THE BETHEL BUZZ Volume II May 2021 Issue 5

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 1

1 Pastor’s Corner 1 Holiday Greeting

2 Upcoming Events

2 Lisa Fair Congratulations

2 Know Your Church

3 Pastor’s Corner Continued 4 WNCC Lay Organization

5-6 YPD

7 Class Leaders Social

8 Memorial Day Tribute

9 Food For Thought

10 Concerns & Appeals

11 Contact Info

12 Mother’s Day Poem 13-17 Miscellaneous 18-19 Answer to Quiz 20-23 WMS

Greater Bethel AME Church

THE BETHEL BUZZ

Volume II May 2021 Issue 5

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Greetings, Greater Bethel Family!

And Are We Yet Alive?

And are we yet alive, And see each other's face? Glory,

and praise to Jesus give For his redeeming grace!

For many of us who have attended the annual

conferences this hymn rings familiar and brings about

special memories. I remember hearing this hymn lined

by melodic voices like that of the late Rev. Dr.

Benjamin Foust and the late Rev. Gregory Edmond.

The contemplative manner Dr. Conrad Pridgen would

stir up the conference with the words of the hymn.

Enduring the pandemic makes this hymn sing

differently. Since March of last when the shutdown

began, and we suspended in person worship God

summoned 6 of our beloved Greater Bethel members.

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 2

Congrats to Lisa Fair, She took her exam and passed with flying colors!! She is now a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)

through the Project Management Institute (PMI)

WAY TO GO LISA !!

KNOW YOUR CHURCH

Do you know these abbreviations that

are used in the AME Church?

1. WMS 2. YPD 3. CLO 4. WNCC 5. SED 6. COB 7. RAYAC 8. AMEC 9. CONN-M-SWAWO+PK’s 10. PE 11. CDMC 12. WIM

The answers can be found in next

month’s newsletter.

Upcoming Events

Sundays 10:00am Worship Service

(Facebook Live on GB Facebook Page or Our YouTube Channel - Please Like our page and Subscribe to our YouTube Channel)

Sundays 1:00pm Junior Church

Via Zoom

Wednesdays 12 noon Bible Study (Prayer Call) Via Zoom

Saturdays 6:00pm Church School

Via Zoom

Equippers’ Club 12 noon 2nd _Saturday

(Contact Coach Brenda Slade for Zoom information)

WMS Meeting 2:00pm 2nd _Saturday

(Contact Sis. Angie Pugh for Zoom information)

Official Board Meeting Tuesday after the 1st

Sunday@ 7pm

YPD Meeting 4th _{Saturday@11am}

Steward Board Meeting 4th _{Tuesday@8:00pm}

Stewardess Meeting Saturday before the 1st

Sunday@11:00am

Class Leaders’ Meeting 1st _{Tuesday @5:45pm}

Cancer Cares Meeting 3rd _{Thursday @ 6pm}

(Contact Coach Brenda Slade for Zoom information)

May 9 Mother’s Day May 31 Memorial Day

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 3

Continued from Page 1

PASTOR’S CORNER

➢ Yvonne Porter April 22, 2020

➢ Idelrie Harper August 14, 2020

➢ Carrie Barnette November 26, 2020

➢ LuCile Ivey Norton December 1, 2020

➢ Cinquay Farrer December 22, 2020

➢ Hermina Long December 28, 2020

These cherished Greater Bethel members and those in our families could not be celebrated as

in times past because of the strict gathering limitations. And Are We Yet Alive?

We were limited in our hospital, hospice, nursing home, and in-home visits for safety and

health reasons. And Are We Yet Alive?

Many could not say their final farewells in traditional ways that we are accustomed to. And

Are We Yet Alive?

As we look at the beloved verses of his historically powerful hymn, they speak to us about how

God’s prevenient grace has been with us, preserving us and protecting us from sin and

imputing His righteousness. But there are original verses that were omitted. I believe we can

find great comfort in these omitted verses.

Jesus, to Thee we bow, And for thy Coming wait: Give us for Good some Token Now In our

imperfect State; Apply the Hallowing Word, Tell Each who looks for Thee, Thou shalt be

perfect as thy Lord, Thou shalt be all like me!

