Moments in Fellowship Presbyterian Church November...others, is called the “marigold effect”* because the marigold is one of the best plants for this purpose. Joyce Pettis Temple

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.

November 2016 Volume 9 Issue 11

Happening: On Sunday, November 14, 2010, the 11:00 AM worship hour culminated a week of activities in celebration of the first 50 years of Fellowship Presbyterian Church. The worship was a glorious service, and it began with a glorious processional. All four of the previous pastors were present (left): Reverend Ezekiel Bell, Reverend Ernest

Newsom, Reverend Charles Thomas, and Reverend John L. Herndon III. Living charter members (below) were present and a part of the processional. The Reverend Landon Whitsitt, Vice Moderator of the 219th General Assembly PC(USA) was guest minister. Source: A History of Fellowship Presbyterian Church, p. 118. Members: Brenda and William Davis, respectively, wrote the words and music to a new hymn, “Fellowship: In Celebration,” that premiered during worship service on November 14, 2010, the service that marked Fellowship’s 50th birthday. Source: A History of Fellowship Presbyterian Church, p. 118. Preachers: After Reverend John L. Herndon III retired from Fellowship Presbyterian Church in October 2009, Reverend Warner Durnell served as the supply pastor. Then Reverend John Bush served as the interim pastor until a surgery dictated that he resign. Subsequently, Reverend Gregory Jerome Bentley was named Teaching Elder, becoming the fifth pastor in Fellowship’s history.

Moments in Fellowship Presbyterian Church

Staff

Reverend Gregory Jerome Bentley Pastor

Mrs. Brenda Davis Director of Music Ministry

Mr. Wallace Lee Inspirational Choir Director

Ms. Darlene Richardson Youth and Children’s Choir Director

Ms. Tiffany Sledge Pianist, Youth/Children’s Choir and

Praise Team Director

Mr. Ryan Felton Percussionist

Mrs. Yvonne Jones Secretary

Mr. Theodus Friend Sexton

Church Office Hours 9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.

Directory of Services Early Morning Service 8:00 a.m. Sunday Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m. Choir Rehearsals Inspirational (Tues.) 6:00 p.m. Chancel (Tues.) 7:15 p.m. Praise Team (Wed.) 6:00 p.m. Adult Bible Study (Wed.) Noon Prayer Service (Wed.) 5:30 p.m. Youth and Children (Thurs.) Bible Study 5:00 p.m. Children’s Choir Rehearsal 5:30 p.m. Youth Choir Rehearsal 6:00 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 Mrs. Gertrude Hicks

Dr. James Hicks Mr. Christopher Gaines

4 World Community Day 5 Evangelism Team meets at 10:00 a.m. 6 Daylight Saving Time Ends 7 Worship Ministry Team meets at noon 8 Property & Maintenance meets at noon 8 Election Day 11 Veterans Day 11-13 Church Anniversary 13 Food Distribution Set-up 13 PW Circle meeting at 5:00 p.m. 13 Caregiver Sunday 14 Christian Education Ministry Team meets at 6:30 p.m. 16 Food Distribution 17 Stated Session Meeting for October and November, 6:00 p.m. 19 Presbyterian Men meeting at 8:00 a.m. 20 Stewardship Dedication Sunday 24 Thanksgiving Day 27 Christ the King/Reign of Christ 27 Hanging of the Greens Service 27 Senior High Youth Meeting

Page 2 Volume 9 Issue 11

Hanging of the Greens Service Sunday, November 27, 2016

11:00 a.m. All members are asked to be present and participate.



Who is Joyce?

Horticulturists and those with green thumbs know that some plants have a positive effect on the growth of others that surround them. They improve the thriving of one or of each other; thereby, achieving the goal of aiding in beautifying the whole garden or saving the crop. This phenomenon, “companion planting”, i.e., putting plants in the garden that assist in the growth of

