Last Updated on 12/1/2008

Published on 9/4/2008

"Thou therefore my son, be strong in the grace that is in Jesus Christ." II Tim 2:1

By Gloria Barr Ford

Let us rejoice in the beautiful days that the Lord has given us. Even though we are threatened with a possible hurricane, let us keep in mind that God is in control, and let us pray for our community and surrounding areas, and for people everywhere in all types of disastrous situations.

Pastor Appreciation

Appreciation services were held Sunday, Aug. 10, at 5 p.m. for the Revs. Alfred Darby and James Chattine, pastor and assistant pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church of North Santee, respectively. Brother Sammy Grayson presided.

Others on program were Evangelist Mary Drayton, Minister Annie Grant, Brother Charles Hill, Minister Larry Bland and Sister Sherry Livingston, along with the pastor's aide, stewards, choirs and the Mt. Zion AME church members and friends. Special guest speaker was the Elder David L. Grayson, pastor of Open Bible Tabernacle Church.

Belated congratulations go out to the Revs. Darby and Chattine as they continue to pastor at Mt. Zion.

Marriage

Prophetess Natashia and Prophet Eric Garrett celebrated their marriage with a reception at Ryan's Steakhouse on Saturday, Aug. 30, at 3 p.m.

Evangelist Angela McEleveen presided over the program, which included the charging of the bride, the groom and the couple by Prophetess Janice Odom. Communion was given by Pastor Jacklyn Grissett.

The bride's mother, Mrs. Delores Brown made remarks with a solo by Denise Coakely and other songs by the Heavenly Angels. Others on program were Pastor Armstrong and Pastor Elsa Syndab, who delivered special words. Congratulations to the happy couple.

Working codes

I hope you enjoy the following e-mail sent to me by a working person:

"Dress code: You are advised to come to work dressed according to your salary. If we see you wearing Prada shoes and carrying a Gucci bag, we will assume you are doing well financially and therefore do not need a raise.

"If you dress poorly, you need to learn to manage your money better so that you may buy nicer clothes, and therefore you do not need a raise

"Sick days: We will no longer accept a doctor's statement as proof of sickness. If you are able to go to the doctor, you are able to come to work.

"Personal days: Each employee will receive 104 personal days a year. They are called Saturdays and Sundays.

"Bereavement leave: This is no excuse for missing work. There is nothing you can do for dead friends, relatives or coworkers. Every effort should be made to have nonemployees attend the funeral arrangements in your place.

"In rare cases where employee involvement is necessary, the funeral should be scheduled in the late afternoon. We will be glad to allow you to work through your lunch hour and subsequently leave one hour early.

"Bathroom breaks: Entirely too much time spent in the toilet. There is now a strict three-minute limit in the stalls.

"At the end of three minutes, an alarm will sound, the toilet paper roll will retract, the stall door will open and a picture will be taken.

"After your second offense, your picture will be posted on the company bulletin board under the 'Chronic Offenders' category. Anyone caught smiling in the picture will be sectioned under the company's mental health policy.

"Lunch break: Skinny people get 30 minutes for lunch, as they need to eat more so that they look healthy. Normal-size people get 15 minutes for lunch to get a balanced meal to maintain their average figure. Chubby people get 5 minutes for lunch because that's all the time needed to drink a Slim Fast.

"Thank you for your loyalty to our company. We are here to provide a positive employment experience. Therefore, all questions, comments, concerns, complaints, frustrations, irritations, aggravations, insinuations, allegations, accusations, contemplations, consternation and input should be directed elsewhere."

I hope that gave you a laugh and a serious look at your job situation!

St. Luke program

St. Luke AME Church in the St. Luke community will be celebrating their 100-plus anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 7, at 4 p.m. The Rev. Dr. Charles E. Young, president of Allen University, will be the guest speaker. The Rev. Cooper is the pastor.

Saturday Sunshine

Don't forget to join me for Saturday Morning Sunshine at 11:30 every Saturday morning on 1470 AM WLMC and remember to pray for the sick and shut in, the bereaved, those in nursing homes, our men and women in Iraq and their families left behind and the innocent ones in war-torn lands. God bless you. Have a great week!

Gloria Barr Ford is a Georgetown resident.