maranatha baptist church

We have driven to see and listen to former President Jimmy Carter at least 3 times at this small-town church. Each time he spoke about a current event/issue, then about a correlated spiritual story. He is a very moving speaker and I hope to see him speak again soon! He will even patiently pose with guests for pictures. There are a few historical sites and parks nearby too, so make a weekend of it.

Yes, that Jimmy, President Carter. And he teaches Sunday Bible class here per the schedule posted on their website. We went March 1, and what a treat it was! Service starts at 10:00 am and it's recommended that you get there 90 minutes ahead of time. We arrived about then and stood in line in 43 degree weather for about 20 minutes before entering the church. A parishioner welcomes you, (after the Secret Service checks you out), and gives you instructions on how to behave in the presence of our 39th president. And then he's there, and what a presence he is! For a 90 year old guy, he still commands the room! His 60 minute talk is both secular and religious, and he does an effective job on both subjects. We're glad we went!

If ever there has been a man who merged his faith with action, it is President Carter. In his 91st year it is a moving and rich spiritual experience to hear his easy to understand bible lessons. One does need to get up early if you want front row seats. When I attended in late September several folks were lined up at 7:30 am. The Secret Service check goes smoothly and the officers are very polite.Plains is a delightful though very small town. After the service many visitors went to a great cafeteria style restaurant in Plains.

My group enjoyed the experience of worshiping with an historic figure in a small setting. Pres. Carter's Sunday School lesson was relative to a Christian's daily life, and the chance to meet a former president was quite exciting. Seeing the Secret Service in action is quite interesting, too. Mrs. Jan, the church organizer, piano player, and choir member, keeps everyone on target. She seems like a drill sergeant, but she is just keeping things on track. She obviously has a heart of gold if you just peek behind all of the rules she has to give to help protect Pres. Carter. Nice, pretty church. Easy parking.

Having been to Plains in the summer, but unfortunately missing out on hearing President Carter, we decided to return to experience his Sunday School teaching.Although we arrived about 100 minutes before the start, there were already a number of people waiting outside the church. However the time passed quickly, as we were exchanging stories and experiences with others in the queue. This continued after we'd been allowed into the church, though we were given instructions on our expected decorum during the services and after the end of the service of worship, if we wanted out photo taken with President and Mrs Carter.And what a incredible man Mr Carter is. He spoke for about 50 minutes without once referring to notes. The only time he read was when he was referring to the Bible for the passage he was using to support his theme for the day.President Carter is retiring as a Deacon of the church at the end of the year, and during the church service, he was presented with a token of appreciation by the pastor. If ever there was a Sunday to choose to visit Maranatha Church, this was it, as that will never happen again.And during the time that visitors were having their photo taken with them, President and Mrs Carter were patience and grace personified. They even thanked us for coming!An wonderful experience and one I still find it hard to believe we've been through.

This was a great experience. I do not know why I haven't done it before now. We got to the church at 8:30. It took a little while to get through Secret Service, but they were efficient. There were instructions on what to do. This lasted a while, and there was a fair amount of down time. When President Carter came out, he was so casual and relaxed. He used the regular Sunday School book but tied the lesson to current events and filled us in in his family. There was one minister there. She was invited to say opening prayer. President Carter is 90, but he sure does not show it. I was amazed at his knowledge, deep faith and willingness to continue to work. After the service, we lined up for photos. Truly a wonderful experience!

We of course traveled here with our family to hear President Jimmy Carter teach Sunday School. We had it all built up in our minds and I cannot tell you how amazing it was. I was just so surprised and elated that this was something so special to share with our kids. The church has hosting visitors and the Secret Service down to a science. They were so kind and appreciative of everyones trek to share a sunday morning service with them. The pastor truly made the experience wonderful. Jimmy Carter is 89 and still sharp as a tack! He could run circles around me at 39 I know. Truly he and his wife Rosalynn are both an inspiration. TIP: Children's church was offered for the little ones. TIP: Get there at 7:45am if you want to be in the front! TIP: You will be there until church is completely over at noon. Then you will take pictures on the lawn with President Carter. Takes maybe 20 minutes MAX after church service is over. TIP: There is only one restaurant to eat for lunch after church in Plains, Ga. Ask the pastor and he will happily give you directions.

