The Communicator

www.fmbc.org

First Missionary Baptist Church

A Word From the Pastor’s DeskPage 2

FMBC WelcomesNew StafferPage 5

A Tribute to MOTHERS Page 3

SENIOR BASKET DROP-OFF SATURDAY, APRIL 18TH

GROCERY GIVEAWAY SATURDAY, APRIL 25TH

COMMUNION PICK-UP SATURDAY, APRIL 4TH

PASTOR’S ANNIVERSARY SUNDAY, APRIL 26TH

FMBC CONTINUED SUPPORT THROUGHOUT COVID-19

May 2020, Vol 40 No. 5

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

Greetings, Beloved. I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit (3 John 1:2). Nothing but commendation is spoken from my lips about you, the disciple-members of FMBC, for your faithful support of the ministry through the COVID-19 pandemic. Your participation in worship, Sunday School, and Bible Study via online platforms is steady and strong. To know that you are being nurtured and strengthened in the faith during these days gives me great comfort. Your comments and notes have been encouraging to me and the staff, as well as to the leadership of the congregation. Certainly, I am delighted to see the number of disciples volunteering to sustain the ministry activity we have engaged since being away from each other. While we have been unable to include all persons wishing to participate, because of physical distancing restrictions and other safety precautions, know that we will call upon you in the days ahead to help in the work

of ministry. I am also grateful for the ways you maintain the discipline of generous giving to the expenses of the church and the relief of the poor. Your contributions ensure that our budgetary commitments are maintained, particularly our pledged support to parachurch organizations, educational institutions, and other social-justice/equity entities. It was our intent to gather representatives of our partner groups in worship at the end of the month to celebrate the incredible work they lead in our community and to reaffirm our solidarity with them, but we cannot proceed as we had planned. We will, however, highlight them throughout the year in The Communicator so that you may be made aware of their value to the Huntsville community. Let me encourage you to continue your giving so that our impact might continue to be felt. On another note, I wish to apprise you that a COVID-19 Reentry Committee is being constituted to devise a comprehensive plan for resuming in-person activities at our campus. Led by our new church administrator, Ms. Denise Roberts Chandler, this working group will be comprised of persons in the medical and healthcare profession and leaders across the congregation’s ministries in order to account

for multiple issues and concerns that would have to be addressed satisfactorily. Once their work is completed, I will be able to communicate with substance how we reengage ministry with confidence that transmission of the virus will be mitigated. Finally, I should like to express my gratitude to you for your warm gestures of affirmation in celebrating the completion of my first year of pastoral ministry at FMBC. Whether you called or texted me, emailed or sent a card or letter, my family and I acknowledge your acts of kindness to us. I recall when I was a student at American Baptist College, the Reverend William Augustus Jones, a preacher of national renown—and now of blessed memory, told us, “To be a faithful pastor, you must major in preaching and love the people God puts in your charge, and they will give you more than your conscience will allow you to take.” Now I admit freely, I am no great pulpiteer, but I do possess a deep-abiding love for you, and you, indeed, have given more than I deserve. The greatest of which is the honor of being your pastor. Faithfully yours,

Pastor Don Darius Butler

www.fmbc.org2

Somewhere between the youthful energy of the teenager and the golden twilight years of a woman’s life, there lives a marvelous and loving person known… as mother.

A mother is a curious mixture of patience, kindness, tolerance, understanding, discipline, industry, purity, and love.

A mother can be at one and the same time, both love lore and counselor to a heart-sick daughter, and a head football coach to an athletic son.

A mother can sew the tiniest stitch in the material for that dainty prom dress, and she is equally experienced in threading through the heaviest of traffic with a large station wagon.

A mother is the only creature on earth who can cry when she’s happy, laugh when she’s heartbroken, and work when she’s sick.

A mother is as gentle as a lamb, and as strong as a giant. Only a mother can appear so weak and

helpless, and yet at the same time, can put the fruit jar cover on so tightly that even dad can’t get it off.

A mother is a picture of helplessness when dad’s around, but a marvel of resourcefulness when she’s all alone.

A mother has the angelic voice of a member of the celestial choir as she sings the Brahms Lullaby to a baby held tightly in her arms; and yet the same voice can dwarf the sound of an amplifier when she calls her boys in for supper.

A mother has the fascinating ability to be almost everywhere at once, and she alone can somehow squeeze an enormous amount of living into an average day.

A mother is old fashioned to her teenager. She’s just “mom” to the third-grader, and she’s “mamma” to the little two-year old. There’s no greater thrill in life than to point to that wonderful women and be able to say to all the world, “That’s my mother.”

GREAT GIFT IDEAS FOR MOM!

