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(Lisa Pierce) - From Friday, May 4, through Sunday, May 6, ten bikers/cyclists crossed Alabama to raise awareness about the housing needs in some of the poorest areas of our country, while raising money for home repairs in Lee, Macon and Sumter counties.
The Third Annual Cycle of Service benefited Alabama Rural Ministry’s (ARM) home-repair efforts. Most of the families ARM serves are the elderly, disabled or single parents who live on limited or fixed incomes. ARM also hosts two free summer camps for underserved children in Livingston and Tuskegee. Most of the work is done in the summer time with two mission camps coordinated for visiting youth and church teams.
This year’s goal is to raise $30,000, which will be applied to the cost of purchasing the construction materials we use in repairing homes for up to 30 families. Riders had already raised more than $20,000 toward that goal. Sponsors include the Alabama Retail Association, Best Copies, Carr Allison, Country’s Barbecue, Dilworth Development Inc., Dynamic Sports Products, James Bros. Bikes, J. Smith Lanier & Co., Mann’s Wildlife Timberlands, Scott Bridge Co., Shakey’s Pizza, Singleton Marine Group, Leigh Ann Tyler/State Farm Huntsville and Young Photography. Other contributors include the 122nd Troop Support Command Selma, Aldersgate United Methodist Church (UMC) Montgomery, Auburn UMC, Epworth UMC Columbus, Livingston UMC, Memorial UMC, Montgomery Multisport, SES Montgomery, St. Mark UMC Columbus and Tuskegee UMC.
We are also grateful to Liberty UMC from Notasulga who served one of our families, Ms. Sweeney, on Saturday May 5th! They repaired sheetrock and electrical work after Ms. Sweeney’s home was broken into and vandalized for her copper wiring.
You and your church can still contribute to the cause now by credit card at http://cycleofservice.arm-al.org or mail in a check to P.O. Box 2890 Auburn, AL 36831.
Bikers participating in the Cycle of Service rode during most of the day and then helped with community events. Profiles of the riders can be found at http://cycleofservice.arm-al.org.
Some riders will participate all three days, while others will join various legs of the ride, mostly along U.S. 80: These were the routes and legs of the journey:
• State-Line- to-State-Line Challenge including the Century Ride, 250 miles from the Alabama/Mississippi to the Alabama/Georgia borders, begins in Livingston and goes through Cuba, Selma, Montgomery and Tuskegee, then ends in Phenix City.
• Century Ride, 115-mile ride on the first day of the three-day ride.
• State-Line- to-State-Line Challenge, 223 miles from Cuba to Phenix City.
• Final 45 miles from Tuskegee United Methodist Church parsonage to Phenix City. This leg begins at 8 a.m. Sunday, May 6.
To see pictures of the ride you can see our facebook profile below.
For more information, go to http://cycleofservice.arm-al.org or www.facebook.com/Bikebama.
(Pat Luna) - Every three years the Upper Room offers The Academy for Spiritual Formation in the Southeast Jurisdiction. Three of the six members of the leadership team are from AWF: Pat Luna (Point Washington UMC) is the Retreat Leader. Dr. Robbins Sims (FUMC-Eufaula) is the Theologian. Kathy Norberg (Gulf Breeze UMC) is the Hospitality Coordinator. Minta McDavid, Chair of the AWF Spiritual Formation team said "This is very exciting to have so many people from AWF to lead this important ministry. The Academy experience is a life transforming one and one I would hope all in our conference could have if and when they feel that deep yearning and call to attend."
The Academy is a two-year intentional journey of spiritual formation that was started nearly 30 years ago by a group of people including Danny Morris, Bishop Rueben Job, Glenn Hinson, Douglas Steere, Wendy Wright, John Mogabgab and Gerald May. The Academy is a ecumenical, covenantal community where the participants seek a deeper relationship with God as they grow in the image of Christ for the sake of others. Participants meet at Camp Sumatanga for five days each quarter for two-years. Clergy and laity are selected to be a part of the Academy from all over the country.
