#Rev Lynn Gardner

[firstumcschenectady]

“Humans: Needing Love and Comfort”

(a sermon dialogue with Rev. Lynn Gardner of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady and Rev. Sara Baron of the First United Methodist Church of Schenectady)

Part 1: Our awareness of our need for mothering (which is our need to be loved, and comforted)

Lynn: It started when I was on my yoga mat. It was early one morning last spring. I hadn’t been sleeping well, and I was up as the sun was rising, moving through familiar yoga asanas, gently stretching, moving, breathing. I was in child’s pose… curled over bent knees, forehead resting on the mat, when the crying began. Everything that my body had been holding in was let loose in a torrent of tears, growing into deep sobs. Worry, grief, fear, sadness, loneliness and anger, pouring out. My heart ached thinking of all those who were suffering alone or separated from anyone who was familiar.

On the day we were born and received the gift of our first breath we depended on our mothers, our parents, or other caring adults in order to survive. As we grew, those needs changed, but our need to be loved and cared for is still part of us. That morning on my yoga mat, I rocked, and cried, feeling the vulnerability of being human… that we need one another. This may be our vulnerability AND our strength.

Sara: The past year has been one of developing my identity as a mother. My child was born 51 weeks ago today. It has been a very long time since I’ve needed mothering as much as I have since I became a mother. It turns out that the capacity to give my child what he needs is dependent on having enough of my own needs met and, quite often, I can’t fulfill both sets of needs on my own, and am dependent on others to hold me up so I can hold him up.

I was raised upper middle class, and I’m white, and I have internalized the message that self-sufficiency is “good.” Which means I’m REALLY BAD at asking for help, and that hasn’t made me need it less. The pandemic has complicated EVERYTHING. When I needed help the most it felt least safe to receive it. When I hit the end of my capacity and could go no further, when tears filled my eyes and I simply could not do what I needed to do, when without love and comfort and support I could no longer offer love and comfort and support… I have spent this year learning that I need to be mothered well in order to mother well. For me, at least, this applies both to parenting AND to pastoring. To offer love and comfort to my congregation ALSO requires that I have something to give, and that means I have to reach out when I need love and comfort too.

Part 2: Stories of times we have received loving, comforting care when we needed it

Support can come in a wider range of formats than I ever knew. There was, for me, one day when everything I needed to do most profoundly exceeded my capacity to do it. Before that day was easier, after that day was easier, but on that day I could simply go no further. I remember texting 3 friends. It was August, and nothing felt safe, especially not in person. One friend got in the car to come help. Another stayed on the phone with me until she arrived and let me cry while being heard. The third texted back and forth all day assuring me that I was allowed to make things easier on myself, and it didn’t mean I was failing as a mother to do so.

Those three friends comforted me that day, they let their love for me become support when I needed it. I think it is fair to say that they mothered me, and BECAUSE they took care of me, I was able to take care of my child.

In some ways this story seems too small, and in other ways it seems … archetypal. Looking back at my life there are innumerable times when my pain or burden was too much to bear. In every one of them, I reached out for support. Sometimes I reached out directly to the Divine, which for me means I disappeared into nature and silence for the hours I needed before I could form words again. Other times I have reached out to family or friends (or my own pastor), and let them hold me up. It is in being held - in any medium- that I can regain my own self-regulation and find my way again.

Lynn: Isn’t it amazing when someone shows up in simple yet deeply caring ways? 21 years ago I went to stay at my parent’s home when my Mom was nearing the end of her life. She had been diagnosed with cancer just five weeks earlier. She was at home with hospice care, laying in a bed where she could look out and see her garden, and my father and sisters and I were caring for her and for one another. A long time friend called and asked if she could come by. She arrived with three hot-fudge brownie sundaes, one for me, one for her, and one for my Dad. Let’s go for a walk, she suggested. We walked and ate. She listened, and we cried and laughed together, and also held space for the comfort of shared silence. That was the most delicious sundae I have ever eaten.

Each of these moments in our lives have served to remind us that we are not self-sufficient, we do not walk or work alone. It is because of our connections that we are.. It is because we have been nurtured that we are functional and able to offer nurture.

Part 3: Growing us into capacity to give mothering

Sara: Our sweet baby is teething. It is miserable for everyone involved. We are very thankful in our house for pain medication. But sometimes it isn’t enough. Sometimes he hurts, and nothing we can do makes the hurt go away, and it is awful. In those moments, all we can do is be with him and assure him he isn’t alone. It doesn’t feel like enough in the moment, but I also wouldn’t dream of letting him suffer alone.

There are many sources of pain in life, physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional. In some cases we are able to do things that change them, like feeding people who are hungry. In many cases we cannot change reality, or the pain people experience, when they are grieving. In those cases all we can do is be with one another, and assure each other we aren’t alone. It doesn’t feel like enough, but the difference between being alone and being supported is significant. Our congregations can be communities of practice… where we continue to learn about giving and receiving care.

This has been one of the worst parts of the pandemic, that the means of support and comfort we are used to offering grieving people have been taken away. I invite those who are safely ready and able to loosen their COVID restrictions to think about how to offer love and support now that wasn’t possible before.

Learning the limits of what comfort I can give has never felt enjoyable, but it seems like the capacity to be a mother grows along with my awareness of my own limitations.

