Welcome HOME, Tony Jones!
The Board of Trustees of Sumatanga Camp and Conference Center is pleased to announce the naming of Kenneth Anthony “Tony” Jones as its new Executive Director effective November 2, 2020. Tony, who fell in love with Sumatanga many years ago, was selected from a field of qualified candidates and after an extensive selection process. The Trustees feel certain that his skills and talents in relationship building and leadership are exactly what Sumatanga needs during this time in our restoration journey.
Tony is an Elder in the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church where he has been in full time ministry for the past 15 years, most recently serving as the Senior Pastor at Isom’s Chapel in Athens. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama and Candler School of Theology, Emory University where he obtained his Masters of Divinity in 2010. His career in ministry has led him to Sumatanga many times and in many different capacities: Spiritual Director on many Emmaus Walks and Chrysalis Flights, as well as serving as the Spiritual Director for the Emmaus Community, Youth Retreats, Summer Camps, Church retreats, Confirmation Classes and baptisms to name a few. He currently serves on the Ministry Team for Summer Camp and is slated to lead a Youth Camp in June 2021.
Tony and his wife, Shannon, will live on campus, and they are both excited to be making Sumatanga their home. “Shannon and I are incredibly humbled, excited, and a little anxious about the new ministry opportunity set before us,” says Tony. “The sacred and holy ground that is Camp Sumatanga holds meaningful memories for many generations, whether just beginning our walk with God or continuing to grow in our faith. To ensure that Camp Sumatanga will continue to provide significant and relevant opportunities for the current and future generations, your prayers, love, trust, and support are vital to our mission. Let us join hearts in one accord with the author of Hebrews: ‘Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.’ Please pray for Shannon and me as we continue the legacy that was started long ago by such a “great cloud of witnesses.”
In addition to welcoming Tony and Shannon, please join us in thanking Daphne Orr who has served as the Interim Executive Director for the past fifteen months and has provided much needed onsite leadership and assistance to the Sumatanga Action Team during this unprecedented time in the Sumatanga’s history. We are grateful for her recent service as well as the many years she served on staff.
And, we are grateful for your love of Sumatanga, your dedication and your loyal support. Thank you!
Tony is an Elder in the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church where he has been in full time ministry for the past 15 years, most recently serving as the Senior Pastor at Isom’s Chapel in Athens. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama and Candler School of Theology, Emory University where he obtained his Masters of Divinity in 2010. His career in ministry has led him to Sumatanga many times and in many different capacities: Spiritual Director on many Emmaus Walks and Chrysalis Flights, as well as serving as the Spiritual Director for the Emmaus Community, Youth Retreats, Summer Camps, Church retreats, Confirmation Classes and baptisms to name a few. He currently serves on the Ministry Team for Summer Camp and is slated to lead a Youth Camp in June 2021.
Tony and his wife, Shannon, will live on campus, and they are both excited to be making Sumatanga their home. “Shannon and I are incredibly humbled, excited, and a little anxious about the new ministry opportunity set before us,” says Tony. “The sacred and holy ground that is Camp Sumatanga holds meaningful memories for many generations, whether just beginning our walk with God or continuing to grow in our faith. To ensure that Camp Sumatanga will continue to provide significant and relevant opportunities for the current and future generations, your prayers, love, trust, and support are vital to our mission. Let us join hearts in one accord with the author of Hebrews: ‘Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.’ Please pray for Shannon and me as we continue the legacy that was started long ago by such a “great cloud of witnesses.”
In addition to welcoming Tony and Shannon, please join us in thanking Daphne Orr who has served as the Interim Executive Director for the past fifteen months and has provided much needed onsite leadership and assistance to the Sumatanga Action Team during this unprecedented time in the Sumatanga’s history. We are grateful for her recent service as well as the many years she served on staff.
And, we are grateful for your love of Sumatanga, your dedication and your loyal support. Thank you!
