Congregational Care and Christian Fellowship

Called To Make A Difference! CONGREGATIONAL CARE and Christian Fellowship

Dr. McAllister offers prayer, dispenses Communion elements, and fellowships with parishioners

These things I command you, that you love one another.” John 15:17

United in the love of Jesus Christ, celebrating our shared life in Him, and blending our individual spiritual gifts to build the body of Christ, the Bethel family worked in harmony to address the needs of one another – celebrating, edifying, giving, receiving, sharing, comforting, strengthening, praying, and encouraging one another as we grew in grace to the glory of God.

W

e acknowledge and give thanks to the Gideon’s Army prayer group, composed of Sisters Mary Smith, Vera Jones, Delores Chavis, and Delores Harrison, who met each Sunday morning to partition God’s blessings upon the worship services, the pastor and his family, the ministerial staff, the church and the community. The suspension of in-person worship, caused by the Coronavirus, did not deter these faithful prayer warriors from their divine mission.

They continued to offer prayer via conference call

prior to virtual worship service each Sunday. We thank God for their steadfast commitment and love for God and His people. members during the week. With the onset of Covid – 19 and suspension of in-service worship, ministers began to distribute consecrated pre-filled communion cups to parishioners at the rear of the sanctuary on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday before first Sundays. Thus, worshippers were able to participate in Holy Communion during worship calls. Also, visits to sick and shut-in were replaced with prayer calls.

Dr. McAllister, assisted by associate ministers, stewards and stewardesses, provided Holy Communion to the sick and shut-in on first Sundays, and conducted hospital and nursing home visits to

Congregational Care and Christian Fellowship

One of the most essential elements of pastoral

care is support for persons experiencing the

loss of a relative or friend. We are grateful to Dr. McAllister for helping loved ones of our deceased members through their grief journeys – attending to their needs and emotions with guidance and compassionate care. Corvid-19 prevented full-service funerals in the sanctuary; however, Dr. McAllister’s graveside eulogies declared the value and meaning of the life of each deceased member; and through the proclamation of the Word of Jesus Christ, he helped bereaved families and friends move forward with Steward Pro Tem Mary Smith makes prayer calls to hope, faith and joy. We acknowledge, with grateful Sick and Shut-in appreciation, Steward Board ProTems Mary Smith and Darryl Jones who assisted Reverend Julius at graveside funerals; and we thank members who attended to provide comfort and encouragement to the mourning.

During the Corvid-D pandemic, Dr. McAllister held the Bethel family in relentless prayer while continuing to provide encouragement, and guidance to meet the challenges we faced. He maintained frequent communication with members through conference calls, Constant Contact, Social Media, and the US mail. Post Cards reminding members to pick up communion elements, informing them of current and forthcoming ministry experiences, and other church matters were sent frequently. Moreover, he met, via conference call, with each church ministry, board, and choir to inquire about their well-being, providing information, listening to members’ concerns, and offering prayer. Bethel is grateful to Dr. McAllister for using these ap-

proaches to preserve unity of spirit and agreement among us, and for addressing our spiritual and emotional needs. Likewise, we thank chairpersons and members of boards and ministries for remaining connected and checking on the well-being of one another through personal calls, greeting cards, conference calls, email and text, and for responding to the needs of members who were ill or bereaved.

On November 3, 2019, the Bethel family honored Dr. McAllister and the first family on the Eleventh An-

niversary of their call to Bethel. Special worship services were highlighted by the fervent proclamation of the Word of God at the 7: 45 a.m., service by the Reverend Cecil Williams, Pastor of Gregg Chapel AME Church in Ft. Walton, FL and at the 11:00 a.m. service by Associate Minister Reverend Dr. Ronald Glenn. A formal dinner was served. The theme for the celebration was “Celebrating the Shepherd’s Journey,” based on Jeremiah 3: 15. Many thanks to the Board of Stewards for providing leadership for the celebration and to the Young People’s Division for assisting in setting-up the fellowship hall and serving dinner.

Congregational Care and Christian Fellowship Congratulations to our First Lady Mrs. Deana Elizabeth Young McAllister She opens her mouth with wisdom and loving instruction is on her tongue.

Proverbs 31: 26.Congratulations to First Lady Deana Young McAllister, who was appointed Leon County School Board Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, Labor and Employee Relation, and Chief Negotiator. She brings to this position twenty-seven years of outstanding service in the education profession where she worked as a teacher, curriculum specialist, recruiter, and administer. A graduate of Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA, Mrs. McAllister earned a baccalaureate degree in political science and was certified to teach at the middle school level. She received the Master of Educational Leadership and Administration degree from National Louis University in Chicago, IL. Her academic preparation, her genuine love for young people, and her profound dedication to the education profession account for her success in teaching students of different races, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and academic levels at intercity schools from Atlanta GA and Detroit MI to schools located in the wealthy suburbs of Chicago.

