Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 1

1 Pastor’s Corner

1 Just for Fun

2 Upcoming Events

3 Missionary Newsletter

4 GB Living Legend

5 Special Occasions

5 Concerns & Appeals

6 Contact Info

7-8 Healthy Hints

9-11 Census2020

12-13 Married Couples Ministry

14 YPD

15 Get Out The Vote (GOTV)

16 National Neighbor Day

17 Advertisements/Notices

18-19 A Personal Note

Greater Bethel AME Church

THE BETHEL BUZZ

Volume I September 2020 Issue 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

QUIZ TIME What is the longest book in the Bible?

____ Genesis ____ Jeremiah ____ Psalms ____ Ezekiel

The answer is located further in this newsletter. Do not look ahead until you have at least tried to answer the question. Have fun!

PASTOR’S CORNER

Greater Bethel Family:

We have some exciting days ahead! As I reflect over the past

few months, I am amazed at what God has done and is doing.

We entered into this pandemic almost blind, unaware and

fearful of what would happen. Yet we remained faithful and

trusting of God. We have remained the church gathered while

we are socially distanced and scattered. Look at what the Lord

has done, we had a drive thru luncheon, continue to worship

weekly, sponsored an intern, renovated a restroom and painted

others, cleaned and organized our second floor. All I can say is

look what the Lord has done. We can’t let our focus be on what

God has done because he has much more to do. In a few weeks

we will have StayCation Bible School, Virtual Revival and Church

Anniversary. We are not allowing our work to stop we are still

going on. There is a song that is sung in the Spanish church

that is translated to mean; "through our struggles and our

testing the church continues in its marching and we only stop to

hear the word of God." Greater Bethel let's keep marching

on! Complete the Census, Register to Vote, VOTE and KEEP

MARCHING!!!

Love God - Love the People - Do The Work

Rev. Dr. Abdue L. Knox - Pastor

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 2

Upcoming Events

Sundays 10:00am Worship Service (Facebook Live on GB Facebook Page or Our YouTube Channel - Please Like our page and Subscribe to our YouTube Channel) Sundays 1:00pm Junior Church Via Zoom Wednesdays 12 noon Bible Study (Prayer

Call) Via Zoom Saturdays 6:00pm Church School Via Zoom Saturday 12 noon Equippers’ Club Sep 12th Meeting Via Zoom (Contact Coach Slade for Zoom information)

Voter registration ends on October 9th Have you registered to vote yet?

Early voting begins October 15th

Apply for an absentee ballot!

Absentee Ballots mailed out September 4th

SAVE THE DATES

Church Anniversary

will be September 30th - October 4th and

include a 3-Night Revival

(Sep. 30th - Oct. 2nd) - Community Outreach on

Oct. 3rd and Worship Service on Oct. 4th.

Co-Chairs: Bro. Myrick and Sis. Wonson

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2020

The Race Is On And The Finish Line Is In Sight

Let’s Become Champions In The Eyes Of God

The Greater Bethel AME Church’s

Christian Education Department is

Inviting You To Attend Its Kickoff For

Our Celebration Of CED Month!

Join Us Saturday, September 12, 2020

From 10:00am to 1:00pm In A Fun Interactive

Session To Learn More Of The Wonders Of GOD!

We Are Asking That You Register by contacting the

Christian Education Department.

Greater Bethel AME Zoom Conference

Saturday, September 12th

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Free (Deadline to register is 9/6/20)

Open to children ages 5 - 17. Please provide child’s name and age along with parent’s email address to receive confirmation and further instructions.

Sis. Phyllis Wonson - Director of Christian Education pgraywonson@gmail.com or 443-799-9790

Sis. Boneita Page - Church School Superintendent

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 3

MISSIONARY NEWS & UPDATES September 2020 First Edition

Greetings and Salutations to the Missionaries, YPDers and to our Church Family.

As the President of the Haynes-Schofield Women's Missionary Society, I would like to thank our members, Pastor Abdue Knox and the Greater Bethel Church family for your love and support of our mission projects. We appreciate you. Remember that only what we do for Christ will last.

MISSION IS ALIVE during COVID-19.

