Weekly Regional Prayer Gathering for Atlanta's 'Southern Cresent"

What: A weekly (non-denominational) prayer and praise gathering in Tyrone for the "southern crescent of Atlanta".

Why: To seek the Lord's favor for south metro Atlanta.

When: Every Friday Night (exceptions for holidays.)

Time: 7:14 PM (See 2 Chronicles 7:14 -- "If my people...")

Where: Compass Dance Academy, (770) 632-5600
118 Palmetto Road, Suite A, Tyrone, GA 30290-6804

MAP: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Tyrone&state=GA&address=118+Palmetto+Rd&zipcode=30290-6804&country=US&latitude=33.48079&longitude=-84.59005&geocode=ADDRESS

PLEASE join us when you can as we seek God's favor for this area. Bring a friend!

We want to unite as many believers from south metro as possible. [I know that many of you are already praying for this individually or with others in your church, but I believe that there is great value in getting us all together "in one place." See Acts 2:1]

The plan is to continue every Friday night at 7:14 PM (except for holidays, e.g. DEC. 24th) until the Lord directs otherwise.


After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken.

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. ACTS 4:31

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Yes, we have problems, but we have a lot to be thankful for in the United States. One of the things we can be thankful for is the relative abundance of food. Our culture celebrates with food. Think about it. We have banquets, bar-b-ques, buffets (some all-you-can-eat!), picnics, wedding receptions, and church dinners, just to name a few of our food centered activities; And, of course, today we have THANKSGIVING DINNER. The Pilgrims shared a meal as they thanked God for surving their first year (many did not) in the New World.



A few years ago I read that much of the world's population has no concept of what our thanksgiving dinners are like. Today, I'll sit down to the largest meal my wife prepares all year. I'll think about not eating too much, but I probably will anyway. Maybe you will, too. But, I try not to take this feast for granted. I know how lucky we are and that makes me even more thankful!

Monthly Prayer Meeting for Revival in America

Tuesday, November 23rd from 7-9 PM

Praying for Revival in America!

Isn't it time for the Body of Christ in this area to humble ourselves before the Lord of Glory and to seek His face?

(This is a non-denominational group of believers from all over the greater Fayette/Coweta County area. They have been meeting monthly.)

Location: Vineyard Christian Fellowship (VCF) Worship Center --
304 Dividend Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269-1908

(between Paschall Road and Kelly Drive; between Theo's Automotive and COMCAST.)

[The Pastor at VCF is my good friend, Rev. Sam Phillips.]

All are welcome; Bring a friend!

Dress is CASUAL.

MAP: http://mapq.st/h/6-4AE15brl

Edgefield Baptist Church's 140th Anniversary

Edgefield Baptist Church in Fayetteville will celebrate its 140th Anniversary this Sunday, October 3, 2010 at 3:00 PM. The Senior Pastor at Edgefield is Reverend Eddie Thomas.


The theme for the anniversary is "We have come This Far by Grace."

"And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 CORINTHIANS 12:9 (KJV)

The guest preacher will be Reverend William Holmes of Second Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Atlanta.

Edgefield is located at 140 Church Street, Fayetteville, GA 30214-1612.

MAP: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Fayetteville&state=GA&address=140+Church+St&zipcode=30214-1612&country=US&latitude=33.450741&longitude=-84.452558&geocode=ADDRESS

What Kind of Warrior Are You?

Sun Tzu, a Chinese general, strategist and author of The Art of War, put it this way over 2000 years ago: “It is the unemotional, reserved, calm, detached warrior who wins, not the hothead seeking vengeance and not the ambitious seeker of fortune.”

Pray for REVIVAL in America this Thursday night

There will be a prayer meeting this Thursday night, September 23rd, to pray specifically for REVIVAL in America.

This non-denominational, apolitical event will take place at Vineyard Christian Fellowship of South Metro (VCF).

Starting time is 7:00 PM and ending time is tentatively set for 9:00 PM, or whenever the Holy Spirit directs.

