The Church at Stone River

Volunteers needed to help distribute food boxes on Saturday, August 15 at Athens Middle School

Please join us!

JUSTICE FOR ROCKY MYERS PRAYER VIGIL

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19 7:30-8PM

AT COTACO PARK LOCATED ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE MORGAN COUNTY COURTHOUSE

🩵 Small groups for ALL AGES begin at 6pm
after our 5:15 fellowship dinner (donation only - no RSVP needed)

Charlotte Dozier leads:
Pebbles Nursery & Preschool (infant-K4)
Our youngest are cared for and loved completely as they learn about Jesus.

Keilee Terry leads:
Stepping Stones Kids (K5-5th grade)
Our elementary kiddos learn foundational discipleship through play, art, song, and hearing Bible stories. This fall they will explore the different names of God together.

Ethan Sharp leads:
Immerse Youth (6th-12th grade)
Our middle and high schoolers are free to figure out their faith and how to apply it while learning in an uplifting environment safe for questions. They will find true belonging while they dig deeper into complex ideas and how to apply them into their lives of Remembering, Loving, and Demonstrating.

ADULT CLASSES:

💜 Beth Noblit: The Gospel Now and Then
The Gospels were written in a particular time, to a particular people who shared a particular culture, yet their message still speaks with power and relevance today. Let’s explore together the first-century world of Jesus and the context behind the stories we’ve read so many times. Let’s look with eyes that seek the goodness of a friend who is still teaching, still encouraging us to hear those lessons echo into our own 21st century. Together we’ll consider what these scriptures meant to the first Christians and what God may be saying through them to us today. All are welcome to this open discussion. Come with a curious mind and a loving heart— all experience levels are welcome, and no experience is required. We’ll save you a seat.

💚 Pastor Jesse Sloan: Wesleyan Vile-tality
We will study Ashley Boggan's book Wesleyan Vile-tality to explore how the Methodist movement began with social justice at its heart, how Methodism lost that heart, and how it can be reclaimed again. We'll discuss how we can be Christ's agents of change and love in our communities. Throughout the year we'll choose together new study topics to inform and inspire that change.

💛 Tricia Collins: Bible Study
We will be studying the book of Ezra verse by verse and discuss around the table as we read.

💙 Amanda Knotts: "Life on Life"
Sometimes we just need a safe space to share life together. This journey brings joy, sadness, frustration, and everything in between and we’re not meant to walk it alone. Let’s face it all, together.

🧡 Sally Marsh: What now? How to use your Bible study in everyday life Look at life and cultural experiences reflecting on God’s Word through guided conversation.

🩷 Karen Moore: Traditional Choir Rehearsal
Everyone is invited to join in the choir! We practice on Wednesdays at 6pm and lead worship every Sunday morning at the 11:15 service. Handbell rehearsal is on Wednesdays at at 7pm in the Worship Suite.

Blessing of the Backpacks will be held tomorrow, August 9 at each Sunday morning service. We will pray over all our students, teachers, and administrators. Bring your school bag for a little reminder that your church family will continue praying throughout the school year.

🚌 STUFF the BUS is our July mission!

Bring any of these items to the Stone River reception area by the end of July! 📚✏️

- pocket folders with 3 prongs
- composition books
- boxes of tissues
- pencils

Stepping Stones Children’s Ministry will be hosting a family movie night on:

Friday, July 17th starting at 5pm in the gym!

All are welcome to come watch “Hoppers” and enjoy a popcorn bar! 🍿

Feel free to bring a picnic meal, lawn chairs, picnic blankets or whatever you need to make your experience extra fun!

This Thursday, July 16 at 6pm Stone River will hold a forum to hear from Robin "Rocky" Myers' legal and advocacy team about his case's critical turning points and the path forward.

"Rocky", a father of four, spent more than 30 years on Alabama's Death Row.

In April 2025, Governor Kay Ivey commuted his sentence to life without parole. The Governor stated she had "had enough questions about Rocky’s guilt that she could not allow the ex*****on to proceed."

Featured Panel:
Moderated by Beth Shelburne, Emmy-award-winning and Oscar-nominated investigative journalist.
The discussion will feature:
- Kacey Keeton, Senior Litigator
- Miriam Bankston, Chief Investigator, Federal Defender Program
- Leah Nelson, Investigative Researcher and Consultant

Our United Methodist Social Principles call us to engage in Jesus’ Restorative Justice by standing with those facing injustice.

Sunday, July 5 we celebrated NINE years of The Church at Stone River!

It was such a great day to celebrate what God has done in these nine years and what God is continuing to do in and through Stone River!