We’re still….Called To Do Mission …....…

Mission Statement: We are called to strengthen our faith and be sent to continue the ministry of Jesus Christ by service and witness in the world.

Listed below are some of our projects that we will be working on in the next few months and solicit your support in the work of mission.

Dollars For Missions: We are asking each

members of our church to donate at least $1.00 or more for the work of Mission in the month of September. All monies collected will assist the SEDWMS in the work of mission within the District and Connectional.

OPERATION SANDWICHES (Ongoing/Monthly) - FYI - We made and donated 500 sandwiches in the months of July and August to Roof Above (formerly known as the Urban Ministry Men’s Shelter). Our sandwiches were used to feed homeless men and women in hotels that are supported by Roof Above. KUDOS to our sandwich maker volunteers.

DORCAS 2020 - each year we're asked to raise

funds to assist the Second Episcopal District Women's Missionary Society and Supervisor with their global mission projects which includes money to the AME Shelter located in Raleigh, NC,

the Nehemiah Project, etc. All donations are due on or by October 26, 2020. STOCK THE FOOD PANTRY- We are currently asking for non-perishable items and canned goods to stock our food pantry for the fall/winter months and to assist us with items for our Thanksgiving Baskets to the needy. Last year we donated 25 food baskets to the sick and shut-in and families in need within the community. You may start now bringing/ donating items for the Pantry such as canned vegetables, stuffing, rice, cranberry sauce, etc. We also solicit monetary donations. If you are giving monetary donations, please note Haynes-Schofield WMS Food Pantry/Thanksgiving on the envelope.

TAKING IT TO THE STREET - December 2020 - We will be collecting socks, gloves, hats, hand sanitizers, warmers, rain ponchos and full size toiletries.

2020 ANGEL TREE PRISON FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY - We will be sponsoring children through the Angel Tree Prison Ministry. These are children whose parents are incarcerated and have no means to provide a gift for their child or children at Christmas. Our sponsorship allows us to give to these children a gift(s) on behalf of their parent(s) and helps to restore HOPE. We will receive our sponsorship list in the coming weeks

(October/November). As a sponsor, you are asked to purchase at least one (1) gift within $15-$25 range. If you are unable to sponsor a child, you can make a financial donation toward a child’s gift. Sis. Lillie Boyd will be chairing this effort along with Sis. Angie Pugh.

Scripture Thought: May you always be doing those good, kind things which show that you are a child of God, for this will bring much praise and glory to the Lord. - Philippians 1:11 (TLB)

Angeline Pugh, WMS President

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 4

***GREATER BETHEL’S LIVING LEGENDS***

BRO. JAMES JOHNSON

James Edward Johnson born May 20, 1948 in Sumter, South Carolina to the late John

Johnson and the late Christine Crim Johnson. James was the 9th of 11 children.

He was educated in the Sumter school system and graduated from Lincoln High School in

1966. In high school he played basketball, football, and ran track. After graduating from

high school, he attended Johnson C. Smith University. There he played football along with

his older brother Joseph Johnson. At Smith he joined the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

James graduated in 1972 with a major in Economics. After graduating, he moved to

Philadelphia to live with his mom. He got a job with Philadelphia

Department of Social Services.

While at JCSU James met Jennifer Caldwell from Morganton, NC

in 1968. They dated throughout their stay at Smith. In 1974 they

were married in Morganton and moved to Philadelphia. They

then moved to Charlotte in December 1974. Upon moving to

Charlotte, James worked as an Alcoholism Counselor in

Statesville, NC for 9 months then he got a job in Charlotte with

the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Department of Social Services where

he worked for 29 years.

He and Jennifer have 2 children - daughter Ebony who lives in Asheville, NC and has 2 sons

Cameron(8) and Cobi(3). Their son Christopher lives in Pineville, NC and he has 1 son

Cassius(3). James enjoys visiting his 3 grandsons and having them visit him.

James has always loved sports. He played flag football in Philadelphia and Charlotte. He

played basketball in the Parks and Recreation league here in Charlotte. The sport he loves

most is golf. He learned to play growing up in Sumter and has loved the game immensely.

