Mizpah UMC. Walkerton, VA 125th Homecoming Celebration September 30


Mizpah UMC 125th Homecoming Celebration September 30, 2007 photos courtesy of Jim Smith
Pastor Betty Jo Sims and Rev Mark Ogren	The Rev. Mark Ogren serves as the District Superintendent of the Ashland District in the Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Rev. Ogren presented the history of Mizpah and his wife's family ties to its first Pastor John Shackford (read more...)
Pastor Betty Jo Sims greeting the church members, friends and guests who attended Mizpah's 125th Homecoming Celebration

Susan Hammond	Thanks to Benny Hardwick and the Walkerton Volunteer Fire Dept for setting up the tent and furnishing the table and chairs!
All in attendance enjoyed a beautiful lunch on the church grounds. It was a very pleasant fall day and everyone enjoyed seeing and talking with new and old friends.


	4-year old Cassy Sue Hixson (daughter of Russell & Tammy Smith Hixson - granddaughter of Jim & Pat Smith members of Mizpah UMC) gave an impromptu singing of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "Jesus Loves Me" (with piano accompaniment) before the 2pm singing recital. Then she showed her shy side. She received a warm applause from the congregation.
At 2 pm Pastor Betty Jo Sims and friend Susan Hammond presemted a beautiful musical performance of many old and new pieces (written by Susan) The audience thoroughly enjoyed the program. Requests were taken from the audience and many old gospel favorites were sang by all. Susan M. Hammond is on the staff of New Kent Middle School as their Director of Bands and Gifted Performing Arts read more.... Her talents were so evident everyone enjoyed her piano playing and also her songs she had written herself. One in particular a piece she had written and performed at her Mother's funeral in Covington, VA (Pastor Sims officiated over this, her first funeral, for her dear friend and family).