VCF is located in Peachtree City at 304 Dividend Drive, right next to the COMCAST office.

MAP: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Peachtree+City&state=GA&address=304+Dividend+Dr&zipcode=30269-1908&country=US&latitude=33.38635&longitude=-84.58457&geocode=ADDRESS

For more information please contact VCF at 770.487.9232 or info@southmetrovineyard.com

If you have a heart for REVIVAL in America, please try to join us there!

REVIVAL at Holly Grove AME Church

Holly Grove African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church is holding their REVIVAL Monday – Wednesday, August, 23-25, 2010. The Senior Pastor at Holly Grove AME Church is Rev. Eyvonne Whitman.

Everyone is invited!


Having worshipped at Holly Grove dozens of times myself, I can guarantee that you will be warmly welcomed!



Here's the schedule and the guest preachers:



Monday, August 23, 2010 - 7:00 PM


Reverend Regina Dotson Hibbert, Senior Pastor, Russell Temple AME Church, Newnan, GA


Tuesday, August 24, 2010 - 7:00 PM

Reverend Gregory V. Eason - Senior Pastor, Big Bethel AME Church, Atlanta, GA


Wednesday, August 25, 2010 - 7: 00PM

Reverend Dr. Isaac N. Hudson Jr., Senior Pastor, Nichols Chapel AME Church, Phenix City, Alabama


Holly Grove is located in Peachtree City at 400 Holly Grove Church Road, off of the southern end of Robinson Road. Look for the white fence, the church sign, and the historical marker.


MAP to Holly Grove: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mapquest.com%2Fmaps%3Fcity%3DPeachtree%2BCity%26state%3DGA%26address%3D400%2BHolly%2BGrove%2BChurch%2BRd%26zipcode%3D30269-3648%26country%3DUS%26latitude%3D33.35649%26longitude%3D-84.52942%26geocode%3DADDRESS&h=7ba36

Local Men's Conference, Saturday, August 28, 2010

A Promise Keeper is committed to reaching beyond any racial and denominational barriers to demonstrate the power of Biblical unity. -- PROMISE 6

Pastor Greg Watson and the men of Lamb of God Christian Church invite you to their Men's Conference, Saturday, August 28, 2010 at 10:00 AM. The theme of the conference is "God is Looking for a Few Good Men!"

Lamb of God Christian Church is a small but growing African-American congregation. They are participants in the Fellowship of Christian Churches and Friends (FCCF), an organization that promotes unity in the local body of Christ. Here is a chance for you to meet some new brothers in Christ.

The speakers Saturday will be Pastor Sebastian Holley of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Cartersville, GA and Pastor Eric B. Walker of Just Jesus Word of God Church in Morrow, GA.

Expect the conference to last approximately two hours, followed by lunch and fellowship. The cost is $10.00.

For those who are available, the conference will conclude on Sunday morning as part of the regular 10:00 AM worship service at Lamb of God with a message by Elder Larry Puckett from Griffin, GA.

Lamb of God Christian Church is located in northernmost Fayette County at 1929 GA Hwy. 85 North, north of Kenwood Road and on the east side of Hwy 85. It sits up on a hill in a business plaza that includes Auto Body Solutions.

MAP: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Jonesboro&state=GA&address=1929+Highway+85&zipcode=30238-5652&country=US&latitude=33.513216&longitude=-84.429391&geocode=ADDRESS

Dress Code: Casual.

Please join us if you can!

REVIVALS this week at Fayette area churches

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. EPHESIANS 4:4-6

Therefore, please consider attending one or more nights of these Revivals in local churches:

Mount Olive Baptist Church

Mount Olive Baptist Church (http://mtolivebaptistfayetteville.com) will hold their Revival this Wednesday through Friday, August 4-6, 2010 at 7:00 PM each night.
The Senior Pastor at Mount Olive is Rev. Melvin Ware. Everyone is invited!
The guest preachers are as follows: Wednesday, Pastor Carlton Huff from Emmanuel Baptist Church in Riverdale; Thursday, Rev. Otis White from Shiloh Baptist Church in Jonesboro; Friday, Pastor Keith Staley Chosen Generation Church (http://www.choseng.org) in East Point.

