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Christian Education
Called To Make A Difference! DISCIPLESHIP AND CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Brother Warren Bowers, Youth Sunday Speaker
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But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. 2 Peter 3: 18
The Bethel family is grateful to God for the countless opportunities He placed before us to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and to be transformed in His likeness as encouraged by 2 Peter 3:18. Weekly Bible study classes, Church School, printed materials, Christian Education training, and a variety of other practices were included in our continuing efforts to grow spiritually.
Bible study classes, conducted each Tuesday at noon by Dr. McAllister and on Wednesday evening by Reverend Dr. Eric Little, were attended by a committed number of followers who gained spiritual edification and life-changing direction from the teaching of God’s Word. Due to the
Coronavirus, Summer Lay Bible study, facilitated by
Dr. Debra Austin and Dr. Brenda Jarmon, was conducted via Zoom. The seven-week study, “Discerning the Voice of God: How to Recognize When God Speaks,” consisted of video teachings by Priscilla
Shirer followed by on-line discussions. Overwhelmingly, participants expressed having been blessed by the experience. We are grateful to the superb
teaching of the Reverends McAllister and Little and for the continued leadership of Lay Bible study by Drs. Austin and Jarmon.
Opportunities to grow in our relationship with God by studying and acquiring a better understanding of His Word and applying it to our lives were provided each Sunday by nine age- appropriate Church School classes. However, the global health care crisis resulted in the termination of inperson Church School. Thus, on Sunday, March 22, 2020, we began Virtual Church School (VCS) following the Pastor’s Worship Call, utilizing the audio conference system. Church School classes, including youth classes, provided leadership. A special expression of gratitude is extended to the inaugural participants of VCS: Sister Mary Smith, Sister Brenda Jarmon, and Brother Zubie Metcalf who provided the lesson review. These mighty servants of God were fearless pioneers in this new format and established the standard of excellence for VCS.
Christian Education
Brother Gary Goodwin provides Church School lesson review
The Coronavirus did not prevent the annual Church School Promotion Program. Ten students, who passed from one class to the next, were recognized on June 14. They include Karys Anderson, Sunny Davis, Saveria Winstead, and Titus Fulton – Beginners to Primary; Skyler Davis – Primary to Junior;
Caleb Anderson, Kazdn Harrison, and Dylan McAllister – Junior to Intermediate, and Zaire Jackson and McKensie Smith – Intermediate to Senior. Promotion certificates and monetary gifts were mailed to graduates acknowledging their outstanding achievements in and commitment to Church School participation. The lesson, “The Value of Wisdom” (Proverbs 2: 1- 11), was reviewed by
Dr. Genyne Boston, member of the Warren Gaymon/James Browdy Church
School Class. Emphasizing that wisdom is more valuable than intelligence, Dr.
Boston urged listeners to continue to “indulge in the Word of God,” that the Bible is the road map to successful living. Speaking specifically to graduates and other students, she urged them to continue to “participate in Church School which provides constant wisdom and feeds us spiritually so that we will not be anxious about the current, uncertain circumstances of the world.” In addition to
Church School membership, Dr. Boston serves on Stewardess Board #2, the
Black History Committee, and assists with the Young People’s Division (YPD).
