Veterans Day section of Salisbury Post 11/11/11
Gold Hill -- Sacred Grove Retreat is holding special events this evening for veterans and Native Americans.
The evening movie event, themed "May Peace Prevail on Earth as One," will take place at Sacred Grove Retreat Chapel.
Here's the schedule:
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Catawba College (Dining Room at noon) (2nd Tuesday) January 9, 2012 Speaker: Dr. Kenneth Clapp
The American Red Cross Recognition Month (Emergency Headquarters) March 20, 2012
Regional Director Mrs.
All pastors, clergy, community and spiritual leaders with their spouse and/or guests are invited.
The Guest Keynote Speaker will be the new President Darise D. Caldwell of RRMC-Novant our host institution.
Please call ahead if possible because each attendee/honoree will receive a professional development seminar certificate and Honorary Membership in the SRMA/MinA..
Special Recognition will be given to our dignitaries and some of our new volunteer Presidential Board of Advisors. (The Chair, Dr. Kenneth Lance will be conducting a tour to the Holy Land for whom our prayers will follow.) Dr. Carroll Fisher will Co-chair. Others include Mrs, Bettye Jo Hardy, president Church Women United, Imam Hassan Mohamed, Dr. Samual Dansoko, Hood Seminary Professor, The notion follows the tradition set in Charlotte by President Emeritus and historian Rev. Dr. Robert Freeman who reached out to seven major denominations/faiths and three smaller groups to represent our diverse multicultural communities. This outreach has been carried through in the past in support of the Mayors’ Spiritual Luncheon, Habitat for Humanity; The Let’s Get Connected Day "planting of a peace pole in major parks across the city and county; Rowan Helping Ministries; homeless veteran/family needs and volunteering as "On-Call duty chaplain for hospital emergencies. We would be very honored in adding your name to our volunteer list - (you choose which day or month may work for you, if needed.)
Special Recognition for volunteer administrative support goes to Mrs. Yoshiko Otey, Mrs. Judith Jordan, Mrs. Marie Clanton, Rev. Evelyn Miller and Mrs. Jody Vale of the Mayor’s office and many others in the background of every event. A host of past officers are also honored as the organization moves into a new era with its first woman president, Dr. Laura Washington: Current and former officers, and leaders to be honored include: Rev. Sandy Kern, Vice President: Sherri Barns, Crop Walk coordinator, Dr. Andrew Whitted, Rev. Barrie Kirby,
The past Febuary Meeting was in China Grove, NC. The Resource Expert Speaker was Dr. David DiLoreto of Rowan Family Physicians, China Grove; and Edwina Ritchie, Rowan Regional Hospice Director, Pastor David Franks was host pastor. This summer we congratulate a young seminarian Adam Ridenhour from Catawba College who completed a rich semester of internship at Rowan Regional Medical Center.
RSVP as soon as convenient to one of the following contacts:
Hospice Chaplain, Harold Jordan, president, at hjordan5@carolina.rr.com or 704-938-3545.
Volunteer Chaplain, Rev. Dr. Laura Washington, president-elect@
Program Coordinator, Fleming Otey, president emeritus at
Manager Chaplain, James Cook, RRMC-Novant at 704-210-5000
(A brief message with your name and name of guests would be much appreciated.)
*Photo on web site: "Community-And-Spiritual-Leaders-Resources/otey-ministry.info
Other Honorees:
Dr. Andrew Whitted
Rev. William Ragsdale
Rev. Dr. Randall Kirby
Rev. Douglas Hefner
Rev. Dr. Stephen Haines
Rev. Clarence Marlin
Rev. Dr. William Batterman
Rev. Whitney Bayer
Rev. Michael Childress
Rev. Phillip Hagen
Rev. Tony Hall
Rev. Dr. Ronald Hash
Rev. Barrie Kirby
Rev. Donald McCann
Rev. Robert Yount (In Memorium)
Prior Honorees:
President. Albert A. D. Aymer
Dr. Broadnax
Mrs. Rose Post
Mrs. Elizabeth Cook
Mrs. Sarah Hall
Mrs. Nancy Brown Perry
Dr. Ralph Ketner
Rev. Dr. Chris Hughes
Rev. Bill and Tina Godair
Rev. Evelyn McMahon
okotey@aol.com or 704-640-0242
**in the spirit of full disclosure, Dr. Otey is a volunteer chaplain, military retiree, international inventor/writer and does free mentoring, plus community service with the homeless. He facilitates philanthropic programs as able.