Love God - Love the People - Do The Work

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 4

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA CONFERENCE LAY ORGANIZATION

To: Lay Presidents

The month of April is annual conference time for the Second Episcopal District. The Western

North Carolina annual conference is scheduled for April 29 and 30

_{. We are excited to}

encourage the Laity and Pastors to join us on April 30 as we celebrate our walk with Jesus the

Christ - “Laity walking humbly with God to do justice and love kindness" as “The Real Church

Rising to the Challenge”. We are asking for a donation of $50 for this service (see attachment

for more information)

We would like to list all 84 churches in the Western North Carolina Conference as having an

active lay organization. We are requesting local lay presidents to share lay membership

on-line before April 20, 2021. We will list this information in the May 2021 edition of the Lay

Express. We will continue to accept 2021 lay membership through November 2021.

Membership dues are $6.00 a person, for each conference year. Lay membership runs from

January through December. Make the check payable to WNCC-LO and mail the check along

with membership names to Treasurer, Woodrow Winchester, 912 Fairgreen Rd., Greensboro,

NC 27410. Also, please add your membership on-line utilizing this link:

https://form.jotform.com/210155653545049

.

Membership may be edited online also.

NOTE: You cannot pay membership dues on-line, only add your membership names using the

link above.

We need your vision and your courage, your knowledge, your creativity, your humor, and your

honesty. It takes all of our gifts humbly working together!

Our common goal is to be

Christ-centered and to strengthen our church. We must be real churches rising to the challenge so,

we not only strengthen our church, but we grow it by winning souls for Christ!

Be safe! Get the COVID-19 vaccine and remember to follow the three W’s. Wear (a

mask). Wait (6 feet apart). Wash (hands frequently).

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 5

GREATER BETHEL YPD NEWS

YPD ANNUAL DAY

As this YPD Conference Year (2020-2021) came to an end, we attended our ANNUAL

DAY virtually on Saturday, April 24, 2021, proudly wearing our GREEN AND WHITE,

and saying:

I AM YPD

The YPDers attending the Annual Day were as follows : Trinity Barnette, Christina

Blackett, Abdue Knox II, Payton Green, Kaidence Green, Makaila Bynum, Kezia Knox,

Emery Bynum, and Alexander Wofford. Adults attending our Annual Day were

Angeline Pugh, Jacqueline Stowe, Patrice Bynum, Phyllis Wonson, Brianna Marshall,

Tamara Blackett, Vernessa Bowles, Mrs. Rashida Knox, Rev. Dr. Knox, and Mary Alyce

Haynes-Smith.

As we finished this YPD Conference Year, we had two Greater Bethel YPDers “steppin’

up” to the plate and running for YPD Conference Officers for the Year 2021-2022.

Congratulations to New YPD Conference Officers:

Makaila Bynum – WNC Conference YPD Assistant Recording Secretary

Abdue Knox II – WNC Conference YPD President

Vera L. Holt Talent - Annual Day

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 6

Self-Denial

Theme:

LISTEN UP!

‘Hearing GOD’S Voice Above the Noise’

We will observe Self-Denial from

May 7, 2021 – May 14, 2021

Booklets have been mailed

to

Parents and YPDers!

OUR MOTTO:

“GROW – GLOW - AND GO FOR CHRIST!”

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 7

I Scream, You Scream

We all Scream for Ice Cream!

Drive thru or park, stay in or by your car and socially

distance fellowship.

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 8

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 9

Please sign up for this presentation. I would love to see some

members from Greater Bethel “in the House”.

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 10

CONCERNS

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

MAY BIRTHDAYS

Hope all of our May birthdays are

filled with love and happiness on

their special day.

Happy birthday to you,

Happy birthday to

you, Happy birthday, God bless you,

Happy birthday to you.

***********************

Happy Anniversary to all of our

May married couples.

