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“Sowing the Seeds of Loving, Caring, & Sharing”

Jewels &

Partners

January 2018

Ben Hill United Methodist Church 2099 Fairburn Road, SW Atlanta, GA 30331 (404) 344-0618

Reverend Dr. Byron E. Thomas, Senior Pastor

By Rita Sprott

“Nobody makes it to heaven without a

letter of REFERENCE from the poor, the hungry, the homeless, the disadvantaged, the underprivileged, the downtrodden and the oppressed. If you want a letter of REFERENCE from Jesus you had better always be with the poor because… JESUS IS AMONG THEM.”

Rev. Brian Tillman

“Pain has a purpose…There Will Be Glory After This.”

Rev. Dr. Byron E. Thomas

Rev. Belinda McCastle

“Be not discouraged in your prayers when God does not answer what you pray for –God’s purpose is not to fit into our “asks”. God in His response, responds on

multiple levels all at the same time – GOD GLORIFIES Himself, EDIFIES People, and SATISFIES Others”.

“Be Peddlers of HOPE, of JOY, of LOVE and of PEACE.”

Another Perspective on Christmas

Vicki

Chair Servant Gladys

Co-Chair Servant

STAND FOR

JUSTICE

EAT HEALTHIER

FOODS

REDUCE STRESS & EXERCISE Stress & Execise

REMEMBER TO BE

COURTEOUS

Please note that Sermons referenced above may be found on the Ben Hill Website below:

http://benhillumc.org/past-sermons/

http://benhillumc.org/past-sermons/

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I celebrated my 1st year Anniversary of Retirement on August 19, 2017 and I still haven’t stopped smiling. The #1 question my former co-workers asked prior to my retirement was “What are you gonna do?” I can’t tell you how many times I looked into their eyes as they waited in anticipation and replied, “I’m just gonna do me”. I honestly think they wanted to hear that I was going on a safari along the Serengeti or skiing in the French Alps. But to their disappointment all I could say was “Yeah, I’ll

travel somewhere and I know I’ll volunteer somewhere too”. The first 4 months I did nothing but surf the World Wide Web for that “trip of a lifetime” but there was no place on this earth that just felt like this was the trip for me. I also googled many non-profits in the Metro Atlanta area – do I want to volunteer in the city of Atlanta or stay close to home in Cobb County? There were so many unanswered questions that my search

became frustrating and exhausting. So eventually I came to the conclusion that maybe, just maybe I’m not supposed to go anywhere this year and I couldn’t make my mind up on the non-profit either. Problem resolved and I was ok with it. “OK God, I’m open and ready to receive whatever you have in store for me”. So I began chronicling everything that came my way:

Started working out 5-6 days/week --

LOVE the Wednesday Noon Bible Study --

Joined the Jewels & Partners --

Volunteered at WCLK Jazz Radio Station --

Read 7 books --

Donated all those “work clothes” to the Clothing Bank -- Out of nowhere the Volunteer Coordinator at the non-profit Cobb Center for Family Resources called and asked me if I would volunteer on their executive committee all year during their Annual Thanks for Giving Food Drive!!

-- RESULTS: Nearly 1,000 Cobb County families were provided food boxes for the week of Thanksgiving –

Attended a few concerts because I LOVE MUSIC!! --

Asked to consider being an At-large member to the 2018 Church Council --

AND THEN I get asked to do the Jewels & Partners Informant. But I’ve never done a newsletter in my life! Hey, I’m a numbers girl not a writer!! But when friends come calling sometimes you just gotta step out on faith. Well, I prayed my way through those first two Informants and once again God Provided!!! AND THEN I get asked to emcee the Christmas Luncheon – Nooooo, I’m a behind-the-scenes kinda person --- but as Diane Harden was giving me her pitch something came over me that said, “Step outta your box” and that’s exactly what I did and that turned out to be SO MUCH FUN!!! I’ve been told that when I get a microphone in my hands my alter ego comes out!!

I sum up this year as one where everything has been in divine order where I am the writer, director, producer and star of this glorious life and the one and only God who loves me most of all is the ultimate producer of it all!! #TRUSTGOD

By Rita Sprott

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As I reflect over 2017, I realize that the Jewels and Partners Ministry had an extraordinary year. I am honored to have the privilege of serving as Chair. The year began with the introduction of the Officers: Co-Chairperson, Gladys Clay Butts, Recording Secretary Glenda Johnson, Assistant Recording Secretary, Gloria Robinson, Corresponding Secretary, Jimmie Dukes, Assistant Corresponding Secretary, Mildred Fambro, Treasurer Carolyn Goodman, Assistant Treasurer, Jeanette Turner, Sergeant at Arms Danny Scott, Assistant Sergeant at Arms, James McAdoo, Parliamentarian, John Sparks, Assistant Parliamentarian, Marie Tanner Co Chair.These officers were voted in for a second term. I also want to thank our 3 Directors: Logistics – Camellia Flanigan, Programming – Helen Carithers, Transportation – Jacquelyn Woods-Thompson. I am truly grateful to have such an incredible team at my side.

