A Tribute to Mother

Hello my Sistes in Christ!

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank each one of you for your support on our book project. We had over 60 submissions in our Tribute to Mother book and I think that's outstanding! Men, Women and Youth paid written tribute to the mothers in their lives and our book is a testimony to the goodness of God.

On Saturday, March 28, 2009, nearly 100 ladies wearing spring hats and men, gathered in the Fellowship Hall to celebrate the release of our book entitled, "Bethel Memorial A.M.E. Church Women's Ministry Presents, A Tribute to Mother." Musical selections by Jeanette Benyard were spirit-filled and touched us to our core. DJ Craig Carlisle was also on hand with a rich variety of gospel music. Readings from the book were done by Rev. Alyce Smith-Cooper, Rougenia Harrison and Sandrea Jackson. I can't go any further without thanking the food committee led by Konnie Crawford and her crew, Cynthia Jones, Bridgette Jordan, Julia Cooper (also sold lots of tickets for us!!) and Velma Belcher.

The spirit of sisterhood and fellowship was in the air and we had a marvelous time. Please spread the word about our book. All royalties and sales come back to the Women's Ministry 100%! The book is available now on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com. What a great gift idea for Mother's Day!

Also, our monthly newsletter is now available in the Narthex. Pictures of the release are on the back cover. Enjoy!!

Be Blessed,

Cynthia Fields

I Surrender

"All to Jesus, I surrender; All to Him I freely give. I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live. Wordly pleasures all forsaken; take me Jesus, take me now. I surrender all, I surrender all. All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all." (Lyrics written by Judson W. Van DeVenter)

As people we are often overwhelmed with burdens and baggage so heavy that we are unable to serve God or receive the blessings He has for us. Our spiritual hands are filled with stuff and situations that makes us good for nothing but complaining about our situations and criticizing others that seem to be doing better than us. While talking with a close friend this morning, I realized that I had grown tired, not because of hard work or a late night out. I was tired because I have been lugging around bags and bags of fear, anger, doubt, pain and everything else that I could possibly squeeze into every compartment and corner. I was so tired of trying to figure my way out of circumstances and to solve problems that I will never had the resources to solve that I was emotionally and spiritually exhausted. I had to hear my friend talking about her challenge to surrender to God before the light bulb went on. She was absolutely right, we have to surrender everything that preocupies our lives and our thoughts. Our total beings must be surrendered to God, then and only then will we be able to make firm strides toward a greater relationship with our Father. During those times when the ground beneath us gets rocky we must not reach back to grab on to that old baggage, we must reach up and grab tightly to God's unchanging hand.

So, with our hands free, we will be ready for work and ready to receive all that God has for us to do and receive. My sisters, surrender all to Jesus, trust Him to do what only He can do. Worldly pleasures all forsaken, take us Jesus, take us now.

Be Blessed...