Continued Prayers for:

Pastor Abdue Knox

Rev. Lizzie Barber Bro. Donald Barnette

Sis. Tamara Blackett Mother Mildred Blackwell

Sis. Lillie Boyd Mother Marjorie Brown

Mother Theora Byrd Rev. Barbara Crawford Sis. Annie Davis & Family Family of Sis. Mary Dingle

Sis. Betty Evans Sis. Bobbi Hague Sis. Tara Harbison

Sis. Alice Harris Rev. Brendalyn Jones

Sis. Hattie Littlejohn Sis. Gloria McNeill Sis. Betty Montgomery

Sis. Dolores Moore Family of Sis. Betty Parker

Bro. Dwight Patterson Sis. Albertha Prince

Bro. Bobby Rankin Bro. Jalil Shabazz

Sis. Jackie Stowe Sis. Cynthia Vaughn Sis. Paulette Wisdom

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 11

Noonday Bible Study Call

Please join us for our Noonday Bible Study on Wednesdays, at 12:00 PM via

Zoom videoconferencing - information listed below.

Zoom Meeting Info:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5232282150?pwd=UDlvTUJQWHhxeFBaYW5wVmZ0TGVt

Zz09

Meeting ID: 523 228 2150

Password:

Please see Bro. Harold Gaines for Password information

Conference Call Number: (312) 626-6799

One tap mobile:

+13126266799,5232282150#

The church office will be open on Tuesdays, between 10 AM - 2 PM

to receive offerings in person. Members can also mail in their givings or give

electronically using one of the methods listed below.

PayPal

Cash App

$gbamec

Text Giving

Text GBAMECLT to 73256

Realm Connect

[

Realm Login

]

Contact Information:

Pastor’s Office: 980-949-7306 Email: pastorknox@gbame.org

Church Office: 980-949-6576 Email: gboffice@carolina.rr.com Website: www.gbame.org

Office Hours: Tuesday - Thursday (10:00am - 2:00pm) Eastern District Website: www.easternwncc2ndamec.org

2nd _{Episcopal District Website: www.ame2.com}

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 12

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 13

***MISCELLANEOUS***

May 2nd _{National Brothers and Sisters Day}

May 4th _{National Teacher Day}

May 6th _{National Day of Prayer}

May 19th _{National Devil's Food Cake Day}

Check out this link for additional national events in the month of May.

https://nationaltoday.com/may-holidays

************************************************

NEED YOUR HELP!

If you know of anyone who is sick, had death in the family, in the hospital, just had a

baby, graduated, getting married, etc., please drop us an email so that we can

acknowledge them in the newsletter.

Stay safe.

Wear Mask (for your safety and mine)

Wash Hands (20 seconds)

Wait Distance (6 feet apart)

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Department of Research and Scholarship

Terminal Degree/Speaker’s Bureau Data Base

The AMEC Department of Research and Scholarship is in the process of updating our data base of AMEs holding terminal degrees (PhD, PsyD, EdD, DMin, DSW, DSM, MD, etc.) for inclusion as members of either the Adams Coleman Williams Distinguished Scholars Guild or the Tolbert-Young Practical Theology Doctor of Ministry Consortium and Department’s Speaker’s Bureau.

If you have completed your work within the last three years (2018-2021), please forward your name, full degree title, granting institution, date of graduation, and the topic/title of your thesis or

dissertation to amechistoryinthemaking@yahoo.com by May 30, 2021. Congratulations on the fruition

of your time investment and hard work.

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 14

CHURCH BEAUTIFICATION

Clean-up for the church grounds was

moved to Saturday, May 15

_.

Please contact Bro. George Fitts if you

will be available to help.

Phone: 305-467-5609

Continental breakfast will be served.

Bring rake, shovels, and other items

needed to make the church shine.

Thanks.

CDC UPDATES COVID-19 GUIDANCE:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on

Tuesday announced new COVID-19 guidance for

fully vaccinated Americans. Now, people who are

two weeks post their final doses of the Pfizer,

Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine can ditch

masks when outdoors “except in certain crowded

settings and venues,” such as live performances,

parades or sports events. Similar guidance applies to

outdoor dining and small outdoor gatherings with

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 16

DID YOU KNOW?