Part 4: The Divine as Nurturer, and Faith as Subversive when it comes to nurture.

The Gospel lesson we read today in the United Methodist church instructs us to “abide in love,” and expounds eloquently on the subject. I believe that this is what faith is all about. In Christian and United Methodist lingo we talk about “sanctification” which is the process of letting go of whatever is not love and being filled up with love so that you can respond to every person in every moment with pure love. In our models, continued faith development is all aimed at sanctification. (John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement believed that people could reach perfection in love during their life times. ;) I share that as an interesting historical fact.)

In real life though, things are complicated. In many circumstances it is not clear what the most loving response actually is. What looks from one angle like loving nurture looks from another angle like enabling. These days I find myself reminding myself several times a day about the process of emerging from cocoons. That is, when transformed creatures emerge from cocoons it is a slow and seemingly painful process. Over the years many well meaning humans have tried to ease creatures ways out of the cocoon, only to learn that the moths and butterflies are permanently damaged by having the process eased. There is a fine line to walk in care for others, and I find I am never clear which side of it I’m on.

Lynn: Receiving care can also be complicated. Sometimes we just need someone to help us, or for someone to comfort us, but we don’t ask, and feel resentful. Or we don’t know who to ask… or we tell ourselves we don’t deserve it, or that someone else needs it more. And sometimes, it is so hard to just allow ourselves to be cared for… to really receive the love that is being offered.

Prior to seminary, I worked in child care for 20 years. Over those years, and while raising our daughter, I have held and rocked many a tired cranky little one. Whether you have done so yourself or not, I invite to imagine holding an overly-tired toddler, who is crying and pushing away, resisting their need for sleep with every ounce of energy they have. They are so tired… and so upset… not wanting to give up, to let go, and to sink into the arms that are holding them.

Unitarian Universalism affirms that each of us is worthy of love…. That we are each more than our worst mistake. That we are each worthy of care and comfort. We are all held by a larger Love that will not let us go… even when we struggle… even when we push away… I can imagine the Holy whispering, “shhh…. Shhhh….. I’m right here.”

Sara: I’m also deeply aware that while the Divine, faith, and Biblical teaching all call us to love, in our society the expectations around that love vary according to the bodies we occupy. Lynn and I have been reflecting on the human need to receive mothering - the human need to receive love and comfort - and suggesting that faith communities may be sources of giving good care so those in them can then give good care to the world. Yet, I keep thinking about the realities of “emotional labor” and the ways that female embodied people, and people of color, along with others thought in society to occupy subordinate positions are subliminally taught to offer care and nurture to those who are male embodied, white, and empowered. Kate Manne in “Down Girl: The Logic of Misogyny” talks about the ways emotional labor is thought to be the work of some and the privilege to receive of others, and how this is encouraged with “carrots” and enforced with “sticks.”

This awareness brings some of the deeper challenges of celebrating love and comfort into view. Humans need love and comfort. Humans can give love and comfort. But often the giving becomes the role of some and the receiving the roles of others. I believe that one of the subversive narratives of faith is inverting those roles, and making the giving of love, comfort, and nurture the role of all people - especially the ones in power.

So, dear ones, may we receive the wonderful mothering of the Divine and of the people of faith, and may we soak in love and comfort so that we are able to share it with abundance.

Amen

[dreamcastingbroadway]

Dreamcasting Broadway: CARRIE: THE MUSICAL

“They’ll make fun of you! They will break your heart! Then they’ll laugh at you, watching you fall apart!”

Dreamcasting Broadway: Carrie: The Musical

Caitlin Houlahan as Carrie White

Julia Murney as Margaret White

Olivia Puckett as Sue Snell

Mason Reeves as Tommy Ross

Renée Rapp as Chris Hargensen

Antonio Cipriano as Billy Nolan

Nikki Renée Daniels as Ms. Lynn Gardner/Interrogator

Marcus Choi as Mr. Stephens/Rev. Bliss/Interrogator

Anthony Norman as George/Ensemble (Tommy u/s)

Cailen Fu as Norma/Ensemble (Chris u/s)

Deshawn Bowens as Freddy/Ensemble (Billy u/s, Mr. Stephens u/s)

Mikala Hicks as Frieda/Ensemble (Carrie u/s, Sue u/s)

Nina White as Helen/Ensemble (Carrie u/s)

Noah Kieserman as Stokes/Ensemble (Billy u/s)

Cameron Anika Hill as Swing (Sue u/s, Chris u/s, Ms. Gardner u/s)

Luke Bove as Swing (Tommy u/s, Mr. Stephens u/s)

Lisa Brescia as Standby (Margaret, Ms. Gardner)

Happy spooky season!

[the-record-obituaries]

Oct. 16, 2019: Obituaries

Raynard Eller, 94

Mr. Raynard Arnold Eller, age 94 of Purlear passed away Sunday, October 13, 2019 at his home.

Funeral Services will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 17, 2019 at Wilkesboro Baptist Church with Dr. Chris Hefner officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:30 PM                 prior to the service at the church.

Burial with Military Honors by Marine Corps League Brushy Mtn. Detachment # 1187 will be in Mountlawn Memorial Park.  

