REFLECTIONS. Julia M. Holt Women s Missionary Society and Young People s and Children s Division

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1 Julia M. Holt Women s Missionary Society and Young People s and Children s Division REFLECTIONS Saint Matthew African Methodist Episcopal Church 1629 Bennett St. Raleigh, NC (919) Missionary Deloriese Copeland Walker, WMS President Missionary Gina Pettis Dean, YPD Director Missionary Jennifer Hicks Robinson, WMS Advisor Rev. Marion B. Robinson, Pastor complied. WMS Mission Statement: ANGEL TREE A program of Prison Fellowship Our 2nd Episcopal District Supervisor, Dr. Pam DeVeaux, requested that each Local Society support this Ministry, and the Julia M. Holt (JMH) WMS gratefully LOCAL THEME: BACK TO BASICS! Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. II Timothy 2:15 KJV February 9, 2014 fuary We are called to strengthen our faith and sent to continue the ministry of Jesus Christ by service and witness to the world. By joining forces with Prison Fellowship this past Christmas, we were part of a monumental, nationwide effort to ensure that more prisoners children the invisible victims of crime know that God sees them and loves them. As a 2013 coordinator, we were part of a team representing nearly 8,000 churches and organizations serving approximately 375,000 children with a parent in prison. CERTIFICATE received for participating in the Angel Tree Ministry. On a regular basis the Julia M. Holt WMS gives Monetary Donations and Gift Baskets to the Sick and Shut-In members of our congregation. Special donations are given to the family of a deceased member, or a member who loses a close relative. Photo of some of the Baskets given to Sick and Shut-In members of our congregation.

2 WMS Launches AARP MEMBERSHIP DRIVE Renew your AARP membership or join for $9.00 and the Connectional Women s Missionary Society will receive $ You do not have to be a member of the WMS to take advantage of this drive. Contact the WMS Martha McCauley Area 1st Vice Chairperson, Charlene Luci Evans, and she will assist you. ABOUT AARP AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people age 50 and over. AARP is dedicated to enhancing quality of life for all as we age. The organization leads positive social change and delivers value to members through information, advocacy and service. AARP also provides a wide range of unique benefits, special products, and services for its members. These benefits include AARP Web site at AARP The Magazine, the monthly AARP Bulletin, and others. AARP AARPTHE POWER TO MAKE IT BETTER! THE CIRCLE OF ELDERS The Circle of Elders Christmas party was held Friday, Dec. 13, 2013 at St. Matthew A.M.E. Church, and was co-hosted by the Tribe of Judah and the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Xi Zeta Chapter. The Circle of Elders is a group of senior women (over the age of 70) previously honored by the Zeta organization. Games were played, Christmas Carols sung, Gifts given and a delicious meal was enjoyed by everyone present. Game time for the Circle of Elders. The name of the game being played is CANDY TOSS. RACKS (Random Acts of Kindness) The Tribe of Simeon The Tribe of Simeon under the direction of Missionary Maria Bates Korgar gave three (3) Gift Certificates to members of the church one $50.00, and two $25.00 totaling $ The recipients could use the proceeds from these certificates for purchase of food, medicine or any other need. THE SMALLEST GOOD DEED is better than THE GRANDEST INTENTION 2