Mount Olive is located in northwest Fayette County at 1565 Hwy 92 N., Fayetteville, GA 30214-2803.

MAP: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Fayetteville&state=GA&address=1565+Highway+92+N&zipcode=30214-2803&country=US&latitude=33.528056&longitude=-84.510188&geocode=ADDRESS

_______________________________________________________

Hartford United Methodist Church (UMC)

Hartford United Methodist Church (UMC) will also hold their Revival this Wednesday through Friday, August 4-6, 2010 at 7:30 PM, nightly. The Guest Revivalist will be Rev. Walter Kimbrough from Cascade United Methodist Church (http://cascadeumc.org) in Atlanta. The Pastor of Hartford UMC is Reverend Frank Dean, Jr.

Hartford is located in Fayette County at 216 Padget Road. All are welcome!

MAP: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Senoia&state=GA&address=216+Padgett+Rd&zipcode=30276-1645&country=US&latitude=33.319709&longitude=-84.511417&geocode=ADDRESS

_________________________________________________________

The door to fellowship with these congregations is open. All you have to do is walk through it. Members from other area churches are sure to be in attendance also.

Help us Build Biblical Bridges of Brotherhood!

Youth Praise Dance Extravaganza, Saturday at Bethlehem Baptist Church

Bethlehem Baptist Church
Youth Praise Dance Extravaganza
Saturday, July 31st at 6:00 PM

Bethlehem Baptist Church is located near the entrance to Falcon Field at 475 Dividend Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269-1940.

MAP: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Peachtree+City&state=GA&address=475+Dividend+Dr&zipcode=30269-1940&country=US&latitude=33.366241&longitude=-84.572772&geocode=ADDRESS

Dress comfortably!

Meet the New Pastor at Merrill Chapel UMC

Meet Reverend Richard Gilbert, the new Pastor at Merrill Chapel United Methodist Church (UMC), this Saturday, July 31, 2010 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

Refreshments will be served on the church grounds.

Dress is casual; come as you are! Remember it's going to be in over 90 degrees!

Merrill Chapel UMC is located at 430 South Jeff Davis Drive, about 1/4 mile southeast of Jeff Davis Drive.

MAP: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Fayetteville&state=GA&address=430+S+Jeff+Davis+Dr&zipcode=30215-2139&country=US&latitude=33.44335&longitude=-84.446589&geocode=ADDRESS

REVIVALS at Fayette area churches

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! PSALM 133.1

PROMISE 6 -- A Promise Keeper is committed to reaching beyond any racial and denominational barriers to demonstrate the power of biblical unity.

"I urge you to get out of whatever congregational, denominational, or racial box you may be in and help us Build biblical Bridges of Brotherhood in the local body of Christ! Please consider attending these REVIVALS. (I will be updating this list as the REVIVAL season continues into August.)" -- TAK

The REVIVAL at South Metro Ministries (www.southmetroministries.com) in Sharpsburg continues Tuesday/20th and Wednesday/21st at 7:00 PM. Tonight's speaker is Michelle Davenport (http://www.michelledavenport.org/). Wednesday's speaker is Kevin Wallace (http://www.kevin-wallace-ministries.com/). The Senior Pastor at South Metro Ministries is Reverend Alan Mathura.

South Metro Ministries is located at 3935 Highway 34 East, Sharpsburg, GA, 30277.

