[image:VisitMayberry]
Today I traveled to the town of Mount Airy, NC for a visit with First Presbyterian Church of Mount Airy, NC (FPCMA) where my good friend Rev. Dr. Steve Lindsley is the pastor. Many of you may know that Mount Airy is famous because this is where the actor Andy Griffith was born and raised as well as scenes of the Andy Griffith Show were filmed under the fictional guise of the town of Mayberry in which he was Sheriff Andy Taylor. Every year the town celebrates "Mayberry Days" and is the home to the Andy Griffith museum, among other things. It is a small, quaint town that is a few miles away from the Virginia state line.
Steve and I have been friends and colleagues in ministry for the last 16 years. He preached at my church and I preached his first installation when he accepted the call to become the Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Lexington, NC. He has been doing a wonderful ministry there the past six years and FPCMA is a growing congregation!
Today lots of things were going on in the life of the congregation - World Communion Sunday; Faith in Action Sunday where the church celebrated its involvement and support of local ministry agencies; The Fall Discipleship Dedication in support of the church's "15+ Plan", a churchwide plan that encompasses stewardship and discipleship for the church's future; and a lunch sponsored by the High School Youth who reported on their recent Mission trip to Emerald Isle, NC. To top that off they had a Brass Quintet that performed during worship. It was a busy day in the life of FPCMA!
[Pictures of the Rev. Dr.'s Steve Lindsley and the FPMCA Youth and Adults doing a movement routine during their mission trip report]
Shortly after my arrival, I spoke to about 60 people during a morning discussion about my experiences as Vice-Moderator and issues relating to the denomination. Very good questions were asked! Then I preached for worship on the Joshua 24:15 text (. . . "As for me and my house, we are going to serve the LORD.) on the subject "What is Your Choice?" and assisted Steve with Communion. Afterward I attended (and was fed well!) the Youth Mission Trip presentation. It was very exciting to see the young people share their experience and how much of an impact it made on their lives. After a short conversation with Steve and his family, I made the 2 hr. 30 minute drive back to Raleigh.
Amidst all of the issues the church focuses on, it was great to experience a congregation that is truly engaged with its community and has a vibrant ministry. That is one of the privileges that Moderator Bruce and I are blessed to see and experience firsthand! Blessings to my friend Steve and the congregation in "Mayberry" and I hope to hear how God has blessed them in the future!
Great to have you with us today, Byron. Be sure to share our love and good wishes with the folks in Pittsburgh at Hot Metal Bridge when your travels take you there. And thanks for celebrating with us today.
Peace, The Mills Family
Posted by: John & Ginny Mills | October 05, 2009 at 12:21 AM
Thanks John and Ginny! It was great to meet you as well and I had a great time at FPCMA. Blessings be upon you and the family ;-)
Posted by: Byron Wade | October 06, 2009 at 06:50 PM