The Black Heritage Luncheon was hosted by the Executive Committee featuring the past Jewels and Partners Presidents -- “Revealing J & P Treasures: Faithful Figures Who Made A Difference.” The pioneers were Catherine Moon, Irmagene Embry, Bernice Anderson, Camellia Flanigan, Eldridge Stephens, and Sherri Tucker Brown. We learned their major contributions that enhanced the development of our organization. The Jewels and Partners traveled to Chattanooga, Tennessee for fellowship, luncheon and cruising on the Southern Belle. We celebrated Older American’s month by partaking in Holy Communion as a family ministry. Enjoyed Movie Night and dining while viewing the movie “Hidden Figures”. The J & P received Spiritual Enrichment at Epworth by The Sea under the guidance of Rev. Evaleen Litman Sargent. We also had a new meaning of “Dancing with the Stars” at the Christmas Event as we learned the history of several dances. The J & P worked in the community through various Outreach Projects such as Welcome Back Students at Fickett Elementary School, distribution of blankets and socks at My Sister’s House and distribution of enrichment materials at several SW Apartment complexes. We updated the Ben Hill UMC website with current information for the Jewels & Partners. We experienced grief and losses of eight faithful, devoted and dedicated members – Marianne Hendricks, Mary Lowe, Philip Hood, Celia Hines, Vivian L. Brown, Herbert J. Anderson, Nancy Montgomery and Kirk Swanson Dukes. We also loss a dear and helpful friend who catered our meals for years, Carlton “Chef” Adams. We ended the year by receiving the highly recognized Martin Luther King award for “Outstanding Ministry for 2017”. Congratulations and Thank All of You for your hard work and continued support of our community outreach projects.

We had a very good year and I can’t wait to see what this year will bring!

By Vicki Callaway

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Q: If you could have dinner and a conversation with 3 famous people (living or deceased), who would they be?

A: Father: Kirk Thomas, Jr. -- Mother: Julia Mae Thomas -- Brother: Christopher Thomas

Q: What do you think is the purpose of the human experience?

A: To Glorify God

Q: You reference a lot of books in your sermons, which do you prefer - non-fiction or fiction? And what book did you read in 2017 that inspired you most and why?

A: Non-Fiction / The Bible: Reading the Word of God Rev. Dr. Byron E. Thomas

Rev. Brian Tillman

Q: If you could have dinner and a conversation with 3 famous people (living or deceased), who would they be?

A: If I could have dinner with three famous people (living or deceased), they would be Dr.

King right after he preached his last sermon, Harriet Tubman right after one of her journeys north, and Mary Magdalene right after she saw the resurrected Jesus. I’d have a few questions for Dr. King. How do you find the courage to keep speaking, marching, and changing the world knowing that there are credible threats on your life? Do you have a will in place, to make sure that your family has some direction if one of those threats against you came true? What is the plan with the poor people’s campaign, and do you see it working? For Harriett Tubman, I’d have 2 questions. How do you motivate people to flee slavery when they know the penalty for getting caught is death? How close have you been to getting caught, and do you have a plan in place, if that time came? Mary Magdalene would field the most questions from me. What can you tell me about the resurrection of Jesus? If you were to write your own gospel, what would be in it? Many consider you to be the woman who wiped Jesus’ feet with her tears. Was that you? What are your plans for ministry now that Jesus has ascended? What is your relationship with the other disciples?

These three people are folks I’ve long admired and often wondered about for a long time. These are questions that are not easy to know now and without them here with us, I can never fully know; not on earth.

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Well done, good and faithful servant!

You have been faithful with a few things; I will put

you in charge of many things.

Come and share your master's happiness!"

~ Matthew 25:21 (NIV)

Prayer for the Restoration of Health to all Jewels & Partners who are sick or shut-in

Vivian L. Brown Kirk S. Dukes

Sunset: November 15, 2017 Sunset: November 28, 2017

The Jewels and Partners extend our Prayers and Christian Sympathy to all persons who experienced the loss of a loved one.

