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Living Lutheran photos

Paul Horst, left, and Vickie Horst, right foreground, lead singing at All Welcome Lutheran Worship inside Tifton's Pizza Quick as organist Todrick Webb plays his portable keyboard in front of the shop's cash register. 

TIFTON'S

'PIZZA CHURCH' SERVES BODY, SOUL

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Church congregations have been known to sometimes gather in non-traditional places, such as abandoned storefronts, old barns, even in the great outdoors. But how many congregations meet in a "pizza church" that serves food for both the soul as well for the body.

In Tifton, All Welcome Lutheran Worship meets each Sunday morning at Pizza Quick on U.S. Highway 82. The worship service is led by Paul and Vickie Horst of Tifton. Paul is a retired Tift County teacher, and Vickie is a retired Tift County librarian.

The bishop of the Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church recently appointed the Horsts to be synod-authorized ministers, which are lay leaders authorized to preach and give communion to a specific small congregation – a synod-authorized worshiping community.

The small congregation refers to it as "Pizza Church." The All Welcome congregation previously had met in Tifton's First Presbyterian Church beginning in 2015 after the Horsts and some others founded All Welcome. Last year, the two congregations parted ways, and All Welcome began looking for another home. One of its members, Paul Hill, offered to use his Pizza Quick shop until another location is found.

That was nearly a year ago.

Vickie Horst told the Tifton Grapevine that it's ironic that All Welcome is getting more notice now that it lost its previous home and is meeting at a small pizza shop.

Just this week, the "Pizza Church" was the subject of a front-page feature in a national publication, "Living Lutheran," the magazine of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Rachael Price, an associate English professor at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, wrote the article and noted that All Welcome is within walking distance of both a truck stop and a Greyhound bus depot. Travelers sometimes stop in for pizza on a Sunday morning and end up staying for church and coffee.

“People are looking for community,” Vickie Horst said. “They’re looking for people like us who are not judgmental, who give you a cup of coffee and a cookie and say, ‘Come on, sit down.’”

To read Price's article in the Lutheran magazine, Click Here.

AUSTIN BROWN PERFORMS ON 'AMERICA'S GOT TALENT,' BUT DOESN'T ADVANCE

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Tifton native Austin Brown, formerly of the Home Free a cappella group, performed Tuesday night on NBC-TV's "America's Got Talent" but wasn't advanced to the next level.

After singing "When a Man Loves a Woman," judges Sofia Vergara and Mel B gave Brown an enthusiastic "yes," but Howie Mandel and Simon Cowell both voted "no," saying the performance wasn't stellar enough.

"That was a really great audition," Mel B said.

"Your voice is beautiful. I can feel that you mean what you were singing," Vergara added.

But Mandel countered with: "This is Season 20 (of 'America's Got Talent') and it's gotta be way more than just beautiful, way more than just good. That was really good singing. For me, it's a no."

Cowell told Brown: "My advice is, honestly, next time rather than doing something slightly generic ... talk to the producer, if we can find another day, yes [you can sing another song]."

So, perhaps it was the song choice that kept him from advancing in the program. But the TV audience seemed to love it.

Brown left the Home Free group last year to focus on a solo career and spend more time at home with his wife in Nashville, Tenn.

"I spent a good 10 years or so with a really successful a cappella group," he told Cowell during his "America's Got Talent" audition. "I met a really incredible woman and I fell in love, and suddenly all of the things that I had been chasing just weren’t as important anymore.

"And I also didn’t want to get 10, 20, 30, 40 years down the road and wish that I had fought harder for my dreams," Brown said.

This Saturday, Brown is performing at 1 p.m. at Nashville's CMA Fest, the biggest and longest-running country music festival featuring top and emerging country music stars.

Brown will perform on the Spotlight Stage inside Fan Fair X at the CMA Fest, organized by the Country Music Association and serving as a major fundraising event for the organization and the CMA Foundation.

GOV APPOINTS TIFTON ATTORNEY AS SOLICITOR GENERAL OF WORTH COUNTY

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Elizabeth W. Torres of Tifton has been appointed to serve as solicitor general of Worth County, Gov. Brian P. Kemp announced Monday.

She fills the vacancy created by the appointment of James “Jay” E. Crowe Jr. as State Court Judge of Worth County.

Torres is a partner at Wilmot & Torres law firm, formerly Wilmot & Powell, of Tifton. She also currently serves as the solicitor for the cities of Tifton and Lenox. 

Following her graduation from law school, she worked in Atlanta practicing commercial litigation for a year. She then returned to her hometown of Tifton to continue her law career. In addition to her prosecutorial work, she practices a variety of civil litigation, including family law and matters pending in probate court.

