| 'Stop Smoking for Life' at Hancock UMC 
HANCOCK— Len Mosby, left, has led these members of Hancock UMC to 'Stop Smoking for Life,' in a program the Washington County Health Department offers for free at various churches and other locations throughout the county. The county also offers eight weeks of free nicotine patches for those who attend regularly. Asbury UMC in Hagerstown, and RehobothUMC in Williamsport, also hold classes. The county program is funded through cigarette restitution funds. Parking lot murders update FT. WASHINGTON — A Maryland appellate court overturned the kidnapping conviction of one of the men who was implicated in a double murder in the parking lot of the then Fort Washington UMC in June 2001. Michael Patten, 29, who was raised in that church, and his friend Lea Ann Brown, 24, a Navy petty officer, had stopped briefly at the church. They were attacked, beaten, robbed and kidnapped by five men. They were then killed and their bodies dumped in a wooded area in Accokeek. Robert Odum Jr., 25, is entitled to a new trial on the basis that he was detained for more than 24 hours without being informed of his rights or the charges. Margery Patten, the victim's mother, told the Washington Post, 'Of course it makes us very sad because of the viciousness of this crime and the part Robert Odum had in it.' Even if Odum is acquitted of the kidnapping charges in a new trial, he would not be released from prison for 10 to 15 years, the Post reported, because he pleaded guilty to a carjacking and armed robbery that occurred a few hours before the
slayings. Pastor’s book follows 13 apostles
 COLUMBIA — A new book by the Rev. C. David Jones, retired and now living in Suwanee, Ga., was recently published by Xlibris, a Random House partner. 'The Minyan' tells the story of Jesus' 13 disciples. The book is subtitled: 'A small cadre of men who turned the world upside down.' The book is ideal for use by Sunday school classes, Bible study groups and individuals as a followup to Mel Gibson's film 'The Passion of the Christ,' Jones said. The book's Web site is www.chapelquartet.org/ theminyan.htm. Jones is offering the book to conference members at a discounted price, directly through him. He can be reached at (260) 637-1836 or
. Church family chosen for Habitat house
WALKERSVILLE — Eleven Walkersville churches, including Walkersville UMC, welcomed Kim Brown, a member of Asbury UMC in Frederick, and her daughter Jessica, 12, at the groundbreaking for a Habitat for Humanity house, March 28. The Browns, encouraged by their church family to submit an application, were selected by Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County as homeowners of the new 884-square foot home. When she found out she would be able to live in the new home, Brown was elated, the Walkersville Gazette reported. 'We were praising. We are so blessed and we were in praise mode,' she said. She believes God is responsible for the turnaround in her life. 'I just want to thank God and … the people in my church for all of their prayers and support,' she said. Church member crowned princess
 OXON HILL — Jessica Marie Smith, 19, a member of St. Paul UMC, was crowned Maryland’s 2004 Cherry Blossom Princess March 29 at a ceremony and reception at the church. She took part in the National Cherry Blossom Festival activities with princesses from other states and U.S. territories. Smith is a graduate of Suitland High School and attends Virginia Commonwealth University, where she is pursuing a career in performing arts. At the reception, Smith said that representing her state was 'a profound honor and privilege that entails not just representing my state as a whole, but my God, myself, my family and friends, my ancestors and the community that continues to support and nurture me in all that I do.' Digging up history at Strawbridge Shrine
WESTMINSTER — Experienced and novice diggers are needed at the Strawbridge site for an archeological dig this summer. The ongoing project will take place July 28 to Aug. 4, under the direction of archeologist Kirsti Uunila of the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory. To take part, contact her at (410) 286-7131. | 
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