OhWow! It's a BIG Milestone - Messages and Best Wishes from Family and Friends in the BIGMilestones GuestBook

Date: 11/02/2003
Name: Jill (Lanspery) Staton
Email Address: jstaton@carolina.rr.com
Homepage: None
Country: USA
Comments: Dear Dr. Meeks, What a wonderful accomplishment - 30 years! When I think of you I appreciate your kindness to everyone, your sense of humor, and your passion and commitment to the church. Our paths don't cross that often anymore, but I hope you know that you are still an important part of my family. Congratulations and well wishes for the future! Jill

Date: 11/02/2003
Name: Linda and Stephen Nelms
Email Address: slnelms@hartcom.net
Homepage: None
Country: N/A
Comments: Ken, Congratulations on your 30 years in ministry! Thanks for all you have done for all of us in Northeast Georgia Presbytery. We look forward to many more years of serving God with you in Northeast Georgia. Something you said recently during a presbytery-related meeting: "Two questions to which the answer is 'Nothing' - 1) What does it mean when a minister takes off his/her watch and places it on the pulpit ... nothing ... and 2) What does it mean when a minister retires ... nothing ... Be careful what you say - it could come back to haunt you! Blessings to you and Jane! Linda and Stephen

Date: 11/02/2003
Name: Pat Meeks
Email Address: pmeeks2@midsouth.rr.com
Homepage: None
Country: N/A
Comments: Dear Baby Brother: Ok, so "Baby Brother" may be a strange way to address a guy who's 6'3", but even after 35 years, it's hard for me to call you "Ken" since I grew up calling you "Gavin"! Congratulations on this milestone! Thirty years as a minister---that's a whole lot of preaching, and counseling, and listening along with all the mundane administrative tasks that go along with that job description. You have done it all very well with a steady faith and a personal intensity that makes you who you are. I am very proud of you, my brother, for both your professional and your personal accomplishments. You have obviously made a difference in the lives of many people---church members, family and friends. You have always been there for me. I will continue to treasure our lengthy long distance phone calls when we tackle whatever crisis is on the menu for the day! I wish you continued health and happiness. I am truly blessed to have you as a brother and a friend! Love, Pat

Date: 11/02/2003
Name: Lorraine & Ken Meeks
Email Address: kgmeeks@juno.com
Homepage: None
Country: N/A
Comments: Dear Gavin: Congratulations. We were of course very proud when you decided to become a minister. (Thought you were going to be a politician!) Now we are even more proud that you have been successful in so many phases of the ministry including your present position as EXEC. Just think -- another 10 years or so and you can retire to the golf course -- By that time the lessons will have paid off. We love you. Keep up the good work. Mama and Dad.

Date: 10/30/2003
Name: George Kaulbach
Email Address: None
Homepage: None
Country: N/A
Comments: At least I can say you are visible, even if I cannot hear you! Which is not your fault, but I'll use my deafness to the maximun when it suits me. Ken, you are a brother in Christ and I am the better for it. Enough mauldin! I don't want to spoil you or pump up your ego. In any event, congratulations on hanging in there over the years.

Date: 10/30/2003
Name: Jeff Newlin
Email Address: jnewlin@reidchurch.org
Homepage: None
Country: USA
Comments: Ken, Best wishes on the 30th anniversary of your ordination. I admire the healthy balance that you evidence in your life, (from afar, at least, it looks like you really have your act together) and I am very grateful to you for the emphasis on healthy congregations that you bring to NE GA Presbytery and to Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church. Jeff Newlin

Date: 10/30/2003
Name: Clarice Marsden
Email Address: claricemarsden@hotmail.com
Homepage: None
Country: England
Comments: Hello Ken, Congratulations on your 30th Anniversary in the Ministry,from your English Auntie Clarice. One of the best decisions of my life was writing to you after seeing your photograph in the Charlotte Observer. I thought you may be a relative, as my maiden name was Meeks. This started a wonderful friendship between us. Jim and I really enjoyed meeting yourself and Jane when you came to see us when we lived on Lake Norman. Thanks again for your kindness to Jim during his illness and your help to me after he passed away. It was lovely when you included me in your family celebrations on Christmas Eves - weather permitting!! Pauline has done this e-mail for me, as I have not yet learned how to do these. Best wishes from allyour English friends, Pauline and Piers, Muriel, Verna and Margaret. Congratulations again. With Love from Clarice.

