Two pastors —- one in Georgia and one in California —- are collaborating long distance to bring the same month-long sermon series to their congregants: "What would you do if you only had 31 days to live?"

Beginning March 2, Philip Nation at Lake Ridge Church in Cumming, and Jeff Langley of Cloudbreak Church in San Diego, will lead worshippers through a time of self examination.

The men have been friends for two years, meeting through a church network. Langley has Georgia ties from his days as a University of Georgia student.

The men developed a website, www.31daystolive.com, as a tool to bring the two churches together. New information will be added to the site as the series unfolds, and a blog will give participants a chance to share their thoughts and personal stories.

"What we're hoping is that the connection between the people here that engage in it, and in San Diego, is that it might turn into something that we continue to do, connecting two different communities," said Nation.

Sunday's kickoff in Cumming will include lively music and new video-driven elements in the children's ministry area "to get them up and moving." Discussion groups will meet during the week, offering worshippers a chance to talk about the topic and their personal answers.

Nation said one of the common replies to the question is, "I would love my family better." He plans to address what love looks like, not just psychologically but what the Bible says about family members loving one another.

The focus won't be negative or depressing. The atmosphere will be celebratory, Nation said, with "joyful answers rather than somber monologues. How do you make the very most out of life and the engagement of your faith into that?"

Stepping out to serve the community is an important element to this series, according to Nation. He stressed that while Forsyth is listed as the 13th wealthiest U.S. county by Forbes magazine, and the only Georgia county to make the top 25, there are hidden social needs.

One project adopted by Lake Ridge members is a partnership with Abba House, a shelter for women dealing with substance abuse. Church members spent a recent Saturday working at the facility, and the next day some Abba House residents visited a Lake Ridge service.

The California pastor hopes this series will help his people discover the really important things in life, and free them from "just existing" so they can live a life of excitement and risk.

"Risk can be rewarding, but it can also be scary," said Langley. "People are sometimes willing to put up with the mundane because they wrongly believe they can control it. Then, they end up miserable. God never called us to a life of safety. He calls us to truly live."

Lake Ridge Church Sunday services begin at 10:30 a.m. at South Forsyth High School, 585 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming. 678-557-1224, www.lakeridgechurch.net.

NOTEBOOK: Community Action Center

Volunteers are being sought to work shifts each month in the thrift boutique or food pantry, or assist clients by answering phone requests and conducting client interviews. Additional volunteers are needed to conduct ESOL classes. Weekday, evening and weekend hours are available. For information on the nonprofit organization, visit the Web site at www.ourcac.org, call 770-552-4889, or e-mail volunteers@ourcac.org.

Dunwoody UMC

The Louisiana State University A Capella Choir performs at 7 tonight with honor choirs from Milton and Alpharetta high schools and Darlington School. A suggested donation of $10 benefits missions in New Orleans. 1548 Mount Vernon Road. 770-394-0675, www.dunwoodyumc.org.

Roswell UMC

> Kenn Kington will headline a Clean Comedy Night at 7:30 p.m. Friday. The opening act is musician Kevin Lawson. Tickets are $9, and can be purchased at www.rumc.com/comedy. www.kennkington.com. www.kevinlawson.com.

> "The Strange Side of God" a daylong lecture series by Jim Fleming, founder and director of the Explorations in Antiquity Center near LaGrange, will take place 8:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $30, lunch included. Child care is available by reservation. 814 Mimosa Blvd. 770-993-6218. 770-261-1732, www.rumc.com.

Bridgeway Church

A "Walk Through the New Testament" seminar will be held 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday for sixth-graders through adults, with "Kids in the New Testament" for kids in grades K-5. Nursery care is available. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door and include lunch and workbook. Child care is $20. Reservations are required. 770-751-1972, www.bridgeway.net.

Northbrook UMC

A Red Cross blood drive will be held 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday. 11225 Crabapple Road, Roswell. 770-998-2000, www.northbrookumc.org.

Cumming First UMC

Andre' Kessler, a Holocaust survivor, will speak at 7 p.m. Wednesday, courtesy of the Breman Jewish Heritage Museum. Child care available by reservation. 770 Canton Highway. 770-887-2900, www.cfumcga.com.

Episcopal Church of St. Peter and St. Paul

A service of Evensong with music for Lent will be held at 4 p.m. March 9, featuring Herbert Buffington as guest organist, and the church's chancel choir conducted by Gregory Colson.

The church is at 1795 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta. 770-977-7473, www.peterandpaul.org.

CONTACT US

> Candice Hannigan, 5865 North Point Parkway, Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30022; fax 404-526-5746; or e-mail candihan@bellsouth.net. Items are needed 10 days in advance of publication.