Fellowship Presbyterian Church

Fellowship Presbyterian Church

January 1, 2012 Volume 5 Issue 1

3406 Meridian Street, Huntsville, AL 35811 Office 256.539.2418 Fax 256.539.2492 e-mail:[email protected]

The HAND of Fellowship (Helpful and Nurturing Disciples)

From the Pastor’s Desk Reverend Gregory Jerome Bentley

Chasing the Rabbit “Where there is no vision, the

people perish; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”

Proverbs 29:18 There is a story from the Desert Fathers about a young monk who asked one of the old men of the desert why it is that so many people came out to the desert to seek God, and yet most of them gave up after a short time and returned to their lives in the city. The old monk told him, “Last evening my dog saw a rabbit running for cover among the bushes of the desert and he began to chase the rabbit, barking loudly. Soon other dogs joined in the chase, barking and running. They ran a great distance and alerted many other dogs. Soon the wilderness was echoing the sounds of their pursuit but the chase went on into the night. After a little while, many of the dogs grew tired and dropped out. A few chased the rabbit until the night was nearly spent. By morning, only my dog continued the hunt. “Do you understand,” the old man said, “what I have told you?” “No,” replied the young monk, “please tell me father.”

“It is simple,” said the desert father, “my dog was the only one that saw the rabbit.” “You see the rabbit, and there is no way that you will stop running.” I am elephant excited and hippopotamus happy about our coming together here at

Fellowship to chase the rabbit—God ‘s vision and mission for the congregation. It is a pursuit that is worthy of the best that we have to offer in every aspect of our lives. I am convinced that when God’s vision is captured and cast, when the congregation is infused with God’s mission and empowered and equipped to carry it out, we will see a powerful movement of God that will usher in an era of faithfulness and fruitfulness the likes of which we have never seen. I give God praise and thanks for the visionary and dedicated pastors who preceded me: Ezekiel Bell, Ernest Newsom, Charles Thomas, and John Herndon. They labored faithfully in laying a good foundation upon which to build an edifice of redeemed and transformed humanity that will join with God in God’s redemptive and transformative work in the

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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) 6:00 p.m. Youth & Children Bible Study (Thurs.) 5:45 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 6:30 p.m.

The HAND of Fellowship Page 2

DATES TO REMEMBER January

1 – New Year’s Day 6 - Epiphany of the Lord 8 – Baptism of the Lord 8 – PW Circles meeting, 5:00 p.m. 15– Race Relations Sunday 16 – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday 18 - Food distribution,1:00 p.m. 18 - Christian Education meeting, 5:30 p.m. 18 - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday 19 - Stated Session meeting, 6:00 p.m. 18-25 Week of prayer for Christian Unity 21- Presbyterian Men meeting, 8:00 a.m. 29 - Stillman College Choir in concert, 3:00 p.m.

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

world. It is my hope and prayer to continue to build on that legacy to help Fellowship become all that God wants it to be. So, beloved, let us joyfully and faithfully labor together to reach, grow, and send people for Christ. Let us not grow weary in chasing the rabbit, for if we stay the course and persevere, God will reward us in due season. Peace and blessings. In His Service, Gregory J. Bentley

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You are invited

to a

Welcome Reception for the

Bentley Family

Sunday, January 1, 2012 Immediately after Worship Service

Dorothy B. Johnson Fellowship Hall

Mrs. Shirley Brown, Coordinator

ANNOUNCING FELLOWSHIP’S NEW WEBSITE

www.wix.com/fellowshipchurch/fellowship-church

Many thanks to Elder Kyle Fallin for his creative and technological skill in creating a new website.