Chaplains Honored
Chaplain Thomas P. Clements, Chaplain Ethel M. Bamberg-Revis, Chaplain Fleming B. Otey,
and Chaplain Reginald H. Massey, Chief of Chaplain Service, W. G. (Bill) Hefner Medical Center
Along with other guest ministers, the VAMC Chaplains were honored at the Salisbury, NC. Civitan Club's Annual Four Chaplains Day Luncheon February 3rd.They were also among the honorees at the W. G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center in 2004.
Donald F. Moore, Director, Salisbury VA Medical Center - Dr. Catrelia Hunter, Interim President of Livingstone College - Mayor Mary Ponds, Mayor of Granite Quarry - Michael Black, dedicated soldier who recently was wounded in the Irac War - and Reverend Reginald H. Massey, Chief of the Chaplain Service, Salisbury VA Medical Center.
On January 14, 2005 the Salisbury VA Medical Center held their annual celebration of the life and contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On this day the Keynote Speaker was Dr. Catrelia Hunter, who was awarded the distinguished Humanitarian Award for her contributions throughout her life to the community and the church. Mayor Mary Ponds of Granite Quarry also received the Humanitarian Award for all that she has done in her life to help her fellow man, serving as mayor, and serving in so many ways throughout her life. Michael Black has served over and over, not only in the armed forces but as a certified Nursing Technician at the VAMC. He first served in the army some years ago and later at the Veteran's hospital, he then went back into the Army to fight in the Irac War. After being injured, he returned home only to return to the hospital to care for veterans who had served in the past. His dedication was recognized with a Humanitarian Award as well, by Donald F. Moore, Director and Reginald H. Massey, Chief of Chaplain Service.
| Marie Clanton is the Secretary for the Chaplain Service at the VA Medical Center, the Editor of this website and the owner/editor of an online advertising service. |
Gold Hill -- Sacred Grove Retreat is holding special events this evening for veterans and Native Americans.
The evening movie event, themed "May Peace Prevail on Earth as One," will take place at Sacred Grove Retreat Chapel.
Here's the schedule:
The evening movie event, themed "May Peace Prevail on Earth as One," will take place at Sacred Grove Retreat Chapel.
Here's the schedule:
On Sunday, Dec 6, 2009, both 8:30 and 11:00 am services, Holy Eagle spoke at Milford Hills United Methodist Church, Rev. Dr. Chris Hughes, Pastor. Exhibit Indian artists were Edwin George and Gentle Wind Sun Eagle.
The Salisbury/Rowan
Ministerial Association
May 2009 meeting will be hosted
by
The Rev. Stephen D. Haines, Senior Pastor
and
The Rev. Martha Ballard, Associate Pastor
Guest Speaker: Dr. Samuel Dansokho
Thursday, May 14, 2009 at noon.
at First United Methodist Church
217 S. Church Street
Salisbury, NC 28144
(Please note the change of date)
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE NEWS FLYER FOR "LET'S GET CONNECTED DAY"
AT DAN NICHOLAS PARK ON MAY 16, 2009
Archives of News Articles and Photos
ARTICLE BY CHAPLAIN FLEM OTEY, May 21st, 2006
Marvelous Sights (and Sounds)
Near Eagle Heights.
SONIA'S MIRACULOUS HOMEGOING
On Eagles Wings
The spouses of several of my close friends have slipped away recently. They include the wife of Dr. Carrol Fisher, Sonia Fisher; Rose Post's WWII hubby, Ed; and Veteran Hospital's Dr. Hernane Restar's bride of many years, Luz Restar; and also one of my own family members. You as a reader may recall a very ill relative or friend. Yesterday (Saturday May 21st, 2006) was Covenant Community Connection's Let's Get Together Day. As I told over 100 people in the multi-faith prayer circle at the Gazebo in City Park, to me, the sights and sounds of Sonia's home-going have been marvelous if not miraculous.
During Native American Ceremonies, if while dancing, a feather falls to the ground, everything stops. An elder or warrior lifts the eagle feather and points it toward the heavens, with prayer. It is believed that the spirit and soul of another elder and loved one has just gone to be with the creator. God moves in mysterious ways, wonders to behold. The psalmist says: The creator lifts you up on eagle's wings. . .borne on the breath of dawn and makes you shine like the sun. . . . And, to paraphrase another poet-- "…for whom does the bell toll? It tolls for thee. The biblical Moses, made a detour and beheld a tree blazing in the sun--The rest is history.
