V I S I O N
Russell Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
703 South Alston Avenue - Durham, NC 27701 - (919) 682-2523
Rev. Dr. Wayne A. Williams, Pastor
Rev. Louvenia R. Coleman, Presiding Elder
Senior Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr., Presiding Prelate
Volume XIII Published Monthly December 2012
Number 12
PASTOR’S
ADVENT MESSAGE
Greetings my brothers and sisters in the name of
Him who is our Redeemer, Liberator, Savior, and
Lord!
Advent is the beginning of the Church Year for most churches in the Western tradition. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, which is the Sunday nearest November 30, and ends on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24). If Christmas Eve is a Sunday, it is counted as the fourth Sunday of Advent, with Christmas Eve proper beginning at sundown.
The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival.” The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. Thus, Advent is far more than simply making a 2,000 year old event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God. That is a process in church we now participate, and the consummation of which we anticipate. Scripture reading for Advent will reflect
this emphasis on the Second Advent, including themes of accountability for faithfulness at His coming, judgment on sin and the hope of eternal life.
In this double focus on past and future, Advent also symbolizes the spiritual journey of individuals and a congregation, as they affirm that Christ has come, that He is present in the world today, and that He is present in the world today, and that He will come again in power. That acknowledgment provides a basis for Kingdom ethics, for holy living arising from a profound sense that we live “between the times” and are called to be faithful stewards of what is entrusted to us as God’s people. So, as the church celebrates God’s inbreaking into history in the Incarnation, and anticipates a future consummation to that history for which “all creation is groaning awaiting its redemption,” it also confesses its own responsibility as a people commissioned to “love the Lord your God with all your heart” and to “love your neighbor as yourself.”
The Spirit of Advent
Advent is marked by a spirit of expectation, of anticipation, of preparation, of longing. There is a yearning for deliverance from the evils of the world, first expressed by Israelite slaves in Egypt as they cried out from their bitter oppression. It is the cry of those who have experienced the tyranny of injustice in a world under the curse of sin, and yet who have hope of deliverance by a God who has heard the cries of oppressed slaves and brought deliverance!
It is that hope, however faint at times, and that God, however distant He sometimes seems, which brings to the world the anticipation of a King who will rule with truth and justice and righteousness over His people and in His creation. It is that hope that once anticipated, and now anticipates anew, the reign of an Anointed One, a Messiah, who will bring peace and justice and righteousness to the world.
May God continue to bless and keep you is my prayer. Have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year! Shalom!!!
Pastor Wayne A. Williams
110TH CHURCH ANNIVERSARY
CELEBRATION
On November 18, 2012, Russell Memorial C.M.E. celebrated its’ 110th Anniversary. The anniversary theme was “Solid as a Rock; Moving Forward in the 21st Century”. (Matthew 16:18)
The guest speaker was Bishop Thomas C. Thompson, Jr., of Forest City, North Carolina. His message was “Standing on the Word of God”. Bishop Thompson has a tremendous passion for God’s word and love for all of God’s people. He loves to spread God’s word by teaching how to boldly face the daily challenges of a changing world by having faith in an unchanging God.
On our 110th Church Anniversary, we paid tribute to the members of the Founding Families, the oldest member, and all the deceased members who served faithfully. The First Aid Room was dedicated in memory of Mrs. Lue Beatrice Smith. Russell Memorial received a Proclamation from Cora Cole-McFadden, Mayor Pro Tem of Durham and Jackie Barrett was honored as an “Unsung Hero”.
In observance of our 110th Anniversary Celebration, we commemorated our first “Pew Rally”, which was a huge success. As part of the service, each pew was dedicated in memory of or in honor of loved ones. The Pew Dedication Ritual consisted of each member coming forward, stating the name of the loved one and lighting a candle. In deep reverence to God, we give Him the glory and thanks for His Divine guidance.
It was with pleasure that we accepted the opportunity and challenge to serve as your leaders for our 110th Church Anniversary Celebration. We thank you for the confidence and trust in us to lead this glorious celebration.
We would like to say thank you to Pastor Williams, Anniversary Ministries, Stewards, Trustees, Members and Friends for your participation and contributions that made our 110th Anniversary Celebration a spiritual and financial success.
