Women s Weekend is the First Weekend in March 2018

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1 February 2018 Volume 11 Issue 2 Women s Weekend is the First Weekend in March 2018 The women of Fellowship Presbyterian Church (USA) will observe Celebrate the Gifts of Women weekend on Saturday and Sunday, March 3-4. The theme is Women Called to Lead with Love, and relevant scriptures are Psalms 32: 8-11; 1 Kings 2: 1-3; Romans 12: 10; and Ephesians 4: 1-6. Details may be found in the November/December issue of Horizons magazine, pp On Saturday, March 3, 2018, the women will gather to participate in Lesson 7 from the PW\Horizons Bible Study Cloud of Witnesses: The Community of Christ in Hebrews. Special guest, Pastor Dede Booker Lacey will teach the lesson within the 10:00-10:40 time. Afterwards, the PW and their guests will enjoy special programming and a luncheon, beginning at 10:50 Noon. On Sunday, March 4, 2018, the PW will welcome Dr. Cynthia Warick, president of Stillman College, as guest speaker for the morning. Dr. Cynthia Warick Other Information for PW The special assessment remains unchanged from last year. Colors for the women are white or off-white with accessories in fuschia or green. The painting to the left appears in Horizons and is the inspiration for color choices. Women may invite a guest to the Saturday program. If preferred, the guest may be instructed to arrive at 10:50 for special programming and the luncheon. As is our custom, ALL women are asked to gather promptly at 9:30 AM on Sunday for the annual group photograph. We will have ONE service at 10:00 AM on Sunday. The worship service will be followed by a brunch in the Dorothy B. Johnson Fellowship Hall. The chair of the weekend activities is Joyce Pettis Temple. Team members are Brenda Bunley, Linda Burruss, Eddgra Fallin, Tonya Gaines, Cheryl Johnson, Lisa Likely, and Mary Peagler,

2 Page 2 Food Distribution Day at Fellowship Presbyterian Church (USA) Elder Jackie Bennett, convener of Witness and Service Ministry Team, who oversees the food distribution program and manages the list of recipients. Thomas McAlpine Left, Volunteers Sandi Perry and Maureen Young work alongside Dorothy Johnson, who acquires food from multiple sources and manages its dispensing to all the boxes. L-R: Ted Friend and Henry Warren L-R: Lucille Grayson, Beverly Warren, Jane Ford, and Theodore Dixie, Sr. L-R: Joyce Pettis Temple and Lucille Grayson Photo Credit: Beverly Warren For perhaps the first time since the Fellowship community food distribution program has been in operation, inclement weather displaced the operation from Wednesday until Friday, January 18. On Friday morning, dedicated volunteers from both Fellowship and the community were busily completing the boxes scheduled for pick-up later during the day. Those pictured are only a segment of the volunteers who worked (a) to set out the 100+ boxes; (b) to drive personal vehicles to retrieve food and then unload the boxes at the church (c) to manage the families picking up their boxes and providing courtesy loading of boxes to families cars; and (d) to deliver food boxes to infirm individuals or those without transportation. Elder Jacquelyn Bennett currently maintains a list of 100 families on the distribution roll. In addition to this number, she reports that the distribution program has provided additional boxes to families as follows: Thanksgiving 2016, 24 families; Thanksgiving 2017, 28 families; Christmas 2016, 26 families; and Christmas 2017, 42 families. Additionally, Ms. Bennett and Dorothy B. Johnson respond to families in urgent food need situations if they contact the church. Jackie says she has concluded the following as a result of overseeing the food distribution program during her tenure on Session: This program has shown me that our church doesn t have to be large in size to be mighty in service. Photo Credit: Joyce Pettis Temple

