Charles Rousseau “Charlie” Ray III

Charles Rousseau “Charlie” Ray III, 35, died in January 2013.

He was the son of Charles R. Ray Jr. and Soundra Griner Ray. He attended Blessed Sacrament School and Benedictine Military School.

The family moved to Baton Rouge, La., and later to Shreveport, La., and Dallas in the mid-1980s, returning to Savannah in 1989 where he worked for Kroger for a year.

Ray suffered from Tourette’s syndrome beginning at an early age. The debilitating illness limited him from many activities from day to day but he persevered in sports, including baseball, basketball, golf and fishing. He participated in little league baseball and football as a kicker for Benedictine Military School.

Ray was a communicant of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charlie R. Ray Sr. and Gloria Aprea Ray.

Surviving are his parents, Charles R. Ray Jr. and Soundra “Sandi” Griner Ray, Savannah; brother, Kevin Ray, Savannah; sister, Ashleigh Ray, Savannah; maternal grandmother, Margie Bizzell, Savannah; uncles and aunts, William S. Ray (Carol) and James A. Ray, all of Savannah; aunt, Nancy R. Johnson, Brunswick; and cousins.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17, at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church with Msgr. P. James Costigan Celebrant. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. prior to the Mass. Burial will be private.

Remembrances may be made to the Tourette Syndrome Association, 42-40 Bell Boulevard, Bayside, New York 11361, www.tsa-usa.org.

Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel

An Effingham County High School senior drowned after being ejected from a car in a single-vehicle accident Wednesday on Rincon-Stillwell Road.

Christian Cowan, 18, of Rincon, was pronounced dead at the scene of the wreck, Effingham County Sheriff’s Office spokesman David Ehsanipoor said.

Autopsy results released Thursday revealed that Cowan’s death was due to drowning.

Ehsanipoor said an off-duty sheriff’s office investigator discovered the accident about 7:30 p.m.

Cowan was found face down in a ditch with standing water, Ehsanipoor said.

Also injured in the accident was Travis Williams, 18, of Rincon, who was found at the crash site on the side of the road. The car was also found in a ditch.

Ehsanipoor said investigators have not determined who was driving the car.

Cowan was not wearing a seat belt.

Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie said he hopes continuing education efforts on safe driving aimed at students will help prevent another young life from being lost.

“We are going to keep educating them on the importance of wearing a seat belt and defensive driving,” McDuffie said.

Although Williams was found on the roadside, Ehsanipoor said, investigators are not sure whether Williams was ejected or exited the car on his own after the crash. The accident remains under investigation.

Williams was airlifted to Memorial University Medical Center where he remained Thursday in stable condition.

Ehsanipoor said Williams is expected to survive.

Williams is also a senior at Effingham County High School, according to deputies.

Cowan was a California native who had lived in Rincon for 16 years. He liked hunting and fishing.

Effingham County High School Principal Yancy Ford said Cowan, who had just recently returned to the school, would be missed.

“Christian was a fun kid to be around. He was full of energy. He moved away in October and came back to ECHS one week ago,” Ford said. “We will truly miss Christian at Effingham County High School.”

Visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Rincon. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Jan. 19, also at First Baptist Church of Rincon. 

Charles Ray III was most likely already dead when his family reported him missing on Jan. 3.

Video surveillance footage from a Hampton County, S.C., hotel shows Ray and his alleged killer, Chad Moretz, leaving the hotel on Jan. 1.

The two men then returned to Effingham County where they got into a heated argument that led to Ray’s stabbing death, Effingham County Sheriff’s Office spokesman David Ehsanipoor said.

“We believe Chad Moretz killed Charles Ray later that night or in the early hours of Jan. 2,” Ehsanipoor said.

Body parts belonging to what police believe are remains of Ray, 35, were found in the Moretz home on Whitehall Avenue in Westwood Heights on Jan. 11. Ray’s torso and limbs were found in a bags in storage unit in Jasper County, S.C.

An autopsy in South Carolina confirmed those remains are Ray.

Ehsanipoor said that the wife of Chad Moretz, Kimberly Moretz, rented the storage unit in Jasper County on Jan. 4.

The discovery of Ray’s remains came after Chad Moretz held his wife hostage from almost five hours on Jan. 11.

Law enforcement from multiple agencies surrounded the ranch-style home. Hostage negotiators talked with Moretz off and on during the afternoon and early evening in an attempt to get him to surrender.

Kimberly Moretz was able to leave the home before her husband was shot. She was taken to Memorial University Medical Center with minor injuries. Ehsanipoor said she complained of pain in the rib area.

Chad Moretz was shot dead by a Savannah-Chatham SWAT team member when he came out of the house brandishing an AR-15 rifle. A .357 Magnum handgun also was found in the waistband of his pants. Moretz had also threatened to kill deputies during the negotiations.

A Savannah-Chatham Metro Police officer and an Effingham County deputy went to the Whitehall Avenue home as part of the investigation into Ray’s disappearance.

When they knocked on the door, Kimberly Moretz’s brother, Kevin Lambert, answered the door.

“He whispered that he (Moretz) was inside but would not come out alive,” Ehsanipoor said.

Lambert and Kimberly Moretz were arrested late Jan. 11 on charges of concealing a body. Charges of tampering with evidence and hindering the apprehension and prosecution of a criminal were added Wednesday. Bond was set for the siblings at $25,000. As of late Tuesday they had not made bond and were still being held in the Effingham County jail.

Chad Moretz was well known to authorities, Ehsanipoor said. He was arrested in December in Effingham County for terroristic threats.

A check of Florida records shows a history of family violence in Chad Moretz’s past. Chad Moretz’s father is accused of killing his mother.

Jeffrey Moretz is charged in the 2009 shooting death of his wife, Christine Moretz, in a Naples, Fla., hospital.

Jeffrey Moretz also shot himself but survived, police reports from Collier County indicate.

In a statement to police before the death of his mother, Chad Moretz said his father was suicidal and had tried to kill him. The statement was made on charges of aggravated assault with a handgun against Jeffrey Moretz at the family’s Florida home.

See page 7 for Charles Ray’s obituary.

An Effingham County High School senior drowned after being ejected from a car in a single-vehicle accident Wednesday on Rincon-Stillwell Road.

