December 2018 Volume 11 Issue 12

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.

Christmas Joy Offering December 23, 2018

Support the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions, as well as education and leadership development at Presbyterian-related racial ethnic schools and colleges, by giving to the Christmas Joy Offering. Keep Christ in Christmas!

Have a Blessed Holiday!

Fellowship Presbyterian Church (FPC-USA) Observes Fifty-Eighth Anniversary

Photo: Courtesy of Tonya Gaines

Quote worthy from the 58th Church Anniversary sermon: “Giving all of oneself rests on a question of faith . . . . Faith unleashes God’s great faithfulness to us.”

Reverend Dr. Sondra M. Coleman Sermon title: “All In”

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Filling the Void at Thanksgiving

The Food Distribution Program did in November what it does every month. On the third Wednesday, it supplied families with food. But there was a difference: Thirty more than the usual 102 families were served, making the grand number served 132. Additionally, in recognition of Thanksgiving, special efforts were made to ensure the boxes contained items befitting a southern Thanksgiving dinner such as sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, vegetables, cranberries, chicken, and much more. This month the program was expanded when we were able to distribute at no cost 300 quarts of milk and disposable baby diapers, due to the savvy negotiation skills of Dorothy Johnson. A special ‘thank you’ to all the volunteers who worked on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday doing everything that was required to make Thanksgiving memorable for others. On the date of food distribution, all helpers are treated to a full-course meal and hugs to show appreciation for their help and assistance. Jackie Bennett manages the food program as convener of the Witness and Service Ministry Team.

Grandchildren of faithful volunteer Sandi Perry.

Pictured above: Jane Ford (L) with volunteer Maureen Young Pictured below: Henry and Beverly Warren

The Presbyterian Women (PW) during their bible study in November. Mary Peagler is facilitating Lesson 3, God’s Promise, I Am With You.

Photo credit: Jerita Crummie and Mary Mitchell

December Altar Flowers

Poinsettias – Presbyterian Women

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A Synopsis of Fellowship Presbyterian Church History

November 2017---November 2018

Fellowship Presbyterian Church USA (FPC) has been the recipient of numerous blessings during the past year. Three events in particular loom large for a small congregation. FPC trustees purchased the property immediately south of the church following members “Yes” vote in a Congregational Meeting. The land has two buildings and capacity for more parking. Secondly, following a comprehensive sound system study by the technical team, a major upgrade to the system is nearing completion. The upgrade includes relocating the system from the balcony to the sanctuary floor, custom construction of two elevated booths to separately house the visual and audio equipment, and purchasing components for first-class viewing and listening options. Additionally, dedicated member Mrs. Geneva Wright bequeathed FPC a significant endowment. In the spirit of improvements to the church, the Presbyterian Women (PW) have generously financed upgrading the men’s and women’s small restrooms (off the back hallway) and Presbyterian Men (PM) donated a large TV screen to the Dorothy B. Johnson Fellowship Hall. The two groups are jointly donating new benches for the narthex. In small churches like FPC, the comings and exits of staff have consequences. For example, when Director of Music Ministry Brenda Davis requested a health-related leave of absence and the Praise Team director left his position, the era of an 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM worship service ended. FPC in June 2018 instituted one worship service, a blend of contemporary and traditional styles, at 10:00 AM. In September 2018, session accepted the resignation of the Director of Music Ministry. Brenda’s forty years of service was celebrated with a concert, tributes, and a reception in September 2018. She had indeed spoken prophetic words when, at the conclusion of the Christmas drama in December, she stated it was her ‘last drama,’ although the program worked out wonderfully. The activities of ministry teams are significant at FPC as they enthusiastically engage in observances and direct programming throughout the year. The Worship Ministry Team (Elder Pauline Bodiford, convener) oversaw plans for special observation Sundays—Easter, Women’s Day, Men’s Day, and Older Adults Sunday, mainly set up by the Golden Charmers, a congregate of

seniors. Easter Sunday was preceded by Maundy Thursday and The Seven Last Words of Jesus services, the latter with local guest preachers. Special speakers for Women’s Day and Men’s Day were, respectively, Dr. Cynthia Warrick, President of Stillman College, and Reverend Warner Durnell, Executive Presbyter of the Middle-Tennessee Presbytery. Reverend John Howard Reed, retired from pastorates in Ohio and Texas, preached on Older Adults Sunday. The congregation and guests enjoy elaborate brunches on most of the special observance days. The Witness and Service Ministry Team (W&SM, Elder Jacquelyne Bennett, convener) continued ministering to the Huntsville community through the food distribution program. The W&SM Team also continued its valuable service of planning assistance to bereaved families, as did the Courtesy Committee (chairperson, Dorothy Johnson). The Reevis Beecher Hill Benevolent Fund, overseen by a committee of deacons and also a mission service of FPC, has served the Huntsville community as well, providing emergency funding for necessities. Additionally, the FAITH Initiative (Mary Mitchell, president) continued as a mission arm of the church, providing services to retired seniors as well as scholarships to seniors graduating from high school. The Christian Education Ministry Team (CE, Elder Lauretta Moore, convener) directed numerous important activities. The youth ministry, for example, organized game nights and other fun activities for youth and children as well as substantial educational events. The group attended the Presbyterian Youth Leadership Conference (July 18-21) at Tougaloo College, visited the Legacy Museum, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, AL, and participated in the church’s Black History Program in February. Children’s Church (Linda Burruss, Director, for ages 4-12) continues its emphasis on service projects and reading. The Thelma Gardner Vacation Bible School (Elder Anthony Thompson, director) drew in neighboring children to learn about God as a rescuer. Under the leadership of Reverend Bentley, midday and evening bible study on Wednesday continued with a core of learners and discussants. The PW, also under the umbrella of CE, were delighted that three women attended the Churchwide Gathering of PW in Louisville, KY in August 2018. The Administration Ministry Team (AMT, Elder Thomas McAlpine, convener) oversaw staffing needs.

