Well, it’s November, the temperature is dropping.  Leaves have dropped, and is dropping.  Nights are getting longer as we race toward the first day of winter.  Stores are even starting to put up their Christmas decorations and merchandise on display already!  That means, it is almost time for our Annual Observance of National Thanksgiving Day!

     While, everyday is a day of Thanksgiving!  Our Annual observance of Thanksgiving Day is a special reminder to us of the manifold blessings of God.  Even those blessings, we are tempted to take for granted.

     One of the most explicit Bible Verses relating to the matter of thanksgiving is 1 Thessalonians 5:18.  This verse reads:  “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”  This verse commands us as believers to give thanks to the Lord, not FOR every thing, but IN every thing!  There is a world of difference between the two!  Certainly, we ought to be thankful, not just because we celebrate the annual day, but because we have so much to be thankful for, daily!

     However, I have discovered that thankfulness can be a very fickle thing.  Often, our public testimonies and prayers, imply that we focus on things that are physical in nature, like our health, homes, families, financial stability, etc.  But these things can breakup, split up, and run dry.  What do we do then?

     I would like to suggest, that in addition to being thankful for our physical blessings, that we learn to add to them.   To our spiritual blessings. 

Let’s be thankful:

I.  OUR SAVIOR.

    A.  His Abiding Presence.  Regardless of where                            

          the path of life leads, we will never walk 

          alone (Matthew 28:20; Isaiah 41:10)!

    B.  His Assisting Presence.  Whenever we are in

          need, He literally runs to our aid

          (John 14:6)!

    C.  His Anchoring Presence.  One of our              

          greatest source of thanksgiving is in the

          truth that He never changes!  From before                       

          creation on into eternity, He remains the              

          great ‘I AM”!

II. OUR SALVATION.

A.     The Price of It.  We should thank God that  

      salvation is given without a cost, it is purely              

      the operation of grace (Isaiah 55:1; 

      Revelation 22:17)!

B.     The Pain of It.  We can be thankful every                                          

      day, that even though He knew what we           

      were and what we would be like after He                      

      saved us that He still went to the cross and 

      died for our sins!

C.     The Purpose of It.  We can be thankful that           

      we which were so lost and wicked have  

      now been cleansed, and become new

      creators and set apart for  God’s glory     

      through the blood of Jesus (2 Corinthians

      5:17 ; 1 Timothy 1:12-15)!

     Let’s be thankful and praise Him for our health, homes, families and financial stability.  Let’s not take them for granted.  But, let us also be thankful for our Savior and salvation, which cannot change, or be taken away.

Dr. Lloyd L. Watkins, Sr., Pastor

102^nd Church Anniversary

  On Sunday, November 21, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. Russell Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church will celebrate 102 years of serving, praying, outreaching and supporting the Durham Community and surrounding areas.  Our guest preacher will be former pastor Rev. Timothy W. Price, Sr.  You are invited to come and help us lift the name of Jesus in this great event.  Dinner will be served following the morning worship service.

GENERAL FUNDS DAY

AND OFFICERS INSTALLATION SERVICE

     Our Annual General Funds Day and Officers Installation Service was held on Sunday, September 26, 2004 .  Worship participants were: Sis. Deborah  Bullock, Minister Linda Henry, Sis. Phyllis Smith, Sis. Gloria Anderson,  Bro. Hervey Graham, Bro. Wilmon Rogers and Bro. Adrian Jordan.

     For several years, Rev. Lawrence Turner, Sr., and the Holland Chapel AMEZ Church family have come and graced us with their presence, the Word, and their melodious voices.  This year, Rev. Turner was unable to deliver one of dynamic, soul stirring messages to our officers, family and friends.  However, being a good shepherd and a true man of God, he sent his choir and congregation to fulfill his commitment.  Our own Dr. Lloyd L. Watkins, Sr. filled in and gave a wonderful message from Romans 12.

     The Stewards, Stewardesses, Trustees, Local Preachers, Class Leaders, and Board Presidents were administered the oath of office by Pastor Watkins.