MAP to South Metro Ministries: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Sharpsburg&state=GA&address=3935+Highway+34+E&zipcode=30277-3552&country=US&latitude=33.399596&longitude=-84.659289&geocode=ADDRESS
________________________________________________________________________

Pastor Collus G. Watson and the Lamb of God Christian Church would like to extend your church family an invitation to our Summer Revival. Your presents will be greatly appreciated and we look forward to worshipping and praising the Lord with your entire congregation. Thanking you in advance for your friendship, prayers and support. God Bless you. Dates and times are as follows:


DATE TIME GUEST SPEAKER
7/21/2010 (Wed) 7:00 PM Bishop Milton Holston
Oak Grove Baptist Church of Senoia, GA.

7/22/2010 (Thurs) 7:00 PM Pastor Anthony Williams
United In Faith Ministries of McDonough, GA.

7/23/2010 (Fri) 7:00 PM Pastor Eric B. Walker
Just Jesus Word of God Church of Morrow, GA.

Lamb of God Christian Church is located in northeastern Fayette County at 1929 Hwy 85 North, Suites 1-3.

MAP to Lamb of God:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Jonesboro&state=GA&address=1929+Highway+85&zipcode=30238-5652&country=US&latitude=33.513216&longitude=-84.429391&geocode=ADDRESS
______________________________________________________________________________


Rising Star Baptist Church will hold their summer REVIVAL Monday through Wednesday, July 26-28, 2010 at 7:30 PM, nightly. The Senior Pastor at Rising Starr is Rev. Milton Reeves. The guest revivalist for all three nights will be Rev. Steven Coleman of True Vine Baptist Church in Tyrone.

Rising Starr is located at 1094 Old Greenville Road, Fayetteville, GA 30215-7045.

MAP to Rising Starr: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Fayetteville&state=GA&address=1094+Old+Greenville+Rd&zipcode=30215-7045&country=US&latitude=33.333329&longitude=-84.453667&geocode=ADDRESS

REVIVAL, July 12-16, Wilks-Grove Baptist Church in PTC

Wilks-Grove Baptist Church will hold their summer REVIVAL this Monday through Friday, July 12-16, 2010 at 7:30 PM, nightly. The Senior Pastor at Wilks-Grove is Reverend W. Anthony Guthrie. (revwalter@bellsouth.net)

Wilks-Grove is located at 182 Senoia Road, Peachtree City, GA, 30269-1000. It is 0.4 miles north of the Carmichael - Hemperley Funeral Home and just south of and on the opposite side of the road from the The Retreat apartments. Look for the green and white church sign. Turn west on the gravel road and cross the railroad tracks and you will be there!

MAP: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Peachtree+City&state=GA&address=182+Senoia+Rd&zipcode=30269-1000&country=US&latitude=33.43005&longitude=-84.604841&geocode=ADDRESS

New Hope UMC to hold 138th Anniversary Celebration

New Hope United Methodist Church (UMC) will celebrate their 138th Anniversary this Sunday, July 11, 2010 at 2:30 PM. The Pastor at New Hope UMC is Reverend Belinda McCastle. Rev. McCastle is a member of the Fayette Area Ministerial Alliance (FAMA). She is also a spokes person for the Fayette County Sheriff's Department. The guest preacher for Sunday's event will be Reverend Jerome Drakeford of Flint Ridge Baptist Church in North Fayette.

New Hope is a welcoming congregation that believes in unity in the body of Christ.

New Hope is located in the Inman area of eastern Fayette County at 272 Weldon Road, Fayetteville, GA 30215-5500. It is not that easy to find the first time so I highly recommend that if you do not have GPS that you print out a map and/or directions.

MAP: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Fayetteville&state=GA&address=272+Weldon+Rd&zipcode=30215-5500&country=US&latitude=33.388371&longitude=-84.410661&geocode=ADDRESS

Please join the celebration if you can.

Office Fire at Promise Keepers headquarters

There was a fairly extensive office fire at Promise Keepers headquarters in Denver, CO on Sunday, June 27, 2010. No one was injured. You can learn more by going to this link: http://www.promisekeepers.org/home/pk-office-fire The conference schedule is not affected. You can learn more about the 2010 PK Conferences at http://www.promisekeepers.org/events

Promise Keepers 2010 Orlando Conference.