A typical day includes worship, meditation and reflection, covenant group meetings, and morning and afternoon curriculum sessions with faculty. During each two-year academy, a total of sixteen courses are offered. These courses, taught by outstanding scholars and leaders in today's church, offer insights into the history and practices of Christian Spirituality. Over the course of the two years, two topics per session are examined. Topics include Spirituality of the Psalms, Early Christian Spirituality, Healing and Wholeness, Prayer and many more. Faculty for Academy #34 includes Roberta Bondi, Bob Mulholland, Don Sailers, Robert Benson, Margaret Guenther, Elaine Heath, and UMC Bishop Jung.
The next Academy for Spiritual Formation begins July 31, 2012. A number of people from AWF have already been selected to participate. Space is filling fast so if you are interested in participating apply soon! For more information, visit www.upperroom.org/academy or contact Pat Luna at patluna@charter.net or 334-262-9440.
(Montgomery, AL) - The 2012 General Conference of the United Methodist reconvened this morning at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, FL by starting the day off with several challenging and energetic messages. Bishop Peter D. Weaver of the Boston Episcopal Area gave the first of five addresses and challenged the conference to focus on discipleship instead of membership in a powerful way that resonated with many. Following his address, three laity addresses were given by Betty Katiya, Dr. Steve Furr and Amory Peck.
Dr. Furr, a resident of Jackson, AL and the Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church lay leader, incorporated a video presentation of his personal account of weight loss and transformation into leading a healthy lifestyle. Furr realized that when his wedding band no longer fit, it was time to make a change. Furr is a family practitioner physician in Jackson and explained that his patients were able to better follow his medical advice by him leading as an example. The video also showed his daily routine of work, family and exercise all blended in an appropriate fashion. He expressed in his address that, "Being or living a sermon is a whole different matter. A part of me had to die so the real me could live. I was desecrating the temple God has given me. I had to decide to BE a sermon." As God tells his followers our bodies are a temple, Furr said, "my personal temple was in disarray." At one point, Dr. Furr was 5'6", 236 pounds. He now proudly weighs in under 175 pounds. He concluded by saying that, "Jesus Christ is the best personal trainer ever."
Furr made a poignant statement in saying, "You can preach a better sermon with your life than with your lips." Rev. Rurel Ausley, a member of the Alabama-West Florida Conference delegation, commented on Dr. Furr's statement by saying, "Steve masterfully articulated his physical transformation into a spiritual parable for personal transformation in Christ. Inspiring and at times tearing up, Dr. Furr electrified the General Conference and made all of Alabama-West Florida burst with pride."
To see Dr. Furr's video testimony, click here. The full address is archived here.
After the three laity addresses were given, Krin Ali delivered an impressive young people's address using the words, "Charged, Rooted and United" as his theme.
General Conference is the top policy-making body of the international United Methodist Church and is the only body that officially speaks for the denomination. It meets on a "quadrennial basis," or ever four years. During the session, delegates (half clergy, half laity) elected by their annual conferences and specialized bodies, will revise the Book of Discipline, which is the law and doctrine of the United Methodist Church.
The Alabama-West Florida Conference includes the geographical area of south and central Alabama and northwest Florida. There are over eight million United Methodists residing in the United States. More than 146,000 United Methodists reside in the Alabama-West Florida Conference.
For additional information on General Conference, visit www.gc2012.umc.org. For Alabama-West Florida Conference information, visit www.awfumc.org.
The board of directors of the United Methodist Children’s Home is announcing the appointment of Dr. K. Blake Horne as the agency’s new President/CEO effective May 16th, 2012.
