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We
look forward each year to our Homecoming Service, when a poem written by
two of our members detailing the year's events is read. It is
always a special treat to be reminded of the special times we have
shared together during the past 12 months.
It's become tradition at Marshall
Homecoming each year
To read this Rhyme about what's gone on around here.
This year we've added to our Church Family Brice & Jean Salley by
letter,
But wait it just gets better and better,
By statement we added four
Gene Evans, John, Brenda and Kelly Prater - then there's more -
We Baptized Tyler Sparks, Daniel Anderson and Jeremy Farley and later
We will Baptize Ashley Gautreaux and Alyssa Prater.
Our men wore their best Sunday-Go-To Meeting Overalls and our ladies
into long dresses did
climb
Last year at our Old Fashion Homecoming Time.
Southern Belles we had a few -
And even a Yankee Soldier, too.
Rev. Steve Atchley brought the message followed by lots of wonderful
food - Oh boy!
Then there was beautiful Gospel Music from the Pathfinders, with our own
Jean McCoy.
On July 21, Kathy Sparks and some of her crew had a Children's Lock-In -
"Flashback to VBS"
With lots of extreme fun it really was a success!
After church on that Wed. Night boys and girls stayed to play games,
watch movies, have crafts
and eat -
Believe it or not they even went to sleep.
Our Youth met at the Salley's Pool after church on July 25 & August
Eight
The fun and fellowship was really great!
On August 13, Awana Leaders met to eat pizza and make plans to kick-off
the year
Then on the 21st the Prime-Timers went White Water Rafting -
and there was some fear.
Not only of White Water - but what might find it's way into this rhyme ;…
Well, we'll just say everyone had an exciting time.
On August 28, our Youth went to the lake -
A trip by canoe to take.
The next night we met under the Pavilion for Fifth Sunday Song Fest
And the Pathfinders and others did take request.
Then, you guessed it, of course we had to eat -
And Homemade Ice-cream was really a treat.
On Sept. 8, it was time for Awana our 9th year to begin
The clubbers started off right by inviting their friends.
On September 12th our joy we couldn't contain -
Charlie Reville, as a Deacon we did ordain.
Then on the 15th some of our Youth met at the FlagPoles at
their schools to pray.
And that was just the beginning of a really busy day.
We opened our Gym as a shelter for people from the coast -
Because a place to eat and sleep was what they needed most.
We brought sleeping bags and blankets and pillows galore -
We helped nine, but could have helped even more.
September 22 & 29, Awana clubbers brought their friends to Awana and
had their pictures made -
Then for the rest of the year on the gym wall they were displayed.
On October 2 our Awana clubbers and leaders could be seen -
Riding on a float in the Oliver Hardy Festival Parade that was Red,
Yellow, Blue and Green.
At the Women on Mission's Booth that day they sold sodas and cake
Money for needy children's Christmas gifts to make.
On their trip to Stone Mountain on October Nine -
Some Awana Varsity and JV Clubbers had a great time.
On World Hunger Sunday on October 10, we picked up our Rice Bowls -
Took them home and filled them with money to help feed bodies and souls.
And when Bruce and some leaders took the Youth to Augusta the next night
-
They said the Freedom Blast Concert '99 was out of sight.
Team Spirit night in Awana was October thirteen
Clubbers had to make a banner for their color team.
Also, canned food for our Benevolence Pantry they brought
Because to share with those who are needy is what Jesus taught.
On October 16, the Keenagers had some money to be spent -
So off to the Jock-A-Lot they went.
Then October 20, was the first Awana Store
Clubbers picked up Awana Bucks they had earned as they went in the door.
October 24-29 was time for the Cruise for Kathy Drew
Once again she wants to thank her Church Family and say she loves each
one of you.
Fall Festival was October 30, a Saturday Night
Our Kids had lots of fun with games, a hayride, boiled peanuts and a
pumpkin piñata - Alright!
The next weekend November 5-6, our Women on Mission went on a retreat to
Mistletoe and it was
neat -
They went to rest, have International Mission Study, pray, talk, laugh
and eat.
And on that Saturday, bright and early without fail
Some of our men met at the church for a work detail.
At the Light-Night Gym Blow-Out on November Nineteen
Our youth decided football in the dark is a scary thing.
At our Thanksgiving Communion Service and Meal on November Twenty -
Everyone had turkey and dressing a-plenty.
