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 will be celebrating the achievements of many black heroes and heroines who made, and still are making outstanding contributions, 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, inspite 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 important and 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; (6) TOP-CAT Computer Ministry; and

(7) Women’s Ministry Outreach Ministry to McDougald.  As a church we not only meet, eat, worship, and study, but we also show our love through praise.

Submitted by Pastor Watkins

“ALL CHOIRS DAY” CELEBRATION

         You are invited to join us for our “All Choirs Day” Celebration Sunday, February 13, 2005 ,    4:00 p.m.   Featured on program will be a variety of choirs, groups, male choruses, etc.  Please invite family, friends, neighbors and co-workers.  You don’t want to miss this!  Each adult choir member is asked to give $25.00 and children and youth are asked to give $5.00.

Second Annual Musical Extravaganza

      The College Ministry is having its Second Annual Musical Extravaganza featuring North Carolina Central University Worship and Praise Inspirational Mass Choir and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gospel Choir on Sunday, February 20, 2005 at 3:00 p.m.

     Come and let us make a joyful noise unto the Lord!  Invite your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to this outstanding program.

Submitted by Sis. Barbara Harris

YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT DINNER THEATER

     The Youth & Young Adults Dinner Theater “The Church Meeting” is rescheduled for Saturday, February 12^th at 3:00 p.m.   Come and share an evening of comedy and good food.  If you have not purchased your ticket please see a youth or young adult.  Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children 11 and under.

Clothing for the Needy

     The Missionary Society is happy to announce the re-opening of the newly remodeled Lydia Clothing Closet.  The Clothing Ministry is located in the basement of the Administration Building . 

     Donations of “gently used”, clean clothing, and household items are accepted during the office hours ( 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ).

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

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Director:  Sis. Nancy Snipes; Staff:  Sis. Evelyn McLeod, Sis. Ceola Edwards, Sis. Kitty Graham, Sis. Lillie Robinson, Sis. Cora Burchette and Minister Pamella Mack.

Submitted by Minister Pamella Mack

DCIA ( Durham Congregations In Action)

     The Durham Congregations In Action held its Annual Dinner Meeting at the Saint Joseph ’s A.ME. Church on Fayetteville Street , Tuesday, January 18^th at 6:30 p.m.

     Professor Teresa Berger was Keynote Speaker.  Her message was, “The Cries of the Poor and the Silence of God – Reflections on Suffering, Theology, and Hope.”

     CROPWALK Awards were presented to Community Agencies and Congregations of DCIA.  The 2005 CROPWALK is scheduled for Sunday, March 20^th at 2:30 p.m.

     Rev. Nancy Ferree-Clark, President, gave reflections on DCIA.  David Winer presented the Executive Director’s Message. 

     Rev. Joe Harvard conducted the Installation of Officers.

     Minister Pamella Mack, Sister Fannie Lee and Sister Mamie Alston appreciated the opportunity to represent our Russell Memorial Family at this informative, enjoyable and interesting occasion.

Submitted by Sis. Mamie V. Alston, Member

DCIA

Quilt Show

     Please view the Quilt Show at the Hayti Heritage Center , 804 Fayetteville Street , through February 28.  This activity is sponsored by the members of the African American Quilt Circle .

Submitted by Sis. Mamie Alston

     Our Cub Scouts are participating in the Pinewood Derby Contest Saturday, February 5^th at the Northgate Mall.

     Boy Scout Pack and Troop 144 and their Leaders are making plans to attend the Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus Friday, February 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the RBC Center , Raleigh , NC .

Submitted Sis. Mamie Alston

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Sunday, February 13, 2005 –

10:00 A.M. Worship Service

MLK Celebrations

     Thanks to Pastor Watkins and the Russell Memorial Church Family for supporting the Durham Community Martin Luther King Celebrations with your financial contributions and attendance at the programs and activities.

Submitted by Sis. Mamie V. Alston, Member

MKL Steering Committee

Senior Citizens Ministry

    Our guest speaker for the December 8^th meeting was Mr. Casey Kaufman, a Prescription Assistance Coordinator of the Senior Pharm Assist.  Mr. Kaufman spoke in detail regarding the rise in cost of prescription drugs and the benefits of the Senior Care Program subsidized by the State of North Carolina .  He was introduced by Sis. Ethel Bounsell.

     On December 11^th, the Senior Ministry’s first Christmas Luncheon was held at the Oh’Brian’s Restaurant from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.    Thanks to 

Sis. Ethel Bounsell, our Activities Coordinator, for planning an enjoyable occasion.

    The January 12^th meeting featured games and prizes which provided enjoyable entertainment.

     All Senior Citizens are invited to attend our February 9^th meeting at 1:15 p.m. and participate in Exercises.  Refreshments will be served.

