‘Every Man’s Battle’ support group begins
An early morning free support group for men started at 6:30 a.m. yesterday, July 8, at Fayetteville First Baptist Church. The group is for men struggling to regain their sexual integrity. The group is led by a licensed Christian counselor and will meet each Tuesday at 6:30 a.m. in room 203 (next to the lobby inside the front entrance). For more information, contact Andrew Provence at theshepherdsway@bellsouth.net or by cell phone, 770-527-2747.

Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church will host the Ugandan Children’s Choir in concert at 7 p.m. Monday, July 7. The choir is from the Royal School and Orphanage in Kampala, Uganda, East Africa. The 29 singers range in age from 6 to 14. Their tour is to finance the completion of a new school to replace the presently overcrowded one.

Bowden to speak at P’tree City Christian
As part of its B.I.G. Fourth of July weekend activities, Peachtree City Christian Church will welcome Bobby Bowden, head football coach for Florida State University, as its guest speaker Sunday, July 6, at the 10:45 and 11 a.m. worship services.

Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church will observe “God and Country Weekend” during services on Saturday and Sunday, July 5-6.

First Baptist Church of Peachtree City will participate in the city’s Fourth of July celebration with a float entry in the city’s parade, a barbecue and a drawing for free gifts.

Fayetteville First Baptist, July 7-11
Vacation Bible School at Fayetteville First Baptist will kick off this Sunday, July 6, from 6-8 p.m. with registration, a rock climbing wall, games and fun for all. VBS officially begins Monday, July 7 and continues each evening from 6:30-9 p.m. through Friday, July 11. The theme is “Outrigger Island.” For more information, call 770-461-8378.

Watson Mills, pastor of Sharpsburg First Baptist, retires after 27 years
Members of Sharpsburg Baptist Church (SBC) recently celebrated the legacy of their beloved pastor, Dr. Watson E. Mills, who retired June 22. At the time of his retirement banquet, former Mercer University “professor emeritus” had served SBC for 27 years, 5 months, 4 days, 6 ? hours, “ ... but who’s counting?” said Gloria Tinsley, publicity director for SBC.

GraceLife offers support for addicts
GraceLife support groups for those with addictions or who are in recovery from anger, alcohol, drug and sexual addictions meet at First Baptist Church Peachtree City Thursday nights from 6-9 p.m. For more information, call 770-487-8133 ext. 1240.

On July 6, the community is invited to join Peachtree City Christian Church in welcoming Coach Bobby Bowden to speak at the 10:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship services. Bowden’s visit is part of the church activities during the B.I.G. 4th of July Weekend Celebration. Other activities include a picnic fireworks at Pebble Pocket Pool and participation in the PTC Parade.

First Baptist Church of Peachtree City will again participate in Peachtree City’s Fourth of July celebration with a float entry in the city’s annual parade, a barbecue and a drawing for free gifts. The church grounds also offer a great view of the city’s fireworks display.

On Aug. 1 and 2, best-selling Christian author Beth Moore will deliver a message from Kentucky to an estimated 80,000 women across the country.

This Sunday, June 29, the Rev. Kristen Scarboro will officially begin her service as minister to families with children at Fayetteville First United Methodist Church. Scarboro was officially added as a member of the staff on June 23.

The old fashioned southern gospel singings are returning to the old train depot in downtown Grantville (Coweta County) for two Saturday nights only, June 28 and July 26, at 7 p.m.

Fayetteville First UMC, July 7-11
Vacation Bible School at Fayetteville First UMC will be held July 7-11 with a “Beach Party: Surfin’ Through the Scriptures” theme. The cost is $15 per child or $40 maximum per family. Children ages 3 years (as of Sept. 1) through fifth grade are eligible to participate. Contact Julie Harp, 770-461-4314, ext. 14, or jharp@fayetteville first.com.

Gospel music fest planned this Saturday
The Fellowship of Christian Churches and Friends (FCCF) will hold a Gospel Music Fest Saturday, June 28, at 5 p.m. in Sams’ Auditorium, 205 La Fayette Ave., Fayetteville (just off Ga. Highway 85, behind Arby’s and Captain D’s.) The event is free and everyone is invited. For more information, contact FCCF president, the Rev. Jerome Drakeford at jeromesusie@bellsouth.net or 678-438-0905.

Members of Fayetteville First UMC’s Square Foot Ministry recently completed a Memorial Day project and named it in memory of long-time member, Rob Palin.

Edwina Bond Cowgill of Newnan was recently installed as the director for prayer ministries at Christ the King Charismatic Episcopal Church near Sharpsburg. Cowgill, a commissioned minister of congregation care in the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church, is a graduate of Logos Christian College and serves as licensed eucharistic minister. She also is a teacher and counselor at the church and serves on the Parish Council. Photo/Special.

Carriage Lane Presbyterian Church welcomed Brian Cosby as youth pastor Monday.

Cosby holds a bachelors in history from Samford University and a masters in divinity from Beeson Divinity School.

The Fellowship of Christian Churches and Friends (FCCF) invites the public to “Gospel Music Fest 2008” Saturday, June 28th at 5 p.m. The program will be held at the Sams Auditorium, located at 805 LaFayette Avenue in Fayetteville.

The singing group Second Coming, based in Griffin, will celebrate its 14th anniversary at Open Door baptist Church with a performance on Saturday, June 21, at 6 p.m.

Flint Ridge celebrates Men’s Day
The Rev. Hebrew McDonald will be the guest preacher at Flint Ridge Baptist Church for their annual Men’s Day Celebration Sunday, June 22. The special service will be held at 3 p.m.

St. Gabriel, June 23-27
Vacation Bible School at St. Gabriel Catholic Church will be held the week of June 23-27 from 9 a.m. to noon each day. VBS is open to children age 3 years old through rising 5th graders. (All preschoolers must be fully toilet-trained and comfortable being away from home.) The curriculum for the school will include the popular “Power Lab” program from Group Publishing. There is a $20 registration fee per child and pre-registration is recommended. For more information, call the St. Gabriel Religious Education office at 770-461-0493.

The old fashioned southern gospel singings are returning to the old train depot in downtown Grantville (Coweta County) for two Saturday nights only, June 28 and July 26, at 7 p.m.

A new sound with a timeless message is coming to our area Saturday. Matthew Smith and the Indelible Grace Band will be in concert at Berachah Bible Church at 7 p.m.

Smith is an East Nashville singer-songwriter who writes updated melodies for centuries-old hymn texts, thus bridging the gaps that often occur in churches over music. He is founding member of the Indelible Grace Band, whose work has drawn acclaim across denominational lines and is used in churches around the world.

Best-selling Christian author Beth Moore will deliver a message to an estimated 80,000 women on Aug. 1 and 2, from Louisville, Ky. Local residents will have the opportunity to see the popular Bible teacher live without leaving Fayetteville.

Several events are planned in June at Flat Creek Baptist Church, including a performance Monday, June 16 by the Georgia Baptist All-State Youth Choir and Orchestra. Vacation Bible School will be held June 23-27 for children ages four through the eighth grade. An afternoon music camp will be held that same week following VBS classes. The music camp is for students in the first through sixth grade. Finally, the combined choir and orchestra of Flat Creek Baptist and First Baptist in Newnan will present a “Freedom Celebration” on June 29 at 7 p.m.