others, is called the “marigold effect”* because the marigold is one of the best plants for this purpose. Joyce Pettis Temple is like a marigold as she effectuates the achievement of goals large and small in ministries of Fellowship Presbyterian Church USA (FPCUSA). Becoming a part of the Fellowship family in 1994 when she and Enoch Charles Temple became lifetime companions, Joyce joined a legacy of FPCUSA women who play or have played a vital part of “companion planting” in the fifty-six year history of FPCUSA. Described by one member of the newsletter editorial committee as “a quiet storm” because of her effectiveness and never saying “no” when asked to participate or lead, her involvement is numerous. Because of her willingness to serve and use her many talents, she encourages others to successfully implement programs, projects and enhance ministries. In the Music Ministry, Joyce sings in three choirs: the Chancel, Inspirational and Women’s choirs (not asked by the men yet). She willingly sings solo parts and surprises us with her range as she hits those high notes. Along with editing the church bulletins each week for the Worship Committee, she is also the lead writer and “redactor” for the church newsletter. She is requested to use her skill in editing and refining other material to meet the standard of the quality of writing we want associated with FPCUSA in all of our communications. Needless to say, myriad hours have been and are spent toward achieving this goal. Accepting the call to be an Elder in 2010, she served two terms and made a tremendous impact on the leadership of the Witness and Service Ministry. Notably, this outreach, originally designed to distribute food to about thirty families, has grown to reaching almost one hundred families. There are many “hands of Fellowship” working this project as well as community people so that these families receive nutritious food. She has been a vital part of several committees where her influence was felt. One recent example was working with the committee to design and install the church’s outdoor sign. Her invaluable task was working with city officials to obtain

permission to place the sign where we wanted it. She is a part of the Editorial Committee for The HAND, our church’s newsletter, where she often writes articles. To Serve the Present Age, Fellowship’s fifty-year history of which Joyce was the primary researcher, author and editor, was heralded as (Reverend Bentley would say) an “elephant” task for her, the co-authors, and the congregation. Joyce’s inspiration has been felt in the Christian Education (CE) Ministry as well. An avid Sunday School attendee (where the majority of the class is male), she is well-prepared to teach the class when it is her turn. Presbyterian Women (PW), also a part of CE, has had outstanding programs. Through the years in celebration of Women’s Week, Joyce has been a member, chair or co-chair of the Women’s Concerns committee. Of note, in 2010, she assumed leadership for an activity during the celebration by writing four Biblical women’s stories juxtaposed against modern women’s similar personal stories in a very effective dramatic presentation. As chair of PW Women Concerns, she has led her team in producing spirit filled, heartwarming celebrations for Women’s Week. She is not only writer/editor, but is known as “decorator-in-chief”, using her skill in seasonal decorations for practically all of our meals. When Session asked her to transform the pastor’s office into a more professional and inviting environment, she obliged and also updated the secretary’s space. A plant enthusiast, as evidenced by the “patio greenhouse” in her home, Joyce helps plants thrive and grow even in our church---from the narthex entrance to the hallway---by watering and feeding. Her part in the North Alabama Presbytery’s successful outreach efforts toward our sister Presbyterian Church in South Africa of the EGoli Presbytery included arranging for members to house our guest partners from South Africa when visiting the North Alabama Presbytery. They worshipped with us at Fellowship and visited cultural events and an AAMU football game. A strong relationship was established with Reverend Maake Masango from the presbytery in South Africa. * One of the leaders in the Alabama Education Association explained this effect recently in the Alabama School Journal, touting the effects one’s leadership can have on the total achievement of a group’s goal.

(Continued on page 9)

Joyce holds the Jesus figure at the NAP PW Fall Gathering where the 2016-2017 Horizon PW Study, Who is Jesus?, was introduced and inspired the title.


Annual Stewardship Dinner Held Now in its twenty-second year, the annual Stewardship Dinner, is a fixture among fall activities at Fellowship Presbyterian Church. On October 20, 2016, church members gathered for fellowship and dinner and for completing time, talent, and treasures commitment cards for 2017. Shirley Brown presided. Former treasurer Frances Harris explained the occasion, citing various stewardship themes over the years and pointing out a threefold increase in the church budget from 1994 to 2013. “Stewardship is a lifestyle,” Harris concluded. A detailed financial update by Treasurer Robert Peagler was a major part of the program’s information component. Session members also provided updates on the work of their respective ministry teams. Prior to the evening, the Stewardship and Finance Ministry Team had promoted the theme “Going the Extra Mile”--GEM to increase awareness about stewardship. In addition to “Teachable Moments” during worship, the promotion included households receiving and depositing a GEM card that would be drawn for three prizes. Winners had to be present during the drawing. The lucky recipients were Gertrude and Jim Hicks (dinner at Bonefish Grill), Gloria and Richard Evans (dinner at Bravo Cucina Italiana), and Diann and Reverend Bentley (gift card to Belk’s). Those assembled for the annual event enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Tim Smith and staff. The fellowship hall was festively adorned for the season with beautiful fall centerpieces created by Joyce Pettis Temple. Fellowship members are urged to complete the time, talent, and treasures commitment cards for 2017 and to place them in the marked boxes in the narthex. Stewardship Dedication Sunday will be the third Sunday, November 20.

“Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of justice. (This is also the meaning of the Hebrew word ‘shalom.’)” How to go about being a peacemaker: 1) Denounce injustice 2) Disrupt injustice 3) Demonstrate justice

Sermon, “Peace Keepers or Peace Makers” October 16, 2016

Elected at the Congregational Meeting October 16, 2016

Elders

Randall Bunley Thomas McAlpine

Robert Peagler

Deacons Jannie Campbell-Jones

Christopher Gaines Johnnie McAlpine

Trustee

Kenneth King

Officers


Service to Community: Fellowship’s Food Distribution Program

By Joyce Pettis Temple

The schedule has been the same for four of the almost seven years the food distribution program has been operational. But the number of food boxes has increased. On the week of distribution, on Sunday, 94-98 brown paper boxes are set out on the rectangle tables stretching horizontally across fellowship hall. On Monday, frozen meat and canned and boxed foods are transported to the church. On Tuesday, all of the non-perishable food is packed into the 94-98 boxes. On Wednesday morning, if available, fresh vegetables and fruit and frozen bagged fruit are delivered to the church. (The loose fresh vegetables and fruit have to be bagged before being added to the food boxes. By W ednesday noon, all of the 94-98 boxes are finished. Then the families arrive to collect their boxes. By 3:00 p.m., the majority of the boxes have been picked up. Several boxes are delivered to elderly families lacking transportation. Some boxes are held until 6:00 p.m. for families leaving work at 4:00 or 5:00 p.m. These are the substantial jobs; the smaller ones are too numerous to list.

Who does all of this work that requires four days of labor? Volunteers, volunteers, and more volunteers: those beautiful, generous souls with hearts and hands willing to help others in need; volunteers with stamina who

drive their trucks to retrieve the food and then unload and stack the boxes; men and women who pack the boxes and take care to get the food allotment correct among boxes designated for small, medium, or large families; loving men and women who interface with the receiving families on numerous levels—greeting them, directing them, listening to their personal stories and situations, and delivering the food boxes to vehicles or to homes. Several volunteers are not members of Fellowship. Other

volunteers are recipients of a food box; they volunteer their labor to ‘give back’ in appreciation. Although the food distribution program is administered through the Witness and Service Ministry Team, which Elder Jackie Bennett convenes, volunteers quickly discover that the program is a ministry within itself. Although providing meals for food insecure families is the point and the main job, something else occurs. It’s people interacting with, listening to, and praying for or with others who are experiencing illness, emotional pain, and other sorrow. But it’s not all bad news that the volunteers hear. There’s news of a cancer in remission; of a four-year old grandchild, a scar visible on her little chest, whose heart valve surgery was successful; of a woman facing multiple surgeries that were aborted in favor of other treatment; and a confession of standing strong against addictions. The stories, hugs, ‘thank you,’ and polite kisses go on. “Thank YOU” cannot be said enough times to ALL the generous and loving volunteers who make the food distribution program of Fellowship a significant service to the Huntsville community. Thank YOU, volunteers, every one of you!! More pictures on page 7.

Ms. Tijuana (red dress) is receiving a box of food and gave her permission for this photograph to appear in the newsletter. Volunteers: Left: Maureen Young, Robert Peagler, and Bettye Washington.

Photo credit: Joyce Pettis Temple


Evangelism Moment Evangelism Explosion

Chapter 13, Adding Illustrations

In previous chapters of Evangelism Explosion by the late Reverend Dr. D. James Kennedy, we learned that as evangelists, we will be confronted with objections when spreading the gospel. “When you present the Gospel, the arch foe will have his workmen doing their best to

