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The Paper | Thursday, September 13, 2012
World-changing rules from Him I don’t remember what year it was. I don’t remember who the candidates were. I only remember that it was an election season. I was with my Dad running some errands, probably sometime in mid-to-late Brad Greene September. As we apThe Pastor’s Pen proached the entrance to a small grocery store in my hometown, I noticed someone approaching us. In those election seasons, it was not uncommon to have someone approach you, encourage you to vote for a certain person and present you with a small American flag on a toothpick. The person greeted my Dad and then followed up by encouraging him to cast his vote for a certain candidate. The person closed the invitation with the words, “You should vote for him. He’s an honest American.” To which my Dad responded, “I believe he is, and I would like him to stay that way. And that’s why I won’t vote for him.” I began learning then how powerful politics could be. I began to see that things often weren’t as they seemed on the surface, and that “campaign” was often just a politically savvy word for “advertising.” And it doesn’t seem like things have changed very much. As we find ourselves in this election season, I am grieved daily at the way that we behave and blame it on our political bent. I see, hear and read comments directed at every political slant and candidate that are harsh, critical and downright mean - comments that, because of the “blessings” of technology, social media and perceived anonymity, somehow seem OK to say. The thing that may grieve me the most is that I see and hear Christian brothers and sisters walking right into the fray as well, seeming to give little regard to how their attitudes and words can become weapons. At our church, we spent some time this summer looking at some simple rules by which to live. These rules aren’t earth-shattering on the surface. But, if we really practiced them, they could change the world. The first two of these rules come to mind as we look at the harshness of some of the current exchanges over political differences: 1. Do No Harm: Imagine the effects if, before we voiced our own opinion, we considered the way that it might damage another person - seen or unseen. 2. Do Good: Instead of simply voicing our complaints, how can we come together to produce positive results? How can we lift people up without feeling the need to tear others down in the process? In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches about some character traits in us that please God. One of these is all too easy for us gloss over. In Matthew 5:9, Jesus says, “Blessed are the PEACEMAKERS, for they will be called sons of God.” Notice that he doesn’t say, “Blessed are those who enjoy peace, and doubly blessed are those who reap the benefits of peace.” No, his message is more direct and challenging: blessed are those who make peace. Peacemaking is an active endeavor, and it’s something that I’m seeing far too little of. Do no harm. Do good. Make peace. It could change the world! Brad Greene is the Lead Pastor at Arbor Pointe Church. You are invited to worship with Arbor Pointe on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. at West Jackson Middle School. Contact Pastor Greene at brad@arborpointe.org or 706-367-8358.
OBITUARIES Ray Elbert Banks
Died Sept. 8, 2012 The Rev. Ray Elbert Banks, 73, of Jefferson, died Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012. Born in Jackson County, he was a son of the late Homer and Sallie Banks. He served in the United States Army during Vietnam and worked at the Jefferson Cotton Mill. He was retired from Builders Transport after 18 years and was also the owner and operator of Banks Tree Service. The Rev. Banks was the founder and pastor of the Gospel Tabernacle in Jefferson, and was the former pastor of Arcade Community Church. He was preceded in death by his former wife, Christine Littleton Banks; brothers, Darrell Banks and Lathan Banks; sisters, Frances Smith and Kathy Ann Banks; and stepdaughter, Betty Sue Dunahoo. Survivors include his daughters, Elaine Nabors of Braselton and Tracy Banks of Jefferson; son, Justin Banks of Jefferson, stepsons, Ronnie Montgomery and Jerry Montgomery, both of Winder; sisters, Nancy McNeal and Shirley Wilson, both of Hoschton; sister-inlaw, Clara Banks of Jefferson; grandchildren, Dana Burho of Phoenix, Ariz., Delaina Haughland of Lawrenceville, Mary Kristen Brown of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Corbin Banks and Daniel Banks, both of Panama City Beach, Fla., and Jakob Banks and Jazmin Banks, both of Hoschton; step-grandson, Mark Dunahoo of Winder; great grandchild, Brooklynn Morgan of Lawrenceville; and a number of nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, in the White Plains Baptist Church Cemetery. The Rev. Palmer Pace, the Rev. Wayne Moore and Pastor John Edwards will officiate. The family will receive friends at the graveside after the service. Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson The Paper, Sept. 13, 2012
Johnny Douglas Beder
Died Sept. 5, 2012 Johnny Douglas Beder, 65,
