2010 VBS: PRAISE PARTY @ The Chapel

“2010 VBS: PRAISE PARTY @ THE CHAPEL”

FITZGERALD, GEORGIA – JUNE 19, 2010: Vacation Bible School has traditionally been one of the most effective outreach programs a church can have. Recent studies show that about half the children who come to VBS have no regular church home. It is no wondering that each year, the children look forward to Vacation Bible School @ The Chapel. This past week, the teachers and staff welcomed 75+ young people to a five-day PRAISE PARTY which ended on Friday, June 18th with a Closing Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. “Our VBS was open to everyone in the community who wanted to join with us,” said Sunday School Superintendent Derrick Frazier. “Year after year we see a good number of newcomers and returning VBS kids who remember the good time they enjoyed the year before.”

Children, teachers, staff, and helpers joined together each morning at 8:30 a.m. for a hot breakfast and three hours of bible study, history lessons, drama, arts and craft, music, and other activities. The curriculum was the third segment of a curriculum created by Abingdon Press, an imprint of The United Methodist Publishing House. The series progressed from “Walk It Out” in 2008, to “On the Move” last year, and this year, “Praise Party.” “Praise Party” is a heritage-based Christian education curriculum that had our community celebrating the saving grace of Jesus Christ with head, heart, hands, feet, and SOUL! Through Bible study, crafts, skits, movement, contemporary music, and well-loved hymns and songs of the African-American Church, Praise Party created passionate worship that introduced the young people to actionable faith. Each day there was a SOUL Goal, Memory Verse, Bible Story, song writer feature, and plenty of PRAISE songs.

The members of the VBS leadership team were pleasantly surprised when on the weekend before the first day, there were 63 children pre-registered online using the church’s website. “This annual event is important because it enables our youth to participate in a safe, fun, enriching spiritual environment,” said Charles Coney, Director of Christian Education. “It’s a lot of work, but we look forward to it.” Teachers met after the Sunday Worship service to decorate classrooms, get activities ready, and transform the sanctuary to the traditional hip-hop, high-tech arena geared for high-energy and plenty of movement. In reflection, Coney said, “Music took center stage in this year’s curriculum, so we (Church Director of Music, Annie Pearl Stepherson and I) became more than just Music & Activity Teachers, but consultants to the other teachers providing background on the daily selections. In total, the young people were introduced to three hymns, learned the origins of six gospel songs, and danced to twelve praise songs.”

Holsey Chapel has been offering Vacation Bible School to area children for many decades. “This is a very exciting and dynamic outreach ministry for our church,” the pastor, Rev. Marvin J. Howard said. “It has really become a popular summer destination for children who attend our church as well as those who do not.” Consistent with previous years, “Praise Party” allowed the Bible school students to learn in several interactive ways. Crews of children rotated through four different stations: Hip-Hop Sanctuary for Music & Activity, Bible Study with re-enacted stories from the Scriptures, Heritage & Drama which introduced the children to the historical African-American singers like Thomas Dorsey, Mahalia Jackson, and Lucie Campbell, and Arts & Craft with Rev. Rosia Jackson where they made memorable keepsakes from their VBS adventures. Each day ended with a recap of the focus lesson from the wise storyteller of the village, returning Griot Jim Turner and his assistant Griot Gloria Smith-Cook.

“We want to change lives by building relationships with God, each other and the world.” Coney said, “Relationship is a key product that the church has to offer. The church should build relationships better than anyone else. That’s really why we do it—we want children to learn to embrace the love of God and each other just the way we have.” A group of about 30 teachers and volunteers led the children through the stations. Christian Youth Fellowship Director Alice Blount said, “Many times, leaders ask the kids if they remember what they learned throughout the week, and they do. When it sticks in their brains and we know that we have accomplished our mission.” Children’s Church Director Susie Howard reminded parents during the Closing Ceremony on Friday that this type of learning occurs each Sunday at The Chapel during Children’s Church. The young people begin worship with the adults and leave mid-service for age-appropriate meditations and lessons complimenting what is occurring in the adult service. She commented, “I want to see our children fueled with passion for Jesus. They are never too young to understand the positive difference that He can make in their young lives.”

A featured highlight of the school was Friday’s Closing Ceremony when parents, relatives, and well-wishers were invited to an 11:00 a.m. service. Over forty adults got in the grove and moved to the “Praise Party” reflecting on the five key words of the week: Sacrifice, Celebration, Shalom, Salvation, and Song. They were captivated by the class presentations which included praise dances, singing, recitations, and skits. Each child received a certificate at the closing. Teachers selected their STAR students and the Nutrition Team was once again recognized for providing everyone with a hot breakfast and lunch.