My question is this. How many of us have ever experienced a strange unexplainable communication with a pet, or one of natures creatures or even something miraculous involving a loved one? If you have, then please hear this truly remarkable story about Sonia Fisher's home-going. Three events stand out. Also for me, the number three may have religious significance, especially the "Holy Spirit."
THE FIRST MIRACLE: A CHANGE IN DIRECTION: (Like Moses at the burning bush.) It was high noon Friday, April 28, 2006. Two elder preachers, were simply going uptown to lunch--Rev. Robert Freeman and I. We changed directions from the VA Hospital and went to meet Dr. Carrol Fisher and check on his wife, Sonia. But no one was home.
THE SECOND MIRACLE: THE CONFRONTATION: "On wings of the eagle."
Since no one was at the house, we went down to the barn-shed. Beneath the huge shed, reside horses, goats, guinea, chickens and other critters. Suddenly, a huge bird flew out of the back shadows. It startled both me and the critters. It flew straight at me and then upward. Young raptors such as eagles, osprey and red-tailed hawks look alike, especially the females. They can swoop at you in the blink of an eye. But this beautiful big bird was glowing. She was different. It swooped upward, all aglow and blazing in the sun. She circled overhead three times and screeched at me three times like an eagle. Its wings, body and tail glowed ivory-white with speckles of gold, and dark strips here and there ,plus 3 strips on its tail--plus light-bands on its wings. It appeared translucent in the bright sunlight, against the blue sky. Then it flew away, upward and away to the East. I described and exclaimed the sight to my friend. The behavior was strange and awesome. Was it a mother hawk? Was it instinctively, protecting its' nest? Yet, by what happened next, it appeared to be more like an Indian or biblical legendary sign of heralding. The sudden appearance of a glowing bird is the sign of a message to be discerned.
About 3 minutes later, Dr. Carrol Fisher and his son Luke rolled up in an ivory-gold specked 4x4 SUV van. I said to myself: "Good . . . that must be Carrol and the children bringing Grandmother Sonia home from the hospital." He was smiling but there were tears in his eyes. Luke said, as he choked back a sob, ". . . we are so glad to see you Chaplain Otey. Mom just died and Dad needs a hug . . . ." After recounting, through the van window, what just occurred a few minutes earlier at high noon, Luke asked me to tell the story to his father Carrol. After a big bear hug, I did. Then he asked me to repeat it to the other children.
On this day the cream and golden glowing hawk, in my opinion, symbolized the foretelling of Sonia's loving, spiritually-devout-soul, going to Heaven-- Indian Style. The three eagle-like calls and three circles in the sky representing the Christian Trinity of the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit. It was an awesome experience indeed! We have our bodily temples and mansions on earth--from humble shacks to crystal cathedrals with many rooms. Yet there are even many more splendid mansions in heaven and beautiful beyond belief.
THE THIRD MIRACLE: THE CONFIRMATION
AND FOLLOW-UP VISITATIONS: (Not unlike Jesus on the holy-land roads.)
THE CHIMING BELL: So now I must tell you the "rest of the story". Sonia preplanned her going home celebration to include the song: "Eagles Wings." The vibrancy of the singing congregation at Sacred Heart, made the rafters seem to shudder. The bells tingled by the priest, Father John Putnam, along with Father Mark Lawlor and Father "Tom" Clements were actually echoes of another miracle. Sonia's friend of 45 years, a nun from Argentina, Sister Susan Dandison, led the Rosary before the visitation Sunday night. The emotion she uttered, each time she looked at the Fisher Family emphasized the love and presence of the spirit of the Lord amongst all in attendance in the funeral home chapel. It is next to the West Innes rose garden. Sonia loved flowers. Again the transcendent impact happened about three times. Sister Mary Roberts was also, always near Sonia's bedside or at the home.