FEMA is going to be reimbursing funeral expenses incurred after

January 20, 2020, to families of coronavirus victims. The program will

use funds from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental

Appropriations Act of 2021, which provided the federal agency with

$2 billion to reimburse individuals and households for

COVID-19-related funeral costs. FEMA is going to be reimbursing funeral

expenses incurred after January 20, 2020, to families of coronavirus

victims. The program will use funds from the Coronavirus Response

and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021, which provided

the federal agency with $2 billion to reimburse individuals and

households for COVID-19-related funeral costs.

https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance

****************************************************

Virtual Night of Comedy

Hi Everyone!

The Addie G. Stroud Women's Missionary Society at the Historic St. Paul AME Church is

sponsoring a Virtual Night of Comedy on May 1, 2021 at 6:00 pm. This is a fundraising event to raise funds so that the Society can continue to support local and global outreach

missions. We are asking you to join us by purchasing a ticket to the event. Sit at your home in your comfortable chair, gather your family and friends, get your favorite snacks and

beverages and let's laugh together.

You can purchase a ticket on Eventbrite. Attached is the flyer for the event and the link to Eventbrite to copy and paste in your browser. Thank you in advance, you will definitely enjoy yourself!

Virtual Night of Comedy

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 17

Save the date!

Greetings Faith Leader,

We are excited to announce the Greening Our Faith Communities Summit on May 20-21. Our

goal is to center the voices of those who are most affected by environmental and climate

destruction and use our deepest faith values of love, justice, and compassion to respond --

united and strong.

We will hear from faith leaders already doing work in their congregations, network, and learn

about programs and skills you can take back to your congregation to get started or strengthen

what you have already begun. We hope you'll join us at the Summit.

Please reach out if you have any questions or news you want to share, news of your

congregation's efforts to respond to our changing climate.

In solidarity and faith,

Rev. Amy Brooks Paradise

US Organizer, Greenfaith

Join with people of faith throughout the Charlotte region to better understand the urgency of

the climate crisis and how we can collectively engage in sustainable solutions.

Do you have a creation care committee or green team? Interested in going solar to reduce

carbon emissions and save money? Concerned about climate change impacting those most

vulnerable?

Come together with others at the Greening Our Faith Communities Summit.

For more information, contact Rev. Amy Brooks at amy@greenfaith.org or June Blotnick at

june@cleanaircarolina.org.

Register now!

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 18

Answers to Last Month’s Know Your Church

T H E

2 5

ARTICLES OF RELIGION OF THE

AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

1. THE HOLY TRINITY: There is but one living and true God. He is the maker and preserver of all things. We experience the one God through three aspects of His personality, namely, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This threefold aspect of God, we call the Holy Trinity

2. THE INCARNATION OF CHRIST: In Christ two natures --Divine and Human-- are joined together in one person. In other words, Jesus is truly God and truly man

3. THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST: Christ truly arose from the dead and ascended into heaven 4. THE HOLY SPIRIT: The Holy Spirit is of one substance with the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit is one of the three aspects through which we experience God.

5. THE HOLY SCRIPTURES: The Holy Bible contains all we need to know to be saved.

6. THE OLD TESTAMENT: The Old Testament is not contrary to the New; in both Old and New Testaments eternal life is offered to mankind.

7. ORIGINAL SIN: All men have inherited evil impulses from their ancestors. This corruption of the nature of every man is called “original sin.” It goes back to Adam, the first man.

8. FREE WILL: Every person is free to choose right or wrong; but even if he chooses to do right, he must have God’s help to live a good and holy life

9. THE JUSTIFICATION OF MAN: We are saved by faith in Christ and by that faith alone. Good works cannot save us.

10. GOOD WORKS: Good works are the fruits of our faith in Christ

11. WORKS OF SUPEREROGATION: The belief that one can do more good than God requires is called “works of supererogation.” We do not believe in this doctrine. No one can do more than he ought to do or be better than he ought to be.

12. SIN AFTER JUSTIFICATION: A Christian may depart from grace and fall into sin again. But those who truly repent receive God’s forgiveness and rise again to a good and holy life.