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I would like to take the time to thank our friends, family, and J & P Members who were able to participate in our outstanding Christmas Event this year, "Dancing With The Stars”. Thanks to the creative spirit, talent and vision of our two leaders, "The dynamic D's" -- Dianne Rhodes and Diane Harden and the members of their committee. The Event was entertaining, we learned the history of various types of dances and overall it was truly a success. Great Job!!

Many thanks to Terry Dukes for his personal testimony and serenading us with his smooth, silky voice singing his rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Someday At Christmas”. The Master of Ceremony, LaRita Sprott, incorporated Psalm 150 PRAISE THE LORD!! with timbrel (tambourine) and dance throughout the afternoon and made sure the program flowed with ease, elegance, and grace.

The dancers Theresa Montgomery, Keith Gardenshire, Catherine Lewis and Barbara Kelly were professional, poised, and engaging. The hostesses were attentive and made sure everyone’s needs were met. DJ Samuel was absolutely the best! The decorations created by Betty Carson and her team were festive and fabulous. YOUR presence was joyful and astounding. Thanks to ALL! We shopped till we dropped in a safe and friendly environment. The outstanding variety of vendors helped us to complete our last minute Christmas shopping. Thanks to Anita Harris and Carrie Shipp for coordinating the vendors. Excellent choices! It would be very remiss of me if I didn't mention our personal Jewels and Partners loving and devoted Preacher, Rev Dr. Paul Easley, for all of his selfless sacrifices for the ministry. Words cannot express our gratitude and appreciation for his dedication to our Ministry throughout the years. His surprise rendition of “Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire” was priceless – I closed my eyes and imagined Nat King Cole was in the room!

Psalm 150 “PRAISE THE LORD”

By Vicki Callaway

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THANKS THEA FOR CAPTURING THE MOMENTS!!

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"

The Metro ATL Communities Collaborative fellowship at

CASCADE UMC

Differently Abled Ministry Fellowship

Danny Scott - Winner of a TV at ATL PD Retirement Roundup

UMW Luncheon

Jean Freeman’s beautiful Veterans Quilt

Sassy Ladies Traveling Group at Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota

Christmas Tree Decorating for the Nursery

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OUTREACH

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY ASSISTANCE

Thanks for Giving Food Drive

REALITY U at South Cobb High School

Training Youth in Finance

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Sankofa – One must look back in

order to go forward.

Share Your “FIRSTs”

TERRY DUKES – FIRST in his family to have a professional singing career with acclaimed artists Peabo Bryson, Roberta Flack and a host of highly regarded local artists. This experience also afforded him the opportunity to be

the FIRST in his family to travel throughout the United States, New Zealand and Australia.

PATRICIA JACKSON – FIRST in family to graduate from Law School, FIRST to become Deputy Assistant District

Attorney, AND FIRST to become a Municipal Court Judge.

SHIRLEY JACKSON – FIRST in her family of 6 siblings to graduate from High School and College and FIRST to own her own home.

MARY REED – Initiated the FIRST Annual MLK Celebration Program at Ben Hill UMC, FIRST in her family to run for

political office in East Point, FIRST President of the South Fulton Black Women’s Political Caucus AND a guest

columnist in the South Fulton Neighbor Newspaper. Her daughter, YOLANDA REED-JENKINS was FIRST in family to be commissioned as Captain in the U.S. Military.

GLORIA ROBINSON – Her son, Commissioner Kelly Robinson was FIRST elected in 2008 and is currently serving in his THIRD term as Vice Chair of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners. He is an advocate for Mental Health awareness and Public Transportation.

DORIS SMITH – FIRST in family on the cover of JET magazine in 1959 along with the national honor of being the

Urban League’s “Secretary of the Year”, one of the co-founders of the FIRST non-profit National Organization for People of Color Against Suicide. After integration at Ben Hill UMC, she served as Treasurer for 10 yrs, one of the

FIRST General Chairpersons of Women’s Day with Catherine Moon and Ruth Tucker, FIRST to introduce Birth

Month Clubs and Tithing, AND FIRST Stewardship Chair. Doris retired after 38 yrs of service at Clark College where she held several Secretarial positions to 4 Presidents, 2 Acting Presidents and the Board of Trustees.

BETTY WHITE – FIRST in family of 10 siblings to graduate from an HBCU institution – Savannah State College.

Judge Patricia Jackson

Gloria and Son Kelly

Doris

Shirley

Yolanda

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The Twelve Days After Christmas by Venita L. Epps

The traditional Christian celebration of the twelve days of Christmas occurs between the birth of Christ (Christmas, December 25) and the coming of the Magi (Epiphany, January 6). The season of Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and for nearly a month Christians await the coming of Christ in a spirit of expectation, with the singing of hymns. Then, on December 25, Christmas Day ushers in 12 days of celebration ending on January 6 with the feast of the Epiphany.