Mrs. McAllister came to Tallahassee with a wealth of experience in the area of educational administration. In

Naperville, IL, she was one of only three African American administrators in School District 203. She served

We not only acknowledge Mrs. McAllister as a distinguished educator, we also bear witness to her work, commitment, and love for God as First Lady of the Bethel AME Church. When God called Dr. McAllister to lead Bethel, He also called Mrs. McAllister to be a pillow of support beneath that leadership, to surround him with love and encouragement, and to partner with him and the Bethel family to do God’s work. We thank Mrs. McAllister for the many ways she works hand in hand with Dr. McAllister to promote the vision God has given him for the people of Bethel. And we are exceedingly grateful to God for how she enthusiastically contributes her own unique gifts to build the body of Christ – for her commitment to the spiritual, educational, and social enhancement of our youth through her dedicated work with the Young People’s Division (YPD), and for the love and compassion for others she exhibits by her works of mission and outreach with the Women’s Missionary Society. We also praise God for her steadfast example of a nurturing mother evidenced in the kind, lovable attributes of her three sons – Julius III, Colin, and Dylan.

We salute First Lady McAllister not only for what she does but for who she is – a women of God, a women of great compassion, courage, and strength. Her behavior reflects her true nature. She is humble, unpretentious, and approachable. Her genuine expressions of love for God, for her family, and for the Bethel family encourage and energize us as we travel this faith journey together.

Bethel is grateful for our God-called, Spirit-led first lady, Mrs. Deana Young McAllister. We thank her for making a difference in our lives, and pray that God will continue to let her light shine brightly.

as Curriculum and Testing Coordinator and was appointed Senior Director of Human Services. In Tallahassee, prior to her appointment as assistant superintendent, Mrs. McAllister was a high school assistant principal and served as Director of Labor and Employee Relations, Chief Negotiator and Equity Officer for Personnel in the Leon County School District.

Congregational Care and Christian Fellowship

The Church School provided movie gift cards to CS students who attended CS at least twice a month, who made the honor roll/dean’s list, or who demonstrated one letter grade improvement from one grading period to the next. Special thanks to Brother Zachary Ansley for his superb coordination of this program. Through the Card Ministry of Bible Class III’s Sister Rosalind Parlor, the Church School extended hospitality, beyond that provided through individual classes, by sending greetings cards on special occasions to church members.

The YPD held several meetings and workshops during the year. Members and leaders also fellowshipped together at a Spaghetti Dinner, Ice cream Social, and Christmas Dinner.

The Adult Senior Ministry continued to focus on its mission to provide social, educational, and spiritual activities for members. The ministry hosted an AARP Cyber Security/ Medicare 2019 Updates Workshop. Over forty members and guests attended. It also held its annual Christmas Luncheon Program at Longhorn Steakhouse. Thanks to Sister LaJoycea Condry for her outstanding leadership of the Senior Adult Ministry

Stewardess Board #1 held its annual Christmas Social at the Wilderness Cabin. A gift of appreciation was presented to each member present. Thanks to Sister Hilda Jackson for her committed leadership of Stewardess Board #1.

Stewardess Board #4 held a Social Sisterly Spring Luncheon on March 14. Sister Olivia Jones’ presentation, “Sisters Working Together in Harmony,” emphasized the benefits and joy of working together to do God’s work. Sister Margaree Elkins, member of the Board of Stewards, gave an overview of the role of the stewardess and encouraged members to do good work for the church.

Members of the congregation accompanied Dr. McAllister to Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church where he was one of the speakers at Tabernacle’s Annual Days of Praise Conference – Hour of Power. He blessed the attendees with a powerful sermon, “ No Matter How Bad it Gets, Always Sing Your Song,” taken from Psalm 98:1a. The Male Chorus provided beautiful music and Bethel’s Usher Auxiliaries served.

Bethel was featured in the Tallahassee Magazine Historic Churches Series. In his article, “The Benevolent Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church,” author, Peter Reinwald, documented Bethel’s more than 154year history. Reinwald described Bethel’s legacy of being a place where persons from all walks of life can be spiritually nourished by the preaching and teaching of the gospel message of Jesus Christ, and highlighted the church’s perpetual status as a focal point of social justice, community and civic engagement, and political and economic empowerment. The article appeared in the magazine’s December 31, 2019 edition.

1867 2020

Drive-by Birthday Parade for Sister Johnnie Belle Taylor

embers recognized and celebrated the centennial birthday of two pillars of Bethel – Sister Thelma Lawrence and Sister Mary Abner. Sister Lawrence was chairperson of the Hospitality Ministry for M more than thirty years. She was a long-serving president of Stewardess Board #3, and a generous, relentless contributor to the YPD. Sister Abner was known for her love of young people. She was a longtime, cherished teacher of the Church School Junior Class, and a dedicated member of Choir #2. On December 2019, the Church School presented a special tribute to Sister Abner for her many years of dedication and service. Sister Abner went Home to be with the Lord on July 25, 2020.

