Mother’s Day is Everyday

May 2019 Volume 12 Issue 5

Fellowship Presbyterian Church USA

Our Purpose Fellowship is called by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to make disciples by REACHing,

GROWing, and SENDing people with Christ to do justice, to live mercy, and to walk humbly with

God.

Our Motto

The loving place that is Reaching, Growing, and Sending

people with Christ.

Sunday School 9:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship

10:00 a.m.

Choir Rehearsals Thursday Evening

Adult Bible Study (Wed.)

Noon 6:00 p.m.

DIRECTORY OF SERVICES

Mother’s Day is Everyday (This loving email was sent by Deirdre Grayson to her mother,

Lucille Grayson, on January 25, 2019, at 6:52 am.)

Mom....[Lucille Grayson] Just want to tell you how much I appreciate EVERYTHING you do and have done for me all my life. You are the best example of what a mother should be. You have worked so hard and sacrificed so much for your family for as long as I can remember.

You NEVER complained about how hard it was to raise us or neglected your responsibility towards us for the sake of your own comfort. You have given and given and given and you continue to give and give and give. Even now that we are grown, you are always thinking about us and doing whatever you can to bless us. In today's world, where so many women don't want to take the time and effort to REALLY mother their children and to instill in them the basic values and life skills that every person needs, I am that much more grateful that God blessed me with YOU for my mother. You REALLY ARE THE BEST MOTHER I COULD EVER HAVE. I LOVE YOU MORE THAN I COULD EVER SAY!!!

Page 2 Volume 12 Issue 5

June 10 - 14, 2019

5:00 p.m. - Dinner

6:05 p.m. - VBS


Easter Week Services Held

Maundy Thursday: Fellowship Presbyterian Church USA (FPC) has observed Maundy Thursday for several consecutive years. Attendees to this service expect the ceremonial ’washing of the feet,’ a reenactment of Jesus’ serving his disciples by washing their feet. It is a profound and touching service in remembrance of the actions of Jesus. Did you also know that Maundy Thursday is known by various other names--Holy Thursday, Covenant Thursday, Great and Holy Thursday, Thursday of Mysteries, and Sheer Thursday? Good Friday: The Seven Last Words of Jesus worship service, comprised of seven speakers offering meditations on the seven last expressions of Jesus on the cross, was held on the evening of Good Friday, April 19. Speakers in order of their mini-sermons were Rev. Gregory Bentley; Rev. Dexter Strong, Madkins Chapel Church; Elder Theodore Dixie, Jr. FPC; Rev. David Kling, Covenant PC; Rev. Kim Mitchell, Big Cove PC; Rev. Earla Lockhart, First Missionary Baptist Church, and Rev. Gregory Scott, Phillips CME. The mini-sermons were provocative and content rich. Guest speakers were well supported by members of their congregations, thus making for a nearly full sanctuary. The congregation sang content-supportive hymns (Lyndon Carriger, pianist) at strategic places during the service and a prayer was offered by Elder George Grayson. Resurrection of the Lord/Easter Sunday “He’s risen,” Rev. Bentley proclaimed. That’s the Easter message, the foundation of our Christian beliefs, he continued. In “Looking for Life in Dead Places,” the sermon topic, Rev. Bentley also emphasized the role of women in the Easter saga, including their vigil at the crucifixion, early Sunday morning tomb visit, and role in spreading the Good News of Easter. The “Blooming the Cross” ritual during worship allowed congregants to symbolically recall and participate in that Good News by endowing the crucifix, symbol of death, with emblems of life and living. Did you know that in another variation of this ceremony, worshipers cover the cross with homemade butterflies, another potent symbol of new life?

