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.