Sonia's cousin from Florida, Tamara Sales related to me that Sonia had given her a special bell a few weeks earlier. It was a Sterling Silver Heart shaped bell in a bright red velvet cover that fits snugly in the palm of your hand. Tamara kept it in her purse-handbag every where she went for many days. It had the sound of a soft bell tower chime. It would jingle softly as she walked from place to place. But during the week preceding Sonia's home going, the chiming ceased. The bell was eerily silent--hidden away. She searched but could not find it. Yet suddenly, Friday morning, the palm size bell began to ring loudly and long and brilliantly and joyously. The bell had begun chiming in its original purse. It rang without any unusual shaking. It was so much so--that Sonia's French-Cuban cousin Tamara had to say to herself--"It's Time. Today is the day. Sonia is going to her heavenly home." We preachers repeat, with tears in our eyes: On Glowing Eagles Wings--borne on the dawn, made to shine like the sun--being held in the palm of God's own hand--You are Welcomed to your Eternal Home--a heavenly land.
AFTER THOUGHT: The follow-up visitation. The day after Sonia's funeral, her husband Carrol, reported the following: To ease the loneliness, he began to cut the grass on the ranch with his riding lawn tractor. When I spoke to him, he complained and exclaimed: "That big hawk is now circling over me. Does that mean I am going to die too!". . . I laughed and offered a different interpretation. Maybe that sighting"… symbolized Sonia's spirit. She keeping watch over you. She is at peace in heaven. Her memory and spirit will continue to be a comforting presence to you…" The next day I sat in my back porch swing meditating and looking at the Catawba Woods. The big hawk landed on the bird feeder about 10 feet away and stared me in the eye. It then flew away and has not been seen since. May the creator continue to be with you and yours. Shalom.
P.S. Along with so many other things that she did, Mrs. Sonia Fisher had been a volunteer at the Veteran's Medical Center. Dr. Carrol Fisher is President of the area MOAA (Military Officers Association of America). Dr. Flem Otey is President of the Rowan-Salisbury Ministers Association and a Chaplain at the VAMC. (Comments are welcome at www.otey-ministry.info) or LukeFisher@CarrolFisher.com or CJWF@ carolina.rr.com
Greetings from
the Desk of the President
Salisbury-Rowan Ministerial Association
To all the ministers, clergy, spiritual people and community leaders of the region and indeed throughout the world, even into space, and the outer reaches of our universe we pray that bountiful blessings will be yours.
In addition to the traumas of war, our global communities have been shocked by devastation. There continue to be floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, mudslides and threat of pandemic diseases. The horrific specter is that of biblical times. Many of us who have been blessed, have given willingly and sacrificaily to strangers who have lost everything. Campassion fatigue has started to set in. Folks feel physically and emotionaly drained. Yet there is still so much to do. And we see some of the benefits, one child saved at a time, one elderly person comforted, one pet rescued, one endangered species of wildlife saved, one day at a time - one moment at a time.
Locally, we find ourselves in united efforts to bring about prayer vigils to seek blessings from above. May your holy days be bountifully blessed. From the members and officers of the Salisbury-Rowan Ministerial Association, we pray for peace and health to come to every soul of creation. To those who celebrate other inter-faith festivals throughout the year, may joy and peace also be yours.
We particularly remember our veterans and first responders such as our firefighters, care providers, the Red Cross and Homeless Ministries in these days of turmoil throughout the world...
We pray for blessings and peace for all nations .
Please see our assortment of group photos for a year filled with multi-cultural and inter-faith events. In particular we remember veterans of all wars. Some organizational officers and leaders include the following as listed. Others will be listed, including spiritual places, as our photo-journal web sites grow.
Many thanks to the Rowan Regional Medical Center for co-sponcoring our meeting for the upcoming year. Chaplain James Cook of RRMC has been a valuable resource for our community ministers. Thanks also to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) Director, Mr. Donald Moore and our recently retired, Chief of the VAMC Chaplain Service, Reverend Reginald H. Massey for allowing this year’s luncheon meetings to take place there and to host the annual gathering.
Special recognition goes to Mrs. Marie Clanton, the former VAMC, Chaplain Service Secretary, and Yoshiko Otey (my wife). They are both wonderful people who volunteer their time so freely. Our site is becoming a reality for the Marie's ingenuity as web soncultant. She provides support for several different sites, which are beneficial to others in many different categories. Thus, our dreams, plans and ideas take on real meaning and clarity - an international vision coming true. On a recent trip to
Our Goal and Mission for this web site: This webpage has been developed to provide a positive resource for the greater Salisbury-Rowan area of North Carolina. We are proud of our fine community and welcome you to our site.