3 Page 3 Fellowship Presbyterian Church USA (FPC ) Women s Circle Meeting: A Time for Learning and Fellowship 1 The Presbyterian Women of Fellowship Presbyterian Church gather for Circle Meeting on the second Sunday of each month at 5:00 PM. It is an opportunity for study and fellowship. Each year, the organization receives its study guide and sets a schedule for fall through spring. Individual women volunteer to teach a lesson; two women per meeting volunteer to provide refreshments. Bettye Dixie and Carolyn Jackson served a delicious repass at the meeting. 2 This period the women are studying Cloud of Witnesses: The Community of Christ in Hebrews written by Teaching Elder Melissa Bane Sevier. The AL/MS Conference, held during the summer, and the North Alabama Presbytery [NAP] women s Fall Gathering offer opportunities for being introduced to the study guide for the year. Frequently at AL/MS, the Teaching Elder who has authored the study will be present to offer classes or discussion opportunities about it. At the local Fall Gathering, an overview of the new series of lessons is presented. The study guides are excellent ways to learn more about the Bible in a comfortable group setting. All women who are members of FPC are members of the Presbyterian Women (PW) organization. All women of Fellowship are invited to attend the Circle meetings and to fully participate in the activities of women s weekend, March 3-4, Celebrate the Gifts of Women is the overarching theme. 5 The women who braved the cold weather to meet on the second Sunday in January are pictured to the right. Elder Lauretta Moore taught Lesson 5. Haley Bone is moderator of the PW. Not pictured: Carolyn Jackson, Gladys Bracey, and Joyce Pettis Temple 1) Lauretta Moore 2) L-R: Bettye Dixie and Sarah Ford 3) L-R: Arinizie Steele and Haley Bone 4) L-R: Evelyn Rich and Rosalie Lane 5) L-R: Gloria Evans and Jerita Crummie

4 Inspiring Others to be Heart Healthy Sunday, February 25, 2018, Go Red Sunday Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart The members of Central North Alabama Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, are thankful for the church s support of Go Red Sunday since its beginning in February Again, we are encouraging those attending church service on Sunday, February 25 to wear RED to show their commitment to the fight against heart disease. Related materials will be available in the narthex. For additional information: Contact Frances Harris at or Lisa Likely at Remember the Date - February 18, Blue T-Shirt Day Page 4 The first Sunday in Lent is designated Wear your blue T-shirt to church Sunday as a testament to the blue T- shirt of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA). PDA is one of the ministries supported by One Great Hour of Sharing. PDA urges all congregations to participate in a blue-out on this day. Be creative - wear blue clothing, blue hats or blue flowers; pass out blue tissues or place blue balloons by the entrance. One Great Hour of Sharing Offering will be collected on Easter Sunday, April 1, Source: PCUSA Planning Calendar Welcome New Members Fellowship welcomes Alexis Smith and Walter C. Watson, Jr. better known as Man. Man is the son of Pearl and Walter C. Watson. Christmas Manger Disappears Until Another Year On Friday, January 18, 2018, Felix Battle was busy dismantling the fine manger that he built for the Christmas drama, The Road to Bethlehem. The theme for Black History Month 2018 honors African Americans in Times of War like the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, who were highly decorated for their service in World War II. Fellowship member Enoch Temple is first cousin of Tuskegee Airman Alva Temple (d. 2004), who resided in Columbus, Mississippi.

5 Page 5 FPC s Unified Budget A Unified Budget, adopted and approved by Session to be implemented for 2018, combines all auxiliaries under the Fellowship general account. Auxiliaries are to close accounts and transfer funds either by a cashier s check or electric funds transfer. Once the closures are completed and funds are transferred, deposits and checks will be the responsibility of the church treasurer. The treasurer will maintain financial records to track income and expenses. Auxiliaries will utilize vouchers when requesting payments for expenses incurred. We believe a Unified Budget to be a better process as Fellowship continues to grow. Each of us must prayerfully and patiently help to assure its success. Comments on January Newsletter Good Morning Barbara, Thank you for sharing. Your church's newsletter is excellent! I enjoyed reading it and yes, seeing familiar faces... Venita Thanks Joyce! The newsletter is always good, but this one was an outstanding read. It is great to see just a small congregation have such an active church life going on. A job well done! Jane Stewardship & Finance Ministry Team FAITH Initiative Annual Scholarships Announced for the Second Year In 2012, the Session of FPC, initiated formation of the FAITH Initiative as a mission extension of the church. After due process, the Internal Revenue Service accorded nonprofit status to the organization. FAITH Initiative, Incorporated, announces two $1,000 scholarships to be awarded in April The Bobby Bodiford Memorial Scholarship and the Dr. Constance Dees Memorial Scholarship honor these two educators and late members of Fellowship Presbyterian Church (FPC). The scholarships are open to deserving students from the Tennessee Valley who have been accepted to an accredited university or technical school and who demonstrate the potential to become a productive member of the community. Recipients are not required to be enrolled or accepted in an institution of higher learning in Alabama to receive the scholarships. Applications and requirements have been mailed to area high school counselors and local churches. However, your assistance is requested in getting this announcement to high school seniors. The awards will be formally presented at the organization s fundraising event in April Information on the annual fundraiser will be announced in March. Scholarship applications are in the narthex or you may request a copy from FAITH Initiative Board Members: Christopher Evans, Frances Harris, Mary Mitchell, or Joyce Pettis Temple.