The Promise Keepers 2010 Orlando Conference, "Igniting Transformation" will take place on Saturday, August 18th, 2010.

This year only, to honor women for their support in the 20 years of the Promise Keepers ministry, men are encouraged to bring their wives to the conference. Children are also welcome to attend.

Three themes will be emphasized at this event:

1. Healing the Gender Divide
2. Ministering to the Poor, the Oppressed, and the Needy
3. Healing the Divide between Jew and Gentile


Location:
First Baptist Orlando
3000 South John Young Parkway
Orlando, Florida 32805

MAP for First Baptist Church: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Orlando&state=FL&address=3000+S+John+Young+Pkwy&zipcode=32805-6639&country=US&latitude=28.51553&longitude=-81.420449&geocode=ADDRESS

Find out more and REGISTER: http://www.promisekeepers.org/events/orlando-event

First Baptist is located less than 10 miles from major Orlando attractions. Perhaps some of you could consider a family vacation in conjunction with the PK Conference.

Promise Keepers Conference in Denver, August 13-14, 2010

Promise Keepers will hold a PK Classic Conference in Englewood (Denver suburb), Colorado on Friday and Saturday, August 13-14, 2010.

"At the PK Classic you will get revved up about your faith. We are calling you out to stand in the trenches and be spiritual warriors - men who understand the times, know what to do, and are willing to do it."

Conference location:

First Church of the Nazarene
3800 E. Hampden Avenue,
Englewood, CO 80113

Speakers include Coach Bill McCartney, Dr. Raleigh Washington, Dr. Bob Beltz, and Dr. Gary Smalley.

Get more details and REGISTER at http://promisekeepers.org/events/denver-event

Holly Grove AME Church 113th ANNIVERSARY

Holly Grove African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church will celebrate its 113th Anniversary at their regular 10:30 AM worship service, this Sunday, May 23, 2010. The Senior Pastor at Holly Grove is Reverend Eyvonne Whitman.

I have been fellowshipping with our brothers and sisters in Christ at Holly Grove for over six years. They are a very welcoming congregation.

I understand that many of you may be otherwise occupied at you own church on Sunday mornings, but perhaps some of you will be able to come to Holly Grove to help them celebrate. I'll be there to help make introductions.

Holly Grove is located at 400 Holly Grove Church Road, just off the south end of Robinson Road. Look for the church sign, the historical marker, and the white fence.

MAP:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Peachtree+City&state=GA&address=400+Holly+Grove+Church+Rd&zipcode=30269-3648&country=US&latitude=33.35649&longitude=-84.52942&geocode=ADDRESS

Dress Code: Most men (not all) will be in jackets and ties.

Men's Revival at Mount Olive Baptist Church

Mount Olive Baptist Church will hold a Men's Revival at 7:00 PM 0n Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, April 21-23, 2010. The Senior Pastor at Mount Olive is Rev. Melvin Ware. Wednesday's Guest Preacher will be Rev. Leroy Hill from Morningstar Baptist Church in Newnan. Thursday's preacher will be Pastor John Battle from New Shield of Faith Christian Ministries in Atlanta. Reverend Battle was a basketball star at Rutgers University and in the NBA with the Atlanta Hawks. Friday's message will be delivered by Pastor Willie Johnson of Newnan, GA. Men's Day will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Sunday, April 25, 2010 with a sermon by Rev. Peter Robinson, Associate Pastor at Mt. Olive.

Here's how you know you will be welcomed at any or all of these events: Mt Olive is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Churches and Friends (FCCF) which seeks to promote unity among area churches. [I have personally worship dozens of times with our brothers and sisters in Christ at Mount Olive.]

Mount Olive is located at 1565 Hwy 92 North. For more information, please contact the church office at 770-461-6526 or belindajwashington@hotmail.com.