For Harvest Sunday - November 21 lots of time on the phone we did spend
-
Inviting all our members and neighbors and friends to attend.
October 24, was another busy Awana night
Our clubbers dressed as their favorite Thanksgiving Food - was really a
sight.
And our Varsity and JV spent some time in the kitchen cooking a
Thanksgiving meal to take
To a needy family - We think that's just great.
November 28, was the first Sunday of advent
Everyone agrees these services leading up to Christmas Day are time well
spent.
Each Sunday School Class decorated a Sanctuary Window that night at
Hanging of the Green
At this beautiful service we find out what each Christmas symbol means.
On the 29th our Committee appointed for Pastor Search
Met with Mason Davis to learn how to go about finding a new Pastor for
our Church
Now we're to December - a busy month that filled with great joys
And on the 1st our Awana Clubbers brought gifts for needy
girls and boys
The Keenagers Christmas Party on December 4, was lots of fun
We hear if you want to keep the gift you open - you had better run!
December 8, was the Christmas Awana Store
Our clubbers spent their bucks on ornaments & presents galore.
In October & November we followed our Married Class' lead
For furniture, clothes and household items, for a family who lost their
home in the North Carolina
Floods they did plead.
Then the class loaded up a truck that Henry and Anthony took to them on
December Eleven
The family was very thankful to us, and most of all to our Father in
Heaven.
Also on December 11, Men's II went to Golden Corral to eat.
They always invite their wives, and we think that's really sweet.
Then for their party Ladies II met at Ryans December Fourteen
And on the 15th at Awana's -No Room at the Inn Night - Lots
of characters from the Christmas
Story were seen.
Our Awana Sparks met on the 16th to sing and eat hearty-
They sang Christmas Carols for shut-ins and at the Nursing Home, then
came back to the church
for a Pizza Party.
At the Preschool Christmas Party on the 17th of December
They had a Birthday Party for Jesus - The reason for Christmas we want
them to remember.
The Youth met that same night for a party at Bruce and Sandra's house -
We're so glad the Lord has blessed Bruce with such a helpful spouse.
As our Awana Clubbers rode their Christmas Float in Parades down Harlem
and Thomson streets
They passed our special invitation treats.
At the Christmas Cantata, December 19th the choir presented
"Bethlehem's Light"
A story about Jesus giving blind Bartimas his sight.
That night at the Children's Christmas Service Glenda Lloyd talked about
how much God does
care -
As all the little children gathered around her chair.
And afterwards we had Turkey & Ham Sandwiches and lots of goodies
for our Christmas Meal.
Then hung our Lottie Moon Christmas Offering on the tree - for our
Missionaries on Foreign Fields.
On Dec. 20th, Sandra and Shelby took Youth I on a Christmas
Outing to the mall -
We understand a good time was had by all.
On the 21st, Women on Mission met at Amigo's for their
Christmas Meal -
Then back at the church wrapped gifts for 4 adopted needy families with
zeal.
And Christmas week for the Men's Ministry was a really busy time - you see
Charlie Reville and his assistant Santas went to work with glee
And assembled lots of bags of fruit and candy for shut-ins and others
and also did include
For Needy Families 16 big boxes of Christmas Food.
Then at our Candlelight Communion Service on Christmas Eve
We sang carols, read the Christmas Story, prayed and wished our Church
Family Merry
Christmas, before we did leave.
For the first night of Awana for 2000-Y2K did bring -
Our Clubbers an opportunity to say Yes to the King.
The Keenagers met for breakfast at the Cracker Barrel early on Jan.
Eight
As always they agreed the food was great.
At Noah's Ark Night in Awana our Clubbers paired up and came as animals,
two by two
Mr. Ricky was Noah to this crazy zoo!
Mr. Bruce took the youth to Wrens on January Fourteen
To see the Mighty Inspiring Power Team.
Then to the new Mall of Ga. On the 17th went the Youth -
To shop, watch movies, ice skate and race cars, yes that's the truth.
Another Friend Night in Awana was on January Nineteen -
And on the 26th at Awana lots of snowmen were seen.
On Feb. 5th Kevin Reville and Laurie Krenz were wed -
It was a beautiful ceremony as their vows they said.