     Sis. Bettye Johnson will begin Computer Classes on Friday, February 4^th at 12:30 p.m. in our Family Life and Community Outreach Center .

Submitted by Sis. Mamie Alston, Reporter

     Congratulations to the following students for high achievements during the last grading periods.

A/B Honor Roll

H.O.S.T.S (Helping Our Students to Succeed)

Laura Chapiro:  2^nd Grade, R. N. Harris Lab

Beonca McCain:  4^th Grade, Club Boulevard School

Mary McCain:  1^st Grade, Club Boulevard School

Russell Memorial CME Church

Justice Kithcart:  2^nd Grade, Turner Creek Elem. School

Andrew Rosemond:  2^nd Grade, Research Triangle Academy

Natalie Farrell:  3^rd Grade, Research Triangle Academy

Linda Williams:  4^th Grade, Southwest Elementary School

Kyle Farrell: 6^th Grade, Rogers Herr Middle School

Darryl Farrell:  8^th Grade, Rogers Herr Middle School

Jameka Johnson:  9^th Grade, Hillside High School

Mykia Johnson:  10^th Grade, Hillside High School

DEAN’S LIST

Michelle Mack: Sophomore, UNC at Pembroke

     To these honor students and all students, we love you and may God continue to shower His blessings upon you.

Teacher of the Year

     Coach Margratha Chambers was voted Teacher of the Year at Riverside High School by her co-workers.  This was revealed to her at the school’s faculty meeting.

     Coach Chambers is a Physical Education and Health Teacher and an Assistant Athletic Director.  In addition, she has served as Girls Varsity Basketball Coach and Girls Softball Coach at Riverside High School .

     Now, she along with other Teachers of the Year from the Durham Public Schools, will compete for the title, Durham Public Schools Teacher of the Year.

     Congratulations Coach Chambers!

Submitted by Sis. Mamie V. Alston

Congratulations

     The Thurgood Marshall Achievers Society presently known as the Triangle Urban League National Achievers Society, Campaigning for Minority Achievement, was started nationally in April 1998.  It was established to support and promote youth who are exceeding in school, and the community.

     An induction ceremony of the Triangle Urban League National Achievers Society was held January 4, 2005 at the Orange High School in Hillsborough , NC .  Mykia Johnson, a Sophomore at Hillside High School was one of the Honorees representing her school, along with students from other schools.  To date more than 10,000 students have been inducted in the society in celebration across the nation.

     Mykia Johnson is the granddaughter of Hervey and Kitty Graham.

Submitted by Sis. Kitty Graham

Each Wednesday at 12:00 Noon and 6:30 p.m.

WOMEN’S CONFERENCE 2005

     The time is fast approaching for our Women’s Conference 2005.  We need everyone to help make our conference a success.   To join a committee, please contact the following Co-Chairs.  Remember “God provides each of us with an opportunity to serve.”

Activity                       Decorations

Gloria Hamilton            Maxine Walii

Conyers Rosemond      Jacquelyn Williams

Finance                       Floral

Bettye Johnson Lucille Bethea

Evelyn Slappy               Kitty Graham

Food                            Hospitality

Beatrice Smith              Gloria Anderson

Alice Watkins               Lillie Enoch

                                    Elizabeth Florence

Music                          Photo/Bulletin Boards

Vanda Davis                 Mamie Alston

Louise Price

Publicity                      Souvenir

Tiphani Malette Betty Melvin

Clementine Self Maxine Walii

     Our next general Women’s Conference meeting will be held at the church Saturday, February 12^th at 10:00 a.m.  

Prayerfully submitted

Sis. Elaine Harris

ANOTHER YEAR

God has blessed us

And brought us through 2004 to 2005

To see another new year

Let us praise his name and thank him

OH!

Our hearts should be happy and full of good cheer

He provides us with food, clothing, and shelter

He also protected us from the storms and rain

He healed our bodies

And eased us of so many of our aches and pains

There is NOTHING, not nothing, that God cannot do

If we serve him and trust him

What he has done for others

He will do the same for you

Let us forever keep lifting up his holy name

Taking all of our burdens and troubles to him in prayer

We should let go

And let God, and again this year

He will all of our problems share.

Submitted by Mary T. McDuffie

Dawning the New Year with Prayer

     A new year brings new challenges, new hopes, and new dreams.  To help us keep our hearts and minds stayed on Him who is the author and finisher of our faith, the Stewardess Board presented a Prayer Breakfast on January 8, 2005 .

     The program began with a devotional service followed by prayers for families, marriages, governmental officials, our troops, schools, church, communities, children, faith, peace and love.

     We would like to thank the program committee, program participants, visitors from our sister churches, Russell family, and the community for making our program a success.  To God be the Glory!

