MADISON, Ga (BNc)- Thirty-seven people were present at the Hampton Inn for the first meeting of the church in this small town Feb. 24.

The church at Cartersville accepted the request of some brethren in the Madison area to start a congregation there. There are about eight families living in the area and some who are unfaithful.

They have obtained the Hamilton Inn for meetings. Attempts to rent a building are on hold with the fire department. Hopefully this will be worked out in a few weeks, according to Bobby Gayton, Cartersville preacher, in an email to BNc.

The congregation has a plan to be self-supporting in 5 years or less.

The new congregation will meet for Sunday morning Bible classes and worship, evening services and Wednesday evening Bible classes. They plan to have a Family Day every fifth Sunday, care groups, gospel meetings, and vacation Bible school.

They plan to have a website offering Bible correspondence studies, audio files of sermons and lessons and articles.

After becoming self-supporting, the saints plan to sponsor new local congregations in the area, Gayton said.

One teacher with over 20 years’ experience plans to start a preschool in the community.

There will be periodic classes open to the public such as marriage and ethics.

Many of those who are involved in the work have successfully finished the Fishers of Men program.

Bobby Wood, minister of the Conyers, Ga., church, is helping to raise funds for the effort, Gayton said.

Madison, located 59 miles east of Atlanta, had a 2006 estimated population of 3,877. Travel Holiday Magazine named the city, “The Prettiest Small Town in America,” because of its many restored Antebellum homes.

The Cartersville congregation will provide $1500 per month. Also, the Abbeville, Ala., church and the Enon church in Webb, Ala., are supporting the work. More financial support for the work is needed.

Congregations interested in helping this work may call (770) 392-6775 or email Bobby Gayton.

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