History
Pittman Park History
Symbolism in the Sanctuary: Kneeling Benches
The 14 kneeling cushions that adorn the sanctuary of Pittman Park UMC were put into place for a service of consecration held Sunday, June 6, 1982. The ceremony was the culmination of nearly five years of thoughtful planning and meticulous work.
The idea for needlepoint cushions originated early in 1977 during a conversation between the Reverend Larry Roberts, a former pastor of Pittman Park, and Mrs. Lew (Polly) Rhiver. Aware of the worshipful atmosphere the cushions would help to create in the sanctuary, and of the talent existing in Pittman Park Church, Mrs. Rhiver agreed to head the project to make the cushions.
Pittman Park Around the World
The Pittman Park Fellowship Hall displays a collection of 15 flags from different countries. Each flag represents a place where the congregation has served in decades past. To honor the meaning behind the display and to help explain it's purpose, the Church Council decided to incorporate a message: I look upon the world as my parish. John Wesley. The message was printed on a canvas banner that now hangs among the flags, above the Fellowship Hall exit, and includes the Park Missions logo. Now, all who pass through the doors can be reminded of...
Get to Know the Church: Pheasants in the Forest
A rustic arrangement featuring ring-necked pheasants among branches and flowers can often be found decorating the Fellowship Hall lobby. The intriguing display was donated in the late 2010s in memory of Gary “Dennis” Edwards, Sr. by his family. His widow, Charlotte Edwards says, "He was very active in the church and I know he would look down at smile at that arrangement being here for other people to enjoy." Dennis grew up in rural Hancock County Georgia to a family that ran a lumber company. He loved being in the outdoors and was a skilled...
Our Hope is Built Campaign Work COMPLETE!
FROM PASTOR JONATHAN: One of my favorite moments in our ministry together was on May 21, 2023. As the Offertory Hymn “My Hope Is Built” was sung, the church came forward to pledge toward the Our Hope Is Built capital campaign (you can watch this powerful moment from our 11:00 worship here). As you may remember, the goal of the campaign was to repair and upgrade our church facilities, not just for this generation but for generations to come. It was so inspiring to see our church commit together. This past week marked a major milestone for the...
The Origins of Pittman Park United Methodist Church
Pittman Park UMC began in 1956 when congregants from Statesboro First Methodist decided to form a new church in a more quiet location.
Get to Know the Church: Cathedral Windows
We all know Pittman Park's colored, art glass cathedral windows are a pretty feature of the building, but few know they were featured in a Statesboro Herald article in 1979. The article ran in the November 29 edition and told how the church added extra decorative windows in the chapel, sanctuary and classrooms to match the original sanctuary windows. A staff photographer was deployed to take a photo that filled a quarter of page 10 to go along with the article. What might not have been of general public interest was elevated to such a high...
Pittman Park and Ritz Crackers
A memory from Charlie Williams (Charter Member) The first Sunday, when the new members of Pittman Park gathered to worship, there were no offering plates. Someone went into the back and grabbed two boxes of Ritz Crackers and used those as the offering plates. I worked at Nabisco at the time and our pastor, Lawrence Houston, told me that was a very sneaky way of advertising.
Little Churches Handmade by Norman Wells
In 2006, Pittman Park UMC celebrated its 50th anniversary. Church member Norman Wells made miniature church buildings from wooden blocks and paint to commemorate the occasion. The tiny mementos distinctly resembled Pittman Park's sanctuary building, right down to the color, the bell tower and the cross in the front windows. A simple number 50 was inscribed on the back. Do you remember the 50th celebration at Pittman Park? Comment below to share more about the event. Dozens of these little churches were recently found in a closet of the...
Get to Know the Church: Munholland UMC Thank You Gift
In Pittman Park's main hall, a framed image hangs with the inscription "Munholland UMC Thanks Pittman Park UMC." Pittman Park was connected with Munholland UMC in 2005 after hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the Gulf Coast in 2005. Pittman Park members wanted to aid recovery efforts in the area, so they worked through United Methodist Church channels to connect with a congregation affected by the storms. Munholland in New Orleans, Louisiana was selected as the focus for Pittman Park's fundraising. Pittman Park member Karen Murphree was amazed...
Get to Know the Church: Woody Powell
Dr. Woodrow "Woody" Powell was certainly special to Pittman Park, Georgia Southern University and the Statesboro community. His residence was rather small, but his giving spirit was so large that memories live on today. ROSES Powell had more than 200 rose bushes covering everything in his yard except the driveway. Every color and fragrance was on display and in abundance. Powell tended the roses meticulously, pampering them and sharing their beauty by cutting and delivering the blossoms all over the county to the delight of recipients. One...