of Winder, died Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012. Arrangements will be announced by Lawson Funeral Home, 35 First St., Hoschton, GA, 30548, 706-654-0966, www.lawsonfuneralhome. org. The Paper, Sept. 13, 2012
Michael Brylinski
Died Aug. 30, 2012 Michael Brylinski, 41, of Lawrenceville, died Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. Arrangements will be announced by Lawson Funeral Home. The Paper, Sept. 13, 2012
Kevin Wayne Childers
Died Sept. 3, 2012 Kevin Wayne Childers, 45, of Winder, died Monday, Sept. 3, 2012. A memorial service was held Friday, Sept. 7, 2012, at Galilee Christian Church with the Rev. Tom Plank officiating. Lawson Funeral Home, Hoschton The Paper, Sept. 13, 2012
Mary Lou Cleghorn
Died Sept. 7, 2012 Mary Lou Cleghorn, 81, of Winder, died Friday, Sept. 7, 2012. A Jackson County native, she was a daughter of the late A.C. and Lizzie Evans Streetman. The widow of John Edward Cleghorn, she was of the Baptist faith. A graveside service was held Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012, at Memorial Park Cemetery in Gainesville. Survivors include her sister, Lottie Healan; and nephews, Roger Healan and
CHURCH NEWS
Union Baptist Church of Flowery Branch will celebrate National Back To Church Sunday on Sunday, Sept. 16. Everyone is invited to join us in the celebration. If you attend church regularly, haven’t been to church in a while, have never been to church or simply curious, attend on Sept. 16 for Sunday School at 10 a.m. and worship service at 11 a.m. Union Baptist Church is located at 5115 Union Church Road in Flowery Branch. sss
The Catholics Returning Home Ministry of Prince of Peace Catholic Church welcomes adult Catholics to a 10-week series of informative programs beginning Sept. 17 from 7:30-9 p.m. Programs provide an opportunity to discuss questions and concerns in a caring and sensitive way. Call Jan Nichols at 770-965-7362 or visit www.popcatholicchurch.org sss Sharon Baptist Church will be hosting Homecoming on Sunday, Sept 16. Steve Baker will be the guest speaker. A covered dish luncheon will follow the service. Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate 120 years with Sharon Baptist Church. Sunday school starts at 10 and the morning service is at 11. The church is at 1059 Dee Kennedy Road in Auburn. Contact the Rev. Le Gibson at 770-867-1107. sss
Hoschton United Methodist Church has a part-time staff position available. A nursery worker is needed for the 11 a.m. service on Sundays for a small group of children, ages infant to 6 years old. Please contact Rev. Luis Ortiz if interested. Hoschton United Methodist Church is located at 12 Mulberry St., three blocks behind Hoschton City Hall. Visit www.hoschtonumc. org; email hoschtonumc@windstream.net or call 706-654-1422. sss
Hamilton Mill Presbyterian Church will dedicate its newly installed playground on Sunday, Sept. 16, with a free hot dog lunch. Volleyball is also planned. The lunch and play will begin at 11:30 a.m. following the worship and dedication at 10:30. The church is at 5152 Braselton Highway in Hoschton. Call Dr. Tom Bagley at 678-714-3344 or 404-906-6348. Visit www.hamiltonmillpc.com sss A Call To Salvation is hosting WWA - Warring Women Arising Conference will be held Friday evening, Sept. 14, through Sunday morning, Sept. 16. The conference cost is $30 which includes lunch on Saturday. To register, visit the website at www.acalltosalvation.org. If unable to register online, call the church office at 706-367-9612. A Call To Salvation is located at 1295 Jackson Trail Road in Jefferson, at the intersection of Highway 11 and Jackson Trail Road. sss The Community Chapel, located on Hwy. 15 in Jefferson, will celebrate homecoming on Sept. 16 with the Mitchells singing in the 11 a.m. service. sss
Stanley Healan. Carter Funeral Home, Winder The Paper, Sept. 13, 2012
David Eugene Cooper
Died Sept. 4, 2012 David Eugene Cooper, 57, of Braselton, died Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012. Born in Barrow County, he was a son of the late Alfred Coleman and Louise Gilstrap Cooper. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Alfred Coleman Cooper Jr. He retired from the Jackson County Board of Education where he served as a custodian for Maysville Elementary School for more than 20 years. Mr. Cooper was an avid NASCAR and race car fan. Graveside services were held Friday Sept. 7, 2012, in Evans Memory Gardens with the Rev. Calvin Gooch officiating. Survivors include his brother, Roger Cooper of Braselton; sister, Mary Weber of Macon; nieces and nephews, Chuck Cooper, Brandy Cooper and Chad Cooper, Wayne Branson and Allen Branson; and a number of other relatives. Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson The Paper, Sept. 13, 2012
Xavier Antonio Franklin
Died Sept. 10, 2012 Xavier Antonio Franklin, 4, of Auburn, died Monday, Sept. 10, 2012. Born in Atlanta, he was a son of Robert and Veronica Franklin of Auburn. Survivors also include his brother, Robert Josiah Franklin; maternal grandparents, Lenore Anujar of Norcross and Ismael and Lilina Arocho of Lawrenceville; paternal grandparents,
