Light of the World
Christian Center
SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE
8 a m. to 9 a.m.
&
1) p . m
Pastor •
Bruce Burwell
Shir Shalom To The Rescue
Temple leases space to a church in need.
Bill Carroll
Contributing Writer
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
What followed since then has been the epitome of
interfaith relations, still rare in today's society. It's a feel-
good story about how Jews and Christians get along and
work together.
Everyone Cooperative
Burwell attributes it to the kindness of Rabbi Michael
Moskowitz, executive director Andre Douville, and the
congregation and staff of the temple. "They made it hap-
pen and we can't thank them enough," said Burwell.
"The whole arrangement is beautiful at
every level: Moskowitz enthused. "It's
good to share facilities with other faiths;
help the church in its time of need. The
church was out of options and we were
glad to help."
"We think back to when Shir Shalom
got started and had to rent space before
Rabbi Michael
we built this facility," added Douville.
Moskowitz
"Now we're returning the favor by letting
the church rent space from us. It's like
giving back to the religious community.
"Pastor Burwell and his congregation
have terrific energy and are very sup-
portive of the Jewish community and
Israel. And our board and congregation
are, in turn, very supportive of them."
6
Three people launched Light of the
Andre Douville
World Christian Center 10 years ago:
Burwell, his wife and daughter. A native of Pittsburgh, he
had been a financial adviser before attending the Word of
Faith ministry for two years to get ordained. His wife, Dr.
8
September 27 2012
Monoseta Burwell, is a dentist in Southfield.
"We saved all our money and bought the equipment
needed to start a church — microphones, video equip-
ment, books and so forth," said Burwell.
"Then we started moving around as we gained mem-
bers to worship together. We spent some years at the
Michigan State Conference Center in Troy, followed by
other places around the area. We talked to other syna-
gogues and churches, and all of them were receptive. But
Shir Shalom is like a godsend."
Membership At 280
The predominately black church now has 280 members
and retains independent status, drawing from a variety of
denominations. "And I'm proud to point out there are no
teenage pregnancies in the families of congregants, and
100 percent of the children of members are attending col-
lege," he said.
There are two services each Sunday, at 8 a.m. and noon
in the main sanctuary. "We had a problem at first because
about 300 of our children attended Sunday school in that
area, but they were all moved to the Corners building in
West Bloomfield," Burwell says.
"Andre and the rabbi have been very accommodating;'
he added. "And we've all become fast friends. The rabbi
and I are like brothers; we spend a lot of time just talking,
and we each speak from each other's pulpit. My family
and I have attended Passover seders, High Holy Day ser-
vices and the annual Walk for Israel. I even did a reading
at the seder:'
The next big step for the Light of the World Christian
Center to is to construct its own building. "We're going to
begin a capital fundraising campaign," says Burwell. "I'm
going to sit down with Andre and find out how to do it.
"I'm going to do my best to learn."
Light of the World Christian Center congregants
worship during Sunday services.