Long-time Christian Educator at Mt. Zion UMC Sherry Washam will retire at the end of the year, the church announced this week. Also, Mt. Zion plans a “blessing of the bookbags” for children beginning a new school year, and Gethsemane Baptist plans a “Back 2 School” say Saturday with free school supplies for students. Meanwhile, Davidson College Presbyterian Church plans its fall picnic, and area churches gear up for a moveable feast and organ recital. Read below for details of these and other events.
SHERRY WASHAM RETIRING AS MT. ZION CHRISTIAN EDUCATOR

Sherry Washam (Mt. Zion photo)
After 34 years on the Mt. Zion UMC staff, Christian Educator Sherry Washam will retire at the end of the year, the church announced this week.
“We are all mindful of the importance of Christian education and the priority of the wonderful, multi-faceted ministry to children she has built,” Senior Pastor Mary John Dye said in an email. “We will do everything possible to honor Sherry by building on that legacy.”
Church parents and teachers are invited to share what they value most in a Christian Educator, what they hope for the position in the future, and any other insights during a meeting with parish relations committee members Sunday, Aug. 26 from 4-5 p.m. in room 204 of the education building. It will be an open session. Members also can share input in writing (mail to 19600 Zion Avenue, Cornelius, NC 28031) or email (mdye@mtzionumc.net).
Click here to read a statement from parish relations committee chair Jim Causey regarding Ms. Washam’s retirement.
‘BLESSING OF THE BOOKBAGS’ AT MT. ZION SUN.
In other Mt. Zion news, the church will hold a “blessing of the bookbags” during each service this Sunday, Aug. 26. Children are invited to bring their bookbags to church. Parishoners will pray for all the children at the start of their next school year. The church also will have prayers and dedication for all teachers and other school employees. For more information, please visit the church website: www.mtzionumc.net
GETHSEMANE BACK TO SCHOOL DAY
Gethsemane Baptist Church of Lake Norman will hold its annual “Back 2 School” Community Outreach Event on Saturday, Aug. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with free school supplies to students in grades K-12, as well as food, prizes and entertainment. The church is at 565 Jetton St. in Davidson. Visit www.gbcLakeNorman.org for more information or call the church office at 704-892-1635.
MOVEABLE FEAST AND ORGAN RECITALS
The public is invited to an “Organ at Davidson” moveable feast and recital on Friday, September 14. The Charlotte Chapter of the American Guild of Organists has arranged the event, which will include a progressive dinner and short recitals at three Davidson churches. It will begin at 6 p.m. with appetizers and music at Davidson United Methodist Church, followed by a main course and music at Davidson College Presbyterian Church and dessert and music at St. Albans Episcopal Church. The cost is $12. For tickets or more information call 704-382-8623.
PFLAG MEETING AT DCPC
PFLAG (Parents, Friends, and Families of Lesbians and Gays) of Davidson and Cornelius meets on the first Thursday of each month in Room 201 at Davidson College Presbyterian Church. The next meeting is Sept. 6. Meetings run from 7-9 p.m. All are invited to attend this group which offers information and support in a non-judgmental atmosphere.
DCPC PICNIC AND RETREAT
Davidson College Presbyterian Church will host its annual Fall Picnic on the Lawn on Sunday, Aug. 26, following 11 a.m. worship. Join us for this long-standing tradition where we celebrate the beginning of our Sunday School year and welcome Davidson College students! BBQ will be provided by DCPC Campus Ministry. Everyone is asked to bring a delicious a side dish or dessert with ample to share.
A women’s retreat on the theme “Listening to Jesus: Spiritual Practices and the Life of Faith” is planned Sept. 21-23 in Montreat. Kathy Beach-Verhey, a former DCPC associate pastor, will be the guest speaker. The scripture focus will be verses in Luke 10. Contact Sheila Allen (704-655-2735) for more information. Download a brochure at DCPC.org.
CHRISTIAN BUSINESS NETWORKING
Lake Norman Christian Business Association hosts regular breakfast and lunch meetings for networking in the area. Here’s the schedule:
Christian business lunch, every Thursday, 11:30 a.m., Fusion Bowl, Mooresville Town Square, 126 Mooresville Commons Way, Mooresville. Note: The lunches will move to this new location as of Aug. 23.
Monthly Christian business breakfast, first Tuesday of the month, 8:30 a.m., Acropolis, 20659 Catawba Ave., Cornelius. More information at www.lkncba.org
HAVE NEWS?
Send church news to editor@davidsonnews.net or editor@corneliusnews.net. Listings in this column run on both DavidsonNews.net and CorneliusNews.net.


