Questions Frequently Asked

1. What is Lent and why does it last forty days?

Lent is a time of repentance, fasting and preparation for the coming of Easter.  It is a time of self-examination and reflection.  In the early church, Lent was as time to prepare new converts for baptism.  Today, Christians focus on their relationship with God, often choosing to give up something or volunteering and giving of themselves for others.  The forty days represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan.  Sundays in Lent are not counted in the forty days because each Sunday represents a “Mini-Easter” celebration of the Jesus’ victory over sin and death.

2. What is Maundy Thursday?

Maundy Thursday, also called Holy Thursday, is a service to commemorate Jesus’ Last Supper and the beginning of our sacrament, the Lord’s Supper.  The word Maundy comes from the Latin mandatum, which means “commandment.”  At the Last Supper, Jesus gave the disciples a new commandment to love one

another as he had loved them (John 13:34 ).  Prior to breaking the bread with the disciples, Jesus washed their feet.  Maundy Thursday worship services include Holy Communion and sometimes food washing as well.

3. Where does the term “Good Friday” come from?

The source of our term for the Friday before Easter, “Good Friday” is not clear.  It is a day that proclaims God’s purpose of loving and redeeming the world through the cross of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

“Good Friday” is not a universal name for the day.  The liturgical title for the day in the Western church was “Friday of Preparation”, since the time Jesus used the word “paraskeue” (getting ready) for Friday, meaning the “day of preparation”.

4. Why is Easter on a different day each year?

In 325 AD, the Council of Nicea set the date for the celebration of Easter as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox, March 21.  For this reason, the date will change each year and can fall anywhere from March 22 to April 25. 

Submitted by Pastor Watkins

YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT DINNER THEATER

     The Youth & Young Adult week was observed January 28, 2005 with a sleep over and an outing to Palace Pointe.  After returning from the outing we feasted on pizza.  Minister Tonya Utley was moderator for the Rap Session.  The Dinner Theater was held Saturday, February 12^th at

3:00 p.m. with a one act comedy play entitled “The Church Meeting.”  The moral of the play was that the Church is no place to fight and that Christians should remain Christians.

     Following the play we had a special Valentine’s Dinner with festive decorations and each lady was given a small bag of candy.

Submitted by Sis. Charlene Watkins

FAMILY MINISTRY NIGHT

     The Sunday School in conjunction with the Wednesday Bible Study groups sponsored its third Family Ministry activity on Wednesday, February 23^rd at 6:30 p.m.   The theme was “Families Knowing Their Spiritual Heritage.”

  The night’s activity consisted of three components.  In the first component, our Pastor, Dr. Lloyd L. Watkins, Sr., conducted a seminar based on the theme.  Pastor Watkins pointed out several biblical characters of color, who overcame obstacles in their lives through their faith in God.  He pointed out that we can follow their examples by trusting God to help us overcome our situations in life.

     Following the seminar we had Black History/Biblical Trivia.  Sisters Kitty Graham, Pamella Banks and Faydene Hatch conducted the trivia questions for children, youth and adults, respectively.  Prizes were given to those who answered questions correctly.

     Following the sessions everyone received a take home snack supper.  Everyone had an enjoyable evening of learning, fun and fellowship.

Submitted by Sis. Faydene Hatch

     Boy Scout Pack and Troop 144, Scout Leaders and Parents attended the Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus on Friday, February 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the RBC Center , Raleigh , NC .

     The group had a safe and an enjoyable trip.

Thanks to all our supporters.

Submitted Sis. Mamie Alston, Secretary and Den Leader

Senior Citizens Ministry

     All Senior Citizens are invited to attend our March 9^th meeting at 1:15 p.m.

     Sis. Bettye Johnson has begun Computer Classes for seniors held each Friday at 12:30 p.m. in our Family Life and Community Outreach Center .

Sunday, March 20, 2005 –

10:00 A.M. Worship Service

Rev. Daryl Anderson, Smyrna Georgia

Guest Preacher

Congratulations to our Church Students

     In Observance of Black History Month the Board of Christian Education awarded certificates to the following students during the 10:00 A.M. Worship Service in recognition of their participation in our Black History Project:

Niya Barbee                             Frances Sailor

Jacqueline Webster                   Preston Giles

Natalie Farrell                           Kandace Harrell

Andrew Rosemond                   Jameka Johnson

DeShon Self                             Brandon McGee

Kyle Farrell                              Kenyetta Williams

Zachary Giles                           Mykia Johnson

Arcelia Harrell                          De’Andre Rogers

Yvette Joyner                           Ebony Lee

Darryl Farrell                            Quentin Barrett

     The presentations were made by Sis. Evelyn Slappy and assisted by Sis. Mary McGee.  Congratulations students on your achievements!