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The technical team under this umbrella, and chaired by Calvin Ford, had the major responsibility of attending to all needs for sound and video upgrades and for the sound booths. The Stewardship and Finance Ministry Team (SFM, Elder Robert Peagler, convener) superintends the church’s economics. Elder Peagler has had a busy organizational year as his team has worked to implement a unified budget for the church. The bumps encountered by any significant change are being weathered. The Property and Maintenance Ministry Team (P&MM, Elder George Grayson, convener) has the motherlode of all jobs as its name may convey. All improvements and purchases noted above as led by other FPC components had to be in conversation with and approved by P&MM. All the minute and broad details of maintaining physical property, including the grounds and the pavilion, remained the responsibility of the P&MM. Overall, Fellowship has been extremely blessed to weather another year with successes; growth; new members and baptisms; recommitments; spirited elders, deacons, ushers, other leaders; opportunities for growth in the Word, and more! Reverend Bentley sums up our positive year in these words: “We’ve got momentum, and we’re moving. God is at work at Fellowship, and it shows.”

Compiled by Joyce Pettis Temple

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What is Session doing?

Session met on Thursday, November 29, 2018, for its monthly Stated Session Meeting. Approved: Reverend Bentley’s abence from the pulpit on Sunday,

December 2, 2018, and Sunday, December 23, 2018. An updated Pastoral Evaluation document. The hiring of Lyndon Carriger as the Director of Music

Ministry for 2019. Paying off the loan for the 3404 Meridian Street

property with a portion of the monetary gift received from the late Geneva S. Wright.

Information: • Church Leadership Workshop is scheduled for

Saturday, December 15, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. • The December Stated Session meeting will be held on

Thursday, December 20, 2018. • Dedication of the sound and video booths is scheduled

for Sunday, December 30, 2018.

Getting to Know your Church

“A Season for Giving”

“But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works. Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith.” (James 2:18 NRSV) Presbyterians are committed to making a difference in the world in various ways. Talking is not enough; there must be sustained actions behind our words. “Presbyterians do mission in partnership. We believe that doing mission in partnership broadens our awareness of how interconnectional God’s mission is at the local, national, and global levels. The one table around which we gather is God’s table, and the one mission to which we are called is God’s mission.” Transformational Mission -A Message from World Mission, Jose Luis Casal; Director, World Mission. Since this is the season of giving and good deeds, we take this opportunity to introduce new members to a few examples of what we do and how we support. World Mission: The World Mission Giving Opportunities 2018 is available online. The catalog is published to give you an opportunity to give to a mission(s) you are concerned about. National: Christmas Joy Offering – Supports past, present, and future leaders. The Christmas Joy Offering is traditionally received during the Advent Season. How can you help? You may make online gifts or send checks to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to P.O. Box 643700; Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700. State: The Presbyterian Home for Children, located in Talladega, AL. The history of the Presbyterian Home for Children dates back to the post-Civil war era. Widows and orphaned children were in need of food and shelter and an education and foundation of faith in God. The facility serves homeless children and families in crisis in Alabama and the southeast. How can you help? • Pray for the children and families; • Volunteer as an individual or group by working

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Website: www.fpchuntsville.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fpchuntsville

Twitter: @TheShipHSV

on campus painting or landscaping; helping with general administrative tasks; helping at special events;

• Organize a fundraiser or host a benefit; • Organize a supply drive to provide basic necessities

for children; and • Financial contributions. Contributions can be made

online at www.phfc.org or mailed to Presbyterian Home for Children, P.O. Drawer 577, Talladega, AL 35160. Dr. Yvette Evans has served on the Board of Directors.

Local: Fellowship Advocacy Inspiring Transformation and Hope (FAITH) Initiative Nonprofit. FAITH was established under the direction of Fellowship’s session in 2012. Programs include scholarships, tutoring, providing school supplies for Martin Luther King Elementary School, and technology classes for older adults. How can you help? Sign up to tutor, contribute to the scholarship funds, or volunteer to teach a technology class. Donations may be mailed to FAITH Initiative, P.O. Box 3858, Huntsville, AL 35811.

