Fellowship Presbyterian Church

July 1, 2012 Volume 5 Issue 7

3406 Meridian Street, Huntsville, AL 35811 Office 256.539.2418 Fax 256.539.2492 e-mail:fpsecretary@hotmail.com

The HAND of Fellowship (Helpful and Nurturing Disciples)

Children and adults gathered during the week of June 11-15, 2012, to study “Fishing on a Mission with Jesus,” the theme of this year’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) from Matthew 4:19: “Follow me and I will make you

fishers of man.” The theme was aptly introduced with an activity that fit both the Presbyterian Men’s Weekend (PM) activities and the focus of Vacation Bible School: a fishing expedition on Saturday, June 9, 2012, coordinated by Enoch Temple and the PM (See article on fishing expedition.). Vacation Bible School evenings were marked by fishin’ Bible stories, fishin’ skits, fishin’ games, and fishin’ snacks. Each session opened with prayer and thanksgiving and pledges to the Christian Flag, American Flag, and the Bible. Except on the first day, attendees received a daily newsletter with all students’ names from the previous day and ‘action’ pictures, captured by the camera wizardry of Linda Burruss. Also daily, students gathered in the fellowship hall for a snack before beginning lessons focused by the following litanies of praise: Pray First: Acts 13:1-5; Speak Up: Acts 14:1-7; Be Brave: Acts 17:1-9; Live Right: Acts 20:17-24; and Reach Out: Acts 26:22-29. Attendance was excellent throughout the week; the number was nearly 75 on Wednesday and Friday evenings. The naming of the VBS honored charter member Tommie Bradford. Her family, including member Haley Bone, thanked the church and gave a

generous donation. The week ended with an enjoyable dinner held in the Norman Fletcher Pavilion. Attendees feasted on a combination of purchased fish along with those caught by the men and youth during their fishing expedition.

From the VBS Director “Vacation Bible School is always a highlight of the church year. It is a time for adults to enjoy the children of our church, but also to reach out in our community to other children and their families. I have enjoyed the last two

years that I have been a servant for God. Thanks to everyone for their gift of time, effort, and energy in being a part of this endeavor to shape our community for Christ. It has been a week of service to our Lord, which He has promised to bless; and it has been a time that touches and makes a real difference in the lives of many children. This special week is another opportunity for all of us to rely on God for the strength we need. We are most appreciative to our workers, teachers, and supporters for their dedicated service. Thanks again for allowing God to work through you in ministering the love of Jesus to others.”

Anthony D. Thompson, VBS Director

The HAND of Fellowship Page 2

STAFF

Reverend Gregory J. Bentley Pastor

Mrs. Brenda Davis Director of Music Ministry

Mrs. Antoinette “Toni” Franklin Director Inspiration/Gospel Choir

Mrs. Janet Poles Children’s/Youth Choir Director

Ms. Darlene Richardson Assistant Children’s/Youth Choir Director

Mr. Theodus Friend Sexton

DIRECTORY OF SERVICES Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m. Choir Rehearsals Inspirational (Tues) 6:00 p.m. Chancel (Tues) 7:30 p.m. Adult Bible Study (Wed) Noon and 6:00 p.m. Youth and Children Bible Study (Thurs.) 5:45 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 6:30 p.m.

Newsletter Team 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

Dr. James Hicks Mrs. Gertrude Hicks

Preschool Teachers Tonya Gaines

Jocelyn Craighead

Primary Teacher Diedre Davis

Junior/Teen Teacher

Reverend Gregory Bentley

Registration Gladys Bracy

Lois Thompson

Craft Leader Carolyn Jackson and her

helpers

Adult Teachers Shirley Brown Clifton Canady Geneva Wright Robert Peagler

Snack Leaders Dorothy Johnson Robert Wilson Charles Penn

Jerita Crummie Robert Franklin III (Fish Fry)

Fishin’ Games

Robert Franklin III Christopher Gaines

Kenneth King

Decorations Evelyn Rich Henry Muse

Eulasteen Muse

Music Brenda Davis

Antoinette Franklin

Newsletter Editor Linda Burruss

Volunteers for the classes and other duties of Vacation Bible School:

New Member Ms. Erica Horton

By common consent Ms. Horton was accepted by session as a member by Christian experience at a Called Meeting on May 20, 2012.

