March 1-7 ~ Return Borrowed Books Week
March 1-7 ~ Read an E-Book Week
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Church History
Part 31
Happy New Year! I hope we will all have a wonderful year. This month I thought it would be great to review some of the events and accomplishments we experienced in 2010. Due to space constraints, I have decided to write about approximately the first half of the year this month, and the remainder of the year next month.
The year began rather cold, and as one might suspect, low attendance resulted. Total attendance for both services in January was 650; in February, total attendance was 611, but there was an increase beginning in March with a total attendance of 630. There were plans to have two “New Member Luncheons” in 2010. However, due to a lower than expected number of people joining the church, one luncheon was found to be sufficient. The “ New Member Luncheon” held on January 24th was a great success.
With the earthquake in Haiti on January 12th , there was a church wide plan to provide assistance, and response was great. I had hoped The Wesley/ Claude Griffin Class could respond to needs in the Philippines, but the earthquake needs seemed to demand the resources the class had.
As I have no precise information on classes other than The Wesley/Claude Griffin Class, I can only make estimates as to their growth. However, the general opinion is that all the adult classes , except ,perhaps The Joy in Trinity Class, had lower attendance than hoped. We thought The Wesley/Claude Griffin Class was growing in February, but, by summer, its numbers had declined. This decline was most likely due to health problems of members.
Throughout the year we were hopeful for larger attendance at church services than we usually experienced, but Easter and Homecoming were great with 191 counted at Easter and 153 at “Homecoming.” “The Homecoming” this year was the first one since 2000 when Rev. Bob Penton was the minister.
There was a Valentine Luncheon on February 14th , and in June, The History and Archives Committee hosted an “Italian Dinner.” “The Valentine Banquet” was “well attended” being held on Sunday, February 14th, after the 11:00 A.M. church service. “The Italian Dinner” was held on June 16th at 6:00 P.M. However, due to being held on a Wednesday night when there was no choir practice scheduled, attendance was lower than desired. Nevertheless, the dinner was still thought to be successful.
With lower attendance, one can naturally expect heightened financial concerns, and they were addressed in 2010. On April 18th we started using a threefold bulletin in order to save money. Other ideas to generate income and save revenue were put into action, including a large meal by the Hospitality Committee with an old style theme. It was advertised as a 100-year-old style gathering and members were encouraged to wear old style cloths. It is thought that over 100 attended this gathering.
Next month I will continue to reflect upon our needs, our goals and our accomplishments in 2010.
Church Historian,
Charles Dupree
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Church History
Part 32
This is the second part of a review of our church history for 2010, our 135th year.
In July our Vacation Bible School program was held form 5:45-8:15 P.M. Monday thru Friday. It was entitled “Galactic Blast.” VBS was successful with attendance one night reaching 41. Other activities in July included a 4th of July Picnic after the 11:00 A.M. service. There was a special Bible study on The Revelation of Saint John in June and July.
One of the great traditions of our church, which began in November of 1948, was continued on October 3rd. The Church Bazaar. This year revenue exceeded $4000.
Due to financial concerns, our church inaugurated, on October 17th ,a five part series of sermons on giving money to the church. Each sermon was presented by a lay person.
Also, on October17th Charge Conference was held at our church. This was the first time that five churches met at one church for this event. Each church went to a different area of our campus for the conference. Our church met in the minister’s office with the District Superintendent, Rev. Elmore. Evelyn Olaya served refreshments in the Fellowship Hall. Those attending from our church were Judy Cockerham, Sherie Self, Charles Dupree, Beth Lakey and Rev. Roberts.
On November 7th there was a special service for the veterans of military service. Howard Valentine was recognized at the 8:30 service for being the oldest active World War II veteran at our church. Military songs were sung at both services. The “little round flowerbed” was decorated with American Flags, as well as, flags remembering all branches of the military. A special flag was included to remember those either classified as missing in action or as prisoners of war.
On Saturday November 20th the Youth held a carwash and shrimp boil which raised over $1000. Earlier in the year the youth held a “ youth auction” to raise money. Both were greatly successful.
Homecoming was held on November 21st . This is thought to be the first one held since Rev. Bob Penton’s tenure. Our Homecoming celebrated the founding of our church and 135 years of proclaiming the Gospel. It was successful with about 153 in attendance at the church service. Rev. Langdon Garrison was the guest minister. Mrs. Clair Curry was presented The Heritage Award. This annual award was begun in 2006. A covered dish dinner followed in the Fellowship Hall and was attended by many former members.
December was a busy month with many special events. At the 11:00 P.M. service on December 12th the choir presented a cantata entitled Night Of The Father’s Love. Attendance for the cantata was 134. From 2-4 P.M. there was an Open House at the Parsonage. A “drive through live Nativity” was held at 5:00 P.M. on the 19th and was followed by a “Church Wide Christmas Party” at 6:00 P.M. On the 24th from 3-4 P.M. there was a “come and go” Communion Service. Between 5 and 6 P.M. there was a Christmas Eve Service which included Communion. On Christmas Day the church bell was rung. The tradition of ringing the bell on Christmas Day began in 2005.
Certainly, 2010 had its share of challenges, and some will need to be dealt with in 2011. However, as the January and February articles have shown, many dedicated people have been at work in a diversity of ministries. Our 135th year was a great one.
Church Historian,
Charles Dupree