Christian Cowan, 18, of Rincon, was pronounced dead at the scene of the wreck, Effingham County Sheriff’s Office spokesman David Ehsanipoor said.

Autopsy results released Thursday revealed that Cowan’s death was due to drowning.

Ehsanipoor said an off-duty sheriff’s office investigator discovered the accident about 7:30 p.m.

Cowan was found face down in a ditch with standing water, Ehsanipoor said.

Also injured in the accident was Travis Williams, 18, of Rincon, who was found at the crash site on the side of the road. The car was also found in a ditch.

Ehsanipoor said investigators have not determined who was driving the car.

Cowan was not wearing a seat belt.

Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie said he hopes continuing education efforts on safe driving aimed at students will help prevent another young life from being lost.

“We are going to keep educating them on the importance of wearing a seat belt and defensive driving,” McDuffie said.

Although Williams was found on the roadside, Ehsanipoor said, investigators are not sure whether Williams was ejected or exited the car on his own after the crash. The accident remains under investigation.

Williams was airlifted to Memorial University Medical Center where he remained Thursday in stable condition.

Ehsanipoor said Williams is expected to survive.

Williams is also a senior at Effingham County High School, according to deputies.

Cowan was a California native who had lived in Rincon for 16 years. He liked hunting and fishing.

Effingham County High School Principal Yancy Ford said Cowan, who had just recently returned to the school, would be missed.

“Christian was a fun kid to be around. He was full of energy. He moved away in October and came back to ECHS one week ago,” Ford said. “We will truly miss Christian at Effingham County High School.”

Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. today at First Baptist Church of Rincon. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, also at First Baptist Church of Rincon.

A new photo posted to Facebook shows Travis Williams, 18, is still recovering from multiple injuries following a single-vehicle accident on Wednesday that killed an Effingham County High School senior. 

Christian Cowan, 18, of Rincon, was pronounced dead at the scene of the wreck, Effingham County Sheriff’s Office spokesman David Ehsanipoor said.

Autopsy results released Thursday revealed that Cowan’s death was due to drowning.

Click here to read the full story

Former Mustang and Gold Glove outfielder for the Oakland Athletics Josh Reddick, will be holding a home run derby Saturday to benefit the Rincon Recreation Department.

The first annual Josh Reddick Home Run Derby will held at Macomber Ball Park in Rincon. Cost to enter is $10. The park is located at 1103 Lexington Ave. in Rincon.

The day will begin with an autograph session from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Only one item per person allowed. There will also be a silent auction.

Registration for the Home Run Derby will be held during the autograph session.

The Home Run Derby will begin at 11 a.m. 

First and second place winners in each category will be presented with a trophy.

Age groups are:

• 10-12,field 4, 157-foot fence

• 13-15,fields 1 and 3, 200 foot-fence

• 16-18, field 2, 300-foot fence

• Adults, over 18, field 2, 300-foot fence

The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance will begin at 7:30 a.m. Monday with a breakfast at the administrative complex in Springfield.

The breakfast will be followed by the annual parade starting at 10 a.m. Grand marshal for this year’s parade is Adam Folder of Clyo. Folder is a member of St. Matthews Baptist Church in Springfield and a lifetime resident of Effingham County. He lives in Clyo.

The 84-year-old Folder said being grand marshal was quite the honor for him.

“It’s good,” he said. “It means a lot.”

Folder said things have changed quite a bit over his lifetime.

“I went from working for 50 cents a day plowing the fields to $7.50 an hour,” he said.

Folder said he’s done a bit of “everything” in his work life. “I helped build the hard road, (Ga. 119) from Springfield all the way to the old courthouse.”

Folder also served in the U.S. Army and worked for Morrison’s in Florida and Savannah.

The day’s events will continue with a youth program at noon at the Recreation Department on Ga. 119.

The celebration will end with an evening program beginning at 6 p.m. at the Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Association Center in Guyton.

MLK Day organizers are asking that all churches, civic groups, clubs, other local organizations and the community participate in the festivities.

A Bloomingdale man who was struck by a tractor-trailer while riding his bicycle on Jan. 9 has died.

Douglas Edwards, 56, was hit by the truck as he crossed U.S. 80 near the Chatham/Effingham County line.

Douglas Edwards, 56, was crossing U.S. 80 near the Chatham/Effingham County line and crossed into the path of the truck, Effingham County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Ehsanipoor said.

Edwards died tonight at Memorial University Medical Center where he was taken following the accident.

No charges are expected against the truck driver.

Oakland A’s outfielder Josh Reddick thrilled hundreds of fans today with a home run derby held at Macomber Ball park in Rincon.

Reddick, a former standout player for the South Effingham High School Mustangs, held the event as a fundraiser for the Rincon Recreation Department.

The Gold Glove winner said he wanted to give back to his community. Reddick first played ball on fields at Macomber Park.

The day’s events included an autograph session and silent auction with items donated by Reddick and other major league players.

Check back with savannahnow.com and effinghamnow.com for photos and more from the event.

Based on the number of smiles, Saturday's first annual Josh Reddick Home Run Derby was a hit.

A large crowd of turned out at Macomber Ball Park in Rincon where Reddick, an outfielder for the Oakland Athletics, held the first annual home run derby.

Reddick, a former standout for the South Effingham High School Mustangs, said Saturday’s derby was a chance to give back to his hometown community. The derby was held as a fundraiser for the Rincon Recreation Department.

Children lined up with baseballs, bats, caps and helmets for the Gold Glove winner to autograph.

Children aged 10 and up took swings in the home run derby.

Reddick posed for photos and signed autographs throughout the day, much to the delight of the crowd.

“They may not realize it, but I’m having just as much fun as (the kids),” Reddick said.

For 8-year-old Erick Godbee, at student at South Effingham Elementary School, was the day was a treat.

The youngster was having a wonderful time he said and came right to the point about his meeting with Reddick.

“Really, really (great),” Godbee said.

Reddick said like many of the children at Saturday's event, he first played ball on the fields at Macomber.

“T-ball first on field 4,” Reddick said. “Then, I think I played on all them.”

Rincon Recreation Director David Wooten said Reddick is a special person.

“He’s the kind of person that doesn’t forget his roots and is giving back,” Wooten said. “We are really impressed and thankful.”

Wooten said the funds raised Saturday are targeted to renovate field 1, where Reddick often played as a kid.

