By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

WILSONVILLE— The sanctuary lights of Wilsonville Baptist Church started to dim as the annual talent show wrapped up.

The only light came from the personalized luminaries, purchased in memory or in honor of someone affected by cancer, and a spotlight focused on the cross at the back of the church.

In the dimly lit sanctuary, a flash-mob of “Amazing Grace” broke out, culminating Wilsonville Baptist Church’s Relay for Life campaign.

“All the sudden the flash-mob started singing ‘Amazing Grace,’” Lynne Morton said of last year’s talent show. “Let me tell you, there was not a dry eye.”

Morton has been involved in the Relay for Life campaign at the church for the past three years. She has been cancer-free for more than five years, so the Relay for Life campaigns at the church have a special meaning for her.

This year’s talent show will take place May 15 at 5 p.m. at Wilsonville Baptist Church, and Morton said they are hoping to “pack the pews” with surrounding residents.

“It’s a variety of talent with individuals and groups, not just from Wilsonville Baptist,” she said. “There will be some high school students that will be participating, (and) some of the other churches will be participating. It’s funny. It can be emotional. It’s just a big variety.”

An individual usually gives their testimony for about five to 10 minutes, and then the talent show features about 10 to 12 acts, Morton said.

All throughout the campaign, she said the church will be selling the luminaries for $5 before Sunday services. After being used during the talent show, Morton said the luminaries will be used around the track at the Columbiana Sports Complex for the Relay for Life walk.

Last year, the church sold about 150 luminaries. They were able to raise $10,000, and Morton said they hope to raise as much this year.

DJ’s BBQ in Wilsonville will also be contributing to the campaign this year by donating a percentage of the receipts and all tips earned on Thursday, April 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The talent show is open to the public and admission is free.

“It’s emotional because it shows me that you don’t have to have cancer to feel the love of other people,” Morton said. “This community is incredible. Our church is incredible for support. It’s something you have to experience just to see everyone pull together because they care about cancer.”