Presented by: Tayna Rains

Workshop description:

We may live in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, but the culture of Appalachia is alive and well on Sand Mountain.  The Appalachian culture can present challenges in working with those God calls us to serve.  It is often hard for people to accept the help they may need.  While they are grateful for your desire to help, they worry that someone else might need it more than they do.  In describing the area I have always called home, I most often use the word “different.”  Sand Mountain is a place where respect and dignity are more valuable than gold and silver- so our work must focus on offering a hand up rather than a hand out.  Join me to learn more about this area, the mission work that Upper Sand Mountain Parish has been doing here for 43 years, and how you can serve with us as we seek to pour out God’s blessings to the mountain.

Time: Friday 9 to 11 a.m.

Bio: Tayna Rains is a lifelong member of the Upper Sand Mountain Parish as a member of Dutton United Methodist Church.  She graduated in 1996 from the University of Montevallo with a degree in social science concentrating in political science and sociology.  Upon gradation, uncertain of what she wanted to do, she followed God’s call to help those who were in need.  She spent the first 10 years of her career helping address issues of homelessness, mental illness, and substance abuse.  Tayna was hired to be the Ministry Center Coordinator at USMP in October 2007, the Interim Director in September 2008, and the Director in December 2008. Tayna is the first lay person (and first woman) to hold this position in the Parish’s 42 year history. Tayna is active in her community serving on the town’s council and library board.  She has a 10 year old daughter named Claudessa Rose.