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 19 14. PURGATORY: We do not believe in the idea of purgatory, which is the doctrine that there is a place other than heaven or hell where souls go after death to be cleansed of sin. Nor do we believe in the worship of

images, relics and saints.

15. FAMILIAR SPEECH: Public worship and the sacraments should be conducted in a language the people can understand.

16. THE SACRAMENTS: There are only two sacraments ordained of Christ our Lord in the Gospels: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

17. BAPTISM: Baptism is the sign of regeneration of the new birth. It marks the beginning of the Christian life. Infants and children, as well as adults, should be baptized. The modes of baptism shall be sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. No one is greater than another.

18. THE LORD’S SUPPER: The Supper of the Lord is a symbol of Christ’s suffering and death for us. The bread and wine are not changed into the actual body and blood of Christ; they represent His broken body and shed blood.

19. COMMUNION IN BOTH KINDS: Both the bread and the wine are to be given to the people in the Lord’s Supper. (When Jesus instituted the sacrament of what we call the Lord’s Supper or the Holy Eucharist, at no time, as far as we have it recorded, did he give us only one of the elements. Both the bread and the wine were always together, so, therefore, we hold that we must partake of both of the elements for the sacrament to be complete.)

20. THE SACRIFICE OF CHRIST: The sacrifice of Christ is for the sins of the whole world, both original sin and actual sin. There is no other satisfaction for sin but that alone.

21. THE MARRIAGE OF MINISTERS: The ministers of Christ are not commanded by God’s law to abstain from marriage. Therefore, it is lawful for them, as for all other Christians, to marry.

22. RITES AND CEREMONIES OF THE CHURCH: It is not necessary that the rites and ceremonies should in all places be the same or exactly alike. Every denomination has a right to adopt and use a ritual of its own, but the rites that have been established by the church should be faithfully observed by its members. 23. THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The United States is and ought to be a free and independent nation. All righteous government should be supported and defended by Christians. (It is revealed that God is the supreme authority over all things, and no authority, or ruling government, can be in power without His permission. Therefore, righteous government should be respected, and therefore supported and defended, by God’s people.)

24. CHRISTIAN MEN’S GOODS: Christians have a right to own private property. However, every man should give liberally of his possessions to help others.

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 20

MISSIONARY NEWS & UPDATES

May, 2021 First Edition Greeting & Salutations:

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians1:10)

Ask Not For Whom The Bell Tolls….for the bell tolls for thee.

I cannot change it, I must accept the tolling and bid you farewell. I along with so many of the Officers in our Society, must pass the torch on to someone else. I cannot leave without Celebrating & Honoring Willing Vessels. Willing Vessels are those individuals who have committed themselves to God, His will and work. Thank you for being a Willing Vessel for the Lord by sharing His love, sharing your blessings and being a beacon to the lost, down-trodden and a ray of hope.

I salute and Celebrate our out-going Willing Vessels for 8 or more years of services:

Sis. Lillie Boyd (1st _{Vice President)}

Sis. Melvina Bethea (2nd _{Vice President)}

Sis. Mildred Blackwell (Corresponding Secretary) Sis. Jacqueline Green (Treasurer)

Sis. Mary Alyce Haynes-Smith (Director of Young People’s Division)

Sis. Jacqueline Stowe (Recording Secretary) for WNCC-WMS (9 years).

I also salute and Celebrate & Honor Unsung Willing Vessels who give of their time and talents, finding joy in being a blessing to others and serving without title or recognition. These Willing Vessels are always stepping up and very rarely hold a position, but they are the glue that helps hold everything to together…..thank you, thank you.

As they move on to new heights, we are truly thankful

for their thumbprint on the work of mission,

Thank you for a JOB WELL DONE!

Congratulations to the newly elected officers for 2021-2022 and let us rally around them and support the work of mission….for each of us was made for Mission. (Matthew 28:19-20 - “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”) I have enjoyed my tenure even though it will be bitter-sweet and there were times that I dreaded it but through it all I am thankful.

As I pass the torch, I am reminded that only what we do for Christ will last. “The Work is All Divine.”

