Over the course of 72 hours during the weekend of August 21-24, 59 volunteers from St. Anne's committed to reading the entire Bible aloud, page-by-page, turn-by-turn, hour-by-hour, until we finally reached the last chapter (Revelation 22) on Sunday morning and read it together as a congregation during worship. The rector, the Rev. Lonnie Lacy, told the Tifton Gazette, "The Bible is important to us and central to who we are. We see this as worth our time - a special, holy project that connects us and the scripture."

While scripture was being read in the sanctuary, Lacy said other Bible-focused events took place on the church campus over the weekend. A youth lock-in on Friday and a special family program on Saturday both included programs and teachings on the role of the Bible in people's lives today. The reading was also broadcast live in its entirety on the internet and was watched by members of the church and others around the Diocese and well beyond. The reading continued right into the Sunday Eucharist where the reader first moved to "Little Saint Anne's", their historic chapel, and then processed into the church reading from Revelation and the gathered community read the final chapter aloud together in their liturgy (see photos below).

Those who participated in Miqra have found it hard to describe the experience. Words like "powerful," "holy," "unifying," "mesmerizing," and "mysterious" only scratch the surface. Even those who tuned in on the live Internet feed described the experience as profoundly moving. As one parishioner put it, "It's one thing to hear the Bible on audio, but there's something extraordinary about hearing it read by people you love, whose stories you know." Another said, "I've read and studied the Bible throughout my life in many ways and places, but I've never experienced the Sacred Story this way before. I'm changed."

For his first Sunday serving as the Vicar of Christ Church, Cordele, the Rev. Dr. Larry Williams began the day at 9 a.m. at Worship on The Water for a beautiful morning of worship on the lake (pictured at right).  Even though it was warm, God furnished a cool breeze, enough to keep the gnats away. After WOW service,  everyone enjoyed refreshments and were able to meet and greet with Williams.  Then he dashed back to Cordele for a formal afternoon service at church where a warm welcome was in store for the new Vicar as the air conditioning system went out. The worshipers were undeterred and the liturgy was followed by a reception in Holmes Hall where all were able to cool off.  Members had time to socialize with Larry and his wife, Deborah.  

Williams grew up in Albany, Georgia, and graduated high school.  Further, he has spent a lot of time over the years skiing on Lake Blackshear with friends and family. Williams graduated in 1972 from The University of the South, with a B.A. degree in Economics in 1972.  He entered Nashotah House Seminary in 1972.  He graduated with a M.Div. degree and was ordained a priest in The Episcopal Church in 1975.  In 1995 he was awarded a Doctor of Ministry degree in Evangelism and Church Growth from Perkins School of Theology, S.M.U., Dallas, TX.

On graduation he served for three years as the Assistant Rector, St. Paul's, Augusta. He has since served congregations in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas before returning to Georgia as the  Rector of St. Teresa's, Acworth, where he served since 2006.  He has also chaired different commissions in the Dioceses of Mississippi, Western Louisiana, and Arkansas.  In Mississippi, he was diocesan clergy spiritual director for Cursillo. While in Arkansas, he was elected to the Board of Directors, Camp Mitchell Camp and Conference Center; Executive Committee of the Diocese, and Trustee of the Diocese.  He has also served as a clergy delegate to Synod in Provinces IV and VII.

Married for over 30 years, Larry and Deborah Williams are parents of three children: Mary Canon; Cecilia; and Christopher. He is passionate about preaching, pastoral care, and church growth. His favorite quote is from the late Jesuit priest, Raymond Pannikar who once said, "I pray that one day my cottage might become a household to all humankind."

The musicians put the jam into the Peanut Butter and Jam Event at King of Peace, Kingsland. Musicians Jason Garrett and Chris Norton jammed and the kids were more than an audience as they participated in the musical event. The congregation continues to work with a team approach to working with youth, not based on one key youth leader, but a larger group of interested members bringing their talents together. Last Sunday's jam session continued this practice into the new school year.
   

For where your treasure is,
there your heart will be also.

-Luke 12:34
 

Please remember your church in your will.