block your presentation.” Avoid arguments, maintain a positive attitude, and be ready to use illustrations to make your case. The author provided numerous compelling illustrations to effectively communicate the Gospel. “Man’s Inability – Broad Jump” was a favorite illustration, which was paraphrased for the Evangelism Moment on October 16, 2016. Imagine the distance from the north to the south side of the sanctuary and in between is a deep canyon. Say the width is one hundred feet. Now imagine all the men, women, and children who ever lived are currently living, and will ever live being on one side of the canyon. There is danger on that side, and all will die unless they jump across. The only way across is to jump. The best broad jump in the history of man is approximately thirty-feet. How many of the people can jump across the canyon? None! There would be attempts, but invariably, all would fall to their death. That is like the spiritual gap between man and the Kingdom of God. We can try to close the gap, but we are humanly unable to close the gap. We go to church, work on committees, give our tithes and offering, don’t intentionally hurt anyone, and jump out as far as possible. One may think that because I am a good person, God will make allowances and let me into the Kingdom. He will not. God does not grade on a curve. The only way to close the gap between man and God is through Jesus Christ. John 14: 6: “Jesus answered, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” There are two points to remember from this lesson. The first of our responsibility as believers is to: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,” Matthew 28:19, and secondly, to be prepared when you meet opposition to spreading the Gospel.

Submitted by Elder Mary E. Mitchell

Volunteers in action on Wednesday morning, October 19, 2016.

Lois Dade and Gertrude Hicks

Lois Dade, Thomas Ross, and Maureen Young

Lucille Grayson, Gertrude Hicks, and Chrystal Bailey

Photo credit: Joyce Pettis Temple


Children display the T-shirts they created during the Children's Church Ministry to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Submitted by Linda Burruss

-photo from Gwinnett County Public Schools’ website

“In recognition of the promise of every child, Gwinnett County Public Schools is celebrating 2016-2017 as a Year of Promise for their students, staff, and community.” Georgia resident and fifth grader, Ashley Burton, granddaughter of Robert and Ami Burton, shared her hopes/dreams in a written essay to her school principal about why she felt she was the “Promise of Gwinnett.” In her essay, Ashley stated that she will show kindness, contribute to her class, and show empathy to others. Ashley was featured as “The Promise of Gwinnett” Student of the Day, October 6, 2016, on the school district’s website. She aspires to become a teacher.

Congratulations to Brian Evans who was awarded the Charles Todd Prince Band Scholarship and the Margaret L. Draper Memorial Scholarship for the 2016-2017 school year at Jones County Junior College (JCJC) in Ellisville, Mississippi. This is in addition to the full-tuition band scholarship he has maintained

since starting his Music Education studies at JCJC. Brain has also recently attained membership in the Rho Sigma Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the International Honor Society for two-year colleges. He was deemed eligible based on his outstanding academic record during his freshman year. Brian is the son of Debra and Gregory Evans, grandson of Gloria and Richard Evans, and nephew of Yvette and Christopher Evans.


Supporting Past, Present, and Future Leaders.

The Christmas Joy Offering is traditionally received during the Advent Season. Each year during the Advent and Christmas season, we turn our eyes to Bethlehem and celebrate the wondrous gift of Jesus Christ, our Savior. By giving to the Christmas Joy Offering, you honor this gift by providing assistance to current and retired church workers in their time of need and developing our future leaders at Presbyterian-related racial ethnic schools and colleges. Please prepare to support the Presbyterian Women as they collect the Christmas Joy offering on December 18, 2016.

North Alabama Presbytery News

Dear Colleagues and Friends, As many of you are aware, our Presbytery is in a state of transition. It is my hope that this correspondence will serve to update you as well as give you important information about whom to contact and how should you need assistance. Our prior Executive Presbytery and Stated Clerk, the Rev. Dr. Tammy Gregory Brown, left her position at the end of August. We give thanks for Tammy’s leadership and wish her well in her future endeavors. In addition, the Presbytery’s talented office manager, Linda Wheeler, left her position in mid-October. We are grateful for Linda’s many years of faithful service, and for the grace and professionalism that she brought to the job. The Presbytery has hired Lorie O’Hearn-O’Brien to fill the position of office administrator on a provisional basis for the next 3 months, at which point a more permanent decision will be made. Lorie is currently the part-time office administrator at Hope Presbyterian and she brings several years of experience in church administration as well as impressive bookkeeping skills. We are grateful for her service. Lorie will continue working part-time at Hope and part-time at the Presbytery office. Her hours at the Presbytery office will be Monday and Wednesdays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. These hours provide an opportunity to receive and respond to emails and phone messages at least once per day. We believe this will ensure that essential business is conducted promptly. The quickest way to reach the Presbytery office and receive a response will be via email. Lorie’s email address is [email protected]. In addition, I was elected to and installed as Stated Clerk of the Presbytery at the October meeting. I am both honored and humbled to be serving in this capacity. I have not yet determined specific hours that I will be in the Presbytery office, however I do have remote access to email and will also receive voice messages daily Monday-Thursday. The easiest and most efficient way to reach me is via email at [email protected]. Some of you know that I am also the pastor of Hope Presbyterian Church, and may have contact information for me at the church or via my cell phone. In order to help me serve you better, I am requesting that you please direct Stated Clerk business to the email address provided above (and not my church and/or personal email address). Similarly, if you need to phone me for business related to the Stated Clerk, please do so at the Presbytery office. I will respond to both email and phone calls at my earliest opportunity. Finally, I would ask for your forbearance and grace as both Lorie and I learn our new roles and responsibilities. Thank you in