“I am truly humbled to have the privilege of serving the children and families of Alabama and northwest Florida through the United Methodist Children’s Home,” said Horne. “My first counseling-related position was with the Methodist Home for Children and Youth of the South Georgia Conference. Leaving to further my education was a very difficult decision, as I don’t believe I have ever felt the presence of Christ more in my work. The United Methodist Children’s Home has a rich history of following the example of Christ by caring for all God’s children, and an even more promising future. I look forward to traveling extensively throughout these great conferences of United Methodism to tell the compelling story of a ministry that stole my heart many years ago.”
A native of Hawkinsville, GA, Dr. Horne has served as the Executive Director of The Samaritan Counseling Center since it was founded in 1999 by First United Methodist Church of Montgomery. Under his leadership, The Samaritan Counseling Center has grown from its very beginnings into one of the largest private providers of mental health services in Alabama, extending the ministries of congregations by providing approximately 8,000 hours of counseling, mediation, and educational services to children, adolescents, adults, and families on an annual basis. Under Horne the center also developed and holds the River Region Ethics in Business and Public Service Awards in cooperation with Auburn University Montgomery.
UMCH Board Chair Terry McCartney stated, "The Board is pleased and excited to have Dr. Horne serve as our President/CEO. Dr. Horne exceeds the criteria set for this position and has the skill set and personal traits to be an inspirational leader in this ministry’s efforts to continue to meet the needs of children and families in Alabama and northwest Florida."
Horne holds degrees from Mercer University (B.A. – Christianity), Mercer University School of Medicine (Master of Family Therapy), and Florida State University (Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy). He also completed a three year course of post-doctoral study at the Georgetown Family Center in Washington, D.C., from 2004-2007.
He is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery and First United Methodist Church of Montgomery where he serves on the Stewardship Leadership Team. He currently serves on the board of directors for Hospice of Montgomery and the Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family Therapy. He has been married since 1998 to the former Tracy Prudames of Atlanta, GA, who is a Sr. Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch of Montgomery. The Hornes have two daughters, Brooke (9) and Arden (5).
The United Methodist Children’s Home has helped to transform thousands of lives since 1890. Abused, neglected, and traumatized children, young mothers, and struggling families find comfort and safety through our residential group homes, foster care programs, and family preservation services.
Our mission: To follow the example of Christ by embracing all God’s children… one child, one family at a time.
(Rev. Rudy Heintzelman, Executive Pastor of First UMC of Dothan) - As gas prices continue on the rise, many of the working poor in our community have to make the hard decision to buy food or put fuel in their auto to get to work. If they do not go to work, they get no money. It certainly is a Catch-22 situation for them. Of course, we also know that the price of groceries has gone up dramatically over the last few months.
Because of this there has been a marked increase in the number of people who literally need to supplement the food resources for their families. A lay person in the church came up with an idea to simply put a paper grocery sack with a list of non-perishable items needed to be distributed to our community. Our members could then go out to the grocery store, purchase items that were requested and bring it back to the church the following Sunday and place behind their cars (yes, we did pray for nice weather). A team from our Community Outreach Ministry Team would then collect the groceries.
On Palm Sunday we placed approximately 600 bags on the windshields of our members. On Easter Sunday the parking lot was just lined with bags behind cars filled with groceries to be distributed to those in need in our community. There were approximately 400 bags returned. Those cars that did not have a bag behind it were given another bag to be brought back the following Sunday.
Many families, especially families with small children, shared how appreciative they were for the opportunity to use this as a teaching opportunity for their children to serve those in need.
(Susan Hunt) - I hear a lot of people in churches use these terms – Mission and Ministry – interchangeably. However, after years of Mission work and church work, these have come to be two different things for me. There is not truly a black-and-white distinction between what is “ministry” and what is “Mission;” it’s more on a graduated scale. But the concepts of the two – and how we practice them within the church – are different.
Mission, in my understanding, is really God’s Mission: The redemption of the world. We were created to be in perfect relationship with him, but we do fall short. The Church is to be God’s partners in that Mission by proclaiming the Kingdom of God in both word and deed. We are to follow Jesus’ example of healing, feeding, teaching and preaching, especially to those who are not already within the church.