Flower /Plants/Candy Delivery

Grocery pick up or schedule a delivery

Streaming TV subscription

Pick-up/deliver dinner from her favorite restuarant

A book from her favorite author

Personalized Family Blanket

Deep Home Cleaning

Framed Family Portrait

Kitchen Gadges

Succulents Assortment

Actual Handwriting Bracelet

Bedside Smartphone Vase

Personalized Handwritten Recipe Plate

Personalized Birthstone Necklace

Essential Oil Diffuser Bracelet

Tile Mate Key Finder

Red Prayer Plant

Travel Jewelry Organizer

Monthly Subscription (ROCKSBOX)

Personalized Cutting Board

Charcuterie Board Set

Women’s Shawl

Quarterly Subscription fabfitfun.com

Temperature Control Smart Mug

Easy As Sunday Tote LULULEMON

Extendable Bathtub Tray Caddy

Commute Leather Card Case

Plush Robe-SEVEN APPAREL

Blossoming Blooms™ Basket

100% Pure Silk Pillowcase

Mini Loves Mini Mask Set

Essential Oil Diffuser

Personalizzed Travel Mug

“Mom, You Are Loved” Frame

Custom Illustrated Family Portrait

Family Names Throw Pillow

“Recipe for a Special Mom” Cutting Board

WRITTEN BY FRED CRUZ

A Tribute to Mothers

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We fed 490 families! Thanks to all of our volunteers who sacrificed their time to prepare, deliever, and distrubute the food items to our North Huntsville community.

Drive-Thru Grocery

Giveaway

WelcomeDenise Roberts Chandler is a manager, teacher, writer and journalist. Ms. Chandler has worked for more than four decades guiding young journalists and managing newsrooms on the east coast. She has worked as a News Director, Executive Producer, Anchor and Reporter for various news organizations and two national networks. Ms. Chandler is a member of First Missionary Baptist Church where she is a member of the Sanctuary Choir, Congregational Care Ministry, Alive,

and Announcement Ministry.

Ms. Chandler holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music from Florida A&M University, a Bachelor’s degree in New Media and a Master’s degree in Crisis Communications and New Media from Southern New Hampshire University. She has awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and Emmy nominations. She is also a part-time instructor at Oakwood University.

Ms. Chandler has two sons Dwan and Dejon, two daughters-in-love, Victoria and Ronisha and three grandchildren.

Denise Roberts Chandler, Church Administrator

Douglas & Jannie Bonner wedding anniversary on May 19th

Thom & Charlene Holden 38th wedding anniversary on May 28th

Dennis & Dianne Smith 42nd wedding anniversary on May 28th

Happy Anniversary!

Remember to call and notify the church staff of your birthday or anniversary announcements.

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First Missionary Baptist Church | 3509 Blue Spring Road NW Huntsville, Alabama | (256) 852-4318

The Reverend Dr. Don Darius Butler, Pastor The Reverend Dr. Julius r. Scruggs, Pastor Emeritus

FMBC SALUTES OUR USHERSIN RECOGNITION OF THEIR

ANNUAL USHERS’ OBSERVANCE

Mary P. Joiner, PresidentJames Crenshaw, Vice President

Betty Frazier, Secretary Phyllis Williams, Assistant Secretary

Lavon Jennings, Treasurer

Erlese Kent, Parliamentarian Willie Aaron, Chaplain

Dan Cook, Assistant ChaplainRoosevelt Conley, Chief Usher

Doug Rudolph, Assistant Chief Usher

SENIOR USHER BOARD OFFICERS AND MEMBERS

INTERMEDIATE & YOUTH USHER BOARD OFFICERS AND MEMBERSTony Branyon, President

Deacon Melvin McCann, Vice PresidentReggie Benson, Chief Usher/ Youth Usher Advisor

Gregory Johnson, Assistant Chief Usher

Pat Benson, TreasurerChris Winston, Secretary

Albanie Bolton, Assistant SecretaryDeacon Morris Smith, Chaplain

Senior UshersVon BurtonLaura ChalkCarnell DrakeDoris DurdenJudy EdmondWilliam EdwardsEdna FailsGeorge GilesEarnestine HallVivian HicksMichael HorryLaVon JenningsIrene JollyBenjamin LongRobert MahoneBernice MasseyArthur McDonaldDeborah McDonaldMarie MorrisMary NolandJanie PalmerWalter Palmer, Jr.DeWitt Palmore

Sandra PalmorePatricia PopeBertha PorterConnie Pride, Jr.Bernice RiceAngela ScruggsBonnie ShadeRonnie ShelbyPercell SykesGirtha ThompsonThelma TownsendMary TurnerJon WilliamsJames WyckoffShelley Wyckoff Intermediate UshersJonathan Aboko-ColeWhitney Aboko-ColeDon DerrickMicah AlexanderGloria AyersGladys AyokanmbiMichael Ayokanmbi