Growing up in Sumter he was a member of First Baptist Church. Upon moving to Charlotte,

James joined Greater Bethel AME Church where he served as a trustee. James was a charter

member of the Bethel Spiritualities Gospel Choir and was very active with the Sunday

Church School. He participated with the church golf team

and the basketball team.

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 5

Continued Prayers for: Pastor Knox

Rev. Lizzie Barber Sis. Carrie Barnette

Bro. Donald Barnette Sis. Lillie Boyd

Sis. Marjorie Brown Sis. Betty Evans

Sis. Tara Harbison The Harper Family

Sis. LuCil Ivey Rev. Brendalyn Jones

Sis. Gloria McNeill Sis. Dolores Moore

Bro. Dwight Patterson Sis. Albertha Prince Bro. Bobby Rankin Sis. Rosena Talley

Sis. Paulette Wisdom

To all who have lost loved ones All those affected by COVID-19

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

Hope all of our September

birthdays are filled with love and happiness on their special day.

Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday, God bless you, Happy birthday to you.

*********************** NEED YOUR HELP!

If you know of anyone who is sick, had death in the family, in the hospital, just had a baby, graduated, getting married, etc., please drop us an email so that we can acknowledge them in the newsletter.

COMMISSION ON MISSION & WELLFARE

Church and Community Food Drive

to begin Sept 15th

Collection at the church

(Alternate Sanctuary side)

Tuesdays thru Thursdays from 10am - 2pm

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 6

Noonday Bible Study Call Please join us for our Noonday Bible Study on Wednesdays, at 12:00 PM via Zoom videoconferencing - information listed below. Zoom Meeting Info: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5232282150?pwd=UDlvTUJQWHhxeFBaYW5wVmZ0TGVtZz09 Meeting ID: 523 228 2150 Password: Please see Bro. Harold Gaines for Password information Conference Call Number: (312) 626-6799 One tap mobile: +13126266799,5232282150#

The church office will be open on Tuesdays, between 10 AM - 2 PM to receive offerings in person. Members can also mail in their givings or give electronically using one of the methods listed below.

PayPal

Cash App $gbamec

Text Giving Text GBAMECLT to 73256

Realm Connect [Realm Login]

Contact Information: Pastor’s Office: 980-949-7306 Email: pastorknox@gbame.org Church Office: 980-949-6576 Email: gboffice@carolina.rr.com Website: www.gbame.org Office Hours: Tuesday - Thursday (10:00am - 2:00pm) Eastern District Website: www.easternwncc2ndamec.org 2nd Episcopal District Website: www.ame2.com Editor (to submit articles): so-b-it1@hotmail.com Please put “newsletter” in the subject line

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 7

***HEALTHY HINTS CORNER***

Every year, over 17 million people die from heart disease. As a way to fight this, the World Heart Federation created World Heart Day. It’s an event held every year on the last Sunday in September - falling this year on Sept. 29th. People around the world can find events that raise awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD) - its warning signs, the steps you can take to fight it, and how to help those around you who may be suffering. So, on September 29th, fight CVD by getting involved with a World Heart Day event near you.

HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD HEART DAY

1. Designate the day for a checkup You may even be able to find a World Heart Day event near you that’s offering health check services. It doesn’t get much easier than that!

2. Get your heart rate up with fitness events Maintaining a healthy weight and low Body Mass Index (BMI) can help decrease your chances of developing heart disease. Whether you decide to attend a gym or fitness class - or prefer to get involved at a World Heart Day event - try to make being active a priority.

3. Schedule life-changing seminars Most cardiac emergencies occur near someone who could potentially help - so setting up a CPR class and learning how to resuscitate a person could save lives. Cooking demonstrations, health lectures, and fitness lessons are also great events to plan for World Heart Day.

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 8

4 CRUCIAL FACTS ABOUT HEART DISEASE

1. Heart disease costs all of us

Each year, the U.S. spends approximately $200 billion in health care services,

medication, and lost productivity due to heart disease.

2. There are 3 common risk factors Smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol (specifically LDL), are the key risk

factors for heart disease. Half of all Americans suffer from at least one of these.