Ministry, on the other hand, is the work of the church – the activities that keep us going. Ministries provide a very important function within the church, but more for those who are already there or visiting. These are very necessary for the church to function through worship, administration, programming, maintenance, teaching and more.
The fine line between the two comes into play when we think of the people who are not yet followers of Jesus Christ but do visit or attend church. Some of our church ministries can be instrumental for helping people to become disciples. That nuance is not really where I am focusing my thoughts for this piece. Ministries of a church are certainly necessary and good, so please keep doing them.
Where the distinction is important, however, is when churches believe that their ministries (Bible studies, Sunday School, etc) are all that the church needs to be doing. Instead, if we follow both the example of Jesus and John Wesley, we are to be out in the world reaching out to those who do not know the loving presence of Jesus Christ in their lives.
The difference between mission and ministry reflects an internally focused church and an externally focused church. Where does your church focus your time and efforts? For the people who are already there, or on the people who still need to find their place there? If it’s only on the people who are already there, your church is missing out on a huge part of what discipleship means.
When we become disciples, our calling does not end there. Part of being a disciple and follower of Jesus Christ is making new disciples. And making new disciples requires going outside the church. Even John Wesley went to where the people were – he preached in the fields and factories where the masses were, just as Jesus did. Just see the example in Mark 6:30-44, where Jesus fed the 5,000. He had been spending time with just his 12 disciples, but when he saw the masses he had compassion on them and fed them all. Jesus met their physical needs in that miracle; through it he was also able to demonstrate the Glory of God.
I heard of a small church that started off with a ministry inside their church, but through God’s Grace it became a Mission, even if by accident. There were one or two young single mothers in this church, and the women’s group noticed that these young mothers needed help. Not completely with all the right motivations, the women’s group started a ministry in which the older women became “surrogate grandmothers.” The women cooked weekly meals, helped out with fun activities for the children, and held a Sunday school day a week that allowed the young moms to have a few hours away. Essentially, each young mom had a church “grandmother.” The grandmothers would also meet weekly to pray for the families and once a month, all the kids, moms and grandmothers would gather for a meal and Bible study.
Before long, another single mom who lived not far from the church – who had never attended there or any church – heard about what the church was doing for these moms in the church. She became a part of this program, too. It didn’t take too much longer for the ministry to grow and transform to include even more mothers from the neighborhood. It transformed the church and became a Mission because they came to realize that this was an opportunity for the church to share the love and hope of Jesus Christ with many people in their community. It was no longer a ministry within the church for themselves only. Instead, they poured themselves out to others for the sake of the Gospel. This surrogate grandmothers mission brought several new families into the church and, more importantly, into the Kingdom of God.
Take a moment to reflect on your own church’s programming. Who are the main beneficiaries? Your own members? Or those who are not yet members or may never be members? There are always more people who need to know the loving grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What are you doing to reach out to them?
The Pensacola District CORE Team will meet at the district office at noon. Lunch will be provided, so if you cannot attend please inform the district office, (850) 434-0118.
The Pensacola District Officers and Meetings page is here.
Daphne United Methodist Church is pleased to announce that John Wesley is on his way to Daphne, Alabama May 23, 2012. What a privilege it is to invite all of you to join us for an incredibly wonderful evening as we go back into history with the one-man presentation by BJ Johnston on the dynamic life and ministry of John Wesley. Learn what happens when one person surrenders fully to the Lord's leadership!
Click here to make your reservations for the dinner (5:00 p.m.) and play (6:00 p.m.).
A love offering will be taken.
Below is a downloadable flyer.
The Conference Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry will have a meeting on May 24, 2012 at the USA Wesley Foundation. The meeting will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. Lunch will be served. Please RSVP your attendance in order to get a head count for lunch.