Covid-19 did not prevent the Bethel family from recognizing the birthday of one of its nonagenarian mem-

bers, Sister Johnnie Belle Taylor, who celebrated her 96th birthday on August 19. Members honored Sister Taylor with a Drive-by Birthday Parade. In a line of twenty-four cars, led by Dr. McAllister, participants drove pass Mrs. Taylor’s home on Galimore Drive. Cars were decorated with Happy Birthday signs and balloons. Participants honked their horns, waved, placed gifts and flowers on a decorated table, and blew kisses to Mrs. Taylor who sat outside. She was presented with an album of photographs that pictured her at various Bethel occasions, and she later received a video tape recording of the parade. Sister Taylor stated that this was not the first time her Bethel brothers and sisters showed love and care for her. She humbly expressed that “They send greeting cards, visited often before Corvid-19, and call to ask what they can do for me all of the time. I am so thankful for my pastor and Bethel; and I thank God for the undeserved blessings He provided today.” Bethel is grateful to the men and women who conceived of, planned, enlisted participants, and coordinated this beautiful event to recognize an extraordinary woman of God. Without a doubt, these “Friends

of Sister Taylor” exemplify the message to believers expressed in Hebrews 10:2, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good deeds.”

Bethel celebrated with Sister Cassandra Jenkins and Brothers Darryl Jones and Curtis Richardson, who were among twelve persons honored for their community service by the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Empowerment Foundation at its Third Annual Community Appreciation Banquet held at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center.

Commission on Health - Abbie Wright, Marva Jones-Ford, Linda Waldon, Mamie Jones, and Penny Ralston

inistry Sunday was held December 29, 2019. The purpose was to acknowledge and show appreciation to all of the organizations that carry out the church’s mission. The name of each organizationM (ministry, board, commission) was called and members were asked to stand and be recognized.

The Bethel Commission on Health (COH) continued its mission to provide education that promotes healthy behaviors and lifestyles. The COH distributed articles on health awareness written by Bethel professional healthcare providers, prepared healthy nutritious alternative breakfasts, conducted in-house health programs that offered screenings, readings, and monitoring, and collaborated and participated with other ministry programs throughout the year. In October, Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Linda Waldon provided written information on breast, colon, prostate, and pancreatic cancers; and the COH hosted a reception honoring cancer survivors. During the month of November, American Diabetes Awareness Month, Drs. Otis Kirksey and Emmanuel Inwang provided oral and written articles on Mellitus Diabetes. And throughout the month of January, they served as co-chairs for Bethel’s Lifestyle Management (Diabetes) Initiative that included presentations during church services, publications in the church bulletin and on the church email system (Constant Contact), and the administration of the ADA Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test. Other articles written by Bethel health professionals and shared with members included: “Tips for Healthy Eating,” by Dr. Cynthia Seaborn-Jenkins; “Staying Well During Flu Season,” by Dr. Arlesia Mathis; "Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus,” by Dr. Linda Walden; "Cardiovascular Disease – Heart Health," by Dr. Chris Daniels; "Metabolic (Diabetes) Syndrome,” by Dr. Emmanuel Inwang, and "Understanding Diabetes," by Dr. Otis Kirksey. Many thanks to the Health Commission under the leadership of Sister Marva Ford Jones.

Under the leadership of Brother Edward Moragne, a Veteran’s Organization was created. Brother Edwin Norwood and Mrs. Lionel Thompson were selected president and vice president, respectively.

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Bethel welcomed the Reverend Edith Holiday Austin to the ministerial staff. Reverend Austin pastored thirty years in the Florida Annual Conference. Among her charges were

St. Luke AME in Malone, St. Mark AME in Campbelltown, and Mt. Olive AME in Marianna. Before her call to ministry, Reverend Austin was an associate member of Bethel during the tenure of its 32nd pastor, the Reverend Ira Hinson. She served faithfully along with her late husband,

Brother Freeman Holiday, a leading soloist in the music ministry. We are delighted that Reverend Austin has come back home, and look forward to her continued leadership and our work together to build God’s kingdom here on earth. Reverend Austin is the mother of Bethel members Brother and Sister Willie and Delores Hudson.

Congratulations to the Reverend David Williams, who retired from the active ministry of the African Methodist

Episcopal Church after twenty-six years. His retirement took place during the Ceremony of Appreciation for Superannuating Preachers at the One Hundred Fifty-Fifth Session of the Florida Annual Conference on September 4, 2020. In 1994, while he was a member of Bethel, Reverend Williams answered the call to ministry during the pastorate of the

The Reverend Edith Holiday -Austin

The Reverend David Williams

Reverend Adam J. Richardson, current Prelate of the Eleventh Episcopal District of the

AME Church. Reverend Williams served the Lord with gladness for six years at Springfield AME Church and eighteen years at Philadelphia AME Church, where he led the

congregation in burning the mortgage.

While he pastored these churches, Reverend Williams was also a member of the ministerial staff at Bethel. Over the years, he has given loyal, compassionate service – preaching, teaching, administering Holy Communion to sick and shut-in parishioners, and performing other church functions with an extraordinarily humble and joyful spirit. We praise God for Reverend Williams’ faithful service to God and to the AME Church, and are grateful for the spiritual guidance and godly example he will continue to provide as a member of the Bethel Ministerial Staff.