The New Year, 2005, is upon us.  A New Year                                  filled with opportunities.  The Old Year, 2004, is now history.  As we enter the New Year, the question that is before us is, “How do we live the New Year?  Listed below are some suggestions:

HOW TO LIVE THE NEW YEAR

1. Life is a journey; Live it trustingly:  “though I walk through the valley of the shadow…I will fear no evil: for thou art with me” (Psalm 23:4).

2.   Life is a task; Live it obediently: “we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight” (1 John 3:22 ).

3.  Life is a mission; Live it helpfully: “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another” (Ephesians 4:32 ).

4. Life is a contest; Live it earnestly: “watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13 ).

5. Life is a battle; Live it courageously: “Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid; for the Lord thy God is with thee” (Joshua 1:9).

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Pastor Watkins

1/05

Family Ministry/Birth of Jesus Celebration

And Community Outreach Day

     The Russell Memorial C.M.E Church Sunday School and the F. Howard Alston/Russell Memorial Child Development Center presented the Birth of Jesus Celebration, Family Ministry and Community Outreach Day on Saturday, December 18, 2004 at 10:00 a.m.   The theme for the occasion was “Families Keeping Christ in the Holidays.”  Dr. Lloyd L. Watkins, Sr. conducted a seminar centered around the theme for the celebration.  In a concurrent session, Mr. & Mrs. Kevin and Tracey Bell conducted a story hour for children ages eleven and under.

     Following the Seminar and Storytelling, the Child Development Center , the H.O.S.T.S., After School and Sunday School performed through recitations, songs and praise dances.  Various families in the church presented skits and readings that illustrated the meaning of the theme.

Sis. Fannie T. Lee and granddaughter, Ebony Lee read a poem entitled “Never Before”. 

Sis. Michelle Harrell’s family and Brandon McGee performed a skit called “No Room in the Inn .”  Bro. Elijah Henry’s family and Bro. Hervey Graham’s family both presented skits focusing on the true meaning of Christmas. 

Bro. Henry’s family skit illustrated the point that we should focus on Jesus and how he came to save us from our sins and not all the hustle and bustle of the worldly preparations.

     The Graham family skit informed us that we should be thankful for our gifts even when they are not the most expensive and elaborate brand named items.

     We were blessed to have visiting with us the Praise Dancers of New Grassy Creek Baptist Church, Oxford , North Carolina .

     Other invited guests were our adopted school, Burton Geo World families and families from the McDougald Terrace Housing Development.

     After grace and Benediction everyone was invited to the Fellowship Hall for a delicious holiday dinner and fruit bags.  Over one hundred twenty-five persons were in attendance.

     The Russell Memorial CME Church family has always been very active in the festive season.  We are a family that believes in community outreach service.

     On Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at 3:00 p.m. , Russell Memorial CME Church family distributed  125 additional fruit bags at Burton Park for the McDougald Terrace families.  A special thanks to our Pastor Dr. Lloyd L. Watkins, Sr. for his leadership in our Family Ministry/Birth of Jesus and Community Outreach Service.

Submitted by Sis. Faydene Hatch

Christian Youth Fellowship

Christmas Fellowship

   The CYF (Christian Youth Fellowship) held its Christmas Fellowship on December 11, 2004 at 5:00 p.m. at the Family Life & Community Outreach Center .  We also visited the Eno Pointe Assisted Living Center on December 15, 2004 and blessed the residents with prayer, songs and gifts.

Submitted by Sis. Charlene Watkins, Advisor

Highlights of Festivities of the

F. Howard Alston/Russell Memorial Child Development Center

The F. Howard  Alston/Russell Memorial Child Development Center celebrated it’s Annual Family and Friends Day on Sunday, December 12, 2004 during our 10:00 A.M. Worship Service.  The staff, children, parents and board members were present.

The Annual Christmas Program was held in conjunction with the Sunday School on Saturday, December 18, 2004 at 10:00 a.m.

The Annual Christmas Dinner for staff and board members was held at Ruby Tuesdays on Thursday, December 23, 2004 .

Submitted by Sis. Charlene Watkins

Administrative  Director

Thanks to the members and friends who made donations towards the purchasing of Poinsettias for the church.

Sisters Lucille Bethea & Beatrice Smith

Christmas Dinner with the

Anointed Ensemble

     On Tuesday, December 21, 2004 the Anointed Ensemble held its Christmas Fellowship Dinner at Kemps Seafood.  Each choir member brought a gift.  Our special guest were:  Pastor Watkins, Lloyd Watkins, Jr., Mrs. Doris Espy, mother of Mrs. Charlene Watkins,  James Self, son of Ms. Clementine Self,  Ricky Jefferson, son of Stacy Russell, Bro. Hervey Graham, Mykia and Jameka Johnson, family of Mrs. Kitty  Graham.  It was an enjoyable fellowship.