Page 3 Volume 5 Issue 7

Health Fair a Success Joyce Pettis Temple

On Saturday, June 2, volunteer staff of Huntsville Hospital checked the sugar level, cholesterol number, and blood pressure of 29 people in the fellowship hall. After the numbers were read, a staff member also counseled about diet, exercise, or the need to see one’s physician. Healthy snacks and drinks were available. Foot traffic was steady during the 10:00 – 2:00 p.m. hours, and any short waiting time was filled by pleasant fellowship. A few visitors participated along with members of the congregation. Thanks to Tonya Gaines for the idea and for coordinating the event with Huntsville Hospital. The Health Fair was organized by the Witness and Service Ministry Team.

‘Man of Year’ Named and Honored

Theodore Dixie, Jr. presented the award to Bill Davis

The Presbyterian Men of Fellowship honored William (Bill) Davis as Man of the Year during the worship service on June 10, 2012. Bill, as he is often called, was acknowledged for his many years of dedication to Fellowship Presbyterian Church that included service as an Elder, past Chairperson of Property and Maintenance, many years being a soloist and tenor in the Chancel Choir, and being a music mentor to Fellowship youth. He wrote the music for Fellowship’s special 50th anniversary hymn. Additionally, Bill contributes to the arts community through a variety of participations. Co-founder and co-director of the Huntsville Spiritual Chorale (HSC), in the spring of 2007, the HSC performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Locally, the HSC presents an annual, free community event when it offers a Spiritual Jubilee Fest at FPC in February or March to which a renowned guest conductor and community singers are invited. The HSC also sings for numerous organizations throughout the year as it executes its mission of preserving and performing the Negro spiritual.

Congratulations to Bill!

Lula Jones with nurse. Finger being pricked to

check blood sugar. Ouch!

Robert Franklin III getting his blood pressure

checked.

Tonya Gaines speaking with nurse.

The HAND of Fellowship Page 4

PM Sponsor Youth Fishing Expedition

Miriam Bentley led the pack, catching 18 fish; for a while Ryan Gordon held the record for catching the largest fish, but Maurice Bone’s big fish really was the largest one. These fish yarns will likely live on, at least until next June, when the PM will probably sponsor another fishing experience. (Miriam returned all

of her fish to the pond.)

The men and approximately 15 youth gathered at a private 15 acre pond off Moore’s Mill Road on Saturday, June 9, at 6:00 A.M. for this inaugural event of the Presbyterian Men’s weekend activities. Enoch Temple spearheaded the planning. By all accounts, the activity was a splashing success. Exclamations of “we’ve got to do this again,” have been heard.

Camp Maranatha Hogan The Camp Maranatha “Extreme Makeover Project” to completely renovate the camp’s Hogans was taken on by Fellowship Church. Session agreed to dedicate this project in honor of deceased member Elder Russell Brown. The project first

started in April with a visit to Camp Maranatha by Norman Fletcher, George Grayson, and Clifton Canady to select a Hogan for the project, receive instructions from camp Director Gene Joiner, about the project’s required standards, and

get a firsthand look at other Hogans in progress. In late April, Fellowship men began renovating a Hogan, working 3 to 5 hours per day, mostly two days a week. As progress was made and completed on the

inside, other men of the church joined in and helped complete the project. On June 8, 2012, the Hogan was turned over to the camp for use. Some minor outside cosmetic touchups remain to

be completed. Thanks to all those who supported this project through labor and donations.

Pictures of the inside and outside of the Hogan.

