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For many years, First United Methodist Church in Mocksville has hosted some of the finest guest preachers and musicians for a sermon series encouraging spiritual renewal for the church and community.

The Sprinkle Preaching Mission was inspired by the mission work of Dr. Henry Sprinkle and his wife, Margaret. Dr. Sprinkle retired in Mocksville (Margaret’s hometown) and became pastor emeritus of First UMC.

In 2024, FUMC is taking a different approach with this annual gathering.

It will start at the Family Life Center at 315 N. Main St. on Friday evening, Aug. 16 for music and a message, and on Saturday, Aug. 17, partcitipants will join again for a Walk to Support Alzheimer’s research. The route will go from Main St. to Rich Park. There will be two walking choices to suit all participants personal fitness levels.

“This change in format was made to encourage a more mission-focused approach and also to encourage community involvement,” said Angie Jordan. “Choosing the mission was intentional and personal this year because we have had so many in our congregation and in our community fall victim to this terrible disease.

“Our community will be ‘United in Faith’ as we share in music, messages, a Walk to End Alzheimer’s fundraiser and a hotdog lunch.

“United in Faith” t-shirts will be sold and donations accepted, and all will have the opportunity to plant “flowers” for those who have been touched by the effects of Alzheimer’s, either as a patient or caregiver.

There is no charge for the event and lunch will be free on Saturday.

The guest speaker is the Rev. Dr. Arnetta Beverly, a retired elder in the United Methodist Church from Lexington. Her faith story and how God called her to the ministry is enlightening, and her message of unity in Christ is inspiring, Jordan said.

Her path into ministry was not straight. She has been a bank teller, a funeral director, and a police officer, and she also served as a deputy with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Department. She earned a divinity degree from Duke University and her doctorate from Drew University and was licensed as alocal pastor in 1986, working her way to an ordained elder in 1995.

Beverly has served congregations in Piney Grove, Eden, Chapel Hill, Greensboro and Lexington, and held district positions.

She was the first woman to serve as pastor at several of her assignments. She was also the first African-American woman to serve as director of nurture and ethnic ministries, and to serve as a district superintendent in the Western North Carolina Conference, and to serve as a director of connectional ministries in the southeastern jurisdiction. She was also the first African-American elected to the Lexington City Council in 1987.

All are invited on Friday, Aug. 16 at 6:30 p.m. with music and a message from Beverly.

On Saturday, Aug. 17, the gathering is at 10 a.m. for the walk at 10:30. After the walk, there will be music, food and guest speakers with information about caring for those with this disease.

Beverly will give her final message at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the Family Life Center.