Torres obtained her undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Georgia, where she was a honor graduate. She received her law degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2020. In law school, Torres was a Richard B. Russell Distinguished Law Fellow and a member of the Georgia Law Review. She was also inducted into the Order of the Coif.

Before joining Wilmot & Powell, she worked at an AmLaw 200 firm, where she represented clients in a variety of litigation and arbitration matters, including business torts, product liability cases, and general commercial disputes.

Torres and her husband have two children and reside in Tift County.

Judge Larry Mims, left, and Dr. Joe Turner receive the George A. Wright Memorial Award from Joey Marta, right of Tift County Lanes, a sponsor of Older American’s Month.

JUDGE MIMS, DR. TURNER HONORED WITH WRIGHT AWARD

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

As Older Americans Month concluded at the end of May, Judge Larry Mims and Dr. Joe Turner were honored with the annual George A. Wright Memorial Award recognizing Tift County senior citizens who have made outstanding contributions to the community.

Mims served as judge of the State Court of Tift County from August 2000 until December 2014. As state court judge, he presided over misdemeanor criminal cases and general and complex civil cases. During this time, Mims also presided by appointment in Superior Court, handling all matters involving temporary protective orders.

From 1989-2000, he served as solicitor of the state court, prosecuting misdemeanor cases. He formerly ran a private law practice from 1980-2000 focusing on criminal law, family law, civil rights litigation, personal injury, and bankruptcy. In 2022, Gov. Brian P. Kemp appointed Mims a senior judge.

Dr. Turner served on the medical staff at Tift Regional Medical Center for more than a half century. An internal medicine physician, Turner founded the Tifton Medical Clinic in 1964, later becoming Affinity Health Group. He was instrumental in recruiting more physicians to the area and shaping the services provided at Tift Regional Medical Center (TRMC).

Turner is credited with bringing many cutting-edge medical procedures to Tifton during the years. At TRMC, Turner has served as chief of the Department of Medicine from 1966-1968 and again from 1972-1976. He also served as chief of staff from 1970-1971 and was a member of the Tift County Hospital Authority from 1981-1994.

UGA TIFTON HEAD BECOMES ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR EXTENSION

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Dr. Michael D. Toews, who served as assistant dean of the University of Georgia Tifton campus since 2020, recently assumed a new position as UGA associate dean for Extension.

Toews said he plans to focus on modernizing operations, streamlining reporting, and maintaining a strong focus on county program delivery.

“As the flagship land-grant institution in the state of Georgia, everything we do should be focused on farmers, families, and communities,” Toews said.

For 110 years, UGA Extension has provided research-based solutions to all of Georgia’s 159 counties. Extension agents, who are experts in agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, and 4-H youth development, play a vital role in the university’s ability to fulfill its land-grant mission.

“UGA Extension is revered nationwide for our breadth of coverage, excellent workforce training, and partnership with schools and counties,” Toews said. “I look forward to continuing to develop relationships across the state in the coming months to better understand issues and opportunities in each county.”

UGA has formed a committee of university personnel and community leaders to review and recommend possible candidates to succeed Toews as assistant dean of the Tifton campus.

TIFTON AUTHOR SHARES DETAILS OF LATEST BOOK

WITH ROTARY CLUB

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

Author Liz Carson Keith of Tifton shared stories from and about her latest published book, “The Virginia Governess," with the Tifton Rotary Club on Wednesday. 

The Civil War-era letters detailed in the book are authentic, written by Keith’s great-grandfather to his wife, Charlotte Briggs Carson.

Capt. Joseph Carson is remembered in history as the man who led the charge during the Battle of Fort Stedman, the last battle that Gen. Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia won.

However, many of the stories in the book are imagined.

“Writers can do that,” Keith said. “It’s not pure history. It’s actually historical fiction. We make up stuff, and I did make up stuff. Many of the stories are handed down from my family, so there are a lot of stories that actually have a tiny bit of truth.”

Charlotte’s father-in-law, Joe Carson, had suddenly lost his wife Patsy to epilepsy. “Carson was so heartbroken and lonely,” Keith said, “he let himself get suckered in by this hateful woman. I had to have one person in there that was an antagonist.”

The real woman who married Joe Carson was Mary Slappey from Marshallville, and was probably a fine person. Keith said she didn’t know much about her. “So I changed her name to Marian Shiflet,” Keith said, and gave her “a bad reputation.”

The romance that grew between Charlotte and Joseph Jr. was also a fictional feature of Keith’s book.

“I really enjoyed writing it,” Keith said. “I’m really glad that I got those letters published in the book, too, because it was a sort of a challenge to work the letters in as things happened that made sense.” 