Reddick said he hoped the derby would do more than help with baseball fields.

“I’m not only trying to rebuild some fields, but get baseball back where it got big in the community, like it once was before,” Reddick said.

Watching the children have fun on Saturday was special for Reddick too.

“It does my heart good,” he said.

Reddick said he heads to Phoenix on Valentine's Day for spring training.

Reddick had an outstanding season in 2012 for the A's. In addition to winning the Gold Glove for his outfield work, Reddick had 32 home runs and 85 RBIs.

A Red Cross Disaster Action Team from Effingham County was on the scene early Sunday morning after a fire destroyed a wood frame home in Guyton where a father, mother and their two children, 9 and 4, resided.

According to Red Cross volunteers, the father said one of the dogs woke him and his wife around 3 a.m. ”The bedroom was filled with smoke so I broke a window and my wife and I both jumped out of the window. Luckily, the kids spent the night at their grandparent’s home and have not been told of the fire yet.” he said. “Once outside, the neighbor ran over to us and said he had already called 9-1-1. The neighbor was outside smoking a cigarette and saw flames and smoke coming from the house and was on his way to alert us.” The family’s two dogs did not survive.

Fire departments from Guyton, Effingham County and Springfield responded but the fire had already destroyed the home by the time they arrived.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined by fire officials. The Red Cross team met the family’s immediate needs by providing a hotel for two nights, funds for clothing, food for a week and four comfort kits containing personal hygiene items.

The Red Cross also will meet with the family on Tuesday to help initiate a recovery plan.

A celebration of the life and message of Martin Luther King Jr. began this morning with the annual breakfast held at the county administrative complex.

Hosted by the M.L.K. Committee and the Local Organization for Voters’ Equality, known as L.O.V.E., the breakfast featured the presentation of the parade grand marshal, Adam Folder Jr.

Folder lives in Clyo and is a native of Effingham County. He served his church as a deacon for many years and now serves as a deacon emeritus. He is a member of St. Matthews Baptist Church in Springfield.

Keynote speaker at the breakfast was Charles Coate with Georgia-Pacific.

Coate, a native of Selma, Ala., has worked at the Savannah River Mill plant since 2009.

Coate gave a thanks to previous generations for their help in paving the way for opportunities.

“Men such as Deacon Folder allowed men such as myself to be where we are,” Coate said.

Coate told the packed room that to honor King’s legacy we should come together in the spirit of service.

“Dr. King believed that through service to others we could create a better world,” Coate said.

Coate noted this isn’t a one day event on the King holiday, but should be something we do every day.

Coate said one of his uncles was married to civil rights leader Ralph Abernathy.

“He (Abernathy) challenged us to always reach out to help others,” Coate said.

Coate issued at challenge of his own, referring to King’s 1968 sermon, “The Drum Major Instinct”. The sermon was preached about two month’s before King’s assassination. King urged his congregation to seek greatness, but do it through service and love.

In King’s sermon he spoke of how he wanted to be remembered. “Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter. I won’t have any money to leave behind. I won’t have the fine and luxurious things of life to leave behind. But I just want to leave a committed life behind.” Martin Luther King Jr., Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta. Feb. 4, 1968.

Coate asked, “For what, or who, does your drum beat? How will you be remembered?”

Troy Allen is moving to Clyo and is resigning from the Springfield City Council.

City Manager Brett Bennett said Tuesday that Allen submitted his resignation on Jan. 17, which will be brought to the Council at its Feb. 12 meeting.

Bennett said Allen will be completing his move to Clyo this week.

Allen began serving on the Council in 2008 and was scheduled for re-election in 2015. Bennett said a special election will be held to fill the remainder of his term. The date for the election has not yet been set.

Jeff Ambrose recently resigned as a Council member because he moved out of the city and into the county. Katherine Pridgeon has been appointed to finish his term, which ends in December.

Effingham County senior Maddie Evans got her Rebel team off to a great start by draining a pair of 3-pointers to start the game, and her teammates backed her up with a strong finish as the Rebels rolled to a 62-44 Region 3-AAAAA win over host Jenkins.

Evans added another 3-pointer in the first half as she scored nine of her 11 points before intermission.

Jenkins trailed 28-18 at the half, but made a 17-12 run in the third quarter to get back in the game. Effingham had an 11-0 run to open the fourth quarter and put the game away.

Freshman Makayla Robinson had another big night for the Warriors, scoring 18 of her 20 points in the second half, including three 3-pointers. Faith Sanders added 12 points for the Warriors.

Junior guard Jakayven Akins had an impressive night for the Rebels, scoring 20 points — mostly on aggressive drives to the basket. Kyesha Lews was also a difference maker for the Rebels with her defense and offense. She scored 16 points and made a handful of steals for Effingham County, which improved to 14-5 and 7-2 in region play.

EFFINGHAM (62)

Maddie Evans 11, Jakayven Akins 20, Williams 5, Kyesha Lewis 16, Youmans 6, Fowler 4.

JENKINS (44)

Makayla Robinson 20, Gammon 2, Faith Sanders 12, Gordon 6, Marion 4.

Halftime—Effingham 28-18. Records—Jenkins 9-8, 4-5; Effingham 14-5, 7-2.

CLAXTON 51, SCPS 38

CLAXTON — Jazmine Price had 13 points and Deeona Brown added 10 as Claxton topped Savannah Christian in a 3-A game.

Chandler Ewaldsen led the Raiders with 13.

SCPS 38

Dekle 2, Stone 4, Hambrick 5, Hart 5, Cooper 9, Chandler Ewaldsen 13.

CLAXTON 51

VanDeursen 4, Fiveash 7, Brown 8, Morgan 9, Deeona Brewton 10, Jazmine Price 13,

Halftime—Claxton 28-19. Record--C 14-5 5-1 in 3-A

MEMORIAL 48,
COASTAL HOME 10

Denisha Green and Shareka Dukes scored 22 points apiece as Memorial defeated Coastal Home School.

The Matadors raised their record to 3-10.

COASTAL HOME (10)

Veinas 7, Wodman 2, Fussell 1.

MEMORIAL (48)

Denisha Green 22, Shareka Dukes 22, Heyward 4.

Halftime—M, 23-6. Records—M 3-10

CALVARY 66,
JENKINS COUNTY 34

Alexus Parker scored 22 of her game-high 24 points in the first half as Calvary breezed to a victory over Jenkins County.