Trinity United Methodist Church (Fort Walton Beach) will have a mission golf tournament on May 25, 2012 at Fort Walton Beach Pines Golf Course. The tournament will begin at 1:00 pm with a Shotgun Start. Open to ALL men, ladies and juniors. Entry fee includes green fees, carts, refreshments, PRIZES and sponsors promotions. All proceeds will go towards missions.
The Society of Saint Andrew will have a Sweet Potato Drop at The Harbor UMC/Love In Action Ministry Center on Friday, May 25, 2012 beginning at 5:00 p.m. All ages are welcome to help. This potato drop is to provide food to area agencies and individuals that are in need of food. Be sure and dress in comfortable clothing and shoes.
Call Rev. Dwight Deal for more information 334-790-4031.
The United Methodist Women Southeastern Jurisdiction Quadrennial Meeting will be held June 1 - 2, 2012 in Birmingham, AL.
More details are forthcoming!
Trinity United Methodist Church (Ft. Walton Beach, Florida) is accepting applications for the position of Director of Chancel Choir. This position is available June 25.
Experienced applicants should either have a music degree and/or equivalent experience. This position is part time, with responsibilities including leading music for two Sunday services and special services, directing the Chancel Choir, and others as indicated in the job description .
A complete job description is available on the front page of our website at www.trinityfwb.com . Salary is negotiable, depending upon experience.
Please send resume (including references), etc., to: AAttn: Kevin Shular, Trinity United Methodist Church, 403 Racetrack Rd. N.W., Ft. Walton Beach, FL, 32547" or fax: 850-862-1103 or email to: kevin.shular@trinityfwb.com .
Woodbine United Methodist Church is looking for a Children’s Minister (Pre-K-5th) who is able to take an already thriving children’s ministry to a new level of excitement.
Familiarity with the “Orange Strategy” is a plus! Someone who has excellent stage presence and able to develop a worship experience by using creative sets, drama and storytelling so that the scriptures come alive. A person that would take on the responsibility of the vision for children & families and make that vision come a reality.
Our Ministry Staff works together as a team and we are looking for the right team member. Someone who can also recruit, train, support & encourage a dynamic team of volunteers.
We're looking for someone with a Bachelors Degree in related field and 3 years of Children’s Ministry experience, preferably with group organizational skills.
If kids give you energy rather than zap it from you then this is the place for you!
Children's Minister Search Team
5200 Woodbine Road
Pace,Florida 32571
sallyobannon@bellsouth.net
Ashland Place United Methodist Church is seeking a creative, energetic, self-starter to offer leadership to the churchs Mid-High and Senior High Youth Fellowship. The church is a growing and vital congregation, that values competent and faithful leadership. Highly qualified candidates will display responsive and inspirational leadership skills, as well as strong communication skills.
Applicants should have a Bachelors Degree and at least two years experience working in an official leadership capacity with youth. Applicants should also be at ease with sharing their story of faith and helping the youth learn to share theirs. Additionally, she or he should be prepared to generate content for communicating with the youth, their parents, and the church through a variety of media. Music and worship experience are valuable skills as well. Hours and salary will be commensurate with the individual selected for the position.
Interested applicants should submit resumes to Rev. Brennan Peacock. bpeacock@apumc.com
Woodbine United Methodist Church is seeking a Worship Minister for a dynamic and fast-growing community. Fully contemporary, Woodbine ministers to a total of about 450-500 people each week in our two services. Twenty years in the Pace, Florida area, Woodbine is aggressively seeking a talented and creative musician/leader to help us continue to grow God’s Kingdom in the Pace Community.
Our Worship Minister will primarily be responsible for organizing and conducting rehearsals for weekly services as well as planning and leading special services throughout the year. Our Worship Minister will also need to be able to effectively recruit and train volunteers and work with the Lead Pastor and the staff as an integral member of a team approach. Woodbine’s Worship Minister will also be a resource as needed for other ministries as pertains to music and worship. Knowledge of Planning Center Online and Pro Presenter are preferred and our Worship Minister should have a degree in a related field and/or proven experience leading in worship.