3 The African Methodist Episcopal Church Shelter is sponsored by the Second Episcopal District Women s Missionary Society. The Shelter is supported by churches throughout the Second Episcopal District. Ongoing needs of the Shelter are: Wash cloths, towels, soap, During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The Connectional Women s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church designated the week of October 20-27, 2013 as, THINK PINK WEEK. Throughout this week all Missionaries across the Connectional Church THE AME CHURCH SHELTER FOR THE HOMELESS toothpaste, kitchen towels, kitchen cloths, detergent, hand sanitizer, bed linen, underwear, socks, can goods, paper plates, plastic forks, toilet paper, bathroom cleaners, lamps, nightstands, paint, floor wax, and lockers. Persons who would like to support this outreach ministry may do so by sending their tax deductible contributions to: Mrs. Bessie Walker, 1115 Evans Road, Cary, NC Every 5th Sunday of the year, Missionary Helen Sanders and others prepare food and feed the men at Breast Cancer Awareness UNITED WE STAND!!!! were asked to wear PINK and show support by donating to charities, taking part in campaigns and events, and educating ourselves about the disease. The Julia M. Holt WMS gave a financial donation to the cause through WEPT. the Shelter. A special treat was prepared for the Easter visit. Along with a delicious meal, colorful boiled eggs were served. The tables were beautifully decorated with fruit arrangements and Easter candy. Each participant received a colorful Easter bag filled with tasty treats. AME s MOVE FROM THE FIRST TO THE SECOND An Easter Gift Basket was presented to Mr. Corey of the AME Shelter. And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25:40 KJV Former members of Bethel AME Church, New Haven, Connecticut move to Raleigh, NC. This photo was taken at the Martha McCauley Area WMS Prayer Breakfast held February, They are left to right: Missionaries Shiretta Wiggins, St. Paul-Raleigh; Deloriese C. Walker, St. Matthew- Raleigh; Joann Johnson, St. Paul-Raleigh; Shirley Gray, St. Matthew -Raleigh; and, Charlene Luci Evans, St. Matthew-Raleigh. ESOPHAGEAL CANCER BENEFIT CONCERT THE TRIBES OF ISSACHAR AND MANASSEH The Tribe of Issachar, under the leadership of Dr. Alice Garrett, and the Tribe of Manasseh under the leadership of Charlene Evans made a donation of $ each to the Esophageal Cancer Benefit. THE TRIBES OF GAD AND DAN For their project the Tribe of Gad, Co-Leaders Irma Morgan and Jennifer Robinson, and the Tribe of Dan, Leader Robin Chandler, chose to purchase two (2) Umbrella Bag Depots for St. Matthew AME Church. The Umbrella Bag is a disposable plastic bag that can be placed over a wet umbrella when COMING in from the rain. The stands will be placed at the front and back entrances of the church. NOW HOW COOL IS THAT?? CONGRATULATIONS GAD ON YOUR WIN AGAIN OF THE TWELVE TRIBES OF ISRAEL PROGRAM 3

4 MISSIONARIES AND YPD ers ON THE MOVE Activities of the Julia M. Holt WMS and YPD ers for the past year. Regular meetings are held every 2nd Wednesday of the month. Study Session is held from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and the Business Session is held from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. February 2, 2013 the YPD members honored St. Matthew s grandparents at a Grandparents Luncheon held in the Stewart Fellowship Hall of our church. February 3, 2013 the Souper Bowl of Caring was sponsored by the YPD and a $ donation was given to the March of Dimes, and 100 food items donated to Back Pack Buddies. February 9, 2013 the Julia M. Holt team hosted the Martha McCauley Area Prayer Breakfast. February 10, 2013 was Annual WMS/YPD Day for Julia M. Holt. Guest speaker for the service was Mrs. Frances Hope, Western North Carolina Conference WMS President. March 2, 2013 six members, namely Missionaries Sandra Flagg, Deja Spann, Regenia Melvin, Charlene Evans, Jessica Davis and Deloriese C. Walker, attended the Western North Carolina Conference WMS meeting held at Bethel- Greensboro. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss changes to the WMS Constitution and Bylaws. March 9, 2013 several members attended the Martha McCauley Area WMS Gala at the Brownstone, Hillsborough St., Raleigh, NC. March, 2013 eight baskets of fruit were given to the sick. March 17, 2013 several of our WMS members attended the Annual Missionary Day at St. James AME Church, Winston Salem, NC. Ms. Jessica Davis, YWI, was speaker of the hour. Ms. Charlene Evans introduced her. March 31, 2013 JMHWMS celebrated Easter with the men and women of the AME Homeless Shelter. April 27, 2013 Missionaries Regenia Melvin, Deja