One Call, Many Congregations 

People sometimes ask me, "Don't you want a real Church?"
I usually shift into "defining Interim Ministry" mode.
As I have reflected upon such a response lately, I realize most folk are asking me about my understanding of Call. How does a minister wind up in a particular place?

Since 1998 I have felt the call of God to be an Interim Pastor. Four months into my first assignment at Harpeth in Brentwood, TN., I attended my first interim training. As it concluded the leaders conducted a final worship service. Toward the end there was a time when the leaders would pray with individuals. The prayer offered by the leader both blessed and encouraged me in my Call. Ten years later I realize I have been following One Call in many congregations.

I have felt the nudging and beckoning of God all my life. The faithfulness of my parents provided early examples of commitment. The Sisters at St. Peters gave me an excitement about learning. The teachers at Port Washington HS encouraged me to reach for knowledge. Harry Gamble at the University of Virginia said go to seminary and then pursue a PhD. Balmer Kelly at Union Seminary suggested becoming a pastor. Two large congregations gave me a love for visiting. Trinity, Nashville nurtured my interest in leading worship.

And then there was Jane. She had a car, and a house in Montreat, and said yes to late night coffee runs to Shoney's. Better she said yes to a proposal. So thirty five years later we enjoy making a marriage. We have three grown daughters, Sarah, Rebekah, and Hannah.

So here we are. Walking with Fayette Presbyterian Church through a time of transition God bless us all.
 

Entered the World: On August 10, 1972, entered my family on August 12, 1972. 

Date of Deliverance: 2000 years ago as the women discovered that the tomb was empty.

Influences:     

·         Aside of God, my wonderful wife, Emily, is the all around best influence in my life

·         My parents, Don and Becky, the engineer and the accountant, who brought discipline and compassion, and a truly graceful love.

·         My brother Craig who is an anesthesiologist. His wife Michelle is a speech therapist and my nephew Dawson and niece Kailyn display all the love and sibling rivalry that is to be expected in the Haddox family. 

·         My sister Caroline the pain therapist and her husband Aaron who’s a computer network specialist and their daughter Capri, who’s grasp of the word “No!” is truly remarkable.

·         Marshall University, where I earned a B.A. in 1994: Major: Speech (Broadcasting); Minor: Marketing. I also earned a M.A. in 1998 in Journalism (Broadcasting) It was also at Marshall where I learned about healing and new possibilities of where I could take my faith as a part of the PROWL group.

·         Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, the ones who helped me see ministry isn’t church camp year round.

·         The Presbyterian Church USA, more than just a nifty symbol.

Currently reading: My life Standing up by Steve Martin;The Truth: With Jokes by Al Franken; The Wounded Healer by Henry Nouwen; Lake Wobegon Days by Garrison Keilor; 50 Facts that Should Change the World by Jessica Williams; Wedge’s Gambit; God’s Politics by Jim Wallis; NRSV.

Obscure Fun Facts: Can work a Rubik’s cube in 3 minutes; Can’t stand the taste of Coffee; Actually has 1 sanctioned amateur boxing match on his record.

Movies for a Perfect Day on the Couch: Any Star Wars, Indiana Jones, James Bond, or Lord of the Rings Movie; Love Actually; just about any 80’s comedy;

TiVo is set for: The Office; Top Chef; The Soup; Deadliest Catch; Mythbusters; American Idol; 24.

Current Electronic Engagements: World of Warcraft; Wii Olympics; Excite Truck

In the iPod:  U2; David LaMotte; Dar Williams; Indigo Girls; Bruce Hornsby; NPR; TWiT (Technology Podcast); As well as music to suit any mood.

Connecting to God: Actively: Whenever God is presented through those I meet. In reflection: through Reading, Poetry and Songwriting.

BEN FREE

I started singing at age 2 -- my favorite song was "Joy to the World" -- and music has been a big part of my life ever since. In fact, my first job of directing a church choir was at age 15!

My father was a minister, so I grew up in various places, but I tell everyone that Pensacola, Florida is my home. I graduated from Pensacola Junior College and completed my degree in Music Education at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida.

After my graduation in 1976, I taught in Leesburg, Florida and took additional courses at University of Central Florida before going into full time church music back in Pensacola in 1978.

The best thing that happened to me was when I met my wife, Anne. We were married in 1979. We have two wonderful children, Garet born in 1984 and Megan born in 1986.  Anne and I moved to Nashville in 1981, and I graduated from Scarritt College in 1983 with a Masters in Church Music.

