Former Green Bay Packers linebacker Rich Wingo will be speaking at First United Methodist Church tonight at 6:30 p.m.

Wingo is a graduate of the University of Alabama where he played football under famed coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. He was a part of the famous “Goal Line Stand” in Alabama’s Sugar Bowl victory over Penn State in 1979. After playing for Alabama, Wingo played seven years for the Green Bay Packers.

Wingo said that he was saved during his fourth year with the Packers.

“I was saved during my fourth year with Green Bay, in 1983,” Wingo said. “I had a great roommate who kept inviting me to chapel service. One time we had a speaker from the New York Yankees, and he told a story that touched my heart and changed my life.”

Wingo, who is originally from Elkhart, Ind., moved back to Alabama with his wife in 1986. He is currently the president of AIG Baker Development Company.

Wingo said he is just a typical family guy.

“I’m just your everyday business guy,” he said. “I enjoy being a dad and a husband, and I just love the Lord.”

Wingo said it is an honor to be invited to come speak at First United Methodist Church.

“We are excited about being there,” he said. “It’s an honor to be invited to speak.”

The service will be a service of renewal and commitment, and Wingo said that he will focus on discipleship.

“We are going to discuss our walk with Christ. We will discover whether we are just content and trying to get through, or if we are living a life committed to Christ.”

The service of renewal and commitment will be the start of a five-week campaign by FUMC entitled “First Fruits.”

There will be a 5:00 p.m. covered dish supper. Participants are asked to bring a dish or two to the dinner. The service will begin at 6:30, and both the dinner and the service are open to the community.