Rotarian Grady Thompson asked Keith, a former Tift County teacher and a former features editor for The Tifton Gazette, if she really made up stuff. “I’ve known her a long time, and she’s always been straightforward,” Thompson said. 

“You have to have a little bit of imagination,” Keith responded. 

Rotarian William Bowen, a former sixth-grade student of Keith’s, remembered that she read to his classroom the book “Cheaper by the Dozen,” by Frank Gilbreath Jr. and Earnestine Gilbreth Carey.

DOLLAR GENERAL FOUNDATION AWARDS $10,000 TO SRTC FOR ADULT LITERACY

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation recently awarded Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) a $10,000 grant to support adult literacy.

The funds are a part of a record-setting, one-day donation in the Foundation's history of more than $13.2 million to support adult, family, and summer literacy programs in the 48 states in which Dollar General operates.

"This generous grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation isn't just funding exams, it's removing the final barrier standing between 200 students and their high school equivalency credential," said Andy Semones, SRTC dean of adult education.

"For our community, that means 200 more paths opened to higher education, better employment, and brighter futures. We're grateful to transform financial obstacles into stepping stones toward success," Semones said.

The SRTC Adult Education Program was designed to meet the needs of individuals who require assistance with basic academic skills. Flexible programs with non-traditional classroom hours include instruction in basic skills, GED and HiSET preparation and testing, and English language acquisition.

The services are free and available at various locations in Colquitt, Decatur, Early, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Thomas, Tift, Turner, and Worth counties.

TIFTON-TIFT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON CUTTING

Harborview Health Systems

1451 Newton Drive, Tifton

June 4

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY: 

Letters must address local issues only. All letters are subject to editing for brevity, for libelous statements, and for egregious language. 

Include your name, phone number, and address for verification purposes. Email letters to: IHeardIt@tiftongrapevine.com

TIFT STATUE HELPS EXEMPLIFY TIFTON'S VALUES

To the Editor:

To see what a culture values, look at its monuments. 

I’m pleased to see that the statues of Bessie Tift and her husband have joined the ABAC Stallion and the Unknown Confederate soldier. Especially, I love having a monument sitting on a bench as Ben Franklin does in Pennsylvania. 

People like to have photos taken sitting by the famous one and to know that private donations kicked in. 

Sue Brideau Hammons

Tifton

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YOUR GUIDE

TO ACTIVITIES

THIS WEEKEND

IN THE GREATER TIFTAREA

Friday, June 6, is National Doughnut Day, which always falls on the first Friday in June. The origins of National Doughnut Day are traced to World War I when Salvation Army volunteers were dispatched to the frontlines to provide comforting meals for the troops. They found that doughnuts were an effective way to provide food in severe circumstances. The volunteers became known as “doughnut lassies.” National Doughnut Day was established in 1938 as a way to honor those Salvation Army members who aided soldiers in World War I. All Krispy Kreme franchises nationwide are offering a free doughnut to customers Friday, and some other doughnut shops are offering specials for the day.

FRIDAY, JUNE 6

• Movie & Popcorn, 3 p.m., Cook County Library, Adel

• Sip & Stroll, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Downtown Sylvester

• First Friday Concert, live music by Danny Dawson Band and Emerald Empire Band, 7-10 p.m., First Street, Downtown Tifton

• Live Music by Kristin Powell, 7-10 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, Tifton

• Carnegie Case Files: After Dark Edition, evening of mystery and discussion hosted by Fitzgerald-Ben Hill Arts Council & Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County Library, 7:30 p.m., The Carnegie Center, 116 S. Lee St., Fitzgerald

SATURDAY, JUNE 7

• Sidewalk Yard Sale Day, sponsored by Ashburn-Turner County Chamber of Commerce, 7 a.m., Downtown Ashburn

• Tifton Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-noon, Tifton Gardens, Downtown Tifton

• Juneteenth Celebration, entertainment, vendors, kids zone, arts & crafts; 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Fulwood Park, Tifton

YOUR RESIDENTIAL

YARD SALE HERE

To Advertise Your Home Yard Sale, Contact:

IHeardIt@tiftongrapevine.com 

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"Dolly" is a sweet, happy girl — a lovable and outgoing pup who was recently surrendered to the Tift County Animal Shelter. Despite everything, her spirit is unshaken, and she still greets each day with a wagging tail and a heart full of hope. Come visit her and say "Hello Dolly," and see other pets available for adoption at the Tift County Animal Shelter on Highway 125 South, open between 1-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. For additional information, call 229-382-PETS (7387).

Tifton Grapevine

e-published every Tuesday and Friday

Frank Sayles Jr.

Editor & Publisher

Bonnie Sayles

Managing Editor

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