Submitted by Sis. Mamie Alston

Coach Chambers Honored

     Coach Margratha Chambers received a surprise honor, Friday, February 11^th in the Riverside High School Gymnasium prior to the Girls Varsity Basketball Game.  Principal James Key, presented her an Autographed Basketball and a plaque - Life  Time Achievement Award in recognition of her 11 years of service In Women’s Basketball as Head Varsity Coach at Riverside High School .

     Congratulations Coach Chambers!

Submitted by Sis. Mamie V. Alston

WOMEN’S CONFERENCE 2005

(100 Women in Hats)

     RUSSELL MEMORIAL FAMILY!!!  Please join The 2005 Women’s Conference in their kick off                   event of ‘100 WOMEN IN HATS’.  We invite you to show your solidarity by wearing your favorite hat            or head piece on Sunday, March 13, 2005 .  A brief reception will be held in the Educational Wing                after the 10:00 A.M. Worship Service.  There will be light appetizers, cake and punch.  Feel free to make a                     donation to the “Hat Box” which will go towards the 2005 Women’s Conference Goal.

Submitted by Sis. Conyers Rosemond, Chair

Activities Committee

Russell Memorial CME Church gave $500.00

Towards this effort.

Clothing and Food for the Needy

     The Clothing & Food Ministries are located in the Administration Building . 

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

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon and the Food Ministry hours are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon .

SUPERBOWL MIXER II

REVIEW

     Russell Memorial Super Bowl Mixer II was held on February 6^th at the Family Life & Community Outreach Center .  This year’s teams were the Philadelphia Eagles vs. New England Patriots, oh yes the same team that defeated our beloved Carolina Panthers last year.  The attendance was up from last year, as the Women’s Ministry and Sunday School Ministry joined in to make the gathering, good down home fun and fellowship.  Of course, our beloved Boy Scout Troop 144 was in the house.  Pastor Watkins offered a gracious prayer.  Other notables Men’s Conference Chair, Bro. Wilmon Rogers and Sis. Paulette Bailey kept the fish coming; Sis. Ernestine Turner and crew created an inviting spread of Super Bowl treats. 

     Prizes were given for bible trivia and hat drawing winners.

     A donation was taken up for the Tsunami Disaster Relief victims.  A good time was had by all, in the name of the Lord, though the Eagles were defeated by the Patriots 24-21. In all things give thanks.  Special thanks to the Men’s Ministry

Submitted by Bro. Donald Bailey, President

Men’s Ministry

WELCOME HOME

And Happy Birthday to

Bro. Antuane Simmons

   The Naive Traveler

    Years ago, before transatlantic flight was common, a man wanted to travel to the United States from Europe .  The man worked hard, saved every penny he could, and finally had just enough money to purchase a ticket aboard a cruise ship.  The trip at that time required about two or three weeks to cross the ocean.  He went out and bought a suitcase and filled it full of cheese and crackers.  That’s all he could afford.

     Once on board, all the other passengers went to the large, ornate dining room to eat their gourmet meals.  Meanwhile, the poor man would go over in the corner and eat his cheese and crackers.  This went on day after day.  He could smell the delicious food being served in the dining room.  He heard the other passengers speak of it in glowing terms as they rubbed their bellies and complained about how full they were, and how they would have to go on a diet after this trip.  The poor traveler wanted to join the other guests in the dining room, but he had no extra money.  Sometimes he would lie awake at night, dreaming of the sumptuous meals the other guests described.  Toward the end of the trip, another man came up to him and said, “Sir, I cannot help but notice that you are always over there eating those cheese and crackers at mealtimes.  Why don’t you come into the banquet hall and eat with us?”  The traveler’s face flushed with embarrassment.  “Well, to tell you the truth, I had only enough money to buy the ticket.  I do not have any extra money to purchase fancy meals.”

     The other passenger raised his eyebrows in surprise.  He shook his head and said, “Sir, don’t you realize the meals are included in the price of the ticket?  Your meals have already been paid for!”

      Think about it, how many of us are similar to that naďve traveler.  We miss out on God’s best because we do not realize that the good things in life have already been paid for.  We are on our way to Heaven anyhow, and don’t even know what’s included in the price of the ticket.

     God has prepared a fabulous banquet for us, complete with every good thing imaginable.  And it has already been paid for.  God has everything you need there --- joy, forgiveness, restoration, peace, healing, love, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, self-control, meekness --- whatever we need, it’s waiting for us at God’s banquet table if we would only pull up our chairs and take the place He has prepared for us.