Spann and Deloriese C. Walker attended the Martha McCauley Area WMS meeting held at Zion Campbell AME Church, Laurinburg, NC. April, 2013 the YPD visited the Dr. Martin Luther King Monument in Washington, DC. May 18, 2013 YPD ers attended the Western North Carolina Conference YPD Annual Day. May 19, 2013 Missionary Charlene Evans read the Scripture for the Missionary Annual Day at Lincolnville AME Church. Missionary Deloriese C. Walker also attended. May 21, 2013 fourteen persons attended the WNCC WMS Annual Convention held at the Hilton Hotel, Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC. Missionary Claudia Togba was honored as the Martha McCauley Area WMS Unsung Heroine of the year. June 30, 2013 served the men and women at the AME Shelter. July 14, 2013 we held our major Fundraiser of the year, The Twelve Tribes Reunion. Thank God for a successful program! August 10, 2013 the YPD sponsored its Youth Revival. August 16-17, 2013 Missionaries Jessica Davis and Deloriese C. Walker attended the WNCC Retreat held at the Lifeway Ridgecrest Conference Center, Ridgecrest, NC. August 24, 2013 the Martha McCauley Area WMS held its 4 Planning Meeting. September, 2013 fourteen gift baskets were donated to the sick and shut-in. Two gift baskets were donated to St. Augustine University President and former President. Julia M. Holt WMS Strategic Planning Report completed and given to Pastor Robinson. September 7, 2013 twelve WMS/YPD ers attended the Martha McCauley Area meeting held at Poplar Springs AME Church, Sanford, NC. The following WMS Area Officers were elected: Charlene Evans, 1st VP; Deloriese C. Walker, 3rd VP; Deja Spann, Recording Secretary; Sandra Flagg, Asst. Rec. Secretary; Maria Oliver, Parliamentrian and Jania King, YPD Area President. September 29, 2013 served the men and women at the AME Shelter. December 7, 2013 attended Area Meeting held at Living Waters AME Church, Raleigh, NC. January 11, 2014 nine persons attended WNCC WMS Winter Institute, Hillsborough, NC.

5 THE YOUNG PEOPLE S & CHILDREN S DIVISION OF THE JULIA M. HOLT WOMEN S MISSIONARY SOCIETY THE PURPOSE OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE S AND CHILDREN S DIVISION IS TO: Provide meaningful youth training programs in all areas of church life, thereby encouraging full participation in the total mission of the church; and implement educational programs designed to increase knowledge of African Methodist Episcopal Church history and scriptures. Mother Sunbeams age level, pre-school to primary (2-6) Allen Stars age level, primary to 6th grade (7-12) Young People s Auxiliary age level (13-17) Young Adult Division age level (18-26) COME JOIN US EVERY 3rd SUNDAY AFTER MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE. TAKING IT TO THE STREETS Receiving items from YPD ers The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life and he who wins souls is wise Proverbs 11:30 PLEASE NOTE THAT THE JULIA M. HOLT WMS AND YPD MET ALL OF THEIR FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS DURING THE PAST YEAR!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!!! Gifts of Love for Keziah (7), and Keon (5) Traveling to the Area Meeting in Sanford, NC, Sept. 7, the above photo displaying the cart filled with items for the shelter are, left to right: Carl Dean, II, Jania King, Nataya Jones, Julian Holt, Gina Dean, YPD Director, and Sheena Dean. Pocketbooks for the Shelter Every 4th Sunday of the month the YPD ers usher and participate in the Worship Service. The 4th Sunday in December, 2013, college students home for the holidays participated in the Worship Service. All Christians are called to be GENEROUS, but some are given the particular GIFT OF GIVING.. The YPD ers participated in Taking It To The Streets by taking 35 pocketbooks filled with toiletries along with clothes, diapers, and feminine products to the IN- TERACT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTER, Raleigh, NC. YPD ers in AN- GEL TREE RECIPIENTS THE TRIBE OF REUBEN The Tribe of Reuben, under the leadership of Missionary Helen Sanders continues to serve the men and women at the AME Church Homeless Shelter every 5th Sunday of the month. Their schedule for 2014 is: March 30, 2014; June 29, 2014, August 31, 2014; and, Nov. 30,