     We give thanks to God and Holland Chapel AMEZ Church for making our General Funds Day and Officers Installation Service a success

Submitted by Sis. Barbara H. Harris

SUNDAY SCHOOL HAPPENINGS

     The Sunday School Department will sponsor our second family ministry activity December 18 and 19^th.  The theme for the weekend activities is “Families Keeping Christ in Holidays.”  A variety of activities have been planned.

     On Saturday, December 18^th members can participate in family ministry seminars, the Birth of Jesus Celebration by doing a skit, poems, readings or through songs.  The last fun-filled fellowship activity is the family holiday dinner.

     We look forward to each family’s participation.  Resources are available for skits, poems, songs, etc.

     Please contact Minister Pamella Mack, Sister Faydene Hatch or other committee members for resources or more information.

     Other committee members are:  Sisters Pamela Banks, Paulette Bailey, and Conyers Rosemond.

     On Sunday, December 19^th church families and community families will be sitting together and any other special invited guest.  Please come and bring your entire family.

Submitted by Sis. Faydene Hatch

November 11, 2004

SENIOR CITIZENS MINISTRY

     Our special activity on October 19^th was attending the State Fair in Raleigh , NC .

     Persons making the trip were:  Rev. and Mrs. Willie B. McLeod, Bro. Percy Joyner, Sisters Bettye Johnson, Lucille Williams, Irene Sanders, Rachel Davis, Ceola Edwards, Cora Burchette, Ethel Bounsell, Emma J. Harris, Joyce Taylor, Mamie Alston and Bro. Don Williams.

     Special thanks to Bro. Don Williams for a safe trip on the van.

     Everyone had a grand time at the State Fair.

A cordial invitation is extend to Senior Citizens to attend our November 10^th meeting at 1:15 p.m.   Refreshments will be served.

Rev. Willie B. McLeod, Director

Sis. Ceola Edwards, President

Sis. Mamie Alston, Reporter

BIRTHDAY LUNCHEON

     The Wednesday Noon Day Bible Study Class held its  October 27^th Luncheon at 1:15 p.m. , following Bible Study.  The group serenaded Sis. Evelyn McLeod and Sis. Mamie Alston with the singing of “Happy Birthday.”  A delicious Luncheon and grand fellowship provided an enjoyable afternoon for everyone.

Sis. Mamie Alston

MEET THE CANDIDATES DAY

     The Commission On Membership & Evangelism along with the Department of Human Concerns sponsored “Meet the Candidates” day on Sunday, October 24, 2004 at the 10:00 a.m. worship service.

     Candidates present were: Becky Heron, Ellen Reckhow, Bob Atwater, Carolina James Rivera, and a representative from the Office of Ralph Campbell.

     A reception was held afterwards with a question and answer session.

Submitted by Sis. Sophia Cook

“We have not, because we ask not”….

James 4:2d

     The Praise Dancers have expressed an interest in having uniforms.  However, as we ALL know, deciding upon a uniform involves more than just selecting.  Finances play a much greater role in the process; and this is where you come in.  We are soliciting your help in t his endeavour.  You may sponsor a praise dancer or give a donation towards the total cost of the uniforms.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Masharell Smith 957-0477. 

     We thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Scouting News

     Boy Scout Pack and Troop 144, Scout Leaders, and parents would like to thank Pastor Watkins and the Russell Memorial CME Church Family and Friends for supporting our Popcorn Fund Raiser Project.  Please see announcement on Hall Bulletin Board for additional Popcorn orders.

Boy Scout Leaders

Pack And Troop 144

     Sis. Mamie Alston, Secretary

THE HALLELUJAH FESTIVAL

     We celebrated Hallelujah Night “A Christian Alternative” on Friday, October 29, 2004 from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

     We were so blessed to have approximately 100 persons from our McDougald Terrace Community and the Russell Memorial Church Family.  They participated in games, activities and prizes were awarded to the winners.  Refreshments were served and everyone received goody bags.

     The Community Outreach Ministry thanks you for supporting the Hallelujah Festival with your prayers, food donations, presence and participation.  To God be the glory!