Pastor’s Aid Board

      Thanks to our Russell Memorial Church Family and Friends for supporting our Kathryn Beich Candy Fundraiser.  A few candy items have been reduced. Please see Hall Bulletin Board or contact Sis. Mamie Alston for information

Sis. Mamie Alston, Secretary

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

Holiday Parade

     Our Boy Scout Pack and Troop 144 and Scout Leaders participated in the Light Up Durham 2004 Holiday Parade, Saturday, December 4^th.  The theme was, “Let Your Life Shine”.

     This year’s route was 1 1/8 miles.  The parade started at the corner of Jackie Robinson Drive and Blackwell Street , then proceeded up Blackwell Street to Corcoran Street , Parrish Street , Mangum Street , Morgan Street and ended at Foster Street .

     Thanks to all of our supporters.

* * * * * * * * * *

Trip to the Circus

     We are making plans to attend the Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus at the RBC Center , Raleigh , NC , Friday, February 11^th  at

7:30 p.m.

     Price - $14.00 for Boy Scout Night.

Den Leader, Mamie Alston

MLK CELEBRATION

     The Durham Community Martin Luther King, Jr. Steering Committee will sponsor its 2005 Martin Luther King, Jr. Religious Celebration Monday, January 17th at 6:00 p.m. at the Union Baptist Church , 904 N. Roxboro Street , Durham , NC .  Everyone is invited to attend.

DCIA ( Durham Congregations in Action)

    The Durham Congregations in Action will sponsor its Annual Meeting and Dinner at St. Joseph AME Church , 2521 Fayetteville Street , Tuesday, January 18^th at 6:30 p.m.

    The cost of the dinner is $12.00 per person.  If interested in attending, please make reservations with Sis. Mamie Alston or the Church Office by Monday, January 10^th. 

     The Keynote speaker is Professor Teresa Berger, who teaches Theology at Duke Divinity School .

Submitted by Sis. Mamie Alston

PHILLIPS SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY 61^ST FOUNDERS’ DAY OBSERVANCE AND PASTORS CONFERENCE

     The Sixty First Founders’ Day Observance and Ninth Pastors’ Conference of Phillips School of Theology convened at the Westin Atlanta Airport Hotel, Atlanta , Georgia on January 3-6, 2005 .

     Over seven hundred (700) attended and participated in the four days conference.  The theme for this year’s observance was:  “Refocusing The Church by Renewing the Local Church ’s Worship”.  Lectures and Workshop Presentations were given by some of the nations leading theologians.

     The B. Julian Smith Lecturer was Dr. William D. Watley, Pastor of St. James A.M.E Church, Newark , New Jersey , and the author of several books on preaching and worship.  He offered two (2) lectures on “Renewing the Local Church through Reviving its Worship” – Dr. Watley, in addition to sharing with us, Biblical Concepts of Worship, and Biblical Modes of Praise, also shared how his ministry has used the vehicle of worship to grow his church to over 5,000 active members/disciples.  His lectures captivated/spell bounded the audience.

     Dr. Riggins R. Earl, Jr., Professor of Christian Ethics/Theology at Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, Georgia presented two (2) workshop sessions on “The Arts of Worship and Preaching to this Generation” Dr. Earl reminded us that the Arts of Worship so effective in the 60’s and 70’s are longer effective in the 21^st Century of sixty (60) seconds sound bites.  The Pastor and the Church must continuously seek creative forms of arts to attract youth, young adults and seekers.

     Dr. Carolyn McCrary, Associate Professor of Pastor Care at the Interdenominational Center presented a workshop session on “The Person of the Pastor and Church Renewal”.  Dr. McCrary focused on “who the Pastor is, what he/she thinks and acts” affects Church Renewal.

     Dr. Melva Costen, Professor of Worship and Music did a luncheon dialogue on “Music and Worship”.

     The conference was also blessed with some anointed preaching by:  (1) Bishop Othal H. Lakey, Presiding Prelate of the Sixth Episcopal District; (2) Rev. Woodrow W. Forman, Pastor of Cedar Crest C.M.E. Cathedral, Dallas , Texas ; (3) Rev. John D. Johnson, Pastor of Phillips Temple C.M.E. Church, Los Angeles , California ; (4) Rev. Richard McDuffie, Pastor of Phillips Temple C.M.E. Church, Huntsville, Alabama; (5) Rev. Marilyn Lightner-Briggs, Pastor of Beebe Chapel C.M.E. Church, Wrightsville, Arkansas; (6) Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Presiding Prelate of the Fourth Episcopal District.

     The Conference was refreshing, informing and Spirit-filling.