Photo Credit: Clifton Canady

1-Reverend Gregory and Miriam Bentley; 2-Cliff and Destiny Canady; 3-Maurice Bone and Teddy Dixie; 4-Jeremiah and Anthony Thompson; 5-Felix Battle; 6-Calvin, Parker and Phillip Ford; 7-Rosalie Lane, Enoch Temple, Ryan Gordon; 8– Men and youth getting ready to fish.

1 2 3

4 5

6

7 8

Enoch Temple

Russell Brown

Men’s Day Program June 10, 2012

Jeffery Dees, Guest Speaker

Page 5 Volume 5 Issue 7

1-Presbyterian Men 2-Clifton Canady, Anthony Thompson, Theodore Dixie, Jr. 3-Theodore Dixie, Jr. 4-Jeffrey Dees 5-Jeffery Dees and Reverend Gregory Bentley 6 -Men’s Chorus 7-Fellowship Five 8-Jeffery, Constance, and Agatha Dees

1

2 3

4

6

7 8

5

Progress Report on Blair and Alexis Gaines

Blair Blair had a great Junior year, both academically and athletically. He is on the Dean's List. As Blair says, "It's crazy" to think that he is a senior now at Wofford College. Late this summer he is scheduled to take the MCAT for admission to medical school. Blair was not injured this year.

Between his hip flexor injury and his broken leg, he had really missed playing. This year, however, he was on the starting team and rarely came out of the game.

Alexis Alexis had a very successful senior year at Huntsville High School. She finished in the top 20 students of her class and is ranked in the top 5% of her class. Academic and Other Accomplishments:

♦ Student Council appointed officer ♦ Art work displayed at Huntsville Museum of Art

for Youth Art Month ♦ National Honor Society ♦ Outstanding Academic Achievement—“A" honor

roll ♦ Four (4) year Delta Sigma Theta Academic

Scholar scholarship recipient ♦ National Achievement Finalist ♦ National Scholars Presidential Scholarship from

Auburn University ♦ College of Agriculture Scholarship—Auburn

University

Track season was not as successful as expected. During indoor season, Alexis broke her iliac crest during a race. There was a long recovery process and not much time to get back in shape.

Athletic Accomplishments: ♦ Won lots of medals ♦ Qualified for the State Track Meet (We traveled

to Gulf Shores 5/3-6/12) ♦ 4x400 team finished 6th in state

Alexis graduated on May 25, 2012, from Huntsville High School. She will attend Auburn University in the fall and has been accepted into the College of Agriculture (Pre-Veterinary Medicine). We ask for continued prayers and support from our church family as she begins a new chapter in her life. Tonya and Chris Gaines

Church Humor

“Somebody has said there are only two kinds of people in the world. There are those who wake up in the morning and say, “Good morning, Lord,” and there are those who wake up in the morning and say, “Good Lord, it's morning.”

Fellowship Dinner 6:00 p.m.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Presentation: Vision Team

Invite a friend to church.

The HAND of Fellowship Page 6

On June 12, 2012, Barbara Anthony graduated, along with thirty other community participants, from Leadership Huntsville/Madison County: Masters Class 3 - Pillars of the Community. The six-session program exposed the targeted group to ways of becoming involved in

different aspects of the community. Of the experience, Barbara says, “Although I was aware of many ways one could become involved in service opportunities, there were areas that brought much enlightenment and created a passion for how I could serve and encourage others to serve.”

