BLACK HISTORY/LOVE MONTH

The month of February is significant for at least two reasons. First of all, it is “Black History” Month , and secondly, it is “ Love ” Month.

During this month, African Americans throughout our nation join in celebrating the achievements of many black heroes and heroines who made, and still are making outstanding, not only to our race, but to the nation and world also. 

Their names and contributions are too numerous to mention in this brief article.  But many, in spite of insurmountable odds and obstacles, succeeded.

The question is often asked, “Why just one month of celebration?”  Every day should be a day of celebration.  But the emphasis on one month provides us with a focus.  It makes the celebration special.  Without the Special Month, there would perhaps be no celebration at all.

During this month also, “Love is emphasized, especially with the celebration of “Valentine’s Day.”  Here again, “Love” is a virtue that needs to be practiced everyday.  But the special emphasis this month affirms just how significant, it is.

Love is more than an “emotion.”  It is also a “will” and an “act.”  Love IS what Love DOES.  It reaches out.  Speaking of “REACHING OUT,” the church owes a huge debt of gratitude to our several members, who give so freely of their time and service in love to our several outreach ministries: 

(1) Hot Breakfast Ministry; (2)  Food Pantry Ministry; (3) Lydia Clothing Ministry; (4) Day Care Ministry; (5) After School Ministry; and (6) Women’s Ministry Outreach Ministry to McDougald.  As a church we no only meet, eat, worship, and study, but we also show our love through service.

Dr. Lloyd L. Watkins, Sr., Pastor

The History of Black History

Americans have recognized black history annually since 1926, first as "Negro History Week" and later as "Black History Month." What you might not know is that black history had barely begun to be studied-or even documented-when the tradition originated. Although blacks have been in America at least as far back as colonial times, it was not until the 20th century that they gained a respectable presence in the history books.

Blacks Absent from History Books

We owe the celebration of Black History Month, and more importantly, the study of black history, to Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Born to parents who were former slaves, he spent his childhood working in the Kentucky coal mines and enrolled in high school at age twenty. He graduated within two years and later went on to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard. The scholar was disturbed to find in his studies that history books largely ignored the black American population-and when blacks did figure into the picture, it was generally in ways that reflected the inferior social position they were assigned at the time.

Established Journal of Negro History

Woodson, always one to act on his ambitions, decided to take on the challenge of writing black Americans into the nation's history. He established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now called the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History) in 1915, and a year later founded the widely respected Journal of Negro History. In 1926, he launched Negro History Week as an initiative to bring national attention to the contributions of black people throughout American history.

Woodson chose the second week of February for Negro History Week because it marks the birthdays of two men who greatly influenced the black American population, Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. However, February has much more than Douglass and Lincoln to show for its significance in black American history. For example:

• February 23, 1868 :
  W. E. B. DuBois, important civil rights leader and co-founder of the NAACP, was born.
• February 3, 1870 :
  The 15th Amendment was passed, granting blacks the right to vote.
• February 25, 1870 :
  The first black U.S. senator, Hiram R. Revels (1822-1901), took his oath of office.
• February 12, 1909 :
  The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded by a group of concerned black and white citizens in New York City .
• February 1, 1960 :
  In what would become a civil-rights movement milestone, a group of black Greensboro , N.C. , college students began a sit-in at a segregated Woolworth's lunch counter.
• February 21, 1965 :
  Malcolm X, the militant leader who promoted Black Nationalism, was shot to death by three Black Muslims.

RUSSELL MEMORIAL CME CHURCH

703 SOUTH ALSTON AVENUE

DURHAM , NORTH CAROLINA

W.Y.BELL/E.F. FAUCETTE SCHOLARSHIP GUIDELINES

CRITERIA

1. Applicant must be a member of Russell Memorial CME Church for at least one (1) year.

2. Applicant must be an active participant in one or more church youth activities or organizations during the present year. (Sunday school, CYF,

Youth Choir, Praise dancers, Mattie E. Coleman, Youth Usher, Boy Scout, Girl Scout, or others)

3. Applicant must be pursuing a first degree.

4. Applicant must furnish proof of enrollment to a  College/University, as well as, submit a letter of recommendation from one of the youth leaders.

