Giving to LeAnna

For those who want to give to LeAnna Bennett privately, here is what they can do:

There are funds set up in her name at these places:

Reliance Bank:
112 N. Jefferson St.
Athens, AL 35611
256-232-1944
Send donation with a letter or notation in the memo line that it is to go to the "LeAnna Bennett Fund."
It is set up so that the money will go straight to LeAnna. In the future, the money will go straight to her children.

Central Church of Christ:
320 US Highway 31 North
Athens, AL 35611-4966
256-232-2014
Make check payable to "Benevolence Fund for LeAnna Bennett"
The church will make a check out to LeAnna
Donor would receive a receipt for tax write-off

First United Methodist Church:
208 E. Hobbs St.
Athens, AL 35611
256-232-2020
Make check payable to "Benevolence Fund for LeAnna Bennett"
The church will make a check out to LeAnna
Donor would receive a receipt for tax write-off

Happy Birthday Mom!

I would like to wish my Mom a very happy, happy birthday today! I don't remember when this picture was taken, but I do remember Mom being there for me so many times throughout my life. She is still there for me today, too.


Motherhood is the strangest thing! I'm sure I have not always been the "model" child and have done things to disappoint my Mom (and my Dad) occasionally, but I will promise you one thing. No matter what I do or have done, they love me no matter what! Now that I have been a parent for almost 21 years, I understand this thing called unconditional love.


That's how God's love is for each of us. We usually don't deserve it, but that is His "amazing grace"! When I think about my love for my children and my parents' love for me, it helps me to understand how God can love us when we are at our best, when we stumble, just whenever.


Mom, thanks for always loving me--I love you!


Steph


P. S. This was the only picture I could find of the two of us when I was little. I wear more clothes now and we both look a little different now, don't we?

Cancer Awareness Program

Click on flyer to enlarge...

Benefit Concert For our Friend

Sister Grace is holding a Benefit Concert for our dear friend LeAnna Bennett who has been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer.  A beautiful, kind, loving mother of 2 has needs beyond her means right now, and we want to help her by praising God through this storm.  LeAnna's spirit is amazing and is wrapped in love and comfort from the only One who can grant such peace. 

She will plan to share in that the evening of the concert.  We welcome 2 other praise bands from our church, Mike Cole's Band and 5 For 3.  It will be a night of sharing and celebrating!  There will be light desserts to enjoy too!  Please make your plans to attend!

Benefit Concert

Tuesday Night, September 30

7pm

Love Offering Accepted

Beasley Center at

First United Methodist Church

Downtown Athens

The Corner of Marion and Bryan Streets

Share the Blessings

I have known who LeAnna was for many years, but have gotten to know her much better this past year and a half. I heard she was looking for a job, while going through a divorce, trying to raise two children and caring for her mother with Alzheimer's. I was aware of a job opening where I work and encouraged her to apply. I thought it would be a good fit for her, not only the job, but the people she would be working with--two divorced women, another woman caring for her mother, people that could probably offer her much support. She got the job and I was right about the support group for her in that department.

Not too long after she started working there, she began to have health problems. She did not ignore her symptoms. She began trying to find answers and after undergoing many tests and surgeries and a trip to Mayo Clinic, she finally has a diagnosis. It is not a diagnosis that anyone wants to hear--stage 4 cancer.

LeAnna has started chemo treatments, but that too has not gone without complications. Every step LeAnna takes seems to have a roadblock. It is so frustrating for all of us, but let me tell you, she holds her head up high (to God) and inspires us all. She says if she had not gone through all of this, she would have missed out on so many blessings.

On September 30th, at 7:00 p.m., there will be a benefit for LeAnna and we thought "Share the Blessings" would be an appropriate name for it. LeAnna has been in on the planning and has requested that this be an evening to praise and honor God. There will be praise music, cookies, and a great time to also let LeAnna know how much she has blessed us! Instead of ticket sales, there will be a love offering taken that evening.

Hope to see you there!

Steph

Hazelgreen Retreat

Sister Grace had a wonderful time at Hazelgreen United Methodist Church this past Saturday for their women's retreat.  We were so impressed with the sound system, their set-up and their sound-man, Steve!  He did a great job making us sound our best.  Thank you, Steve!

Cheryl Clontz put together a fabulous set of talks for us surrounding the idea that we are all patches in one great quilt.  She had us really thinking.  Thank you to Kim Scites for putting this together with her great team of helpers.  We felt very welcome, and above all, I think God felt the glory we were all lifting up to Him.

Above is a shot of us singing a new song for us by the great Sara Groves, "Jesus, You're Beautiful"---a beautiful, contemplative, prayerful song.  Our awesome musicians played most of the day with us, but we all played our own instruments for the last couple of songs.

A big thanks to Maryleen Richardson for coming with us--she is one of our greatest fans.  We love you, Maryleen!