What talented clergy we have in The Atlanta Emory District!!
The Executive Team purchased a table for the "Dances with the Stars ... Clergy Edition" to support the Matthew Initiative whose mission is to help under-resourced and newly started churches to build dynamic children's ministries. This is a fantastic cause that is working miracles in our Annual Conference.
Four of our clergy from The Atlanta Emory District shared a passion in their hearts for the children who are unchurched and danced with determination and drive.
First to hit the floor was "Techno" Allen Hoskyn, from Lawrenceville First. Allen showed us some totally amazing moves that even "Wally" couldn't do. "Shocking" Bob Winstead, from Candler, was the next Atlanta Emory Dancer. With his pink bow tie and matching socks, he and his dance partner shook up the floor to "Footloose." We were not done yet as "Silky Rev. Dave" Allen Grady, pastor at Druid Hills, came out throwing off collar and cane (glad that is all he threw off) to rock the house. Finally came Blair Zant, Cannon UMC, claiming the dance floor and the evening with her determined moves, giving fear to a little girl on the front row.
It was a fun-filled evening and for such a great cause! I must also tell you that The Atlanta Emory District being well represented by the above also took the show! Techno Allen kept smiling and working even when he may have forgot the code. Silky Dave took the coveted Courageous Bird Award (a turkey) for getting out on the floor and giving his all. Shocking Bob received the award for most contributions raised, over $1,900.00. Finally, the star of the evening was Blair Zant who took the Glass Ball Trophy with her driven dance. GO, ATLANTA EMORY!!!
The evening also tells me that we are blessed and that there is hope in our United Methodist Church because we have clergy who have technological wisdom and a willingness to try using it to reach a techno generation. We have courageous clergy willing to get out on the floor of life and to do what must be done in order that others may know the love of Jesus Christ. It tells me that we are blessed with clergy who network and know how to build relationships for the kingdom, and finally I am awed by the determination and drive of our clergy who get out there to win for the kingdom - even striking holy fear in the hearts of others sitting on the side lines.
We can be proud our our fabulous four, and we can gain strength from their examples for making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
We can do this, sisters and brothers; simply find the beat and rock on!!!
Happy Dancing,
Dana
To find out more about the Matthew Initiative and how it might help your congregation, please contact me and I will be glad to help you learn more. This is a great Conference Ministry worth your support financially and worth considering for your future ministry if you need to rebuild children's ministry.