Vision 
Russell
Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Volume
III
Published Monthly
December 2004
Number
35
ADVENT:
THE SEASON OF ANTICIPATION AND HOPE
Advent is the beginning of the Church year.
It begins this year on Sunday, November 28th and ends on
Christmas Eve, December 24th.
Historically, the primary sanctuary color of Advent is Purple, the color
of royalty to welcome the Advent of the King.
The purple of Advent is also the color of suffering used during Lent and
Holy Week. The nativity, the
Incarnation, cannot be separated from the Crucifixion, the Atonement.
The purpose of Jesus’ coming into the world, of the “Word made
flesh” and dwelling among us, is to reveal God and His g race to the world
through Jesus’ life and teaching, but also through His suffering, death, and
resurrection.
Advent is marked by a spirit of expectation, of anticipation, of
preparation, and of longing. There
is a yearning for deliverance from the evils of the world, first expressed by
Israelite slaves in
Advent also symbolizes the spiritual journey of individuals and a congregation, as they affirm that Christ has come, that He is present in the world today, and that He will come again in power. That
acknowledgment provides a basis
for Kingdom ethics, for holy living arising from a profound sense that we live
“between the times” and are called to be faithful stewards of what is
entrusted to us as God’s people.
102nd Church Anniversary
In 1902, under the leadership of Rev. Joseph S. Miller, the first worship
service was held in the home of Mr.
& Mrs. Thomas Stroud, Sr. The
Strouds, Mrs. Mamie Atwater and their small children, Marvin Stroud and Eleta
Atwater were present for this blessed service.
On
The Anniversary Choir, under the leadership of Minister Robin Utley set the tone of the service for more than 300 worshipers in attendance with the singing of “It Is Well” featuring Mr. Christopher Allison as its guest trumpet player.
The guest preacher for this service was one of our former pastors, Rev.
Timothy W. Price, Sr. He is
presently the pastor of
The Acts of the Apostles’
Rev. Price told the worshipers to make sure they are not making an “encroachment” because when you are out of position you don’t have “the power source” the “Holy Ghost Power.” He challenged Russell to turn on their “spiritual concentration and learn to be sensitive to the movement and activity of God. God is on a mission and he is calling us to join him on his mission and Turn it on, turn it on for Jesus.”
Following the worship service everyone enjoyed the fellowship and a delicious meal prepared by Brothers Willie Alston, Ralph McMillion and various boards of the church.
Submitted
by Sis. Clementine F. Self, Chairperson
102nd Church Anniversary
THANKSGIVING
SERVICE
The Missionary
Society sponsored its Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Service Tuesday, November 23rd
at
Prior to the service, food baskets from the boards and auxiliaries were
placed on tables in front of the Altar.
The Praise and Worship Service was
led by Rev. &
Mrs. Sylvester Snipes, Ministers Pamella Mack and Linda Henry.
Minister Linda Henry served as Worship Leader.
Pastor Watkins delivered the Thanksgiving message, “Thank God We Are
Still Here.” Scriptures:
Philippians 3:7-14 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
Other program participants were Rev. Willie B. McLeod, prayer; Minister
Pamella Mack, Scripture; Bro. Adrian Jordan, Solo – “I Won’t Complain”.
The Invitation to Christian Discipleship was given by Pastor Watkins.
The Prayer and Dedication of food baskets were offered by Rev. Snipes and
Minister Mack after the congregation assembled around the food baskets and the
altar.
Remarks were made by Sis. Cora Burchette, President of the Missionary
Society and Pastor Watkins.
The food baskets were distributed to several families.
Submitted
by Sis. Mamie Alston
Day Care Thanksgiving
Dinner
The
F. Howard Alston/Russell Memorial Child Development Center celebrated
Thanksgiving with a Dinner on
The children who attend the Center and their families were invited as our
special guests. We had a delicious
meal which consisted of Glazed Ham, Baked Chicken, String Beans, Macaroni &
Cheese, Potato Salad, Rolls, Apple Pie, Chocolate Cake and Punch.
We had a wonderful evening. Thanks
to Sister Lucille Williams and the Board of Directors for their assistance as
well as the Staff.
A special thanks to Pastor Watkins, the Executive Director for his
presence and greetings.
Submitted
by Sis. Charlene Watkins
Administrative Director
FOURTEENTH
ANNUAL
FRANK
HOWARD ALSTON
SCHOLARSHIP
SUNDAY
The Fourteenth
Annual F. Howard Alston Scholarship Sunday was held
Guest speaker was Rev. Evelyn W. Gilchrist, Pastor and General Overseer
of the Eccleasia House of Prayer Holy Churches, Inc.
A former student and long-time friend of the late “Prof” Alston.
Rev. Gilchrist focused on the different kinds of rains that come during
our lifetime. How
God take us through the rains and storms in life.
Special greetings came from the 2004
Scholarship recipients Jazmin and
Jarmara McMillan. A letter of
appreciation and thanks was read from Darius Long a 2004 scholarship recipient.
The Hillside High School Class of 1952 and friends continue to keep the
ideas of the late “Prof” Alston alive. His
motto was to help others along the way “By words and Deeds.”
Special thanks to Mrs. Mamie
V. Alston and family in helping with his wishes.
Also, thanks to the Durham Community for their continued
support of the Scholarship Program.
Submitted
by Sis. Ernestine Turner
Member
Class of 1952
The Senior Citizens Ministry will sponsor Casey Caufman, Prescription
Assistant Co-Organizer, for North Carolina Senior Pharm-Assist CARE Plan on
Wednesday, December 8th at
Submitted
by Sis. Ceola Edwards
A TRIBUTE OF FAITH
TO PASTOR WATKINS
Your faith shines as a lighted candle in the darkest hour of the night,
It shines for those who are already out on the battlefield fighting for their life,
Also, for those who are lost in darkness trying to get a ray of light.