Date: 10/29/2003

Date: 10/29/2003
Name: Pam Driesell
Email Address: pam@opcusa.org
Homepage: None
Country: N/A
Comments: Ken - I am so thankful for your visionary leadership in this presbytery, for your mentoring role in my life as a new pastor, and for your friendship as a brother in Christ! My respect for you as a person of passion and integrity in ministry grows and grows as we continue to work together. Thank you for all the years of faithful service in the Kingdom...and may God continue to bless your ministry - making it fruitful for years to come! Congratulations and gratitude - Pam Driesell Ephesians 2:10

Date: 10/28/2003
Name: Beecher Mathes
Email Address: None
Homepage: None
Country: N/A
Comments: "Celebrate! Celebrate! Dance to the music!" Is that from the 70's? Seems like I remember it too. Best wishes to you, Ken. Congratulations on your anniversary. Thirty years of anything these days is an incredible treasure. Aren't we glad that God's faithfulness gives us such a wondrous example of stick-to-it-tive-ness? Many thanks for your good heart and your hard work in our Presbytery everyday. Blessings & peace to you and yours.

Date: 10/28/2003
Name: David Bailey
Email Address: davidbailey@charter.net
Homepage: None
Country: N/A
Comments: Ken- It was 23 years ago when I was lucky enough to serve as a student intern at Bethpage under your supervision, and I thought you were a veteran then! Claire joins me in sending hearty congratulations on your 30th anniversary as an ordained minister. I learned more from you than you can imagine. You showed me what the perseverance of the saints is all about in your determination to care about people no matter what and to face situations head on. You accepted me though my personality and style were quite different from yours. You allowed your life to be transparent so I could learn from all that went on, not just some. I suspect that you are in the perfect job to utilize your gifts and experience, and that your presbytery is benefitting greatly. Thanks for everything, and God bless you. Your friend, David

Date: 10/27/2003
Name: Ricardo and Julie Vargas
Email Address: rvargas@nc.rr.com
Homepage: None
Country: N/A
Comments: Ken, Wow! Congratulations on 30 years of ministry. I have thought the world of you since I was a little girl and I still do. It was so very special for you to be a part of our wedding. Thank you for sharing our special day with us. I wish you, Jane, Josh, and Ian only the best. Here's to 30 more years! Love, Julie and Ricardo Vargas, Andrea, and Elena

Date: 10/27/2003
Name: Bill Quarles
Email Address: billquarles@inetgenesis.com
Homepage: None
Country: USA
Comments: Ken, Congradulations on your 30th anviversary and may there be as many more aniversaries as you would like. I pray they will all be rewarding and "fun." Grace and Peace Bill PS How did you find such a thoughtful wife?

Date: 10/26/2003
Name: Bruce and Sylvia Butler
Email Address: wobutler@hotmail.com
Homepage: None
Country: N/A
Comments: Ken – Congratulations on a wonderful milestone. For us it’s been almost forty years, can you believe we made it this far, especially after the many trips home from school in the VW with no heater? I fondly remember our days rooming together at The Citadel, and all the times I dropped in from around the world unannounced. I know you look back and wonder about Sylvia and I being your “first” marriage, and would it ever last? Guess the first time is the charm. It was special for us to have you there. You’re the best. See you next year at our 35th reunion. Bruce

Date: 10/24/2003
Name: Jenny Linebarrier
Email Address: JLinebarrier@hotmail.com
Homepage: None
Country: USA
Comments: Dear Ken: Where do I begin? From babies to teenagers to weddings, and more babies, etc. Where have all the years gone? You and Jane have been such a wonderful part of the lives of the Linebarrier and Parks (and now Vargas) family for so many years! CONGRATULATIONS on 30 years in the ministry. Our lives have been so blessed by having you as a part of our church family and a very very special friend always. We love you and your family and will always consider you as a part of our family. Take care and may God richly bless you and your family in the years to come. (P.S. I saw the new truck--made me remember the old orange one of years past!) Love always, Jenny and Steve Linebarrier

Date: 10/23/2003
Name: Joyce Gilland
Email Address: jgilland@carolina.rr.com
Homepage: None
Country: N/A
Comments: Dear Ken, You must really be getting old to have been doing this that long,(like I can talk!) I am very proud of you and send you all the best. I really appreciate your being there through all our joys and sorrows. I'm so fortunate that you were the one who ordained me as an elder.You made us really work hard for the privilage, while encouraging our walk in faith.Your expertise in your profession and your gentle spirit(at times!) are qualities that I admire. Thank you for the memories... I have alot of them.Congratulations and enjoy all the tributes people are sending you. Love ya' lots, Joyce Gilland p.s. I really must love you because this is the second time that I have typed this, and you know my love of computers!