MAP: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Fayetteville&state=GA&address=1565+Highway+92+N&zipcode=30214-2803&country=US&latitude=33.528056&longitude=-84.510188&geocode=ADDRESS



PROMISE # 6: "A Promise Keeper is committed to reaching beyond any racial and denominational barriers to demonstrate the power of biblical unity."

South Hadley High School Bullying

I am a big fan of Chuck Colson's BreakPoint commentary. Today's article is a wake-up call for all parents.

http//www.breakpoint.org/bpcommentaries/entry/13/14138

Today: Community Good Friday Service

EVERYONE is invited to the Community Good Friday Service , featuring "The Seven Last Words of Christ," today from Noon to 1:30 PM at First Presbyterian Church in Peachtree City. Each "Word" will be delivered by a different local area Pastor.

MANY people with other commitments, like work, will come and go during the service, so feel free to do the same.

DIRECTIONS: http://www.firstpresptc.com/map.php

Promise Keepers 2010 Orlando Conference

It's official:

Promise Keepers 2010 Orlando Conference!

Theme: "City Transformation"

August 28, 2010

Orlando, FL

Location: TBD

For the first time ever, women are invited to this year's conferences as a way of thanking you for all your support during Promise Keepers' 20 years of ministry to men.

Start planning your road trip now.

Maybe you can piggy back it with a few extra days of fun and sun...

See http://www.promisekeepers.org/events/orlando-event for details and REGISTRATION.

Government Funded "Medical" Marijuana for EVERY American

Democrats announced today in Washington, D. C. a bill to provide government funded “medical” marijuana to everyone in America. President Obama was quick to throw his support behind the pending legislation, saying, “If not now, then when; If not us, then who?”

Details were apparently being worked out in a smoke-filled room. Despite long hours, many described the attitude of lawmakers as light hearted. House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, who came to encourage her Democratic colleagues was said to be “positively giddy” over the idea. The Speaker was quoted as saying, “This is a right for all Americans, not a privilege!”

A Spokesperson for the AARP was quick to endorse the efforts, noting that no group in America deserved to kick back and relax more that citizens over the age of 55 adding that this bill would “take the edge off” the recent cuts in Medicare benefits.

Details are still being worked out, but one unnamed source confirmed that the benefits will be available without a prescription. Apparently, you will just need to tell your pharmacist that you are: 1) “feeling a little bit queasy,” 2) that you are “somewhat down”, or 3) that you are “having a bad day. “

Originally thought to target only those over the age of 18, children 12 years and older will qualify under “the dog ate my homework” provision of the bill. The NEA was quick to point out that students could use “a little help” coping with the enormous pressure put on them by parents to perform well in school.

Amongst concerns over raising taxes and adding to the mounting federal debt, House Majority Leader Harry Reid said that he expected there to be less concern over the Bill once Americans “see what’s in it.”

Also included in the Bill is funding for research to produce a more potent strain of marijuana for use in the program. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn confirmed this by saying, “After all, we want the American taxpayers to get their money’s worth.”

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs that the majority of Americans support the idea and that most will “get a kick out of the benefits.”

Former President Bill Clinton said he did not oppose the legislation but recommended that users not inhale. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that she and her staff would “work tirelessly to ensure that women in American get their fare share.”

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said he expected EVERY Republican in the Senate and in the House to vote against this or any other bill that causes so many tax dollars to “go up in smoke.”

I personally see this as the Democrats’ trying to fulfill their election mandate. After all, since they know what’s best for America, how bad can this Bill be?

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

I'm kind of a fan of obscure holidays. I mean someone somewhere went to the trouble of making these days official somehow. March 21st is "International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination." (Established by the United Nations: http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/racial/.)

Personally, I think that EVERY day should be Elimination of Racial Discrimination Day. The Bible reveals God's position: EVERY person is precious to Him; Precious enough for Him to send His only Son, Jesus Christ, to save all who would receive Him from their sins.

Have you learned yet, as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. taught to "judge a man by the content of his character, rather than the color of his skin"? If not, today is a perfect day to start.