5. Applicant must complete application /essay form.

6. Application must be received by June 1, 2008 .

7. The Scholarship Recipient will be announced on July 27, 2008 .  The scholarship check will be issued the 2^nd week in September.

     The Senior Citizens Ministry met January 15 at 11:00 a.m. in our Multi-purpose room. Plans were made for our Love Celebration scheduled for Tuesday, February 

19^th at 11:00 a.m. in our Multi-purpose room. Russell’s oldest member, Sister Annie Bell Green, Age 102, will be honored.

     A cordial invitation is extended to Senior Citizens to join our Ministry.

Rev. W. B. McLeod, Director

Sis. Ceola Edwards, President

Sis. Mamie Alston, Reporter

The Heart of Valentine's Day

Beyond the roses, chocolates and historical ties to a pagan fertility festival, you'll find the real meaning of Valentine's Day. It's the true love that compelled a young Christian to give up his life rather than stop sharing his faith.

Valentine's Day

When we think of Valentine's Day, we often think of red roses, candy in heart- shaped boxes, mushy valentines, and winged cherubs flying about shooting starry-eyed lovers with arrows.

But did you know that the origin of Valentine's Day, or Saint Valentine's Day, comes from the life and death of a Christian martyr? According to author Martha Zimmerman, the date traditionally celebrated as St. Valentine's Day finds it origin in the Roman festival of romance called Lupercalia, when the gods Juno and Pan were honored. It was a fertility festival or a lover's holiday looking forward to the return of Spring. In the fifth century, in an attempt to abolish the pagan festival, Pope Gelasius changed Lupercalia and its February 15 date to February 14 and called it Saint Valentine's Day. Even though the names and the date were changed, the emphasis continued to be on love.

Who was the real Valentine, and why did he have a day named after him?

Some authorities credit Geoffrey Chaucer with originating the custom of linking Valentine's Day with lovers. No link between the day and lovers exists before the time of Chaucer, thus leading some to conclude that it was this famous English author who connected the day with lovers. The fullest and earliest description of the tradition occurs in Chaucer's "Parliament of Fouls" composed around 1380. Since that time it has been traditional to connect St. Valentine's Day with love.

But who was the real Saint Valentine? St. Valentine was a Roman Christian who, according to tradition, was martyred during the persecution of Christians in the third century by Emperor Claudius II. The only thing certain about the day we remember as St. Valentine's Day is that it commemorates martyrdom. Claudius II declared all Christians illegal citizens. By his definition, they were guilty of treason because Roman citizens were required by law to worship the Emperor by declaring publicly, "Caesar is Lord!" Of course, this no Christian could do.

The real Valentine was a Roman Christian martyred during the third century A.D. by the Emperor Claudius II. Prior to his death, Valentine continued to minister in prison by witnessing to his prison guards. One of the guards was a good man who had adopted a blind girl. He asked Valentine if his God could help his daughter. Valentine prayed and the girl was given her sight. The guard and his whole family, 46 people, believed in Jesus and were baptized. When the Emperor heard about this he was furious that Valentine was still making converts even in prison, so he sentenced Valentine to death.

Just before being led out to his execution, the young Christian wrote a note to the jailer's daughter, signing it, "From your Valentine." The first valentine was really a Christian witness. Growing out of this story we participate in a custom of sending cards to people we love.

Given that the tradition of sending love notes grows out of a letter written by St. Valentine to his jailer's daughter on the eve of Valentine's execution, it's ironic that the card we send has received the emphasis, instead of remembering the content of the original Valentine's card: a message of unconditional devotion to Christ, even upon pain of death.

Over time the word "Saint" has been dropped from St. Valentine's Day, further obscuring the origins of this holiday. Instead of a negative reaction to some of the pagan origins of the day, why not celebrate the true love that compelled young Valentine to give up his life?

Remember that the day we know as St. Valentine's Day actually commemorates the death of an early Christian martyr, Valentine, who was put to death for refusing to renounce his faith in Christ.