Mr. Eller was born July 12, 1925 in Wilkes County to Percy and Ora Mae Eller.  He served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II and was a recipient of the Purple Heart.  He was a member of Wilkesboro Baptist Church.  

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jo Angelyn Blackburn Eller, five brothers, James M. Eller, twin brother Raymond Eller, Edward G. Eller, Max P. Eller and Rex J. Eller.

He is survived by one daughter, Bettie Kroutil and husband Bob of Santa Fe, New Mexico and two sons, Ron Eller and wife Beth of Huntersville and Rich Eller and wife Patty of Franklin, TN, four grandchildren, Josh Eller, Alison Eller, Jack Fornadel and Abbie Richard and three great grandchildren, Sterling Richard, Kyrie Richard and Edye Sandvick, three sisters, Christine Eller and Haline Eller both of Wilkesboro and Nancy Barnes of Tega Cay, SC and one brother, Kent Eller of Pulear.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice and Pallative Care, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mt. Airy, NC 27030 or Wilkesboro Baptist Church, PO Box 61, Wilkesboro, NC 28697.

Grayson Fender,  72

Mr. Grayson Mack Fender, age 72 of Traphill, passed away Saturday, October 12, 2019 at Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson, NC.

Funeral services were  , October 15,  at Old Roaring River Primitive

Baptist Church, Austin Traphill Road with Elder John Lyon, Elder Lowell Hopkins, Elder Carlton Brown, Elder George Paul and Elder Tommy Pegram officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.  .

Mr. Fender was born February 12, 1947 in

Alleghany County to George Lundy and Gladys Clyde Dowell Fender. He retired from Chatham Manufacturing in Elkin and Textiles, Inc. in Ronda and was a member of Old Roaring River Primitive Baptist Church for 24 years having served as a Deacon for 23 years. Grayson dearly loved his family, neighbors and friends from church. He loved helping his family, neighbors and hunting and fishing. He also loved farming.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Fender is survived by his wife; Rachel Lyon Fender of the home, a daughter; Charlotte Mae Fender Sloan and husband Matthew of Traphill, a son; Randel Mack Fender and wife Etta of Traphill, three grandchildren; Jordan Fender and wife Maygan, Austin Sloan and Garrett Fender and wife Lakyn, three step grandchildren; Tiffani Galloway, Rachel Higgins and Luke Higgins, expecting two great grandchildren in December and April, two brothers; Jim Fender and wife Ellen of Sparta and Bob Fender of Elkin and special friends; Billy Dowell and Bobby Dowell.

Pallbearers were Guy Brown, Jordan Fender, Garrett Fender, Austin Sloan, Keith Lyon, David Spicer, Micky Durham and Derek Brown.

The family wishes to give a Special Thanks to Mtn. Valley Hospice for their care of Mr. Fender.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Woltz Hospice Home 945 Zephyr Road, Dobson NC 27017.

 Harold Eller, 70

Mr. Charlie Harold Eller, age 70 of Purlear passed away Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at his home.

Graveside Services were October 9, 2019 at New  Hope Baptist Church Cemetery in Purlear with Rev. Dean Crane officiating.  

Mr. Eller was born January 5, 1949 in Wilkes County to Clyde Thomas and Nora Belle Faw Eller.  He was a member of New Hope Baptist Church and retired from Gardner Glass.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two sisters; Ernestine Wiles and Arliene LeFever, three brothers; Franklin Eller, Willie Eller and Jimmy Eller, three sisters-in-law; Mazie Eller, Jewel Eller and Judy Eller, two brothers-in-law; Glenn Wiles and Fred LeFever.

He is survived by his wife: Linda Wyatt Eller of the home, one daughter; Michelle Ann Hogan and husband Paul of Hope Mills and one son; Christopher "Chris" Harold and wife Carene of Ferguson, five grandchildren; Kasey Bolick, Elizabeth Lentz, Ashley Hogan, Rebecca Hogan and Steven Hogan, four great grandchildren; Harmony Swaenepoel, Makenzie Murph, Lillian Murph and Daniel Murph, three sisters; Loriene Castle and husband Lloyd of Wilkesboro, Christine Edmonds and husband Bill of Abingdon, VA. Maxine Johnson and husband Tony of Traphill, four brothers; Filmore Eller and wife Alberta of Wilkesboro, Richard Eller of Purlear, Marvin Eller of Wilkesboro and Max Eller and wife Janice of Hays and two sisters-in-law; Betty Eller and Annie Lee Eller both of Wilkesboro.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice and Pallative Care, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mt. Airy, NC 27030

 Johnny Shepherd,  72

Johnny Ray Shepherd, age 72, of Archdale, passed away Monday, October 7, 2019 at High Point Medical Center. Johnny was born June 26, 1947 in Wilkes County to Harlie C. and Della Stamper Shepherd. He was owner of JR Shepherd Electrical Repair. Johnny enjoyed playing the guitar, the harmonica, fishing, and his performance cars. He especially loved spending time with his family. Mr. Shepherd was preceded in death by his father and his mother, Della Stamper Shepherd Frazier.            

Surviving are his son, Brian Shepherd and spouse Melissa of Thomasville; grandchildren, Blake and Luke Shepherd both of Thomasville; brother, Buster Shepherd and spouse Peggy of Jamestown; and sister, Marie Shepherd Fite and spouse Bobby of Flint, Texas.