I could not have done it without your support, love and words of encouragement. In spite of it all, I am thankful; thankful for everything that has been accomplished. In the midst of everything, God was there to direct and guide us. It hasn’t been easy and there were times when we did not see eye to eye or we could not see how we could do it, but God always had our back and provided a ram in the bush. I have seen so much growth in you and I encourage you to step up to the plate. God needs you and so does the WMS.

What I have always loved and admired about the WMS is that the Society has always been willing to do the work of mission, striving to do things by the book, open to attending meetings on all levels and training

workshops, reading and studying the Constitution and using all the tools - i.e., Bible, Study Guide and

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 21

MISSIONARY NEWS & UPDATES

May, 2021 First Edition Each of us joined as coals and over the years, we have

been transformed into diamonds.

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your President, for supporting me and for being the wind beneath my wings. I also thank you for your kind words of

expression and encouragement to me and for allowing me to lead you.

I am grateful for the support of our church family in the many works of mission we have undertaken - i.e., Operation Sandwiches, Back To School Drive and Shoes for Souls, Dorcas, Dollar for Mission, Food Pantry, Thanksgiving Baskets, Angel Tree, and serving breakfast at Salvation Army Center of Hope. Special thanks to the various organizations that partnered with us over the past years - Optimist Club, Equippers Club, Briarwood Elementary, and Shannon Park.

Special thanks to all our volunteers for assisting us in many of our Projects. I cannot end this newsletter without giving thanks to Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox for his support and leadership. It has been a blessing to have worked with you….our Servant Leader.

Lastly, I leave you with this thought - What you are is God’s gift to you, what you do with yourself is your gift to God. (Danish Proverb)

Yours in Christ,

Angeline Pugh

WMS President

Mission Statement: We are called to

strengthen our faith and sent to continue the ministry of Jesus Christ by service and witness in the world.

Monthly Meeting Schedule - Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) meets on the 2nd _{Saturday at 2:00 p.m. -}

Young People and Children Division (YPD) meets on the 4th _{Saturday at 11:00 a.m.}

*Currently all meetings are held via Zoom - WMS Meeting ID: 523 228 2150

Password: 1897 or conference call number (312) 626-6799

Commission on Mission Education &

Interpretation

Our commission purpose is to inform and raise awareness.

Arthritis Awareness Month

National Arthritis Awareness Month is observed during the month of May in an effort to bring awareness to arthritis and the need for additional advocacy and research while also encouraging physical activity among the adults who suffer from the condition.

The Arthritis Foundation reports that more than 50 million Americans are affected by the disease, which is the leading cause for disability in the U.S. One of every 5 adults and 300,000 children are affected by arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation is encouraging people with arthritis and the many more at risk to make physical activity part of their daily routine. To get started, go to www.fightarthritispain.org. Then, celebrate National Arthritis Awareness Month and your commitment or move at an Arthritis Walk event. Visit

www.letsmovetogether.org to find an Arthritis Walk in your community and a movement tracker to set goals and stay on track.

www.everydayhealth.com/arthritis/awareness-month/

American Stroke Association Month

Know the specifics of the 5 types of stroke and how to set up a prevention plan.

May is American Stroke Month, which is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s annual campaign to increase awareness that strokes are largely preventable, treatable and beatable.

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 22

MISSIONARY NEWS & UPDATES

May, 2021 First Edition https://www.bing.com/th?id=A%252bw65EEVyQ1808x 1150&w=344&h=h218&c=7&rs=1&qlt=80&cdv=1&dpr= 1.5&pid=16.1 https://www.stroke.org/en/about-theamerican-stroke-association-stroke-month-secondary-prevention Symptoms

As different parts of brain control different parts of the body, symptoms will depend on the part of brain affected and the extent of damage. The main symptoms are:

◆ Paralysis or numbness or inability to move parts of the face, arm or leg - particularly on one side of the body

◆ Confusion including trouble with speaking ◆ Headache with vomiting

◆ Trouble seeing in one or both eyes ◆ Metallic taste in mouth

◆ Difficulty in swallowing

◆ Trouble in walking (impaired coordination) ◆ Dystonia

◆ Alexia ◆ Agnosia

National High Blood Pressure Education

Month

Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure increases the risk of serious diseases and conditions such as heart disease and stroke. In the US, heart disease is the most common form of death whilst stroke is the third leading cause. Other risk factors of high blood pressure include congestive heart failure & kidney disease.