Instead of chubby cherubs, sappy cards, too much candy, and soon-wilted flowers, why not point your family toward the true significance of St. Valentine's Day this year?

By all means, celebrate the day, but re-inject it with Christian meaning by resolving to live for Jesus without fear or shame, following the godly example of Valentine's unconditional love for Christ.

How can you celebrate St. Valentine's Day in a way that honors the original Valentine, who was martyred for his devotion to God?

First, give your life to Christ.

Second, declare the truth about God's love even if it costs you something.

Third, become a servant to those you love, rather than demanding that your needs be met. According to Pastor Alex Stevenson, we all want to hear the phrase, "Be my Valentine." It simply means "you are loved."

This Valentine's Day, remember that you are loved. God loves you and wants you to be His valentine. The love that God gives us is not like the world's love. The world's love is only as sturdy as a paper Valentine's card. But God's love is not a flimsy, cheap imitation: it is the real thing. It is an all-giving love that was and is willing to suffer and die for our deliverance.

Will you be God's valentine? It is your choice. Say yes and give to God the love He desires. And when you do, remember the first Valentine and how he gave everything, including his life, to the God he loved.

DCIA’s Annual Dinner Meeting

     Sister Fannie Lee and Sister Mamie Alston attended the Annual Dinner Meeting of the Durham Congregations In Action on Tuesday, January 14 at the Westminister Presbyterian 

Church on Old Chapel Hill Road .

     Dr. Charlie Nelms, Chancellor of NCCU was guest Speaker.  Mr. John Burness, Duke official, was honored for Community Service.  Installation of officers was held.

     The DCIA will sponsor its Annual CROP WALK, Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 2:30 p.m.

Submitted by Sis. Mamie Alston

College Students Recognition Day

     College Student Recognition Day was observed Sunday, December 30, 2007 during the 10:00 A.M. Service.

     Sis. Sarah Brown, Assistant Secretary of the Board of Christian Education, presented the following students for recognition:

Bro. Quentin Barrett – North Carolina A&T State University

Sis. Ebony Lee – North Carolina A&T State University

Sis. Sharday Moore – North Carolina A&T State University

Bro. Gregory Jones – Graduate Student, North Carolina A&T State University

Sis. April Wall - Winston-Salem State University

Sis. Vanessa Joyner – North Carolina Central University

Sis. Stacy Reed – Graduate Student, North Carolina Central University

Sis. Mykia Johnson – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Sis. Nicole Joyner – Graduate of Fayetteville State University , December 2007 Majors:  Biology and Chemistry

Recognition in Absentia

Bro. Roger Burroughs – Durham Technical Community College

Sis. Jormeka Carter – Tuskegee Institute

Congratulations to our College Students!!!

Submitted by Sis. Mamie Alston, Member

Board of Christian Education

12^th Pastors’ Conference and 64^th Founders Observance

     The 12^th Pastors’ Conference and 64^th Founders Observance opened with a keynote address by Bishop E. Lynn Brown, Presiding Prelate of the Second Episcopal District.

     This years conference was, to revert to the vernacular of the youth, “the bomb.” The preaching was anointed and spiritual, the presenters well prepared and knowledgeable. 

     Our morning devotion, appropriately titled, Celebration in Son, was just that.  Vanessa Bryant Young has a voice so strong and powerful that it was indeed a celebration to hear her sing and praise the LORD.

     Morning Bible Study, led by Rev. Dr. Margaret P. Aymer Oget was dynamic.  Our study came from Acts 2.  The first challenge given to us was to understand that the author of this great book, for the most part identified as Luke, was not certain.  It has been identified as Ancient Narrative Theology.  We do know for certain that it was written by someone who was a faithful servant of Jesus Christ, because of the specific detail and manner in which the information was delivered.  “Painstakingly accurate” details and information regarding the coming of the Holy Spirit and the effect that it had on all believers exist even to this day.  Our second challenge was to consider not only who was the author but also asking ourselves who it was not that was telling the story.  An issue was the fact that all persons heard the message in their own language, and the author made sure that all persons of different dialects and languages were identified by country.

