Benefit concert supports new start for Chattanooga's New Beginning Church

Dec. 4--Local ministers are coming together in support of a fresh start for New Beginning Church, which has been without a place to meet since early October when a car crashed into the church building on East 38th Street.

St. Elmo's Real Life Ministries is hosting a benefit concert for New Beginning on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. The concert features live performances by choirs from various churches as well as other special guests, said minister Zalendria Johnson with Real Life Ministries.

"A lot of times when tragedy happens, people think a man of God doesn't need encouragement, but they do," said Johnson, who met New Beginning pastor the Rev. George Clay through his wife, Redina, when the two participated in an art program together. "[The concert] is an opportunity for other teachers and pastors to support this man of God.

"Sometimes it's time for us all to come together and say 'We've got your back.'"

Tickets are $10 if purchased in advance online or $15 at the door, though no one will be turned away if they are unable to pay, Johnson said. People who want to help but cannot attend can make a donation through the GoFundMe webpage set up for New Beginning.

"Do what you can do, but do it from your heart," said Johnson. "It's all about l-o-v-e."

New Beginning was established by Clay in 2001 near the Woodlawn Apartments and has since been in several locations, he said. His congregation's roughly 25-30 members have been meeting at other churches while New Beginning's insurance company determines whether the building is structurally sound, said Clay.

"We try to smother everyone with love when they come," he said of New Beginning's services. "We're going to continue to show love and try to get people where they need to be spiritually and physically."

Real Life Ministries is at 5701 St. Elmo Ave. To purchase tickets, visit tinyurl.com/rhk69of, or make a donation at gofundme.com/f/new-beginning-church-new-start.

Email Emily Crisman at [email protected].

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