ScottZion Baptist welcomes new flag, visitor

It began with that everyday American pastime: a fill-up at a gas station/convenience store/social center known for coffee, food, beer and lottery tickets.

No matter the motivation for people who stop at such community gathering spots, conversations occur. Sometimes, so do good ideas.

So it came to be that Del. Ben Cline, R-Rockbridge, had a brief meet-and-greet with Priscilla Liggon, an Amherst County School Board member, at such an establishment in Madison Heights. Both are engaged constantly in the public’s business –– and yet ensconced in their own lives, too. Business literally can come up anywhere.

“She did catch me filling the tank,” and he might even have had a few choice words about gas prices, Cline recalled in brief remarks Sunday at ScottZion Baptist Church on Galts Mill Road in Madison Heights.

“You know, I said we needed a flag in our new church,” Liggon recalled. “He said, ‘OK, I’ll get you one.’”

But he didn’t want to just hand it over. “No, no, I want to come to your worship service,” she recalled Cline telling her, to loud applause.

That set the stage for a joyous, welcoming worship service on Sunday, in which one of Amherst County’s largest congregations received several elected officials who presented a new American flag and a new Commonwealth of Virginia flag to fly in a gem of a new sanctuary and fellowship center that opened in 2009.

The flags have been flown over the capitols in Washington, D.C., and Richmond, respectively.

The event was inclusive, with the church’s deacons and officers presiding not only over the elected visitors, but also other newcomers who came to worship, including several from various churches.

They welcomed each visitor individually and it was like family.

The officials were welcomed by everyone from little children to uniform-clad church stalwarts, learned elderly members and the heart-and-soul everyday Amherst County people who make up a vibrant congregation, sitting row after row.

Politics had nothing to do with it. It was all about “we’re here for you” from the elected officials. Besides Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, visitors included Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-6th District, and his wife, Maryellen; Del. Scott Garrett, R-Lynchburg; Amherst Board of Supervisors District 2 Chairwoman Claudia Tucker (Temperance); ScottZion member and District 4 Supervisor Juanita Roberson (Madison Heights); and Amherst County Sheriff Jimmy Ayers.

The morning began with a soulful rendition of “This is the Day that the Lord Has Made,” a rollicking gospel song inspired by Psalm 118:24 and immortalized on the soundtrack of the motion picture “Dead Man Walking.”

It is a selection synonymous with an unfettered celebration of faith and thanks and was performed on the soundtrack by the Rev. Donald R. Smith and The Golden Voices Gospel Choir of St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church in New Orleans.

The ScottZion Gospel Chorus performed it Sunday morning.

The elected visitors entered in a triumphant procession, with church officers and deacons with their spouses and the Rev. Russell Gary Lee leading the way and presiding, ramrod straight, sincere in voice and never a heartbeat away from God.

Beforehand, ushers handed out cardboard fans to congregants, who constantly clapped, stood and prayed reverently. The drummer had shed his jacket a half hour into the service.

“Today is an extra special day,” Liggon said in the church announcements.

She asked United States military veterans in the congregation to stand and come forward for a group photo. Eighteen men and women stood proudly.

High-volume “Good Morning!” salutations came from the officials, and extra thanks for the veterans.

“That is the true measure of public service,” Cline said.

“It is a pleasure to be here with these other folks,” Goodlatte said. “And we will be back.

“Fly it proudly.”

The new ScottZion church, at 2602 Galts Mill Road, has about 600 members. For more information, call (434) 846-7263.