A New Study of Technology

"Few would argue that mobile devices and online technology have become deeply embedded in society," says the latest report from the Barna Group. "Millions of Americans have become dependent upon the new digital conveniences that provide them with entertainment, information, products and content. The impact of these technologies on interpersonal relationships — a domain often called social networking — has begun to rewire the way people meet, express themselves and stay connected."

Some of the results that Barna found include:

• Four out of five Americans (78%) who access a computer have sent an email in the past week.
• Computer users over the age of 50 are just as likely as younger adults to use email.
• One-third of computer users (33%) have used instant messaging (IM) in the past week.
• Thirty percent of Americans have sent someone a text message via a mobile telephone in the past week.
• One-quarter of computer users (23%) has a personal webpage or home page on a social networking site (such as Facebook or MySpace).
• Ten percent of Americans with regular access to a computer have a personal blog (weblog) where they communicate their ideas and experiences.
• Fourteen percent of computer users have posted a comment on another person's blog in the last week.
• Sixteen million American adults use a blog as a pulpit to broadcast their voices to the world. Blogs are most common among single adults, Northeast residents, homosexuals, those not registered to vote, and atheists and agnostics.
• More than seven out of 10 people who have a blog update their online journal at least once a week.
• Some of the more common uses of the Internet in any given week are searching for information or content (84%), online purchasing (27%), watching online videos (26%), downloading music (13%), downloading movies (2%) and viewing pornography or adult content (4%).

Within the Christian community, Barna found that:

• Thirty-eight percent of evangelicals and 31 percent of born-again Christians listen to a sermon or church teaching via a digital recording available on the Internet (often called a "podcast') in the past week, compared to 17 percent of other adults. In macro-terms, that means that roughly 45 million Americans report going digital to acquire sermons and teaching content.
• In all, one out of every four adults (23%) says they download a church podcast each week.

For additional analyses of differing demographic and psychographic groups, see the full report at www.barna.org.

Death Annoucements

James S. Aldridge, father of Ricky Aldridge pastor at Poarch passed away Wednesday, May 21st. His funeral was Sunday, May 25th.

Mary Tadlock former pastor's wife and mother of David Tadlock pastor at Elba, died Thursday, May 29th. Viewing will be May 30th at Turners Funeral Home in Luverne from 6-8. Funeral willbe Saturday, May 31st at 10:00 AM at funeral home.

Both of these had been in poor health for some time. Remember these families in your prayers.

Center For Ministerial Education May 22 - 25, 2008

Camp Boothe was the setting for our first Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary class. Students began settling in Wednesday night so they would be ready and fresh for classes starting the next morning at 9:00 AM. There were twelve Spanish students that came from four states and sixteen English students from Alabama.


Dr. Hector Ortiz, Overseer of Texas, taught the English classes. Dr. Elias Rodriguez, Southeastern Spanish Overseer taught the Spanish classes. Each was well prepared and kept everyone excited and very interested.


The studies were concluded with 34 hours of class time. Each student left the camp ground excited about returning January 8 - 11, 2009.


If anyone is interested in the January studies, contact the State Office, 205-425-1905. English will be studying "New Testament Survey" and Spanish, "Leadership Development".
Pictures are below.

Ladies' Retreat 2008

May 16-17 the Alabama Ladies' Retreat was at Camp Boothe at Greenpond, Alabama. The Campground came alive with 199 ladies registering, finding cabins, unpacking and getting with old and new friends.

The banquet tables were decorated by ladies from across the state with the theme: "Celebrating Christ as the Continual Feast and Celebration of our Lives". They did a great job. ( a few sample pictures follows)

Andrea Mitchell and the worship team from Mastin Lake Huntsville led in worship and International Women's Ministry Director Cathy Payne ministered during the evening service. The ladies responded to the Word and lined up for prayer to receive what they had need of.

Refreshments followed in the dining room with Debra Robinson giving us ideas on Time Management and Budgeting. Then Good Night.......

Breakfast came too early for some and then off to different areas for Taps (sharing and praying). Back to morning worship and the Word by Sister Payne. This morning's offering goes to pay for 10 new ladies (never have been to retreat) to come next year. We drew names out of all the churches and missions in Alabama for ten of them to receive a certificate that entitled one lady from that church to attend Alabama Ladies Retreat free. We thank our ladies for this vision of outreach and their willingness to give.

This was the best attendance we have had in years. There was one that received Christ during their Tap Meeting but God only knows the other experiences that were received in this Retreat. There were hugs and goodbyes, exchanging phone numbers and addresses. Soon cars were leaving the gates with some retreaters wishing the retreat was just beginning.

Alabama Ladies' Director Donna Howard is to be commented for her hard work and we give God the Glory for the success of this Retreat.

Enjoy the following pictures.

Mother's Day May 11, 2008

Happy Mother's Day to all Mothers. You are loved and appreciated.
May God enrich your life.

Heartfelt Thanks To Alabama Men's Retreat 2008

I would like to use this means to give sincere thanks to the State Overseer, Bishop L. V. Jones, Jr., Retreat Director, Tony Burns, James C. Williams, Staff, as well as everyone who attended the Retreat.

This was the best Men's Retreat I have ever attended. The Holy Presence of God overshadowed us. Heartfelt thanks for your kindness extended to me in every way. When God's Presence is so prevalent, no man can take any Glory. Thank God for both seen and unseen blessings. To Him be Glory in the Church, World without end.

Eugene Weakley

Teen Talent 2008

Hey everyone! Just wanted to let you know that Teen Talent 2008 was a huge success. We had a great turnout. I want to say thank you to the parents, churches, and pastors that allowed your students to be a part of Teen Talent. Truly we have amazing, talented youth people in the state of Alabama. I want to encourage each church to use the talented students God has given you. Remember if we don't use it...we lose it! Students, the Church of God of Prophecy has a place for you and thank you for sharing your gifts with us.

Also, there are a few people I would like to personally thank. First...Amber Howard, thank you for your passion and vision. Teen Talent would not be what it is without you. You are the heart and soul. Alabama has been greatly blessed by your ministry. Next time round...bigger and better! American Idol watch out! The Pardue's, your hospitality is out of this world. Jeff, I know I can always count on you and Carisha. We are honored to have you guys in our corner. I want to thank Pastor Philip Lawson for opening Woodland Hills up to us. Your kindness has not gone unseen. We appreciate you and Sister Lawson. To our judges... Keith, Liz, and Bethany, thank you for your time and knowledge. I believe we've all been encouraged and challenged by your scoring. You guys are the best ever. Last of all, I want to thank Micah McDaniel for running our sounds and keeping everything moving along. I know we had you running all over the place. Thank you for the time, energy, and excitement you brought to Teen Talent. If I've missed someone please forgive me. You are loved and appreciated.

Tim Beck

Please check out the pictures below of Teen Talent 2008.