Our intention is for you to visit often, learn, and share your comments with us. God has given us great blessings.In the pages to come you will learn about the spiritual leaders in our community, our history, and our plans for the future!
Sincerely,
Rev. Dr. Fleming Otey
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
On
Members of the Salisbury-Rowan Ministerial Association honored two of
Salisbury Post Reporter Rose Post and Salisbury Mayor Susan Kluttz were recipients of the ministerial association's Community Spirit awards, presented annually to individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty in service to the local community.
Kluttz said she was flattered by the honor, but even she admitted that it was Rose Post's day to shine.
Before the event -- held at the Hefner VA
The Community Spirit Award, the cake and the key to the city were surprises. So, too, was most of the rest of the event, where numerous individuals stood to sing her praises.
"She has a God-given talent not just to report the news, but to serve the community," Kluttz said.
She said Post's commitment to
"They trust and respect her," Kluttz said of the individuals she writes about. "They know she'll never embarrass them by sharing what's in their hearts."
The seminar where Rose and Kluttz were honored is a gathering of local ministers of all races and denominations.
No one had anything but good things to say about Post, now in her 53rd year of writing for the
One minister offered a prayer that included a blessing of all storytellers. Then, the minister paused before saying, "And Miss Rose is a great one among them."
Cook said Post's work and commitment to her job constantly amaze her. At an age where most people have long since retired, Rose continues working daily, frequently talking on the phone and pounding her keyboard until all hours.
"She likes to talk to people and share their stories," Cook said.
She said one of Rose's sons, Sam, recently wrote a guest column for the Post where he made a passing reference to the fact that his mother and grandmother both knitted. After the column ran, Rose's son got a call from an elderly woman wanting to know if Rose would help her learn to knit.
As she's done of most every request ever made of her, Rose happily obliged. "Rose went to a 95-year-old woman's house yesterday to remind her how she used to knit," Cook told those gathered at the VA.
Rose downplayed that accolade and the numerous others heaped upon her Tuesday.
"I'm not a speaker," she said in accepting the Community Spirit Award. "I try to be a writer, and every day I feel I haven't succeeded at that."
Rose laughingly recalled her early years at the Post, when she was the only woman allowed in the newsroom, though her acceptance wasn't complete.
Decades ago, she said, when a highway patrolman called to give details of a traffic accident, he would inevitably ask to speak to a man.
"My ears might be too fragile to take that wreck," Rose said, laughing at the memory.
She said she's often told her husband it was his fault she'd become such a fixture at the newspaper. Rose's maiden name was Zimmerman. She said that if she'd kept that name, or most any name besides her married one, no one would have remembered her like they have.
"When I work too late, I tell my husband, 'People can remember that name, so they call me up,' " she said.
The Rev. Dr. Fleming Otey, chaplain at the VA and president of the Ministerial Association, joked with Rose that she ought to explain her last name.
"You'll have to give us the history to the name Post," Otey said, "because we think she owns the
But Otey also paused to thank the reporter for all she does for the community, the VA and veterans as a whole. "For all you do for us, you're a fantastic lady and we love you to death," he said.
William Ragsdale, vice president of the Ministerial Association, thanked Post and Kluttz for their efforts.
"Both of you have done a wonderful job of lifting up the community spirit of God," he said.
And Donald Moore, the VA's director, briefly diverted attention from Post and Kluttz to brag on the huge veterans' hospital. He said the facility has in recent years experienced greater growth than any VA hospital in the
"Over the last four or five years, we've more than doubled the number of patients we're seeing,"
Contact Steve Huffman /
Crop Walk 2004
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Rowan Countians took to the streets Sunday afternoon to raise food and money to fight hunger and get to know each other a little better.
The annual CROP Walk is an international effort to raise money for and create an awareness of hunger issues here and throughout the world.
In Salisbury, where the walk was co-sponsored by the Salisbury-Rowan Ministerial Association and the Covenant Community Connection, 12 area churches participated, along with people representing the Hefner VA Medical Center, Livingstone College, the Islamic community and folks with no affiliations at all.
Participants hiked 5 miles through City and Hurley parks and past Knox Middle and Overton Elementary schools along the Salisbury Greenway. It was a picture-perfect fall afternoon.