Date: 10/22/2003
Name: Tim Gilland
Email Address: tgilland@carolina.rr.com
Homepage: None
Country: USA
Comments: Well, well, well. 30 years and a pick-up truck... wasn't that a song by Don McClain? What ever it is, to me it's very fitting that you receive these accolades and you cherish them one and all. Because we are the people that call you friend. Some of us you informed, some of us you helped, and some of us you changed for the better. You did not have to, but that was your calling... you gift. And we all thank God for his bringing you to our lives. So kick back and enjoy the day, Big Guy! But keep doing what you are doing, because if you stop, you couldn't fall back on the Seniors Golf Tour. Thanks for all that you have done for our family. Tim Gilland

Date: 10/22/2003
Name: Barbara Walker
Email Address: Smooty44@aol.com
Homepage: None
Country: N/A
Comments: Ken, (KGMMOG), Where do I begin...I guess, at the beginning. How Dave and I were blessed to start our married life in Richmond with you and Jane there. I remember the nights of bridge, Tripoli, supper at the Group Home, and, of course, "moving day" for you and Jane to begin your journey in the ministry. I remember well the trip to Louisiana for a week with you guys. Took the train down, and it was so horrible, even I wanted to fly back (after I had taken enough sedatives, that is!) That week was wonderful, especially with you two awaiting the arrival of your first child! Although we didn't see each other much during the last 20 some years, you are right when you say when we did see each other, it was like we had never been apart. I truly beieve it was "meant to be" that you and Jane were here last Christmas to say your goodbyes to Dave. As we had started out together, it was only fitting that you were here for Dave's departure. I often said I had never heard you "preach" in the 30 years you were in the ministry, but on December 28, 2002, I got to hear you - and what a sermon it was! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Congratulations and all good wishes to you and Jane for many years to come. You have touched many lives and I know you will continue to do so. We will always be the "circle of friends". I love you guys, too. Barbara

Date: 10/21/2003
Name: Jerrod B. Lowry
Email Address: ape4seti@hotmail.com
Homepage: None
Country: N/A
Comments: Ken A very hearty congradulations for 30 years of ministry. The pictures desplayed on the web page may have been enough to cause you to blush, or regret not burning them earlier; so i'm not even goin' to mention where i was thirty years ago when you began your ministry! (I'm 24) But may God continue to bless you, your family, and your ministry. Shalom Jerrod B. Lowry

Date: 10/20/2003
Name: Phillip Dennis
Email Address: None
Homepage: None
Country: N/A
Comments: Dear Ken, Congratulations on a life of ministry well lived and thank you for the guidance and inspiration that you have offered me. Your reputation as a "pastor's pastor" was a comfort as I found my call here in Northeast Georgia, and that reputation has certainly proved true. It is clear that your perseverence has been an important part of how God is working transformation through you in this presbytery. I thank you and I thank God for you. Peace, Phillip Dennis

Date: 10/20/2003
Name: Robert Hunt
Email Address: gapreach@webtv.net
Homepage: None
Country: N/A
Comments: You have made a beginning. Keep going there's lots ahead.
Bob Hunt

Date: 10/20/2003
Name: Charlie Cook
Email Address: charlesecook@juno.com
Homepage: None
Country: N/A
Comments: TO KEN MEEKS

I retired – and did not know it then
That my successor would be Ken
And I’m so glad you are the one
Who inherited all that Presbytery fun

I’ve heard what a great job you do
And I’ve heard it not just from a few
For everywhere I turn – it seems
When you are mentioned – everyone beams

I guess there may be one or two
Who don’t know how to appreciate you
But I’m sure that as time goes by
You’ll win them over - you good guy

You’ve thirty years under your belt
Of serving in this calling you felt
Congratulations on those thirty years
May many more, you serve, with cheers

I cannot think of a single one
No one else under the sun
Whom I’d rather see in my old job
Not Sam – or Bill – or Sue – or Bob

It’s only a special person – “as it were”
Whom God would call to be Presbyter
And you are the very one - I know
Who can help this Presbytery GO!

