Fall ARMS Meeting at Sumatanga

 

 

First Tuesday Lunch Bunch Met October 4.

 

 

 

On Tuesday, September 6, 23 of our retirees and spouses gathered at Richard's Barbecue for lunch. Below are some interesting photos from the event.

Bill Gunn surrounded by Paul Owne and Paul Messer, Camp Sumatanga Pastor who was with us for the first time.

Bill and Sue Saxon were back after a 2 month absence while Bill recovered from knee replacement.

Ellen Barrett was celebrating her birthday with Betty Williamson and Emily Kitchens.

Ice Cream Social

Susie Knedlik asked that we invite all retired clergy and their spouses to the Second Annual Preacherplex Ice Cream Social on Thursday, September 29, at 6:00p.m. You may bring Ice Cream, toppings, finger food desserts and a chair if you wish, or just bring yourself and prepare to have a great time! Drinks, bowls,spoons and napkins are provided.

Location of the party is on Kentucky Avenue between the parking lot of Vestavia Hills UMC vans and Ostrosky's Hair Salon.

RSVP to Norma Owen 823-4842, Joan Knapp 607-7967, or Susie Knedlik 399-6676.

Fall Meeting for ARMS

At our July meeting Jesse and Linda Shaddix brought two of their grandchildren, Marissa & Tyler Newman, who were visiting with them for about a month during Summer vacation.

Bishop and Mrs. Fannin as well Bishop and Mrs. Willimon joined the Association of Retired Ministers and Spouses (ARMS) for the annual luncheon at Annual Conference in Madison on June 3. The luncheon was held at lunch this year so that more retirees could be afforded the opportunity to attend. We had 136 in attendance.

We had 21 new retirees added to our group of retirees this Annual Conference. Pictured in picture 1 (-r) are: Ed Soule, Bobby and Lorna Green, Sally and Regan Brown, Tex and Regina Ergle, Ken and Jane Smith. Pictured in picture 2 (l-r) are:Rich and Cindi Patsios, Ben and Carol Padgett, and Warren and Bonita Wilder. Those who retired but are not pictured include: Tom Duley, Joe Elmore, Jr., Sam Hardie, III, Beverly Ann Hynes-Grace, R. Franklin Johnson, Kieth Murner, Melody Florence Traylor, David Sherman Wallace, Ronald Gilbreath, John Briscoe, Jr., James R. Wood, Roger Dale McCrary, and Margaret Anne Whitsett.

Rev. Bobby Scales lifted those who have died since our last Annual Conference and their families in prayer. Those are: (Clergy) Barry H. Anderson, James Elton Beasley, Oscar David Eddleman, Marvin Edmonson, Henry Ford, Jr., Charles Gilbert, Ernest Ray Goodwin, Thurston E. Hamby, II, Charles Philip Howell, Rex Alan Manasco, William E. Milstead, Samuel D. Pickard, Al Reaves, Clarence Rice, O. J. Ridgeway, Ernest H. Smotherman, Kenneth Ray Street, and William D. Wells, Sr. (Spouses) Martha P. Burnham, Betty Clark, Minnie Doss, Margaret Van Cleave Handley, Robbie L. Holcomb, Yvonnia Johnson, Calvin Lambert, Georgia Hollis McCain, Diane McCrary, Winnie Murphree, Shelvey Parker, Frances Railey, Willene H. Ray, Louise H. Scott, Altrue J. Stewart, Jessmer Glenn Terry, Inez Wallace, Marilyn Warlick, and Jackie L. Williams.

The Fall meeting of ARMS will be held at Camp Sumatanga at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 11, 2011. We look forward to seeing each of you there. Just a reminder; dues were raised to $10 per person last year. Dues can be paid at any of the ARMS meetings or forwarded to the treasurer, Rev. Jim Napp at 2036 Kentucky Ave., Vestavia Hills, AL 35216.

Annual Conference will return to Birmingham Southern for the 2012 session.

ARMS President, Buzz Barrett, met with the first Tuesday Lunch Group on March 1 to share information about the upcoming Annual Conference as it affects retired pastors & spouses. All of these events will take place at Asbury UMC in Madison, Alabama. The Memorial Service will be held on Thursday evening, June 2. Conference will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, June 3. The ARMS luncheon will be at 12:00 on Friday, June 3. This change to lunch will give those who will drive in for the gathering a chance to return home before dark. The Ordination Service will be on Friday evening, and Conference will wrap up on Saturday evening.

More information and registration instructions will be coming later. Be on the look-out and join us for these events.

Herb and Betty Williamson celebrate 52 years of marriage with a few of their friends at the monthly First Tuesday Lunch Bunch at Dale's in Vestavia. We would like for you to join us at our next gathering on March 1 at 1:00 pm. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Betty Gunn at 205-940-9392.

The First Tuesday Lunch Bunch meet on January 4 at Dale's in Vestavia. We had a great crowd of 33 retired pastors/spouses. As usual we enjoyed the food and fellowship. It is good to gather and keep frendships alive. At this meeting we had at least one interesting event. Belon Friday attended for the first time and brought a tie that Jim Bailey had left in his car 10 months ago.