It's Grondhog Day!

So, today, February 2nd, is Groundhog Day. This day always reminds me of my all time favorite movie of the same name, "Groundhog Day." Perhaps it’s because I can relate so well to Bill Murray’s character, TV weatherman Phil Connors, who repeats the same day over and over again. (Everyone else is repeating the same day but Phil is the only on who remembers previous days.)

It’s hard to second guess what Harold Ramis and Danny Rubin were thinking when they wrote the original screenplay, but there seems to be a supernatural force somehow controlling Phil's circumstances, perhaps as punishment for past his selfish behavior.


I know that this film is not a perfect picture of Christian virtues and the transformed life, but Phil learns that he is somehow reliving Groundhog Day over and over and over again. (He also learns what the “rules” are, such as there are seemingly no consequences carried over from the previous day(s). Early on he uses this to his selfish (sinful?) advantage. Isn’t that a picture of a worldly man indulging his flesh? As time goes on he begins to use this “gift” to help other people, perhaps a type of redemption and transformation.

It also doesn’t hurt that the beautiful Andie MacDowell plays Phil’s love interest, Rita, in the movie. At first she wants little to do with Phil. He gradually cleans up his act (there are 34 separate Groundhog Days depicted in the film, but they are set over a period of ten years! Like me, Phil was a slow learner...). Rita is eventually attracted to the man he has become.

Last, but not least, I like the fact that the movie has a happy ending. For me and my wife, this film is like “It’s a Wonderful Life” and we think that everyone should see both movies at least once a year!

The Cowboy Boots

Did you hear about the Texas teacher who was helping one of her kindergarten students put on his cowboy boots?

He asked for help and she could see why.

Even with her pulling and him pushing, the little boots still didn't want to go on. By the time they got the second boot on, she had worked up a sweat.

She almost cried when the little boy said, 'Teacher, they're on the wrong feet.' She looked, and sure enough, they were. It wasn't any easier pulling the boots off than it was putting them on. She managed to keep her cool as together they worked to get the boots back on, this time on the right feet.

He then announced, 'These aren't my boots.'

She bit her tongue rather than get right in his face and scream, 'Why didn't you say so?' like she wanted to. Once again, she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off his little feet.

No sooner had they gotten the boots off when he said, 'They're my brother's boots.. My mom made me wear 'em.'

Now she didn't know if she should laugh or cry. But, she mustered up what grace and courage she had left to wrestle the boots on his feet again.

Helping him into his coat, she asked, 'Now, where are your mittens?'

He said, 'I stuffed 'em in the toes of my boots.'

FCCF to hold "5th Sunday" Celebration

The Fellowship of Christian Churches and Friends (FCCF) will hold its regular "Fifth Sunday" celebration on Sunday, January 31, 2010 at 2:30 PM at Flat Rock African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. The Senior Pastor at Flat Rock is Reverend Ed Johnson. The theme for the celebration is "Christians Fellowshipping in On Accord for Kingdom Building." The Guest Preacher will be Reverend Dale Foster, Pastor of Free Spirit Ministries (http://fsmwc.org/) in Fairburn, GA. Reverend Mike Stachura of Grace Evangelical Church is also on the program. (I personally have a small part in the program.)

The FCCF is "Building Biblical Bridges of Brotherhood" across racial and denominational lines. We are eager to have you join us in these efforts! We believe that the potential impact of Biblical unity on Atlanta's Southern Crescent is great. Come and see!

Flat Rock AME Church is located at 148 Old Chapel Lane, just off GA Hwy 54 near the postal distribution center.

DIRECTIONS to Flat Rock AMEC: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Fayetteville&state=GA&address=148+Old+Chapel+Ln&zipcode=30215-4821&country=US&latitude=33.445492&longitude=-84.521261&geocode=ADDRESS

For further in formation about the Fellowship of Christian Churches and Friends (FCCF), please contact FCCF President, Rev. Jerome Drakeford, Senior Pastor of Flint Ridge Baptist Church, at jeromesusie@bellsouth.net or 770-461-8742.

