WEekly CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS
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A Faith Journey not knowing Geni 12: 1-9
Black history Moment
We had the privilege of interviewing Ms. Olene, whose life reflects the powerful impact of faith and family. From an early age, her mother, Mamie Allen, instilled in her the values of trusting God, working hard, and being content within herself. Those early lessons shaped Ms. Olene’s strong sense of self and deep reliance on God throughout her life.
She shared that church was more than a Sunday routine—it was family and community. In times of hardship, everyone supported one another, teaching her that faith is not meant to be lived alone but practiced through love, service, and unity.
During difficult seasons, including her nephew’s serious health challenges, Ms. Olene has continued to lean on prayer and trust in God. She reminded us that faith does not always remove struggles, but it brings peace, comfort, and confidence in God’s plan, even when outcomes are uncertain.
Over time, she has seen her faith grow step by step—like baby steps that eventually turn into leaps. Her walk with God has made her more loving, empathetic, and less judgmental. She emphasized that spiritual growth doesn’t happen overnight, but every step with God matters.
When offering advice to younger generations, she encouraged us to look beyond ourselves, take responsibility for our actions, seek purpose in challenges, and always acknowledge God in our successes. She stressed the importance of adults guiding children in faith and reminded older youth that they are examples for those coming behind them.
Her message centered on respect, forgiveness, and accountability—respecting ourselves and others, owning our mistakes, seeking forgiveness, and forgiving ourselves so we can continue to grow.
Overall, Ms. Olene’s life shows that faith is not about perfection but faithfulness. Her story reminds us to cherish our blessings, trust God in every season, and continue the legacy of faith, love, and community.
Thank you, Ms. Olene, for sharing your inspiring faith journey with us.
She shared that church was more than a Sunday routine—it was family and community. In times of hardship, everyone supported one another, teaching her that faith is not meant to be lived alone but practiced through love, service, and unity.
During difficult seasons, including her nephew’s serious health challenges, Ms. Olene has continued to lean on prayer and trust in God. She reminded us that faith does not always remove struggles, but it brings peace, comfort, and confidence in God’s plan, even when outcomes are uncertain.
Over time, she has seen her faith grow step by step—like baby steps that eventually turn into leaps. Her walk with God has made her more loving, empathetic, and less judgmental. She emphasized that spiritual growth doesn’t happen overnight, but every step with God matters.
When offering advice to younger generations, she encouraged us to look beyond ourselves, take responsibility for our actions, seek purpose in challenges, and always acknowledge God in our successes. She stressed the importance of adults guiding children in faith and reminded older youth that they are examples for those coming behind them.
Her message centered on respect, forgiveness, and accountability—respecting ourselves and others, owning our mistakes, seeking forgiveness, and forgiving ourselves so we can continue to grow.
Overall, Ms. Olene’s life shows that faith is not about perfection but faithfulness. Her story reminds us to cherish our blessings, trust God in every season, and continue the legacy of faith, love, and community.
Thank you, Ms. Olene, for sharing your inspiring faith journey with us.
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We had two young men with us who had the honor of interviewing Deaconess Nancy Harris and Mrs Ida Marion O'Neal.
Brayden Cooper interviewed Deaconess Nancy Harris, a lifelong member of Greater First, and through his speech we learned how she has consistently demonstrated faithfulness and her dedication to God and the church. She emphasizes the importance of staying connected and committed to God, making church a priority in her life. Her advice to the younger generation is to keep God at the center, stay engaged, serve faithfully, and remain connected to the church. Additionally, she has raised her niece, Minister Carletta Webster, and other nieces and nephews, continuing a legacy of faith, leadership, and love.
Brayden Cooper interviewed Deaconess Nancy Harris, a lifelong member of Greater First, and through his speech we learned how she has consistently demonstrated faithfulness and her dedication to God and the church. She emphasizes the importance of staying connected and committed to God, making church a priority in her life. Her advice to the younger generation is to keep God at the center, stay engaged, serve faithfully, and remain connected to the church. Additionally, she has raised her niece, Minister Carletta Webster, and other nieces and nephews, continuing a legacy of faith, leadership, and love.
Meanwhile, Mylan Bell had the special honor of interviewing his 94-year-old great-grandmother, creating a moment filled with love, reflection, and faith. Despite her loss of vision, she immediately recognized him and warmly shared cherished memories of watching him grow, along with the deep love she has always held for her church. She spoke about how much she misses attending services in person, but with a smile shared her joy in being able to watch each Sunday on her tablet. She fondly recalled the years she spent cleaning the church, taking great pride in caring for God’s house and serving in her own meaningful way. She also shared heartfelt memories of working alongside Deaconess Nancy Harris. Above all, her prayer is simple and sincere — that one day she will be able to return and worship in the church she loves so dearly.
Together, the stories of Deaconess Nancy Harris and Mrs. Ida Marion O’Neal reflect a beautiful legacy of faith, service, and unwavering dedication. Both women have spent years faithfully working in their church, each in their own way, showing love for God through their commitment and servant hearts. Their lives remind us that the strength of the church is often built on quiet acts of devotion teaching, guiding, cleaning, praying, and caring for others.
Their examples also highlight a powerful and meaningful part of Black History. For generations, Black women have been the backbone of the church, helping to sustain it through their leadership, labor, faith, and sacrifice. From nurturing families in the faith to serving behind the scenes with humility and pride, their work has shaped churches and strengthened communities. Deaconess Harris and Mrs. O’Neal represent that enduring legacy women whose dedication continues to inspire, uplift, and pave the way for those who will follow.
We had two young ladies with us who had the honor of interviewing Mrs. Louise Dukes. Exodus 20:12 states Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. This includes honoring our elders in faith. Today we honor Mrs. Louise Dukes. Today, we honor Ms. Louise Dukes and think about the powerful faithful journey she has shared with us. From her story, I learned that faith doesn’t just appear when you’re older it starts early and grows over time.
Ms. Dukes learned about God and church from her parents, who made sure church, Bible study, and worship were important parts of their family life. The church wasn’t just something she went to on Sundays; it was a place where she learned, helped others, and grew up as a person. Her story shows how the Black church has always been a place of strength, learning, leadership, and support in the community. What stood out to me the most was how Ms. Dukes stayed committed to God her whole life.
Her faith helped guide her choices, like going to a Christian HBCU and teaching during the hard years of school integration. I was especially inspired by how she stepped up when God called her to lead. What started as her caring about Bible study turned into a teaching ministry that lasted more than fifty years. Through praying, fasting, teaching, and serving others, her faith kept growing stronger. Ms. Dukes’ life represents the true meaning of Black History—strong faith, serving leadership, and leaving a legacy that helps future generations. Her story reminds us that God is the source of our strength and that staying faithful can make a difference in many people’s lives Thank you for sharing your time with us Mrs. Dukes!