3. Sodium intake is putting kids at risk Approximately 10 percent of children in the U.S. have high blood pressure due to the

consumption of too much sodium.

4. Early warning signs are crucial Approximately 47 percent of cardiac-related deaths take place outside of a hospital -

demonstrating that people don't take early warning signs seriously enough.

WHY WORLD HEART DAY IS IMPORTANT

1. It’s for your heart - and all our hearts… As the World Heart Federation says, September 29th is all about asking yourself: “What can I do right now to look after my heart…and your heart?”

2. It highlights worldwide events… World Heart Day is a universal platform that has the capability to focus attention on the millions who die from heart disease each year. Through worldwide events, the day offers health and fitness tips so people can lead a life free of cardiovascular ailments.

3. It encourages people to take action… By offering a variety of fun, healthy events - walks, runs, public talks, concerts, etc. - the day can inspire you to fight cardiovascular disease and live a longer, healthier life.

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 9

If you have not completed your 2020 Census, please do so a.s.a.p. Deadline has been pushed back from October to September 30th.

Everyone living in the nation, including non-citizens, are included in the 2020 Census count. The questionnaire will not ask if anyone in a household is a U.S. citizen or for anyone’s social security number, and answers will not be

shared with law enforcement. Responses can’t be used to impact one’s eligibility for government benefits. The Census Bureau also won’t ask for money or donations, anything on behalf of a political party or one’s bank or credit card account information. Important county funding depends upon the census.

Questions include:

• How many people were living or staying in this house, apartment or mobile home on April 1, 2020? • Were there any additional people staying here on April 1, 2020, that you did not include in Question 1? • Is this a house, apartment or mobile home? • What is your telephone number? • Name, sex, age and date of birth of each person living there. • Are they of Hispanic, Latino or Spanish origin? • What is the person’s race?

Locals can complete the census at my2020census.gov, or by calling 844-330-2020, or by returning the mailed paper questionnaire.

Currently, Mecklenburg ranks 18 out of 100 counties in the state. Historic census self-response rates for Mecklenburg County were 68.0% in 1990, 68.0% in 2000, and 67.3% in 2010. As of August, we are at 62.2%. We have to do better, and it starts with you. Tell everyone you know how important this is.

For more information on the impact not responding to the Census will be to all of our communities, please use the link below and go to the startling statistics.

https://www.ncdemography.org/wp-

content/uploads/2020/06/2020Census_Brief_CCM.pdf?utm_source=Carolina+Population+Center&utm_cam

paign=767b22a3fe-

EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_08_07_12_54&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_807b260e90-767b22a3fe-

405900362

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 10

RALEIGH — More than 4 million North Carolinians are missing from the 2020 census.

Major media reports have emphasized a low census count could put billions in federal

dollars at risk. But it also could keep North Carolina from gaining a congressional seat.

The census count, done every 10 years, helps determine how federal money is allocated to

communities. It also determines representation in Congress. North Carolina’s population

has grown by nearly 1 million people over the past decade. But if census takers don’t count

them, the people parceling out congressional districts won’t know they’re here.

Each state gets at least one of the 435 seats in the U.S. House. The other 385 are divided

mainly by population. Fast-growing states can pluck congressional seats from states losing

people. North Carolina should get a 14th district. We have about 10.6 million people,

roughly 100,000 fewer than Georgia, which has 14 congressional seats. But Michigan —

population 10 million — is expected to lose one of its 14 congressional seats.

If North Carolina’s census count comes in at or below Michigan’s, the 14th U.S.

representative so many have anticipated could go to another state. Perhaps Montana,

which has 1.1 million people but only one congressional seat.

Carolina Demography, a UNC Chapel Hill center focusing on data collection, found North

Carolina’s census response is ranked 35th in the U.S. As of Aug. 2, only 59% of N.C.

households have responded — compared to 63% nationally.

To date, nationwide, 76.5% of housing units have been accounted for in the 2020

Census, with 12.1% counted by census takers and other field data collection

operations, and 64.4% of housing units responding online, by phone or by mail.