The "real" 12 days of Christmas are just as important as the Advent season. Those 12 days give us a way of reflecting on

what the Incarnation means in our lives. Christmas commemorates the entry of God into the world He made, in the form

of baby Jesus. The Incarnation is Christ in the flesh as our example of the way and the truth of a living God.

On Epiphany (January 6), the celebration of Christmas comes to an end. Epiphany commemorates the beginning of the

proclamation of the gospel—Christ's manifestation to the nations, as shown in three different events: the visit of the

Magi, the baptism of Jesus, and the turning of water into wine. As the true end-point of the Christmas season, however,

Epiphany sends us into the world to live out the Incarnation, to witness to the light of Christ in the darkness. Following

Jesus, we have been baptized into his death and resurrection. Whether we are called to martyrdom, or to prophetic

witness, or simply to faithful living in the joys and sorrows of our daily lives, we live all of our days in the knowledge of

our dignity, redeemed through Christ and united to God.

by Ethel Pacley

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THANKS to Julie Bailey and Jackie Sims for their leadership

AND Big Thanks to Frankie Pleasant for the inspiration and preparation of the awesome bulletin board!

Oct, Nov, Dec Birth Month Clubs dining at Greenbriar Piccadilly

THANKS to Gloria Robinson and Cathy Taylor for their leadership!

We’re Ringing in the New Year with PRAISE, PRAYER, PEACE AND LOVE!! Thanks for the leadership of Linda McAdoo and Leila Boykin.

MANY THANKS to Carol McAdoo’s daughter, Lori, who

was instrumental in the preparation of the January board!!

1. Rev. Sherry Austin

2. Cynthia L. Baker

3. Mrs. Carmen Carter

4. Dr. Roland Carter

5. Ms. Dione Duckett

6. Ms. Belinda Hunt

7. Mrs. Charlye Jordan

8. Ms. Candice Lester

9. Gloria C. Parker

10. Brenda Peterson

11. Arlette Pryor

12.Lindsey Pryor By Amelia Tucker-Shaw

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HEALTH and WELL-BEING Know Your Numbers. Your cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index numbers are key indicators of your risk for serious illness. If you know these important numbers, you can make changes to improve your health and reduce your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and other serious illnesses.

Take advantage of free Health Screenings!

Vision Focus for January:

LOVE…keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

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By Vicki Callaway

DATE ACTIVITY LOCATION TIME

January 25 Executive Meeting

Asbury Harris Epworth

Towers 2:00

February 18 Black Heritage Celebration Fellowship Hall 1:30

March 6 NEW MEMBERS MEETING


Towers 2:00

March 20 Executive Meeting


Towers 2:00

March 25 Quarterly Meeting Fellowship Hall 1:30

May 6J & P Unity Communion

Service "Engage at Every AGE" Sanctuary 7:30am

Quarterly SERVICE PROJECT

June 7 Executive Meeting


Towers 2:00

June 10 Quarterly Meeting Fellowship Hall 1:30


July 20 Movie Night Fellowship Hall 3:30

AUGUST FELLOWSHIP TBA TBA

September 18 Executive Meeting


Towers 2:00

September 23 Quarterly Meeting Fellowship Hall 1:30


OCTOBER RELIGIOUS RETREAT TBA TBA

November 15 Executive Meeting


Towers 2:00

November 18 Quarterly Meeting Fellowship Hall 1:30

December 1 CHRISTMAS PARTY TBA 12:00


2018 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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So grateful for Jennifer Washington’s generosity

of donating ALL the door prizes all the way from

Florida!!

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INFORMANT TEAM Rita Sprott (Design and Publication Editor) Venita Epps (Editor and Reporter) Juanita Hatcher (Editor and Reporter) Alma Simmons (Editor and Reporter) Helen Carithers (Proofreader and Reporter) Bettye Clark-Alexander (Contributing Reporter) Claudette Shropshire (Contributing Reporter) Thea Alexander-Fenner (Photographer) Paul & Gloria McLendon (Photographers) Vernelle McDaniel (Advisor)

“The vision of Ben Hill United Methodist Church is to share God’s love and make disciples of Jesus Christ by connecting people to God and one another wherever they are and across generations.”

Visit Church Website for archived Informant Newsletters: http://benhillumc.org/jewels-and-partners-ministry/#tab-1-2-our-eventsservices

http://benhillumc.org/jewels-and-partners-ministry/#tab-1-2-our-eventsservices

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