Interested candidates with a heart for the Lord and serving in an exciting environment should send their resume to the following address:
Worship Ministry Search Team
5200 Woodbine Road
Pace, Florida 32571
sallyobannon@bellsouth.net
Mary Ellen’s Hearth at Nellie Burge Community Center is advertising for the position of Program Manager. The Program Manager will work closely with the Executive Director to provide services to homeless women and their children. This position will perform a variety of duties including taking referrals on homeless women and their children, admitting the families to the center, implementing measureable goals for the program, leading classes for the women and children, and assisting the residents with meeting their individual goals.
Job Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology or other human service field from an accredited college or university; Five years of experience in a social services field; Strong relational and communication skills A valid Alabama driver’s license.
If interested, send resume and cover letter to debbie@nellieburge.org or mail to Executive Director, 1226 Clay Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA) Board of Trustees is searching for a dynamic, energized senior staff person, the Chief Operating Officer, who God is calling to lead our exciting and growing multi-faceted ministry. To support our mission we have a vibrant summer program, and an expanding schedule in the other three seasons centered on the Word of God expressed in worship, cultural, recreational and educational programs. Programs are supported by a solid donor base, an historic 6,000 seat auditorium, both retreat and youth centers, a variety of other program spaces, and a half mile of beach located on the Jersey Shore in an oceanfront town halfway between NYC and Philadelphia. In recent years, successful innovations have included the Willow Creek's Global Leadership Summit simulcast, a new lecture series, a growing beachfront worship service, and weeknight Bible studies on the beach to meet the changing needs of local churches and our constituency.
The COO position requires a proven leader who demonstrates commitment to Christ in servanthood, spiritual maturity, and a desire to make disciples. Reporting to the President and Board of Trustees, direct eports include professionals in Program, Development, Operations and Finance who oversee an in-season staff of 300. Candidates must demonstrate a proven record of leadership applying business skills in ministry. Experience in program, development, finance, human resources management, and conflict resolution as well as excellent written and oral communication skills consistent with a Biblical worldview are desired. To obtain a copy of the job description and application requirements, please email sharyn@oceangrove.orgFor more information about OGCMA, please visit our website at www.oceangrove.org.
Rev. Hubert Segers (retired), passed away Saturday, April 14, 2012. He is survived by his wife, Nelda. Funeral services for will be held in the Cokesbury United Methodist Church sanctuary (5725 North Ninth Avenue, Pensacola, Florida) on Wednesday, April 18. Visitation will be at 3:00 p.m., followed by the service at 4:00. Please continue to pray for Nelda and the family.
John William Bryan of Dothan, Alabama died peacefully in his home on March 20. He was born in Elba, Alabama on May 1, 1935 to Fred D. and Myrtle Thomas Bryan. He grew up in Elba and Dothan, Alabama, and graduated from Dothan High School in 1953. He married Glenda Smith in 1956. The Bryans have three grown children and three children in-law: Michael and Wendy Bryan; Keith and Cindy Bryan; and Melinda and Johnny Ingram. Their five grandchildren are Christopher and Amanda Bryan; Ruby Bryan; and Joseph and William Ingram.
He felt God's call to the ministry at a very young age, and was officially licensed to preach in 1950, at only 15 years of age. He was appointed to his first pastorate the same week he graduated from high school. He then pastored churches in the Alabama-West Florida Conference of the Methodist and the United Methodist Church for 42 years, retiring in 1995. He served for many of these years in the Dothan and Pensacola areas. Early in his ministry, Rev. Bryan made two preaching trips to Mexico and one to the former Czechoslovakia.
Rev. Bryan frequently served on conference and district boards and committees, notably as chairman of the Conference Board of Evangelism for four years and serving on the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry for sixteen years. Since retiring, Rev. Bryan has served on the Dothan District Board of Ministry and has frequently preached in revivals and other special services.