Submitted by Sis. Barbara H. Harris

The Tale of three Trees

    This story relates the lofty aspirations of an olive tree, an oak tree and a pine tree. Each of these trees had a great dream to become something special in life.  The olive tree dreamed of becoming a finely crafted treasure chest.  It wanted to hold gold, silver and precious jewels.  One day a woodsman chose the olive tree, out of all the trees in the forest and cut it down.  The olive tree was so thrilled.  But as the craftsmen began working on him, the tree realized they were not making him into a beautiful treasure chest; they were making him into a manger to hold food for dirty, smelly animals.  Heartbroken, his dreams were shattered.  He felt worthless and demeaned.

      Similarly, the oak tree dreamed of becoming part of a huge ship that would carry important kings across the ocean.  When the woodsman cut down the oak, he was so excited.  But as time went on, he realized the craftsmen were not making him into a huge ship.  They were making him into a tiny fishing boat.  He was so discouraged, so disappointed. 

     The pine tree lived on top of a high mountain.  It’s only dream was to always stand tall and remind people of God’s great creation.  But in a split second, a bolt of lighting sent it tumbling to the ground, destroying its dreams.  The woodsman came and picked it up and carried it off to the scrap pile.  All three of these trees felt they had lost their value and their worth; they were so disappointed.  Not one of their dreams had come to pass.  But God had other plans for these trees.

     Many years later, Mary and Joseph could not find any place to give birth to their little baby boy.  They finally found a stable, and when Jesus was born they placed Him in a manger made from --

you guessed it – the olive tree.

     The olive tree had wanted to hold precious jewels, but God had better plans, and it now held the greatest treasure of all time, the Son of God.

     A few years went by and Jesus grew up.  One day He needed a boat to cross to the other side of the lake.  He did not choose a large, fancy ship; He chose a small, simple fishing boat made from – you guessed it – the oak tree.  The oak tree wanted to  carry important kings across the ocean, but God had better plans.   The oak now carried the King of kings. 

     A few more years went by, and one day some Roman soldiers were rummaging around in the pile of scrap wood where the discarded pine tree lay.  That pine tree just knew they were coming to cut him up for firewood.  But much to its surprise, they cut only two small pieces out of it and formed them into a cross.  And it was on this pine tree that Jesus was crucified.  That tree is still pointing people to God’s love and God’s compassion to this day.

     The point of this story is clear:  All three trees thought they had lost their value, that their stories were over, yet they become integral parts of the greatest story ever told.  God knows our values; He sees our potential.  God has a plan and a purpose for our lives.  Dreams may not always turn out the way we would like but we must always remember that God’s ways are better and higher than our ways.  God is always standing before us with His arms open wide.

Prayerfully submitted

Sis. Sarah Mangum

REACH OUT AND TOUCH

(Women on A Mission )

The Women’s Ministry continues to work with the McDougald Terrace Food Bank and Family Life Center .  We are working with families to build a stronger social support network and safer environment. 

     A Christmas Fellowship Dinner was held at the Family Life Center at McDougald Terrace.  We continue to work with Ms. Annie Jones, a Community Partner with the Duke Family Initiative program.

Submitted by Minister Linda Henry, President

Women’s Ministry

  Calendar of Events

February 6, 2005 - Men’s Ministry Super Bowl Mixer at 6:00 p.m.

February 11, 2005 - Day Care Black History Program at   6:00 p.m.

February 12, 2005 - CYF Valentine Celebration at

5:00 p.m.

February 13, 2005 - Boy Scouts Observance at

10:00 a.m.

February 13, 2005 - All Choirs Day Celebration at

4:00 p.m.

February 18, 2005 - Family Night Celebration at

6:30 p.m.

February 20, 2005 - College Ministry-College Choirs Concert at 3:00 p.m.

February 26, 2005 - Young Adults Bowling Outing at 2:00 p.m.

February 27, 2005 - Sunday School Teachers’ Appreciation

February 27, 2005 - Department of Human Concerns and Commission On Membership & Evangelism                                               Sit-In at 10:00 a.m.

February 27, 2005 - Black History Soul Food Dinner following 10:00 a.m. Worship Service.

February 27, 2005 - The Anointed Ensemble will sing for the 2005 Pauli Murray Awards Reception, New Hope Elementary School , 1900 New Hope Church Road ,                                         Chapel Hill , NC at 2:00 p.m.

February 28, 2005 - Durham District Quarterly Conference at   6:30 p.m.

Men’s Conference 2005 Activities Committees Meeting Dates

February 8, 2005

February 22, 2005

March 8, 2005

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

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

April Wall                                 February 10

Deborah Holloway                    February 11

Ralph McMillion                        February 12

Bernice Scott                            February 13

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

Hervey Graham                        February 27

Pamela Joyner                          February 27

Kandace Harrell                        February 28

Cinderella Lennon                     February 29