Free music camp at Piney Grove UMC in Athens, TN

Piney Grove United Methodist Church in Athens, Tennessee is hosting its first ever free music camp. I'm very excited about it. This is the first time that something like this has been offered. Participants will be introduced to some basic music skills in vocals and handbells. Basic percussion rhythms on the tambourine will also be introduced. The camp is from August 17-19, 2012.

Best of all, the music camp at Piney Grove UMC is completely free. The only love offering that will be collected is the regular Sunday offering on the day of the performance. A hot dog lunch on Saturday is on the church. After the performance on Sunday morning, the church will be hosting a reception for all participants.

Alexandria Crabtree is our director for the free music camp. She holds a B.A. in music from Berea College and is currently working toward a Master of Divinity Degree with a fine arts emphasis. Among other performances, her impressive background includes the Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and private services at Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.

It should be a great time to have fun and learn something new. Registration for the free music camp is limited. Participants should email pineygroveumc@hopeforhealing.org to register. For lunch purposes, Piney Grove UMC is asking that registrations be turned in by Wednesday, August 15.

Thank you to the SCCUMW for tackling domestic violence

I want to take time out to say a big thank you to the ladies of the South Carolina Conference United Methodist Women. It was a deep honor to be able to deliver the keynote message during the annual Legislative Action Day yesterday. Hard issues are examined and legislative updates were given on a number of items. 

An impressive array of workshops included one by the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. Other workshops were on green living and on the 'Dream Act'. I was excited to learn how, under certain circumstances, the Dream Act will empower undocumented people to eventually attend college and lead productive lives.

The day was filled with hope, information and empowerment. Most of all, the day was filled with exciting possibilities for improving the future. My message was on 'Don't be afraid, just believe'. After spending the day with the South Carolina Conference United Methodist Women, I am convinced that with their faith, these women will tackle the future and meet it head on to improve lives. In fact, they are already doing just that.