(Continued on page 11)

The most recent achievement in which Joyce played a vital part is the establishment of the FAITH Initiative, a 501c3 non-profit organization. As a member of the board, she serves as secretary, heads up grant writing and is instrumental in leading the funding effort for scholarships. There are several initiatives in progress to aid the community’s children, youth, and adults. “Who is Joyce?” She is an ambassador, musician, writer, author, editor-in-chief, teacher, decorator-in-chief, planner, and an overall encourager. A hearty “Thank you, Joyce” for assisting the tremendous growth and successes in the life of Fellowship for over twenty years on this our 56th anniversary month. Who is Joyce? Through the lens of our congregation,

Joyce is OUR marigold!

(Who is Joyce? continued from page 4)


Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease 1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life. 2. Challenges in planning or solving problems. 3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks. 4. Confusion with time or place. 5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. 6. New problems with words in speaking or writing. 7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. 8. Decreased or poor judgement. 9. Withdrawal from work or social activities. 10. Changes in mood and personality.


6 The Frances Harris Family 13 CHURCH ANNIVERSARY 20 The Christopher Evans Family 27 Presbyterian Women

Parents, please make sure your child is dressed appropriately on

their scheduled Sunday!

November 6, 2016 Parker Ford and Destiny Canady

November 13, 2016

Miriam Bentley and Maya Fykes

November 20, 2016 Leyanda Jones and Kyler Evans

November 27, 2016

Eden Joy Craighead and Kaylin Houston

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

**The acolytes will serve at the 11:00 a.m. worship services and

on the fifth Sundays only.**

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

What is Session Doing?

Session did not meet in October. Session will meet on November 17, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. for October and November.

1 George Grayson 2 Alexis R. Gaines 2 Davi Moore 3 Brenda Davis 6 Clifton Anton Canady 7 Linda Burruss 7 Thomas McAlpine 9 Carl Fallin 11 Shirley Brown 12 Gregory Evans 20 Richard Evans 30 Arthello Peagler

24 Yvette and Christopher Evans

advance and I look forward to working with you. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Blessings, Reverend Christie Ashton, Stated Clerk North Alabama Presbytery

(North Alabama Presbytery News continued from page 9)


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.”

The Jackie Bennett Family (twin sons, Stephen and Michael Bennett)

Richard Evans Joann Jackson

Dana Smith Geneva S. Wright

Sick List of Family and Friends of Fellowship Members

Arzell Dunmore Sister of Lucille Grayson

Doris Bradford

Sister of Haley Bone

Flossie Henderson Mother of Barbara Anthony

Stokley Gardner

Brother of the late Lloyd Gardner

Ailean King Peoples Mother of Kenneth King

Shielda Yvonne Ross

Sister of Thomas Ross

Luther Scales Brother of Geneva Scales Wright

Fannie P. Thompson

Sister of Lois Dade and Eulasteen Muse

Valerie Thompson Sister of Debra Evans

Hattie Wall

Sister of Charles Penn

Roderick Wall Nephew of Charles Penn

LaVon White

Son of Thomas and Doretha Ross

Dorleen and James Witchard Sister and Brother-in-law of Doretha and

Thomas Ross

Fellowship Family Jalyn Hunter Brown -1996

Constance Dees - 2013 Samuel Sanders – 2002

Family and Friends

S. Allen Jones – 1964 Reverend E. J. Daniels – 1982

George Jackson – 1985 Annie Canady Sutton – 1992

Hannah Hines Evans Taylor – 1992 Eve W. Hicks – 1995

Annie M. Craft – 2000 Virgil Williams – 2001

Frances E. Wilson – 2002 Raymond Bolton, Sr. – 2006

Mary Lou Ford – 2008

Documents

Moments in Fellowship Presbyterian Church November...others, is called the “marigold effect”* because the marigold is one of the best plants for this purpose. Joyce Pettis Temple