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It's Time To Celebrate!
Flipper, it is that time of the year once again! On the weekend of May 18-19 we Flipperites will open the doors of the church, and then some, to welcome friends, family, and all comers to help us celebrate our annual Fellowship Day Observance. This year the Fellowship Day 2001 Steering Committee, chaired by Sis. Juanita Patterson and co-chaired by Sis. Laura Adams and Bro. Mike Catledge, has organized a three-day event designed to to increase the 'inclusiveness' of the much-anticipated event. The festivities commence on Friday, May 18. Billed as "Youth Night", the newly formed Flipper Youth Drama Ensemble will perform a play whose title encompasses this year's theme "Calm Down, Shut Up,and Quit Trippin!" (see Youth News). Then, on Saturday, May 19th, many area churches have been invited to join the entire Flipper Family at Jake Gaither Community Center, 801 Tanner Drive, for "Celebrate! 2K1"--an all-day outdoor fellowship full of good Christian fun, games, food, and more. Celebrate! 2K1 will begin at 9am. Sunday, May 20th several guest teachers have been invited to lead the instruction during Church School, which begins as 9:30am. The festivities will then conclude at 11am during the Fellowship Day Worship Service. Bishop A.J. Richardson, presiding prelate of 19th District (South Africa) of the AME Church (see In The Puplit), has been invited to deliver the keynote address. As is custom, the Kitchen Committee will provide dinner for all participants following the service. WE truly hope you clear your calendar and make palns to attend all the festivities associated with Fellowship Day 2001. For more information, please contact either Sis. Patterson, Sis. Adams, or Bro. Catledge.
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In Loving Memory
In memory of their late daughter Dr. Charlene W. Armstrong, last month Dr. C. Wesley and Mrs. Ruth B. Armstong presented 24 new Bibles for use within the sanctuary. The Armstrongs had originally attempted to rebound the exsisting collection of church Bibles, however, it was discovered that many of the old editions were beyond repair and thus it was decided that they would go ahead and purchase new ones for parishoners usage. During the April 2 official board meeting, it was requested that parents inform their children that any church property, whether it be Bibles or the building itself, should be respected. It is never proper to destroy or alter church property in any way. We are certainly most grateful to Dr. and Mrs. Armstrong for this wonderful gift and, in memory of their daughter, will cherish these Bibles for many. many years to come.
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A Very Pleasant Surprise!
On Sunday, May 6 Flipperites glanced at our brand new marquee and were pleasantly surprised to learn that we would be welcoming a very special guest speaker in our midst--none other than the noted civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton. Rev. Sharpton, the highly vocal and effective force behind the National Action Network, made a quick sweep through the Big Bend area in his continuing efforts to call attention to matters of grave concern to the region's minority residents. Such as, for example, Jeb Bush's controversial 'Service First" initiative regarding civil service reform, the disenfranchisement of Black Floridians during the 2000 Florida Election, and the recent incident involving the blatant discrimination experienced by an out-of-state Black Congressman inside a white-owned bar in nearby Perry, Fl. Rev. Sharpton began his North Florida stomp by delivering the sermon during our 11am worship service. Pastor Bell, who had received the request for the sudden appearance on late Saturday afternoon, graciously stepped aside as State Rep. Fredrika Wilson (D-Miami), chair of the Florida Black Caucus, introduced the speaker who had recently returned from Puerto Rico where he had been arrested during a protest against the ongoing bombing exercises on the island of Vieques. Other members of the caucus in attendence included State Senator Al Lawson (D-Tallahassee). Senator Lawson also joined the Rev. Sharpton and Rep. Wilson in the pulpit. After rousing the congregation with a thought-provoking and apropros address entitled "Singing in a Foreign Land", the speaker and the attending Legislators excused themselves in order to attend communion services at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. Following lunch at Bethel Family Restaurant, the group travelled to Perry for a scheduled town meeting and rally at New B Missionary Baptist Church where the Reverend heard and addressed grievances relayed by Black Perrians whom complained that racism was still, and had long been, a factor of everyday life throughout Taylor County. Flipper was truly delighted by the unexpected experience to be of service to the Black Caucus and, should the need arise for any future forums to address the needs of the surrounding community, our doors are always open.
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