Funeral service was October 9,  at Miller Funeral Chapel with Rev. Gene Shepherd officiating. Burial  followed in Mountlawn Memorial Park.  Flowers will be accepted.

Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements. Online con

 Edward Brown, 87

Edward Eugene Brown, age 87, of North Wilkesboro, passed away Sunday, October 6, 2019 at his home. Edward was born February 13, 1932 in Wilkes County to Ray and Maude Prevette Brown. Mr. Brown was a member of Second Street Baptist Church. He loved to farm his cattle when he was able; loved his children and grandchildren. Edward was preceded in death by his parents and nine siblings.

Surviving are his wife, Betty Renegar Brown; daughter, Wanda Cleary and spouse Ronnie of Hays; son, Tommy Brown and spouse Rebecca of North Wilkesboro; grandchildren, Samantha Lusk and spouse Freddie of North Wilkesboro, Kristy Cothren and spouse Marty of Hays, Amanda Robinson and spouse Stephen of Asheville, Daniel Brown and spouse Keri of North Wilkesboro; great granddaughters, Sydney Massengill, Mary Cothren and Katie Cothren; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service was October 9,   at Haymeadow Baptist Church with Rev. Danny Dillard, Pastor Michael Golden and Daniel Brown officiating. Burial   followed  in the church cemetery.   Flowers will be accepted.

Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.  

 Callie Haynes, 88

Mrs. Callie Mae Johnson Haynes, age 88 of North Wilkesboro, passed away Sunday, October 6, 2019 at her home.

Mrs. Haynes was born January 16, 1931 in Wilkes County to William Beshears and Belva Johnson. She was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. For over 60 years she was the Co-Owner of the Beauty Bazaar in North Wilkesboro.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband; Edgar Gray Haynes, Sr. and a sister; Minne Rae Ashley.

She is survived by a son; Edgar Gray Haynes, Jr. and wife Angela M. Haynes of North Wilkesboro, two grandchildren; Heather Lynn Haynes and Alicia Dawn Haynes and a niece; Jenny Sale.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate that memorials be made to Wake Forest Care at Home Hospice 126 Executive  Drive Suite 110 Wilkesboro, NC 28697.

 Patty Hendren, 67

Mrs. Patty Sue Link Hendren, age 67 of Hays, passed away Saturday, October 5, 2019 at her home surrounded by her family.

Funeral services were  October 10th,  at Reins Sturdivant Chapel with Brother Larry Adams and Mr. Kevin Prevette officiating. Burial was in New Light Baptist Church #1 Cemetery.  

       Mrs. Hendren was born September 12, 1952 in Wilkes County to William Baxter Link (Bill) and wife Thelma Marie Kelly Link. She was retired from Tyson Foods. Mrs. Hendren was a member of Welcome Home Baptist Church in North Wilkesboro.

       In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a son; Russell Lee Hendren and a brother; Larry Link (Bill).

       She is survived by a daughter; Dotty Cheek of Hays, a son; Mickey Hendren and wife Denise of Greeley, CO, five grandchildren; Bethany Hendren, Justin Caudill, Justin Hendren, Jasmine Johnson and Darius Jackson, a twin sister; Kathy Prevette and husband Perry of North Wilkesboro and a special nephew Kevin Prevette.

       The family wishes to thank all those that helped Patty during her extended illness. All of the friends, caretakers and visitors during that time are too many to name but each one is greatly appreciated by the family. Thanks also to Medi Home Health and Hospice.

       Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the Wilkes Humane Society PO Box 309 North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 or Window World Cares St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital 118 Shaver Street, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

[your-dietician]

Today's events for July 3 | Entertainment

New Post has been published on https://tattlepress.com/entertainment/todays-events-for-july-3-entertainment/

Today's events for July 3 | Entertainment

TODAY

A Patriot Paw Parade will be held at 10 a.m. today at Downtown Dog, 150 Laurens St. S.W. Those wishing to attend should arrive at 9:45 a.m. There will be a best-dressed costume prize and an Ice Cream Paw-Ty after the walk. For more information, visit aikendowntowndog.com.

Aiken Music Fest will be held from 6-10 p.m. today at Highfields Event Center, 118 Gaston Road. The Red Clay Strays with Billy S. will perform. The gate opens at 6 p.m., and music starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15. The Aiken County Crafters will be in the vendors village. Food trucks also will be on-hand. For more information, visit aikenmusicfest.com.

The Back to Basics Alcoholics Anonymous group will meet in-person at 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 961 Trail Ridge Road. Masks required for those who have not been fully vaccinated.

A barbecue fundraiser will be held from 4-6 p.m. today at the Midland Gospel Singing Center, 705 Martin Smith Road, Gilbert. Plates are $6 and include a barbecue sandwich, chips, drink and dessert. Proceeds will benefit the center’s operating budget. A gospel singing will be held at 6 p.m. Oasis and Master’s 3 will perform. Admission is free. Social distancing will be observed. A love offering will be accepted. For more information, visit midgsc.com.

SUNDAY

Quakers (Religious Society of Friends) will hold virtual services Sunday. Services are open to all. Worship in silence begins at 10 a.m., followed by online fellowship for those who wish to linger. For more information and the Zoom link, call Brenda at 803-648-6020.

