North Alabama Churches
Plan for Growth

Several churches in North Alabama Presbytery have recently initiated efforts to reach out into their communities and draw in new disciples for Christ. First Presbyterian Church in Guntersville, Alabama recently launched an informal, contemporary service with a worship band a more contemporary style of worship. The goal of this 147 member church is to reach 100 new people for Christ. Pastor Scott Jeffreys comments that “it is energizing to the congregation to be able to invite friends and coworkers to church. We are in new territory but we have received lots of support.” Jeffreys says that the biggest challenge has been moving out of their comfort zone. The church media ministry team has developed banners, brochures, radio spots and newspaper publicity in an effort to get the word out. Visit First Guntersville on their newly designed website at www.guntersvillepcusa.com.

Two months ago, First Presbyterian Church in Sheffield, Alabama embarked on phase one of a multi-phase plan to reach out into their community in anticipation of an influx of new people to the community in the next several years. First Sheffield, a 90 member church, began offering an early morning contemporary service in an effort to prepare itself to open a second location in an area of the city where there is growth. “People do not gravitate to downtown. If [First Sheffield] is to maintain a vital witness, we have to take the initiative to move out,” explains Pastor Van Eddington. Their goal is to have a second location for worship by November, 2008. The worship service is built around contemporary music and media, prayer, and the sermon. Members recognized that they could not do the same old thing anymore if they wanted to grow. They chose growth. “There is a new excitement, a new air of witness in ministry in the life of the church,” comments Eddington. “We are embarking on a new adventure that is of God,” he concludes. Visit First Sheffield on the web at www.shoalspresbyterian.com/index.html

Maranatha Camp and Conference Center Gears Up for Busy Summer

         Maranatha Camp and Conference Center is a year-round Camp and Conference Center, operated as a ministry of the North Alabama Presbytery. Maranatha’s 140 acres are nestled between the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and beautiful Lake Guntersville in Jackson County, Alabama. Maranatha Camp and Conference Center offers serenity and a place to connect with God while enjoying His beautiful creation.  Campers of all ages have the opportunity to grow emotionally, socially, and spiritually at Maranatha as together they participate in the daily activities that bring them closer to God. 
The theme for the 2008 summer camp season is “Handle with Care”.  Campers will enjoy God’s creation and explore the meaning of a loving relationship with God and all creation. They will hear about their role as stewards and what it means to handle creation with care.  This summer we are excited to introduce several new camps. We have designed a sports camp for middle school campers.  This camp will focus on skill development and fun while playing a few favorite sports.  A music, arts, and drama camp will be offered for the first time.  During the week, campers will explore their musical, artistic, and dramatic talents.  The campers will work on a production throughout the week and perform it at the end of their stay.
All are welcome at Maranatha Camp and Conference Center. It is our pleasure to share Maranatha with you! Visit us on the web at www.maranathaccc.org.