     Rev. Dr. Chalres E. Booth, Pastor of Mount Olivet Baptist Church of Columbus Ohio, was the presenter for the 2008 Julian Smith Lectureship.  Rev. Dr. Booth “preached” his lecture titled, “Staying in Character.”  His thoughts were that too many preachers were in the ministry for the popularity rather that the 3-P’s, Priestly, Pastoral and Prophetic and function more in the areas of marrying, baptizing, etc, but not proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  In order to be effective preachers, we must examine our Priestly, Pastoral and Prophetic character.  He gave an example of how Elijah allowed his feelings to get in the way of facts, so much that he allowed himself to be afraid of Jezebel, wife of Ahab.  He did not think for a moment how GOD had used him to perform miraculous deeds, and his fear even made him forget the fact that GOD was still with him.  In dealing with our fears, we must understand that  God can help us to contend with such issues.

     Dr. Booth explained that we need to be ‘re-rooted’ and re-habilitated, as Paul was, for instance.  Paul was re-habilitated – he was a philospher, a theologian and a lawyer.  One day GOD took him, detoxed him and used him for HIS Work.

     Preachers must understand that their primary function is to preach the Gospel.  Some do not believe what they preach, so much so that a great deal of what the Gospel is about is not being heard by the people.  Preachers have gotten away from what Jesus preached, namely, being Priestly, Pastoral and Prophetic.  Jesus got in trouble not because of His person -  but because of His Proclamation.  Health, Wealth, and Prosperity is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Trials and tribulations will always be a part of this world.  In closing, Dr. Booth reminded us that, our reputation is who people say we are, but our character is who we really are.

     Preachers are to preach necessity, not popular opinion.  Preach the gospel which will draw others to us but will also drive away.  And lastly we are to let the text preach itself.  Dr. Teeresa Dry Brown presented to the body The Purpose of Preaching:  She asked What is preaacher, who preaches, why do we preach, when do we preach and where do we preach?  She challenged us by asking us; what is your theology, Who is GOD, who is Christ, Who is the Holy Spirit.  Her study was designed to help Pastor’s in reaching the masses. She grouped us in small groups and gave us a scripture and asked us to preach it to one another.  It was extremely helpful and interesting to hear the same scripture being preached by each person in your group.

     Noon Day Worship Services were spirit filled and exciting; Rev. Oscar M. Massey, Presiding Elder from Tuscaloosa District in Brookwood , Alabama , preached “After the Anointing” from the scripture Exodus 30:25-29.  He explained that we cannot love the way we should, until after the anointing. He defined the anointing as an impartation of  God’s abilty in our lives to do HIS Will, and when it comes, there is a definite change.  Only after the anointing can the Jesus Challenge be met.

     Dr. Larry Dean Anders, Pastor of Williams Memorial CME Temple, Shreveport, Louisiana delivered a message about the Congregation and Pastor who missed an opportunity to go from good to great because there was no vision.  Every Church of GOD should have a heavenly vision.  Preaching must be authentic so that people will have a vehicle of hope as they go through day to day struggles.  The preaching must be relevant – it must be priestly, pastoral and prophetic.  His message came from Luke 4:16-19 and Luke 10:30-36. 

     The summary represents only a taste of what we received during the Pastor’s Conference.  I truly appreciate being able to attend to hear these dynamic and spiritual men and women of GOD.

Submitted by Rev. Pamella Mack

COME TO SUNDAY SCHOOL

Russell Family, the Sunday School Department needs your presence.  Sis. Faydene Hatch, General Superintendent is appealing to all members who are not attending Sunday School currently to please come.

     Sunday School starts at 9:00 a.m. each Sunday.  A light “continental style” breakfast of juice and breakfast bars is served to all classes.  So, if you can manage to shower and dress on Sunday morning, but not get breakfast before coming to Sunday School, you won’t have to worry about being hungry.

