge of

public relations.

The church's worship format is the same as its home church

in Griffin featuring positive messages and contemporary,

arts-focused music in a casual setting. Goss and pastor Mike Oliver

share Sunday morning speaking responsibilities at the Fayette

County church. "It's like having one church in two

locations," McCullough said.

A continental breakfast begins a time of fellowship at 10

a.m. Sundays, then the worship service starts at 10:30. There is

a time of music, featuring a praise band with guitars, drums and

vocalists. There may also be a small, relevant drama or a modern,

interpretive dance number before the teaching begins.

"A relationship with Christ isn't something to weigh

someone down," said McCullough. "He said he came to give life

more abundantly." The church strives to provide relevant messages

of hope to people.

Eagles Way in Griffin, established 30 years ago, has been

actively involved in the arts for about 15 years. A performing arts

center was started in the church which later moved into the

community and became Arts in Motion. The church also put on a passion

play each year until it got too big; now Arts in Motion is in charge of

the performance. One of the country's foremost mimes attends the

church and gives performances there.

The expansion into Fayette County comes in the middle

of Eagles Way's "Opportunity '98" building program. A new

office and counseling complex is being built in Griffin, and

McCullough is in charge of the church's new television ministry, which is

slated to be up and running by this spring.

The television ministry involves building a state-of-the-art

digital video production facility, enabling the church to put together

"very tasteful, informative programs to air on cable," McCullough

said, like talk shows, music and church services. "It is our hope to be

able to put that on a couple of the major cable networks in the area,"

like PAX.

Plans are big for the Fayette County branch, as well.

Church leaders hope to soon begin a midweek service and possibly

another night for youth activities. Eventually they hope to offer

services throughout the week.

The new Eagles Way Church is at 1332 Ga. Highway 92

South. For more information call 770-716-0500.

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