6 Page 6 Know Your Church defined in The Book of Order, F-3.04, consists of the Book of Confessions (Part I) and the Book of Order (Part II). What Presbyterians Believe As we continue our series to offer new members insight on who we are and what we believe, this month we briefly address what we believe and what governs us in the church. The Bible The Bible is the means by which Christians believers come to understand how God has been present with humanity since the beginning of time and is present in our world today. By studying the scriptures, we can begin to know of God s faithfulness, constant love, and eternal goodness. The Book of Confessions Presbyterians confess their beliefs through statements that have been adopted over the years and contained in The Book of Confessions. These statements reflect our understanding of God and what God expects of us at different times in history, but all are faithful to the fundamental beliefs described above. Even though we share these common beliefs, Presbyterians understand that God alone is lord of the conscience, and it is up to each individual to understand what these principles mean in his or her life. The Old Testament tells of God s covenant with the Hebrew people. It is regarded as sacred scripture by both Jews and Christians. The New Testament contains four accounts of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the account of the earliest Christian churches, and other writings from the early Christian era. It is considered sacred scripture by Christians. The church confesses the Scriptures to be the Word of God written, witnessing to God s self-revelation. Where that Word is read and proclaimed, Jesus Christ the Living Word is present by the inward witness of the Holy Spirit. For this reason the reading, hearing, preaching, and confessing of the Word are central to Christian worship. The session shall ensure that in public worship the Scripture is read and proclaimed regularly in the common language(s) of the church. Book of Order, W The Book of Order The Book of Order is a governing document of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). It is divided into four parts: The Foundations of Presbyterian Polity, Form of Government, Directory for Worship, and Rules of Discipline. Sources: PCUSA Website The Book of Confessions Book of Order The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments... [are}...by the Holy Spirit, the unique and authoritative witness to Jesus Christ in the Church universal, and God s Word to {them}. Book of Order, W b The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), as

7 Page 7 Ordination and/or Installation of New Officers The following officers were ordained and/or installed on January 7, 2018, by Reverend Gregory J. Bentley to the office indicated. Class of 2019 Deacon ordained and installed: Gordon Fykes Class of 2020 Elder installed: Pauline Bodiford Deacon ordained and installed: Margaret Jackson Deacon installed: Diann Bentley Trustee recognized: Calvin Ford Too often we find ourselves rudderless in life.... God has called us not to be rudderless but to have a purpose and a plan. Sermon: Beginning with the End in Mind January 7, 2018 Debutante Season Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter, is sponsoring its 60th Debutante Presentation and Ball on Friday, February 16, Our very own Kyler Evans is one of the fifty-three prospective debutantes to be presented at the ball. Pictured above, Yvette Evans (2nd from left) and Kyler (2nd from right) enjoy the festivities at the Mother and Daughter Brunch, Dazzling Diamonds and Pearls--A Celebration of Mothers and Daughters, held on Saturday, January 20, 2018, at the Jackson Center. Photo Credit: Gertrude and James Hicks