     Our roster of classes and teachers are as follows: 

Beginners Class (2-4 yrs.) Sis. Kitty Graham; Primary (5-6 yrs.) Sis. Carrie Rogers; Primary II (7-8 yrs.) Sis. Evelyn Slappy; Juniors (9-11 yrs.) Sis. Deborah Bullock; Youth Class I (12-14yrs.) Sis. Pamela Banks; Youth Class II (15-17 yrs.) Sis. Sandra Hairston; Young Adult Class (18-25 yrs.) Sis. Zelma Hamm and Rev. Pamella Mack; E. J. McCoy Class (25 and up) Sis. Ceola Edwards and Sis. Bettie Melvin, and the H. E. Murray Bible Class (Adults and Seniors) Bro. Clent Davis and Sis. Faydene Hatch.

     According to Sis. Hatch, the Young Adult Class has been set-up but needs participants.  If you are interested in any of these classes, we urge you to show up at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings.  If you are not sure when you can start attending, please give your contact information to one of the teachers at church or contact them by phone through the church directory.

     Sunday School attendance can provide valuable Christian Training to you and your family.

     The Lessons are designed to help Christians learn to apply Biblical principles to your everyday lives.  Unlike Church Services, Sunday School Classes are informal enough for you to take part in discussions and ask questions.  Some of the questions the lessons have focused on lately are as follows:

●Who is the Holy Spirit?

●Why doesn’t God answer every prayer?

●What does the scripture say about worrying?

     So please come to, Sunday School is one of the best ways to develop your spiritual life.

Submitted by Sisters Faydene Hatch and Pamela Banks

ATTORNEY'S ADVICE - NO CHARGE 


Read  this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it  someday. Maybe we should all take some of his advice! A corporate Attorney sent the following out to the employees in his company.  

1. Do not sign the back of your credit cards.  Instead, put   "PHOTO ID REQUIRED."

2. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers.

     The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't              

     have access to it.

3. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home Phone. If you have a PO Box use that instead of  your home address. If you do not have a PO Box, use     

your work address.  Never have your SS# printed on your checks. (DUH!)  You can add it if it is necessary.  But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.

4. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of e ach license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of

the account numbers and phone numbers to Call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. I also carry a Photocopy of my passport when I travel either here or 

abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a Name, address, Social Security number, credit cards.
         

5. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card Numbers handy so you know whom

 to call. Keep those where you can find them.

6. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit  Providers you were diligent, and this is a first step

toward an Investigation (if there ever is one).

7. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations Immediately to place a fraud alerts on your name and also call the Social Security fraud line number. I had                

never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the Internet in my name. The alert means any company  

that checks your Credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.

Now, here are the  numbers you always need to contact about your wallet, etc., has been  stolen:

        1.) Equifax:  800-525-6285

        2.) Experian  (formerly TRW): 888-397-3742

        3.) Trans Union : 800-6807289

        4.) Social Security Administration (fraud  line):

         800-269-0271

Men’s Ministry

     The Men of Russell Memorial are excited about this upcoming year and about Men’s Conference 2008, which will be held the weekend of March 15-16, 2008 .  To kick off the Men’s Conference pre-activities we will have a fish fry fundraiser on February 29, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. until.  Secondly, NCCU basketball team will play Utah Valley State on February 19^th, tickets are only $5.00 (special discount).  If you would like to attend please contact Bro. Donald Bailey or any man of Russell, no later than February 15^th so that we can give account of members attending and for church recognition.  Thank you for your prayers and continued support.