We are grateful to Dr. Boston for an excellent review of the Church School lesson and for her commitment of service to God and to Bethel Church. Dr. Genyne Boston, Promotion Sunday Speaker
During the pandemic, students and teachers continued to receive Church School quarterlies. They were also provided information on how to access materials electronically from the AMEC Publishing House website. The A+ team of highly qualified, spiritual teachers remained outstanding. They adjusted and found creative ways to connect with their students. Bethel is extremely grateful to Superintendent Debra Austin, Assistant Superintendent Aundra Bryant, Secretary Warren Gayman, and Pianist Moriah Treadwell, for their exemplary leadership of the Bethel Church School and to the caring, dedicated Church School teachers. 13
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Dr. Debra Austin Church School Superintendent
Church School Superintendent Dr. Debra Austin provided an outstanding presentation of the lesson for the AMEC Sunday School Union Virtual Church School on Sunday, August 23, the lesson title was “Taming the Tongue,” based on James 3: 1-12, that talks about the life-altering power of words and the believer’s responsibility to use them wisely. With the usual enthusiasm that we have come to expect from her, Superintendent Austin provided a carefully prepared, insightful exploration of James’ message. Her interactive approach allowed participants to express their views and suggest reasons that sometime make it difficult to control what we say to others. She stressed, a ‘lying tongue’ is one of the seven things that are detestable to God and that everyone will be accountable for their words at judgement. She also emphasized that the tongue cannot be controlled on our own, but only through consistent prayer, a clean heart, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Bethel is proud of Superintendent Austin and applauds her on being one of the anointed teachers invited to provide instruction via the AMEC Sunday School Union Church School at Home Zoom Platform. Over 400 persons joined Superintendent Austin’s class on August 23 – the largest number of participants up to that time.
Prior to the Coronavirus pandemic, opportunities to enhance the spiritual development of parishioners were provided through the revised and enhanced Sunday bulletin. In addition to the order of service and church announcements, it included: From the Pastor’s Heart, lessons from Dr. McAllister that encourage members to examine and live their lives in the light of biblical principles; Stewardship Education commentaries on the biblical principle of tithing and reasons and rewards for the faithful giving back of God’s gifts; the Apostles’ Creed or Affirmation of Faith that teaches and reminds us of what Christians believe about God, Jesus Christ, and the Universal Church; and the Bethel Church Mission Statement that calls to mind why we exist as a local church and what we have committed ourselves to do to carry out God’s purposes. These
additions edified us spiritually and helped to equip us for service.
During the Corvid-19 pandemic, biblical knowledge and spiritual growth were encouraged and enhanced by the Daily Devotional, produced by Dr. McAllister and delivered to the congregation each morning via Constant Contact and Facebook. The devotionals examined selected Bible passages, motivated spiritual reflection, and provided application for daily living. A link to a recording on YouTube expressing the biblical message was a welcoming feature. For instance, the song that accompanied the devotional lesson based on Psalm 121, in which the writer proclaims God’s unremitting protection and care, was “My Help Cometh From the Lord,” beautifully performed by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.
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Sister Margaree Elkins was the delegate to the Tallahassee District Conference called by Presiding Elder Carlton Taylor on January 23-25 at Flipper Chapel AME Church, pastored by the Reverend Willie Merrick. The theme was “Staying True to Our Faith in
God.” Bethel Church School Superintendent Dr. Debra Austin conducted the Leadership Workshop.
New Members Class provided instruction in the history and doctrine of Methodist/Western doctrine, African Methodism, and the history and ministry of Bethel. We praise God for the increase of fifty-three members during the conference year, three of whom
(Dr. William Hill, Evelyn English, and Opal McKin-
ney-Williams) joined after the suspension of in-person worship.
The Young People’s Division (YPD) played an integral role in the life of Bethel. In addition to singing in choirs, ushering, and attending Church School, they were provided with opportunities to cultivate their spiritual and creative gifts on Youth Sundays by presiding, reading scripture, and offering prayer. On the January 26 Youth Sunday, Brother Warren Bowers preached a powerful sermon entitled “The Ultimate Receiver. College students conducted the service, and the Caleb and Joshua Generation Choirs provided the music.