An Independence Day celebration will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday at the Augusta Common, 836 Reynolds St., Augusta. The event will feature live bands, food vendors, games and more. Fireworks will begin around 9:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Augusta Parks and Recreation Department at 706-796-5025.

MONDAY

Aiken Women in Black and Moms Demand Action will hold a Vigil for Peace and Nonviolence from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Monday. The group gathers on Hitchcock Drive at the entrance to Aiken Estates, across from the Fresh Market along Whiskey Road. Participants are invited to stay for the whole time or as long as they can. If you can’t stand, chairs are welcome. The witness against war and all forms of violence meet the first and third Monday of the month and are held rain or shine and on holidays. All, including children and men, are welcome. Participants can bring their own signs as long as they are nonpartisan. For more information, call Lynn at 501-499-4485 or Brenda at 803-648-6020.

TUESDAY

The Awesome Aiken Al-Anon group meets from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at First Christian Church, 900 Kerr Drive.

Nar-Anon Aiken For Comfort Family Group will meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays in person in the conference room near the main sanctuary at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 104 Newberry St. S.W. and via Zoom. For more information, email momofoscar4@gmail.com.

The City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism will hold registration for 2021 Fall Youth Sports Tuesday through July 22 at Citizens Park, 651 Old Airport Road. Sports include flag football (ages 5-12), soccer (ages 4-18), volleyball (ages 9-14) and cheerleading (ages 5-12). Fees vary by sport. Registration is open Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Birth certificates and proof of residency are required to register. For more information, call 803-642-7761 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.

WEDNESDAY

The Summer Food Service Program meals will be provided from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday and July 21 and Aug. 4 at the Outreach Community Church, 188 School St., Warrenville. Meals will be provided through contactless curbside pickup.  

THURSDAY

Music in the Park will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at Maude Edenfield Park, 495 Brookside Ave., North Augusta. The Savannah River Winds Concert Band will perform. Those attending should bring a chair or blanket. In the case of inclement weather, concerts will be held inside the North Augusta Community Center. The concert series is sponsored by the North Augusta Cultural Arts Council, the City of North Augusta and the S.C. Arts Commission. 

J & the Bootleggers will perform live during Amp the Alley beginning at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. For more information, visit visitaikensc.com.

JULY 10

The Old Edgefield District Genealogical Society will hold a Southern Author Expo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 10, at the American Legion Hut, 314 Penn St., Edgefield. Authors Tom Poland, Patricia G. McNeely, Alexia Jones, Helsley, Tom Robertson, Marion F. Sturkey, June Gardner, Ralph Scurry, Dr. Jodie Peeler, Dr. Walter B. Curry Jr. and Karen Stokes will be on-hand. The Edgefield Preservation Association will hold a lunch fundraiser from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch tickets $15 in advance and $20 at the door, and can be purchased at the Tompkins Library, 104 Courthouse Square. For more information, call 803-637-4010 or email OEDGS85@gmail.com.

A Christmas in July Market will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 10, at 506 Main St., Edgefield. 

JULY 12

Revival services will be held at 7 p.m. nightly July 12-15 at Mount Canaan Baptist Church, 2451 Edgefield Road, Trenton. Guest preachers will be the Rev. Barbara Brightharp Wills on Monday; the Rev. Reginald Grimes on Tuesday; the Rev. Billy Smith on Wednesday; and the Rev. Charles E. Goodman Jr. on Thursday. The Rev. George L. Brightharp is the pastor. For more information, call 803-480-8086.

JULY 20

DayBreak Adult Care Services will hold its Lewy Body Dementia Support Group at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Lessie B. Price Aiken Senior and Youth Center, 841 Edgefield Ave. N.W. For more information, visit daybreakaiken.com or cal 803-226-0288.

Wagener-Salley High School, at 272 Main Street South, in Wagener, will be the host site July 20-22 for a volleyball camp for students — girls and boys alike — who are preparing to start second through sixth grade. Sessions are to run from 9 a.m. to noon. The focus is to be on fundamentals.  The cost, which includes a camp T-shirt, is $60 for anyone registering by June 30 and $80 thereafter. Information is available from Shane Hutto, the high school’s head volleyball coach, at shutto2@acpsd.net. 

JULY 21

The Summer Food Service Program meals will be provided from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 7, July 21 and Aug. 4 at the Outreach Community Church, 188 School St., Warrenville. Meals will be provided through contactless curbside pickup.  

JULY 22

Music in the Park will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 22, at Maude Edenfield Park, 495 Brookside Ave., North Augusta. Double D will perform. Those attending should bring a chair or blanket. In the case of inclement weather, concerts will be held inside the North Augusta Community Center. The concert series is sponsored by the North Augusta Cultural Arts Council, the City of North Augusta and the S.C. Arts Commission. 

The Brandon Bower Band will perform live during Amp the Alley beginning at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 22. For more information, visit visitaikensc.com. 

The City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism will hold registration for 2021 Fall Youth Sports July 6-22 at Citizens Park, 651 Old Airport Road. Sports include flag football (ages 5-12), soccer (ages 4-18), volleyball (ages 9-14) and cheerleading (ages 5-12). Fees vary by sport. Registration is open Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Birth certificates and proof of residency are required to register. For more information, call 803-642-7761 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.