Charlie Cook

Date: 10/20/2003
Name: Bob Bohler
Email Address: None
Homepage: None
Country: N/A
Comments: Dear Ken, Congratulations on your 30 year anniversary of ordained ministry! I am glad to know of someone who has been in this a little longer than I have (and who isn't retired yet). It is good to have someone among us that understand that ACC basketball is really KING in spite of what all these SEC football fanatics might say. You are doing a great job as our exec. Thank you for all the work, energy, imagination, and enthusiasm. May God continue to bless you in all you do and your family as well. Bob Bohler

Date: 10/20/2003
Name: Jim and Nancy Heyl
Email Address: jnhey@charter.net
Homepage: None
Country: N/A
Comments: We thank God for sending you here. It takes a special talent to continue the tradition of leadership which NEGA has been blessed with. We thank you especially for your readiness to share whatever you are asked to give...and we pray that God will not let the well go dry! We love you. Nancy and Jim

Date: 10/19/2003
Name: "Mom" Mando
Email Address: None
Homepage: None
Country: usa
Comments: Ken, congratulations on all you've accomplished and may all the years to follow bring you nothing but the best. Love "Mom" Mando

Date: 10/18/2003
Name: Mal & Sandy Mallinson
Email Address: sandymal@bigplanet.com
Homepage: None
Country: N/A
Comments: We share your joy, and appreciate that NEGA has you and Jane now! Mal says, "Just stay on the horse and keep riding!"

Date: 10/18/2003
Name: Anne and John Homer
Email Address: ajhga@hotmail.com
Homepage: None
Country: N/A
Comments: Wish we could have been there to celebrate with you but the "happening" is a week early. Your Kingdom work has been evident in NEGA Presbytery and we thank God for your efforts in His behalf. John will see you for lunch as scheduled earlier. Blessings to you! Anne and John

Date: 10/18/2003
Name: Chuck Hasty
Email Address: chuck@columbusfpc.org
Homepage: None
Country: USA
Comments: Ken: I have fond memories of our fruitful EP Search! I miss our "Bishop" meetings while I was COM chair! Keep on keeping on! Grace and Peace, Chuck

Date: 10/18/2003
Name: Susie and Ford G'Segner
Email Address: cornfield@mindspring.com
Homepage: None
Country: N/A
Comments: Best wishes and thanks for your support.

Date: 10/18/2003
Name: Melvin Lowry
Email Address: melvinlowry@msn.com
Homepage: None
Country: USA
Comments: Ken, I could not miss the opportunity to congratulate you on this milestone in your life and career. From the moment I met you, I knew that "you were the one" (ala "NEO" from THE MATRIX). You were able to see clearly what a Search Committee could only see dimly. We knew that as "Trekkers" we wanted to "boldly go where we had not gone before". Speaking of a roller coaster (joy) ride, I believe NEGA Presbytery ain't seen nothing, yet! We are just beginning to share this ride with you and Jane. I hope we allow ourselves to sit back and enjoy the ride. So far, it's been a gas, for me. Congratulations on 30th years of ministry, and thank you, not only for your leadership, but for your friendship. Luv you and Jane. Melvin and Faye Lowry

Date: 10/17/2003
Name: faye and norm grayson
Email Address: norm@graysonrealty.com
Homepage: http://www.graysonrealty.com
Country: usa
Comments: THANK YOU ...Ken Meeks....for being the dedicated person you are and coming to NEGaPres....things have been in a changing mood and you pitched in and led the way...we LEAN on you a LOT and if the others leaned as hard, you would have a difficult time keeping pace....now we must tell something everyone knows.....JANE DESERVES MUCHO CREDIT we LOVE YA!!!! faye and norm

Date: 10/17/2003
Name: K. Travis Adams
Email Address: mtnpres@alltel.net
Homepage: None
Country: N/A
Comments: Ken it is wonderful to see one who has lost more hair over thier job than me. Or perhaps it is true that those with less hair have a greater brain capacity. No, that can't be correct because Frank would then be the brainiest of all! Anyway thank you for giving of yourself to us as part of your ministry and for sharing your wisdom, wit, faith and vision. God continue to bless you, Jane and all those your ministry has touched. agape, Travis

Date: 10/17/2003
Name: Martha Courie
Email Address: m.s.courie@prodigy.net
Homepage: None
Country: N/A
Comments: Congratulations on 30 years! You have survived with style and are still going strong. Martha

Date: 10/17/2003
Name: Frank Colladay
Email Address: frankcolladay@alltel.net
Homepage: None
Country: N/A
Comments: Ken– I have had the pleasure of working with you since you began your adventure here in Northest Georgia Presbytery. How lucky for me! The one thing I have learned from you is how not to give a short answer. ;–)) Haven't figured out yet if that is good or bad. Congratulations, dear friend.