YPDers attended the 11th Episcopal District 2020 Black Heritage Weekend on the campus of Edward Waters College, Jacksonville, Florida, on February 14-16, 2020. Bethel’s eight participants competed with over 2000 young people from across the 11th Episcopal District in essay, black poetry, black monologue, and Step Team. Each participant won one or more medals. They include: Hannah Francis – 2nd Place Essay, Courtney Todman – FL Conference Step Team, Gimiah Ashford – 3rd Place Black Poetry, D’Yani Williams – 2nd Place Black Monologue and 3rd Place Black Poetry, Aajanae Williams – 1st Place Black Monologue, 2nd Place Black Poetry, and FL Conference Step Team, Ja’Cionna Jackson – 1st Place Black Poetry, Clarke Banks – 1st Place Black Monologue, 1st Place Black Poetry, and FL Conference Step Team, and Carsen Banks – 1st Place Black Poetry. The YPD is under the leadership of First Lady Deana McAllister, Consultant; Sister Marie Plummer-Riou, Director; Sister Etryia Francis and Brother and Sister Warren and Willette Bowers, Team Leaders. Congrat-
ulations to Bethel’s dynamic YPDers and to their stellar leadership!
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well-attended Ministry Sharing Luncheon was held at Camp Richardson sponsored by A
Bethel’s Commission on Membership,
Evangelism, and Discipleship (CMED) in partnership with CRU Inner City Ministries. The joint leadership of CRU and the CMED introduced their partnership, shared how their ministries intersect, and explored how Bethel ministries can partner to carry out the “Great Commission.” CRU shared their experiences witnessing in inner-city communities and gave an overview of their evangelism training sessions. A powerful and heartrending presentation was made by Sister Wendy Strickland, Angel Wingz Family Crisis and Intervention Center, on wide-spread sex trafficking in Tallahassee. She challenged everyone to learn to recognize the profile and to make referrals when you observe someone who fits the profile. Thanks to Sister Brenda Jarmon for her committed leadership of the Commission on Membership, Evangelism, and Discipleship.
The Care Leaders Council provided in-service training
at its Umbrella Brunch held on January 25. The purpose was to provide care leaders with essential information, instruction, methods/procedures, and support/ encouragement needed to carry out their roles and responsibilities more effectively and efficiently in meeting the needs of their class members. The theme was “Umbrella Table Appetizers.” Umbrella – symbolic of the various care leader responsibilities such as knowing their members by sight and by name, keeping in frequent contact, keeping members informed of church matters, listening and attending to members’ concerns, reporting concerns to the pastor and the council, watching over new members, recommending new members for full membership. Appetizers – symbolic of the characteristics of a good care leader, such as love, faithfulness, commitment, and service. Sister Margaree Elkins, Council Chairperson, presented decorative teapots to members who planned the event. Fellowship and a delicious dinner were enjoyed by all. Sister Everline Hamm is council co-chairperson.
Matthew Tucker Annual Christmas Program
The Church School presented its annual Christmas Program on December 15. The theme was “Go Tell it on the Mountain.” The program consisted of recitations, piano and violin selections, and a dramatic presentation. Under the choral direction of Sister Sharon Ofuani and Brother Jamarien Moore, the Caleb Generation Choir added tremendously to the holiday spirit, and the Liturgical Dancers, under the direction of Sister Barbara McGriff, performed beautifully. Thanks to the generosity of Bethelites, refreshments and treat bags were provided, and students were given the customary monetary Christmas gift. A highlight of the program was a special tribute to Sister Mary Abner, a long-time, cherished Church School teacher. Many Thanks to the Christmas Program coordinators – Sisters Angelina McCoy, Marie Riou, and Venita Treadwell.
Continuing its mission to provide the Bethel Congregation with opportunities to enhance their knowledge and understanding of African American history and culture and contributions to the growth and development to America and the world, the
Bethel Black History Committee, (BBHC) in collaboration with the Bethel Church School, Commission on Health, Young Peoples Department,
and Social Action Committee, provided a full and diverse range of programs and events. A two-day Florida Black Heritage Trail Tour (January 31-
Christian Education
February 1) provided members the opportunity to visit sites significant to the struggles of people of color. Over fifty (50) Bethelites toured portions of northeast and central Florida to include the towns and cities of Greenville, Jacksonville, St. Augustine,
Kingsley Plantation - Jacksonville, FL Eatonville, Orlando, Ocoee, Okahumpka, and Ocala. Highlights included: Kingsley Plantation, Ritz Thea-
ter and Museum, Lincolnville, Old Slave Mart, ZORA Festival, Evelyn’s Creation, Virgil Hawkins Memorial and Marion County Black History Museum.
