‘Statesboro Blues’
STATESBORO, GA. — She was Savannah’s “Lady of 6,000 Songs,”…
Across the Nation: A student center in Alabama, a ‘stronger sense of identity’ in Texas and more quick takes
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Across the Nation is our monthly rundown of news briefs, links and quotes from Churches of Christ across the U.S. Got an idea for this column? Email Calvin Cockrell at [email protected].
Featured image (above): Harding University President Mike Williams, center, poses for a photo after signing an agreement making the university’s Searcy, Ark.-based ROTC program a provisional extension unit in partnership with Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.
ALABAMA
HUNTSVILLE — Three years ago, Mayfair Church of Christ leaders saw an opportunity to support an expanded college ministry.
Elders fasted and prayed about such an initiative before a house — owned by church members who were former missionaries — became available near the University of Alabama Huntsville campus.
University of Alabama in Huntsville students fellowship at the University Christian Student Center.
Now, Mayfair has realized its vision with the opening of the University Christian Student Center in that renovated building.
The facility is run as an independent nonprofit organization, with a board of directors comprising elders of Mayfair and three other congregations: Madison in Madison, Twickenham in Huntsville and Beltline in Decatur. The Mayfair church believed the need for campus ministry would be best met through a joint effort, recognizing the importance of cooperation among churches.
The University Christian Student Center serves as a new campus ministry hub for the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
“Many members in nearby congregations have been affected in one way or another by a campus ministry and would cherish the opportunity to pass that experience and faith development on to another generation,” Cliff Mann — a Mayfair elder and University Christian Student Center board member — said in a 2022 announcement.
“While they are on campus, we have only a small window of time to meet these souls, love on them, and bring them to Jesus, before they graduate and scatter to take the Gospel message with them,” he added. “A campus minister friend of mine, once told me, ‘God has indeed brought the foreign mission field to our dorm steps.’”
TEXAS
FRESNO — The Agape Church of Christ has changed its name to the Fresno Church of Christ.
This decision reflects the congregation’s desire to more accurately represent and connect with the community it serves, said leaders of the congregation south of Houston.
They hope the rebrand will help clarify the church’s identity and vision, making it more accessible and inviting to both current members and newcomers. By calling attention to the church’s location, “we aim to foster a stronger sense of identity and belonging among community members,” minister Graylon Freeman said.
Members of the Fresno Church of Christ, formerly Agape Church of Christ, worship under their new name.
The Fresno church maintains its commitment to spiritual growth and service to its neighbors through community programs for nursing homes, shelters and schools.
The congregation invites all to join in its mission to embody the teachings of Christ and to support one another in faith, Freeman said.
For more information about Fresno church, visit facebook.com/agapecoc.org.
NEWSMAKERS
BAPTIZED — JACOB MORGAN, BRANDI CHARLES, RHIANNA WAGNON, DANYSIA STOUT, RIKKI PETTY, JANET MILLS, ASHLEY GUYETTE and HAILEE KELLY at the East Grand Church of Christ in Springfield, Mo. BRANDI SEABORN at the Church of Christ at Ames Road in Columbia, S.C. ZAVION HOPKINS at the Sherwee Drive Church of Christ in Raleigh, N.C. RIVER SUTTLES and FAITH SUTTLES at the Alder Springs Church of Christ in Albertville, Ala. TA’MYA MEDCALF, TAY’LON MEDCALF, TAI’DEN MEDCALF, TERRANCE MEDCALF, HELENA VERDIN, TY’REON BAKER and CORBIN JONES at the Singing Oaks Church of Christ in Denton, Texas. ARTHUR HATFIELD at the Poplar Log Church of Christ in Glasgow, Ky.
Faith and River Suttles
HIRED — JOSEPH JOHNSON and EDEN MITCHELL as youth ministers at the Orlando Church of Christ in Florida. TAYLOR ROARK as head coach of cheerleading and CALEB KILPATRICK as head coach of cross country at Faulkner University in Montgomery, Ala. AUSTIN ARMAGOST as youth minister for the Willow Avenue Church of Christ in Cookeville, Tenn. JACK EVANS JR. as minister for the East Cotton Church of Christ in Longview, Texas.
From left, Austin Armagost, Jack Evans Jr. and Bill Brandstatter
RETIRED — BILL BRANDSTATTER as minister for the Marion Church of Christ in Illinois after 42 years of preaching. Brandstatter is a 1988 graduate of the Memphis School of Preaching in Tennessee.
AWARDED — JORDAN SIKES and JACQUELINE SIKES with the 2025 Young Alumni of the Year Award and SUSAN MCKEEVER with the 2025 Alumni of the Year Award from York University in Nebraska.