The origins of Vacation Bible School can be traced back to Hopedale, Illinois in 1894. Sunday School teacher D. T. Miles, who also was a public school teacher, felt she was limited by time constraints in teaching the Bible to children. So, she started a daily Bible school to teach children during the summer. The first Bible school enrolled forty students and lasted four weeks.

Holsey Chapel is proud to follow in this legacy and anxiously awaits the 2011 VBS Theme which will be revealed by Cokesbury Publishing on July 1, 2010. Additional information and pictures can be found on our church website at www.cmefitzgerald.org .

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"WORSHIP, GROW, SERVE: Christian Education Day @ The Chapel

FITZGERALD, GEORGIA – APRIL 26, 2010: Holsey Chapel C.M.E. Church celebrated its Annual Christian Education Day using its department theme of “Worship, Grow, Serve.” The service was held on yesterday, April 25th, and began with Sunday School continuing through Morning Worship.

According to Liturgist Michelle Riley Jones of the African American Lectionary, “Christian education has several purposes. One of its purposes is to teach people the principles or commandments of God. This is baseline Christian education work. After people accept God as the head of their lives, they cannot do the will of God unless they know what it is.” Holsey Chapel’s Board of Christian Education includes leaders from local church ministries such as: Sunday School, Bible Study, New Member’s Training, Vacation Bible School, Ministry to Men, Women’s Missionary Society, Children’s Church, Christian Youth Fellowship, and the Young Adult Ministry. The different departments work cohesively to execute the Pastor’s vision of a vibrant, energetic congregation that is poised to make disciples for Christ and support the church being a “Beacon of Hope for the Community.”

“Our ministries and teaching are structured to help people in the spirit of wisdom and revelation as they come to know God,” says Charles L. Coney, Director of Christian Education. “Armed with knowledge of God’s commandments, they can walk in the path designed for them as they prepare to do the will of God. Many may not be fully aware of the widespread reach and impact of Christian education in the life of the church. This is why we celebrate Christian Education Day at The Chapel. Moreover, we utilize the service to highlight the volunteers who bring their skills, talents, and resources in a passion to prepare themselves and the congregation for ministry.”

The Celebration Message was brought by Rev. Rosia Jackson challenging the congregation to witness. Her chosen text was Mark 1:44-45 with an exploration of the cleansed leper spreading the Good News as a model example of our directive from Christ. The inclusion of the Angelic Angels Praise Team and the Children’s Choir was a welcomed testimony of an intergenerational worship that appeals to all. Event planners are hopeful that the Celebration will boost participation in weekly Bible Study, Sunday School classes, and all that the Christian Education Ministry offers to the congregation and community. Additional information and pictures can be found on our church website at www.cmefitzgerald.org .

Chapel Souper Bowl of Caring Benefits Haiti

FITZGERALD, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 8, 2010: The Chapel Youth participated in a national movement to transform Super Bowl weekend into the nation’s largest youth-led weekend of giving and serving through the Souper Bowl of Caring.

On yesterday, Super Bowl Sunday, they collected donations in large soup pots for a 100% donation to their charity of their choice. By using this weekend as a time to help the hungry and needy, the young people learn about the reality of hunger and tragedy in their own neighborhood and beyond. This event is turning one of the nation’s universal days of celebration and parties into an opportunity to care for those in need.

Souper Bowl of Caring began in 1990 after Brad Smith, a S.C. pastor, led a Super Bowl Sunday prayer—“Lord, as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat.”—and inspired youth group members to collect money for local hunger-relief charities. Since that time, this simple project has grown into a national movement of congregations, schools, businesses and individuals. Every penny or food item collected goes directly to a charity selected by each participating group.

“For over 20 years, young people have led this national movement of compassion raising more than $60 million for soup kitchens, food banks and other charities,” said Ron Goch, executive director of Souper Bowl of Caring. “Together, we all can make a difference through this effort. I hope everyone will find a way to give and serve.”

Yesterday was not the first time that that the Chapel youth engaged the church in the celebration. Last year, they participated in a service project with the Fitzgerald Community Club, donated food items to the Christian Kitchen, and raised $300 for the Monitor Enrichment Program. “Our youth look forward to this event because it gives them a chance to apply the lessons of giving they are learning in bible study and Sunday school,” says Alice Blount, Christian Youth Director. “We are so proud to see them energized and working together for this cause—last year, we were the highest contributing C.M.E. Church across the nation.” The young people have chosen the Haitian Relief effort as their 2010 charity of choice and are thankful for everyone who gave generously following the services. They are partnering with the CME Tenth Episcopal District for distribution. Given the devastation and great need in Haiti, they will be extending the Souper Bowl Project to the end of February. So far, the youth have collected almost $300. If anyone wants to donate, please contact the church at (229) 423-7785 or be ready to place donations in the soup pots following each service.