Usage and Security of Fellowship Presbyterian Church

Facilities Usage of Fellowship Church Facilities requires submission and approval of a Church Usage Form. If the request is for a church/congregation function and set-up of tables and chairs is required by the church sexton, you must provide written or diagram instructions for your set-up. The Church Usage Request Form is located in the church office. Security of Fellowship Presbyterian Church is a requirement by virtue of having an alarm system registered with the Huntsville Police Department. It’s the law. We all know what happens when the law is violated; someone has to pay. We have long ago used up our excuses for false alarms. I am appealing to all key holders and users of the church: When your event is over or you are the last to leave the building, please check all areas for security before exiting the building. Please read the posted procedures for inadvertently activating the alarm system, and familiarize yourself with them. They are posted next to the alarm keypad. Thanks, Cliff Canady, Property and Maintenance

Usher Board Robert Peagler

The Usher Board will convene for its regularly scheduled quarterly meeting at 10:00 a.m. on July 21, 2012, in the Resource Room, Fellowship Presbyterian Church,. The Nominating Committee will present its slate of officers for the next election. All ushers and prospective ushers, please plan to attend.

September 30- October 3, 2012 Fellowship Presbyterian Church

1 Demetrius Davis and Ryan Gordon 8 Kyler Evans and Gakari Horton-Burks 15 Jeremy Crummie and Alexis Gaines 22 Wheeler Ogbu ad Ryan Gordon 29 Destine Brown and Destiny Canady

If you have conflicts, please contact Jerita Crummie.

Acolyte Schedule for July

Page 7 Volume 5 Issue 7

Photos from the Tommie Bradford Vacation Bible School

Photo Credit: Linda Burruss

The HAND of Fellowship Page 8

What is Session doing? ♦ Fellowship Bus Policy and Procedures 2012

were approved. ♦ New pew envelopes were approved. ♦ The Administration’s Human Resource

Committee has approval to hire a part-time secretary.

♦ Session approved a love offering for

Reverend Durnell who will assume his new job as Executive Presbyter, Middle Tennessee Presbytery, on August 1, 2012.

♦ Session approved Deacon Eddgra Fallin to

serve as liturgist on August 5, 2012, which is designated as Reevis Beecher Hill Benevolence Day.

♦ Reminder: The next approved Family

Night Dinner is July 27, 2012, at 6:00 p.m.

Fellowship’s Bus All things are possible when we keep God in the center of our endeavors. After MANY ups and downs, Fellowship Presbyterian Church is the owner of a new 15-passenger bus. How did we get to this point to begin a new ministry at Fellowship? In September of 2010, session appointed me to convene a committee to do a feasibility study to see if Fellowship could use a bus. The committee was convened with the following persons: Robert Burton, Gloria Evans, Kohl Fallin, Kenneth King, Charles Penn and me, Pauline Bodiford. Once the committee gave an affirmative response on the need for a bus, I was then asked by Session to establish a grant-writing committee and explore sources to get grant monies. That committee was composed of Kohl Fallin, Mary Mitchell, and Pauline Bodiford. Grants were written, and Fellowship was the recipient of $20,000.00 from the North Alabama Presbytery and $14,000.00 from the Synod of Living Waters. Both grants were funded by the end of January 2012. Other funds came from Fellowship’s Fifty-first anniversary celebration, the Presbyterian Men, and the Presbyterian Women. Before all other funds were finally in place, a committee to establish bus usage guidelines was established. The members of that committee were Cliff Canady, Ted Dixie, Sr., Robert Franklin, Sr., George Grayson, James Hicks, and Pauline Bodiford. After establishing bus guidelines the bus purchase committee was formed. That committee included Robert Burton, Robert Franklin, Sr., Frances Harris, Woody Lane, and Pauline Bodiford. Trustees Robert Franklin and Calvin Ford accepted leadership roles in acquiring proper insurance for the bus. This final committee took a field trip to Franklin,

Tennessee, to actually see buses, kick tires, look under the hood, and then make a decision. Now that this two (2) year endeavor is over and Fellowship has a BUS, the Transportation Committee has been formed. This committee, which will oversee all approval for usage, is chaired by Norman Fletcher and Geneva Wright. At this point I would like to acknowledge all of those who have worked along with me in ANY way; I am sure Fellowship appreciates your efforts. I do believe none of this would have been possible without the help and guidance of the Good Lord. Yours in Christ, Pauline Bodiford

