THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 18, 1994 TAG: 9412160223
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close Up
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
LENGTH: Medium: 84 lines
FOR METHODIST MINISTER Alan Felumlee, Christmas isn't only the traditional things like trimming the tree and shopping for presents.
For Felumlee, it's that special time of year when he and his family can break away from all other activities and gather together to celebrate the birth of Christ as a personal savior.
``It's a very special time,'' he said, ``because the day after Christmas we go visit both our families in Ohio. It's the only time that we get to see everyone and spend quality time with both sides of the family.
``It's also the season that people tend to be especially happy and joyful. I was talking with someone from the Jewish faith recently and he said he likes Christmas because people seem to be happier.''
Felumlee, 41, came to Suffolk more than a year ago to head Main Street United Methodist Church in Suffolk.
Before coming to Suffolk, he was minister at Bethany United Methodist Church in Gloucester County for 10 years.
This year in Suffolk, Felumlee said there will be a special Christmas Eve service at 11 p.m. at the church. He said he hopes to make the service a yearly event.
Name: Alan R. Felumlee
What brought you to Suffolk? I came to Suffolk in July 1993 as pastor of Main Street United Methodist Church.
Hometown: Newark, Ohio.
Birthdate: July 30, 1953.
Occupation: Methodist minister.
Marital status: Married to Bettie Ann Seaman Felumlee, a teacher at Elephant's Fork Elementary School in Suffolk.
Children: Jonathan, 13, and Joanna, 12. Both are students at John F. Kennedy Middle School.
Favorite movies: ``The Great Houdini'' and ``Schindler's List.''
Favorite magazine: ``Time.''
A book you wish everyone would read, why? Certainly, the Bible. During this time of the year, I wish that everyone would read at least the first two chapters of Luke, to be reminded of the reason we celebrate Christmas.
Favorite night out on the town: Dinner and a movie with family.
Favorite bar or restaurant: Olive Garden and Red Lobster.
Favorite food: Seafood or prime rib.
Few people know . . . that I am an officer in the JFK Middle School PTA.
What's the best thing about yourself? I'm honest and I have a sense of humor.
Worst habit: Procrastination (my co-workers might suggest others).
First thing in the morning: Leave at 6 a.m. for the YMCA for a workout.
Pets: A Doberman pinscher named Jo Jo and a cat named Tiger.
Hobbies: Working out, spending time with my family.
Ideal vacation: Repeating a cross country trip, driving to several national parks. Our favorite was Yellowstone.
Pet peeve: People who complain, yet do little to make things better.
First job: Driving an ice cream truck.
Worst job: Driving an ice cream truck.
What achievements are you most proud of? My two children. Watching and helping them achieve academically, athletically and spiritually.
What would you like on your epitaph? ``He loved his family, his God and served his community well.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
The day after Christmas, pastor Alan Felumlee's family returns to
Ohio to visit their relatives.
by CNB