The Bailey’s held their 30th annual family and friends reunion on July 16th and 17th. On Friday afternoon and night of July 16th about 50 attended dinner at Retired Probate Judge Marion Brunson and wife Nancy's home in Elba. This was held at the Brunson family pavilion on their farm. Marion’s grandfather and C.C. Bailey were brothers. All enjoyed a good time of remembering times past, and fellowship.

On Saturday July 17th everyone gathered at the Rutledge Community House for a covered dish lunch. The cameras were flashing as family and friend’s arrived. There will be many precious memories preserved to hand down to future generations.

One of the highlights was the drawing of the door prizes, especially for the large red aprons and tote bags. &uot;Bailey Reunion 2004" was embroidered on the bib of the aprons. The tote bags were painted with favorite sayings that touched the hearts of many, concerning their family roots. There were 65-plus in attendance with seven states represented. Some attended the First Baptist Church in Rutledge on Sunday morning before leaving for home. Jeanene Bailey Winfiele of Texas submitted this article and extends all relatives and friends a special invitation for the year 2005.

The Luverne United Methodist &uot;Young at Heart&uot; met Tuesday, July 1st in the fellowship hall of the church. The dinner for the night was a &uot;salad and sandwich&uot; supper.

The decoration theme was patriotic with the serving table covered in red, white and blue tablecloths. The tables were centered with starbursts of red, white and blue. Each table had its own centerpiece and starts were scattered along the white tablecloths.

The program for the evening was very special and presented by Master Sgt. Tom Ray. Tom gave a slide presentation of his tour in Iraq. Tom has served in the United States Army, on active duty and in the National Guard for 29 years. The presentation included pictures of Saddam’s palaces, scenes of American troops, and everyday life in the country. Several slides showed the old city of Babylon and the birthplace of Abraham.

Other special guests for the program and meal were his wife, Debbie, and their son Clarke. Several other guests from around the community came to hear this very special presentation.

The Young at Heart wishes to thank Tom for his presentation to the members and guests.

&uot;Bubba&uot; and Julia Davis had as their recent guest, their son Kin and Barbara Davis of Colorado Springs, Colo. Also their grandson, Judd Davis and wife Rebecca and children Hunter and Bailey of Montgomery.

Judd is the Co-anchor personality with WSFA, &uot;Today In Alabama," morning show. This writer had wondered for weeks who the mystery anchor person was going to be on the morning show and to find out he was &uot;Bubba’s grandson was nice to know because it made Judd not only homefolks but also kin folks to many in our area This writer met him at the Bailey Reunion held recently in Rutledge.

A special treat is in store for people who love good Gospel Music. Harlon Burton, who has been a guest singer for several years for The Crenshaw County Relay for Life event will perform two concerts on Sunday August 1st. Mr. Burton will be at Brantley Baptist at 1 p.m. and South Luverne Baptist Church at 6 p.m. Pastor Travis Johnson of Brantley Baptist and Pastor Mike Green of SLBC invites and welcomes anyone who wishes to come hear this man of great talent.

Joquin Baptist Church held their annual Homecoming service on Sunday July 25. Their Interim Pastor Mack Sporman gave an inspiring Message from Isaiah, &uot;God has a job for all of us," and revival comes when we open our hearts. The Brantley Baptist Quartet gave special music in the afternoon. Rev. Travis Johnson and wife Margie, Jimmy Lester, and Earl Henderson are the members of the Quartet who blessed everyone with their singing. Joquin’s Revival was held Monday Wednesday with Pastor Donnie Burns of First Baptist Church of Luverne as guest speaker.

Mathew and Meredith Bozeman of Mobile are spending a week with their parents, Fletcher and Elaine Bozeman, near Glenwood and Lavon and Peggy Mount of Brantley Mathew attended the recent Promise Keepers conference held in Memphis, Tenn. with his father and others who went from this area. Meredith will be attending the Women Of Faith conference in Atlanta, Ga., this coming weekend with her mother-in-law, Elaine Bozeman and Irish Byrd.

Alabama WMU Leadership Conference for Church and Associational YYMIJ Leaders was held at Shocco Springs Conference Center in Talladega on July 23-25, 2004.The theme for the conference was &uot;Christ Followers.&uot; The worship celebrations were, &uot;Teach us to Follow, Teach us to Pray," &uot;Teach us to Serve&uot; and &uot;Teach us to Give." Other than the special Associational WMU Leadership Team Training conferences, there were many missionary and special interest conferences to chose from. The conference on Community of Hope, led by Cathy Butler, told how church planting in multi-housing settings has reached across Montgomery and is meeting the needs of so many un-churched people. Project Help: Poverty Conference was also led by Cathy Butler, who is the author of the project resources that addresses the issue of poverty and how churches can help meet these needs in their own community and around the world. Those attending from the Alabama-Crenshaw Association were Carolyn Campbell of Dozier Baptist Church, Jewel Killough of Chapel Hill Baptist Church and Edna Norsworthy of South Luverne Baptist Church.

This writer appreciates all the community news our readers submit. Please send your events and happenings to me at 79 Meadowcrest Dr., Apartment 12 by Friday noon or call me at 335-6643, so that I can get them in by my deadline of Monday at noon at the Journal office. Thanks!

This WeekŠ

Six words are needed to keep love in glory - "Three are, I love you." Three more are I am sorry.&uot; Also remember there’s blue sky behind the blackest cloud.

The 88th King Family Reunion was held Sunday July 25. This annual affair has been held since 1916 at the Horn-King Shelter in Glenwood. The activities of the day included fellowship, a delicious covered lunch and the sharing of family stories related to past reunions. Many family members visited burial lots in Providence Cemetery, after which a monetary collection was taken for the upkeep of the cemetery. The activities of the day ended with attendees leaving with fond memories of the King Family. The local contact person for this special family event’ would be Mr. Tommie King, 86 Mathew King Rd., Luverne, Alabama, 36049, or call 335-3526 for information.