Transformation Life Center in Winder will host an 8 a.m. yard sale on Saturday. The center will also kick off “Back to Church Sunday” at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday with a Sunday church series entitled “30-Day Church Challenge.” Pastor Marquis L. Robbins is Senior Pastor of Transformation Life Center, located at 403 Matthew School Road, Suite 200, in Winder. Call 678-963-5267 or email marquis@transformationlife. org. You can also visit www.transformationlife.org sss The Whole Body of Christ Alliance will host the March for Unity starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29, from Holly Hill Mall in Winder. The march, with a police escort, will got to the Winder Pavilion on East Athens Street where a day of food, fellowship, worship and Christian entertainment is planned. The food is free. The purpose of the march, coorinated by Jessie Halbert of Timothy Baptist West and Allen Stevens of Living Hope Christian Fellowship, is to show the community that “we are in unity in His service” and against the forces of evil. All churches are encouraged to participate. Pastor Walter Cleveland of
Carol and Michael Sauter of Auburn and Robert and Susan Franklin of Jupiter, Fla. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, at Smith Memory Chapel with Pastor Joey Edwards officiating. The family will receive friends from noon until the service at the funeral home. Smith Funeral Home, Winder The Paper, Sept. 13, 2012
J.L. McElroy
Died Sept. 9, 2012 James Lester “J.L.” McLeroy Jr., 75, of Athens, died Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012. Born in Clarke County, he was a son of the late James Lester McLeroy Sr. and the late Frances Olivia Doster McLeroy. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and was a member of the Athens Christian Church. He was the owner/operator of McLeroy Trucking and was an independent contractor for Power Partners for more than 20 years. His wife of 56
Next Level Baptist Church, Pastor Alfred Hazel of White Oak Spring Missionary Baptist Church, Pastory Patsy Garrett of Jefferson Gospel Tabernacle, Hope Fellowship Pastor Johnny Williams, Emmanuel Worship Center Pastor Larry Pruitt and Pastor Betty Arnold of New Harvest Ministries will join Stevens and Halbert in the lineup of the program. Praise teams for different churches will also participate. Closing remarks will be shared by Rick Hempton and the organizers. sss Auburn First Baptist Church will celebrate homecoming on Sunday, Sept. 23, at the morning worship hour followed by dinner on the grounds. Auburn First Baptist Church is at 1385 Sixth Ave., in Auburn. Contact Pastor Chris Parkin at 770-962-1807 or visit www.auburnfirstbaptist.com sss Crystal River will be singing at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 23 during the morning worship service at Chapel Christian Church. The church is at 776 Chapel Church Road, across from Smith Funeral Home. The Rev. Jim Stephens is the pastor. Call 770-867-2937. sss Winder First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir, instrumentalists and soloists invite you to attend “Give Him Glory” at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23, in the sanctuary. Spirituals, well-loved hymn arrangements, contemporary choral works and rousing gospel tunes make up this presentation of “Give Him Glory.” The church is at 280 N. Broad St., in Winder. sss Vessels of Praise, featuring Keith Broach, Tammy Vickers, Robin Broach and David (Happy) Marston will perform at Pleasant Hill Presbyterian at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 30. The church is at 260 Pleasant Hill Church Road in Statham. Call 770-725-2404. sss Faith Fest 2012 is coming to Winder First United Methodist Church from 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6, on the front lawn. Bring your family and lawn chairs or a blanket and join in for a day of Christian fun.
years, Barbara Ellen Saye McLeroy, and his brother, Steve McLeroy, also preceded him in death. Survivors include his children, Tammy Wilkes of Jefferson, Greg (Cindy) McLeroy of Clarkesville, Rusty McLeroy and Chuck McLeroy, both of Athens; sisters, Gloria Bell of Kentucky, Beverly Saye of Athens and Glenda Thomas and Judy McLeroy, both of Atlanta; brothers, Wayne McLeroy of Buford and Mike McLeroy of Watkinsville; 13 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012, in the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Revs. Ed Saye and Keith Holladay and Pastor Mike Franklin officiating. Memorials may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson The Paper, Sept. 13, 2012
Johnny Ray Meeler
Died Sept. 4, 2012 Johnny Ray Meeler, 50, of Statham, died Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012. He was preceded in death by his father, D.W. “Dub” Meeler, and sister, Rachael Tapley. Survivors include his mother and stepfather, Velma and Marvin Barber of Bishop; wife, Kim Meeler of Statham; son, John David Meeler of Winder; stepson, Chris Andrew Arthur of Lawrenceville; daughter, Beth Meeler of Athens; stepdaughter Cesierra Nicole Arthur of Eatonton; brothers, Stacy Barber of Statham, Mike Meeler of Bogart, Tim Meeler of Athens and Mark Barber and Mike Barber, both of Watkinsville; and a grandchild. A memorial service was held Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, at Grace Baptist Church in Watkinsville with Pastor Ed Strickland officiating. Lawson Funeral Home, Hoschton The Paper, Sept. 13, 2012