The census is in a major time crunch, behind schedule even before the COVID-19

pandemic. Initially, the count was to finish by the end of July, but the U.S. Census Bureau

pushed the deadline to Oct. 31.

The COVID-19 outbreak worsened during a critical collection period, when workers were

going door-to-door to collect data from people who failed to report. Field operations were

temporarily suspended, once again setting back the census collection.

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 11

The bureau had asked Congress for an extension to April 30, 2021, to deliver the

preliminary results, but has since contradicted that request. The bureau quietly moved up

the collection date from Oct. 31 to Sept. 30, giving census workers even less time to

complete the count.

The Democrat-led U.S. House passed a bill extending the census deadline. But the

Senate, which holds a Republican majority, shows no interest in taking up the measure.

“Since undocumented people are the hardest population to get an accurate count on,

Republicans are pushing to have less time for the door-to-door counting and to not count

undocumented in the final apportionment totals,” McLennan said.

Democrats want a longer counting period including more undocumented people, because it

would cost traditionally Republican states House seats, McLennan said.

North Carolina’s red-blue split shouldn’t be affected by the debate over counting illegal

immigrants, but a significant undercount would have consequences for federal money and

a new congressional seat.

“That is a possibility with a shortened time period and the fact that North Carolina has one

of the lowest response rates in the country,” McLennan said.

Nonprofits are working overtime to get more people to respond. N.C. Rural Center and the

NC Counts Coalition are among the groups working to make the count more accurate.

“Any organization that has a trusted relationship with communities that are often

undercounted in the census operation can be effective, trusted messengers,” said Stacey

Carless, executive director of NC Counts Coalition. “Churches can share the message

about the census with their congregation through church announcements or by taking 10

minutes during service to encourage participation,” Carless said. “Food banks can

encourage participation by providing census literature with food distributions.”

If you need assistance in completing the form or do not have a computer, contact a member of the Social Action Commission.

Bro. Neal Green is the Chairperson.

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 12

MARRIED COUPLES’ MINISTRY

"What Ice Cream Flavor Does Your Marriage Resemble?"

Submitted by Patrice & John Bynum

Well, I'll tell you about 32 years ago one might have guessed our marriage

resembled "ROCKY ROAD". You see ROCKY ROAD ice cream is chocolate

with marshmallows, whole nuts, and nut pieces. When John and I got

married in May of 1988, he was 20 years old and I was a month and a half

shy from turning 18 and had a month to go before graduating high school.

"Nuts" RIGHT! Well, it was extremely "nutty", whole and diced. You see

when we got married, I wanted to go on my senior class trip with my

Marine Biology class to the Delaware seashore and my husband, Mr. John

Bynum (being over the age of 18 and now an adult) had to sign my permission slip! Yes, signing MY

permission slip... and guess what, John had the NERVE to ask me had I been good and if I deserved to

go?! Nuts I tell you...just NUTS!

Now the marshmallows are in the form of my looking at him and if he hadn't signed my note he would

have been "toasted" but instead; John became mushy like a marshmallow when he told me just how

proud of me he was and gladly signed my permission slip. I told you..."ROCKY ROAD" ice

cream...sweet with a variety of things going on.

The first two and a half years of our marriage were full of "adult" responsibilities. We had our daughter,

Jasmin, and our son, John Jr. Once again, "ROCKY ROAD" ice cream. The kids were 23 months apart

and John became a truck driver. Yes, it was rough; those kids were like a miniature version of John and

me. They were demanding, comical, and serious all within one hour. We should have named them

ROCKY and ROAD, because they were so sweet, nutty, and had a tendency to make us mushy like

marshmallows to ensure they got their way.

Our first marriage lasted for 19 years. (Yes, I said 1st marriage). Rocky Road ice cream isn't always

good for you without the proper daily nutrients necessary to sustain balance. Just like ice cream flavors,

marriages without a proper balance of CHRIST isn't good for you. It took 19 years, but who knows how

long 19 years is the God? It may have been 19 minutes, 19 days, 19 seconds, heck, it may not have been

19 of anything according to GOD.

