Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- September 19 celebration will also commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11 with prayer, music, family activities and a 250-drone display
The Cross at the Crossroads will commemorate two significant milestones during 25 Years of Faith, Hope and Impact, a free community celebration event planned for Saturday, September 19, from 6–9 pm at the Cross, located at 1900 Pike Avenue in Effingham.
The event will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Cross at the Crossroads while also honoring the lives affected by the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The Cross was dedicated on September 16, 2001—just five days after September 11—and stands as the most universal symbol of faith.
“The Cross has stood as a beacon of hope and a reminder of God’s enduring presence,” said Matt Cekander, Cross Foundation Board member and emcee for the anniversary celebration. “We invite our community and visitors from near and far to join us as we celebrate and give thanks for 25 years of sharing Christ’s message.”
Food and family activities will begin at 6 pm. Complimentary hamburgers, hot dogs and chips will be served from 6–7 pm, courtesy of Save-A-Lot in Effingham and The Cross Foundation. Koerner Distributors will provide drinks, and Culver’s and Teutopolis Treats will provide ice cream.
A prayer service will begin at 6:30 pm and will include worship music by Hillary Beard. At 6:45 pm, EchoTap will take the stage to perform Christian and contemporary music.
The evening will culminate at 8 pm with Effingham’s first-ever drone show. A fleet of 250 drones will fill the night sky with Christian and patriotic images during a 15-minute display synchronized to music.
Additional activities and opportunities throughout the evening will include:
- A free commemorative gift for the first 500 families
- A free glow stick for the first 250 children
- A Prayer and Praise Wall inside the Welcome Center, where guests may submit prayer requests or share praises
- A children’s bounce house
- The opportunity to walk the Life of Jesus Pathway, featuring life-size bronze statues depicting meaningful moments from the life of Jesus
- Time to explore the peaceful Cross campus and Welcome Center
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Parking will be available on the Cross campus and at neighboring businesses. Attendees should watch for signs directing them to designated parking areas.
Admission is free. Free-will offerings will be accepted to support the mission of the Cross at the Crossroads: to share the Christian message of love, forgiveness, hope and eternal life through Jesus Christ.
The Cross at the Crossroads gratefully recognizes the generous sponsors helping make this community celebration possible:
- Dr. Rick & Angie Workman Family
- Ann & Dennis Deters Family
- Anonymous Donor
- Beck’s
- J&J Ventures
- Mid Illinois Concrete
- Agracel
- AKRA
- Effingham Tourism Board
- Koerner Distributors
- Save-A-Lot
- Culver’s
- Teutopolis Treats
For more information, visit CrossUSA.org, call 217-821-5287, or follow @TheCrossInEffingham on social media.
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