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“You have to have something to sow. You have to be connected to laborers (our ancestors) who have labored in the vineyard before. If we are not connected to those who have gone before us, we don’t have any grain.”

Sermon: “Keep Sowing”

September 2, 2018

Parents, please make sure your child is dressed

appropriately on their scheduled Sunday!

December 2 Parker Ford and Destiny Canady

December 9

Kaylin Houston and Kimberlee Thompson

December 16 Maya Fykes and Miriam Bentley

December 23

Miriam Bentley and Johari Bentley

December 30 Kaylin Houston and Maya Fykes

♦♦ 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

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Acolytes Miriam Bentley and Maya Fykes Elder Lauretta Moore, Liturgist

Elder Pauline Bodiford, Convener, Worship Ministry

Team

Walter Watson, Jr.

Reverend Dr. Sondra M. Coleman and Jerita Crummie

Reverend Dr. Sondra M. Coleman and Judise

Lanier Reverend Dr. Sondra M. Coleman and Reverend Gregory Bentley

Frances Harris, Judise Harris Lanier, and Archie Johnson

Angela Griffin, Lois and Anthony

Thompson

Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Peagler with Reverend

Dr. Sondra Coleman

Reverend Dr. Sondra Coleman (center) with her sorority sisters, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and Reverend Bentley

Photo Credit: Joyce Pettis Temple

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November 11 ~ Ashley and Ace Barnes 30 ~ Brenda and Randall Bunley (Not published in the November newsletter.)

December 16 ~ Kanika and Lewis Singleton, III 20 ~ Lucille and George Grayson 22 ~ Joyce Pettis and Enoch Temple 23 ~ Mary and Horace Mitchell

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

3 Gordan Fykes 4 Jannie Campbell Jones 5 Henry Muse 8 Valerie Jackson 9 Reginald Grayson 16 Lewis Singleton, III 17 Archie M. Johnson 18 Clifton Canady 18 Kimberley Evans

18 Mattie Ford 20 Michele Hicks 22 Jason A. Anthony 22 Darrel Campbell 25 Lisa Warren-Likely 29 Gregory Dees 30 B. Janine Anthony 30 Vincent Brown

1 - World Aids Day Presbyterian HIV/AIDS Awareness 2 - First Sunday of Advent 2 - Hanging of the Greens service 5 - Property & Maintenance Ministry meets at 11:30 a.m. 9 - Second Sunday in Advent 9 - Presbyterian Women Circle meets at 4:00 p.m. 9 - Christian Education meets after worship 10 - Human Rights Day 13 - National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath Weekend begins 15 - Presbyterian Men Meeting at 8:00 a.m. 15 - Church Leadership Workshop at 10:00 a.m. 16 - Third Sunday in Advent 16-19 Food Distribution Set up 19 - Food Distribution 20 - Stated Session Meeting at 6:00 p.m. 23 - Fourth Sunday in Advent 23 - Christmas Joy Offering 24 - Christmas Eve 25 - Nativity of Jesus Christ/Christmas Day

Pray for those who mourn...

Homegoing service for Juanita Bentley Hattaway, mother of Reverend Gregory J. Bentley, (Diann) was held Saturday, December 1, 11:00 a.m. at FS Ervin Elementary School, 500 Leroy Randolph Road, Pine Hill, AL 36769. Continue to pray for the Bentley Family.

Flossie Henderson, mother of Barbara Anthony, passed on Tuesday November 27, 2018. The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 3, 2018, at Fellowship Presbyterian Church, 3406 Meridian Street NE, Huntsville, Alabama, 35811. She will lie in repose one hour prior to the service. During this time, some of the family's favorite music will be sung.

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Sick List of Family and Friends of Fellowship Members

Benjamin Andrews Uncle of Yvette Evans

Arzell Dunmore Sister of Lucille Grayson

Doris Bradford Sister of Haley Bone

Dorothy Franklin Mother of Robert Franklin

Lila and Alvin Grayson Sister-in-law and brother of George Grayson

Gussie Jackson Mother of Arinize Steele

Roosevelt Johnson Uncle of Yvette Evans

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

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

Gertrude Hicks James Hicks Lula Jones

Eulasteen Muse Dana Smith

Anthony Thompson

In Memory of Fellowship’s Members

Martha B. Cooper – 1992 Judge Harris – 2001

Wilbert Cooper – 2013 Jonathan Ford -2015

In Memory of Family and Friends

Herbert Canady-1955 Curtis Jones -1969

S.T. Johnson – 1993 Elizabeth Herndon – 1993

S. Q Bryant -1996 Daisy Watson – 1997 C. S. Scales – 2000

Annie Loritts – 2003 Josephine Barden – 2004

Arthur Cunningham -2004 Silvester Doster – 2004

Mary Ruth Echols – 2006 Marshall Fallin – 2006 Vera Thompson - 2010