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Women Worship In Pink....
In an attempt
to call more awareness to the race for cancer cure, those suffering with all
kinds of cancers, celebrating the survivors, and in memory of those who have
succumbed to cancer, the Women’s Auxiliary joined with thousands of others in a
“Worship In Pink” weekend sponsored by the Susan B. Komen Race for the
Cure Foundation whose main focus is on breast cancer. Many places of worship
held weekend activities for this event. On Sunday, October 26th,
2008, during the Sunday morning Youth Service, our women’s auxiliary took time
to acknowledge this worthwhile endeavor. Most of the women wore pink ensembles,
blouses, and pink ribbons.
The women prayed that by
inviting family members and friends of two former church members, Mother Claudia
Howard and Sis. Zelda Farley, they could hear the word of God and participate in
a memorial tribute to both Mother Howard and Sis. Farley, both of whom succumbed
to cancer in 2007. On behalf of the Women’s Auxiliary, Sis. Qualyn McIntyre
gave a tribute to both sisters; Dec. Jerome Howard lit a candle in memory of his
mother, and Sis. Born Owens, member and friend of Sis. Farley lit a candle in
her memory. Sis. Owens initially invited Sis. Farley to the church. A moment of
silence was observed on behalf of these two sisters.
  After
the candle lighting ceremony, Ketrice Moses paid tribute to her mother, Santosha
Gibson, who gave a testimony concerning her cancer diagnosis, the healing she
believed the Lord gave her and how encouraged she was and determined to be
around to see her daughter graduate from high school. After the testimony a
tribute was paid to other cancer survivors and those who were standing in on
behalf of family members or friends. A poem was recited by Sis. McIntyre, “I
Wear a Pink Ribbon” by Kimberly R. Harris. Each survivor or stand in was
presented a Survivor’s Pin. After this tribute, the survivors and those standing
in, and many of the saints joined in a victory march around the sanctuary
singing “Victory Is Mine” led by Sis. McIntyre and Sis. Josiland Jackson. This
was truly a time of rejoicing and praise! Youth department members presented
each woman in attendance with a pink bag with informative handouts from the
Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure Foundation and personal items of lotions and
skin care products.
This memorial tribute and
salute to the cancer survivors was very touching, heart-felt and emotional.
Pastor Deas’ sermon was entitled “No Substitute for the Anointing.”
Scripture focus was I Samuel 10:1-27, and I Samuel 15th chapter.
After the preached word of God, altar call and benediction, everyone joined
family and friends, women and members downstairs for a “Pink Lemonade and Cake”
reception. The cake frosted in pink icing was made by Sis. Rose Jenkins from
Orangeburg, SC, Columbia Church assembly and the pink lemonade was made by Sis.
Latonya Marsh, who also was in charge of the decorations. Among the visitors
was Sis. Deas’ former co-worker from Atlanta City Planning Department, Nell
Brown who just completed her final round of chemo; Dec. and Sis. Julius
Williamson were also visiting from Hopkins, SC.
Additionally, Sis. Alisha
Alford spearheaded collecting pink lids from Yoplait yogurt purchases which she
turned in prior to the December 31st deadline. For each lid
collected, $.10 went to the Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure Foundation for
funds to make more people aware of how to get early diagnosis, which in turn
leads to cure in many cases, and the fight toward eliminating breast cancer.
It is our prayer to continue
participating in this worthwhile endeavor which affects women all across the
globe, young and old.
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