Wednesday, August 29, 2001

Many Christians experience what psychology calls the approach-avoidance conflict. In this situation, the individual is both attracted and repelled by the same goal. The same goal has qualities that make the individual want to approach it and other qualities that make him want to avoid it. The timid man who wishes to propose to his girl friend fears rejection (the quality he wishes to avoid) and hopes for acceptance (the quality he wishes to approach). Hence he is in conflict about a single goal. If you are tempted to eat a certain food but know from experience that it gives you indigestion, you experience an approach-avoidance conflict. The conflict looks like this: as the individual nears the goal, the strength of avoidance increases more rapidly than that of approach, pushing him from the goal.

Peachtree City's Aaron Stokes will leave for mission to the Philippines

"Elder Stokes," his official title and name, will be leaving soon for a two-year mission to Angeles, Philippines,60 miles north of Manila, as part of his service to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Gospel according to Mayberry featured at First Methodist annual family retreat

Fayetteville First United Methodist Church members and visitors of all ages are invited to attend the 6th annual church-wide retreat at Camp Calvin in Hampton scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 5 and 6. Focus of the retreat will be a Bible study entitled "The Gospel According to Mayberry," led by the Rev. Betsy Haas.

Favorite jokes to be featured at Sept. 4 seniors group gathering

"Good Humor time" will be the theme for the fall kickoff meeting of SPRY (Senior Citizens Remaining Young), Tuesday, Sept. 5, at 11:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall of the First Presbyterian Church in Peachtree City.

First Baptist ladies will offer Bible classes

The ladies at Fayetteville First Baptist Church will have Bible study classes entitled "Breaking Free," an 11-week study by Beth Moore, beginning Wednesday, Sept. 5. The cost is $10. A morning session from 9:30-11:30 and an evening session from 6-7:30 will be offered. Reservations are needed for childcare. Sign up at the church or call the office, 770-461-8378.

Religion Briefs

ASPIRES autism group to meet at Cornerstone UMC

Parents with autistic children are invited to a meeting of the Autism Spectrum Parent Information Resource and Education Service, Inc., Tuesday, Sept. 4, at 6:30 p.m. at Cornerstone United Methodist Church on Ga. Hwy 154 at Thomas Crossroads in Sharpsburg. The group will share information obtained at the ASA Autism Conference in San Diego in July. Guest speakers will be Kathy Nenov and Teresa Brittain. For more information, call 770-304-9397.

Providence plans yard sale Sept. 8

Members of Providence United Methodist Church will have a churchwide yard sale Saturday, Sept. 8, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Donations of furniture, appliances and other items are welcome. Providence UMC is at 592 Bernhard Rd. in south Fayette County. For more information, call the church office, 770-719-8800.

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