Parker added 13 rebounds and six assists.

Abigail Lewis had 14 points and six rebounds for the Cavaliers. Jessica Lanier and Olivia Harrell scored 12 and 10 points, respectively.

Timberley Watson and Amber Branch paced Jenkins County with 11 and 10 points.

JENKINS COUNTY (34)

Timberley Watson 11, Drayton 2, Adams 2, Amber Branch 10, Cooper 4, Williams 3, Clark 2.

CALVARY (77)

Alexus Parker 24, Olivia Harrell 10, Hamilton 4, Jessica Lanier 12, Abigail Lewis 14, Keller 2.

Halftime—C, 41-16. Records—C, 14-1, 6-0 Region 3-A

HILTON HEAD CHRISTIAN 55,

ST. ANDREW’S 27

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — Macee Tammiren scored 14 points during Hilton Head Christian’s victory over St. Andrew’s.

ST. ANDREW’S (27)

Turner 7, Suh 6, Desautels 6, Maner 4, Bennet 4

HH CHRISTIAN (55)

Macee Tammiren 14, Anderson 10, Ziarre 10, Bench 8, Bundy 7, Guddano 4, Reynolds 2.

Halftime—HHC, 27-11. Records—SA, 6-10.

PORTAL 48,
SAV. COUNTRY DAY 37

PORTAL — Shiana Hagins scored 28 points and Boeyanna Raymond had 11 as Portal defeated Savannah Country Day.

Taylor Parker led the Hornets with 15 points.

SCD (37)

Taylor Parker 15, Rushing 9, Strickland 6, Carney 2, Carter 2, Royal 2.

PORTAL (48)

Shiana Hagins 28, M.Hagins 2, Lane 7, Boeyanna Raymond 11.

Halftime, Portal, 22-19. Records—SCD 8-9, 2-3 Region 3-A.

He is one of the top young basketball coaches in the Coastal Empire, and Bakari Bryant wore a satisfied smile Tuesday night after his Jenkins boys team delivered a signature victory over Effingham County.

The host Warriors moved into a tie for first place with Effingham County in Region 3-AAAAA by handing the Rebels their first region setback this season in a 53-49 victory.

Jenkins improved to 11-7 overall and 8-1 in region play. Effingham County, which entered the week ranked No. 2 among Class AAAAA teams in Georgia by the Atlanta Journal Constitution, fell to 15-4 and 8-1.

Effingham had dominated the visiting Warriors in a 70-46 win on Dec. 11.

“This was our biggest win yet,” said Bryant, the former Savannah High standout and assistant coach, in his second year leading the Warriors. “Our motto all season has been IGYB or I got your back, and the kids lived up to it tonight. It was a total team effort.”

The action was fast and furious from the opening tip off until the final whistle.

Jenkins led 18-5 after the first quarter, but Rebel guard Jay Wright played an outstanding first half scoring 14 of his 16 points as Effingham rallied to close the deficit to 26-24 at intermission.

Ryan Wilkins and DeAundray Rhett had seven points each for the Rebels.

Senior forward Paris Baker sparked the Warriors early with a basket down low followed with an impressive putback. He had eight of his 12 points in the first half.

He was also assigned to cover Effingham County star Jakeenan Gant, who entered the game averaging more than 18 points a game.

Baker did a solid job, holding Gant scoreless for the first half.

Gant found his range in the second half and finished with 12 points.

“We packed it in down low with a 2-3 zone after we struggled in the first game against them using the man-to-man,” said Bryant, 31. “We tried to stay on (Rebel guard) Ryan (Wilkins) on the outside and then make everyone else beat us. We made them shoot from the outside and we rebounded well. That gave us the advantage tonight.”

Gant, a 6-foot-8 small forward with offers from a host of schools including Georgia, Georgia Tech and Florida State, started off the second half by draining a 15-footer with his first basket of the night to tie the game at 26.

But the Warriors never blinked.

Malik Benlevi had a huge second half for the Warriors, scoring 11 of his team-high 13 points at the most critical points in the game.

“That was high intensity out there, my heart was racing,” the 6-foot-4 sophomore said. “They had a height advantage on us and they have some good guards. But we played team ball. This is our biggest win.”

Junior guard Romaine Gray and sophomore Brenden Carter had eight points each for the Warriors and Jamelle Lanier added seven.

With 6:46 left in the game, Gant made an athletic move to the basket for a wrap-around to close the deficit to 40-38.

But Jenkins responded when Eric Johnson fed Lanier a nice pass leading to a fast-break layup.

Seconds later, Benlevi had his shot blocked from behind on a breakaway by Wilkins. But Benlevi was unfazed, coming back with a strong drive to the basket followed by a pull-up 3-pointer on the Warriors’ next possession to increase the lead to 47-40.

The win was the third in a row for the Warriors, who have won six of their last seven games.

“We’ve been through the fire this year,” Gray said. “But the main thing tonight was defense, defense, defense. Our play on defense is what got the offense going. Coach is always telling us how good we can be, now we are starting to believe in each other.”

Bryant had his mentor, Savannah High coach Tim Jordan, in the stands supporting the Warriors.

And Bryant showed off some of the things he learned from Jordan, moving he ball around in a four-corner offense to take time off the clock, substituting his players liberally and stressing an in-your-face style of defense.

“You want to find your own identity, but I learned a system from Coach Jordan and he has been very successful,” Bryant said. “I’m going to use that style and add a little twist of my own.”

EFFINGHAM (49)

Jay Wright 16, Jakeenan Gant 12, Rhett 7, Wilkins 7, Johnson 5, Lee 2.

JENKINS (53)

Gray 8, Carter 8, Perry 2, Malik Benlevi 13, Paris Baker 12, Johnson 3, Lanier 7.

Halftime—Jenkins 26-24. Records—Jenkins 11-7, 8-1; Effingham 15-4, 8-1.

Mike and Brenda Smith chose the school district they wanted and then chose a subdivision and contractor.

They closed last week on a new house in Belmont Glen, a subdivision on Hodgeville Road in South Effingham County.

Mike, a flight instructor, and Brenda, a nurse, moved with their three children from Liberty Center, Ohio, southwest of Toledo, last summer to the Savannah area.