On the 7th we brought lots of gifts of blue to a Baby Shower
for Laurin Cozart
During many months of a difficult pregnancy we'd said many prayers
straight from each heart
So it gave us lots of joy
To help celebrate the birth of Christian - Mitch & Brigitte's
Grandbaby Boy!
On the 11th we went to the Valentine Banquet - A Tropical
Paradise -
And, as always, under the direction of Bruce and Sandra the Youth did
everything really nice.
Then February 13, was a very sad day -
It was time to Brother Don - Good Bye as our Pastor to say.
For 21 Years he'd been there time and time again -
When we needed our Pastor, a leader, a friend.
On the 21st our Women on Mission to Warrenton 1st
did go
So what groups like theirs all over our Association and state were doing
they could know.
On Feb. 23, our WOM a Spaghetti Supper for donations did prepare -
So with needy children Christmas Gifts they can share
On March 4th, Keenagers met a Neal's Bar-B-Cue to eat -
And, as always, this was a real treat.
On March 5th for North American Missions Week of Prayer a
Video we did show -
So more about the work of those hard working missionaries we could know.
On the 11th our Youth went to Augusta to watch the Lynx play
hockey with that little puck -
Then on the 22nd the WOM had a Wednesday Night Supper again
to earn more bucks.
Then Kym Snyder brought her team leaders together on March Twenty-Three
-
Because it was time to get to work on Ocean Odyssey.
Our Keenagers at their picnic on April 1st Easter Egg Hunting
were seen -
Then all our VBS Leaders met on April Thirteen.
On the 14th the Youth were to have their "Easter Egg
Hunt" but it rained
So they met at the church and played Board Games.
On April 15th, men and women came to make our buildings and
grounds beautiful and clean -
Then the Choir presented the Easter Cantata "Calvary's Love"
on April Sixteen.
Also on that day we invited our neighbors and friends to come with us to
hear
How for each one of us God sacrificed His Son, so dear.
On the 19th Women on Mission had a Wednesday Night Supper of
Chicken wings -
So for needy families they could buy Christmas things.
On the 22nd there was lots of Easter fun for girls and boys
They hunted for eggs and had a piñata filled with lots or candy and
toys.
Then on the 23rd at our Sunrise Service at the first break of
day
We celebrated the Lord's resurrection in our own special way.
With choruses and Communion out in front of the Church and a message by
Bruce, we watch the
rising of the sun -
Then at Breakfast cooked by our Men's Ministry the fellowship is always
fun.
Then at our Morning Services we took up our Offering for North American
Missions - Annie
Armstong
And added it to the money our Awana Clubbers had been bringing all
along.
Then on the 29th we had a special supper to meet Rev. John
Prater, Brenda and the girls, too -
To see how we though he as our Pastor would do.
Then the next day after we heard him preach -
With a last prayer to the Lord-His guidance to beseech -
We called him as our Pastor, our Church Family to led -
We felt he was the one the Lord had for us - Everyone agreed.
On May 3rd Women on Mission treated the Awana Annie Armstrong
Contest Winners to supper of
Hot Dogs and Ice Cream -
The most offering was brought by the team that was Green.
On May 6th, early on Saturday Morning, Kym Snyder and Kathy
Drew went to Washington
Heights
To learn how to make our VBS - Ocean Odyssey go just right.
Then that night the Keenagers met - of course to eat
Bar-B-Que Chicken was really a treat. On May 7th A Gideon
Speaker came to tell
Of their Ministry and how they distribute the Bible all over the world,
so well.
The WOM brought lots of Kool-aide and cupcakes for all Awana Clubbers on
May Ten
A reward for all the Annie Armstrong Offering they had brought in.
At the Women on Mission Mother-Daughter Luncheon on May Thirteen -
Mrs. Mary Wade talked about what raising your children in a Christian
way can mean.
Then at the Married Class Late Spring Fling that night, they had a blast
-
As they met to fellowship at the Guillebeau's at last.
On May 15, pulling a trailer behind his van unto our field came Bro.
John Prater -
Brenda, Allyssa and Kelly were going to come later.
May 17th was Awana Awards Day -
Our Clubbers received awards for their hard work and the thousands of
sections they had learned
to say.
Kendall Levesque our Clubber of the Year Award did receive.
All our Awana Leaders strive to teach our children in Jesus, as their
Savior to Believe.