JULY 23

The Augusta Poster Show will be held Friday, July 23, from 6-9 p.m. and Saturday, July 24, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Wow! Club at SRP Park, 187 Railroad Ave., North Augusta. The event will feature over 30 different posters from 30 different artists. A VIP Preview will be held Friday. Admission is $10. Saturday’s show is free. For more information, visit augustapostershow.com.

JULY 24

The Southern Roots Team will hold BarkStock from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 24, at the Beverly D. Clyburn Generations Park, 700 Mack Henry Holland Drive. The event will feature food, vendors, music, fun and a pet supply drive. Admission is one item per person to donate to local animal shelters. Accepted items include pet toys, pet food, treats, cleaning supplies, towels/blankets, collars/leashes, or food and water bowls. 

JULY 27

An online book club for adults will meet from 2:30-3:45 p.m. Tuesday, July 27. July’s book is “Summer of ’69” by Elin Hilderbrand. To sign up, call 803-642-2020 x. 1121 to get the meeting link. For more information, visit abbe-lib.org.

JULY 29

Town Mountain will perform in concert Thursday, July 29, at Southbound Smokehouse, 1855 Central Ave., Augusta. Doors open at 6 p.m., the show starts at 7 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit fwbpro.com.

JULY 31

A Dog Wash will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 31, at the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare, 199 Willow Run Road. Baths, ear cleanings and nail trims will be available. Prices vary. For more information and a list of prices, visit letlovelive.org. Masks and social distancing are required.

AUG. 11

The James L. Hammons Detachment No. 939 of the Marine Corps League will meet from 6:30 p.m. today  at the Knights of Columbus building, 1003 Spaulding Drive. New members are needed. Membership is open to all honorably discharged or currently serving Marines. Associate membership is opened to all branches of the military and family members. For more information, visit aikenmc1939.org.

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[the-record-obituaries]

Aug. 28, 2019: Obituaries

Lexie Roberts, 89

Mrs. Lexie Juanita Dowdy Roberts better known as "Ma" gained her angel wings on August 24, 2019 at the age of 89.

               Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday August 31, at Reins Sturdivant Chapel with Rev. Victor Church, Pastor Steve Shumate and Brother Brandon Dillard officiating. Burial will be in Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery, North Wilkesboro. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 Friday evening, August 30, 2019 at Reins Sturdivant Funeral Home.

               Ma was born March 30, 1930 in Guilford County to John Arland Dowdy and Lexie Viola Blackburn Dowdy Honeycutt.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband; Leroy Roberts, and her daughter, Renea Taylor.  

               She is survived by her sons, John Roberts of Butner, NC,  Don Roberts of Checotah, Oklahoma and Paul Roberts of Millington, Tennessee, grandchildren; Tay Taylor, Adrian Taylor, Candy Caldwell all of Winston Salem, NC, Carmy Taylor of North Wilkesboro, NC, Fletcher Roberts of Alma, Michigan, Kristi Roberts of Union, SC, as well as several distant grandchildren; great grandchildren; Zane Caldwell and Kala Douglas of Winston Salem, NC, Max Taylor of North Wilkesboro, NC, Devin Heinz of Union, SC, Destiny and Kara Church of Wilkesboro, NC, and several distant great grandchildren.

               Ma worked for many years at Gardner Mirror as well as a CNA at Home Care of Wilkes and Avante.

               She was known for her kind, mischievous, loving nature and was a hard working simple woman who loved everyone. She didn't care about worldly riches because she always said she had a mansion waiting. Ma loved to garden, grow flowers, do sequin embroidery, dip snuff, eat chocolate, go to the beach and read her Bible, but most of all spread the word of God.  

               She was a faithful member of Bethany Baptist Church. Ma always sat in the second pew on the right side of the church. She attended until her health declined. When not able to attend, Ma still praised the Lord daily.

               Even as the Alzheimer's progressed her love for Jesus remained. This terrible disease took so much from her but never her faith. Her favorite quote was "God loves you and so do I."

               The family wishes to thank the entire staff of Westwood Hills who have helped take care and love Ma for the last five years. A very special thanks to the staff on the Spark Unit and Orange Hall where Ma resided. The family also wishes to thank Mountain Valley Hospice for their loving

support the last few months.

               In addition to flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Attn: Molly Goote 31 College Place Ste. D 103, Asheville, NC 28801 c/o Walk for Ma.

 Arlena Creasman, 79

Mrs. Arlena Virginia Barker Creasman, age 79 of North Wilkesboro, wife of LaMar Creasman, died Friday, August 23, 2019 at her home.

               A Celebration of Life Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 29, 2019 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church with Rev. Kedron Nicholson officiating.  The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6:00PM until 8:00PM at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.

               Mrs. Creasman was born June 17, 1940 in Ashe County to Lee and Ilene Gilley Barker.  She was a social worker at Wilkes County Social Services and retired from New River Mental Health as a counselor.  She also specialized in working with children as a private counselor. She continued working for BROC Head Start as a counselor. Arlena was a friend and caregiver to many. She gave herself to others every day of her life. She loved her family and her many friends.  She especially loved her grandkids and great-grandkids and made each of them always feel like they were the favorite.

               She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Kathy Sapp; and her brothers-in-law, Delbert Sapp and Haskell (Frog) Hartsog.