I would recommend this experience to anyone from any walk of life. President Carter is a Christian in the most sincere sense. i came away from this experience in awe. It was quite evident that this great, humble man is thrilled to teach and preach to anyone and everyone who walks through the door. You really have to be there to understand. His words and actions make the Gospel very plain and clear. I am grateful that President Carter is my childrens' favorite president, and also our most respected diplomat around the world.

I've attended the Maranatha Baptist Church on several occasions. Attending a Sunday School taught by a U.S. President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate is an inspiring and indelible experience. The people of Plains are magnanimous in their hospitality and the church has an open door for all who wish to attend church. Videotaped Sunday School lessons are available for purchase and the proceeds of the sales and tithes are used to help needy families in Plains. Everything about Maranatha Baptist Church exemplifies the best qualities of true Christian hospitality and compassion. It is what every church should be. Focused on faith. Focused on compassion. Focused on service to others.

I was not sure how Mr. Carter's Sunday School class would be. But after it was over, I had even more respect for him. He is an amazing Christian. I can't say that I have always agreed with his politics, but this was not about politics. We were learning from a well versed Christian and an amazing man who stays active in his senior years. I am proud to call Mr. & Mrs. Carter my Christian brother and sister. We also enjoyed Ms. Jan's instructions before the service about "what to do & what not to do". She definitely looks out for the Carter's and makes sure the class goes smoothly. The worship service after Sunday School and then getting a picture made with the Carters also added to our enjoyment. I am glad the Secret Service men continue to protect the Carter's cause I hope they are around for a long time. But after all, a safe event for them keeps everyone at the church safe so no attendee should mind the inspection by the Secret Service.

We checked the church website to be sure President Carter would be teaching Sunday School. Stayed Saturday night in Americus, GA and got to the church by 7:45. Arrival at 8:15 would be fine as the line into church forms at 8:30. (Please read other reviews which accurately describe the preparations and instructions.) At 10:00 President Carter talked about the current world situation and taught a lesson on forgiveness, speaking for 45 minutes. We stayed for church which was over at noon. Be sure to have a camera as guests can have their pictures taken with President and Mrs. Carter. This was an experience we will never forget.

Very welcoming congregation and even the Secret Service folks were friendly. Having President Carter brief you on current events and then teach a lesson was really something to remember. Check for his schedule if you plan to go, and take your camera, too!

We were looking forward to this for months. We stayed in Americus and drove in the morning (about 20 minutes) to get to church. We were there by 8:15 AM. The line formed at 8:30. We got second row. Preparations and instructions before President Carter's arrival was meticulous and thorough. He spoke with knowledge, authority and wisdom that was captivating. This was followed by other speakers, who were excellent also. Overall, one of our most memorable experiences!. To top this off, we get to have a picture taken with President and Mrs. Carter.Tips: Get in there before 8:30, and this guarantees a good seat. Take only minimum stuff with you when you enter the church. A small camera is a must. After service, another line is formed for photos, and they want you to keep everything (coats, bags etc) with you for the picture. Make sure camera battery is charged. Photos are taken by a church person for all visitors and this is very helpful.

Every family with young children should take the time to make a weekend trip to Plains on a Sunday that President Carter is teaching Sunday School. Plan to get there at 8:30 AM (check the website for the dates he's teaching). You will enter via Secret Service search and then a remarkable woman ("Miss Jan") will orient you and give you the information you need to make the experience most meaningful and enjoyable. President Carter is a gentle, humble man with an amazing Biblical knowledge from his personal study and personal experience. We came away with encouragement from his teaching and with a new appreciation for his character. It's awe-inspiring to be sitting there under the teaching of an 89 year old former president! The chance to worship with the local congregation should not be passed up--and an extra benefit to staying for worship is the opportunity to have a photo made with President and Mrs. Carter after worship.

We went to see President Jimmy Carter teach Sunday school. It was a great experience. I highly reccomend it. President Carter spoke to us after returning from his trip to Nepal. His combination of current events,living history, and bible teaching was something to behold. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of it.