On Saturday Nathan and I along with our Sunday school class enjoyed a trip to Etheridge, Tenn., home of the south’s largest “old order” Amish settlement. Old order means that they have no modern conveniences: no cars, tractors, electricity or running water.

The Amish came here in 1944. They arrived in a railroad car loaded with their horses, farm equipment and household goods.

There are approximately 150 families in Lawrence County today. They make wonderful neighbors but they prefer to associate with those in the own community.

Religion and family are very important to the Amish. Their three main values are religion, family and love for the land. They believe any form of worldliness is sinful. They follow the peaceful examples of Christ in all they do.

They make their living by working the land. They also sell fresh vegetables, milk, molasses, quilts, rugs, hats, furniture and other handmade goods from their homes. You can watch for signs at each house that tell what that particular family has for sale.

There are several Amish schools. The children start school at age seven and go from first through eighth grades. Schoolhouses are small, one-room buildings with all eight grades attending classes together. Students study reading, writing, arithmetic, English and German.

When you visit please remember that the Amish do not believe in having their photo taken. It is against their beliefs. So when you visit please respect their religious beliefs and their peaceful way to life.

We had a wonderful time there. We took a tour in the Amish community in a horse-drawn wagon and buggy rides are also available. Tours are daily except Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rates are $10 for adults and $5 for children. A 20 percent discount is available to tour groups of 10 or more people. For reservations, contact the Amish Welcome Center at 931-829-2433. After the tour we all enjoyed lunch at the Davy Crockett State Park restaurant.

Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Haskel Evans, Vanessa Nesmith and Rebecca Shadden, all on Sept. 29, Angel Cowan, Adam Wilson, Mandi Cook, Donna P. Terry, Glendell Terry and Kendall Sharp, all on Sept, 30, Pastor Steve Cheuvront and Jean Johnson, both on Oct. 1, Jerry Creel on Oct. 2, Terry Thornton and Heather Johnson Pullam, both on Oct. 3, Marie Bramlett and Corey Doshier, both on Oct. 4 and Steve Aguado, Evelene Teague, Kasonyia Briggs and Karrie Shea, all on Oct. 5.

The 13th annual New Center Golf Tournament will be Sat., Oct. 1, at Quail Creek Golf Resort. It will start at 7:45 a.m. with a four-person scramble, rain or shine. Entry fee is $60 per person or $240 per team. The price includes green fees, golf cart, goody bag, door prizes, Chick-Fil-A lunch, Pepsi drinks and homemade ice cream. Please make plans to attend. All proceeds will benefit mission projects.

On Sunday, Oct. 2, New Center Baptist Church will have a church-wide picnic at Veterans Park in Priceville, beginning at 4 p.m. The meal will begin around 5 p.m. The men of the church will grill and the ladies will bring a side dish, dessert and drink. Don’t forget to bring lawn chairs and games.

The beautiful flowers on the communion table at New Center Baptist Church on Sunday were placed by Sally Cheatham in loving memory of Kenneth (K.V.) Vest (Sept. 26, 1959 – April 21, 2006).