May 20th Kym and Leaders met to cut and paint- At their
Workshop they did their very best -
Because they wanted our VBS - Ocean Odyssey to be a great success.
We had a Special Service and Dinner on the Grounds on May Twenty-One
Our New Pastor, Bro. John Prater to Commission.
At our Awana Carnival and Auction on May Twenty-Four -
Our clubbers spent bucks and bucks galore
They had Face painting, the Awana Store, a Moon Walk and lots and lots
of other booths
They all had lots of fun and that's the truth.
During our Worship Service on May 28th we took some time to
congratulate -
Melinda Dubois, Krystal Grier, Tonya Griffin, Geoffery Henderson, Marty
Montgomery, Dee Neal
and Kylee Robinette as from High School they did graduate.
At the VBS Water Game Night on May Thirty-One -
All the children got really wet but had lots of fun.
VBS Leaders met June 3rd to distribute flyers all over our
neighborhood -
Asking kids to come to Ocean Odyssey - We sure hoped they would!
At the Keenagers Meeting that night there were some tears -
As they said Good-bye to the Morrisons and thanked them for what that
had done through the
years.
We recognized each VBS Leader and Worker during Evening Worship that
next night -
And Commissoned them and Prayed to the Lord for strength, wisdom and
insight -
That everything they did during Vacation Bible School week -
Would bring children closer to the Lord is what they'd seek.
Because they were moving to Tennessee, after church that night there was
a reception for Fran
and Bill
Because they had meant so much to each one of us - and they always will.
On June 7, our Ocean Odyssey VBS Musical was really great.
Performances by Kenan, Carol, Dana and James were first rate.
Allyson and Alisha sang like little birds -
And Mr. Mike Levesque & Miss Tosha with William and Cameron said a
few words.
Mr. Bruce did a great job, as always, though at one line he was kind of
slow -
Every one agreed that "Capt. Jack" Brock Snyder is the one who
stole the show.
To our Children's Choir Director, Becky Mauck a special thanks we'd like
to say for that night -
And to Kym, DeWayne and Joanna, who handled things behind the scenes
just right.
Then an Ocean Odyssey Diver came to Church on Sunday Morning in
flippers, tank, mask and hood - things a diver needs to survive -
And invited all the Girls and Boys to come along on our Ocean Odyssey
Dive.
June 11-15 we all dived into God's Faithfulness at Ocean Odyssey.
And every night the children sang with Bubba and laughed with glee.
There were fun crafts, good food, recreation, music and each night we
strengthened our beliefs -
As we studied more about Jesus in each Bible Story Reef.
On the 16th we ended the week with VBS Family Night.
We want to thank our VBS Director Kym Snyder for a Dive that was out of
sight!
Our Youth went to a fellowship at Bruce and Sandra's on the 18th
of June.
Guess we'll be coming to the end of this poem soon?
June 25-29 -Marooned-Once Lost/Now Found was the Youth VBS theme.
Becky, Bruce, Sandra and Kym were the teaching team.
On June 29-30th - Richard, Mike Levesque, AT, Bruce and Brock
went to Decatur
Loaded up a truck and trailer to move the family of Brother John Prater.
On July 1st some of our members went over the truck to unload
-
Up lots of steps into the Prater abode.
Then at the Prater's the Keenagers cooked that night for the whole
moving crew -
Everyone was full of Hamburgers and Hot dogs when they were through.
At our Vespers on July 2nd Patriotic Songs we did sing -
Then ate Hot Dogs, cake, and homemade ice cream.
On the 5th - 7th our Youth did Missions VBS at
Mistletoe -
We know the Lord will bless their efforts even though attendance was
low.
For the Youth Fellowship on July 9th the Youth thought it was
cool -
That they got to swim in the Salley's Pool.
On July 10-14- 9 Youth and 3 Leaders to Jekyll Island for SuperWOW did
go -
To fellowship with Youth from all over the state and closer to our Lord
to grow.
That was a long hard trip for our poor old van -
It's door fell off in B.J.'s hand.
Now there's one more thing we want to say
To Mr. Cecil, Mr. Charlie and Bruce before we're through today -
During our months without a Pastor they had lot's of extra tasks to do -
And for the Great Job they did we now say "Thank You".
That finally brings us to the end of this rhyme -
We hope you enjoy our 123rd Homecoming Time.
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