“Upon this rock, I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”.
–Matthew 16:18
Submitted by
Sister Andrea T. Pearsall, Chair
110th Church Anniversary
The Missionary Society sponsored its Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Service on Tuesday, November 21, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. The theme for the occasion was “The Essential Church Giving Praise and Thanks to God for His Bountiful Blessings.” This theme is based on the pericope Psalm 107:1.
Our guest was Rev. Julian Couch, Praise Team, Choir, Ushers and congregation from Faucette Memorial C.M.E. Church, who led us in a beautiful worship experience. The spirit of the Lord was really present. Rev. Couch preached on the subject “Reasonable Service” coming from Romans 12:1, 9-15. He delivered a powerful message that would lead anyone to stop, look, and examine their quality of service to God and His people.
Following the service the Missionary Society distributed food baskets, gift cards and monetary gifts to needy families for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
A special thanks to our Pastor, Dr. Wayne A. Williams and all program participants that helped to make this program what it truly was.
Submitted by
Sister Faydene F. Hatch, President
Missionary Society
The Senior Citizens Ministry sponsored two trips during the Fall.
On Tuesday, October 16th members and guests had an enjoyable trip at the N.C. State Fair. The group enjoyed the special program, breakfast and activities for Seniors.
On Tuesday, November 20th, our group toured the Fruit Cake Factory in Bear Creek, North Carolina. The hostesses greeted us and invited us to sample some of their delicious products. It was interesting to see how the various products were hand made as well as packaged. We delighted in purchasing items in the Gift Shop.
Thanks to Brothers Ralph McMillion and Richard Doran for transportation services and to our President, Sister Joyce Vestal and to Sister Ethel Bounsell, Chairman of the Activities Committee for planning these enjoyable trips.
Our Christmas Luncheon will be held Tuesday, December 18th at 11:00 a.m. in our Multi-purpose Room.
Durham Parks and Recreation will sponsor its Annual Seniors City-Wide Christmas Celebration on Tuesday, December 11th at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Convention Center at 4:30 p.m.
A cordial invitation is extended to Senior Citizens to join and participate in our Ministry. The next business meeting will be held Tuesday, January 15, 2013.
Senior Citizens Ministry
Sister Joyce Vestal, President
Sister Mamie Alston, Reporter
Every Wednesday
(12:00 Noon & 6:00 p.m.)
Morning Glory Devotion & Hot Breakfast
Every Sunday at 7:00 a.m.
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
Every Sunday at 9:00 a.m.
GOOD SAMARITAN FOOD BANK MINISTRY
FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS FOR NOVEMBER
163 Households and 477 Individuals
Distributions: Monday, Wednesday, & Friday
(10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon)
The New and Improved Russell Memorial CME Church Website is under development and available for your preview. Please visit the website at www.russellmemorial.com and Register so you can stay connected.
BIRTHDAYS
Ida Brown December 1
Joseph Dixon December 4
Victoria Bailey December 6
Lacy Smith, III December 10
Evelyn Deck December 11
Evan Hill December 12
Clent Davis December 13
Leon Sparks December 17
Maya Harris December 18
Freddie Dunston December 20
Dorothy M. Graham December 22
Patricia Scott December 24
Jesus Christ December 25
Betty Rivers December 26
Christopher Brewer December 29
Ricky Jefferson December 29
Sarah Brown December 29
Elyse Parker December 31
ANNIVERSARIES
Monday, December 31, 2012
10:00 P.M.
December 2, 2012 The Hanging of the Greens- 5:00 p.m.
December 11, 2012 Seniors City-Wide Christmas Celebration at Sheraton Imperial Hotel - 4:30 p.m.
December 13, 2012 Children/Youth Choir Caroling - 6:00 p.m.
December 14-15, 2012 Bishop Winter Council
Meeting, Charlotte, NC
December 18, 2012 Seniors Christmas Celebration-11:00 a.m.
December 16, 2012 Trustee Board Anniversary-10:00 a.m.
December 20, 2012 Angel Tree Program – 6:00 p.m.
December 31, 2012 Annual Watch Night Worship Service – 10:00 p.m.