"The walk was wonderful, much better than last year's," the Rev. Sandy Kern, an organizer and pastor of Thyatira Presbyterian Church, said of the 2004 route.
Organizers encouraged the walkers to meet and greet each other along the way. Three girls, Chassity Reeves, Meredith Hovis and Whitney Stokes, were recognized as the friendliest CROP Walkers and received prizes donated by local businesses.
Twenty-five percent of all money donated for the Salisbury CROP Walk goes to Rowan Helping Ministries and Meals on Wheels in Rowan.
Another organizer, the Rev. Sherri Barnes of Bethel United Methodist Church , said the total amount of food and money donated to the CROP Walk will be calculated sometime later today. She still encouraged people to consider a food donation to Rowan Helping Ministries' pantry or a monetary donation, for which a check could be sent to CWS/CROP, care of Bethel United Methodist Church, 2380 Long Ferry Road, Salisbury, NC 28146.
Kern reported that the CROP Walk got off to a good beginning Saturday night when four western Rowan churches had members gather at Johnny Moore's farm for an old-fashioned corn-shucking, with music and square dancing.
A crowd estimated at 300 people attended and proceeds went to the CROP Walk.
Churches in the southern Rowan area revived their CROP Walk in 2003, and this year's event had even more walkers, according to the Rev. Vance Lowe of First United Methodist Church in China Grove. Last year, 150 folks walked the 3.1-mile route through downtown China Grove.
The China Grove walk had members representing many churches, including First Methodist, China Grove Church of God and St. Mark's, Mount Moriah, Concordia and Trinity Lutheran churches, along with youth groups from South Rowan High School, Mount Zion United Church of Christ and Lutheran Chapel.
Members of First Baptist Church provided a water station in front of their facility.
By Mark Wineka and Susan Shinn
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The next luncheon meeting will be held on Wednesday June 22, 2005 at noon
Rowan Regional Hospital Cafeteria
Details will be coming soon...
To: Rowan County Churches Re: United Ministerial Alliance Revival Dear Pastor and Church: The United Ministerial Alliance of Salisbury-Rowan cordially invites you and your church to our Annual Revival which will be held at New Zion Baptist Church, Granite Quarry, NC the week beginning Monday, July 11, through Friday, July 15, 2005. The speaker for the services will be Rev. Willie Littlejohn, Pastor of UMA President, Rev. Clarence Marlin |
NEWS RELEASE: SALISBURY ROWAN MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION NOTICE: PLEASE READ THE SALISBURY POST AND OTHER NEWS FOR LOCAL DISASTER RELIEF EFFORTS FOR KATRINA VICTIMS PLEASE RESPOND FOR YOUR CONGREGATIONS ACCORDINGLY. VIP CHANGE: New Meeting Date and Location. Luncheon is Free. WHO: Clergy, Ministers, Spouses, Guests and Community Leaders. WHAT: FREE LUNCHEON MEETING FOR THE NEW SEASON WHERE: ROWAN REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER Parking Lot is Free. Lunch is Free. Please ask the Information Desk in the Main Lobby for direction to the meeting room. WHEN: SEPTEMBER 21st, 2005 @ 12:00 Noon FEATURE: This is our annual kickoff meeting Rowan Hospital with Chaplain James Cook will be our host. The Communications Director will present a construction update. Rev. Sherri Barnes will present the Annual Crop Walk plans. Ms. Cindy Stevenson will introduce a special seminar for churches, ministers and others who counsel victims of domestic violence and spousal abuse. (Please see attached letter) Retirement award to our Past President David Crook. Future Calender: October: New location and community programs of Hood Theological Seminary. The Pastoral Counseling Professional Development Program November: Chief Billy Blue of the Catawba Indian Nation will speak. December: 12 Step recovery programs and ministries: Rev. William Ragsdale will speak. He is now is the Chaplain at the N. C. State Veterans Home on the VAMC campus. SRMA supports disaster relief and crisis intervention. Please attend and let us know how your church has dealt with the current situation. Our ministers address serious and very sensitive moral, spiritual and social concerns which face our community. We do so via individual and group representation in many organizations and outreach programs. Such