I received the following three articles recently via e-mail, that I would like to share with you:

Need a break?  Is life getting the best of you?  Selah!  Selah, a word found 74 times throughout the Bible.  Although its true meaning is unknown, most researchers and Bible scholars agree it has something to deal with a silence, break or pause.  We all have circumstances and issues that cause us to feel discouraged.  It’s during this time when we have to remember the word, Selah.  Take a moment.  Break away if even for a minute.  If that means just closing your eyes at your desk or stealing away to the bathroom, connect with God.  Reflect on His goodness and His infinite power to rule in and over all.  During this episode as you commune with Him, He will minister to you.  Shortly thereafter you will be equipped to tackle your trial.  Even during the awesome times, Selah.  Pause to praise Him for His wondrous and random acts of kindness.  Hence, whenever you need to take a break, grab one if you can.  Selah!  Although a Selah is simply a moment of time; any moment with God is all you need.

    My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge.  Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.  Selah"  Psalm 62:7-8 (NIV)

Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.  John 12:24

     Self-seeking, self serving, self-centered-these words describe somebody:  ME!  While I remain in this condition, I’m prone to get depressed, insecure, fearful, defensive, or a lot of other negative things.  So what’s the answer?  Die!  Imagine how that sounds to someone who has spent most of his life searching for a bigger house, or a better car, or more money, or approval, or all the other things we pursue.  Listen to the Word:  "He who has died [to self] is freed from sin" (Romans 6:7).  Sin appeals to your flesh, but when your flesh is crucified, you suddenly come to life spiritually and begin to walk on a new level of victory.  The secret is, you have to die daily. 

(I Corinthians 15:31).

     Jesus said, "Except a corn of wheat dies, it abides alone."  But if it dies, it becomes productive.  Loneliness and depression are often found in the lives of people who have not discovered their destiny or who refuse to pay the price.  Find a cause bigger than yourself, and give your life to it!  Support a missionary; become a Sunday school teacher; do something that’s not for you, something that’s bigger than self-interest.

As we are in the commencement of Spring 2005, lofty thoughts often come to mind.  The dainty flowers blooming, lush green grass, and even honey bees.  As those bees buzz along, we benefit from their efforts.  We are reminded in Proverbs 24 of the wonderful product of their diligence, honey.

The author points out just as honey is sweet and delicious to eat, our palate for wisdom should be the same.  Knowledge allows us to understand who we are and where we are going.  After this consumption, we are assured of bright futures with our dreams not being deferred.  We should eat of life’s knowledge for it is a delicacy.  Not many want to take the time to find it, understand it and appreciate it for what it truly is, good.  However; if you should feast of its sweetness, your future will be tasty.  Frosted minds covered in knowledge, we can rightly testify that life is sweet indeed!

PASTOR’S AID BOARD

45TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

     The Pastor’s Aid Board observed its 45th Anniversary, Sunday, March 13th at 4:00 p.m.  Rev. Maurice  Bolden, Pastor of Reid Memorial CME Church, Greensboro, NC was guest preacher.  He was accompanied by his choir and congregation.

     Minister Linda Henry served as Worship Leader.  Other participants were Sisters Cora Burchette, Laura Brewer, Lucille Williams, Mamie Alston, Joyce Taylor, Elizabeth Florence, Emma J. Harris, Dorothy Graham and Bro. John Bounsell.  Remarks were given by Sis. Iola Eason, President and Dr. Lloyd L. Watkins, Pastor.

     We are grateful to the Russell Memorial Church Family, our guests and visitors for helping to make our 45th Anniversary a success.

     A special "Thank You" to Bro. Marc Harris for transportation services and to our 30 CROP WALK participants who enjoyed the fun and exercise on the beautiful afternoon of March 20th!

SUNDAY SCHOOL RESURRECTION CELEBRATION

     Participants were preschoolers, primaries, juniors and youth.  Sis. Ebony Lee was narrator, Sis. Paulette Bailey was worship leader, Sis. Vanda Davis and Minister Linda Henry were Musicians and Directress of Music respectively.  Sis. Louise Price gave a heartwarming rendition of the song "I Am Redeemed". 

          Thanks to our devotional participants.   Brothers Elijah Henry and Kelly Gibson respectively.  Minister Pamella Mack gave the closing Resurrection Prayer and remarks were given by Sis. Faydene Hatch, at which time she thanked all participants, adult workers, the Sunday School teachers in particular, for preparing the students for their roles.  The celebration was heartfelt by everyone.

Congratulations Coach Chambers!