Page 3 Volume 5 Issue 1

Biographical Sketch of Gregory J. Bentley

Reverend Gregory J. Bentley was born in Thomasville, Alabama, on October 30, 1969, to Juanita Bentley and William Thomas, Jr. He was raised in Pine Hill, Alabama, in an extended family household, which included his mother Juanita; his grandmother (“Mama”), the late Virginia Howze; his great aunt (“Nannie”), the late Estella Black; and his grandfather (“Daddy”), the late Aubry Howze. Reverend Bentley was baptized and raised in the Saint Paul Primitive Baptist Church. He graduated from Pine Hill High School in 1986, and matriculated at Stillman College, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the only HBCU founded by the “Southern” Presbyterian Church (PCUSA). During his time at Stillman, he joined the Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church and answered his call to the ministry. In addition to being raised in a Christian home, Reverend Bentley’s sense of call was heavily influenced by his college mentor, Dr. C.H. Thomas, a member of the religion faculty and an ordained Presbyterian minister. Dr Thomas taught him that a minister must have “the learning and the burning.” Convinced of the importance of seminary training, after receiving the Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Stillman in 1990, he matriculated at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, from which he received the Master of Divinity degree in 1995. He continued his studies at Auburn University at Montgomery and graduated with the Master of Education degree in 1997. He was ordained at the Northern Heights Presbyterian Church in Selma, Alabama, on November 30, 1997 and led a bi-vocational career of pastoring and teaching biology and physical science in the public school system until he was called to the Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in 2001. Reverend Bentley has served in various capacities in political and civic affairs, including a term as chairman of Minority Affairs for the Tuscaloosa County Democratic Party. He is a member of Leadership Tuscaloosa, Goshen Lodge #530 (Prince Hall), and a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Additionally, he has served in a

number of ways in the church including the committee on preparation for ministry, committee on representation, presbytery council, commissioner to General Assembly, and president of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus. Reverend Bentley contends, “The church is a hospital for sinners and not a museum for saints. It is a vanguard and repository of our noblest aspirations, traditions and values. In addition to the Black Church, the Black Family and the Black School must be mission priorities if we are to fully develop our potential as a people.” Reverend Bentley enjoys good music…from Beethoven to Bessie Smith to BDP to Bluegrass. He also likes to read and to play chess. Reverend Bentley is currently the pastor of the Fellowship Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. He and his wife Diann are the grateful parents of two daughters, Miriam and Johari.

The Bentley Family


Honoring the Retirees ~ Margaret Jackson, Thomas McAlpine, and Robert Peagler Sunday, December 4, 2011

Margaret B. Jackson Margaret Jackson, a native of Shelby County, Alabama, came to Huntsville after high school graduation and enrolled in Alabama A & M University, where she earned a B.S. degree and hours toward an MBA degree. She also studied at

UAHuntsville. She began her government career at NASA/MSFC, and later transferred to the Army Command. She has held positions as an Employee Development Specialist, Operating Accountant, Auditor, Foreign Military Sales Policy Specialist, Program Analyst, and Budget Analyst. Jackson has been recognized for superior service numerous times at her work through performance awards, plaques, a letter from President Barak Obama, and recently was given a flag that flew over the United States Capitol on September 2, 2011 (in honor of her retirement). She is a longtime member of Fellowship Presbyterian Church, where she has served in church organizations, sings in the Inspirational choir, serves on various committees, and is an elder. Jackson has been married to husband Eugene for 38 years; they are proud parents to Valerie and Jay and overjoyed grandparents to grandson Kayin and granddaughter Niara.

Dr. Thomas J. McAlpine Thomas McAlpine retired from Alabama A & M University in 20ll, after a long varied career in education. Although McAlpine began teaching in the public school system in Chambers County

Alabama as a chemistry/math teacher in the early 1960s, his major employment accomplishments have been at Alabama A & M University. He came to A & M in Institutional Research in 1975. In 2001, he was named Interim Dean of the University College, in 2004, Director of the Office of Continuing Education and Non-Traditional Studies, and in 2011, was a professor in the School of Education. McAlpine’s graduate studies were at Pennsylvania State where he was a research assistant between 1972 -1975. His studies culminated in the Ed.D degree from the institution. His areas of professional interest include evaluation and customized delivery alternatives for adult learners. At Fellowship Presbyterian Church, McAlpine has been actively involved. He sings in two choirs, currently serves as elder, mentors young members, and is active in the PM organization. He is married to the former Johnnie Mae Ryce. He is the father of four children—Everett, Cheree, Kedane, and Kanika—and grandfather to four children—Eversen, Joi, Sydney, and Cassidy

Retirement is . . . Roads to travel,

new horizons to explore, and new dreams to call your own.