2 Peter 3:8 ESV - But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. Our divorce lasted for two years, but God had other plans. Our daughter had our 1st grand baby,

Makaila, and nothing nor anyone could keep us nor our family apart.

Galatians 4:4 ESV But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law…

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 13

We all relocated to Charlotte, NC and I was determined to

have a church wedding this time. So, I entered a marriage

contest at the last minute on the last day and we won. I had

submitted our life story to author and founder of "Marry Your

Baby Daddy" where the winners receive an all-expense paid

wedding. Now tell me that wasn't GOD. Not only did we win,

but three other couples had also won. So, we were all married

with our own bridal parties, our own cakes, jewelry, florists, caterers, you name it. Yes, four separate

weddings together and the best part was it was on John's birthday (9/24/2009) at Weeping Willow

A.M.E. Zion Church. So not only did we have a church with life-long new friends after moving to a new

city, but I was able to re-marry the love of my life on his birthday with God in the midst of it all. That's

what I was referring to when I said "Rocky Road” ice cream can be good for you as long as you

partake of the proper dosage of daily nutrients.

Jeremiah 15:16 ESV Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.

Just so you'll know one of John's favorite ice cream flavors

is "Butter Pecan" and one of my favorites is "Butter

Almond" so we have come to realize that it's alright to be

with someone for 37 years and still be a little

"NUTTY".🙃🙂

Rev. Harry and Sister Linda Hagar chair the Married Couples’ Ministry.

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 14

The Young People’s and Children’s Division Of

Greater Bethel AME Church

On Saturday, July 25, 2020, the YPDers had their first meeting on ZOOM. It was quite different than being in our physical church, but it was FUN. We began our meeting with an Opening Prayer by Riley Lloyd and Scripture, John 13:33-35, was read by Makaila Bynum. The YPDers had a brief Meet ‘N’ Greet session and shared what they had been doing since the COVID-19. After which, many suggested activities were shared for this Conference Year. They were as follows: a Christmas Bake Sale, having Pen Pals, Friday nights (games or movies), get YPD shirts, sending cards to sick Church members, getting to know our Young @Heart Seniors, and doing Community Service. We would like to extend Congratulations to Donovan Chicot for receiving the Western North Carolina Conference (WMS) Scholarship for $1,000.00 and the $250.00 for the Lay Davis-McKinney Scholarship. Donovan graduated from Phillip O. Berry High School and will be attending the University of Tiffin in Ohio. Let us WELCOME Ms. Briana Marshall to Greater Bethel and to the YPDers. She is a graduate of North Carolina Central University in Durham and has just received her Masters’ Degree. She is teaching Biology at Harding University High School. Our next meeting will be Saturday, September 26th - 11:00am - 11:45am via ZOOM.

YPD MOTTO: “Grow, Glow, and Go For CHRIST.”

Our Editors: Makaila Bynum & Riley Lloyd Makaila says, “GB is not just an AME Church but a place where black lives really matter and that is what is taught to everyone no matter what color their skin is”.

Artist Makaila Bynum

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 15

Get Out The Vote (GOTV)

Some people are receiving absentee ballot applications in the mail with postage paid

return envelope enclosed. They are perfectly legit. A private company is doing this at their expense to make sure people have no excuse not to request an absentee ballot.

If you get one, fill it out, put it in the envelope and drop it in the mail. Here is the link to get a form in the event you do not get one of the postage-paid ones in the mail.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/dl.ncsbe.gov/Forms/NCAbsenteeBallotRequestForm.pdf

As of July 25th, 2020, North Carolina had about 7.8 million voting-

eligible adults and 7 million registered voters. Their partisan affiliation was roughly split between three groups: Democrat, unaffiliated, and Republican, with a slight lead to Democrats. Specifically:

• 2,537,032 or 36% were registered Democrat • 2,344,632 or 33% were registered Unaffiliated • 2,104,881 or 30% were registered Republican • 47,334 or 0.7% were registered to another party

It is imperative that you order your ballot as soon as possible. The Board

of Elections will start mailing out ballots on September 4th. Can we count on you? If you would like to see the slate of candidates for the district that you reside in, click on this link and then enter your street address.

https://slate.ncdems.civicengine.com/s/?bid=6209275&et=bmq9LsvoDYag3P8w4G8RCeFM

More than 534,000 mail ballots across 23 states were rejected during primaries this year, illustrating how missed delivery deadlines and mistakes could disenfranchise voters and affect

the outcome of the presidential election in November.