6 A SALUTE TO MRS. CLAUDIA ALETHA BATES TOGBA Mrs. Togba is the fourth child of 16 children born to the union of Judge Edward A. Bates and Mrs. Evelyn V. Ladlum Bates, both deceased. She grew up and attended the local public school in the settlement of Careysburg, Liberia. She is a selftaught seamstress and furthered her education at Booker T. Washington Technical Institute where she completed her courses as a Seamstress. She specializes in European and African outfits for ladies and has been sewing for over 50 years. She is known for creating beautiful outfits for the wealthy as well as giving those gifts and talents free to others who have nothing but a new look to help boost their confidence. Aside from her sewing abilities, Mrs. Togba is known for gravitating to anyone in need. She was an unofficial Social Worker within her community. On Saturdays, she made a point in filling bags of food and taking them to people in need as far as a car could go. It became a constant discussion between her and her husband, the late Anthony P. Togba, Deputy Minister of National Defense. In order to have enough food for his family and help his wife fulfill her mission to give and serve others, he doubled the amount of everything brought in the house. It was expensive, but a sacrifice worth making; she would feed the poor and his children could eat. Mrs. Togba truly believes in a good cause. She freely gives to anyone and/or organization in need. While in Liberia, she adopted an orphanage called Fatima Cottage. This is an orphanage that has been in operation for over 40 years, taking care of over 150 children at a given time. She financially supported the orphanage and made many visits per month to ensure the children had food to eat and clothes to wear. After relocating to the United States in 1991 (because of a civil war in Liberia, West Africa), her financial situation changed, however, she continues to support that organization. Mrs. Togba loves the Lord and practices works of missions with no form or fashion. She helps others because God instructed us to love our neighbor as ourselves. She believes that it is our duty as God s children to love and care for our neighbors. Mrs. Togba is a member of St. Matthew African Methodist Episcopal Church, Raleigh, NC. She joined the Julia M. Holt Women s Missionary Society in At the Western North Carolina Conference Women s Missionary Society Convention held at the Hilton Hotel, Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC on May 21, 2013, Mrs. Togba was honored as Unsung Heroine of the year for the Martha McCauley Area WMS. CONGRATULATIONS CLAUDIA!! M in s tre l b o y Mollie Williams Freshman honor student. She plans to become a Pharmacist. Mollie is the daughter of Missionary Deborah Williams and both have been actively involved with the Julia M. Holt Missionaries for over ten years. Mollie ran track for Clayton High School and is now running track for the University of South Carolina Columbia, SC where she is an 18 year old WAY TO GO MOLLIE WE LOVE YOU!! Mollie Williams is our youngest YWI. Young Women s Initiative (YWI ages 18 40) On Parade Jessica Davis Jessica is a 2013 graduate of North (USC), Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC completing her BA degree in Psychology. She continues her studies in pursuit of her MA degree from North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC. Jessica serves as the Western North Carolina Conference WMS Member-at-Large responsible for promoting volunteer mission programs. She was blessed to attend the Connectional WMS 2013 YWI Empowerment Conference Nov. 1-3, 2013 held in Charleston, SC. 6 Marius Thompson Marius states that she is blessed to have the opportunity to choreograph praise dances for the young people of St. Matthew AME Church. Since Easter of 2013, she has shared her talent of dance, teaching and mentoring to our teenage girls. Jessica, 3rd from right Marius is a wife, mother and homemaker. She has been married for eight (8) years to Marcus Thompson and they are the proud parents of two (2) sons: Marcus, Jr., age 6, and Malik, age 5. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