Then we moved to Monroeville, Alabama where I worked full time in a church before we moved to Jonesboro, Georgia in 1989. I taught General music at Jonesboro Middle School for eleven years and one year at Church Street Elementary. During that time, I attended West Georgia University taking graduate courses in education and completed my Masters in Media Education.

Now I do some substituting at Whitewater Middle School in Fayette County. I have had the privilege of serving as your Director of Music since 1990.

ANNE FREE

Began the human experience:  December 21, 1954 in sunny Florida, arriving at 1924 W. Hernandez Street, Pensacola on Christmas Day and calling it home for the next 18 years.

A few of my favorite things:  the “fair and glorious gift of God” that is music (from Bach to Josh Groban to Willie Nelson); the laughter of children; the fragrance of salt air; handmade quilts, baskets and pottery that embody the life energy of the artisan; a well brewed cup of tea; a good book on a rainy day (or any day!); fine chocolate; hydrangeas; good conversation, and angels

Priceless treasures: Megan, Garet and Ben – daughter, son and husband respectively –who have made my life hectic, exciting, interesting, and definitely satisfying; my extended family; and the Fayette Presbyterian YaYa Sisterhood who nurture my spiritual growth and bring fun into my life

Favorite quote: "I want to know God's thoughts,..... the rest are details.." – Albert Einstein

Favorite Scripture verses: Philippians 4:13; Romans 8:28; Jeremiah 29:11

Music that brings strength and comfort:  “How Firm a Foundation”, “A Mighty Fortress”, “Here I Am, Lord”, “Be Not Afraid”

Favorite movie: “Out of Africa”

My life away from the organ bench:  I’ve always loved learning and have often thought that being a ‘professional’ student would be the ideal life if the pay was better! Hence, education has been a huge part of my life. I earned a BA in Psychology with a minor in Religion and Philosophy. After marriage and children, I returned to school to earn a BS in Nursing and then a MS in Nursing with a focus on Family Nurse Practitioner. After various nursing positions and changes in our family’s needs, I was given the opportunity that is the closest I’ve found to being paid for going to school – I began teaching Healthcare Science Technology in a Clayton County high school. Having completed my first year, I can honestly say that “I love my job!” There’s nothing quite like 120 teenagers to keep you young and alert every day. What a blessing this has been in so many ways, and proof positive that you just never know what the Lord has in store for you next! I find great joy in encouraging children to use their voices to praise our Lord through the New Day Choristers. Children are such a vital part of our church family and have so much to offer to the worship experience.

Plans for the future:  Growing into that wholeness of mind, body and spirit that God created us to experience- a lifelong journey; watching our children as they continue their journey toward wholeness; growing old without giving in..

JACOB E. WINSLETT

I was born July 7, 1980 and grew up in Douglasville, GA, as a music minister's son. I went to Douglas County High School, graduated in 1998. I have been married since August 2, 2003, and have loved every moment with my wife, Laurie.

I have an eclectic Christian background, which includes denominations such as Baptist, Methodist, Church of God, and now--Presbyterian. I have always loved music and have been playing guitar for ten years. For the past six years, I have been a worship leader in both youth and adult church settings. During that time, I also attained my bachelor's degree in Human Relations at Atlanta Christian College, where Laurie and I met.

I chose HR as my degree because I've always been intrigued by psychology, and after a year at Clayton State College and University, I felt like God was leading me towards that field. Classes in high school, personal experience, and seeking God's will are what really spurred my interest.

Other areas that I am interested in include counseling, psychology, Xbox, Lord of the Rings (and anything by J.R.R. Tolkein, drama, songwriting, story writing, soccer, soccer, soccer and anything else that I might stumble upon that looks kinda cool.

I pray that God can use Laurie and me as vessels to hold & pour out His love to everyone we meet.

I love music. All genres: R&B, Country, Christian; they all hold inspiration for the soul. I like to dabble in song-writing when a creative notion hits me.

My favorite TV show is Gilmore Girls. I know, I know, but I can't help myself. I also like Family Guy, OTH, and most anything with a touch of wittiness and dry humor.

My most beloved Bible passage would have to be II Corinthians 4:7-9:

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed"

I have been happily married since August of 2003 to a wonderful, godly man who is blessed with musical talent. We don't have any kids yet, but we do enjoy the pitter-patter of little feet ~ from our kittens, Mocha, Orion, and Isabelle, and our puppy, Percy. Jacob and I moved to Fayetteville in March of '05 and are absolutely thrilled to be a part of this community.