Embracing the 2020 Black History Month national theme, “ African Americans and the Vote,” established by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the BBHC published information in the church bulletin on the African American Struggle to acquire the right to vote during the 19th and 20th centuries. It also distributed handouts on how to prepare for the 2020 primary and general elections.
In partnership with the Church School, the BBHC invited Leon County Supervisor of Elections, Mark Early, to participate in the Honorable Robert Meacham Lecture Series on February 9. He shared information on the 2020 primary and general elections regarding voter registration, early primary voting, deadlines for registering to vote, mail-in ballots, felon voting laws, and other data. The Meacham Lecture Series also featured Bethel’s own Dr. Kyle Harris, member of the Board of Stewards and assistant professor of history at Florida A&M University, who provided an outstanding presentation on “African Americans and the Vote: American Reconstruction.” To further emphasize the importance of voting, members were asked to display their Voter Information Card to make them eligible for a drawing. Winners were awarded prizes such as gift cards, flash drives, water bottles, mugs, and backpacks. Throughout the year members were encouraged to request a Vote-by-Mail Ballot and to plan other voting options.
Christian Education
Buffalo Soldiers with Sister Dorothy Bethea
The BBHC program included a special visit by the
Tallahassee Chapter of the National Association
of Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club, comprised of men and women dedicated to the sport of motorcycling. A nonprofit organization, the group is a stalwart supporter of schools, youth organizations, and other charitable programs and activities. The club rides under the moniker Buffalo Soldiers to acknowledge and
call attention to the proud legacy and unique place in history of two calvary and four infantry regiments of black soldiers who fought in wars to expand and protect the nation’s westward expansion after the Civil
War. The name was synonymous with all black servicemen until the last all black units were disbanded in 1951. The Tallahassee Chapter of Buffalo Soldiers includes four members of Bethel: Rodney and Dorothy
Allen, Mamie Jones, and Dorothy Bethea. Edwin
Bethea (deceased) was a charter member of the Tallahassee Chapter organized in 2005.
The BBHC Art Show and Writer’s Exhibition showcased the artistic and literary talents of over 20 Bethel members and guests through paintings, photography, quilts, baskets, private collections, and book signings.
Family Trivia & Games and Movie Night @BETHEL
provided members a fun-filled evening of friendly competition and teamwork challenging our knowledge of African American history and culture. The night culminated with the showing of the award-winning movie “Harriett” which chronicled the life of Harriett Tubman and her work with the Underground Railroad. The Taste of the African Diaspora provided a sampling and tasting of African, Caribbean, and
American southern dishes prepared and served by 15 Bethel chefs with over 200 persons partaking of the delicious offerings. The Bethel Children’s Fashion Show, produced and coordinated with the Young Peoples Department (YPD), featured Bethel children modeling native African attire and black solidarity clothing. The Black History newsletter, poster displays, and information table provided members information on the relevance and importance of the national theme “African Americans and the Vote.” Special emphasis was placed on
the works and impact of Fannie Lou Hamer, Shirley Chisholm, Barack Obama, and Tallahassee/Leon County African American local elected officials.
With the onset of the Coronavirus, the BBHC continued to meet by conference call to plan post pandemic activities upon return to church, including emphasis on voting, and developing activities to highlight the 2021 national theme, “Black Families: Representation, Identity and Diversity,” and reviewing possible Black History tour options in Georgia and South Carolina.
Bethel is grateful to the Black History Committee for its impassioned work in carrying out its mission. Committee Members include Dorothy Allen,
