Spiritual Super Bowl heading to Detroit

On Aug.6 "One in Worship: A Day of Sacrifice" will draw 50,000 to 70,000 Christian worshippers of all denominations to Detroit's Ford Field.

DETROIT, MI July 22, 2004 -- Straight Gate International Church leaders announced a worldwide religious event -- "One in Worship: A Day of Sacrifice" -- that will draw tens of thousands of faithful followers of Christ to Michigan Aug. 6.

At a press conference attended by Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and Ford Field management, Bishop Andrew Merritt and Pastor Viveca Merritt of Straight Gate International Church outlined "One in Worship," a one-day religious revival, that will take place Friday, Aug. 6 at Ford Field and will welcome an anticipated 50,000 to 70,000 Christians of every denomination, race and ethnic background from throughout the United States, Canada and beyond.

"We believe 'One in Worship' will affect the world," Bishop Merritt said. "We're not just speaking to Detroit or our region, we're speaking to the entire world. Through this experience, for one day, we will say to the outside forces in our lives --'We won't give you any attention. We're giving our joy to God.'"

"One in Worship" will be broadcast via satellite to six continents -- North America, South America, Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and in war-torn regions such as the Middle East. More than 400 prisons will receive the broadcast, which will be sent out in English, Spanish and French. The event is supported by Straight Gate International Church of Detroit and sponsored by M & M Entertainment.

"One in Worship"is free for stadium seating but you must have a ticket. Preferred floor-level seating is available for $50 plus fees. Tickets are available at Straight Gate International Church, 10100 Grand River Ave. in Detroit or by calling the One in Worship toll-free hotline -- 1-866-664-8385. They may be purchased at all TicketMaster outlets and online at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets may also be purchased at the Ford Field Ticket Office, 2000 Brush Street in Detroit or by calling 313-262-2003. For more details and group rate information, go to www.oneinworship.com. Advance tickets for parking can also be purchased through Ford Field for $8 on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Mayor Kilpatrick praised Bishop Merritt and Pastor Merritt for planning "One in Worship." The mayor thanked them for their vision and faith, their faith in the Lord and their faith in the City of Detroit.

The mayor said Detroit and Ford Field have announced some outstanding events recently including the greatest attendance at a basketball game finals in NCAA history (Michigan State vs. Kentucky) and the upcoming Super Bowl, which will take place in Detroit.

"But now, we're announcing the Spiritual Super Bowl, something that is huge, something that will be broadcast around the world," Kilpatrick said of the August spiritual gathering at Ford Field. "This is a dynamic happening in this city."

"One in Worship" will be the first major religious event ever to take place at Ford Field. Joan LeMahieu, general manager of Ford Field, said her organization looks forward to working on the project.    

"It's a positive event in every sense of the word -- a family-oriented event -- one that is reflective of the diversity in the City of Detroit," LeMahieu said. "This is the type of event that, like Ford Field, will create a lasting impact on our community."

"One in Worship" will begin at 9 a.m. with quiet prayer and end in celebration of the Lord at 9 p.m. The day will include prayer time, Bible reading, celebration in worship with song and a call to discipleship. Participants should bring their Bibles.

Noted religious leaders including Bishop Merritt, Pastor Viveca Merritt of Straight Gate International Church; Dr. Peter Wagner United States Strategic Prayer Network; Apostle Barbara Yoder of Shekinah Christian Church in Ann Arbor; and Dr. Pat Francis of the Kingdom Covenant Centre in greater Toronto will lead the ministry with the support of more than 200 pastors and ministers.

Worship leaders who will rejoice the Lord in song include Donnie McClurkin, Fred Hammond, Israel Houghton, David and Nicole Binion, Robert Stearns, Pastor Sheryl Brady, Vicki Yohe, Terry MacAlmon, Phil Driscoll, Morris Chapman, Martha Munizzi, Pastor Gary Oliver, Pat Francis and High Praise, Vanessa Williams and the Billboard Chart Toppers, The Straight Gate Mass Choir.

Given the intense interest in and success of the movie "The Passion of the Christ" and religious-themed television mini-series, the timing of "One in Worship" is perfect, Bishop Merritt said. Americans, especially, seem to be seeking answers about the Lord and their place in the world, the Bishop said. Where the movie was a depiction of Christ, "One in Worship" is an invitation to truly come to know the Lord, Merritt said.

"Although it is a great nation, America, morally, is in trouble," Merritt said. "I believe we must wholeheartedly embrace genuine repentance for our sinfulness and seek forgiveness for how we've offended God. The change for our nation must begin with The Church, those who already believe in Christ. We are hoping to strengthen the faithful and reach those outside The Church and help them accept our Lord as the Lord and Savior."

Apostle Barbara Yoder of Shekinah Christian Church in Ann Arbor said the day will be one in which Christians turn to God with all their hearts.

"Bishop Andrew Merritt, Bishop of Straight Gate Church, is leading the call to reform through prayer, fasting and worship," Yoder said. "It is a day to gather to see what God will do when a corporate group of Christian believers will gather, not to criticize their city, but to begin to pray for their leaders and cry out on behalf of righteousness and justice."

In the vein of Promise Keepers, "One in Worship" aims to strengthen the family, but in a global sense. "One in Worship" is geared at strengthening the entire Christian family and extending its embrace to those who are lost or seeking the Lord.