“Blooming the Cross”

Photo Credit: Eddgra Fallin and

Chris Gaines


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Reverend Lisa Allen-McLaurin at Fellowship

“We did not come to fear the future. We came here to shape it,” former president Barack Obama once stated. The twenty or so Fellowship members who attended the second Worship Consultation - conducted by Reverend Lisa M. Allen-McLaurin, Ph.D., on Saturday, April 6, 2019, - would agree. They came to seek ways of thinking about and shaping the future of Fellowship’s music ministry. It was a morning and afternoon of participation. Rev. Allen-McLaurin effectively covered more material, answered more questions, and engaged more comments than attendees had probably anticipated. Those who attended the first meeting with Rev. Allen-McLaurin—largely members of choirs—had provided written responses (in some cases extensive) to a questionnaire that encompassed all areas of worship, not just music. Rev. Allen-McLaurin worked through her summary of the responses during the morning hours, emphasizing that all components of a worship service work together. After lunch, an unanticipated delight for attendees was the opportunity to sing with Rev. Allen-McLaurin, who accompanied on piano. Several choir members participated, including Linda Burruss, Gloria Evans, Mary Peagler, Evelyn Rich, and Joyce Pettis Temple. In fact, those staying after lunch enjoyed a mini-concert. One of the selections was “My Help,” with Linda as soloist. “My Soul is Anchored in the Lord” was requested of Chris Gaines. Then, Rev. Allen-McLaurin sang (while accompanying herself) “My Soul Looked Back in Wonder,” “I Am a Poor Pilgrim,” another selection, and “O Holy Night,” in April; but it was requested, so she delivered. Her twenty years of being a church pianist and organist, before answering the call to ministry, shone brilliantly. Rev. Allen-McLaurin shared this significant conclusion with the group following the singing that, she pointed out, had covered all genres of sacred music: The genre doesn’t matter; it’s the message that matters. The message in every song during any given Sunday worship service should support the message of the sermon. This achievement requires coordination and long-term planning among different components in the church, including (but not limited to) the pastor, convener of Worship Ministry Team, director of Music Ministry, and the director of the Children and Youth Ministry.

How the attendees will help shape the future of the music ministry at Fellowship remains to be seen. But those who stayed until the end left with a song in their heart and positive expectations for the future of the music ministry.

Photo credit: Joyce Pettis Temple


Several members of Fellowship Presbyterian Church USA (FPC) were recognized for their scholarly endeavors and community activism at the Rosetta James Foundation’s Honoring Our Elders event held on Saturday afternoon, March 9, 2019, at the Jackson Center in Research Park.

Demetrius Davis (DJ, second from left), poses with his proud family, and Kyler Grace Evans (center, bottom photo) stands with the presenter and Jerome Saintjones. Davis is enrolled at Alabama A & M University where he is a valued bass singer in the

university choir. Kyler, daughter of Christopher and Yvette Evans, has completed her first year of study at Tennessee State University. Both students received a $1,000.00 scholarship from the Rosetta James Foundation. Jacquelyne Bennett joins other Fellowship elders previously tapped for recognition in the Honoring Our Elders program, including William Davis, Evelyn Rich,

Robert Wilson, Frances Harris, Dorothy B. Johnson, and the late Geneva S. Wright. Jacquelyne was honored for her stellar leadership in the community as a fundraiser to benefit students of Alabama A & M University with scholarship dollars.

In fact, at the university’s Black Tie Gala on April 26, she received her fifth Gold Award, the third level of recognition in the university scholarship funding program. Jackie’s leadership of the Fellowship PC Food

Traveon and Eternity Grays (Jackie’s grands), Jackie’s sister Rica Ann Jones, Jackquelyne Bennett, and Henry Warren (Jackie’s brother).

L-R: The Davis Family: Dee, Demetrius, Brenda, Stefanie, and William.

Fellowship Members Are Achievers Distribution program also received commendation. Fellowship’s own Linda Burruss, a board member of the Rosetta James Foundation, diligently worked behind the scene to assure an inspirational afternoon for everyone involved. Congratulations to all of Fellowship’s achievers!

Generous Anonymous Donor Thank you to a wonderfully generous donor who has gifted the stove pictured to the Fellowship kitchen.