Page 9 Volume 5 Issue 7

JULY 1, 2012 UNDERSHEPHERDS

ELDER FRANCES HARRIS Felix Battle Family 256.852-6849 Shirley Brown Family 256.539-2529 Norman Fletcher Family 256.536-8348/797-2334 *Jane Ford Family 256.851-1358 Bonita Mullins Family 256.852-5395 Martha Mullins Family 256.852-5395 Henry Muse Family 256.858-3852 W. C. Watson Family 256.859-0563 Geneva Wright Family 256.852-8518

ELDER CLIFTON CANADY Haley Bone Family 256.852-1751 Wilbert Cooper Family 256.534-5066 Tonya Gaines Family 256.533-9532 Tommie Herndon Family 256.859-3586 Edwin Hill Family 256.971-9280 Nathaniel Otey Family 256.536-5191 Jason Peagler Family 256.533-2593/541-4163 Robert Peagler Family 256.533-2592 Cerisa Rice Family 901.317-4053

ELDER SARAH FORD Carolyn Bone Family 256.852-7117 Theodore Dixie, Sr. Family 256.859-2436 Theodore Dixie, Jr. Family 256.508-7863 Carl Fallin Family 256.721-4521 Karla Fallin Lee Family 256.361-7759 Margaret Jackson Family 256.830-2081 Evelyn Rich Family 256.859-2374 Robert Wilson Family 256.830-5524

ELDER ROSALIE LANE *Diann Bentley Family 256.964-7365 Clara Bryant Family 256.859-0915 Jonathan “Joe” Ford Family 256.534-5768 Lloyd Gardner Family 256.534-4859 George Grayson Family 256.489-9981 Brendan Pierre Family 256.468-7926 Timothy Smith Family 256.864-0560 Anthony Thompson Family 256.859-3816 Justin Thompson Family 256.859-3816

ELDER MARY MITCHELL Michelle Adams Family 256.797-7664 Barbara Anthony Family 256.881-0935 Richard Evans Family 256.852-2586 Robert Franklin, Jr. Family 256.859-1323 Thelma Gardner Family 256.852-9477 James Hicks Family 256.852-7620 Marvin Jackson Family 256.852-6599 Kenneth King Family 256.851-9429

ELDER THOMAS McALPINE Gladys Bracy Family 256.859-1980 *Erica Horton Family 256.417-8205/417-8207 Ingrid Burton Family 256.859-4574 Diedre Davis Family 256.261-5930 Stefanie Davis Family 256.852-6701 William Davis Family 256.852-6701 Phillip C. Ford Family 256.851-0787 Lirse Jones Family 256.852-7035

ELDER KYLE FALLIN Gregory Dees Family 256.837-4852 Marvell Foard Family 256.852-9128 Paul Musoke Family 256.479-5863 Charles Penn Family 256.851-6300 Thomas Ross Family 256.858-2003 Monique Ryan Family 256.489-6458 Arinzie Steele Family 256.489-5060 Michele Washington Family 256.726-0541

ELDER JOYCE TEMPLE Jacquelyne Bennett Family 256.852-3616 *Jannie Campbell Family 256.653-3911 Jerita Crummie Family 256.489-0948 Earnest Dees Family 256.859-3518 Robert Franklin III Family 256.828-1167 Donald Harris Family 256.464-9730 Cheryl Johnson Family 256.859-0588 Joseph Johnson Family 256.851-9673 Moses Ogbu Family 256.859-0966

*New assignments - July 1, 2012

Continued on page 10

The HAND of Fellowship Page 10

DATES TO REMEMBER July

2 - Worship Ministry Team meeting at Noon 4 - Independence Day 9 - Golden Charmers meeting at Noon 11-Witness & Service Committee meeting at 5:30 p.m. 12- Stewardship& Finance 14- Evangelism Committee meeting at 2:00 p.m. 15-Quarterly Diaconate meet after Worship 18-21 Youth Leadership Development Conference, Memphis, TN 21 - Presbyterian Men meeting at 8:00 a.m. 21 - Usher Board meeting at 10:00 a.m. 18 - Food Distribution 22 - Senior High Youth meeting after Worship 26 - Session meeting at 6:00 p.m. 27 - Family Night Dinner

