By CAROLINE CARMICHAEL/ Staff Writer

Lomax Independent Church is hosting its 17th Anniversary Weekend Sept. 9 – 10, kicking off its celebration with a hot dog supper and Gospel singing Sept. 9.

Supper will begin at 5 p.m. with all-you-can-eat hot dogs for a $1 donation, Pastor Rusty Jones said.

“You leave a donation of a dollar, and you can eat all the hot dogs you want,” Jones said.

Beginning at 6 p.m., Gospel bands Spoken For Trio, Heaven Strings Bluegrass Gospel and Joyful Noise will take the stage to lead the singing.

Lomax Independent Church will collect a love offering benefitting the Gospel singers.

Jones said the church is “looking forward to everyone coming and having a good time!”

In special celebration of its 17 years, Lomax Independent Church will feature during its 10 a.m. Sunday service special guests Bro. Raymond Rivers and his family from Gospel Light Free Will Baptist Church in Calera.

“Raymond and Sue Rivers, they sing,” Jones said, “and Hannah, their daughter, she does signing to music.”

An anniversary lunch at noon will follow the service.

Jones said it is “wonderful” to be celebrating 17 years for the church.

“I’ve been here since the doors opened,” Jones said.

“We’ve had our ups and downs, but the Lord has really and truly blessed us,” Jones said.

The community is invited to celebrate with the church.

“Anybody and everybody is invited,” Jones said. “Come — don’t worry about the donations if you don’t have them, just come and have a good time!”

Lomax Independent Church is located at 17580 Highway 31 in Clanton.