Ode 17

Ode to Buster

I have to admit, I'm a sucker for my friends. So, I write this with great emotion swelling up in my heart. One of my friends has gone on. His name was Buster. He lived two doors down from me. If the batteries on his collar ever went out it was a sure thing that he would be at my door. It seems that my little buddy was put down because he bit two people last week. I am so sorry to the two people that he bit. But I must say I am so much more sorry that my friend is gone. I spent many hours hanging out with him when no one else was around. Until my wife and I rescued our little pup (Mr. Bean) from the middle of the streets two years ago, Buster had no doubts about my loyalty to him. Even then, he accepted the new member of our little society with great joy and graciousness. Every time that Mr. Bean saw Buster he pulled on his leash until I took him to see his big buddy. The three of us had permanently bonded.

Buster, you were a beautiful, wonderfully protective, and loving Brittany, ...and you were a great friend to me and Mr. Bean. I know you were only attempting to protect your family and turf. Mr. Bean and I are missing the fact that you are not there anymore. We will miss our visits. Love you buddy.

 

Summer Staples Are Here

I have some beautiful lilies that faithfully bloom sometime in June. When I stepped outside to let Mr. Bean greet the morning, I, in turn, was greeted by the first blooms of the season. Of course, they started blooming right on cue on this sunny first day of June!

In the south, a staple of most areas are the many types of Day Lilies. When they're blooming it is a certainty that a couple of other southern staples are upon us, the heat and the humidity. Out of the three, I'm thankful for the lilies.

More Sugarloaf UMCers in the News: Nancy Morrison

Watching the news tonight, who do I see but long time choir member, Nancy Morrison. Nancy is the principal at Walnut Grove Elementary School in Suwannee, GA. Click on the link to watch her on CBS Atlanta!

Final Day of The Wesleyan Movement

It's a great day! One more class bites the dust as we head into the final hours of the final day. Bill Carter, our instructor, surprised us by saying we would not be having a final exam and (extra bonus) we would be shortening our lunch break so that we could get on the road to home a bit earlier. God bless you, Bill.

African Children's Choir to Appear

This coming Friday night, May 1, at 7 PM, the African Children's Choir will appear at Sugarloaf United Methodist Church in Duluth Georgia. This will be a great night! The event is free, but come ready to sponsor a child if you can, purchase a souvenir of the night, or simply donate to help this famous choir continue to make an impact on the lives of so many children in Africa.
This is the African Children's Choir that has performed on American Idol, before kings, queens, and the Hollywood elite. They continue to change lives wherever they go. This event is one that you will not want to miss!
Call 770-814-2050 for more information.

My Message to All of Our Veterans, "Thank You! Thank You!"

This thank you does not describe my heart adequately when I give it to you who have served our country. I also want to say thank you to all of our allies who have fought side by side with our country and causes. May God bless you!
Veterans Day info from Wikipedia:
Veterans Day is an annual American holiday honoring military veterans. Both a federal holiday and a state holiday in all states, it is usually...

Pink Streak Party and Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser for October

The results are in! Joanie Parker Hair Studio and friends raised $4500 for breast cancer research. Thank you to all who helped make this years event even bigger that last year's.

Modern Theology Taught the Right Way

Medi Volpe has performed admirably as our instructor in the Contemporary Theology class. Today we enjoy our final Saturday in this room. There is no big sigh of relief however, as I start an evangelism class next Saturday. Ugh!

Meet Our Staff: Terri Strawn

Terri Strawn serves as the Administrative Assistant and Care Coordinator for the Congregational Care Ministries at Sugarloaf UMC. Terri began working at SUMC August 17, 2004 and has quickly become one of our mainstays. She is one of the cogs of the wheel that keeps our workday rolling along smoothly...not to mention the fact that her beautiful smile blesses the workings of a sometimes tense office. Our Minister of Congregational Care, Kerry Lauria knows first hand the awesome work and attitude of Terri. Terri, thanks for sharing your life with us!

(Pictured: the ever shy Terri attempts to hide from the camera!)

Belated Congratulations to Joanie

I am totally proud of my lovely wife. She is doing such a great job running the business at Joanie Parker Hair Studio that she and the studio were voted best of Gwinnett County by Accent Gwinnett magazine in its first year of business! Thanks to the magazine and the readers for their gracious nod of the head to Joanie and her awesome staff. Click on the picture to enter Joanie's web site.