               She is survived by two daughters, Vickie Shupe Shew and husband, Claude Shew, Jr., and Robin Shupe Keller and Dave Keller; one son, David Lee Shupe and wife, Karen Rhoades Shupe; five grandchildren, Chris Ferguson and wife, Jessica, Karrie Shew Combs and husband, Matthew, Maggie Shupe, Sophia Shupe, and Amber Keller; six great-grandchildren, Levi Ferguson, Ty Ferguson, Bryce Ferguson, Tori Ferguson, Owen Combs and Addie Combs; one sister, Janet Hartsog; and three special nephews.

               In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to BROC Head Start, 701 Veterans Drive,  North Wilkesboro, NC 28659; Wilkes ADAP Program, P.O. Box 968,  North Wilkesboro, NC 28659; or NC Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners Program, Wilkes County Center, Executive Drive, Wilkesboro, NC 28697.

 Vecie Shoemaker, 86

Mrs. Vecie Hall Shoemaker, age 86 of North Wilkesboro, passed away Friday, August 23, 2019 at her home.

               Graveside services were August 25,  at Arbor Grove Baptist

Church Cemetery with Rev. Lane Roark officiating.

               Mrs. Shoemaker was born September 28, 1932 in Wilkes County to Clarence E. Hall and Verna Shumate Hall. She retired from Thom McAn Manufacturing, Inc.

               She was preceded in death by her parents and four sisters; Marie Hall Karriker, Catherine Hall Lovette, Sue Hall Miller and Wanda Hall Adams.

               Mrs. Shoemaker is survived by her husband; Bobby E. Shoemaker of the home, two daughters; Lynn Shoemaker Dyer and husband Danny of Millers Creek, Diane Shoemaker Cannon of Wilkesboro, a son; Bobby F. Shoemaker

and wife Pam of North Wilkesboro, four grandchildren; Robin D. Hamby and husband Matt, Amber C. Shumate and husband Andy, Ashley D. Cannon and fiancé Bobby Sheets and Adam P. Shoemaker, six great grandchildren; Aaron Hamby, Adrienne Hamby, Emeliegh Shumate, Ashlyn Shumate,  Dawson Sheets and Gage Sheets, two sisters; Lucille Hall Johnson of Thurmond and Hazel Hall Brown of Moravian Falls and one brother; Ronnie Stone and wife Bonnie of McGrady.

               Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Wake Forest Baptist Health Care at Home Hospice 126 Executive Drive Suite 110, Wilkesboro, NC 28697.

 Michael Pennington, 60

Michael Andrew Pennington, age 60, of Millers Creek, passed away Thursday, August 22, 2019 at his home. He was born April 16, 1959 in Ashe County to William Watson and Reba Phillips Pennington. Michael was a member of Boiling Springs Baptist Church. He enjoyed fixing up old cars and was employed with Tiny's Alignment as a mechanic. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Surviving are his wife, Sandra Polk Pennington; son, Dustin Pennington of Wilkesboro; sisters, Becky Beach and spouse Johnny of Washington, NC, Nancy Pennington of Wilkesboro; grandchildren, Emmalyne Pennington, Benjamin Pennington, Keegan Pennington; and nephew, Cody Beach.

               Funeral service was August 25,  at Boiling Springs Baptist Church with Pastor Joey Moore and Pastor Victor Church officiating. Burial   followed in the church cemetery.  

               Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Miller Funeral Service to help family with funeral expenses.

               Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.  

               Pallbearers were Cody Beach, Johnny Beach, Clinton Reins, deacons: Raymond Eller, Jerry Eller, Fred Martin, Jeff Phipps, Pedro Sanchez, Steve Jenkins, and James Parker. Honorary pallbearers will be Benjamin Pennington and Keegan Pennington.

 Aurelia Delp, 78

Mrs. Aurelia Allen Brown Delp, age 78 of Millers Creek, wife of Robert Clayton Delp passed away Thursday, August 22, 2019 at her home.

               Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM  Thursday, August 29, 2019 at Millers Creek United  Methodist Church with Rev. Cokie Bristol officiating. Burial will be in Mountlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:30  at the church.

               Mrs. Delp was born October 4, 1940 in Wilkes County to John Quincy Brown and Ona Belle Blackburn Brown. She graduated from Wilkes Central High School in 1960, was a Senior Girl Scout and enjoyed gardening and cooking. She worked in retail at the Sears store before becoming a fulltime Homemaker. Mrs. Delp was a member

of Millers Creek United Methodist Church.

               In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters; Mary James and husband John, Martha Faw and husband Gurnie and Betty Jennings and three brothers; Quincy Brown and wife Gladys, James Brown and wife Sally Adkins and Clayton Brown and wife Ruby.

               She is survived by her husband; Robert Clayton Delp of the home, a daughter; Tina Delp of Millers Creek, a son; Tony Delp and wife Jennifer of Fuquay-Varina, two grandchildren; Richard "Clayton" Delp and Christine Delp and a brother in law; Ralph Jennings of Gaffney, SC.

               Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Wake Forest Baptist Health Care at Home Hospice 126 Executive Drive Suite 110 Wilkesboro, NC 28697.