includes the Mayor's Covenant Community Connection Sub-Committee led by Mrs. Betty Jo Hardy. Officers; Advisory Board Members: Rev. Dr.. F. Otey, President 704-645-0077 or 704-638-3330, Rev. W. Ragsdale, Vice President 704-630-0130 Rev. Sandra Kern, Co-Vice President 704-636-1595, Rev. R. Freeman, Secretary/Treasurer 704-637-6934; Rev. Dr. A.Whitted, Rev. David Crook. Rev. Sherri Barnes, Imam M. Hassan, Rev. Randy Kirby Distinguished Speakers, Resource Experts and Guest Community Leaders: Mayor Susan Kluttz, Spirit Luncheon with the City Council; Salisbury Post, Editor, Mrs. Elizabeth Cook, including the Faith Page; Reporter Rose Post; Dr. Dan Brown, Faith and Art; Hood Seminary President, Dr. Albert J.D,Aymer, Dean Reginald Broadnax; Dr. Clifton Hurndon, Dr. Michael Siegle; Chief Chaplain VAMC, Reginald Massey. Ch. Ethel Bamberg-Revis, Red Cross Director, Rev. Evelyn McMahon, Catawba College, Vice President-Chaplain Dr. Kenneth Clapp, Ch. James Cook RRMC RSVP: VIP Please respond early. Call and leave a message or return this self addressed sheet. Thus the hospital will have a good estimate of the meals to prepare. The luncheon is free. The membership dues for the year is only $10. This includes mailing and scholarship materials (for use at the New Hood Seminary Library.) New Date: Wednesday, September 21, 2005 Phones / e-mail_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Number attending (Spouse or guests including self) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Annual admin fee enclosed: $10.00 now[ ] Will pay at meeting [ ] Unable to attend [ ] NOTICE: Please send us your name and church photo for our web site. Check the photo galley and addresses already there and let us know how you like it. WEB SITE: SRMA- Community and Spiritual Leaders Resource - Salisbury NC = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = FOLD ALONG DOTTED LINE--SEAL WITH TAPE OR STAPLE-- AND RETURN BY MAIL --------------------------------------------------------- From Title and Printed Name Postage Stamp Here --------------------------------------------------------- Preferred Address --------------------------------------------------------- City, State, Zip TO: Mailing Address: Salisbury - Rowan Ministers Association C/O Dr. Otey PMB 222 2143-C Statesville Blvd. Salisbury, NC 28144-1413 |
On a joyful Saturday morning, everything seemed fitting, the great hands of God were abundantly clear. Trees in all of its verities, shapes and sizes, dressed for the occasion in countless shades of pleasing colors, and if you took the time to observe, you could've easily seen blooms are everywhere, blue sky embracing a gentle sun, emitting its cool rays to keep everyone comfortable at peace. Somehow, I couldn't help but to think, nothing will spoil the day, and things will only go higher from this point forward. |
On behalf of all the members and officers of the Ministers Association: HAVE A BOUNTIFUL, BLESSED, HEALTHY, AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! We are so glad for the past year to be over, even though looking around the world, and watching the days go by, life still seems like a roller-coaster of blessings and challenges. Hopefully as we travel through the valleys of Stumbling Blocks that the challenges can become leverages like Stepping Stones to reach new heights of success. Rev. Dr. Fleming Otey |
| Salisbury-Rowan Ministerial Association Invites All area Ministers to: WHAT: March 2006 Meeting WHEN: The 2nd Tuesday, March 14, 2006 at 12:00 pm WHERE: Hood Theological Seminary LUNCHEON SEMINAR FEATURE Supervisory Ministry Dr. William McKenith - Hood Theological Seminary Contacts: Ch. F. Otey, President - (704)-645-0077 or (704)-638-3330 Rev. W. Ragsdale, V. President - (704) 630-0130 Rev. Sandra Kern, Co. V. President - (704) 636-1595 Rev. R. Freeman, Secretary/Treasurer - (704) 637-6934 |
Prayer Circle
The Indian-Native American Yadkin Valley Eastern Council
centered at Salisbury, will gather at the Long-house, 312 W. Henderson Street. The grandson of an Indian chief and holy man will be the honored guest. The potluck supper will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a spiritual prayer circle to follow. Local leaders, chiefs and clan mothers include "Silver Willow" Jo Smith, Jerry Nail "Silent Wolf," George and Ann Waller, David and Barbara Waller and the Rev. Dr. Fleming Otey "Holy Eagle."