They moved because Mike’s company, FlightSafety International, closed the office where he was working in Ohio. He transferred to Savannah, where he teaches Gulfstream pilots how to fly the G650. Brenda is a nurse at Memorial University Medical Center.

The family rented a house five miles away until their new house could be finished.

Low prices and interest rates are making new houses an option that makes a lot of sense for some buyers, said Mark Konter, a principal at Konter Quality Homes and president of the Home Builders Association of Greater Savannah.

The Smiths’ house was built by Konter.

“People like new houses,” Konter said. “Now is a great time to buy. Prices are low, interest is low and home affordability is high.”

Konter is one of three builders who have constructed a total of about 60 houses in Belmont Glen in the last 18 months. Ernest Homes and Faircloth Homes of Savannah are the other builders.

The houses range in price from $150,000 to $270,000, Konter said. The subdivision has a total of more than 500 home sites.

“The mortgage payment is better than rent for a smaller house,” Mike Smith said. “With mortgage rates so low, you can’t afford not to buy.”

There’s been an uptick in the number of new houses built in Effingham County and in Rincon in the last year.

Effingham County had 166 permits for houses in 2012, up from 90 in 2011, said Zoning Administrator George Shaw.

“We’re back to 2008 levels for single-family housing starts,” Shaw said. “It’s significant.”

While the number of new houses being built in the county is a long way from the highs of 2004, 2005 and 2006, it’s an encouraging trend.

In Rincon in 2012, 57 new houses were built, ranging in price from $72,000 to $295,000, said City Planner LaMeisha Kelly. That’s up from 46 houses in 2011, ranging in price from $68,000 to $300,000.

“The economy definitely has made a turn,” she said. “Not only do we have (new) houses, we have custom houses going up.”

The move was a chance for the Smith family to make some changes to better address their future needs. They traded 4.5 acres and a half-acre pond in Ohio for a much smaller yard in South Effingham, requiring less yard work.

The new house also has a shower that would be easy for someone with limited mobility or in a wheelchair to use.

“We’re not going to move again,” Brenda Smith said, of the 2,300-square-foot house that has four bedrooms and 2.5 baths.

It’s the couple’s first new house. They picked the location in the subdivision, as well as the layout, paint colors, flooring, cupboards, light fixtures and even the color of the grout.

“It’s not someplace someone had before us,” Brenda Smith said. “This is ours.”

Konter said he sees young professionals moving into new houses in Effingham County, many with children who are attracted to the good schools.

New housing often also helps other businesses in the area, Konter said, such as stores that sell furniture and appliances.

The Smiths said they brought about half of their furniture from Ohio and bought the other half new, including new appliances.

Bike ride to benefit Mars Theater

The third annual bike ride to benefit the renovation of Mars Theater in Springfield will be on Saturday, April 20. For more information, call Gussie Nease at 912-658-5053.

Effingham County High School Class of 1968

Members of the Effingham County High School Class of 1968 will gather for a dutch treat lunch at noon on Saturday, Jan. 26 at Carey Hilliard’s Restaurant at 198 Pooler Parkway in Pooler. Purpose of the lunch is fellowship and “catching up.” To be sure there is sufficient room, please reply to echsclassof1968@hotmail.com or call 912-281-5438.

Plaque dedication

A plaque honoring the faculty and students who attended Guyton High School, 1919-1956, will be dedicated at noon on Feb. 9. Location is Church Street and 5th Avenue, Guyton.

Hospice Savannah volunteer training

Hospice Savannah is seeking home care volunteers in Bryan, Liberty and Effingham counties. Hospice Savannah volunteer training will be held Saturday, Feb. 2 and Saturday, Feb. 9.

Has your life been touched by hospice care? If it has, you may want to join our wonderful group of volunteers who help lift the burden of stress and worry for caregivers of our terminally ill patients, and who provide companionship and support to our palliative care clients and to our patients.

If this is a calling you would like to answer, call Paula Hudson at 912-629-1331 to find out more about the special weekend orientation being held on the first two Saturdays in February or apply online under the How You can Help tab at www.HospiceSavannah.org.

Bingo

• The Rincon Recreation Department sponsors bingo for senior citizens at 8:30 a.m. every Monday at the Vernon C. Hinely Community Center at Ninth Street and Ga. 21. For information, call 826-0238.

• American Legion Auxiliary, Post 209 for Effingham and Springfield, holds bingo at 6:30 p.m. the fourth Friday of each month at the Legion Hall, 941 S. Laurel St., Springfield. Proceeds go to help veterans and their families. For information, contact Thelma Pierce at 754-2442.

Effingham Tennis League

People of all ages and abilities are invited to join the Effingham Tennis League. Adults and teens may join the singles and/or doubles ladder at www.globaltennisnetwork.com and it’s free. SATA kids clinic for grades kindergarten to eighth grade is $50 per six-week session, playing Tuesdays 5:30-7 p.m. at Patriots Park behind the Rincon YMCA. Info: 912-656-4430.

United Way Yoga

Dr. Jack Heneisen and the United Way are holding free yoga classes each Monday at 6:30 p.m. The classes are held at the United Way Effingham Service Center located at 711 Zitterour Road, Rincon. Participants should wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes and bring a mat or towel for floor exercises.

Auxiliary volunteers needed

The Effingham Hospital Auxiliary is in need of volunteers in the beauty shop from 8 a.m.-noon Wednesdays in the Extended Care Center. You do not need to be a hairdresser to apply, just have a compassionate heart. Perfect for retired hairdressers. Call Brenda Rabun at 346-9536 or email rabonbk@gmail.com.

Effingham County Democrats

The Effingham County Democrats will have their first meeting of 2013 today at 6 p.m. in the community room of the Effingham Hospital on Ga. 119 in Springfield. Nominations for officers will be received. For more information call chair Jack Garvin at 429-1990

Senior movie day

A movie is shown for senior citizens at 9:30 a.m. each Thursday in the Anderson Recreation Building (formerly the Rincon Lions Club) on Lexington Avenue.

Alzheimer’s Association Support Group

The Effingham County Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group meets at 10:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, located at 155 Goshen Road, Rincon. The group is open to family caregivers. It provides education and support. These meetings usually run one hour in length. For more information, call 1-800-272-3900.