Nancy Thompson, 64

Nancy Trudean Thompson, age 64, of Millers Creek, passed away Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at Forsyth

Medical Center. Mrs. Thompson was born February 17, 1955 in Wilkes County to her mother, Faye Dancy Combs. She was a member of Pine View Baptist Church. She loved to play the piano, in which she was the pianist and was faithful to her church as long as she was able. Nancy dearly loved her family. She vol

unteered with Meals on Wheels and Senior Companions. Nancy was preceded in death by her mother.

               Surviving are her daughter, Suzanna Harrold of Hays; son, Ashley Winfield Harrold of Hays; grandchildren, Lydia Harrold, Jaseanna Trudean

Harrold, Landon Ray Harrold, Samuel Winfield Harrold, Alyssia Harrold; great grandchildren, Oakley Aspen Weaver and Kaycen Grey Bartleson; sister, Brenda Miller and spouse Dean of North Wilkesboro; brothers, Michael Combs, Joey

 Combs and spouse Chasity all of Millers Creek; father, Rev. Amos Combs and spouse Iris of Millers Creek; special friends and neighbors, Billy and Jerrie Rash; and her dog, Benny.

               Funeral service was August 24,   at Pine View Baptist Church with Pastor Steve Shumate, Rev. Kevin Souther, Rev. Jason Wiles, Rev. Amos Combs officiating. Burial  followed in Mountlawn Memorial Park.  

               Flowers will be accepted. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.  

 Bobby Bumgarner,  82

Mr. Bobby Gray Bumgarner, age 82 of Wilkesboro, passed away Tuesday, August 20. 2019 at Wake Forest Baptist-Wilkes Medical Center.

               Funeral services were August 23, 2 at Reins Sturdivant Chapel with Rev. Jamie McGuire officiating. Burial was in Scenic Memorial Gardens.  

               Mr. Bumgarner was born July 31, 1937 in Wilkes County to John Alonzo Bumgarner and Cilla Creola Watts Bumgarner. He retired after 45 years of service from the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Mr.

Bumgarner was a member of Pilgrim Baptist Church.

               He was preceded in death by his parents, a son; Michael Graylin Bumgarner, a sister; Gladys Margaret Bumgarner Shumaker, four brothers; Ted Bumgarner, Jim Bumgarner, Rex Bumgarner and Rale Bumgarner and a sister in law; Ruth Bumgarner.

               Mr. Bumgarner is survived by his wife; Betty Jo Lankford Bumgarner of the home and a son; Jeffrey Todd Bumgarner of Millers Creek.

               In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to

Pruitt Hospice 924 Main Street Suite 100 North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 or the Humane Society of Wilkes PO Box 306 North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

 Dean Stamper, 73

Dean Arnold Stamper, age 73, of McGrady, passed away Monday, August 19, 2019 at Wake Forest Baptist Health-Wilkes Regional. He was born March 8, 1946 in Wilkes County to Connie and Bessie Mae Ellis Stamper. Mr. Stamper loved to fish

and hunt. He also loved being with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mr. Stamper was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Lynn Annette Stamper; brother , William Donald Stamper, Montie Stamper; sister, Grace Beck and brother-in-law, Jim; and brother-in-law, Eugene James.

               Dean is survived by his wife, Nancy Carol Johnson Stamper; sons, Steven Stamper of Wilkesboro, Roy Thomas Stamper of Raleigh; daughters, Sheila Stamper Brock of McGrady, brother, Ivory Lester Stamper of Wilkes, sisters, Vella James of Winston Salem, Cleo Stamper Rakes of Wilkesboro; sister-in-law, Gladys Stamper of Wilkes; grandchildren, Christina Darnelle Stamper of Kings Mountain, Steven Worth Stamper, William Dean Brock both of McGrady, Adam Joseph Brock and spouse Ashley of Hendersonville; five great grandchildren; two great grandchildren on the way; several nieces and nephews.

               Graveside service was August 21,  at Cane Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Kenny Absher officiating.                                           Flowers will be accepted. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.  

 Steven Meade,  57

Steven Lee Meade, age 57, of North Wilkesboro, passed away Friday, August 16, 2019 at Forsyth Medical Center. Mr. Meade was born June 13, 1962 in Hamlin, West Virginia to James Merle and Ella Victoria Bare Meade. He was preceded in death by his father and a brother, Haskel Cleek.

               Surviving are his wife, Theda Wyatt Meade; daughter, Ashley Meade of Mattoon, Illinois; sons, Stevie Meade and Dustin Meade of Mattoon, Illinois; mother, Ella Victoria Bare of North Wilkesboro; step daughter, Lisa Anderson of Millers Creek; step son, Frankie Reavis of North Wilkesboro; grandchildren, Jason Brown and

Cheyenne Brown; brothers, Mark Meade of Paris, Tennessee, Brian Meade of Roaring River; and sisters, Delta Miller of Millers Creek, Mary Alice Urick of North Wilkesboro.

               Funeral service was August 24,   at Miller Funeral Chapel with Rev. Randy Johnson and Rev. Rev. Wiley Boggs officiating. Burial followed in Scott Blevins Cemetery in Lansing.

               Flowers will be accepted. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.  

               Pallbearers were Mark Meade, Brian Meade, Stevie Meade, Kevin Phillips, Travis Miller, Cory Miller, Jason Brown and Dustin Meade.