[3/1/2010 Update: Holsey Chapel CYFer's collected and reported $500. Thus, making them the third highest CME church contributor in the connection.]

At the conclusion, contributions and experiences will be reported to the national organization. The reporting process provides participating groups the opportunity to monitor the success of their efforts and the collective efforts of youth across the country. Results are shared in real time at www.souperbowl.org. “Youth everywhere are demonstrating how small efforts can make a huge impact in the fight against hunger and poverty,” exclaimed Rev. Brad Smith, Founder and Executive Director of the Souper Bowl of Caring. “We applaud everyone who has signed up to use the Souper Bowl of Caring to step outside of themselves and share God’s love with their neighbors in need.”

Souper Bowl of Caring is at work through church youth groups and schools, as well as a variety of service organizations and it is endorsed by seven NFL owners. In 2009, more than 13,500 organizations collected $10.4 million through the Souper Bowl of Caring. For more information or to find more local, participating groups, visit www.souperbowl.org or the Holsey Chapel website at www.cmefitzgerald.org .

Mrs. Glendora P. Ryce Funeral Announcement

January 18, 2010

Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

The South Georgia Region extends sympathies to the family of Mrs. Glendora P. Ryce who died Friday, Jan. 15, 2010, at her residence. Growing up in the city of St. Louis, her mother noticed her compassion for others to learn. Thus, it was destined for her to fulfill her calling as a teacher. She was an exemplary educator and humanitarian in the public sector and a celebrated Christian Educator. A keen communicator and compassionate individual, she was heavily involved with youth and adult community programs and will be sorely missed by friends and family. Her husband the Reverend Amos Ryce II, trail-blazing C.M.E. preacher and tenured pastor of the Everette Temple C.M.E. Church in Tifton, Georgia, preceded her in death. Additional details available on the District Website (www.cmesixthmmb.org).

Homegoing Services:
Saturday, January 23, 2010, 11:00 a.m.
Her body will lie in state from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Williams Tabernacle C.M.E. Church
316 3rd Street NW - Moultrie, GA 31768 - (229) 985-2309
Bishop Othal Hawthorne Lakey, Eulogist & Sixth Episcopal District Presiding Prelate
The Rev. Robert L. Yarbrough, Presiding Elder
The Rev. Connie Scott, Pastor

Interment:
Pinecrest Memorial Gardens

Funeral Arrangements are entrusted to:
Luke Strong & Son Mortuary
20 1st Street Northeast - Moultrie, GA 31768-3939 - (229) 890-1717
www.lukestrongandson.com

Lodging for Out of Town Guests:
Econo Lodge
1300 North Veterans Parkway - Moultrie, GA 31788 - (229) 890-8652
www.econolodge.com
Ryce Homegoing Bereavement Rate: $53.99 + tax

++++++++++++++++++

In His Service,
Rev. Robert L. Yarbrough
Presiding Elder, Moultrie-McRae-Brunswick District

Sunday School Teacher Apprciation @ The Chapel

FITZGERALD, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 30, 2009: In the midst of a Purple & Gold Community Service, Holsey Chapel C.M.E. Church paused to focus on its educational ministry. Since the arrival of its pastor, Rev. Dr. Marvin J. Howard, Sr., there has been a substantial increase in Sunday School participation. It should be noted that Dr. Howard professionally is a middle school principal and his wife a high performing classroom instructor. Together, they have almost 60 years of educational experience and expertise. It is no wonder that this talent is evidenced in their ministry.

Since 1780 when the first Sunday School met, millions of children, youth and adults have learned how God’s Word truly makes a difference in their lives! Teachers involved in Sunday School can never receive too much encouragement and appreciation for this invaluable ministry. This is why, Holsey Chapel joined the national campaign launched by Gospel Light with the goal of honoring the 15 million Sunday School teachers nationwide who dedicate themselves to teaching the Word of God to children, youth and adults. Across America, churches are invited to set aside a Sunday in October as a day to honor Sunday School teachers for their dedication, hard work and life-changing impact on their students. By celebrating Sunday School, we demonstrate in meaningful ways that our church places a high value on this ministry. The focus moment recognizes the life-changing work of Sunday School teachers, the unsung heroes of the faith.

