It's the Talk of the Town
Prom Night in Independence, Virginia

In rural Independence, Va., promgoers traditionally have traveled 90 minutes away — to Winston- Salem, N.C., or Roanoke, Va. — to eat dinner at a nice restaurant. But for the last two years, students at Grayson County High School have been invited to dine at First Independence United Methodist Church, where parishioners go all out to provide a first-class candlelit dinner.

"If they're willing to commit to an alcohol- and drug-free weekend, then we're willing to commit to them," says organizer Debbie Edwards, as volunteers scurry to decorate tables with flowers and load serving trays with hors d'oeuvres.

Through donations from church members and a $500 grant from the school, the congregation springs for prime rib and shrimp cocktail, rents an outdoor dining tent, and provides limousine service between the church and school. Middle-schoolers from the congregation wear cummerbunds and serve as waiters.

Last year, the Wytheville District church hosted about 25. This year, 66 promgoers sipped sparkling white grape juice from crystal glasses and had their pictures made on the church lawn. Jake Cox, 18, was one of the appreciative attenders, who came because he heard high praise from last year's guests. "It's the talk of the town," he said.
top

Bishop's Column

Cover Stories:
Celebrating Women Clergy
And
What's in a vision?

INSIDE

Prom night

River song

That's Joanna




National & World News


Back to The Call Home Page


Holston RSS Feed - News and Podcasts


HOLSTON CONFERENCE CENTER - KNOXVILLE
9919 Kingston Pike | Knoxville, TN 37922
PO Box 32939 | Knoxville, TN 37930 | Phone (865) 690-4080 | Fax (865) 690-3162
Toll-free outside the Knoxville calling area: 1-866-690-4080

HOLSTON CONFERENCE JOHNSON CITY SATELLITE OFFICES
210 Maple St. | Johnson City, TN 37604
PO Box 2506 | Johnson City, TN 37605 | Phone (423) 928-2156 | Fax (423) 928-8807


Usage of this website is restricted to our Terms of Service.
Privacy Statement
© 2006 Holston Conference