8 Page 8 What is Session doing? Session met on January 23, 2018, and January 25, Birmingham Pledge Jim Rotch I believe that every person has worth as an individual. I believe that every person is entitled to dignity and respect, regardless of race or color. I believe that every thought and every act of racial prejudice is harmful; if it is my thought or act, then it is harmful to me as well as to others. Therefore, from this day forward I will strive daily to eliminate racial prejudice from my thought and actions. I will discourage racial prejudice by others at every opportunity. I will treat all people with dignity and respect and I will strive daily to honor this pledge knowing that the world will be a better place because of my effort. A native of Ft. Payne, Alabama, the author was inspired to write the Birmingham Pledge after his participation in Leadership Birmingham, Class of He made friends for life with people who were of a different race than [his]. He also learned of the Community Affairs Committee (CAC) and joined---later becoming its co-chair in That same year he was invited to participate in Leadership Alabama where he was challenged at the Mobile meeting by Former First Lady Marsha Folsom to think about how the group could deal with racial issues by the next meeting in Birmingham. His Birmingham Pledge was born after this commitment, and twenty years later the Birmingham Pledge has circled the globe, prompting signatures and commitments from people on every continent. The mission, according to the author, is to eliminate racism all over the world. However, he says he would probably add a statement about religion. From an article by Chris McCauley for This is Alabama. Website: Facebook: Approved: The Huntsville Spiritual Chorale s request to use the church for rehearsals. The annual church statistical report for The request from Nathan Jackson to baptize his son, Giovanni, on Sunday, March 25, The 2018 church operating budget. The Pastor s Term of Call to be presented to the congregation for approval at the January 28, 2018, congregational meeting. Moving the sound system and control board into the sanctuary in an elevated, enclosed locked room. One liturgist a month for the 11:00 a.m. worship service. Information: New Members Orientation was held on Saturday, January 20, 2018, conducted by Elder Lauretta Moore. Hosting a congregational conversation about our future will be held on March 10, 2018, at 10 a.m. and not February 17 as previously stated in last month s newsletter. Jerita Crummie, Gordon Fykes, and Elder George Grayson volunteered to serve on the New Members Integration Team. Still seeking members to join the team. Elder Pauline Bodiford will serve as the Worship Ministry Team Convener. Elder Randall Bunley will serve as the Evangelism Ministry Team Convener. Cheryl K. Johnson was re-elected as Clerk of Session. Elder Robert Peagler was re-elected as treasurer.

9 Page 9 Parents, please make sure your child is dressed appropriately on their scheduled Sunday! February 4 Parker Ford and Destiny Canady February 11 Maya Fykes and Miriam Bentley The Vine is offering Monday Hope, support for the healing journey that includes education, worship, prayer, support, scripture, musical meditation on Mondays, February 12 March 26, p.m. to 1 p.m. Led by The Reverend Dr. Amanda Ragland at First Presbyterian Church: Gideon Blackburn House 307 Gates Avenue Huntsville, Alabama RSVP to or vine-ministry@vinepcc.com. Free of charge More information: Video: v=43fw9hlgk2i&feature=youtu.be Fellowship s contributions as a supporting church to The Vine ministry help to keep this program free to the public. February 18 Dezmyn Coleman and Miriam Bentley February 25 Kaylin Houston and Johari Bentley Please wear black pants or skirts/dress on your scheduled Sunday, and please arrive at least 15 minutes early **The acolytes will serve at the 11:00 a.m. worship services and on the fifth Sundays only.** If there is a problem with the schedule, please contact Ollie Smith at or Sarah Ford at or Diann Bentley at Thank you in advance for your participation! We sincerely appreciate all the youth at Fellowship Presbyterian Church. Your service to Christ and His church does not go unnoticed. Again, thank you, Ollie Smith, Acolyte Coordinator 4 The Gladys Bracy Family 11 The Jacquelyne Bennett Family 18 The Nathaniel Jackson Family 25 The Walter C. Watson Family Newsletter Deadline Articles for the newsletter should be submitted to Mary Mitchell at mitchell623100@bellsouth.net and jopettis@aol.com not later than the third Friday of the month.