On October 25th, Sunday School attendance was at fifty-two persons. Just two years ago, the average attendance was less than ten persons. It is no wonder that the church members recognized the Sunday School Leaders. Sunday School Superintendent Derrick Frazier arrives early to make sure that all needs are meet and that the learning environments are welcoming to the participants. Charles Coney is the Director of Christian Education and he is responsible for the overall structure and ministry support. He is regarded as an innovative leader in Christian education ministry and a renowned workshop facilitator and guest speaker on the national circuit. Everyone knows that the heart of the classroom is the teacher. The Holsey Chapel ministry has age-appropriate instruction being given by the following teachers: Roosevelt Freeman (Adult Men); Zeola McGill (Adult Women); Jim Turner (New Members); Charles Coney (High School); Alice Blount (Middle School); Susie Howard (Elementary); and Derrick Frazier (Primary). In compliment, Rev. Rosia Jackson and Sally Wilcox serve as substitute teachers. In addition to being pastor, Rev. Howard, also serves as a substitute and guest teacher.
Sunday School perfect attendance is encouraged with monthly certificates and each fifth Sunday is Sunday School Appreciation Day where the Superintendent and Christian Education Director cook breakfast and serve the students for a combined lesson on Christian Methodist history taught by local historian and life-time C.M.E. member Jim Turner. Experiencing Sunday School at “The Chapel” is a chance to sing familiar songs and learned some new ones; make crafts, projects and art pieces; interpreted Bible passages through plays, games, and activities; laugh, play, study, laugh, talk—and maybe laugh some more; explore what it means to be a child of God and demonstrate Jesus’ love for others. Our dedicated team of teachers works to show God’s love to our children and adults, opening the many riches in God’s Word, and make them SMILE every Sunday morning!

Additional information and pictures can be found on our church website at www.cmefitzgerald.org .

VBS Moves from Place to Place in God's Grace

Holsey Chapel C.M.E. Church welcomed 70+ children each morning as the church hosted its annual Vacation Bible School June 27 - July 3. “Our VBS was open to everyone in the community who wanted to join with us,” said Sunday School Superintendent Derrick Frazier. “Year after year we see a good number of newcomers and returning VBS kids who remember the good time they enjoyed the year before.”

Children, teachers, staff, and helpers joined together each morning at 8:30 a.m. for a hot breakfast and three hours of bible study, history lessons, drama, arts and craft, music, and other activities. The curriculum focused on how God’s spirit gave momentum to the Civil Rights Movement in different places, drawing the people of God toward greatness through blessing, justice, truth, and reconciliation. The lessons promoted God’s power for life in building up the community, as persons are reconciled to one another and to Jesus Christ. “On the Move” Vacation Bible School featured activity centers that catered to all different learning styles through contemporary Christian hip hop music, daily Bible stories, multicultural heritage lessons, theme-related crafts, snacks, movement, and more. In the spirit of “going green”, registration was done online using the church’s website and a partnership with Cokesbury Publishing House. Additionally, the Arts & Craft teacher, Rev. Rosia Jackson used recycled items as she supported the curriculum with hands-on projects.

Holsey Chapel has been offering Vacation Bible School to area children for many decades. “This is a very exciting and dynamic outreach ministry for our church,” the pastor, Rev. Marvin J. Howard said. “It has really become a popular summer destination for children who attend our church as well as those who do not.” This year’s program allowed for the Bible school students to learn in several interactive ways. Crews of children rotated through four different stations: Hip-Hop Sanctuary for Music & Activity, Bible Study with re-enacted stories from the Scriptures, Heritage & Drama which introduced the children to the principles of the Civil Rights Movement, and Arts & Craft where they made memorable keepsakes from their VBS adventures. Each day ended with a recap of the focus lesson from the wise storyteller of the village, returning Griot Jim Turner.

“The goal of the activity centers was to get the children to understand that God loves them and that He is with them as he was for others in the past (biblical and contemporary),” said Director of Christian Education Charles Coney. “That’s really why we do it—we want children to learn to embrace the love of God just the way we have.” A group of about 20 teachers and volunteers led the children through the stations. “Biblical literacy is declining in our culture,” he said. “We want the rich examples of God’s love to become real and relevant to this millennium generation. From the courage of Deborah, to the work ethic of Joseph, if children hear these stories again and again, they can retain them and recognize them later on.” Christian Youth Fellowship Director Alice Blount said, “Many times, leaders ask the kids if they remember what they learned throughout the week, and they do. When it sticks in their brains and we know that we have accomplished our mission.” Children’s Church Director Susie Howard recently joined the Christian Education Team when her husband was assigned pastor last year. A high-performing educator, she has helped with several Vacation Bible Schools and comments, “I like seeing the kids challenged and through the week, they see how the life lessons we teach are applicable to their daily situations. They get a good experience and showcase all their talents in a positive structured environment.” Howard said, “Besides seeing Mr. Turner ‘look like an African storyteller’ with his kente garb, the major reward of the week is sharing God’s love with the kids. I enjoy seeing them active and excited about being able to share the love of God in a really fun, active way.”