I am blessed to be a "friend" of the FCCF and you will be, also!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Subsequent FCCF Celebrations in 2010 will take place on May 30th (at Flint Ridge Baptist Church), on August 29th, and on October 31st, always at 2:30 PM. Details will be forthcoming.

Top 10 Predictions for 2010

(A friend sent me this list via e-mail. I thought it was worth sharing.)

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.

2. Prayer will still be the most powerful thing on earth.

3. The Holy Spirit will still move.

4. God will still honor the praises of His people.

5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.

6. There will still be singing of praise to God.

7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.

8. There will still be room at the Cross.

9. Jesus will still love you.

10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.

Our response for Haiti

As we consider the tragedy unfolding in Haiti, here is a quote from today's reading of My Utmost For His Highest (Updated Edition) by Oswald Chambers:

"As you journey with God, the only thing He intends to be clear is the way He deals with your soul. The sorrows and difficulties in the lives of others will be absolutely confusing to you."

The why of the disaster will not be revealed to us. Rather, we need to prayerfully determine how we will respond. This is a time to be compassionate.

Upcoming Events, January 2010

The following upcoming events provide opportunities to build unity in the local body of Christ:

Sunday, January 17, 2010

True Love Christian Ministries will hold their Church Anniversary at 3:00 PM.

The Pastor at True Love is Elder Nathaniel Livingston.

The theme is "NOW IS THE TIME FOR THE CHURCH TO WORK AND PRAY"

Pastor Jerome Drakeford, from Flint Ridge Baptist Church, will be the guest speaker.

(Yours truly also has a small part in the on the program.)

True Love is located at 192 Graves Road (off Gingercake Road), Fayetteville, GA 30215


Monday, January 18, 2010

2010 Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration (To some, this may not seem to be about the Body of Christ, but many of the parade entries are African-American churches and, believe me, the commemorative program will seem a lot like a church service.)

Parade: 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM

(Likely) Route: From Fayette County High School to Tiger Trail, Left on Forest Avenue, Right on GA Hwy 85, Right on GA Hwy 54, westbound to Tiger Trail, and return to FCHS.

Commemorative Program: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, in the Joseph A. Sams Auditorium.



Sunday, January 31, 2009

Fellowship of Christian Churches and Friends (FCCF) will hold their regular Fifth Sunday Celebration at 2:30 PM at Flat Rock AME Church; Reverend Ed Johnson, is the Pastor. The theme will be "Christians Operating on One Accord to Make God's Dream a Reality." The Guest Preacher will be Reverend Dale Foster of Free Spirit Ministries in Fairburn, GA. The Free Spirit choir will sing at the service.

Flat Rock AMEC is located at 148 Old Chapel Lane (just off of GA Hwy 54), Fayetteville, GA, 30215.

Happy Epiphany!

Epiphany: a Christian festival held on January 6th, commemorating, in the Western Church, the manifestation of Christ to the Magi and, in the Eastern Church, the baptism of Christ. It's also known as Three Kings Day or in Spain, Mexico, and other countries, El Dia de Los Reyes.

In Mexico and Spain children receive gifts on this day, brought by the Three Wise Men, Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar. The Three Kings are actually more popular there than Santa Clause!

Eastern Christians believe that The Epiphany was the day Christ was baptized in the Jordan River. In New Jersey, where I grew up, there was a significant percentage of Greeks. It was referred to as "Little Christmas." It's also referred to as Twelfth Night, and in Italy, La Befana (an old women who leaves presents for the children).

Traditionally, my family (even tough we are not Greek) has kept our Christmas lights up and lit through this "Twelfth day of Christmas." In some ways, I'd like to keep my lights up and lit all year long. When I was on active duty in the Are Force, I flew with a Lt Col Powell who smiled almost all the time. When I finally asked him why, he said, "Everyday is Holiday if you know Jesus!"