Photo Credit: Joyce Pettis Temple

Mother and Son Organ Recital

Kay McCormick Benefield, Organist/Director of Music at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Guntersville, and Dr. William Henry Benefield, Jr., of San Antonio, TX, will present their second recital of organ music on Sunday, May 26, 2019, at 4:00 pm. at the Church of the Epiphany, 1101 Sunset Drive, in Guntersville, AL. The recital will commemorate their return from the German cities that surround the life and works of Johann Sebastian Bach. The recital will begin at 4:00 p.m. in memory of Flossie Mae Henderson (right), mother of Barbara J. Anthony (left). The public is invited to attend, and the admission is free.


Destine Alexis Brown graduated from the University of Alabama at Huntsville on Thursday, May 2, 2019, with a Bachelor of Science Business Administration Degree in accounting with honors.

Austin is the son of Debra and Gregory Evans and the grandson of Gloria and Richard Evans.


Congratulations Dana Bone

Dana Katherine Bone will graduate from Lee High School with honors on May 23, 2019, at 3:30 p.m. in the afternoon at the Von Braun Center. She is the daughter of Carolyn Bone.

Kimberlee Elaine Thompson

Kimberlee Elaine Thompson, third grader at the Academy of Academic Arts (AAA), continues to dance with the Dance Theater of Huntsville. Kimberlee will perform in the Motown History of

Sound, May 18, 2019, 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm and May 19, 2019, 5:00 pm, Lee High School Main Stage. Tickets are $10 and $15.00.

Aria Fykes Monrovia Middle School hosted its 80's costume theme dance on Friday, April 26, 2019. Aria Fykes won a prize for her 80’s costume. Congratulations Aria!!!

Parker Ford

Congratulations to Monrovia Middle School’s soccer team for winning the championship! Congratulations to Parker Ford and his teammates, 2019 Madison County champions!

Christian Campbell Christian Campbell is a sophomore at Huntsville High School, plays saxophone in the band, and attended prom this year. Christian is the son of Jannie Jones.

Miriam Bentley (left) and Kaylin Houston (right) traveled with the Delta Academy to Adventure Science Center in Nashville, TN, on Saturday, April 20, 2019. They had a wonderful time experiencing STEM activities.

Eternity Grays Eternity Grays attended Jemison High School prom held at the Huntsville Botanical Garden on Saturday, April 12, 2019.


Jackson Lanier Jackson Lanier made 1ST CHAIR in the highest- level All State Band. Jackson is the grandson of Frances Harris. Congratulations Jackson!!

Lyndon Carriger helps the youth find their solo voices on 2nd Sunday. Each youth sang a solo part in “Jesus Will” by Anita Wilson.

The Youth Ministry would like to thank Timothy Smith, Doretha Ross, Jannie Jones, Ollie Smith, and Calvin Ford for helping with the Easter egg hunt. The children had a blast.

Easter speeches

Photo Credit: Diann Bentley


“Resurrection causes us to re-evaluate our experience . . . Resurrection is about the impossible being done in the face of the possible.”

Sermon: “Looking for Life in Dead Places” Resurrection/Easter Sunday 2019

June 29-30, 2019 Camp Maranatha

What is Session doing?

Session did not meet in April.

Joyce, thank you for sharing your newsletter. Ms. Dorothy is a one-of- a-kind, and Fellowship is so fortunate to have her as a member. She inspires us all to love our neighbor! I hope I am still serving when I am her age. Also, nice that you still have a newsletter; I wish ours [church] still did. Thanks for all the help and support you have given me in the past! Mary Lynn Special Programs Coordinator Food Bank of North Alabama

2-National Day of Prayer 3-May Friendship Day 5- Older Adult Week begins 6-Worship Ministry Team meets, noon 11-Fair Trade Day 12-Mother’s Day 14-Property & Maintenance Team meets, 11:00 a.m. 18-Presbyterian Men meets, 8:00 a.m. 12-15 Food Distribution Preparation 15-Food Distribution 23-Stated Session Meeting, 6:00 p.m. 26-Mission Worker Sunday 26 - PW Bible Study following worship 27-Memorial Day Observation 30-Ascension of the Lord