In 1984 during the Bicentennial Celebration of Methodism in America, Rev. Bryan was one of nine ministers commissioned as "Circuit Riders." During the bicentennial year, they told the story of the beginning of Methodism in America at Conference and District events and in local churches. He has continued this Circuit Riding ministry in the years since, wearing clothing much like that of his forbears and often arriving on horseback or riding in a horse-drawn buggy.
Rev. Bryan was preceded in death by his grandparents, including the late John and Connie Thomas of Elba; his parents the late Fred and Myrtle Bryan; by numerous aunts, uncles, and other relatives; and by a sister (Mary Alice) who died in infancy. He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren; his aunts Ollie Bell Farris and Mavis Davis; by numerous cousins; and by his brother in-law and sister in-law Dr. Ronald C. and Kaye Smith; his nephew Mark (and wife Angie) Smith and his niece Rhonda (and husband John) Patten; and his great nieces Chelsey and Bailee Smith and Anna Claire and Abigail Patten.
Officiating Rev. Bryan's service will be Dr. Hays McKay, Jr., Rev. Kyle Gatlin, Dr. Mike Hoppe, and Rev. Dan Morris. Pallbearers will be Rev. Larry Anderson, Rev. Danny Arnold, Rev. Brian Cowley, Rev. Phil Craddock, Rev. Carl Dickerson, Rev. Grant Parker, Rev. Ted Spencer, Rev. Larry Teasley, and Rev. Randy Woodham. Honorary pallbearers will be the pastors and pastors' spouses of the Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Byrd Funeral Home in Dothan. Visitation will be on Sunday March 25 from 5 until 7 p.m. at Byrd Funeral Home on West Main Street (Highway 84) in Dothan. Rev. Bryan's funeral service will be held at Covenant United Methodist Church in Dothan on Monday March 26 at 11 a.m. and burial will take place afterward at Memory Hill Cemetery in Dothan. Memorial donations may be made to the Rev. John W. Bryan Memorial Fund at Covenant United Methodist Church in Dothan.
Bishop Paul Andrews Duffey passed away Sunday, March 18, 2012 in North Georgia after suffering a brief illness. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 22 at Leak Memory Chapel from 5-7pm and also Friday, March 23 in the fellowship hall of First United Methodist Church, Montgomery at 10am. A memorial service wil be held at 11am in the sanctuary. Clergy of the United Methodist Church will be named honorary pall bearers for the memorial service and will be seated in a reserved section along with their spouses. A private burial will be held prior to the services.
Paul Andrews Duffey began life in Brownsville, Tennessee. After attending the University of Alabama, he finished his degree at Birmingham-Southern College. His alma mater has awarded him an honorary doctorate and elected him a life trustee where he was formerly chairman of the board. He also has been awarded honorary degrees from Union College (LH.D.) and Kentucky Wesleyan College (LL.D.) A Distinguished Service Award was given him by Lindsey Wilson College and the Trustees Award by Sue Bennett College. Huntington College conferred an honorary degree upon him in May, 2000.
While serving a student appointment, Paul Duffey received his M. Div. from the Divinity School at Vanderbilt University. Before finishing his formal education he had already joined the Tennessee Annual Conference where he was ordained deacon and elder, both times by Bishop Paul B. Kern. He served the Chapel Hill Circuit in the Tennessee Conference, then served six different appointments in the Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference: Abbeville; First Church, Marion; Dexter Avenue, Montgomery; First Church, Pensacola: First Church, Dothan; First Church, Montgomery.
In 1976 Paul Duffey was named District Superintendent of the Montgomery District of the Alabama-West Florida Conference where he was serving at the time of his election to the episcopacy by the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference. He was assigned to the Louisville Area and served eight years. He was also Secretary of the Council of Bishops 1984-1988.
