Children/Youth Director
Blanka Mitchell lives on the south side of Newton County with her partner Jesse Gresham and their young daughter Emma Gresham. Blanka started working for Allen Memorial UMC in August of 2009 as the nursery caregiver. She and Jesse, along with their daughter Emma, joined Allen Memorial on Easter Sunday of 2011. In November 2011, she was appointed as the Children and Youth Director. Blanka looks forward to planning Sunday School and Children's Church lesson plans, as well as to work cooperatively with volunteer church members to provide an enriching church experience for our children and youth. In addition, Blanka is looking forward to planning the events for the children and youth ( Holiday events, VBS, and Camp Glisson). Lastly, Blanka has a passion for children's outreach projects. You should look forward to the future outings for the children and youth of the church. Our community patrons might be inspired by what our "Mini Allen's" can do.
Staff
Jeannie Pitts
Jeannie Pitts has worked as the church secretary for Allen Memorial since 2005. In 1996 she was employed at Emory Clinic in which she was a scheduler and escort for Executive Health and Emory Clergy Care. In 1999 she was employed as a secretary in one of the colleges at Emory University. Jeannie’s duties at Allen Memorial include preparing the Order of Worship for Sunday worship and preparing the monthly newsletter.
Hariett Jordan
Rev Max Vincent
I was ten years old the first time I remember talking to anybody about feeling called to be in full time ministry. That conversation opened up a wonderful journey for me that continues to fascinate me each day. My ideas about what it means to be a pastor, the joys, pains, celebrations and struggles have certainly changed from that day nearly 30 years ago, but I still feel the wonder, the excitement, the privilege of what it means to be able to devote myself full-time to God’s mission in the world.
One of the big changes for me has been some of the people who figure more prominently in the journey. My wife and son are two of them. I learn a lot about what it means to journey with Jesus by trying to walk each day with them. The things they teach me about love and growth are the things Jesus has been trying to teach me since I was ten. One of our favorite family activities is to hike together; it’s a wonderful metaphor for me of what discipleship is all about: walking a path with others, exploring the wonder of God’s creation and enjoying each other’s company along the way.
I first started working for churches when I was sixteen years old. I was hired by a church to conduct worship services two Sundays a month. I have held a lot of other jobs since then: choir director, youth minister, pastor, associate pastor, hospital chaplain, but coming to Allen Memorial, was another occasion when I felt God was definitely directing the path I was walking. I believe God has great things in store for the family of Christ at Allen Memorial UMC. I am glad to be a part of it. I hope you will come join us in the journey!
Peace,
Max
Background:
- Native of GA, son of a United Methodist Pastor.
- High School: Franklin County 1988
- College: Wofford College: BA 1991
- Duke Divinity School: Master of Divinity 1995
- Duke Divinity School: Master of Theology 1996
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While in College worked at the Ashkelon Archeology Site, Israel, summer of 1989.
- Established the student volunteer program for Wofford.
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While at Duke Divinity School traveled to Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Greece.
- Studied for a year at the University of Bonn, Germany.
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Served as teaching assistant for the preaching department 1996.
- Member of the Order of the Flame, World Methodist Evangelism Council, 2000.
Sermons