A featured highlight of the school was Friday’s Closing Ceremony when parents, relatives, and well-wishers were invited to an 11:00 a.m. service. Over thirty adults “got on the bus” to visit the historical sites of the Civil Rights Movement and to reflect on the five key words of the week: Justice, Greatness, Blessing, Truth, and Reconciliation. They were captivated by the class presentations which included praise dances, singing, recitations, and skits. Each child received a certificate and 73% had special recognition for five days of perfect attendance. Teachers selected their STAR students and the Kitchen Team was awarded STAR medals for providing everyone with a hot breakfast and lunch.

The origins of Vacation Bible School can be traced back to Hopedale, Illinois in 1894. Sunday School teacher D. T. Miles, who also was a public school teacher, felt she was limited by time constraints in teaching the Bible to children. So, she started a daily Bible school to teach children during the summer. The first Bible school enrolled forty students and lasted four weeks.
Holsey Chapel is proud to follow in this legacy and looks forward to 2010Vacation Bible School Theme, “Praise Party: Worship God with Head, Heart, Hands, Feel, and SOUL!” Additional information and pictures can be found on our church website at www.cmefitzgerald.org .

National Children's Day Celebration @ The Chapel

Five weeks from Mother’s Day is “Children’s Day” (June 14, 2009—the second Sunday in June). Many individuals, groups, and churches, are trying to bring attention to this special day for children that predates both Mother’s and Father’s Day. Holsey Chapel C.M.E. Church joined the national planning committee by leading the local community in this noteworthy occasion. The day’s events included Sunday School, Morning Worship Celebration, and a Cupcake Reception. Rev. James Davis, pastor of Bronwood A.M.E. Church, was the Guest Speaker giving a powerful testimony of “God Never Leaving Us Alone.” Mayor Gerald Thompson prepared a proclamation for the children announcing “Children’s Day” in the City of Fitzgerald. He urged the entire community to come to together to participate in giving faith, hope, love, and commitment to our children. In his absence, City Councilman John K. Fletcher presented the document to Pastor Howard and Ms. Susie Howard, Children’s Church Coordinator.
John Ross, advocate for Children’s Day and part of a growing movement spearheaded by the website www.nationalchildrensday.us, notes the importance of and need for the day. “Children are just as in need of a special day as are fathers and mothers. Many children are being left behind and left out of the American discourse today. Currently about nine million children are without health insurance. Some of our rural and urban schools are graduating fewer than 50 percent of their students. Our children are behind in math and science. Americans are the most imprisoned population in the world… our children need more moral and spiritual guidance than ever. They are calling out to the adults of this great land for a new commitment and a new future. America needs Children’s Day!”
Pastor Howard notes about the day, “Jesus had disciples who dismissed children as being not significant. But He affirmed them. So Children’s Day is our day set to encourage our children. Many individuals, churches, and groups are already doing this. And following the paths of pioneers like Mrs. Otha Pettigrew, we at The Chapel celebrate our children as gifts from God .”
Children’s Day observations in the United States date from the 1860s and earlier. The Methodist Episcopal Church at the Methodist Conference of 1868 recommended that the second Sunday in June be observed annually as Children’s Day. The national website supporting the revival of Children’s Day on the second Sunday in June, is stressing this day as a day of celebration and commitment to children by parents and other individuals. The Children’s Day website offers help and challenges parents, individuals, churches/houses of worship, schools/places of education, government/community and businesses to sign commitment cards directed at affirming America’s children. They pledge to “commit in the coming year, to love, cherish, nurture (physical, mental, emotional, & spiritual needs), and affirm...” They can also make a commitment beyond America to the world’s children. Numerous churches and denominations now observe the second Sunday in June including the African & Christian Methodist Episcopal Churches, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, and the Church of the Nazarene. Yes, this is the time to promote Children’s Day all across America!
More information is available on the Holsey Chapel website, www.cmefitzgerald.org .
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