Submitted by Bro. Donald Bailey, President

Men’s Ministry

BIRTHDAYS

Wallace Braswell                      February 2                                          

Ivarine Dixon                            February 2                              

Elizabeth Gilchrist                     February 2                              

Wilmon Rogers, Jr.                   February 4                              

Elizabeth Florence                    February 4

Emma J. Harris                         February 6

Laura Brewer                           February 7

Stephen Turner                         February 9

April Wall                                 February 10

Deborah Holloway                   February 11

Ralph McMillion                       February 12

Bernice Scott                            February 13

Beola Baldwin                          February 14

Tonja Wall                               February 14

Latasha Lee                              February 14

Ceola Edwards                         February 15

Laticia Harris                            February 15

Ruby Messick                          February 17

Louise Price                             February 22

Lloyd Watkins, Jr.                    February 24

Hazel Holmes                           February 25

Naomi Harris                            February 26

Hervey Graham                        February 27

Pamela Joyner                          February 27

Kandace Harrell                       February 28

James & Mary Dempson          Feburary 5

Alford & Ruby Messick            Feburary 8

Robert & Earnestine Shaw        February 28

During the month of January

The Russell Memorial

Good Samaritan Food Bank Ministry

Served 350 Families and 909 Individuals.

Lydia Clothing Ministry

     The Lydia Clothing Ministry appreciates your donations during the year 2007.  Your donations enabled the ministry to serve 521 individuals.  We thank you and 

solicit your continued contributions and support.

Submitted by

Sis. Ceola Edwards, Reporter

Sis. Nancy Snipes, President

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

February 1, 2008                                 Durham District Board of Christian Education Annual Banquet - Radisson Hotel, RTP - 7:00 p.m.

February 2, 2008                                 Durham District Christian Education Institute @ Russell Memorial/Burton Elementary School - 9:00 a.m.

February 3, 2008                                 All Choirs’ Day Celebration – 4:00 p.m.

February 7-9, 2008                             Men & Women Conference, High Point , NC

February 9, 2008                                 CYF Dinner Theater at 5:00 p.m.

February 10, 2008                               Boy Scout Observance at 10:00 a.m.

February 10, 2008                               Men’s Ministry Worship at 10:00 a.m.

February 10, 2008                              Ushers Anniversary at 3:00 p.m.

February 16, 2008                               Winter Planning Meeting, Parkwood Institutional CME Church , Charlotte , NC

February 16, 2008                               Children & Youth Choir Ice Skating Outing at 2:00 p.m.

February 17, 2008                               North Carolina Central University Students Sit-In at     10:00 a.m.

February 19, 2008                       Senior Citizens Love Celebration at 11:00 a.m.

February 23, 2008                       Ushers & Greeters Workshop at 10:00 a.m.

February 24, 2008                       Human Concerns Worship at 10:00 a.m.

February 29, 2008                              Men’s Conference Fish Fry at 10:00 a.m.

March 1, 2008                                      Sunday School Black History/Soul Food Dinner Observance at 10:00 a.m.

March 9, 2008                                      Girl Scout Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

March 9, 2008                                      Pastor’s Aid 48^th Anniversary 4:00 p.m.

March 15-16, 2008                              Men’s Conference Celebration

March 16, 2008                                    CROP WALK 2008

March22, 2008                                    Women’s Ministry Health Awareness at 10:30 a.m.

March 23, 2008                                    Sunday School Resurrection  Sunday at 9:00 a.m.

March 29, 2008                                    Missionary Tom Thumb Wedding at 3:00 p.m.

The USHER

An elderly woman walked into the local country

church.  The friendly usher greeted her at the door

and helped her up the flight of steps "Where would

you like to sit?" he asked politely.  "The front row

please," she answered.  "You really don't want to do

that," the usher said "The pastor is really boring."

"Do you happen to know who I am?" the woman

inquired.  "No." he said.  "I'm the pastor's mother,"

she replied indignantly.  "Do you know who I am?"

he asked. "No." she said.  "Good," he answered.

Just for Laughs

Waking Up for Church

One Sunday morning, a mother went in to wake her son and tell him it was time to get ready for church, to which he replied, "I'm not going." "Why not?" she asked. I'll

give you two good reasons, he said. "One, they don't like me, and two, I don't like hem."His mother replied, "I'll give YOU two good reasons why YOU SHOULD go to

church.  (1) You're 59 years old, and (2) you're the pastor!"

In Appreciation

     Thanks to Pastor Watkins and the Russell Memorial

Church family and friends for supporting the activities

sponsored by the Durham Community Martin Luther King

Steering Committee.  Your monetary contributions,

donations of toiletry articles for health kits, and attendance

and participation at the various activities were appreciated.