7 THE JULIA M. HOLT WOMEN S MISSIONARY SOCIETY and YOUNG PEOPLE S & CHILDREN S DIVISION MEMBERS JMHWMS OFFICERS President.....Ms. Deloriese Copeland Walker 1st Vice President Ms. Jessica Davis 2nd Vice President.Mrs. Marius Thompson 3rd Vice President...Ms. Deborah Williams Recording Secretary Ms. Deanna Easley Asst. Rec. Secretary... Mrs. Sandra Flagg Corresponding Secretary Mrs. Robin Chandler Treasurer.Ms. Margaret Herndon Parliamentarian Ms. Wanda Thompson Historiographer/Statistician. Mrs. Barbara Yarbro PME Director...Ms. Regenia Melvin YPD Director.Mrs. Gina Pettis Dean Worship Leader Mrs. Shirley Gray YWI (To be determined) WMS Advisor..Mrs. Jennifer Hicks Robinson Pastor..Rev. Marion B. Robinson Photos from Nov MISSION STATEMENT We are called to strengthen our faith and sent to continue the ministry of Jesus Christ by service and witness in the world. YPD Adult Leadership YPD Director.. Mrs. Gina Pettis Dean Sunbeam (2-6)...Mrs. Jennifer Robinson Sunbeam (2-6)...Mrs. Shirley Gray Allen Stars (7-12) Mrs. Michele Parham Youth (13-17) Ms. Charlene L. Evans Young Adult (18-26) Ms. Jessica Davis YPD Treasurer. Mrs. Mamie Shackleford WMS President... Ms. Deloriese C. Walker Pastor..Rev. Marion B. Robinson 7

8 YPD MEMBERS CELEBRATE GRANDPARENTS OF THE YEAR Mrs. Helen Sanders moved to Raleigh, NC from Angier, NC at an early age. She has been a member of Saint Matthew A.M.E. Church for thirty eight (38) years and has been actively involved in the Senior Choir, Julia M. Holt WMS (former president), WEPT, and Golden Circle for many years. She enjoys cooking and looks forward on a quarterly basis to cooking for the men and women of the AME Church Homeless Shelter. Mrs. Sanders has been married to Mr. Willie Sanders for thirty two (32) years. They are the parents of three (3) sons, eight (8) grandchildren, and two (2) great grandchildren. Mr. Wilbert Bo Wilder, Jr., is a native of Raleigh, NC. He graduated from Washington High School (Little Blues) in 1952 and attended A & T College, Greensboro, NC for two (2) years. He then joined the U. S. Air Force and served for 20 year after which he returned to Raleigh and completed his college education at Shaw University. Bo (as he is affectionately called) has been married to Annie Pearl for fifty eight years. They are the parents of two (2) sons and one (1) daughter; and grandparents of six (6) grandchildren. IN APPRECIATION It is through the generosity of you, our St. Matthew Church family, that we are able to serve members of our church, community and abroad, contributing to what is needed for a hurting world. We thank God, Pastor and Mrs. Robinson, and you for allowing us to be the Missionary Ambassadors of St. Matthew AME Church. We hope that from reading these pages you have gained a knowledge of some of the activities your Missionaries and YPD ers have been involved in this conference year. Your prayers and support are solicited for our continued success for the Cause of Missions. Love you, Deloriese Copeland Walker President, JMH WMS Life Member, WMS Mrs. Helen Sanders YPD Grandmother of the year. Mr. Wilbert Bo Wilder, Jr YPD Grandfather of the year. THE TRIBE OF ZEBULUN, under the Leadership of Mary Gibbs, will assist the Tribe of Benjamin (YPD) when they sponsor the Souper Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 2, The Souper Bowl of Caring is a youth-led, grassroots movement of caring, the result of thousands of young people joining together to fight hunger and poverty in their communities. Since 1993, over $28 million has been raised for charities across the country. Mission Statement: To utilize Super Bowl Sunday to inspire and mobilize youth to fight hunger and poverty. The Julia M. Holt YPD participates in this program every first Sunday in February. Last year a donation of $ was given to the March of Dimes and perishable food items were donated to Back Pack Buddies. GROW, GLOW AND GO FOR CHRIST! 8