Welcome! It’s time to brag.
Luke Laird, formerly of Hartstown, who I’m sure you know is a successful songwriter, now living in Nashville, released an album on September 18, 2020.
He performed all 10 songs at the famous Bluebird Café on September 17, and broadcast it via his Instagram and Facebook pages, and on YouTube. I’m sure you’ll be able to find the show if you look it up on any of these sites.
Luke has God-given talent, and is a credit to the Atlantic community, not only because of his talent, but because of his faith.
Thinking of Luke’s local roots, I’m reminded of John Cougar Mellencamp’s hit from the 80s, “Small Town.” I’ve liked Mellencamp since I was a four-year-old, singing “Hurts So Good” in my mom’s avocado Pontiac. I vividly remember the moment I first heard the song. It sounded so cool, so adult.
Now that I am an adult, I still like his music. But “Small Town” appeals to me for obvious reasons. I can’t quote the lyrics without violating copyright, but you can look it up online if you’re unfamiliar with the song. I just found an acoustic version on Amazon Music which has a bluegrass sound that adds richness to the meaning of the song.
I’m so thankful to live in a small town, in a small community where I can breathe clean air, live near my parents, raise my children, and feel relatively safe to express my beliefs. The way things are in cities right now, between rioting and defunding police departments, the violence against the police and all the political turmoil, I appreciate my small town and its people more than ever. If you do, too, say a prayer of thanks to God tonight.
Speaking of prayer, Atlantic community churches have finally reopened! On September 13, 2020, Fallowfield United Methodist Church held its first indoor service since March 15. Temperature checks, social distancing, and mask mandates were observed.
Pastor Les Hutchins lead the church’s first contemporary worship service at 11 a.m. Fallowfield will continue having both traditional services at 9 a.m. and contemporary services at 11 a.m., with Sunday school at 10 a.m.
The service opened with a few modern praise songs led by Kurt Dennis. Pastor Les gave a convicting sermon based on 1 Corinthians 13, often referred to as, “The Love Chapter.” The service closed with a couple more praises songs. I believe it will grow and appeal to many.
Adamsville Presbyterian Church held its first in-person service in many months on September 13, 2020, following social distancing and mask mandate requirements. They also unveiled a new children’s Sunday school curriculum and broadcasted live on Facebook.
If you’re looking for entertainment, Atlantic Community Church will hold a movie night on Friday, October 2, at 6 p.m. They plan on holding movie nights the first Friday of every month.
If ever there were a time to pray, it’s now. You may have heard that Franklin Graham is hosting a prayer march in Washington, D.C. on September 26, 2020, from noon to 2 p.m. along the Washington Mall. The theme of the event is, “Thus the Lord was moved by prayer for the land.” (2 Samuel 24:25, NASB)
Fallowfield United Methodist Church is hosting a prayer event simultaneously with Graham’s event. The day will begin with praise songs led by Pastor Les Hutchins, starting at 11:45 a.m. At 2 p.m., the prayer vigil will start. There will be seven prayer leaders, each praying for 15 minutes about different topics.
Have a wonderful week. Blessings!