“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God”

Hopefully you have had a wonderful week, even though, we have had some severe weather watches and warnings, but thankfully, the gardens have been watered along with the crops in the fields.  

I usually have several email buddies that send me articles that they think may be important, and from time to time, I try to share those with my readers in hopes that something may be helpful.

I received an email not too long ago telling about a method that could be used to help stroke victims, and I was so excited and eager to share it, but  I later found out that this advice has not been endorsed by the American Stroke Association although, it has been widely circulated.

 I greatly apologize for not having researched this before printing.

They advise that there are only three things to do if you think a person is having a stroke and those three things are:

1. Ask the person to smile

2. Ask the person to raise both arms

3. Ask the person to speak a simple sentence.

If the person has trouble with any of these commands, then call 911 and describe the symptoms.  Do not try in any way to prick the person’s fingers as was reported in the email.

Viola Evans

Mrs. Viola Evans celebrated 90 years of living on Friday, May 18 at the dining area of Mason Temple Church in the Conway area.   The celebration was planned by her three granddaughters whom everyone knows as “Ti-Ti”  and “Dolly”, and “Be-Be”  

Their formal names escapes me right now, but it was a beautiful occasion with “Ti-Ti” serving as Mistress of ceremony and keeping us laughing with jokes about her grandmother.

 Although they were funny the way she told them, they attested to the wisdom of Mrs. Evans and for the girls being the mature individuals they are today.

The prayer was done by Rev. Thurmond Cameron and there was singing by Mrs. Evans’s class leader, Brother Victor Lance.  I was privileged to do a Gullah skit that highlighted excerpts from Mrs. Evans’s life, and a niece who had come from out of state to be with her aunt sang a beautiful operatic piece.  Her voice resounded through the crowded room.  

There were other nieces and nephews who came from out of state, also some of Mrs. Evans’s longtime and best friends from Baltimore, MD, were there to surprise her.

A delicious meal was served and photographs were taken of the birthday girl  and her family and friends.  Remarks were made by Pastors, Reverends John Sumpter, Herman Ford, Jr., and her home pastor, Rev. McNeil Evans.  

To top off the evening, Mrs. Evans and her granddaughter opened up the dance floor swinging and swaying to a familiar tune.  The celebration would continue through Sunday with a picnic at Huntington Beach State Park on Saturday and church services on Sunday morning.  We wish Mrs. Evans many, many, more birthdays.  

Franklin Earl Rutledge

A celebration of retirement was held for Reverend Franklin Earl Rutledge on Saturday, May 19 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Oceanside Village Clubhouse in Garden City.  

There were many persons attending from Georgetown and surrounding areas, and also from other states.

Mistress of ceremony was Jasmine Rutledge, one of four daughters giving the event for their father.  The great-nieces, Gianni and Zariah Myers sang a duo of the National Anthem to much applause from the audience.  

The grandson, Thomas Michael Hill read an original poem, and the invocation was given by the brother of Rev. Franklin Rutledge, The Rev. Elton Rutledge.

Others on program were Mrs. Louise Jenkins, Brothers Benjamin Williams, Joe Rudolf, Al Britton, Lorenzo Carr, County Councilwoman Lillie Jean Johnson, and the lovely wife, Mrs. Sandra Rutledge.  These all spoke about Rev. Rutledge from their perspective.

Music was provided by “Tru Sol” and the food was catered by “Exquisite Event Planning”.

St. Michael AME Church

There will be a “Tea” at St. Michael AME Church on Penny Royal Road on Sunday at 4 p.m. sponsored by Sister Goodin and the members.  You are invited to attend.  I have been asked and am privileged to be the speaker.  Rev. Brenda Blackstock is the pastor.

Prayer

Please remember to pray for the sick and shut in, the bereaved, those in nursing homes and hospitals, our men and women on the battlefield in Iraq, innocent victims in war torn  lands, our schools, our teachers, our children.  

Those who are homeless and those without transportation.  Our elderly, especially those who live alone, and for each other.

Join me on Saturday and Sunday at 12:30  p.m. and 11 a.m. respectively on 1470 AM WLMC for Afternoon Blessings and Sunday with Gloria.  

May God bless you above and beyond that which you can imagine or expect as you continue to have wonderful days in His name.