Start Smart Child and Adult Care Food Program

The Start Smart Learning Center at 250 Chimney Road in Rincon is a sponsor of the U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded Child and Adult Care Food Program. The same meals will be available at no separate charge to enrolled participants without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. Contact Jeanne Hamiliton at 912-826-0062 for more information.

American Red Cross

The Southeast Georgia Chapter of the American Red Cross is seeking volunteers for their Disaster Action Teams. Volunteers are needed to provide emergency assistance to victims of disasters and preparedness education to the community. Orientation is required. For information, call 912-651-5351 or email mckinneyj@savannahredcross.org.

Civil Air Patrol

The Civil Air Patrol squadron meets Mondays from 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. in building 200 at Ephesus Church/Effingham Christian School, 226 Goshen Road, Rincon. The organization is for youth, ages 12 to 18 and for adults. It has three programs: emergency services, aerospace education and the cadet leadership program. The Effingham Cadet Squadron is actively recruiting both cadets ages 12 to adult and have several staff positions available. For more information go to www.ga453.org or call Squadron Commander Captain Richard Bush at 912-429-8050.

County Commission

The Effingham County Board of Commissioners meets at
5 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month in Commission Chambers at the Administrative Office Complex, 601 N. Laurel St., Springfield. For a complete agenda, go to effinghamcounty.org.

Hospital board

The Effingham Hospital Authority meets at 7:15 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month in the Community Room at Effingham Hospital, 459 Ga. 119 S., Springfield. Agendas and minutes of past meetings are not available online. For information, go to effinghamhealth.org or call administration at 754-0160.

School board

The Effingham County Board of Education meets at 2 p.m. the first Wednesday and at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of the month in the conference room at the Central Office Complex, 405 N. Ash St., Springfield. Agendas and minutes of past meetings can be found at effinghamschools.com. For information, call 754-6491.

County planning board

The Effingham County Planning Board meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month in Commission Chambers at the County Administrative Complex, 601 N. Laurel St., Springfield. Agendas and minutes can be found at effinghamcounty.org. For information, call 754-2105.

Elections board

The Effingham County Board of Elections and Registration meets at 8:30 a.m. the second Monday of the month in the conference room at the elections office, 284 Ga. 119 S., Springfield. Agendas and minutes of past meetings are not currently available online. For information, go to effinghamcounty.org or call

754-8030.

Tax board

The Effingham County Board of Tax Assessors meets the first Monday of the month in Commission Chambers at the County Administrative Complex, 601 N. Laurel St., Springfield. Agendas can be found at effinghamcounty.org.

Guyton council

The Guyton City Council meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month and at 8 a.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month at City Hall, 310 Central Blvd., Guyton. Agendas and minutes of past meetings are not currently available online. For information, go to cityofguyton.com or call City Hall at 722-3353.

Springfield council

The Springfield City Council meets at 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month in Council Chambers at City Hall, 130 S. Laurel St., Springfield. Agendas and minutes of past meetings can be found at cityofspringfield.com. For information, call City Hall at 754-6666.

Rincon council

The Rincon City Council meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays of the month in Council Chambers at the police department, 107 W. 17th St., Rincon. Agendas and minutes of past meetings are not currently available online. For information, go to cityofrincon.com or call City Hall at 826-5745.

IDA board

The Effingham County Industrial Development Authority board of directors meets at 8 a.m. the third Thursday of the month in the conference room at the Welcome Center, 520 W. Third St., Springfield. Agendas and minutes of past meetings are not currently available online. For information, go to effinghamindustry.com or call 754-3301.

Weight loss

Coastal Champions Weight Loss Surgery Support Group meets from 6-7:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month at Rincon Recovery Resources, 613 Towne Park Drive West, Suite 103, Rincon. Free and open to the public. For information, call Anisa Grantham at 507-8734.

Seniors

Rincon Senior Support Group meets 5-8 p.m. Tuesdays at Vernon C. Hinely Community Center, Ga. 21 and Ninth Street in Rincon. For senior citizens 55 or older. Fellowship and activities. Call 826-4000.

Asperger’s syndrome

A support group for people with Asperger’s syndrome, their friends, family and caregivers, meets monthly at Effingham Baptist Church, 1007 N. Columbia Ave., Rincon. For information, call Patrick Bowers at 346-4912 or email pb4asp@yahoo.com.

The Rosebuds

An Effingham County daytime breast cancer support group meets the fourth Wednesday of every month at 11 a.m. at Effingham Hospital’s Community Room, 459 Ga. 119 South, Springfield. For information, call 754-9100.

Clyo school 1961-1966

Contact information is being sought for those who attended Clyo School from 1961-1966 for a possible 50-year reunion. Students of the former school are asked to contact Louise Bazemore after 9 p.m. at 912-659-9513.

High blood pressure

The Community Cardiovascular Council’s Blood Pressure Clinic offers help to people trying to control high blood pressure. If you need help controlling it and purchasing medications, make a free appointment to see if you qualify for services. Call the Rincon clinic, 826-2608, or the Savannah clinic, 232-6624.

Effingham Hospital Auxiliary

The Effingham Hospital Auxiliary offers an opportunity to serve the hospital and the community through volunteer service. The auxiliary provides support to patients, families and visitors. It also raises funds to support special projects that benefit the hospital and the community. Call Effingham Hospital Auxiliary President Brenda Rabon at 912-346-9536.

Hospice

Seeking volunteers to play music to patients, visit patients in their homes and nursing homes (Chatham, Bryan, Effingham, Liberty and Long counties), assist staff and families in Hospice House in Savannah or help in the offices on Chatham Parkway. Training is offered the second Monday and Tuesday of every month. Call 355-2289.

LifeLink

LifeLink of Georgia, the local agency that coordinates organ and tissue donations for the state, seeks volunteers to assist with programs pertaining to organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Volunteer activities include public speaking, staffing information tables and more. Potential volunteers include transplant recipients and their families, patients waiting for transplants, donor families or anyone interested in organ, tissue donation. Volunteers trained by LifeLink staff. Call Tracy Gay at 800-365-2066 or 341-0000.

AARP instructors needed

Additional volunteers are needed to teach the AARP Senior Drivers Safety Program (55 ALIVE) classes. The area to cover is Chatham, Bryan and Effingham counties. Call 598-1011.