10 Page 10 Sick List of Family and Friends of Fellowship Members In Memory of Fellowship s Members Jack Arthur Anthony 1994 Joyce K. Brown 1995 Doris Smith In Memory of Family and Friends Mary Wright Dale 1938 Lucile Harris 1975 Cora Friend 1977 Marion Williams 1981 Charlye Rose Streeter 1986 R. B. Norwood 1988 John Herndon, Jr Jerome Johnson 1989 Vernell Porterfield 1994 Sarah Winn 1999 Louise Coleman 2005 Grace Emmons 2005 Billy Hughes 2005 Master Sergeant O Neal Martin 2007 Louise Evans, Jr Fellowship Member Sick List The Prayer of Faith James 5: Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. 14 Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. Stephen Bennett Dana Smith Anthony Thompson Geneva Wright Benjamin Andrews Uncle of Yvette Evans Arzell Dunmore Sister of Lucille Grayson Doris Bradford Sister of Haley Bone Dorothy Franklin Mother of Robert Franklin Stokley Gardner Brother of the late Lloyd Gardner Flossie Henderson Mother of Barbara Anthony Roosevelt Johnson Uncle of Yvette Evans Ailean King Peoples Mother of Kenneth King Shielda Yvonne Ross Sister of Thomas Ross Luther Scales Brother of Geneva Scales Wright Ann Thomas Aunt of Yvette Evans Fannie P. Thompson Sister of Lois Dade and Eulasteen Muse Valerie Thompson Sister of Debra Evans Roderick Wall Nephew of Charles Penn LaVon White Son of Doretha and Thomas Ross Dorleen and James Witchard Sister and Brother-in-Law of Doretha and Thomas Ross

11 Page 11 1 Chanda Temple 5 Gladys P. Bracy 5 Alexis Smith 8 Lamar Braxton, Jr. 9 Ami Burton 11 Barbara J. Anthony 11 Jacqueline Bennett 11 Robert Franklin III 16 Nathan Jackson 17 La Bron Bone 17 Deborah Ford 19 Destiny Canady 20 Theodore Dixie Jr. 20 Ashley King Barnes 27 Tonya Gaines 29 Myllicent Buchanan Staff Reverend Gregory Jerome Bentley Pastor bentleygj@aol.com Mrs. Brenda Davis Director of Music Ministry Mr. Shaquille Sledge Pianist, Youth/Children s Choir and Praise Team Director Temporary Youth and Children s Choir Director Vacant Inspirational Choir Director Mr. Ryan Felton Percussionist Mrs. Yvonne Jones Secretary fpcsecretary1@gmail.com Mr. Theodus Friend Sexton Church Office Hours 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Directory of Services 17 Sarah and Calvin Ford Pray for those who Mourn The family of Ami W. Burton (Robert) requests your prayers in the passing of her mother, Mrs. Louise F. Wallace (left). Mrs. Wallace was 97 years old. Funeral services for her were held Monday, January 15, 2018, at 1:30 p.m., Valhalla Funeral Home Chapel; Bessemer, Alabama. Continue to keep the family in prayer. Early Morning Service Sunday Breakfast Sunday School Sunday Worship Adult Bible Study (Wed.) Adult Bible Study (Wed.) Youth and Children Bible Study (Tues.) Choir Rehearsals Inspirational (Tues.) Chancel (Tues.) Praise Team (Wed.) Men s Chorus (Tues.) Newsletter Team Dr. Barbara Anthony Mrs. Pauline Bodiford Mrs. Gladys P. Bracy Ms. Cheryl K. Johnson Mrs. Mary E. Mitchell Dr. Joyce Pettis Temple Mrs. Lois N. Thompson Photographers Mrs. Gertrude Hicks Dr. James Hicks Mr. Christopher Gaines 8:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Noon 6:00 p.m. 5:45 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.

12 Page 12 Fellowship Presbyterian Church Our Purpose Fellowship is called by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to make disciples by REACHing, GROWing, and SENDing people with Christ to do justice, to live mercy, and to walk humbly with God. Our Motto The loving place that is Reaching, Growing, and Sending people with Christ.