Sunday School Superintendent Geneva Wright treats the adult members’ class to an annual Christmas breakfast and to Christmas gifts. Superintendent Wright enjoys treating the class to a breakfast several times a year. In attendance at the December 18, 2011, breakfast were Felix Battle, Robert Burton, Linda Burruss, Clifton Canady, Theodore Dixie Sr., George Grayson, James Steele, Robert Peagler, Thomas McAlpine, Kaylin Houston, Destiny Canady, and Enoch and Joyce Pettis Temple. Breakfast was prepared by Timothy Smith.

L-R: Kaylin Houston and Destiny Canady


Annual Sunday School Christmas Breakfast

L-R: Theodore Dixie, Sr.; Felix Battle; Robert Burton; George Grayson and Thomas McAlpine

L-R: Enoch Temple, Linda Burruss, and Joyce Pettis Temple

Robert Peagler

Robert Peagler received his early education in the public school sys-tem of Butler County, Greenville, Alabama. After graduating, he en-tered the military, where he spent three and a half years in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in San An-tonio, Texas; Denver, Colorado;

Tours (a city in central France); and Upper Heyford England. After an honorable discharge, Peagler enrolled at Alabama A&M University, completed his under-graduate degree in accounting, and earned an MBA. His career began in 1972 as a Staff Accountant with the U.S. Army Missile Command at Redstone Arse-nal. In time he became an Earned Value Manage-ment Specialist with AMCOM, Redstone Arse-nal. In his most recent job, he had oversight respon-sibility for some of the largest defense contractors in the country, including Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, General Atomic, and Hughes. After thirty-nine years, Peagler retired 30 September 2011. Peagler has been actively involved in numerous or-ganizations. He has life memberships in the Ala-bama A&M University Alumni Association, in the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and is a member of the Normal Historic District Preservation Associa-tion. He is the outgoing treasurer of the PM of Fel-lowship and currently serves as treasurer of the Fel-lowship Usher Board. He has been an elder, and he has served in various capacities with other auxilia-ries within Fellowship. Additionally, he won numerous performance awards at work. Two awards of note from A&M include the prestigious Alumnus of the Year in 2000 and The Earlie Rich Award in 2001. Robert has been married to the former Arthello Bend McIntosh since 1975, and they have two sons, Ronald and Jason, and two grandsons, Jonathan and Joshua.


Madison Manor Nursing Home Christmas Celebration Saturday, December 10, 2011

Madison Manor residents, Fellowship, New Jerusalem Baptist, and Douglas Tabernacle churches joined and sang Christmas songs, prayed, shared inspirational moments, enjoyed food, and residents received gifts. Fellowship was represented by Yvette Evans, Linda Burruss, Minnie Moore, Rosalie Lane, Lois Dade, Clifton Canady (dressed in his Santa Claus hat), Mary Mitchell, Johnnie McAlpine, Kyler Evans, Wheeler Ogbu, Dana and Maurice Bone, Destine Brown, Destine Canady, and Gakari Horton-Burks.

Miss Lula and Miss Emma Rosalie Lane and Lois Dade

Mary Mitchell, Minnie Moore Destine’ Brown, Ryan Gordon, Maurice Bone and Dana Bone

Shaun, Linda Burruss, and

Adian

Nancy


T aÉàx Éy g{tÇ~á A sincere and heartfelt "thank-you" is extended to all members of the Witness and Service Committee who have satisfied the mission of service on behalf of Fellowship to the Huntsville community through the food distribution program. Specifically, I want to acknowledge the consistent work and energy of Theodore Dixie, Sr., Elonda Harris, Bob Wilson, Sarah Ford, Dorothy Johnson, Mary Peagler, Gertrude Hicks, Johnnie Mae McAlpine, Lula Jones, Calvin Ford, Robert Franklin, and Robert Peagler (new helper) in executing all the duties that make the food distribution program a success each month. Also, “Thank you” to those who contributed extra money and additional food to the food program, those who assisted in some way because you saw the work in progress and offered your hands, and those who have signed on for 2012. Elder Joyce Pettis Temple, Convenor of Witness and Service Committee

What is Session Doing?

