Like most churches in

Fayette County in the past 50 years, Providence United

Methodist Church began in a school.

That's appropriate, since

the church now emphasizes its youth programs.

In 1995 the Rev. Jimmy

Ellison, his wife, the former Beth Parrish, and several

interested couples began a new congregation in the south

end of the county near Peachtree City.

That congregation has grown

from 95 in attendance the first year to an average of 450

worshipers in attendance this year.

Ellison emphasizes the

church's dedication to children and youth. It already has

a program in place for the years 2000 and 2001. It has

recently added a full-time youth minister, Allan Todd.

There will be several TGIF

trips ("Thank God it's Florida"). The mid high

students, (sixth through eighth grades) will go in

mid-July and the senior highs (ninth grade through

graduating seniors) will go in mid-June.

So as not to lose touch

with each during the summer, there will be a "Munch

Brunch," at which time there will be a lunch and an

activity. This will take place for four Thursdays in June

and July.

Vacation Bible School will

be June 5 - 9 and will include recreation, music, art and

snacks that will all support the children's ministry.

The highlight of the summer

will be Youth Week Aug. 6 - 9. It will combine

fellowship, entertainment, excitement and spiritual

growth, all in one week.

Activities are open to all

youths in the community, rising sixth graders through

graduating seniors. Call the church for more information

and to register for a spot.

In June, the church will be

partnering with five other United Methodist churches in

the county to participate in a "Habitat for

Humanity" project.

In the fall, activities

will include Bible studies, support groups, and one

evening will be set aside for a lecture by Pike's

Nursery.

"There are educational

activities for whole families," said Ellison.

"These opportunities are open to the community. We

would appreciate your coming by and checking us

out."

The approaching Easter

season will find the church partnering with the Heritage

Christian Church, which is currently building next door.

A joint sunrise service and pancake breakfast will be at

Providence with both congregations participating.

Maundy Thursday will be

recognized with a drama. A stage will be placed in the

center of the room with tables around it. Various

participants will be speaking their thoughts as if they

were with Jesus that Thursday evening.

Psalm Sunday, the church

will have special services in the morning, a luncheon and

an Easter egg hunt afterwards on the church grounds.

The five-year-old

congregation looks forward to starting phase two in its

building program by adding a sports complex, additional

educational rooms and a sanctuary. It is expected to kick

off this project in spring 2001. The church owns 110

acres and has plenty of room to grow.

It is at 592 Bernhard Road

just 10 minutes from Fayetteville and Brooks, five

minutes away from Peachtree City and 12 minutes away from

Senoia. It can be reached at 770-719-8800.