The Rev. George Spransy began his ministry as interim pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Fourth and Wooster streets, Marietta, in February.
Spransy brings with him 40 years of pastoral experience, including extensive interim training and ministry.
After graduating from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Va., he began his ministry in 1969 at First Presbyterian Church in Spring Lake, N.C. Other pastorates, including solo, associate and interim, include churches ranging in size from 137 to 1,400 and at locations in Florida, Kentucky, Missouri and West Virginia.
Most recently, Spransy served as interim pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Parkersburg and Bridgeport Presbyterian Church in Bridgeport, W.Va.
The oldest of six children, Spransy's four brothers and one sister live throughout the southeast.
He and his wife, Margaret, have lived in Vienna, W.Va., for the last seven years. They have four children and seven grandchildren, who live in Denver, Louisville, Charlotte and Raleigh.
Spransy is an avid photographer. His wife also describes him as being a "sports nut."
Spransy says he is especially looking forward to learning about and becoming involved in the community and Marietta College.
First Presbyterian Church, a congregation of 300 members, meets for worship at 10:15 a.m. each Sunday. Members also welcome visitors and the neighborhood to a light dinner and fellowship at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Nashville trio to give free worship concert
Beyond The Ashes, a vocal trio from Nashville, Tenn., will be presenting a worship concert designed for the entire community at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 28, at St. John's Evangelical Church in Lowell.
There is no charge to attend; however, a love offering will be taken to support the group in its ministry.
A potluck meal at 5:30 p.m. will precede the concert. All are welcome to attend.
Ministries featured in special chapel service
The ministries of Independent Baptist Mission to Asians will be featured in a special chapel service on Thursday, March 25, at Marietta Bible College.
Roger Green, pastor of Grace Baptist Church of Middleport, Ohio, and president of the IBMA board, will preach for the 9:50 a.m. service. Also preaching will be Jerry Siler, also a member of the board and the pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Temple in Dayton, Ohio.
For more information: 373-5551.
Former TV star to speak at conference
North Parkersburg Baptist Church will be sponsoring the second annual "Parenting 101 Conference" from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 20.
Featured speaker will be Lisa Welchel, a former star on the "Facts of Life" TV show. The day will include breakout session classes for every age and stage of parenting.
There will also be a vendor mall in the church gym.
Cost is $10 per person and includes lunch. Free child care is also available for those who pre-register.
For more information or to register: (304) 428-3293.
Send church news to Janet Gossett in care of The Marietta Times, 700 Channel Lane, Marietta, Ohio 45750. Information can also be e-mailed to jgossett@mariettatimes.com, faxed to (740) 376-5475 or submitted through the Virtual Newsroom on the Times' Web site, www.MariettaTimes.-com.
