In order to allow the entire congregation space to worship in one place at the same time, Bible Center Church will hold services at the Clay Center on Sunday.

"It's a normal service with a twist," said the Rev. Shawn Thornton, senior pastor. "We wanted everyone to see they are part of something bigger than they expected. We're celebrating what God has done, is doing, and will do through us as a congregation."

Bible Center Church, located at 1111 Oakhurst Drive, now holds three Sunday services to accommodate its growing congregation. The last few Sundays, attendance has averaged more than 1,400.

In order to hold a combined service, the church checked out spots that might hold the entire church family at one time. They found the Clay Center in downtown Charleston offered special prices for non-profit organizations.

"We found the price was $1 a seat in the Maier Auditorium," Thornton said. "That is hard to beat. The area lends itself to parking. We rented the museum for the children. They will spend half the time in the museum and half the time in study."

Doors open 9 a.m. Sunday at the Clay Center with a prelude in the grand foyer. Upon arrival, parents are to register children near the café. From there children will be taken to age appropriate areas. Children age 3 to 5 are to be picked up in the lower level classrooms at 11:30 a.m. Those in kindergarten through grade six are to be picked up at 11:30 a.m. in the lobby outside Maier Auditorium.

Those attending services may park across from the Clay Center where 20 Bible Center parking attendants will be on hand. Those who prefer to park at the church may catch a shuttle bus to the Clay Center. Buses leave the church at 9 a.m. and arrive at the center at 9:20 a.m. For the return trip, buses will leave the Clay Center at 11:40 a.m.

During the service, commitment cards will be collected from those who wish to make donations toward the church's new building endeavors.

Bible Center got its start in 1942 when a small group began meeting in borrowed space in a downtown Charleston store's shoe department. Church construction began in 1943. Since the beginning, the congregation has been in four locations. Plans are now in the works for another move to a 96-acre site off Corridor G.

The current financial goal is to raise $4 million over a three-year period. This amount is to cover current debt, land acquisition and architectural designs.

"In two to three years we will begin building," Thornton said.

Another fund-raising campaign is to be held at that time. Instead of pledges, the church calls donations commitments. Those who make commitments may put the amount on a card and remain anonymous or sign their names.

Thornton said staying focused on the word of God has been the mind-set of the congregation for more than 60 years.

"It probably sounds over simplistic," he said. "We as a church stay united around the person and work of Jesus Christ. We don't get into squabbles over carpet color and who sits where."

Thornton said the service on Sunday at the Clay Center is open to the public.

Writer Charlotte Ferrell Smith can be reached at 348-1246.