Thursday, November 26, 2009 is National Annual Thanksgiving Day.  While we thank our founding fathers for this annual day of observance.  For us, Christians, every day is a day of thanksgiving.  We have so much to thank our Heavenly Father for.  Even though every day should be a day of thanksgiving.  There are some little nasty attitudes that will steal our gratitudes, if we let them.

THREE ATTITUDES THAT STEAL OUR GRATITUDES

1)  One is our pride.  This is the attitude that says “Nobody ever gave me anything.  Everything I have I worked hard for them.  My education, my job, my income(s), my home.  Everything I have I earned.”

2)  Another attitude that steals our gratitude is a critical spirit or constant complaining.  Instead of being grateful, this person will always find something to complain about.  This person finds something wrong with Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.  When it is raining it’s too wet, and when it is not raining, it’s too dry.

3)  A third attitude that steals our gratitude is carelessness.  The Israelites grumbled in the wilderness because they had no food, so God miraculously sent manna (a crust-like bread) to cover the ground each day except the Sabbath day.  Then they started to grumble because it was the same thing every day.  Don’t let the attitudes of pride, a critical spirit or constant complaining, or carelessness steal your gratitudes.

Dr. Lloyd L. Watkins, Sr., Pastor

ONE HUNDRED SEVENTH (107^TH) CHURCH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Our 107^th Church Anniversary Celebration will culminate on Sunday, November 22, 2009 during our 10:00 a.m. Worship Service.

     The 107^th Celebration is Chaired by Sister Fannie Lee and Co-Chaired by Sister Phyllis Smith. 

     The Goal is: $15,000.  Membership Askings:  Adults-$100 or more; College Students-$25 or more; Youth (12-17)-$10.00 or more; Children-$5.00 or more.

     The Church Membership has been divided into 12 groups, representing the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ.  The 12 Apostles/Groups are:

Apostles                                  Leaders/Co-Leaders

Andrew                                    Conyers Rosemond

                                                Tommy Hamilton

Bartholomew                            Joyce Vestal

                                                Emma J. Harris

James, Son of Zebedee              Fannie Lee 

                                                Lucille Williams

James The Less                        Hervey Graham

                                                Carolyn McCoy

John, Son of Zebedee                Faydene Hatch

                                                Carrie Rogers

Matthew                                   Thelma Kithcart 

                                                Laura Whitley

Matthias                                   Bettie Melvin

                                                Ivarine Dixon 

Phillip of Bethsaida                     Laura Womble 

                                                Hazel Holmes 

Simon Peter                              Louise Price 

                                                Keith Gilchrist

Simon The Zealot                      Rachel Davis

                                                Charlene Watkins

Thaddeaus                                Sarah Mangum 

                                                Jackie Barrett

Thomas (Didymus)                    Nancy Snipes

                                                Rosa Edwards

     The fundraiser for this year is our Russell Memorial 2010 Commemorative Calendar, which will list birthdays, wedding anniversaries and memorials.  Each listing is $5.00.  The deadline for listings is November 15, 2009 .  All forms and monies can be turned in to Sisters Mary McGee, Bettye Johnson or Bettie Melvin.

WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY ANNUAL PRE -THANKSGIVING WORSHIP AND BASKETS’ GIVE-A-WAY

     The Women’s Missionary Annual Thanksgiving Worship Service and Baskets’ Give-A-Way will be held on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.   The Guest Preacher will be Rev. Julian Couch and Congregation of Faucette Memorial C.M.E. Church.  All boards/auxiliaries are asked to furnish baskets to our much needed families.

HAPPY FALL

From one pumpkin to another!!!!

     A woman asked by a coworker, ‘what is it like to be a Christian?’  The coworker replied, ‘it is like being a pumpkin.’  God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you.  Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.  He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed.  Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.’

Submitted by

Sis. Emma J. Harris

ANNUAL HALLELUJAH FESTIVAL

     Our Annual Hallelujah Festival was held on Friday, October 30, 2009 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. here at Russell Memorial Church .  The theme was “Keeping Youth Out of Dangerous Situations and off the Streets into a More Christian Environment.”

     Creative activities, Biblical Exercises and Fellowship with food and fun for all ages.  Goody Bags were distributed to all who came.  The Evangelism Outreach Ministry wishes to thank everyone for their donations and their participation to help make this Hallelujah Festival an exciting and safe one.

Submitted by

Sis. Kitty Graham

Congratulations to Society of Golden Eagles Inductees

     Sister Ethel Bounsell and her sister, Sister Theodora Manley were among the 70 persons who were inducted into the Society of Golden Eagles at NCCU’s 67^th Founders Day Convocation, Friday, October 30^th at 9:00 a.m.   The inductees were maroon robes and the Society of Golden Eagles medallions.