5 The Earnest Dees Family 12 The Kenneth King Family 19 The Thomas Ross Family 26 The Moses Ogbu Family


Dr. Barbara Anthony Mrs. Pauline Bodiford Mrs. Gladys P. Bracy

Ms. Cheryl K. Johnson Mrs. Mary E. Mitchell

Dr. Joyce Pettis Temple Mrs. Lois N. Thompson

Photographers

Mrs. Gertrude Hicks Dr. James Hicks

Mr. Christopher Gaines

Parents, please make sure your child is dressed

appropriately on their scheduled Sunday!

May 5 Parker Ford and Miriam Bentley

May 12

Kaylin Houston and Kimberlee Thompson

May 19 Maya Fykes and Johari Bentley

May 26

Parker Ford and Miriam Bentley

♦♦ Please wear black pants or skirts/dress on your scheduled Sunday, and please arrive at least 15 minutes

early ♦♦ If there is a problem with the schedule, please contact Ollie Smith at 256.527.4147 or Sarah Ford at 256.509.8066 or Diann Bentley at 205-233-2140 Thank you in advance for your participation! We sincerely appreciate all the youth at Fellowship Presbyterian Church. Your service to Christ and His church does not go unnoticed.

Again, thank you, Ollie Smith, Acolyte Coordinator

Website: www.fpchuntsville.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fpchuntsville

Twitter: @TheShipHSV

3 Matthew Gardner 7 Carmen Jackson-Elston 9 Kenneth King 9 Giovanni Jackson 11 Herbert Peagler 20 Joseph J. Johnson 21 Christopher Evans 22 Enoch Temple 22 Parker Ford 24 Miriam V. Bentley 29 Erica Horton

18 Dr. and Mrs. Theodore Dixie, Sr.


Sick List of Family and Friends of Fellowship Members

Benjamin Andrews Uncle of Yvette Evans

Doris Bradford

Sister of Haley Bone

Deaunna Campbel Daughter of Beverly and Henry Warren

Arzell Dunmore

Sister of Lucille Grayson

Dorothy Franklin Mother of Robert Franklin

Lila and Alvin Grayson

Sister-in-law and brother of George Grayson

LaChauna Headen Daughter of Beverly and Henry Warren

Gussie Jackson

Mother of Arinize Steele

Roosevelt Johnson Uncle of Yvette Evans

Horace Mitchell

Husband of Mary Mitchell

Ailean King Peoples Mother of Kenneth King

Shielda Yvonne Ross

Sister of Thomas Ross

Ann Thomas Aunt of Yvette Evans

Fannie P. Thompson

Sister of Lois Dade and Eulasteen Muse

Roderick Wall Nephew of Charles Penn

Nathanial Williams

Brother of Bettye W. Dixie and Carolyn W. Jackson

LaVon White Son of Doretha and Thomas Ross

Dorleen and James Witchard

Sister and Brother-in-Law of Doretha and Thomas Ross

Fellowship Member Sick List

The Prayer of Faith James 5:13-16

“ 13 Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. 14 Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray

over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.”

Stephen and Michael Bennett

LeBron Bone Bill Davis

Richard Evans Mattie Ford

James Hicks Lula Jones

Eulasteen Muse Charles Penn Dana Smith

In Memory of Fellowship’s Members

In Memory of Family and Friends

Cyrus Daniels – 2015 Timothy Carl Dixie - 1970 Earnest Rich - 1971 James Rice, Sr.– 1974 Grace Allen Williams - 1978 Zelma Hodges - 1986

Nelson Scruggs - 1987 Marcus Ogbu - 1990 John Herndon, Jr. - 1993 Raymond Bolton, Jr. - 1994 Carrie Buchanan - 1994 Mary Ragland

Amanda O. Clarke – 2011 Johnnie Mae McAlpine – 2017

In Memory of Family and Friends

Documents

Mother’s Day is Everyday