Atlanta Braves' Brian Jordan Suits Up As Wesley Centers Walk Grand Marshall October 28 in Stone Mountain Park ...
Hundreds of United Methodist Church (UMC) congregations, friends from other faith groups and community supporters are busy forming teams across metro Atlanta to join Grand Marshall Brian Jordan of the Atlanta Braves and Sue Raymond walk chairperson in the annual “Wesley Walk for Others” on Saturday, October 28, at Stone Mountain Park.
An estimated 1500 persons from 130 congregations in the UMC’s North Georgia Conference will gather for a friendly competition between church teams and a chance for individual ‘walkers’ to test their stamina on the 6.2 mile course.
The Wesley Walk will kick-off at 7:30 a.m. from Stone Mountain First United Methodist Church, 5312 West Mountain Street, where the Rev. Joy Brown is pastor. Walkers will, stroll or jog around the base of Stone Mountain.
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts who walk and raise at least $25 will receive a special patch. All walkers are encouraged to raise a minimum of $10.
And while the event will offer plenty of fun and fellowship for participants, the annual “Wesley Walk for Others” is really devoted to raising funds for Wesley Community Centers’ primary ministries. Now in its 24th consecutive year, the Wesley Walk was first organized in 1982 to support Wesley Community Centers’ commitment to Christian service and outreach. This mission is expressed in the Wesley Community Centers’ ‘walking feet’ logo and message: “Giving Feet to the Faith of the Church.”
“Today, more than ever, we count on the proceeds from the Wesley Walk to provide major funding for the Bethlehem Senior Center in south Atlanta; Camp Wesley’s summer program for youngsters from economically disadvantaged backgrounds; and Project Extend’s home repair and maintenance service for hundreds of Atlanta’s low-income elderly residents,” notes Fran Phillips-Calhoun, executive director for the Wesley Community Centers.
The Bethlehem Senior Center is a day center in southeast Atlanta, helping to meet the needs of senior citizens in the area. Monday through Friday, a hot meal is served in the middle of the day The center also offers health screening, crafts classes, Tai Chi, Bible study and fellowship. The seniors go on field trips and participate in various community activities.
Camp Wesley is a residential summer came that serves about 200 campers each year. The children and youth who attend the camp are referred by DFAC, probation officers, and other social service agencies.Over 97% of the campers attend on Camperships, since financial assistance is necessary to make it possible for them to attend camp.
Project Extend does home repairs for low income seniors citizens and handicapped persons. The goal of this ministry is to keep individuals in their own homes and independent for as long as possible. Volunteer workers improve the quality of live for these senior citizens by doing everything from painting and yard work, to building handicap ramps and replacing roofs
WALK DETAILS: Interested churches, walkers and community groups can still register to participate; a minimum $10 entry fee is required for those not collecting pledges. This year's custom Walk T-shirt and cap go to participants who raise at least $100; they are also eligible to enter the drawing for two free Airtran tickets. For more information and/or to register, check the web site, www.wesleycenters.org, or call 404/872-0086.
OTHER INFORMATION:
Who: Wesley Community Centers & Grand Marshall Brian Jordan, Atlanta Braves
What: Wesley Community Centers Walk For Others 2006
Where: Stone Mountain Park
When: Saturday, October 28 at 7:30 AM
To Register: www.wesleycenters.org, 404 872-0086
Source: Atlanta Day Book