Continued from page 9

ELDER PAULINE BODIFORD Linda Burruss Family 256.852-6489 Robert Burton Family 256.859-4574 Lois Dade Family 256.851-7919 *Mary Davis Family 256.881-0610 Christopher Evans Family 256.722-8552 Gregory Evans Family 601.922-3690 Nathaniel Jackson Family 256.851-6586 Minnie Moore Family 256.890-0670 Mary Peagler Family 256.852-4786 *Joyce Easterly Family 256.851-6586

PASTOR’S LIST Bob Bodiford Family 256.890-6558 Clifton Canady Family 256.430-1717 Kyle Fallin Family 256.714-4606 Calvin Ford Family 256.852-7643 Frances Harris Family 256.852-0881 Woodie Lane Family 256.859-3171 Thomas McAlpine Family 256.837-5384 Mary Mitchell Family 256.851-0555 Enoch Temple Family 256.830-9447

*New assignments - July 1, 2012

Reevis Beecher Hill Benevolence Fund

The Reevis Beecher Hill Benevolence Fund was established at Fellowship Presbyterian Church to meet the needs of church members and the community. The one regular source of income for the benevolence fund is the special offering, which is taken on the first Sunday of each month. An envelope, distinguished as such, is available.

Children’s Church

If you are interested in working with Children’s Church, please contact Ms. Linda Burruss, Director.

Page 11 Volume 5 Issue 7

The HAND of Fellowship Page 12

1 Debra Ford-Willis 1 Loretta Jackson 4 Destine Brown 4 Kyler Grace Evans 5 Rosalie Lane 8 Dorothy B. Johnson 9 Donald Harris 11 Constance Dees 12 Jason Peagler 15 William Davis

21 Jay Jackson 24 Nathaniel Jackson 25 Charlotte Canady 25 Sarah Ford 25 Kyle Fallin 27 Walter C. Watson 27 Edwin Hill 28 Michael Hicks 28 Galik Horton-Burk 30 Marvin Jackson, Jr.

Happy Anniversary

8 ~ Tonya and Christopher Gaines 9 ~ Sharon and Kenneth King

13 ~ Thelma and Clifton Canady 17 ~ Eulasteen and Henry Muse

21 ~ Lois and Anthony Thompson 24 ~ Ami and Robert Burton

25 ~ Tommie and John Herndon

DONORS OF ALTAR FLOWERS FOR JULY

1 The Robert Peagler Family 8 The Anthony Thompson Family 15 The Marvell Foard Family 22 The Shirley Brown Family 29 The Kenneth King Family

Please Remember to Pray for . . .

Ezekiel Bell Stephen Bennett

Clara Bryant Wilbert Cooper Constance Dees Jonathan Ford

Mattie Ford Antoinette Franklin

Thelma Gardner Flossie Henderson

Edwin Hill Carolyn Jackson

Luther Scales Dana Smith

Arinzie Steele Denita Gardner Walker

Magnell Williams Lou Helen Williams Prentice

Newsletter Deadline Articles for the newsletter should be submitted to Mary Mitchell at mitchell623100@bellsouth.net and cc the church secretary at: fpsecretary@hotmail.com not later than the 3rd Friday of the month.

Pray for those who mourn We ask your prayers and expressions of Christian love for the Pitts and Franklin families. Mr. Wilbur E. Pitts, uncle of Robert V. Franklin, Jr., passed on Wednesday, June 20. The funeral service for Mr. Pitts was Monday, June 25, in Montgomery, Alabama. Let us keep the Pitts and Franklin families in our prayers.