     Over $196,296.oo was raised for Phillips School Administration and scholarships.

Submitted by Pastor Watkins

A CHOSEN VESSEL

The Master was searching for a vessel to use;

On the shelf there were many - which one would He choose?

Take me, cried the gold one, I’m shiny and bright,

I’m of great value and I do things just right.

My beauty and luster will outshine the rest

And for someone like You, Master, gold would be the best.

The Master passed on with no word at all;

He looked at a silver urn, narrow and tall;

I’ll serve You, dear Master, I’ll pour out Your wine

And I’ll be at Your table whenever You dine,

My lines are so graceful, my carvings so true,

And my silver will always compliment You.

Unheeding the Master passed on to the brass,

It was wide mouthed and shallow, and polished like glass.

Here!  Here!  Cried the vessel, I know I will do,

Place me on Your table for all men to view.

Look at me, called the goblet of crystal so clear,

My transparency shows my contents so dear,

Though fragile and I, I will serve You with pride,

And I’m sure I’ll be happy in Your house to abide.

The Master came next to a vessel of wood,

Polished and carved, it solidly stood.

You may use me, dear Master, the wooden bowl said,

But I’d rather You used me for fruit, not for bread.

Then the Master looked down and saw a vessel of clay.

Empty and broken it helplessly lay.

No hope had the vessel that the Master might choose,

To cleanse and make whole, to fill and to use.

Ah! This is the vessel I’ve been hoping to find,

I will mend and use it and make it all Mine.

I need not the vessel with pride of its self;

Nor the one who is narrow to sit on the shelf;

Nor the one who is bigmouth and shallow and loud;

Nor one who displays his contents so proud;

Not the one who thinks he can do all things just right;

But this plain earthy vessel filled with My power and might.

Then gently He lifted the vessel of clay.

Mended and cleansed it and filled it that day.

Spoke to it kindly.  There’s work you must do,

Just pour out to others as I pour into you.

WOMEN’S CONFERENCE 2005

WANTERD ALL LADIES

YOUNG AND OLD

     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 first general Women’s Conference meeting will be held at the church Saturday, January 22, 2005 at 9:30 a.m.   All committees are asked to make a report.  Everyone is encouraged to attend.  We need your valuable input.  Be a chosen vessel.

Prayerfully submitted

Sis. Elaine Harris

 A Tribute to

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. King’s last request was

“Precious Lord, Take My Hand.”

Stricken by and assassin’s bullet in Memphis

as he was pleading for justice and equality

for garbage collectors when

he entered the promise land.

Your dying was not, and never will be, in vain.

But people who refuse to accept

justice and equality,

they will forever bear the blame.

You were our Black leader as Moses,

Who led God’s people in the Bible days.

It will always be a shame and disgrace on

America that you had to die that way.

Your dream came true very very soon.

For I had my first experience of nursing

a little Black  boy and White boy together

at Duke Hospital in the same room.

On January 15^th the world will pause and celebrate that day.  We will always remember your struggle for justice and equality so that this would be America ’s perpetual way.

Someday we will climb to the mountain top.

We will keep climbing and climbing,

we will never stop.

We will keep on climbing, till segregation has past.

Then all of us can sing together, “Free at Last,”

“Free at Last.”  “Thank God Almighty,”

we are “Free at Last.”

Submitted by Sis. Mary H. McDuffie

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 Community Outreach Center , 605 S. Alston Avenue on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon .  Youth ages 7-15 interested in learning computer skills or improving their skills may do so by attending the lab or contact Sis. Fannie Lee.  Volunteers are needed and welcome.  Our Top Cat Lab will re-open on January 22, 2005 .

Submitted by Sis. Fannie T. Lee

Calendar of Events

January 16, 2005 - Stewards, Stewardesses & Trustees Observance at 10:00 a.m.

January 22, 2005 - Young Adults - Finance Presentation at 10:00 a.m.

January 28, 2005 - Youth & Young Adult (Sleepover) TBA

January 29, 2005 - Durham District Winter Planning Meeting, Raleigh , NC

January 29, 2005 - Youth &Young Adults Dinner Theater at 3:30 p.m.

January 30, 2005 - Missionary Status of Women

Maxine F. Walii             January 12

Ernestine Turner                       January 14

Pamela J. Banks                       January 15

Bobby Joyner                            January 16

Evelyn Hill                                January 17

Jeffrey Johnson                         January 18

Sheila Carmichael                      January 21

Quentin Barrett                         January 23

Stephanie Yarborough               January 24

Shelia Noel                               January 24

Elaine Harris                             January 25

Iola Eason                                 January 26

Gertie Alston                             January 26

Annie B. Green                         January 29

Theodore & Bettye Johnson       January 21

 December Vision

November Vision

October Vision

September Vision