Mentors needed

Effingham Family Connection and Communities in Schools, in partnership with the Effingham County school system, has students who are in need of mentors; to talk, help with homework or listen to music. Mentors are needed to commit one hour per week. Background check required. For information, call Cathy Zipperer at Effingham County High at 754-6404, ext. 1237; or Erin Woodcock at South Effingham High at 728-7511, ext. 1372.

Hands On Savannah

A service of the United Way of the Coastal Empire, recruits and refers volunteers to area nonprofits. Hands On Savannah/Volunteer Center can match volunteer interests with community needs. To browse volunteer options, go to handsonsavannah.org, call 2-1-1 or 651-7726 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, or email volunteer@uwce.org.

CASA

Court Appointed Special Advocates is looking for volunteers to advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children in Bulloch, Effingham, Screven and Jenkins counties. For information, call Carolyn Fields at 912-764-4849.

Volunteers needed

The Faith Equestrian Therapeutic Center in Guyton provides equine-assisted riding and educational activity programs for children and adults with special challenges. The center has many volunteer opportunities for anyone committed to offering their time and talents to help others. Call 728-3728 or go to faithetc.org for information.

Meals on Wheels

The Effingham County Senior Citizens Center, 128 Stillwell Road, Springfield, needs volunteers to deliver meals to the homebound elderly in the county. Mileage is paid. Call Margaret Moore at 754-2138.

Medicare

The Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center is seeking volunteers to help counsel Medicare beneficiaries about their health coverage and options. Volunteers are also needed to assist with the GeorgiaCares SMP project to promote consumer awareness and prevent fraud. Volunteers will receive free in-depth training. Requires at least four hours per month. For more information, call 264-7363 ext. 239, or 800-669-8387.

Hunting-fishing club

The Georgia Hunting and Fishing Federation, Effingham Chapter, meets at 7 p.m. the second Thursday of every month in the Effingham County Recreation Department on Ga. 119 in Springfield. If you need information about the meeting or becoming a member, call 912-661-1111. Membership is $25 per year.

GED classes

Savannah Technical College offers day and evening GED classes in Rincon at Savannah Technical College Effingham Campus, 2890 Ga. 21 S. Call John Seaman or Alethia Bradshaw-Scott at 754-2876.

Rincon MOPS

Rincon Mops (Mothers of Preschoolers) invites moms to come for brunch, crafts, encouragement and friendships with other moms. All mothers of children from birth to kindergarten are invited to attend. Childcare is provided with crafts, games and snacks while moms meet. The next meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 10 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Rincon (Memorial Chapel in back). Rincon MOPS is part of MOPS International.

Effingham Rotary

The Rotary Club of Effingham meets at 12:30 p.m. every Thursday at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ga. 21 and Seventh Street in Rincon. For information, call Talbert Edenfield at 772-5022 or go to myrotaryclub.com.

Sons of Confederate Veterans

Camp Davis No. 2073 meets the second Tuesday of every month in the former Boy Scouts hut down the hill from the Effingham Historical Society, formerly the old county jail in Springfield. Meeting and program at 7 p.m. Call Mitchell Ambrose at 429-3446.

UDC

United Daughters of the Confederacy Effingham County Hussars Chapter 2285 meets the last Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Community Room at Effingham Hospital. Call 772-3340.

Experimental Aircraft

Effingham County Chapter 330 of the Experimental Aircraft Association meets at 11 a.m. the third Saturday of every month at The Briar Patch Airfield in Springfield. Meetings open with a short business session, followed by lunch. Cost is $5. Members and visitors may drive or fly. Go to eaa.org for more information.

Special-needs support

The Effingham County Navigator Team, a support group for families of children with special needs, meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at The Learning Treehouse, 250 Goshen Road, Rincon. For information, contact Pauline Shaw at effingham@p2pga.org or call 912-295-5460.

Special-needs children

A support group for parents and guardians of children with challenging behaviors meets at the United Way Effingham Service Center, 711 Zitterour Drive, Rincon. For information, call Katie McGrory at 441-1435 or email kateemac1@msn.com. Child care may be available.

Alzheimer’s support

The Alzheimer’s Association conducts a support group in Effingham County at 10:30 a.m. the second Tuesday of the month at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 155 Goshen Road, Rincon. For information, call Jenny House at 912-920-2231 or email jenny.house@alz.org.

Special-needs support

The Effingham County Navigator Team, a support group for parents and caregivers of special needs children, ages newborn to 26 years, meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month in the Blandford Elementary School media center. For information, call Pauline Shaw at 912-295-5460 or email effingham@p2pga.org.

Bereavement counseling

Hospice Savannah’s Full Circle has opened an office in the United Way Effingham Service Center, 711 Zitterour Drive, Rincon. Bereavement counselor Barbara Moss holds office hours 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays to counsel children or adults, individually or in group sessions, and plans to offer workshops and presentations on coping with grief during the holidays. The counseling is offered free of charge as a community service. To schedule an appointment, call 629-1089.

NA of Effingham

Narcotics Anonymous groups meet at 7:30 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Beulah House, 407 Church St., Guyton. Meetings are also at 7:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Freedom Christian Center, 409 S. Laurel St., Springfield.

Weight loss

Coastal Champions Weight Loss Surgery Support Group meets from 6-7:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month at Rincon Recovery Resources, 613 Towne Park Drive West, Suite 103, Rincon. Free and open to the public. For information, call Anisa Grantham at 507-8734.

Seniors

Rincon Senior Support Group meets 5-8 p.m. Tuesdays at Vernon C. Hinely Community Center, Ga. 21 and Ninth Street in Rincon. For senior citizens 55 or older. Fellowship and activities. Call 826-4000.

Asperger’s syndrome

A support group for people with Asperger’s syndrome, their friends, family and caregivers, meets monthly at Effingham Baptist Church, 1007 N. Columbia Ave., Rincon. For information, call Patrick Bowers at 346-4912 or email pb4asp@yahoo.com.

The Rosebuds

An Effingham County daytime breast cancer support group meets the fourth Wednesday of every month at 11 a.m. at Effingham Hospital’s Community Room, 459 Ga. 119 South, Springfield. For information, call 754-9100.

High blood pressure

The Community Cardiovascular Council’s Blood Pressure Clinic offers help to people trying to control high blood pressure. If you need help controlling it and purchasing medications, make a free appointment to see if you qualify for services. Call the Rincon clinic, 826-2608, or the Savannah clinic, 232-6624.

Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church

Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2966 Ebenezer Road, located on the Savannah River at the end of Ebenezer Road, has Sunday school for adults and children each Sunday at 9:45 a.m. Worship service with Holy Communion follows at 11 a.m. A nursery is provided for children of all ages. Contact the church at 754-3915 if you have questions or need assistance.

Bible Lutheran Church

Bible Lutheran Church is located at 812 Blue Jay Road in Rincon. Sunday School for all ages starts each Sunday at 8:45 a.m. followed by worship service with Holy Communion at 10 a.m. For more information contact Pastor Andy Krey at 826-0206.

Bethel Lutheran Church

This historic Lutheran congregation invites you to worship service at 11 a.m. Sunday mornings. Sunday School for all ages begins at 9:45 a.m. Bethel is at 1984 Ga. 21 N., two miles north of Ga. 119 in Springfield. The Rev. Bob LeFavi is available for pastoral care or any questions at 912-667-1480.

Tabernacle of Faith

A breakfast fellowship will be held every Wednesday at
8 a.m. at Tabernacle of Faith, located at 540 W. Seventh St. in Rincon. For more information, call 713-3783.

Pierogi sale

St. Mary Magdalene Church, 1625 Fort Howard Road, Rincon, has a pierogi and bake sale from 10 a.m.-noon the first Saturday of the month. Info: 912-826-5176.

Liberty Christian Fellowship

Liberty Christian Fellowship, 302 Church St., Guyton, meets at 10:30 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Wednesdays. The Rev. Scott Stringer is the pastor. For information, call 912-772-5522.

Recovery ministry

First Baptist Church of Springfield offers a free Scripture-based recovery ministry based on the 12 steps. The program meets at 7 p.m. Mondays in the chapel, 1435 Ga. 119 N., Springfield. All are welcome. For information, go to fbc-springfield.org or call the church office at 912-754-3443.

St. John’s Lutheran Church

St. John’s, 301 N. Columbia Ave., Rincon, welcomes the community to share in God’s grace during Sunday school at 10 a.m. and church services at 11 a.m.

Med Bank

Med Bank, a volunteer organization, inviting anyone in Effingham County who lacks insurance for needed prescription medications to come in and begin the process to obtain free medicine through pharmaceutical companies’ programs. The clinic is held in the reception area of St. Luke Episcopal Church in Rincon, 155 Goshen Road, from 3-5 p.m. Wednesdays. Patients are asked to come with proof of income such as their latest tax return or last three paycheck stubs; medications lists; and physician information, if possible. For more information, contact executive director Liz Longshore at 912-373-6369.

Hwy. 30 Church of Christ

Highway 30 Church of Christ, 1952 Noel C. Conaway Road, meets at 9:30 a.m. Sundays for Bible study, 10:30 a.m. for morning worship and 6 p.m. for evening worship. Bible study also at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. For information, call 912-728-3819 or go to highway30cofc.truepath.com.

New ministry

Shepherds of Grace Church meets at 10:45 a.m. Sundays and at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 3605 Ga. 21 N., Rincon. For information, go to shepherdsofgrace.org or call Charles and Shirley Malphus at 912-663-6814.

St. Boniface Church Mass

St. Boniface Church, 1952 Ga. 21 South, Springfield, conducts Mass at 5 p.m. Saturdays and 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sundays. Call 912-754-7473 or go to sbcatholic.com.

Recovery ministry

First Baptist Church of Springfield offers a free Scripture-based recovery ministry based on the 12 steps. The program meets at 7 p.m. Mondays in the chapel, 1435 Ga. 119 N., Springfield. All are welcome. For information, go to fbc-springfield.org or call the church office at 912-754-3443.

St. Mary Magdalene Church

St. Mary Magdalene Orthodox Church, 1625 Fort Howard Road, Rincon, meets at 6 p.m. Saturdays (except the first) for Great Vespers. Sunday service schedule: Matins at 8:15 a.m., Hours at 9 a.m., Divine Liturgy at 9:30 and fellowship meal at 11 a.m. For information, go to stmarymagdalenerincon.org or call 912-826-5176.

St. Luke’s services

The Rev. Liam Collins, vicar of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 155 Goshen Road, Rincon, invites everyone to share in services at 9:30 a.m. Sundays and adult Bible study at 11 a.m. Prayers for Healing services are 6 p.m. Wednesdays. Office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. For pastoral care, the Rev. Liam can be reached at 912-398-6859 or 826-3332. Go to stlukesrincon.com.

Grace Community Awana

The Awana children’s program meets every Wednesday at Grace Community Church, 1094 Goshen Road in Rincon. Children ages 3 years through fifth grade are invited. For information, call 912-826-4204.

The Body 

First Baptist Church of Rincon hosts a weekly interactive worship experience for young adults (college age and 20-somethings) at 7 p.m. on Thursdays. “The Body” meets in the white building across the street from the Youth Center on Richland Avenue. Call 912-826-5536 for information.

Crossroads Church

Crossroads Church meets Sundays at the Savannah Baptist Assembly, 930 Honey Ridge Road in Guyton. Coffee and goodies start at 9:30 a.m. with music and message beginning at 10 a.m. Go to crossroadschurcheff.org.

Lighthouse Church

The Lighthouse Church meets every Sunday at 10 a.m. at the Effingham YMCA, 1224 Patriot Drive, Rincon. “The Lighthouse” is a church where the Bible is preached, God is exalted and the love of Jesus Christ is the theme. For information, call the Rev. Rick West at 656-6242.

Awana at Pineora Baptist

The Awana children’s program is every Wednesday at Pineora Baptist Church, 131 Elkins St., Guyton. A meal will be served at 6:15 p.m. Call 772-3044.

Youth fellowship

A youth fellowship gathering is held 1-3 p.m. every Saturday at the House of Prayer of Rincon on Fort Howard Road. Call 826-2570.

Crossroads 2 Recovery

Crossroads Church in Guyton offers a free Scripture-based recovery ministry based on 12 steps at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Savannah Baptist Assembly, 930 Honey Ridge Road, Guyton. For information, go to crossroadschurcheff.org or call the Rev. George Pabst at 441-0004.

Overcoming by Faith

Overcoming by Faith meets for worship at 1:30 p.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Thursdays at the Banquet Room, 135 Goshen Road Ext. For information, call 927-8601.