Ayo AyokanmbiDotun AyokanmbiDemola AyokanmbiJordan BensonJustin BensonDebora BettsDenver Betts JrMarshall BlackburnWillie BrazileBritt CoryGlenda BurrussChris CalhounDoris CarterAngelo ColemanJesse CookAnn DavisScottie DavisIsaac DerrickKenneth FellsWanda FellsMary Ann FlowersDiane FordYolanda HardinSteven Harris

Ryan HarveyRenee’ HeadenSteven HillJacqueline HumphreyBrenda JacksonGary JupiterCharleston Kenna-moreDonald LawrenceJonathan LinerCedric MatthewsAndre MillerJerrell MitchellGeorge MyersChasdity PerryDarryl PopeDonna QuinneyChris RobinsonLori ShingletonDennis SmithJacquelyn SmithWilliam SmithShelia StevensonTerita Tall

Tyler TallGerald TeixeiraLinda ThigpenChad VinsonTiffany VinsonLarry WhitesideJonathan WilliamsMamie WilliamsRichard WilliamsReginald WinstonCarol Woods

FMBC Youth UshersJessica CookSeth CowanKenny HallMalik HarrisAbethany JamesAbraham JamesDonovan MitchellJarren MitchellMallory MorganJackson QuarlesJared Smith

REMEMBERING OUR “DOORKEEPERS IN HEAVEN” Walter Palmer, Sr. - Georgia McCloud - Zannie Kennamore - Agrippa Bass

“For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Psalm 84: 10-11

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For more information: Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention at

www.cdc.gov/

Help fight against the spread of Covid-19

Memorial DayMonday, May 25, 2020

Social Distancing Reminders As the government begins to re-open the country, The CDC recommends several measures to help prevent the spread of Covid-19:

Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects.

Stay home as much as possible, and not go out if you are sick (self-quarantine).

Wear at least a cloth mask in certain public settings.

Contact a health worker if you have symptoms.

Stay 6ft apart from people in public.

Keep your hands away from your face at all times.

Avoid long lines.

We remember and honor the sacrifice of those who have died in service and defense of our country.

American Flag photo courtesy of Adobe

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.

Stay posted for more information

THE CULTURAL IMMERSION TO THE BAHAMAS HAS BEEN POSTPONED

Tammy Range-Alexander is a teacher, facilitator, and consultant who works to empower teachers and administrators.

She is creative and energetic, and has a natural talent for connecting to learners of all ages. She has worked as an elementary teacher and a university faculty member. Range-Alexander is a member of First Missionary Baptist Church where she serves as one of the coordinators for Children’s Church. She is also an author for the National Baptist USA Incorporated Sunday School Publishing Board writing

lessons for Middle Grades and Upper Elementary Grades.

Range-Alexander holds a PhD in reading and literacy from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. She has earned several awards throughout her educational career, including the National Milken Educator Award, Lynn Fanning Teacher of the Year Award and the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Teacher of the Year Award.

She is married to Reverend Willie Alexander and they have three grown children, Amara, Micah and Seth and one grandson, Zion.

Serving children 2 ½ years thru 5th Grade. $90.00 non-refundable registration fee.

Julius R. Scruggs Child Development Center & Academy

Summer & Fall School Registration

WELCOME DR. TAMMY RANGE-ALEXANDER, INTERIM HEAD OF SCHOOL

JRSCDCA recognizes the importance of choosing the right educational environment for your child.

Please do not hesitate to call us to schedule a tour. Our dedicated faculty and staff will be happy to share the many reasons we have been an intricate part of the Huntsville Community for over thirty years.

SUMMER PROGRAMJune 1st – July 17th

$125.00/weeklyOptional WeekJuly 20th– 24th $100.00/week

Summer Activity Fee DUE: Friday, May 8, 2020

ALL GRADES $100.00/per childLIMITED SPACE!

Our mission is to develop and enhance the lives of children by actively honoring God, exemplifying Christian values, and providing a Christian based, college preparatory curriculum that solidifies their spiritual, mental, physical, and social well-being. Our staff knows it is essential for our scholars to recognize the Bible as the foundation of all knowledge and apply the principles learned in every area of their lives. We aim to ensure each and every scholar is grounded in God’s Word and sees all learning through a Biblical Worldview.

3509 Blue Spring Road, NW, Huntsville, AL | (256) 852-6673 | www.jrscdca.org

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Summer School 2020-LIMITED SPACE-

Christian Environment ~ Academic EnrichmentSecure Facility ~ Snacks Provided

Lunch Prepared OnsiteMystery Science | iPad Learn & Play | Art Lessons

Educational Enrichment | Cooking Lessons | Dance Lessons