Canaan S.A.F.E.House

The 14^th Annual SAFE House Winter Concert will be held Sunday, February 27, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 201 West Church,  Champaign, IL.

Founded in 1994, SAFE House is a 12 month residential ministry operated by Canaan Development Foundation.  It receives no public funding, and has depended upon the generosity of the Faith Based Community as well as other friends of SAFE House for its sole financial support.

This concert is one of two annual events to help raise funding for this transformational addictions ministry.

This year, the First United Methodist Chancel Ringers and First Methodist pipe organist Ray Wiggs will be featured along with the Community Mass Choir led by Willie T. Summerville, choral director at Canaan Baptist Church.  Members of the choir will come from several area churches. They will perform several anthems with Ray Wiggs accompanying.

Immediately after the concert at 5:30 p.m., the First United Methodist Youth Group will serve a spaghetti supper at the church.  Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children under 12.  Proceeds will go to their Appalachian Service Project and the Men’s SAFE House.

For anyone interested in singing in the choir and obtaining rehearsal information, please contact Mike Weber 356-5575 or Willie Summerville at 369-7404.

Rev. Vincent Burnell Carter Sr.

Rev. Vincent Burnell Carter Sr., former director of the Canaan  Men’s Safe House, passed away on  Monday January 17, 2011.  Rev. Carter was born in Chicago, Illinois to Austin & Claudia Clark. He accepted Christ at the tender age of 12.  Rev. Carter was the proud father of two daughters; Vernee’ and Valonda and one son; Vincent Carter Jr.  He attended the Hirsh public high school of Chicago.  He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in May 1975 in Music Education in the College of Cultural Studies from  Governor’s State University Park Forest South Illinois. His concentration was in instrumental performance and secondary education.

His Professional Experiences include Director of the Men’s Safe House Substance Abuse program; Project Associate Illinois Literacy Development Center; Lead Advisor Parkland College Adult Education Champaign Illinois; Lead Instructor/Advancing Opportunity Project Specialist: Workforce Preparation Center Champaign Illinois; Instructor Adult Education Parkland College Champaign I1linois; Counselor Youth Guidance Chicago Illinois; Director of Community Services Malcolm X College Chicago Illinois;  Instructor, Malcolm X College Music Dept., Chicago Illinois; Coordinator of Community Cultural Program, Malcolm X College Adult Education Chicago Illinois; Coordinator of Training Specialists, Department of Human Services Chicago Illinois. Read on…