Vote by Mail will play a significant role in this election. We are hoping that we can get legislation passed that will allow us to have vote-by-mail which is completely different than absentee voting. Right now, we will depend on the absentee ballot for those who do not feel comfortable going to the polls. More about Vote by Mail next month. For more information, see The Christian Recorder: https://mailchi.mp/59a3d339289d/tcr-dialogue-voter-engagement-series-next-week-august-24-26-and-247794?e=9be2e1e405

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 16

NATIONAL NEIGHBOR DAY

Want to be the favorite person on your block? National Neighbor Day

celebrates the importance of being a good neighbor while contributing to

one’s community and each other. Relationships with neighbors can often

lead to close friendships. Neighbors are almost like family. They’re close

to you in more ways than one. That’s why National Neighbor Day, held

annually on September 28th, promotes good relationships between

neighbors.

As Mister Rogers would say, “Please won’t you be…my neighbor?”

Right now, nearly 1 in 5 older adults in our country live in social isolation. And studies have shown that prolonged social isolation is just as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It’s a crisis that often hides in plain sight because loneliness happens in silence. Today, there’s an easy way for you to help, be a good neighbor. Ahead of National Neighbor Day on September 28th, we’re challenging you to get to know the people in your community.

➢ When you're out and about do you ever stop to say hi or smile at the people around you? ➢ How well do you know your neighbors? ➢ Here’s an interesting one: How do you lend a helping hand to your neighbor? ➢ Here’s the big one: National Neighbor Day is September 28th! Pick a neighborly act you can

do to mark the occasion:

1. Reach out to a neighbor you haven't talked to in a while with a phone call or visit. 2. Plan a casual gathering with your neighbors, like a barbecue or game night (keeping social distancing in mind). 3. Look for ways to make your neighborhood and community more welcoming and accessible. 4. Meet 'n greet - What? You haven't met your neighbors? We can't have that. March out there and introduce yourself. (NOTE: Just did that with my neighbor across the street - great front porch talk.) 5. Yard duty - Nothing drives neighbors crazy like staring at a

messy yard. If you're lucky enough to have an actual lawn - make sure you take care of it. Initiate a neighborhood clean-up day. 6. Don't be (too) nosy - Some folks enjoy their privacy more than others. Don't ask too many questions, especially if it appears your neighbor isn't that keen on sharing information.

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 17

I Guess I’m No Longer a Christian

I guess I am no longer a Christian. At least, according to a Facebook post I scrolled past the other day and the rhetoric that is swirling around town after the political convention. I guess I am no longer a Christian because my views do not align perfectly with other Christians and most importantly, I am not a Republican. I guess I am no longer a Christian because I will not be voting for Donald Trump this November.

I guess I am no longer a Christian despite being baptized in the faith as a child and accepting Christ as my savior on my 12th birthday. I guess I am no longer a Christian even though I have served in the church my entire life. I guess I am no longer a Christian even though I have prayed numerous prayers and studied scripture more in-depth than most will do in their lifetime. I guess I am no longer a Christian.

I guess I am no longer a Christian because I believe that while some issues are binary, many are much greyer than we care to admit. I guess I am no longer a Christian because I am hesitant to be a part of something that does not welcome all people into a kingdom. I guess I am no longer a Christian because I believe I must preach that, “BLACK LIVES MATTER,” without hesitation because I studied a sacred book who identifies and elevates different voices, time and time again. I guess I am no longer a Christian because I question, wrestle, and argue against illogical racist teachings and my faith, much like the people within the text, and who have studied the text, many of whom are considered saints. All of which has been done for millennia. I guess I am no longer a Christian because I question many of the voices we have deified (made-god) for centuries in turn ignoring the valuable perspectives and understandings of faith from so many more.

I guess I am no longer a Christian and that kind of Christianity does not want me, but that is okay. I am not sure I want to be a part of that Christianity anyways.