Lovingly submitted

Sis. Sarah Mangum

Do It Anyway!

     Has God ever told you to do something and it didn’t quite seem right?  And you ask, “Lord are you sure?”  Like God is a little off today.  He must have me confused with someone else.  There’s so many of us, He must be mistaken.  From trusting Him to pay a bill when there’s no money in the account.  Offering a homeless person a few dollars when you know they may have other uses for it.  Or helping to change a tire when someone is stuck on the side of the road.  Starting your new business when you think that its not possible.  Yes God told you to do it but it just didn’t seem right.

     He is testing your faith.  He wants to see if you are really going to do what He says.  In the Bible there were plenty of events that took place that also didn’t seem right.  Classic example…Noah.  Noah was told to build an ark and fill it with one male and female of every species and his family because God was going to flood land killing everything.  It seemed weird to Noah too, but he did it anyway.  If God were to tell us to do that today, people would think that we are crazy, us included.  But we would have to do it anyway.  Yes, even if it doesn’t make sense but out of your obedience.  Because He is simply trying to bless us.  Your obedience to Him is the key to unlock your blessing.  So if God tells you to do something that doesn’t seem right, normal, or even logical…do it anyway!

     “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will direct your path.”  Proverbs 3:5-6

Calendar of Events

March 11-12, 2005 - Carolina Region Spring Convocation, Gastonia , NC

March 13, 2005 - Women’s Conference Kick Off “100 Women In Hats” at the 10:00 A.M. Worship Service.

March 13, 2005 - Pastor’s Aid Board Anniversary

at 4:00 p.m.

March 18, 2005 - Family Night Celebration at

6:30 p.m.

March 19, 2005 - Men’s Conference (Gospel Concert) at 6:00 p.m.

March 20, 2005 - Men’s Conference 2005 Observance at 10:00 A.M. Worship Service.

March 20, 2005 - 31^st Durham Annual CROP WALK at 2:30 p.m.

March 25, 2005 - Local Preachers “Seven Last Words” Program at 7:00 p.m.

March 27, 2005 - Sunday School Resurrection Program

Wednesdays 12:00 noon and 6:30 p.m.

Corrine Laws                            March 6

Antuane Simmons                     March 6

Wilmer Davis                            March 10

Shirley R. Walker                      March 10

Lucille Bethea                           March 12

Gladys Taylor                            March 13

Roady Adams                            March 15

Barbara Harris                          March 20

Natasha Harris                          March 22

Bettye Johnson                          March 22

Shana D. Riley                          March 26

Jean Dixon                                March 27

Patrick Hatch, Jr.                      March 29

Willie Alston                             March 30

Don & Lucille Williams              March 9

Donald & Paulette Bailey          March 12

Sunday, March 20, 2005 – 2:30 p.m.

     Please see CROP WALK Bulletin Board for information. 

Sign up Sheets:

To order CROP WALK T-Shirts - $2.00

To participate in CROP WALK

                                    Recruiters,

Sis. Elaine Harris

Sis. Mamie Alston

Opportunities Internship

O, The Oprah Magazine is looking to hire fall interns in the Fashion and Style Departments.  Candidates must be highly organized, detail-oriented and be able to juggle multiple tasks at once.  Prior internship experience preferred, but not required.  This opportunity is available for college students in need of credit hours and recent graduates who are available to start immediately, full-time form 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. , 5 days a week.

Send resumes with cover letter to:  Cindy M. del Resario, Associate Editor O, The Oprah Magazine 1700 Broadway, 38^th floor NY, or call (212) 903-5149.

Verizon is looking for students who are 2004 graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).  If you know of someone graduating from  a HBCU this year with a degree in Engineering, Computer Science and Technology, Information Technology, General Business, Finance or Marketing, please have them forward their resume to:

Melissa.w.langham@verizon.com

to be considered for career opportunities within Verizon.

HARVARD’S TUITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Harvard is offering free tuition for students that have a family income below $40,000.  If you are a mentor or have nieces and nephews who might be interested, please give them this information.   If you know anyone/family earning less than $40K with a brilliant child near ready for college, please pass this along.  Harvard’s Tuition Announcement Highlights Failure of Prestigious Universities to Enroll Low-Income Students March 1, 2004 , Harvard University announced over the weekend that from now on undergraduate students from low-income families will pay no tuition. 

http://adm-is.fas.harvard.edu/FAO/index.htm

or call the school’s financial aid office at

(617) 495-1581.

February Vision

January Vision

December Vision

November Vision

October Vision

September Vision