SANTEE -- The Fellowship of Praise Church, whose members have worshipped in a variety of venues -- a living room, Sweatman's Barbecue and an old bingo parlor -- finally has a home of its own in Santee at 8280 Old Number Six Highway.

"Our mission at Fellowship of Praise is bringing people to a personal relationship with Jesus thus enabling them to activate their ministry, live a life of fellowship with Christ, implement a heart for missions, voice their testimony and experience genuine worship in order to magnify our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ," Pastor Tim Sanders said.

The church, which is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, has a contemporary, practical and casual atmosphere. It is multi-racial and multi-ethnic.

"Our sermons are displayed on PowerPoint to enable members to follow along, and we also use audio-video," Sanders said.

Constructed by Medlin Builders of Fountain Inn, the interior of the church has room for all age groups, from infants to seniors.

"Our members did the painting and trim in the building," Sanders said. "If it's painted or hung on the wall, we did it ourselves."

The auditorium seats 289 people, whose average age is 30-35, but all age groups are represented in the congregation. The once-a-month Saturday night Celebration Service, which features music and singing, attracts a crowd.

Children's needs are a priority at Fellowship of Praise. Infants have a bright, bea.jpgully decorated nursery, as do toddlers ages 3 to 5. Children 6 to 12 years old meet in a special room, and youth from 13 to 18 years old also have an appropriately appointed space of their own.

Seniors get together for lunch the first Saturday of the month and participate in trips. They will journey to the Carolina Opry Christmas Show before the holidays.

A grand celebration and building dedication will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, with special guests, music and refreshments. Sanders said the entire community is invited to attend.

Sanders said he is grateful to be serving the community.

"We couldn't ask for a better group of people," he said. "We hope what we do here will make an eternal difference in people's lives."

For more information, call 803-854-2298. The church's Web site is www.fellowshipofpraise.com.

T&D Correspondent Shirley Upton can be reached by e-mail at writer@ntinet.com. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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