Date: 10/14/2003
Name: Eloise and Jack Squires
Email Address: esquires@intrex.net
Homepage: None
Country: USA
Comments: Congratulations. Anne Lowdermilk is my sister and you attended my mother's funeral in Chapel Hill to offer her and CV your support. What a wonderful and kind thing to do. Happy 30th anniversary.

Date: 10/13/2003
Name: Joe and Evelyn
Email Address: None
Homepage: None
Country: N/A
Comments: Ken, Congratulations. It hardly seems possible that 30 years has passed. What a wonderful milestone to reach at such an early age. You have served so many faithfully over the past 30 years and have always led by example. Sometimes family, especially in-laws, are the last to acknowledge the contributions you have made to your fellow man and family. Thanks for all you have meant to our family. We congtatulate you and wish you many years of continued successful service.

Date: 10/13/2003
Name: Josh Meeks
Email Address: mckmaster@hotmail.com
Homepage: http://www.freewebs.com/5family
Country: USA
Comments: Well, well, 30 years as a preacher, that's more years than I've been around! Heck you even found time to try and steer your eldest son on the right path. Too bad I was sometimes too stubborn to see it at the time(s), but you really have done a great job. Everywhere you go, you seem to touch people in a positive way and make their lives better through your compassionate ear and sagely advice. When I look at people I know and their fathers, I am so glad to have had you for mine. Many people can talk about the Word and preach it, but you always lead by example in the way you treat others, never looking down on anyone and always simply trying to help, sometimes at cost to yourself. Here's to a great 30 years and to many more once you retire (yea right, like you'd ever retire, ha ha). Love ya Dad you're the best!!! love, Josh

Date: 10/12/2003
Name: Susan Ledford Duncan
Email Address: museummaven@aol.com
Homepage: None
Country: USA
Comments: What a great milestone!! Congratulations and many good wishes from your cousin, Susan, in Florida. Would love to have you come for a visit. It's been a lot of years since we all lived in Charleston and it looks like you've made all of those years count. Good for you!

Date: 10/12/2003
Name: Ian (his baby boy) and Cynthia
Email Address: Flounder256@hotmail.com
Homepage: None
Country: N/A
Comments: Over the years as I've grown up in our household, I've seen some fun, weird, and sometimes stressful events go on. We've always been there for one another through thick and thin, and I know that it all started with the great love that not only God bestowed upon my parents when they first started their journey together 34 years ago. Without them or the love they taught me through God, I know it would have been difficult to get through some of the events in my life. There's no one else I would rather hear preach on a Sunday morning, or someone's sermon I'd rather sleep through then my Dad's. Of course, the sleeping was more in effect when I was younger (hehe). I've always tried to match the faith that Dad has taught me through not only church, but through his strong love for us as a father. It's hard to believe that he actually got a technical foul once when he was my basketball coach in Nolensville, TN. I've never seen the vein in his forehead get so red and puffy! We've already come to the conclusion that he won't ever stop preaching even if retirement comes. He'll find someway to fill in for those few rookies that get sick or something. I think he must pray really hard sometimes on the golf course too. You'd be amazed at the shots he comes up with when he gets a phone call from the Presbytery during the shot!! One chip shot almost went in the hole, and he ended up parring the hole. There's nothing I wouldn't do for him or the rest of my family and friends. He's taught me so many valuable things in life about myself and others. I only wish that I can be half the man my father is one day. I know that Cynthia and I will try to raise our family the way him and mom, as well as Cynthia's parents raised us, and that love will surround our home. We both Congratulate you on your dedication to the Presbytery and love you with all our hearts. So many have been blessed to hear your words of encouragement over the years. Here's to more years to come!

Date: 09/25/2003
Name: Everyone
Email Address: all@bigmilestones.com
Homepage: http://www.bigmilestones.com
Country: N/A
Comments: Ken, May we all be some of the first to wish you many congratulations on your reaching this important milestone. Best Wishes for another 30 years from all of us at The OhNo! Card Company