I am not here to please politicians and the ideologies of other Christians. I am here to follow Christ…and I believe that makes me a Christian. Maybe not the Christian some want me to be or a part of the Christianity that is paraded as the ‘right’ way, but I believe in the words of Jesus, following Christ is what was intended (Matt. 16:24-26). To walk such a path and to carry a cross, calls us to question the things that create impediments to this place becoming a place of justice, refuge, and love; for all people, not just the ones who say a pledge of allegiance and vote a certain way. Moreover, it calls us to question the motivations behind and beyond our desires.

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 18

I desire to be a Christian that mourns the death of the young boy Cannon Hinnant, yet cries and fights for justice for Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Jacob Blake, and so many more. I desire to be a Christian who does not attach myself too close to politicians, public figures, and movements that seek to serve or preserve the distorted images of individuals and this country, or that promote continued polarization. I would much rather seek people who have a passion for unity and who focus on the lives of those around us. The lives of people who look like me and do not look like me. The lives of people who think like me and do not think like me. The lives of people who were born with the same opportunities that I have and the lives of those who were born without. I do not desire to be a Christian who repeats, “this is not my home”, but a Christian that seeks to make “earth as it is in heaven” - (Matt. 6:10).

In a generation of uncertainty, it is perplexing to find the number of people who are certain; not to mention the number of Christians who are certain. Ironically, Jesus asked FAR more questions than he gave answers. Rather than performing theological gymnastics to determine if I just committed heresy by proclaiming that Jesus did not know something (look for the word omniscient in your Bible; I will wait), let us instead concede we may not know everything ourselves, but that this life is about more than being “right”; it is about more than just me.

This life is not about building walls to determine who is inside and who is outside. It was about tearing down the walls that have prevented us from loving our neighbor. It is about finding more ways to participate in the work of making this place kingdom-like. This life is about inviting people in, to be in community together. It is about inclusion. We spend too much time focusing on what we have been told instead of challenging our understanding of God. We pick and choose from minuscule points that have nothing to do with the bigger picture of our existence. We live in the condemnation of Romans 1, instead of rejoicing like Paul in Romans 8: “Nothing can separate us from the love of God”.

This reflection may frustrate or anger some. It may cause several to “pray for my salvation” or resort to apologetics to tell me why I am wrong. But this was not for them.

This was for the people who have been watching the walls being built and have not felt like they have a place for faith anymore. This is for the people who have a voice but cannot be heard over the construction of hate. This is for the people who needed someone to say that there is hope. Our job is to simply Love God, Love the People and Do the work!!

PLEASE NOTE: The views expressed above are solely the personal thoughts of, Dr. Abdue L. Knox, and not as the Pastor of the church.

Greater Bethel AME Church - 5232 The Plaza - Charlotte, NC 28215 - Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor Page 19

***ADVERTISEMENTS/NOTICES*** September 4th - Will begin to mail out Absentee Ballots September 7th - Labor Lay September 13th - National Grandparents Day September 18th - National HIV/AIDS & Aging Awareness Day September 22nd - National Voter Registration Day Check out this link for additional national events in the month of September. https://nationaltoday.com/september-holidays

COMING SOON! "Aging Gracefully Webinar Series"

1. Medical Aspects of Aging Gracefully 2. Pharmaceutical Aspects of Aging Gracefully 3. Legal Aspects of Aging Gracefully 4. Psychological Aspects of Aging Gracefully 5. Spiritual Aspects of Aging Gracefully

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Love God - Love the People - Do The Work Rev. Dr. Abdue L. Knox - Pastor

Answer to the Quiz

The correct answer is Jeremiah. Most people think it is Psalms. Jeremiah sure had a lot to say! We don’t blame you for thinking that Psalms is the longest book - it does have the most pages and verses. However, when you break down the number of words in each book, Jeremiah wins at over 33,000, about 1,000 more than Psalms. If we arranged the books the old school way, then the two-part book of Kings would be the longest. And if we went even further back, then the five-part Torah (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) would far surpass all of the other contenders for the longest book. This makes up about one fifth of the whole Bible!