Belon Friday giving Jim Bailey his tie which had been in Belon's car for 10 months.

Ellinor Butterly and Naomi Williams check out Dale's menu.

Faye Crumpton and Joan Napp discuss their Christmas and New Year celebrations and the Christmas snow.

At the fall Clergy Spouse retreat Jimmie Parris won the prize for attending the most Spouses' Retreats. Watching her open her gift is Robin Schultz, coordinator or the 2010 Retreat.

Emily Kitchens won the prize for the most moves in their tenure in the North Alabama Conference.

Welcome to the Ice Cream Social

There will be a ice cream social at the "preacher plex" on Kentucky Ave. in Vestavia Hills on the 16th of Sept at 6:00 pm. Bring ice cream or something to go with ice cream and a chair....
Larry Knedlik

Decatur Area Retirees Meet

The Decatur Area Retired Ministers and Spouses are now meeting at 12:30 on the fourth Tuesday at Ryan's on the Beltline in September and October.  In November and December they will meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 12:30.  Then in January they change back to the fourth Tuesday of the month, still at 12:30.  We invite all interested clergy and spouses to join us for fellowship and lunch. 

The Association of Retired Ministers and Spouses to Meet

The ARMS Fall Meeting will be on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at 10:00 AM at Camp Sumatanga. Since we have to order our lunch meals and pay for all ordered, it is necessary to register with Regina Ergle for this meeting by October 4, 2010. The cost is $10.00 per person. Mail to: Regina Ergle, Office of Superannuate Homes, 898 Arkadelphia Road, Birmingham, AL  35204. For questions, call Regina at 205-226-7968 or 1-800-239-7950. Retirees who have an e-mail address on file with Conference Headquarters will get an e-mail invitation. Letters by regular mail will be sent only to retirees with no e-mail address. Please come and enjoy this time of fellowship!  

The Board of Superannuate Homes Makes Generous Donation

The Board of Superannuate Homes has been given a generous donation of four adjoining cemetery lots at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville, AL. If you or someone you know might be interested in these lots, they are available for purchase at a reasonable price. Any proceeds will be used by the Board of Superannuate Homes. Call Don Neal at 205-226-7969 or 1-800-239-7950.

 

First Tuesday Lunch Bunch Meets

The First Tuesday lunch group met on September 7th at Dale’s in Vestavia. Twenty-eight were present for good fellowship and food together. We welcomed Rev. & Mrs. Ted Leach back to the Birmingham area. Their home is in Chelsea.

Paul Owen recently had a bout with the Shingles which destroyed the cornea of his eyes. He will have artificial cornea transplants on September 21, which will, hopefully, restore his eyesight. Please keep Paul and Norma in your prayers.

Marcella Dover is engaged in outpatient rehab after a recent stroke. She is on the mend, and hopes there will be no lasting effects.

For more information about this group of retired pastors and spouses which meets next on October 5th at 1:00 p.m. at Dale’s Grill in Vestavia call Joyce Vance (205-824-8184) or Betty Gunn (205-940-9392).

New Book Release

For Those in Dry Places: Hope for Ministers in the Wilderness by William "Bill" Phares was just released this month. 1,700 ministers leave the ministry each month. Bill wrote this book to help pastors experiencing spiritually dry places and to encourage pastors to persevere under stressful circumstances. Book can be ordered from www.iuniverse.com or www.amazon.com

50th Wedding Anniversary

Retirees Rev. Carl and Anita Long are having a 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, August 21, 2010, from one o’clock until 4 o’clock p.m. at Hewett United Methodist Church, 1110 Walnut Street, Albertville, AL 35950.  Friends are invited to attend. No gifts please.

First Tuesday Lunch Bunch Meets

The First Tuesday Lunch group met on August 3rd with 27 present in spite of the extremely hot summer day. The group signed greeting cards to Bill & Fay Curl and Hoyt & Virginia Logan.

Jesse and Linda Shaddix were warmly welcomed back after being missed for many weeks due to double knee replacements. This meeting was the second for Jim & Joan Napp.

The next meeting will be September 7th at Dale’s Grill in Vestavia at 1:00 p.m. For more information call Joyce Vance (205-824-8184) or Betty Gunn (205-940-9392).

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Curl's Have New Address

Faye and Bill Curl moved to a retirement center around August 5th.  Their new address: 10100 Hillview Dr  Midrise--Apt. 209  Pensacola, Fl  32514. 

Ray Goodwin Memorial

A Memorial Service for Ray Goodwin will be held on August 1 at 3:00 PM at Taylor Memorial UMC on Sweeny Hollow Rd. Interment of his ashes will be done privately by the family before the service.

Ray has asked that any memorials be made to Church of the Reconciler in Birmingham. There will be a box at the church if anyone wishes to bring goods of any kind to be given to the Reconciler.

Note from the editor

I just want to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers for me during my recent knee replacement. In fact, I have had both knees replaced since April 13. The most recent surgery was on June 22. I am recovering well and hope to be 100% soon.