     Mrs. Louise Gooche, retired nurse was guest speaker at the Senior Citizens March 9th meeting.  She gave a wonderful and an interesting presentation on "Keeping Joy in Your Life."  Some highlights of her presentation are as follows:

     If you keep joy in your life, joy will keep you alive and will give you strength.

     Thanks to Sis. Ethel Bounsell, our Activities Coordinator for securing guests to participate in our meetings and introducing them to us.

     Delicious refreshments were enjoyed by everyone.

     Seniors are encouraged to participate in the Senior Day Ball Games scheduled for April 12-23.  Application forms are available.

          Congratulations to the following students for making the A and B Honor Roll in their schools for the third grading period:

Jacqueline Webster – A Honor Roll

Taylor Smith – A Honor Roll

Dante’ Brewer – A/B Honor Roll

Patrick Hatch, Jr. – A/B Honor Roll

(Second Grading Period)

Mary McCain – A/B Honor Roll

Laura Chaparro – A/B Honor Roll

     Sis. Ivarine M. Dixon retired in March after many years of service working with TRIANGE HOME HEALTH CARE (THHC).  We appreciate her great work through the years and wish her the very best in her new adventures.  THHC would not be where it is today without her.  We will miss you, Mrs. Dixon.

Collection of Auction items

We will have a display of Auction items

 Women’s Conference 2005 Celebration

$100.00 - Adults (22 and above)

$25.00 - Students (19-21)

$10.00 - Youth (12-18)

     Sister Ceola Edwards was among the fourteen – Dare to Make a Difference Honorees.  Certificates were presented to the Honorees for their Community Service.  Sister Edwards was honored for her service to seniors.

     Sis. Mary Dempson was honored as the Outstanding Ebonette of the Year.  She was

     Congratulations to Sisters Ceola Edwards and Mary Dempson.

Clothing and Food for the Needy

     Hours of operation for the Clothing Ministry is Wednesdays and Fridays of each week from

            I will live through this day only.

            I will not brood about yesterday or obsess                            

            about tomorrow.

            I will not set far-reaching goals or try to

            overcome all my problems at once.

            I know that I can do something for 24 hours

            I will be happy

            I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me.

            If my mind fills with clouds, I will chase

            them away and fill it with sunshine.

            I will accept what is

            I will face reality

I will correct those things I can correct and accept those I cannot.

            I will improve my mind

            I will read something that requires effort,

            thought, and concentration

I will not be a mental loafer.

            I will make a conscious effort to be 

agreeable

I will be kind and courteous to those who cross my path and I’ll not speak ill of others

I’ll improve my appearance,

Speak softly and not interrupt when someone else is talking.

Let us sow love, kindness and peace

Deep down within our hearts

Let us live our life for Jesus

It will start growing and multiplying from the very first start

Each seed should be soaked in prayer,

Obeying him each day

Doing unto others as you would have them do unto you

He will always pave and make the way.

Now if you don’t want the reaping

Your seeds you need to keep

Because Galatians 6:7 tells us

"What so ever man soweth that shall he also reap".

And so the world needs to sow love, kindness and happiness

In our life’s garden each day

So this beautiful world of God would be a better place to stay.

     What we need are more Christians who quietly but effectively do their jobs like a hammer keeps its head; it doesn’t fly off the handle; it keeps pounding away; it finds the point quickly and drives it home; and perhaps most important, it is the only knocker in the world that accomplishes anything worthwhile!

     Consider the hammer, and follow its example in your daily walk with Christ.

11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

Don Williams, Jr.                                   April 4

Deidre Fairley                                       April 7

James Dempson, Jr.                              April 9

Cora Burchette                                     April 10

Mary W. Jones                                     April 12

Doris Baldwin                                       April 13

Henry Scott                                          April 22

Tommy Hamilton                                   April 24

Gerald & Shana D. Riley                       April 7

Willie & Mary McDuffie                       April 17

Rev. Willie B. & Evelyn McLeod           April 18

Bobby & Jules Joyner                            April 18

Rev. Sylvester & Nancy Snipes             April 21

When I was little, I used to believe in the concept of one best friend, and then I started to grow up. I found out that if you allow your heart to open up, God would show you the best in many friends.

One friend is needed when you're going through things with your spouse.

Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your parents.

Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be.

One friend will say let's pray together, another let's cry together, another let's fight together, another let's walk away together. One friend will share your love for movies, another will be with you in your season of confusion, another, will be your clarifier, another, the wind beneath your wings.

But whatever their assignment in your life, on whatever the occasion, on whatever the day, or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on, or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself ... those are your best friends. It may all be wrapped up in one person, but for many it's wrapped up in several .. one from 7th grade, one from high school, several from the college years, a couple from old jobs, several from

church, on some days your mother or father, on others your sisters and brothers, and on some days it’s your children.