Thanks
to all of you (250 + alumni and guests)
who attended the METS 25th Anniversary Celebration,
October 21-23, 2005 at Stone Mountain, Georgia
New!
Relive the Anniversary Celebration through music and pictures. Click here to view a video compilation of the experience.
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Here’s
a brief recap of the weekend.
Participation
outstanding – 33% of alumni involved in METS 25th!
Heartfelt thanks to all of you who found one or more ways to
be involved in the METS 25th. Of 793 alumni, 230 of you participated
in some way…either by attending the 25th, serving on the
planning committee or as a class agent or seminary rep, contributing
to the METS expressions art and photography exhibits, supporting
the 25th program financially, donating to the Habitat-Jordan
campaign, or having a work presented in A Middle East Mosaic,
our 25th Anniversary literary and graphic arts journal. |
Friday
evening Highlights:
Among many surprises and delights of the evening, Doug Hooker’s
Sinai Mélange was performed for the first time…a
10-minute “collection” of musical themes of his
longer symphony creation, Sinai Symphony. Click here for more information on Sinai Mélange and to download the audio/video compilation.
Co-editors
Sue Williams and John Stone presented their literary and graphic
arts creation, A Middle East Mosaic, featuring selected works
of METS alumni throughout the years and dedicated to Betty and
Pat Pattillo. A number of copies of the journal are available
at cost. If you would like a copy, send a check for $7 made
out to Pattillo Construction and forward to Marta Wood at P.O.
Box 67, Tucker, Georgia 30085.
Saturday
Program Highlights:
Max Miller and Jerry Mattingly did their usual magic in “taking
us back” to the bus with re-orientation of the region
and an in depth description of the Middle East through the lens
of Islam. (Many of those present requested a copy of Jerry’s
handout, which we ran out of during the lecture. If you want
a copy, please contact Marta Wood at mwood@pattilloconstruction.com,
and she’ll send you a copy.) Thanks, Jerry and Max.
In
the afternoon, we heard a remarkable presentation by the two
co-authors of the Geneva Accord – Dr. Yossi Beilin and
Mr. Yasser Abed Rabbo. These gentlemen received a standing ovation
from METS attendees following two hours of commentary and their
visibly strong commitment to Peace. We encourage you to seek
out more information on the Geneva Initiatives - www.geneva-accord.org.
Following
them, our very own alumnus – The Honorable Wyche Fowler
– offered his observations on evolving issues in the Middle
East and U.S. Foreign Policy from his perspective as former
U.S. Senator, former Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and current
president of the Middle East Institute. For more information
on the Middle East Institute, look at www.mideasti.org.
Following
Wyche, Philip Griffith of Habitat-Jordan presented an overview
of their work in five Jordanian communities as well as a report
on plans for the construction of 25 houses sponsored by METS
(See campaign report below or go to “Habitat Partnership”
on the home page.)
On
Saturday evening, we were generously hosted by David Thomas,
President and Artistic Director of ART Station, Inc., where
METS alumni (and the public) got a chance to see the beautiful
exhibition of photographs and art work by 32 METS alumni entitled
“METS Expressions.” Angela Yarber (McAfee, ’05
trip) treated guests to her sacred dance presentation “Ghost,”
inspired by the story of Jephthah’s daughter (Judges 11).
We enjoyed the collaboration of David Lewis and Ray Hanania,
creators of Comedy for Peace, which aims to show Palestinians
and Israelis – and global audiences – a way to co-exist
through laughter. For more information, look up www.comedy4peace.org.
Sunday Highlights:
On
Sunday morning, following a vigorous hike up Stone Mountain,
we were treated to a worship service led by Rev. Mary Jane Cornell
of North Druid Hills Presbyterian Church and Rosita Mathews,
who led a brief Gospel Singing Workshop. Rosita has offered
10% of her proceeds for any bookings through June, 2006 with
METS groups in support of the METS program, so contact her right
away if your church or congregation wants an inspirational,
high-energy program. Check out Rosita’s website: www.LetsSingGospel.com.
HABITAT-JORDAN
“25 for 25” CAMPAIGN OVER GOAL!
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the program, METS alumni
initiated a campaign in honor of Pat Pattillo, Max Miller, and
Jerry Mattingly to raise $150,000 to build 25 houses for 25
Jordanian families at $6,000 each. During the weekend, the announcement
that the goal of $50,000 for the METS alumni portion of the
campaign to build 25 houses has been surpassed. As of August 2006 donors have contributed a total of $179,000, which allows
us to pursue a 26th and 27th house as well. This accomplishment
will enable us to claim a generous challenge grant of $50,000
from the Pittulloch Foundation, which will be matched, in turn,
by another $50,000 being raised concurrently by Habitat-Jordan.
If you have not had a chance to participate but still wish to
help, you can make a tax-deductible gift to Emory University-METS
Alumni-Jordan online at www.alumni.emory.edu/ways-of-giving.htm.
Or you can send your check c/o Marta Wood at Pattillo Construction,
P.O. Box 67, Tucker, Georgia 30085.
A special thank you to the contributors and volunteers who made the 25th Anniversary Celebration possible. Click here for more information on the donors, committee, seminary reps, and class captains.