Bishop Paul Duffey and the late Louise Calhoun (1921-2010) were married in Selma, Alabama on June 20, 1944. Their children are Melanie Claire Duffey (Mrs. David N. Hutto, Jr.) and Paul A. Duffey, Jr.
Oliver Cornelius Weaver Jr., a retired professor of philosophy and religion at Birmingham-Southern College whose courses were viewed as a benchmark in the education and intellectual life of many students over five decades, died February 21, 2012 at the age of 97.
A graduate of Birmingham Southern College (BSC), Weaver co-authored the centennial history of the Methodist school in 1957, served as dean of the college in 1964-68, and in retirement wrote erudite and compelling genealogies of his south Alabama family.
He was long a familiar figure on the campus, first in the 1930s as a student, then from 1945 to 1988 as a professor of philosophy and religion, and finally in retirement as a friend of many colleagues and a fixture at BSC basketball games with his wife, Laura, also a ‘Southern graduate. She died in 2005.
Born in Camden, Ala., on September 20, 1914, he was the second of six children of Oliver C. Weaver Sr. and Edna Lazenby Weaver, both of whom grew up in the Forest Home community of Butler County, Ala.
O.C. Weaver Jr., who had taken preparatory courses for the ordained ministry, studied in 1935-36 at the Divinity School of Yale University. He returned to BSC briefly as a speech instructor and coach of the debate team, then in 1937 entered Garrett Theological Seminary and married Laura Ross Moore, whom he had met at BSC.
At Garrett, he was appointed minister of the North Prairie Methodist Church, in Illinois. He graduated with distinction from Garrett Theological Seminary in 1939. Garrett is on the campus of Northwestern University, where he took courses in philosophy and later received his doctorate.
During 1940-42, he served pastorates in Buckley, Ill., and Mt. Sterling, Ill., then became a Methodist chaplain on active duty in the U.S. Naval Reserve during World War II, serving part of his tour in the Pacific. When the war ended in 1945, he joined the faculty of Birmingham-Southern as well as the Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church of Alabama and West Florida.
Along with his two sons, Larry Weaver in Kansas and Kendal Weaver in Montgomery, survivors include grandchildren James Laurence Weaver and his wife, Nicole, of Chicago, Ill.; Amanda Frances Eckert and her husband, Joerg, of Marburg, Germany; Nate Thompson-Weaver of Manhattan, Kan.; Christopher Bailey and his wife, Sandy Mead, of Manhattan; and Savannah and David Ferster, of Alexandria, Va.; and great grandchildren Nadja Anne, Angela and Niklas Oliver Eckert of Marburg; Ellis Kendal and Julia Ferster of Alexandria, and Eleanor Maxine Weaver of Chicago.
A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Birmingham at a date to be announced later.
Memorial donations may be made to Birmingham-Southern College, First United Methodist Church in Birmingham or the charity of your choice.
HIGDON Rev. Glen Higdon, 85, of Monroeville, died Friday, January 13, 2012. Visitation Sunday 1PM til 2PM Funeral at Johnson Funeral Home.
Retired pastor, Rev. Glen Higdon (85) of Monroeville, passed away Friday, January 13, 2012 at Monroe County Hospital. Mr. Higdon was born August 22, 1926 in Conecuh County but had lived most of his life in Monroeville.
Rev. Higdon is survived by his wife, Beatrice Higdon of Monroeville and three nieces.
Visitation was Sunday, January 15, 2012 at Johnson Funeral Home with funeral services following. The Rev. Thomas Lane Butts officiated and Rev. Steve Dunn assisted. Burial followed in Bermuda Cemetery in Bermuda.
Please keep the Higdon family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Rev. John Morgan (retired) died November 27, 2011. The visitation was Friday, December 2 from 6 - 8 pm in the Chapel at Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church. The service was held on Saturday, December 3 at 12:00 pm in the sanctuary of Frazer. Please keep his wife, Pat, and their family in your thoughts and prayers.