Personal from Ministerial and Member Services

Last Sabbath I had the opportunity to travel to Rome—Rome, Georgia, that is! It was my very first time in this Rome and I found it to be a beautiful area. I was invited to speak on the Sabbath with nearly 100 local brethren and several others from outlying church areas that came in for services, a delicious chili potluck, and following the Sabbath a family "Barn Dance." It was a very encouraging day of worship, fellowship, and fun—a great combination! The church hall near Rome is perfect for this type of activity, as many people in the community gather there for barn dances on a regular basis.

I would strongly recommend all areas of the country getting together at least once a year for some type of family dance. Our children have lots of energy and they always enjoy an opportunity to burn off some of that energy. Teens and adults also enjoy dancing—men, women and children of all ages danced throughout the evening. Ryan Hall, assistant pastor to Rick Beam, was the DJ and played a good mix of uplifting music for everyone.

I enjoyed a scrumptious dinner and warm fellowship the evening before at the Hall home with Rick and Angela Beam, Ryan and Nissa Hall and their three children. The Hall family moved to the area this past summer and is fitting in very well. Angela's health is improving, but please continue to pray for greater strength and healing for her. Rick and I have worked together at summer camp and he is a faithful pastor of many years. We appreciate their service to our brethren in Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama, as Rick pastors not only Rome (Georgia), but also Chattanooga (Tennessee) and Gadsden (Alabama). He also has a regular Bible Study in one of the nearby prisons.

On the drive back home on Sunday, I greatly enjoyed having breakfast at Roy and Norma Holladays' home, near Chattanooga, also with Bill and Betty Cowan. It was so good for me to visit with both couples. I have long admired their dedication and service to God and His people. Both couples have set such fine examples of devotion and diligence throughout the years and it was a real pleasure to reminisce, share stories, and mutually encourage, uplift, and learn from one another.

Bill is continuing to struggle health-wise. Thankfully, he was feeling better than he had been feeling the day before, so we were able to visit for quite a while. Please continue to remember Bill and Betty in your prayers.

It was so good to see Mr. Holladay doing so well and he and Norma were such warm, wonderful hosts. Their faithfulness through some very difficult times has proven invaluable throughout the first 25 years of the United Church of God. Roy had some helpful advice for me as he once served not only as President of United, but also as the Operation Manager for MMS.

After a very nice visit, I enjoyed the beautiful drive home through the hills of Tennessee, Kentucky and southern Ohio.

I also felt that the Council meetings went extremely well this week and greatly appreciate the 12 men who serve so well.