Mission Moment 5.8.24

Aleisha A. Langhorne

Pastor, Luther Rice Memorial Baptist Church, Maryland 

This piece is a reflection on the influence and power of women, most notably, Eve as an Ezer*—a helper; women in the genealogy of Jesus as listed in Matthew [Tamar (Matthew 1:3); Rahab (1:5); Ruth (1:5); and the wife of Uriah the Hittite (1:6)]; and the unnamed women who influenced countless generations of prophets. The power of a woman’s influence is reflected in this tribute and poem of thanksgiving to the women who influenced my life. 

To: My Momma, Momma Green (adopted grandmother), Granny (maternal grandmother), Cousin Elsie (paternal matriarch), Granny Scott (family friend), Miz Granny (elder I met along the way), and all the women who have poured into me along the journey. At the time of this writing, all of these listed, except for my mom, reside in my great cloud of witnesses.

Thank you from a mother-ed child.

El Shaddai, another name for God, means the breasted one, the nurturer. How grateful I am for every breast that has nurtured me.

You held me in your arms physically and figuratively, rocking and sheltering me from a world designed to harm me (or to not let me be me). Your words and ways to live by have nurtured and sustained my soul. Your love fed my heart and paved the way to make me whole. You are still my help in the time of the storm, the soft space I run to when I fall, the strong force that pushes and prods me along, the hard (stern) face that allows me to do no harm. Healer, helper, friend, a momma, this girl’s deepest friend.

Thank you for loving me the best way you knew how, for giving me the best parts of you, the parts flawed, time-tested and true. The parts of your heart given to me; the help as I struggle in learning how to be. Perfection did not know your name, yet in your love I perfectly remain.

The God in you built up the God in me. You hold me up when I falter and fumble; you help me to navigate paths (this journey or world) full of danger. Healer, helper, friend, a momma, this girl’s deepest friend.

I lean into your grace as I run my race thankful that a part of you is reflected in my face. Though all of your life was NOT wonderful, because of you I am a wonder to behold. A mother-ed child.

Thank you, from a mother-ed child. Healer, lover, friend, a momma, this girl’s deepest friend.

Pray...Give...Go.

Flowers for Sanctuary

If you would like to provide flowers in the sanctuary for Sunday morning services, please contact Gwen Messer at  828-506-8370, or Janice in the church office to be placed on the calendar.

Hurray for Our Nursery Workers of the Week!

Thank you to Dana Ayers for providing child care last Sunday. 
Looks like you had a good time!

 Also, thank you to Andrew Beck for filling in on Wednesday night in the nursery. 
Your help was appreciated.

On Sunday, May 12, Gaye Buchanan will serve in the nursery.

Recipes Appreciated!

Each week we include a recipe in the Church Chimes and we hope that you are enjoying reading and trying them. You can add your favorite recipes to the Chimes by sending them to Cheryl Beck at cabeck@ncsu.edu. This is an ongoing WMU project.

Thanks for participating!

Coconut Chip Coffee Cake

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream

Filling/Topping
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar.  Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Beat in vanilla.  Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt;  add to the creamed mixture alternately with sour cream.

Spoon half of the batter into a greased 10-inch tube pan.  Combine the filling ingredients;  sprinkle half over the batter.  Repeat layers.  Bake at 350 degrees F. for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.  Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack.  Yield:  12-16 servings.

– Provided by Cheryl Beck

Coconut Chip Coffee Cake

Click here to download a printable version.

-Provided by Barbara Vance

VBS – Hold the Dates!

This year's Community Vacation Bible School will be May 28-31, at Bridge Park.  Please make every effort to have your children participate.

Volunteers are also needed.  Please contact Cheryl Beck for more information.

Ladies' Bible Study

Please join us for the continuation of the Ladies Spring Bible Study on Monday, May 6, at 10:00 a.m. in the Gathering Room. We are studying the Book of Esther. This study has video sessions led by Beth Moore. Study books are available in the Church office but are not required to do the study.

Flowers for Sanctuary

If you would like to provide flowers in the sanctuary for Sunday morning services, please contact Gwen Messer at  828-506-8370, or Janice in the church office to be placed on the calendar.

Congregation-Wide Conversation and Called Church Conference

Our second congregation-wide conversation will be held this Wednesday, May 1, to follow our regular first Wednesday family meal—we are serving pizza!  Please bring a dessert to round out our pizza and salad dinner. Dr. Yelton will lead us in a group discussion that will provide information to the Pastor Search Committee team to use in calling a new pastor. Please make every effort to attend as your thoughts and input are so important to making this a successful process. Thank you! 

We will also approve new Church Leadership Teams and Committees (updated) to serve 2024-2025. 

Roadside Clean-Up

Would anyone be interested in assisting with a roadside clean-up effort for Jackson County? If so, please contact Norma Clayton at 828-506-9241. More details will be provided as they become available. Thank you.