Your faith in God helps and encourages them to seek that eternal sight.
Your faith in God encouraged my faith when I was in the VA Hospital Emergency Room,
I had just lost my last child, but you spoke to me and said, “Sister McDuffie, keep the faith,” for my faith was very gloom.
Pastor Watkins, it seems that your faith has a ray of hope when every star has gone,
Your faith extends beyond the darkness of the night and into the early dawn,
Continue to keep the faith every morning,
God will always walk with you, as you walk by faith and not
by sight.
Submitted
by Sis. Mary T. McDuffie
FAMILY MINISTRY/BIRTH
OF JESUS
CELEBRATION
The Sunday School
and the
“We have not,
because we ask not”….
James 4:2d
OUR PRAISE DANCERS will be
purchasing uniforms. We are soliciting your help in this
endeavor. You may sponsor a
praise dancer or give a donation towards the total cost of the
uniforms, which is approximately $70.00
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Masharell Smith 957-0477.
We thank you in advance for your cooperation.
The
Purpose Driven Life/Church
Session
4
Discipleship
– You Were Created to Become Like Christ
Session
5
Ministry – You were Shaped for Serving God
Session
6
Evangelism – You Were Made for
a
Wednesdays
at
HAPPY
BIRTHDAY JESUS
CHRISTMAS
DAY
TOP-CAT
COMPUTER
LAB
The TOP-CAT (Technology Opportunities Program-Community Access to
Technology) Academy Computer Lab is now open in the Family Life and
Submitted
by Sis. Fannie T. Lee
‘Twas
The Night Jesus Came
‘Twas
the night Jesus came and all through the house, not a person was praying, not
one in the house…
The
Bible was left on the shelf without care, for no one thought Jesus would come
there…
The
children were dressing to crawl into bed, not once ever kneeling or bowing their
head…
And Mom
in the rocking chair with babe on her lap, was watching the Late Show as I took
a nap…
When out
of the east there rose such a clatter, I spring to my feet to see what was the
matter…
Away to
the window I flew like a flash, tore open the shutters and lifted the sash…
When
what to my wondering eyes should appear, but Angels proclaiming that Jesus was
here…
The
light of His face made me cover my head, it was Jesus returning just like He’d
said…
And
though I possess worldly wisdom and wealth, I cried when I saw Him in spite of
myself…
In the
Book of Life which He held in His hand, was written the name of every saved
man…
He spoke
not a word as He searched for my name,
when He
said “It’s not here,” my head hung in shame…
The
people whose names had been written with love, He gathered to take to his Father
above…
With
those who were ready He rose without sound, while all of the others were left
standing around…
I fell
to my knees but it was too late, I’d waited too long and thus sealed my
fate…
I stood
and I cried as they rose out of sight, Oh, if only I’d known that this was the
night…
In the
words of this poem the meaning is clear the coming of Jesus is now drawing
near…
There’s
only one life and when comes the last call, We’ll find out that the Bible was
true after all…
B
Basic
I
Instructions
B
Before
L
Leaving
E
Earth
Calendar of Events
Give-A-Way
Mayme
Perry
December 5
Clent Davis
December 13
Emma
M. Robinson
December 14
Alleane
Thompson
December 16
Freddie
Dunston
December 20
Dorothy
M. Graham
December 22
Patricia Scott
December 24
JESUS
CHRIST
December 25
Betty Rivers
December 26
Christopher Brewer
December 29
Jeremiah & Fannie T. Lee December 23
Samuel & Almeta
Wilmon & Carrie Rogers December 23
Percy & Dorothy Joyner December 25
Christopher & Janice Brewer December 29
MEN’S
MINISTRY
VETERAN’S
RECOGNITION SUNDAY
On November 7th Russell Memorial included a Veteran’s Recognition segment in the worship service. Thirty-plus veterans were in attendance, standing TALL and looking good. Highlights included the lighting of three candles honoring the veterans who were unable to attend the worship service. The lighting of the candles honored:
(1) Deceased Veterans; (2) Veterans unable to attend for medical reasons; and (3) Veterans currently serving and those on the battlefield.
A recession followed the worship service as the Veterans shared their marching skills. They led the congregation to the reception area.
The Men’s Ministry thanks you all for your support and prayers.
Special thanks to Pastor Watkins for his guidance and leadership.
Have a Blessed
Submitted
by Bro. Donald Bailey, President
Men’s
Ministry
Men’s Ministry will meet December 11th at
It
Depends On Whose Hands It’s In!
A basketball in my hand is worth about $19.
A basketball in Michael Jordan’s hands is worth about $33 million.
It depends whose hands it’s in.
A baseball in my hand is worth about $6.
A baseball in Barry Bond’s hands is worth $19 million.
It depends whose hands it’s in.
A tennis racket is useless in my hand.
A tennis racket in Pete Sampras’ hand is a Wimbledon Championship.
It depends whose hands it’s in.
A rod in my hands will keep away a wild animal.
A rod in Moses’ hand will part the mighty sea.
It depends whose hands it’s in.
A slingshot in my hands is a kid’s toy.
A slingshot in David’s hand is a mighty weapon.
It depends whose hands it’s in.
Two fish and five loaves of bread in my hands is a couple of fish sandwiches.
Two fish and five loaves of bread in God’s hands will feed thousands.
It depends whose hands it’s in.
Nails in my hands might produce a birdhouse.
Nails in Jesus Christ’s hands will produce salvation for the entire world.
It depends whose hands it’s in.
So put your concerns, your worries, your fears, your hopes, your dreams, your families and your relationships in God’s hands because--
It depends whose hands it’s in.