Submitted by Sis. Fannie T. Lee

The Purpose Driven Life/Christian

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR

CHURCH STUDENTS

     Congratulations to the following students who made the A/B Honor Roll for the first nine week grading period of the 2004-2005 school year:

Natalie Farrell – 3^rd Grade

Research Triangle Charter Academy

Andrew Rosemond – 4^th Grade

Research Triangle Charter Academy

Taylor C. Smith – 4^th Grade

Oak Grove Elementary school

Linda  Williams – 4^th Grade

Southwest Elementary School

Zachary H. Giles – 5^th Grade

Shepard Middle School

Jameka Johnson – 9^th Grade

Hillside High School

GPA 3.9

Mykia Johnson – 10^th Grade

Hillside High School

GPA 4.3

Victoria Currie-Bailey

Kindergarten Student at

Fayetteville Street Lab School

A Terrific Kid, Sponsored by The Kiwanis Club

Wednesdays at 12:00 Noon and 6:30 p.m.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR

H.O.S.T.S STUDENTS

     Congratulations to our H.O.S.T.S. Students for their achievements during the first nine weeks grading period:

Jozetta Marshall – 1^st Grade

Fayetteville Street Lab School

Perfect Attendance Certificate, Bookworm-Outstanding Reading Award

Terry McMillan – 2^nd Grade

Fayetteville Street Lab School

Perfect Attendance Certificate

Tyanna Johnson – 2^nd Grade

Fayetteville Street Lab School

Perfect Attendance Certificate

Jahnetta Coffin – 5^th Grade

Burton Geo-World Elementary School

A/B Honor  Roll, Perfect Attendance Certificate

Natehya Allen – 2^nd Grade

Club Boulevard Humanities

A/B Honor Roll

Mary McCain  -

Club  Boulevard Humanities

Accepted into the Academically Intellectually Gifted Class

Rev. Derrick Justice, son of Sis. Ruth Rourk has been offered a position in teaching at the Duke University School of Divinity.

Submitted by Sis.  Ruth Justice Rourk

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.

Submitted by Sis. Fannie T. Lee

The Missionary Society will sponsor a Pre-Thanksgiving Service on Tuesday, November 23, 2004 at 6:30 p.m.   You are cordially invited to come and share your thankfulness with us.

Thanksgiving Day

November 25, 2004

Calendar of Events

November 7, 2004 – Men’s Ministry Veteran’s Day Recognition Sunday

November 14, 2004 – Ushers Ministry Anniversary at 4:00 p.m.

November 20, 2004 - Officers Workshop,

St. Joseph CME Church , Chapel Hill , NC  at 10:00 a.m.

November 21, 2004 – 102^nd Church Anniversary Celebration at 10:00 a.m.

November 23, 2004 – Missionary Society

Pre-Thanksgiving Service at 6:30 p.m.

December 3-4, 2004 – Winter Accounting Meeting in  Gastonia , NC

December 5, 2004 – Local Ministers Winter Candlelight Service at 4:00 p.m.

December 10, 2004 – F. Howard Alston/Russell Memorial Child Development Center Christmas Program at 6:00 p.m.

December 11, 2004 – Women’s Ministry Holiday Celebration at 1:00 p.m.

December 12, 2004 – F. Howard Alston/Russell Memorial Child Development Center Sunday

December 18, 2004 – Birth of Jesus Celebration from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

December 18, 2004 – Young Adults Breakfast at Briggs at 10:00 a.m.

