| United Methodist Men give away potatoes  ANNAPOLIS The United Methodist Men of the Annapolis District recently distributed more than 90,000 pounds of potatoes in two potato drops.
The November distribution was in the Fort Meade area, in cooperation with New Beginnings UMC. Potatoes were contributed to local organizations that work with the homeless and hungry. In addition, the men and members of the church went door-to-door with 50-pound bags of potatoes. Each bag had a label inviting recipients to church. New Beginnings experienced a significant increase in attendance in the weeks following the distribution, said Michael Goins, president of Annapolis District United Methodist Men . In December, the men worked with the Annapolis City Police Department to give the potatoes to food distribution centers and neighborhoods across the city. Men with trucks from throughout the district delivered 45,000 pounds of potatoes, many to the most impoverished, drug-laden sections of the city. As they loaded the trucks, a rainbow appeared in the sky. The Good Lord is well pleased with what were doing, said Jim Wilcox, first vice-president. Mental health ministry emerges BELTSVILLE A new mental health education and resource group emerged recently at Emmanuel UMC. The group, which began last spring, is a laity-led ministry that meets monthly. We want to be a resource group for our pastor and for the church so that if people have mental health concerns there will be some resources to use on their journey toward health and recovery, co-founder Margaret Stanton said. EMERGE has formed a support group for people with depression and bipolar disorder that meets at the church. It is led by Stanton and Jennie Owens, both trained counselors. Soldiers thank church for gifts TOWSON Retired Air Force Col. Vernon Sevier from Towson UMC made sure church members understood the plight of the women and men serving in war zones. He coordinated an outreach effort to the 89th Airlift Wing. As a result of the churchs contributions, the Rev. David Cooney received a note of appreciation from Lt. Col. Allen D. Delaney, USAF, MSC Commander. He thanked the congregation for the many exceptional donations that your church family has made and continues to make to our military men and women. Delaney added: Your contributions to our soldiers who fought for the liberation of Iraq show them that the American people are behind them, beside them, and near them. Patriotism rings through to each and every one of us when we receive the heart felt letters and the many essential items that can bring us comfort from a hard day of battle. Pastor contributes to new book RANDALLSTOWN  The Rev. Sheila McCurdy is a contributor in a new book published last fall, Journeys that Opened up the World: Women, Student Christian Movements, and Social Justice, 1955-1975. McCurdy is one of 16 women who contributed their personal stories to the collection by unsung heroines of pivotal national and international events (that) reveal the religious roots of their public activism, said Ann Braude, director of Harvard Divinity Schools Womens Studies in Religion Program. It was a deeply spiritual experience connecting with the other women, McCurdy said. The church gave us an amazing opportunity to support justice work in the 1960s and 70s. Church keeps up with missionaries  LUSBY Many area United Methodist churches supported the Revs. David Range and C.J. Walter when they served as missionaries in Ireland. Recently the Mt. Olivet UMC newsletter provided an update on the couple, who has moved to Lakeland, Florida.
Range survived an attack of viral pneumonia just prior to the family move. He is now doing okay again, the newsletter said. Walter is serving as a pastor at First UMC in Lakeland, and Range is part-time minister at a small chapel nearby. The Range-Walter family sons are both in school. Micah has started at Swarthmore College and Ben is in a public school and in the school band. They may be contacted at
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