The Singles Ministry sponsored a Bowling Night at Colonial Lanes in Ann Arbor. It was a fun night of fellowship on Friday November 18, 2007. Bowling,soft drinks, pizza and impromptu dancing made the evening extremely enjoyable. The ages covered a wide spectrum.
OCTOBER 2007
Bishop Samuel L. Green Uplifts Bethel at Revival
Bethel held its Annual Fall Revival on Monday October 29th and Tuesday October 30th, 2007. Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. Bishop of the 15th Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church.
Annual Women's Missionary Society Day
Rev. Maymette Dolberry of Brown Chapel A.M.E., Ypsilanti, MI was the Guest Pastor for the Women's Missionary Society Day. The service was held on Sunday October 21, 2007.
Bethel Welcomes Joseph N. Cousin, Jr.
Rev. Dr. Joseph N. Cousin, Sr., Sis. Carisalyn N. Cousin and Miriam Joy welcomed Joseph N. Cousin, Jr. into the world on Thursday, October 4, 2007.
SEPTEMBER 2007
Dr. Lynn Wilson Hill Walk Second Annual Walk
The Health and Wellness Ministry sponsored the Second Annual Dr. Lynn Wilson Hill Walk. Dr. Hill was a Dentist and Health advocate and member of Bethel. The walk took place on the morning of Saturday September 15, 2007. Sixty Six individuals signed in to participate in the walk. Participants chose from a 1, 3 or 5 mile route.
Toddlers, youngster and adults enjoyed the crisp, invigorating weather. It was the perfect day to move and fellowship.
Bethel Youth Win Piano Competition Award
Charles May and Adrian May were awarded 2nd and 3rd Place respectively in a Summer Piano Recital at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Ypsilanti. Charles and Adrian participate in the YPD, Junior UsherChildren's Choir and Acolytes. Both young men and their mother Sis. Verna Brown are regular members of Bethel.
Photos by Crystal Harding
Photos Courtesy of Crystal Harding
AUGUST 2007
Bro. Eugene Williams, Sr. chosen as Layperson of the Year
Mr. Eugene G. Williams and Mrs. Bernice H. Williams also celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on August 24th, 2007. They are the parents of three children, Deborah Williams, Laura Williams-Franklin and Eugene G.Williams, Jr. They also have one granddaughter.
Michigan Annual Conference 2007
On Wednesday August 22, the members of Bethel Ann Arbor turned out in force to support Rev. Dr. Joseph N. Cousin at the opening service of the 2007 Michigan Annual Conference. Clergy and Laypersons from all over Michigan and beyond attended the service.
The combined Mass Choir of Bethel Ann Arbor and Bethel Detroit blessed the Conference attendees with several selections. Rev. Michael Cousin of Bethel A.M.E. Detroit was the Host Pastor. The members of his congregation provided hospitality and smiling faces.
Rev. Cousin brought many to their feet when he delivered a moving sermon. The Michigan Annual Conference was held at the Hyatt Regency - Dearborn.
Bethel Demonstrates Appreciation for Rev. Cousin
The Pastor's Aides and the members of Bethel showed their appreciation on Saturday August 11th acknowledging the works of the Lord, through Rev. Cousin by holding a Pastor' Appreciation service. The Rev. Mark Lyon of Second Baptist Church of Ann Arbor preached a powerful message about valuing your Pastor! Many members of our Sister Church Second Baptist joined us in the celebration. The extremely talented Gospel Truth Praise Team blessed everyone with songs of praise.
Dr. Lee Martin, the Master of Ceremonies provided a top ten list of many of the characteristics of Rev. Cousin. The works of Sister Cousin and energy of little Miriam were also recognized by the congregation.
After the ceremony everyone was invited to fellowship in the All Purpose Room to enjoy cake, ice cream and punch.
Youth Revival
Rev. Dr. Cousin was the Guest Revivalist at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Ypsilanti, MI. The Rev. Garther Roberson, who is the host pastor, requested that Rev. Cousin return to bless the church with another dynamic and uplifting spiritual message. Rev. Cousin preached each night from August 6 throught August 8. Many people, young and old, from Mt. Olive and Bethel, enthusiastically chose to spend a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday night to be blessed by powerful messages. All who attended were blessed to be able to fellowship and pray together.
JULY 2007
Members of Bethel Work at the Ann Arbor Community Center Fish Fry
The Ann Arbor Community Center held a Catfish Dinner fundraiser on July 29, 2007. Members of Bethel A.M.E. helped in cooking, selling and packaging catfish dinners. The money will be used to support the worthy programs sponsored at the Center.
Helping Hands Ministry Treats Seniors to a Visit to IKEA
The Helping Hands Ministry sponsored a trip to IKEA on Wednesday, July 25. The Senior Citizens were driven in the spacious Church Bus, treated to breakfast and given time to check out the selection in the Canton, MI store.
Dr. Bella M. Parker Wins Re-election to Women's Missionary Society
Our own Dr. Bella M. Parker has won re-election as the Connectional Second Vice-President of the Women's Missionary Society. The elections were conducted at the Quadrennial, which was held in Philadelphia, PA from July 20 through July 24, 2007. This is the Connectional WMS Convention that is held every four years. Dr. Parker will not only represent the interest of Bethel but the entire A.M.E. church.