High blood pressure can have a huge impact on a person’s life. During 2007, over 46 million people in the US visited a health care provider about this condition.

Overall, the incidence of high blood pressure is about the same in men and women. However,

there are gender differences between age groups. In people under the age of 45, the incidence of high blood pressure is higher in men whilst in the over 65 years of age category it is higher in women. There are also race differences; it is more common among African Americans than Caucasians and less likely to occur in Mexican Americans.

In the US approximately 1 in 3 adults has high blood pressure; however, most people are not aware they have this condition due to a lack of signs or symptoms.

High Blood Pressure Education Month encourages people to look at various lifestyle factors which may be contributing to high blood pressure. It is well documented that high levels of sodium (salt) is linked to high blood pressure. In the US, the

majority of people consume more than twice the level of recommended sodium intake. Guidelines recommend up to 2,300 mg of sodium per day for an adult.

Those at higher risk should consume even less (up to 1,500 mg of sodium a day). Higher risk groups include those who have diabetes, kidney disease, existing high blood pressure and African American people. It is also recommended that people eat potassium rich foods which help lower blood pressure. Potassium rich floods include fish, green leafy vegetables, bananas, citrus fruits and

potatoes.

Lifestyle changes which can help reduce blood pressure, include maintaining a healthy body weight (check with our BMI Calculator), regular exercise, quitting smoking and following a healthy low sodium diet rich in fruits and vegetables. There are many affordable blood pressure monitors available for the consumer making it convenient to monitor your blood pressure at home.

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 23

MISSIONARY NEWS & UPDATES

May, 2021 First Edition

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It is 31 days dedicated to improving your well-being and quality of life. With heightened awareness, you can take purposeful steps to achieve it and love your life even with the ups and downs. Key aspects of mental health awareness: Mental health is not the opposite of mental illness.

In recent times, attitudes towards mental health issues appear to be changing. Negative attitudes and stigma associated with mental health have reduced and there has been growing acceptance towards mental health issues and support for people with them.

Despite this shift in attitude, the idea of a mental health awareness campaign is not a recent one. In the late 1940’s, the first National Mental Health Awareness Week was launched in the United States.

MEMORIAM

Gone But Not Forgotten

Sis. Hermina Long (Recording Secretary) Sunset - December 28, 2020

and

Mary Gresham. (Recording Secretary) Sunset - January, 2020

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MISSION UPDATES:

OPERATION SANDWICHES Ongoing/Monthly) - On

Friday, April 16, 2021 we made and donated 464 sandwiches (Ham 214 and Turkey Breast 250) to Roof Above.

KUDOS to our volunteers and Pastor Knox for his

support and taking pictures. Our next tentative date is May 14, 2021.

⚫ SICK & SHUT-IN/BEREAVED - let us continue to remember our sick and shut-in/bereaved with a phone call or sending a card.

Haynes-Schofield Women’s Missionary Society Officers 2021-2022

Ex-Officio - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox President - Dr. Vernessa Bowles 1st _{Vice President - Linda Kaye Givens}

2nd _{Vice President - Jacqueline Green}

3rd _{Vice President - Jacqueline Stowe}

Recording Secretary - Linda Cherokee Gaither Assistant Recording Secretary - Rashida Knox Corresponding Secretary - Melvina Bethea Treasurer - Phyllis Wonson

Parliamentarian - Janice Hazeley

Historiographer/Statistician - Mary Alyce Haynes-Smith

Worship Director - Dorothy Beaman

Promotion & Missionary Education Director - Angeline Pugh

Director of Young People Division - Briana Marshall Young Women’s Initiative (YWI) - Whitney Johnson Brown

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SAVE THE DATE

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May 14 &15, 2021 - 2

_{Episcopal District}

Planning Meeting - additional information

will be forthcoming.