2008
March 23
The Belleville News Democrat published an article titled, “Alleluia! Choirs Lead the Way.” The article featured NLICIC’ four choirs: the Single of Standards; the Men of Valor’s male choir; teens; and children of NLICIC. Its sub-titled, “Heavenly Harmony” is where choir members come together to share their joys and troubles through songs.
July 23
The Belleville News Democrat published an article titled, “Neighbors are Concerned about O’Fallon Expansion (Church Plans Addition and New Building)”. The article featured NLICIC’s plans to add an 8,500 square-foot Youth Center (Charles Rayford Family Development Center) which the neighbors are concerned about increase in the already enormous traffic and parking.
July 24
The O’Fallon Progress published an article titled, “Church’s Expansion Draws Concerns.” The articles stated that the O’Fallon Planning Commission supports NLCICI’s plans. However, the neighbors believe the expansion will cause traffic headaches.
July 31
The O’Fallon Progress News published an article titled, “New Life In Christ Expansion Set to Go Before O’Fallon’s City Council.” On Monday, July 30, at 6:30 p.m., the city’s Community Development Committee unanimously approved the church plans to add an 8,500 square-foot youth center and double the size of its sanctuary. However, the city council members are concerned with who should pay the costs to improve Hilltop Drive.
August 5
On this date, the Belleville News Democrat published an article titled, “Church Plans Get First Reading.” The article stated that one Monday, August 4, 6:00 p.m., O’Fallon’s city council members approved the first two readings for the expansion of NLCIC. The article also stated that council members were concerned with the improvements of a nearby road which may stall final approval of the proposed presented by NLICIC.
August 7
The O’Fallon Progress News published, “O’Fallon OKs First Step for Church Expansion.” The article stated that it was standing-room only at the city council meeting on Monday, August 4 as council members debated who would bare the cost to improve a narrow road just South of the church. The article also stated the church’s congregation has grown from 800 members in 2003 to about 2,200 current members.
August 21
The O’Fallon Progress News published, “Expansion Approved for New Life.” It also stated that the “O’Fallon Mayor to Negotiate Possible Funds for Road Improvements.” NLICIC received a standing ovation on Monday, August 18, from more than 200 people who crowed the council chambers. The council approved the proposal in a 9-1 vote, but removed an amendment to the ordinance providing funding to expand Hilltop Road.
The council agreed to allow the Mayor of O’Fallon to negotiate with the church and return with an appropriations bill for consideration. A 10-3 vote for an ordinance to require NLICIC additional property easement in case the Western portion of Hilltop Road need to be widened in the future.
September 28
The St Louis American featured Bishop Dudley and the Unity Service in an article titled, “Bishop-Elect Geoffrey Vincient Dudley Sr. preaches community involvement”. http://www.stlamerican.com/religion/local_religion/bishop-elect- geoffrey-vincient-dudley-sr-preaches-community- involvement/article_695a3531-f263-5298-9fd5-1f52e081f04e.html
2007
September 9
The Belleville News Democrat published an article titled, “ESL Churches Hope, Prayer, Fasting Will Heal the City.” The article featured Pastor Dudley and several churches throughout the Metro East calling for “A Spiritual Breakthrough for ESL.” The event was also covered by CW-11 News on this same date.