Mykal is terribly busy doing God's work, so until he gives me a biography to help you get to know him, I'm going to talk about him.  He spells his name like a Czech, but he's got no accent; he's as American as apple pie.  I've known a few people with hearts as big as his, but none with bigger.  Don't try telling him a joke; he won't get it.  Come and listen to him preach, and as a channel for the Holy Spirit he'll make you a better person.  I'm the one who took his picture, and I should have made sure his tie was straight, but I'm pretty sure he just doesn't care.  Is purple his favorite color?  Beats me; ask him yourself. I really love this guy, and I'm pretty sure you will, too.

Well, wouldn't you know it.  I blinked, and I was elected head elder.  I understand now everyone else's  reluctance to talk about themselves, because it's not about us, it's about God, Christ, and the church.  My words to them are coming back to haunt me, though:  "I understand your reticence, but I need something about you for the website.  When people search for a church they want to know if we're a good fit, and they need to get to know us a bit."  

Yeah.  So, if it was true for them, I guess  it's true for me.  Ray Swinney was the previous Head Elder (now pictured just below, as Treasurer).  I love him, and his shoes will be hard to fill.  Having said that, if you visit you not only get me, you get the Holy Spirit, because I rely on Him each and every day for guidance and direction.

A few quick words to help you get to know me.  I had a 20-year career with the Army, and I had a 20-year career with the Department of Energy.  I was baptized into the Baptist church at 10 years old, was a practicing atheist until I was 32, was a Gideon for 18 years, and became a Seventh-Day Adventist just three years ago after the Holy Spirt got my attention in a tellingly dramatic way (think about a kick to the back of the head and you'll have the right idea).

I had moved to Kentucky, joined a dysfunctional and dying church, and after it imploded spent a year searching and praying fervently for a church home.  I discovered the truth of the Sabbath, did an online search, and found this oasis.  I love this church.  I love the pastor, I love the people, and I love the doctrine of Sola Scriptura -- only the bible.  This is the first church I've ever been in where I've had no disagreements doctrinally, and it's the one that feels like family.

You want acceptance?  C'mon.  You want a closer relationship with God?  Get here as quickly as you can.  You want questions answered?  Turn Jeopardy off and head this way.  Tired of an angry and dysfunctional society?  Just rest in Christ with us. You need family?  We'll be yours.  Think I'm stretching the truth?  Try me, and if you don't agree, lunch is on me.

Oh, and you've probably guessed that the picture isn't of me.  Until I can get one taken, you'll be looking at my granddaughter, Mia.  And, just so you know, she's a lot better looking than I am.

After moving to northeastern Tennessee, Ray and his wife Connie attended the Middlesboro church a few times before agreeing on a decision to make it their new church home. 

That decision was greatly influenced by the former Head Elder and his wife, David and Jeanne Lehrman. David had a great passion for this church, and a strong desire to reach the Middlesboro community for Christ.

It has been Ray and Connie's joy, by God's grace, to share the love of Jesus — our creator and redeemer, giver of the free gift of salvation.

May the Holy Spirit continue to bless this church with His presence as we meet each Sabbath to sing praises and worship Him.

... and that's all I got from Ray.  So let me help you out.  Ray is the first person I met when I came to this church.  The Head Elder then, he's the one that made me feel welcome, that took an interest in my spiritual journey, and the first reason I knew I'd found a good fit at the Middlesboro SDA church.

He became the head elder after the tragic loss to our church of Elder David Lehrman, and just like President James Garfield (if you know the story), Ray didn't want to serve.  He stepped up to the plate, though, shouldered the responsibility, and this is what happened.  People from other churches were drawn to ours -- he protected the conduct of the service and kept it focused on Christ.  We began a tradition of praying for our community after our Sabbath luncheon, something that enriches us at least as much as it serves the public. 

Ray kept Delta jets in the air for a career, and it's exactly that same kind of meticulous attention to detail that helps keep our church on a good glide path.

Do you fall to your knees every morning and thank God for your church?  Well, I do, and it's because I found this one. 

Wow.  This church leadership.  I swear, they all take 800 mg of Humble every day.  They just don't like talking about themselves, and Connie is no exception.  But hey -- don't despair -- that's what I'm here for!  Because if you're looking at this web page, you might be trying to figure out whether or not we'd be a good fit for you and your family, and I want to help you do that, so I'm going to talk about her.  Whether she likes it or not. [Paste toothy smile here.]

Connie is a deaconess, our Clerk and Secretary, and our song leader each Sabbath.  Is she sweet?  C'mon, she'll put you in a sugar coma.  Is she kind?  I'll just say this; if you were a stray dog, and you were lost, you'd want Connie to find you.  Is she judgmental?  Not on your life.  Does she gossip or speak ill of anyone?  Not on this planet, and not in this lifetime.

Take another look at her photo.  At the hands.  You'll see those hands caress the hymnal with love as she leads song service.  You'll see them in the kitchen preparing meals, and then scrubbing dishes afterward.  You'll see them vacuuming the sanctuary carpet, cleaning windows, and holding a hand that needs comfort.  And you'll see them taking meticulous notes at business meetings. This church needs Connie in its life, and you need it in yours, too.

Take another look at her smile; it's absolutely genuine.  Just so you know, if this were YouTube she'd already have a million likes.  And you'd be one of them.

Jeanne didn't give me a biography, either, so I have no problem talking about her as well.  Where I come from there's a saying that you can't wring your hands and roll up your sleeves at the same time.  Jeanne (she pronounces it 'Genie', even though I told her that was wrong...)  epitomizes that philosophy; she never complains, she never tires, she just works every day to help others, reflect God's light, and serve.  She's become a dear friend, and what I wouldn't do for her just isn't worth talking about.  Come and meet her, and if you don't feel the same way I'll buy you a shake from the nearby Sonic. As long as it's vanilla.