I received an e-mail from Pastor Doug Jordan of the Bostwick United Methodist Church last Monday, Aug. 23 detailing the Sunday service along with a prayer list and sermon notes. I enjoyed reading the e-mail and feel sure you can receive such an e-mail if you so desire from Pastor Doug. His e-mail address is dougjordan@ngumc.net. His sermon notes regarding the conversion of C.S. Lewis reminded me of a fellow co-worker's story. My co-worker is a nurse who I will refer to as Dee for privacy purposes. Her husband was struggling with the negative effects of Parkinson’s disease as well as a brain tumor. The medical expenses and strain of caring for a sick family member for the past four years were taking a toll on her mentally, physically and financially. An old friend who had become a minister called Dee out of the blue because she was on his mind and he felt the Holy Spirit nudging him to call her. I just love how the Holy Spirit works and the great things that happen if we are faithful. At this time Dee does not attend church and has no strong religious beliefs at all. Of course she opens her heart to her childhood friend and tells him of her struggles. He pledges to pray for her. She takes her husband to another doctor’s visit and finds that he has been misdiagnosed. Her husband’s recurrent falls and inability to ambulate are the result of a drug for Parkinson’s disease which was an incorrect diagnosis. He stops taking the medication and begins to regain his ability to perform basic activities of daily living like going to the restroom without falling and doing actual household tasks to assist Dee and their daughter who lives next door. Dee also experienced positive financial changes. I believe God hears our prayers and provides for us in our time of need. I think Dee has a new perspective on life and feel sure her old friend will lead her to a closer walk with God.

We send our sympathy to Frieda White and family in the death of her Aunt Edith Parson Thomas. She was her dad’s sister and was the last person left except her mother who has the Parsons’ last name. Mrs. Thomas was 93 and had     been in failing health for some time.

Barbara Tyson had a nice lunch on Sunday and had as her guests George and Laura Lohr, Chuck and Miriam Foster and Margaret Bell.

Beacon Heights had a great singing Sunday night with the Healey Sisters (Slaughter and another.) Miriam Foster said that it was a great service.

Scott and Jennifer Doran and Jon, Kim and Colton Jones went to a Braves game at Lawrenceville on Sunday. It was Colton’s first time to go to a professional ball game. After the game Colton got to run the bases. By the way the Braves came from behind and won a great game.

Swords United Methodist Church plans to have Homecoming on the first Sunday in October. They are really enjoying their new pastor, who plans to preach the homecoming service. Mark your calendar for this event.
Mike Wheat had a heart attack and is in the hospital. I hope that you will be better soon, Mike.
Marge Snodery is still a patient at St. Joseph’s Hospital. She is slightly improved. We hope that you will soon be better, Marge.

Morning worship attendance was good, some visitors were present and they are always a blessing to us. We pray they were blessed by being in our service today and will come again. It was good to see regular members back with us after being out for various reasons. After the opening prayer we had Sunday school promotion and Dedi Moss our new Sunday school director talked some about the importance of Sunday school and encouraged each one to make a special effort to attend.

Next Sunday September 5 begins our new church year. Bro. Ron’s message, “Lord’s Supper,” Eph. 4: 24-32, Heb. 9: 22, II Cor. 13:14, Acts2: 42 and other scripture. The Lord’s Supper represents forgiveness, released, set free, let go from our sins, can’t separate the Lord’s Supper and forgiveness, without shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin. Everyone is in need of a Savior; we have been forgiven, and have a new walk as believers. God forgave us, He wants unity in families as we come together in churches as believers remembering what God has done for us, having fellowship through this unity, think alike, seeing scriptures together. If you’re without Christ, you are without fellowship of Christ. After the message we observed the Lord’s Supper. In closing Denny and Patsy Pickett sang, “Remember Me.”

The beautiful flowers in the sanctuary today was from the wedding of Melissa Key and Adam LeClair, the flowers were placed in memory of Doug Grubbs.

Sunday night at 6 p.m. a good attendance present for our Fifth Sunday Night Singing.
Next Sunday morning, September 5 Dr. Ron Long will be our guest speaker.

Sally Stephens and I are very happy these days... "The Book" has arrived and we are very pleased and we do hope all you readers of my grandmother's column when she wrote "Fairview Notes" or "Fairview News" will enjoy reading her writings of many years ago. For the new residents of the county, my grandmother, Mrs. Genie Maude Baldwin Wilson, wrote for years and years a column such as all the community columnists are still doing today. But, most of the time, Grandma would write a little story about the old days or a family story that was very entertaining to her readers before she would tell the comings and goings of the Fairview community. For many years different ones would say that someone should compile these writings into a book, but it was easier said than done, and now Sally and I know why! What a journey we have been on for a little over three years, but as the old song goes, "I wouldn't take nothing for my journey, now!" We could write a book about "the book." We think everyone will enjoy reading these entries starting back as far as 1915, when our grandmother was a teacher in the one-room school here at Fairview. We have been inspired and helped so much by her writings and we feel everyone will benefit as well as enjoy what she had to say.

Greetings from The Springs and to answer your question about when will the new church be ready? I am not sure but it will be very soon. We never had a deadline for the completion especially since we are working in God’s timing. He never gave us a time limit so we just have to be patient. Everyone is so excited with anticipation and even my heart smiles whenever I just think about the new building. Now, don’t wait until we finish the church to come and worship with us. We welcome you right now. Sunday school starts at 9 a.m. and worship service at 10 a.m. Keep reading and I will eagerly keep you posted.

Sunday the Union Springs family joined with the family of Mrs. Mattie Bailey in celebrating her 100th birthday Wow, what a lifespan! The church presented her with a proclamation from the city of Rutledge and several other gifts to let her know that we love her and that to live for so long being touched by God is such a blessing. I feel honored just to be a part of the celebration of her life. The Lord is truly merciful and gracious.

The Springs warmly welcomed Albert King and his son Ben who were visiting with us from Ohio. These gentlemen are the brother and nephew of Mother Margaret Clements and Sister Terri Mapp-Veasley. Albert and Ben I pray that being in the presence of the Lord touched your souls on Sunday. I bid you safe travel back home and I hope to see you soon.

The Ladies Golf Association at The Creek held its annual Couples Invitational on August 24. Thirty-six players participated. Winners were as follows, Flight One, First Gross Rachel and Clark Jones, Irene Paul and John Batten; first net, Cheryl and Donald Dotson and Jan and Tommy McClung; second net, Pocket and Pat Patterson and Betty and Harry Stephens. In the second flight Beth and Rick Stratigos and Hope and Dave Brown won first gross. Brenda and Ray Hinkle and Margarete and Phil Sledge won first net. Second net went to Regina and Wilson Broach and Joyce and Don Hairston.

Closest to the Pin went to Grady Mosley and Irene Paul. Bill O’Dell and Irene Paul won Most Accurate Drive.
The group enjoyed a Kev’s barbecue lunch at the new Indian Creek Park.

Larry and Jennie Sievers have returned from a trip to Maine.

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Massey of Daly City, Tennessee were guests of his sister and family, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Self last week.

Henry Peek has been a patient in Athens Regional Hospital.