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Gathering of the LaityGathering of the Laity set for Aug. 19-21 Johnny Harvell, event chair, invites everyone to attend this year's Gathering of the Laity: What a joy, what a privilege, and what an honor as your chairperson of the 40th Annual “Gathering of the Laity,” to invite all of our brothers and sisters in Christ to help us celebrate this time together in this beautiful, majestic setting at Lake Junaluska. Our theme this year is “Sharing the Love of Christ.” A bell is not a bell until you ring it. A song is not a song until you sing it. Love in your heart is not put there to stay. Love is not love until you give it away. We, the Laity of the Western NC Conference, are here to ring the bells, sing the songs, and to spread the love of Jesus Christ. I John, Chapter 4 says, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” It is truly wonderful to have the love of Christ in our hearts. It is even better when we share it. Begin praying for our "Gathering of the Laity." I have said to many people for the last several years that attending the Gathering is like being at a revival with some of the world's best preaching, witnesses and singing. With all of us praying together, the love of Christ will surely be shared with everyone we meet. A planning committee meets throughout the year to make plans for the “Gathering of the Laity.” This year they are: Johnny Harvell, chair; Jack Young, vice chair; David Heath, treasurer; Tom and Ruth Wilson, registrars; and Don Matthews, Betty Jo Hardy, Rev. William Osborne, Jr., Jim Harrell, Fred Jones, Mary Kizer, Ray Boger, Wade Lowder and the Rev. Lynne Caldwell. The Gathering of the Laity is the only evangelistic outreach program sponsored by the Council on Laity of the Western North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church. This year’s leadership includes: Rev. Dr. Reginald Mallett, an ordained minister and a physician, studied theology a the University of London, graduating with First Class Honors. He subsequently graduated in medicine and surgery from the University of Birmingham, England. He has served some of the largest churches in British Methodism. Dr. Mallett has preached extensively in the United States, including many events at Lake Junaluska. He is the author of “God's Coming in Christ,” “Journeying with Jesus,” “The Cradle and the Star,” and “Sermons by the Lake.” Rev. Jan Brittain is senior pastor at Christ UMC in the Greensboro District. She graduated summa cum laude from Pfeiffer College in 1977 with a bachelor of arts degree in Christian Education and business administration. She also graduated with honors from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Brittain served three churches in Bristol, England, from 1989 to 1991, on a special appointment by the Bishop through British Methodist Church. She is president of the Hinton Rural Life board of directors. Dr. Hank Williams was saved at the early age of 7 and called to preach at age 9. Williams received his bachelor of arts degree in theology from Southern Wesleyan University in 1981. He completed his master of divinity degree in 1997, and in December 2003, received the doctor of ministry from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Williams has held hundreds of evangelistic meetings throughout the United States and many other countries such as Russia, Jamaica, Mexico, Korea and Brazil. Marjorie Kimbrough graduated Phi Beta Kappa in mathematics from the University of California, and earned her master’s in Christian education from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta. She delivers management presentations at conventions and conferences, and is a frequent lecturer for churches, colleges and public schools. Dr. Howard Allred is a graduate of Guilford College with a bachelor of arts degree, and Duke University with a master of divinity degree, and from High Point University with a doctor of divinity degree. He has pastored several churches in North Carolina. In June 1995, he was elected pastor emeritus of First UMC in High Point. He was also superintendent of the Northeast District for five years. He is founder of a television ministry that began in 1990, and continues to broadcast on WGHP-Fox 9, on Sundays at 7 a.m. He was selected by the Independent-Times, of Concord as one of the “100 Most Influential People over the last 100 years” in Cabarrus County. Roger Hunter Junaluska Singers
SCHEDULE Friday, August 19
Saturday, August 20
Sunday, August 21
For more information visit: www.wnccumc.org/gol/gathering.htm |