     The Founders Day Luncheon was held at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Convention Center at 12:00 Noon .  Each inductee was presented a souvenir booklet and gifts, the warm fellowship, program and a delicious meal added enjoyment to the occasion.

     Sister Bounsell, a 1959 graduate of NCCU majored in Business Education, she is a retired educator.  Sister Manley, a 1959 graduate of NCCU majored in Business Administration.  She is a Business Manager and a member of Community Baptist Church . Congratulations to all Inductees!

Submitted by

Sis. Mamie Alston, Reporter, Senior Citizens Ministry

Senior Citizens Ministry

     Our Senior Citizens Ministry sponsored a trip to the N.C. State Fair; Tuesday, October 20^th.  Members and guests had an enjoyable time attending and participating in various activities.       Thanks to Bro. Don Williams, our Van driver, for his excellent services.  A cordial invitation is extended to Senior Citizens to join our Ministry, which meets the third Tuesday in each month, in the Multi-purpose Room.  In lieu of our December meeting, we will have a Christmas Luncheon at a local restaurant.

Senior Citizens Ministry

Rev. Willie B. McLeod, Director

Sis. Joyce Vestal, President

Sis. Mamie Alston, Reporter

Scouting News

     It’s POPCORN time again!  Please support Boy Scout pack and Troop 144 by placing your Popcorn Order with Boy Scouts, Leaders or on the sign up sheet posted on the Hall Bulletin board.

     Thanks for your support!

Boy Scout Pack and Troop 144

Den Leader, Mamie Alston, Secretary

A Prayer for Our Veterans

     Eternal and Loving God, we are so thankful for the men and women that You have raised up to serve our country with honor, dignity and commitment in the past and present, in war time and times of peace, in combat or on the home front.

We remember them today and ask You to bless them in the sacrifices they have made to give of themselves for the cause of freedom. We ask You to surround them and their families with your love and protection as many continue to serve on the front lines.

     In their times of loneliness and despair, we ask You to be their unseen hand that will lift them up to see a brighter day. We remember those who have lost their lives in service, and we applaud their selfless acts as well as their families that released them to serve. As You have blessed this nation as the land of the free and the home of the brave, we extend this blessing to every branch of our military, and ask that your continued strength and power be with us in the days ahead.

Believing that You are willing and able to hear and answer, we ask in Jesus Name, Amen.

Morning Glory Devotion

& Hot Breakfast

Every Sunday at 7:00 a.m.

EVERY SUNDAY AT 9:00 A.M.

GOOD SAMARITAN

FOOD BANK MINISTRY

During the Month of October the Russell Memorial Food Bank Ministry distributed food to 391 families and 1104 individuals.  To God Be the Glory!

BIRTHDAYS

Carolyn McCoy                         November 1

Rev. Willie B. McLeod              November 3

Aurie Simmons                          November 3

Ralph Hunter                            November 5

Percy Joyner                             November 5

Carrie Rogers                           November 5

Laura B. Whitley                       November 7

Masharell Smith                        November 8

Taylor Draughon                       November 10

Marilyn Womble                        November 13

Jalen McNair                            November 13

Toney Smith, Jr.                        November 14

Lorie Brown                             November 14

Mary McGee                            November 18

Aailyah Council                         November 19

Jaquan Henry                            November 21

Dr. Lloyd Watkins, Sr.               November 22

Gloria Hamilton                         November 23

Fannie Johnson                          November 23

Mykemia Barrett                       November 26

Jackie Williams                         November 29

Rachel Hatch                            November 29

Michael Moore, Sr.                    November 29

Rachel Davis                            November 30

ANNIVERSARIES

Dr. Lloyd & Charlene Watkins               November 1

Thomas & Bernice Womble                   November 5

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

November 8, 2009                   Men’s Ministry Veteran’s Recognition Sunday at

                                    10:00 a.m.

November 14, 2009     Church Seven up (7-Up) Day at 9:00 am

November 15, 2009     Durham Usher’s Union Program at 3:00 p.m.

November 22, 2009     107^th Church Anniversary Celebration - 10:00 a.m.

November 24, 2009     Women’s Missionary Society Pre-Thanksgiving Service at 6:30 p.m.

December 4, 2009       Men’s Ministry Fish Fry at 10:00 a.m.

December 5, 2009       Stewardess Prayer Breakfast 9:30 a.m.

December 11-12, 2009   Winter Council Meeting, Royal

Plaza, Gastonia , NC  

December 17, 2009     Children/Youth Choir to sing at Nursing Home at 6:00 p.m.

December 19, 2009     Birth of Jesus Celebration/Fruit Bags Give-Away at 1:00 p.m.

December 20, 2009     Men’s Ministry Shelter Friends Give-Way (Morning Glory Hot Breakfast Ministry)

December 27, 2009     College Students Recognition Sunday at 10:00 a.m.