For information call 704-640-0242 or 704-633-2409
Salisbury-Rowan Ministerial Association (SRMA) is celebrating more than 55 years of service to the community. The first luncheon meetings were held during the 1940's near the start of World War II. The Association was instrumental in establishing Chaplains at Rowan Memorial Hospital, Rowan Helping Ministries, and Crop Walk. SRMA supports the Mayors Spiritual Luncheon, Covenant Community Connection, and Let's Get Connected Day, and more recently founded NCCJ (Mid Carolina National Council of Community and Justice). This quarters meeting honored Mrs. Kathy McDuffy, Director of Secondary Education Rowan-Salisbury School System. She presented the School System's Graduation Project and solicited clergy for mentoring and other involvement. Her multi media presentation was awe inspiring. Also honored was The Reverend Evelyn McMahon, Vice-President SRMA, for more than 10 years of community leadership. Rev. McMahon is also volunteer Chaplain at Rowan Regional, and past Director American Red Cross. Both were presented Community Service Awards by Reverend Robert Freeman, Rev. Dr. Fleming Otey and Rev. Martha Ballard, Associate Pastor First United Methodist Church. The next quarterly meeting of SRMA will be held second Tuesday in May.
August 20, 2008
Dear Clergy / Community Leader,
The annual fall kick-off for the Rowan-Salisbury Ministers Association will again be at Rowan Regional Medical Center of the new Novant hospital system. All area clergy are invited to attend and hear the latest from the Chief Executive Officer, Chuck Elliott; the Public Relations and Marketing Officer, Zandra Spencer; and the Manager of Patient Relations--Chaplain James Cook.
NOTICE NEW DATE AND DAY: Wednesday, Noon, September 10th, 2008
What: SRMA Free Luncheon
Where: Rowan Hospital, Clay Class Room, 4th Floor Patient Tower
If you ever visit this hospital as a minister, now is the time to get your new Photo Identification Clergy Card. Please also volunteer to visit a few other patients while you are here (free meals also). It would be a great service "beyond the call of duty" for one of our communities great health care and emergency service providers.
It will also show our Rowan Ministers Associations appreciation for this fine institution.
(Short forms are attached.)
The area Mayors and elected officials will be introduced. Our special appreciation goes to First Presbyterian Church, Senior Pastor Dr. Jim Dunkin and Pastor Dr Randy Kirby--president these past two years. The church’s faithful generosity, provided our mailings, luncheons and meeting space, for which we are very grateful. Dr. John Wear and Dr. Kenneth Clapp, of Catawba College are to be commended for the recent conference and forum: Faith Spirituality, and Environmental Stewardship.
We welcome at least two new pastors to our community: They have hit the deck running and are already busy with many great programs. The Reverend Michael Childress, First United Church of Christ, (Horah Street) and The Reverend Stephen D. Haines, First United Methodist Church, (Fisher St.)
P.S. If you know of other new and/or associate pastors please invite them, too.
Respectfully
Rev. Dr. Fleming Otey, President,
Rev. Robert Freeman, President Emeritus
Rev. Authur Lee Heggins, Treasurer
September 11, 2008
Dear Friend,
About a year ago or so, 1st past president, Dr. Randy Kirby was looking at some minutes of the ministerial association. He was excited to find our stated purpose: "the object of this association shall be the promotion of ministerial fellowship, the discussion of vital themes, and the encouragement of cooperative [religious] effort." While that amendment to the constitution was adopted sixty years ago, the objective remains the same -- table fellowship, meaningful discussion, and cooperative effort.
To that end, we are hoping for a Blessed New School Year for us all and for those we serve. Look for a post card for the next meeting.
We personally hope that you will be able to attend. Furthermore, if there are themes that you believe the association needs to address, we would love to hear from you.
God bless you for your special service to our community.
Fleming Otey, President SRMA
SRMA (Salisbury-Rowan Ministerial Association)
The Salisbury-Rowan Ministerial Association will meet on Tuesday, Feb. 8 at First Reformed Church, 210 N. Central Ave., Landis. The meeting is at noon and lunch will be served.
Guest speakers are Dr. David DiLoreto of Rowan Family Physicians, China Grove; Edwina Ritchie, Rowan Regional Hospice Director and James Cook and Harold Jordan, RRMC chaplains. David Franks is host pastor.
RSVP today, Feb 5 to Harold Jordan, president, at hjordan5@carolina.rr.com or 704-938-3545.
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