December 19, 2004 – Ushers Give-A-Way

December 19, 2004 - Sunday School Perfect Attendance

December 26, 2004 – College Student Recognition

Rev. Willie B. McLeod November 3

Aurie Simmons             November 3

Ralph Hunter                            November 5

Percy Joyner                            November 5

Laura B. Whitley                      November 7

Aaryanna Henry                       November 7

Masharell M. Smith                  November 8

Marilyn Womble                       November 13

Jalen McNair                            November 13

Mary McGee                           November 18

Dr. Lloyd L. Watkins, Sr.         November 22

Gloria R. Hamilton                    November 23

Fannie Johnson                         November 23

Mykemia Barrett                      November 26

Jackie Williams                         November 29

Rachel Hatch                            November 29

Rachel Davis                            November 30

Dr. & Mrs. Lloyd L. Watkins                November 1

Thomas & Bernice Womble                  November 15

Rodney & Takenya B. Feaster              November 25

Ten Things God Won’t Ask On That Day

1. God won’t ask what kind of car you drove, He’ll ask how many people you helped who didn’t have transportation.

2. God won’t ask the square footage of your house, He’ll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.

3. God won’t ask about the clothes you had in your closet, He’ll ask how many you helped to clothe.

4. God won’t ask what your highest salary was, He’ll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it.

5. God won’t ask what your job title was, He’ll ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability.

6. God won’t ask how many friends you had, He’ll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.

7. God won’t ask in what neighborhood you lived, He’ll ask how you treated your neighbors.

8. God won’t ask about the color of your skin, He’ll ask about the content of your character.

9. God’ won’t ask why it took you so long to seek Salvation, He’ll be so proud you chose to follow in his footsteps and chose his way of life that He will take you to your mansion in heaven, and not to the gates of Hell.

10. God won’t have to ask how many people you forwarded this to, He already know whether or not you are ashamed to share this information with your friends.

The next time you feel like GOD can’t use you, just remember. . .

Noah was a drunk

Abraham was too old

Isaac was a daydreamer

Jacob was a liar

Leah was ugly

Joseph was abused

Moses had a stuttering problem

Gideon was afraid

Sampson had long hair and was a womanizer

Rahab was a prostitute

Jeremiah and Timothy were too young

David had an affair and was a murderer

Elijah was suicidal

Isaiah preached naked

Jonah ran from God

Naomi was a widow

Job went bankrupt

Johns the Baptist ate bugs

Peter denied Christ

The Disciples fell asleep while praying

Martha worried about everything

The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once

Zaccheus was too small

Paul was too religious

Timothy had an ulcer. . .

AND

Lazarus was dead!

What do you have that’s worse than that?

So no more excuses!

God can use you to your full potential.

Besides you aren’t the message, you are the messenger.

HEAVEN’S GROCERY STORE

As I was waking down life’s highway many years ago, I came upon a sign that read Heavens Grocery Store.

When I got a little closer the doors swung open wide, and when I came to myself I was standing inside.

I saw a host of angels.  They were standing everywhere, one handed me a basket and said “My child shop with care.”

Everything a human needed was in that grocery store, and what you could not carry you could come back for more.

First I got some Patience.  Love was in that same row.  Further down was Understanding, you need that everywhere you go.

I got a box or two of Wisdom and Faith a bag or two.  And Charity of course I would need some of that too.

I couldn’t miss the Holy Ghost, it was all over the place, and then some Strength and Courage to help me run this race.

My basket was getting full, but I remembered I needed Grace, and then I chose Salvation for Salvation was for free. I tried to get enough of that to doe for you and me.

Then I started to the counter to pay my grocery bill, for I thought I had everything to do the Master’s will.

As I went up the aisle I saw Prayer and put that in, for I knew when I stepped outside, I would run into sin.

Peace and Joy were plentiful, the last things on the shelf.  Song and Praise were hanging near so I just helped myself.

Then I said to the angel “Now how much do I owe?”  “My child” he said, “God paid your bill a long long time ago.”

What if we replace competition with cooperation?

Fishermen say you never need a top for a crab basket.  If one crab starts to climb up the sides of the basket, the other crabs will reach up and pull it back down.  There are people who act a lot like crabs.

In a competitive world it is easier to weep with those who weep than it is to rejoice with those who rejoice.  We can sympathize with failure better than we can congratulate success.  We are jealous of those who rise too high and succeed too quickly.  We want to pull them back in the bucket where they belong.

What if we replaced the spirit of competition with the spirit of cooperation?  What if people helped each other climb as high as they can without yielding to the temptation to cut them down?  What if service became our motto instead of selfishness?  What kind of world would we have?

So the next time you see someone doing well, cheer them on instead of holding them back.  After all, people were not made to live like crabs.

October Vision

September Vision