• Session approved the 2012 Budget. • The safe driving course through AARP will

be opened to the public. The course is scheduled for March 14-15, 2012, at Fellowship.

• Elder Pauline Bodiford will form two

committees for a Bus Usage Subcommittee to draft rules for the bus and a Bus Purchase Committee to execute final purchase of the bus.

• Session approved that ALL bank accounts in

the name of Fellowship Church will provide the following information to session: account name, bank, and signatures on the account.

• Session approved Youth/Children activities

for 2012 with no cost associated with the activities. Youth leaders must submit a request for any cost associated with an activity for session’s approval.

• Session approved having a complete audit of

church financial records for 2009, 2010, and 2011, bundled together once the books for 2011 are closed out.

Destine’ Brown was the inspiration for the Fellowship Youth Choir showing their support for Breast cancer Awareness Month, Sunday, October 23, 2011.

Think Pink

Church Humor Miss Charlene Mason sang “I will not pass this way again,” giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.


The Story of Christmas

On December 18, 2011, the Fellowship Music Ministry, along with musicians from Church Street Cumberland Presbyterian Church and First Missionary Baptist Church, presented a musical drama entitled “The Story of Christmas.”

First row: 1) Sharon King and Cheryl Johnson walking in darkness. 2) Mary’s parents (Bob Wilson, Eddgra Fallin) saying good-bye to Mary and Joseph (Tonya and Christopher Gaines) 3) Brenda Davis, Director, and the choir Second row: 1) Simeon (Robert Wilson), Janice Hopkins, Joyce Pettis Temple, Demetrius D. Davis 2) Mary and Joseph watching over baby Jesus. Third row: 1 and 2) Shepherds (Matthew Gardner, Wheeler Ogbu) and Magi (Kenneth King, Moses Ogbu, Robert Peagler) visit and brings gifts to Baby Jesus. Fourth row: William Davis singing “A Father to Me, a Father to You”


Ryan Gordon participated in the Prince to King Program sponsored by Rho Chi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Ryan won the oratorical competition in his division (Knights grades 7th and 8th) with his speech, “I Too Have a Dream,” focusing on

global warming, negative perceptions of the Black man, and recycling. This program is designed to motivate, educate, and encourage positive growth in young men by exposing them to positive community leaders and allowing them to participate in cultural, entertaining, and educational activities through enrichment workshops on chivalry, social grace, leadership, bullying and technology, community service, team building, and the oratorical competition.. The Prince to King Mentor Program is for young men in the 3rd through 8th grades. The theme is “The King in Me.” Ryan is the son of Regina Jones and the grandson of Rosalie and Woodie Lane.

Some members of the Golden Charmers donated balls (basketball, soccer, football) and dolls to the Manna House for children who would not get toys for Christmas. This effort was coordinated by Dorothy B. Johnson. Mrs. Johnson has been volunteering at Manna House for three years. She is responsible for taking care of the food for the homeless. Mrs. Johnson and her volunteer crew often make between 3,200 and 3,800 sandwiches a night. The Manna House, located just north of The Rock Family Worship Center, is open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings for anyone in need of food, clothes, diapers, baby formula and even pet food. It is sponsored by 17 local churches and eight local businesses, which supply volunteers and food to take care of between 1,200 to 1,500 people per night.