Bethel Volunteers Work With Habitat for Humanity
Members of Bethel teamed up with Habitat for Humanity for fhe construction a home. On July 21, 2007, the volunteers spent Saturday on this worthy cause.
Bethel Crusaders Win League Championship
It took a long time on Saturday, July 21 but after being at the ball field from 9:00a.m. until 6:00p.m. the Crusaders are now officially the winners of the Pittsfield Township softball league. The teams went through a series of elimination games. The trophy was presented to the Church for display. Pictures of the team are in the Photo Gallery for May,June and July 2007.
Men of Action Take Young Men to Comerica Park
The Men of Action Ministry sponsored a visit to a Detroit Tiger Baseball game at Comerica Park. The Annual Negro League Day was celebrated on Friday July 20, before the regularly scheduled game. The group consisted of pre-teens to seasoned men for fun and fellowship.
Photos by D. Amison
Bethel A.M.E. Crusaders Co-ed Softball Team Played Final Regular Season Game
The Crusaders played the regular season's FINAL GAME on Friday July 6 at 7:15 p.m. The team played at the Montibeller Park in Pittsfield Township, on Ellsworth Road east of Carpenter Road. Supporters brought chairs and cheered for our team on to win the game.
Rev. Dr. Sherman L. Greene, Jr. , Retired General Officer preaches sermon.
Dr. Sherman Greene, Jr. honored the Bethel congregation on Sunday July 01, 2007 by delivering the sermon at the 10:45 a.m. service. Dr. Greene celebrated his 101st birthday in June 2007. Even though he mentioned that his memory is not what it used to be he is still able to quote scriptures and bless the congregation with a moving sermon.
JUNE 2007
Mind, Body And Spirit Conference
Sis. Verna Brown hosted the First Annual Mind, Body and Spirit Conference at the beauriful Ypsilanti Marriott Club House on Saturday June 30, 2007. This Annual event will begin a scholarship fund in honor of her father. The Young Adult Choir: "A Christian Unit" was a part of the talent offered at the event. Several vendors showcased their services and products. Historical romance author Beverly Jenkins was the afternoon Keynote Speaker
Church Picnic Brings Out A Large Crowd
Food, fun and fellowship made the Bethel June 29, 2007church picnic a major success. Burgers, hot dogs, basketball, bounce house, swings, sliding boards, and water balloons. There was something fun for everyone.
Seniors Were Treated to Luncheon and a Movie
The Health and Wellness Committee was please to provide Seniors with a luncheon and a movie on June 20th. There was a significant turnout of people who came out to enjoy food, entertainment and fellowship.
Bethel A.M.E. Church Honored by Historical Plaque
Juneteenth celebration on Saturday June 15th ended with the presentation of the first set of several Ann Arbor historical plaques. Additional plaques will be dedicated over the next few years.
Bethel A.M.E. Church and Second Baptist Church were honored by having historical plaques installed on Detroit Street in downtown Ann Arbor. Several plaques were dedicated, with addirtional plaques to placed downtown over the next few years. The location is across from Community HIgh School, which was formerly Jones School. This area was once a predominately African American community.
Many dignitaries and community members were present at the occassion including Ann Arbor NAACP President Willialm Hampton, Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje, Councilperson Wendy Woods, former Counselperson Rev. Pat Byrd Dixon representing Second Baptist, Mrs. Rosemarion Blake, Rev and Mrs. Robert Blake of St. Luke A.M.E. - Highland Park, and our own Rev. Dr. Joseph N. Cousin.
Zingerman's Deli co-owner Paul Saginaw provided delicious refreshments afterward.
Ann Arbor Pioneer Girls Track Coach Honored
Greensboro, NC Our own Bro. Bryan Westfield, Pioneer head girls cross country and track coach received the Mike Byrnes Coach of the Year Award. He has been Ann Arbor Pioneer's Head coach since 1979.
Men's Day Guest Preachers have Local Connections
On Sunday June 17, 2007 Bethel celebrated Men's Day by welcoming to guest Ministers.
The Rev. Kevin Taylor of Bridge Street A.M.E. Church, Brooklyn, New York, is the son our own Otha and Peggy Taylor. Rev. Taylor blessed his hometown congregation at the 7:45 a.m. service.
The Rev. Horace Charles, who lives in Arkansas, works in Texas and preaches in Louisiana, is the brother of our own Floyd Harris. Rev. Charles preached at the 10:45 a.m. service.
Rev. Kevin Taylor
Mr. & Mrs. Harris and Rev. & Mrs. Charles
MAY 2007
Mrs. Johnnie Mae Seeley Honored
The WCC Foundation Women's Council hosted a luncheon to honor three outstanding women who are seen as leaders in the community. Our own , Johnnie Mae Seeley was one of the honorees. Mrs. Seeley is a faithful member and a Deaconess of the Church. The proceeds from this event provide services and resources that support the women of Washtenaw Community College.
