| Centenarians feted for longevity MT. WASHINGTON When seven residents of The Wesley, a United Methodist assisted-living residence, observed their birthdays this summer, they celebrated 706 years. Each of these residents turned 100 or older during 2002. The centenarians received letters from President Bush and certificates from Gov. Paris Glendening and many other political officials. Traynor attributes the residents longevity to the spiritual element in the home. They still feel loved and useful, she said. It makes them feel like life is worth living.  The birthday celebrants included Helen Tracey and Lucy Hill, both born in July 1901; Esther Archer born in December 1901; Rita McCarty and Leona Swayne, both born Oct. 10, 1902; Harriet Piel, born in July 1902; and the oldest resident, Mamie Anderson, born in June, 1899. All, except Rita McCarty, are United Methodists. Photo album sales support school RANDALLSTOWN Members of Wards Chapel UMC have adopted the orphans of the impoverished Rota Primary School in Zimbabwe. Church members sent $350 through the General Board of Global Ministries, money they raised by selling photo albums. Their gift translated into 87,000 Zimbabwe dollars and helped 118 orphans, said Carol Parker, chairwoman of the churchs outreach committee. Parker, a kindergarten teacher, acquainted the churchs middle-school children with the project. As a result, the fifth-graders have developed a pen-pal relationship with the Rota school. We will continue to sell the photo albums and accept donations to help the orphans, she said. To help with the project, contact Parker at (410) 833-1703 or the church at (410) 922-6556
. Old house to be a blessing SILVER SPRING A once derelict house will soon provide a new home for a family that is moving out of homelessness. In 1997 Good Shepherd UMC acquired the house from the estate of church member Phil Rovner. It was used occasionally for one project or another, while church members wondered if there was a greater good they could accomplish rather than tearing the cottage down, said Leilani McConnell, a spokesperson for the project. By partnering with the Interfaith Housing Coalition, the congregation raised money through foundation and county grants. More than 100 people from the church and neighborhood gave hundreds of hours of labor to the renovation, said the Rev. David Stum, pastor. During the renovations it was discovered that the Mt. Pisgah Methodist Episcopal Church once sat on the site. It is assumed that the former church was destroyed by a fire in the early 1900s. The family hopes to move in before Christmas.
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