The Rev. Charlie Parker of New Fountain United Methodist Church in Hondo, Texas, is the evangelist for this year’s 152nd consecutive Methodist Camp Meeting to be held Thursday, August 12 through Sunday evening, August 15. Services begin at 7:30 each evening. Sunday morning there will be Sunday School at 10:00 a.m. with worship at 11:00. Dinner on the grounds will follow. The Methodist Camp Ground is located on FM 432, near Chappel.

Raised in Bishop, Texas, Rev. Parker earned a football scholarship to Southern Methodist University in the early 60’s. He earned his degree in Finance at SMU and went on to own a trophy and engraving shop in Corpus Christi, Texas. For many years he did the play-by-play for the high school football and basketball teams.

When his wife died at the age of 35, he says his faith walk was shaken to the core. However, he knew that grace would prevail so that he could weather the storms of life. But he never considered that he would enter the ministry. After several years of prayer, study, and encouragement from many of the saints in the First UMC of San Angelo, he answered the call to ministry.

Rev. Parker entered a 5-7 year program of study at Perkins School of Theology at SMU. He is now an ordained deacon in the United Methodist Church. He has served the Southwest Texas Conference for 27 years, serving on many boards while carrying out his ministry. He and his wife Lois have currently served New Fountain UMC in Hondo for eight years. According to Rev. Parker, the most important job he has now, as in the past, is serving the Lord in whatever way he is called to do.

His sermon titles with accompanying Scriptures are listed:

Thursday: Door of Hospitality – John 12:1-8

Friday: Door of Prayer – I Timothy 2:1-8

Saturday: Door of Forgiveness – I Timothy 2:1-8

Sunday AM: Door of Celebration – Luke 19: 36-44

Sunday PM: Door of Service – Luke 22:24-30

All are encouraged to come be a part of these special services. For more information, contact Pastor Celia Kitchens at Bend UMC: 628-3599.