First Tuesday Group Meets at Dale's Vestavia

The First Tuesday lunch group of Retirees met on July 6th at 1:00 at Dale's Grill in Vestavia and had a great time. Those present included several from Blackburn Court and there was good fellowship, laughter and friendship with 35 attending all together. Cards were signed and sent to Mrs. Ellinor Butterly, who has recently moved to Brookdale on Lakeshore Drive in Homewood, and also to Mrs. Driscoll Proctor who will celebrate her 90 th birthday in July. Attending were: Gordon McKinney, Frances and Franklin Phillips, Hillard and Joree Vance, Jack and Peggy Hendricks, Charles and Betty Hazel, Jim and Barbara Short, June Hearin, Martha Rosser, Robert and Martha Mount, Mary Morgan, Pete and Agnes Grice, Bill and Sue Saxon, Ralph and Mary Ann Bates, Jim and Joan Napp, Malinda Hayes, Charles and Wynette Lee, Herb and Betty Williamson, Paul and Norma Owen, Emily Kitchens, Naomi Williamson and Betty and Bill Gunn. The next meeting of the First Tuesday lunch group will be on August 2nd at 1:00 at Dale's. For more information call Betty Gunn (940-9392) or Joree Vance (824-8184).
 

Decatur Area Gathering

The Decatur Area Retired Ministers and Spouses meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at Ryan's on the Beltline in Decatur.. In May they had 21 persons present. Beginning in June, they are changing their meeting time from 5:15 in the evening to 1:00 p.m. We have people coming from Madison County as well as Morgan County.

Everyone is invited.

Note from Ron Smith

I enjoyed seeing old friends and the program was great. Hope we can be a part of the group in the future.

Notes from other Superannuates

We received nice notes from the following retirees who were unable to make the trip to the ARMS meal this year:

• Ann Porter from Sylacauga
• Ken and Los Byrum from Big Sandy, TN
• Inez Forbes from Anniston

2010 ARMS Banquet a Big Success

Members of the Association of Retired Ministers and Spouses gathered for the Annual Conference ARMS Dinner on Friday, June 4, 2010. The event was the best attended in recent years, and some say ever. It seemed that everyone who attended enjoyed the food and fellowship. It was just a good time go get together to renew friendships.

During the business session we voted to increase membership dues to $10 per person. The dues have not been increased since the association was formed, and the treasurer’s report showed that we are almost broke. The original intent of the dues included a fund to assist those who needed assistance with home maintenance. We have not been able to do that for a long time, and with the expenses for the other functions of the fund going up, the executive committee recommended the increase. Dues can be paid at the Fall Meeting, October 12th at Camp Sumatanga, if you missed the ARMS Dinner. The dues are voluntary, to help with expenses of the ARMS group.

Wayne Graham was in the hospital but is home now. Faye Crumpton had a bad fall, but is home now. We missed Jeri Hunt who was not able to be with us as she was out of town. Jeri has had several months of health problems recently.

As a part of the program for the gathering, we welcomed those who have retired since the last annual conference as they become a part of the association. Those retiring at this Annual Conference are as follows:

Full Connection: Joyce R. Akridge,D. Thomason (Tom) Bell, Jr.,Carl M. Evans, Larry R. Horne, Mitchell L. (Mickey) Morton, Robert M. Mount, James Roger Napp, Harold L. (Hal) Noble, David F. Parker, Wylheme H. Ragland, O’neil Ridgeway, Ronald L. Smith, Paul L. Stephens, and W. Douglas (Doug) Wells, Jr.
Associate Members: Richard Saylor, andW. Ron Echols.

Local Pastors: Charles Phillip Gilbert, George Glenn Keedy, Jr., Larry V. Millard, and William E. Milstead.

Another very meaningful part of the program each year is the recognition of those who have passed to a better life. Bobby Scales read the names of the deceased and then had a powerful prayer of remembrance. Those remembered were as follows: Spouses: Trannie S. Akins,Margaret Hunter, Merulrine P. Anthony, Annie Kaylor, Katie Bonner, Nona McKinney, Hazel M. Calhoun, Evelyn M. Martin, Margie Ruth Calvert, Faye Parker, Carolyn Green, Margie Tidwell, Nina Harper, Ruth Wright, and Louise Houston.

Ministers: Kenneth L. Bohannon, James B. Holmes, Hollis C. Boykin, J. Duncan Hunter, Jr., J. Fred Gifford, Bobby L. Lamb, Raphael K. Gray, Matthew T. Miller, Odie Gregg, Alfred L. Shackelford, Warren C. Hamby, J. Tolan Whitten, and Estus L. Hardin.

Bishop Willimon made a brief stop to thank all the retired pastors who continue to serve as either Retired Supply senior pastors or as members of local church staff.

The success of the ARMS meetings can always be attributed to the hard work and efficiency of Regina Ergle. She is a blessing to this very appreciative group of Retired Pastors and Spouses. Thank You, Regina.

The next meeting of ARMS is scheduled for Tuesday, October 12, 2010, at Camp Sumatanga. We hope to see you there.