Helping the Children

L-R: Dorothy B. Johnson, Constance Dees, Bob Wilson, Bettye Dixie, Geneva Wright, Sarah Ford

Golden Charmers Christmas Luncheon December 12, 2011 at The Eaves Restaurant

Far right upper: Sarah Ford, Mr. and Mrs. Norman Fletcher Far right below: Dr. and Mrs. Theodore Dixie, Sr. Center: Dr. and Mrs. George Grayson and Gertrude Hicks Above: Dr. and Mrs. Richard Evans, Bob Wilson, and Gladys Bracy

Prayer for This Year ~ 2012

God give you Faith this coming year! The faith that will not fail the keenest test;

That trusts and sings in midst of fire and storm; And dares rely upon His word and rest.

God give you Hope this coming year!

The hope that through the darkness sees afar— The purifying hope that fondly waits

The rising of the bright and morning star.

God give you Love this coming year! His own great love that burns out for the lost; That intercedes, and waits, and suffers long— That never fails, nor stops to count the cost.

Margaret D. Armstrong

Invite a friend to church


Celebrating the team’s fifth anniversary of publishing this newsletter. Thanks for your support.

Acolyte Schedule for January

January 1 Ryan Gordon and Destiny Canady

January 8

Wheeler Ogbu and Jeremy Crummie

January 15 Kyler Evans and Gakari Horton Burks

January 22

Demetrius Davis and Destine' Brown

January 29 Destiny Canady and Jeremy Crummie

If there is a problem with the schedule, please contact Ollie Smith at 256-527-4147 or [email protected] 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.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE NEWSLETTER TEAM

Second row-L-R: Cheryl K. Johnson, Gladys P. Bracy, Barbara Anthony, Pauline Bodiford First row-L-R: Lois N. Thompson, Joyce Pettis Temple, Mary Mitchell, Gertrude Hicks, James Hicks


2 Arrie Franklin-Patrick 2 Monique Ryan 3 Gregory Brown 4 Stefanie Davis 5 Robert Burton 8 Barbara Gordon 11 Eddgra Fallin 11 W. Charles Watson 12 Antoinette Franklin 13 Curtis Coleman 13 Doretha Ross 17 Laura Brown-Anderson 17 Lois Thompson 19 Willie Friend 19 Franz Hill 22 Minnie Moore 23 Robert Wilson 31 Yvette Evans 31 Calvin Ford

Happy Anniversary

3 ~ Lula and Lirse Jones 11 ~ Roxanne and Felix Battle 18 ~ Denita and Perry Walker

Please Remember to Pray for . . .

Ezekiel Bell Stephen Bennett

Clara Bryant Wilbert Cooper Constance Dees

Carmon Jackson Elston Antoinette Franklin

Mattie Ford Tonya Franklin Gaines

Thelma Gardner Flossie Henderson

Carolyn Jackson Margaret Jackson

Rosalie Lane Martha Mullins

Thomas Ross Luther Scales Arinzie Steele

Denita Gardner Walker Magnell Williams

Lou Helen Williams Prentice

Altar Flowers Donors for the Month of January

1 ~ Fellowship Presbyterian Church 8 ~ The Bob Bodiford Family 15 ~ The Felix Battle Family 22 ~ The Joseph Johnson Family 29 ~ The Nathaniel Jackson Family

Pray for Those Who Mourn

Sympathy is extended to the Nathaniel (Carolyn) Jackson and Marvin (Loretta) Jackson families. Tommy Jackson, brother of Nathaniel Sr. and Marvin, died suddenly in New York. Funeral service was held Saturday, December 17, 2011, at First Baptist Church in Akron, Alabama.

Mr. Daniel Sweatt, father of Mrs. Nolia Newsom and father-in-law of Reverend Ernest Newsom, passed on December 2, 2011. The funeral was held on December 9, in Mt Juliet, Tennessee, his hometown. Interestingly, Mr. Sweatt was the one who made the pulpit furniture, the Pastor's chairs, pulpit table, and lectern for Fellowship when Reverend Newsom was pastor of Fellowship. Mr. Sweatt was a gifted wood craftsman.

Fellowship Presbyterian Church 3406 Meridian Street Huntsville, Alabama 35811

Newsletter Deadline Articles for the newsletter should be submitted to Mary Mitchell at [email protected] and cc the church secretary at: [email protected] not later than the 3rd Friday of the month.

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