When most people think about going to church on Sunday morning, they picture pews, stained glass windows, and a traditional sanctuary.

But what if church looked a little different?

What if your Sunday morning began with a beautiful sunrise over Lake Oconee, the gentle sound of water lapping against the shore, and a worship service where some people arrive by car… and others arrive by boat?

That’s exactly what’s happening at Camp Collinswood on Lake Oconee, where a unique ministry known as Boat Church is creating a new way for people to connect with their faith, their community, and God’s creation.

My guest today is Pastor Zack Martin of Madison First United Methodist Church. We’ll talk about his journey into ministry, what brought him to our area, and how a pastor from Madison found himself helping launch one of the most uniquely Lake Oconee worship experiences you’ll find anywhere.

We’ll also explore the story behind Boat Church, why it’s resonating with people from across the lake area, and how this casual, welcoming service is reaching people who may never have felt comfortable walking through the doors of a traditional church.

Whether you’re a person of faith, someone searching for community, or just curious about what happens when church meets lake life, I think you’re going to enjoy this conversation.

Guest: Rev. Zack Martin - Senior Pastor, First United Methodist Church of Madison

Website: https://madisonfumc.com/first-boat-church-service/

Email: office@madisonfumc.com

Phone: 706-342-3325

Sponsors:

Tim Broyles State Farm Insurance

https://mydowntownagency.com/

Lake Oconee Family Fitness & Fero Fit

https://loffc.net/

Second Chance Boutique

https://colinc.org/second-chance-boutique/

Today’s episode is one that I believe will resonate with a great many people in our community, because whether we realize it or not, almost all of us are walking through some season of aging care… either for ourselves, our parents, a spouse, or someone we deeply love.

My guest is Abbie Vogt from A-Bridge Aging Life Care Management, a practice dedicated to helping older adults and their families navigate the often complicated, emotional, and overwhelming world of aging care.

And let’s be honest, most families are not fully prepared for it.

Questions about healthcare, independence, memory concerns, safety, living arrangements, and long-term planning can quickly become stressful and emotional. Add in adult children living in different cities, busy schedules, and a healthcare system that can feel incredibly complex… and it’s easy for families to feel lost.

That’s where Abbie and her team come in.

In this conversation, we’ll talk about what Aging Life Care Management actually is, the warning signs families shouldn’t ignore, how to preserve dignity and independence as we age, and why having an advocate and guide during these seasons can make all the difference.

This episode isn’t about fear. It’s about preparation, compassion, and helping people age with dignity, support, and peace of mind.

So whether you’re caring for aging parents, thinking about your own future, or simply trying to better understand the journey ahead, I think you’ll find this conversation incredibly valuable.

Guest:

Abbie Vogt

Website: https://abridgecare.com/

Phone: 706-810-3203

Sponsors:

Tim Broyles State Farm Insurance

https://mydowntownagency.com/

Lake Oconee Family Fitness & Fero Fit

https://loffc.net/

Second Chance Boutique

https://colinc.org/second-chance-boutique/

It’s funny how fast time moves.

Four years ago, almost to the day, I sat down to record the very first episode of Lure of the Lake. At the time, I didn’t know if anyone would listen, whether I’d figure out what I was doing… or whether I was just a guy with a microphone and a high confidence level!

Fittingly, my very first guest was Deano Cantrell from Freedom Boat Club of Lake Oconee.

Well, four years later, both the podcast and Freedom Boat Club have grown significantly!

Since that first episode, we’ve watched Lake Country continue to grow, boating explode in popularity, and Freedom Boat Club become a huge part of the lake lifestyle for so many people here at Oconee. And now, Deano is preparing for another big chapter — expanding operations into Lake Sinclair.

So today’s episode is part reunion, part celebration, and part look ahead at what’s next.

We’ll talk about how boating has changed over the last few years, crazy things that happen around docks when you hand people the keys to a boat, why the boat club concept keeps growing, and what the boat club’s expansion into Sinclair means for local boaters!

And along the way, we may also reflect on how things have changed and evolved around here. One thing’s for sure, Deano and I have become and remain close friends and we both look forward to the next 4 years!

So whether you’re a longtime listener, a boating enthusiast, or just someone who loves hearing how local businesses evolve and grow, this is going to be a fun one!

Guest: Deano Cantrell

Website: https://info.freedomboatclub.com/dp/LakeOconee

Sponsors:

Tim Broyles State Farm Insurance

https://mydowntownagency.com/

Lake Oconee Family Fitness & Fero Fit

https://loffc.net/

Second Chance Boutique

https://colinc.org/second-chance-boutique/