On April 12, over 300 alumni, former staff, friends and new camper families descended on Camp Glisson as Glisson Day was held for the first time in many years. Traditionally a homecoming-style event for alumni and former counselors, this year’s event welcomed families of new and prospective campers to experience the property, location, facilities and staff. They were encouraged to ask questions about the camp’s programs.
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Three former Glisson Director/Managers led the chapel session on Glisson Day. Their tenures add up to nearly 25 years of Glisson spiritual leadership. Pictured from left are: the Rev. Jimmy Moore (1985-1991); the Rev. Bob Lanford (1975-1983), and the Rev. Gary Greenwald (1997-2007). |
A bluegrass gospel band on the Village green welcomed guests, who could then participate in a number of activities, from climbing the Alpine Tower, archery, crafts and kayaking. Panning for gold and gemstones kept the younger guests thrilled, and another highlight of the day was “singing on the porch”—-a Glisson tradition. Songs from many different generations were sung by alumni as they reminisced about their camping experiences through the years.
A worship service held in the beloved chapel was led by three former Glisson Director/Managers: the Rev. Bob Lanford, the Rev. Jimmy Moor and the Rev. Gary Greenwald, representing nearly a quarter century of Glisson spiritual leadership. In addition, the opening prayer had been written by the Rev. Bob Cagle who was Director/Manager from 1969-72 and again from 1991 until his death in 1997.
The Cane Creek Falls Fellowship, the planned giving society, was officially unveiled on Glisson Day, and the new swimming center, currently under construction was also consecrated. Alumni from seven different decades, from the 1940s-2007 celebrated this very special ministry.
On the Sixth Sunday of Easter, St. James UMC in Atlanta celebrated Children’s Sunday and recognized participants in the Bible Challenge program, both past and present. This year, 43 children participated in the challenge with 20 helpers and 13 leaders. The program is in its 16th year.
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Children at St. James led the congregation in the April 27 service. |
On hand to celebrate was the Rev. David Melton, now program minister at Dunwoody UMC, who had been at the church when the idea was floated to create a “Bible Challenge”—-a way to help children learn and retain facts from the Bible. Church members had seen an article in the Wesleyan Christian Advocate about Ebenezer UMC in Conyers, which was working such a challenge in its classrooms.
At St. James, long-time Sunday School teacher Julia Oliver tracked down the information from Ebenezer, and the program began in 1992. The Bible Challenge offers a prize for completing the challenge: a beaded necklace with beads representing verses or creeds memorized and a cross from Jerusalem. Many volunteers through the years have made the challenge a success. For the last 10 years, Dorothy Schwotzer has coordinated the program.
The Children’s service also included the presentation of the Lord’s Prayer led by kindergarten and Pre-K class, scripture lessons, prayers led by Will Johnson and messages delivered by Sarah Evans and Katie Boyd. Others who participated were Natalie Sleeth, Arnold Sherman, Terra Beata, Phillip Davignon, Lacey O’Sullivan and Kurt Kaiser.
