THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 4, 1995 TAG: 9505030199
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 59 lines
A recitation by Helen Mitchell, 93, a lifelong member of East End Baptist Church, was a highlight last week of the gala kickoff banquet for the church's annual Women's Day Weekend.
Mitchell, a retired schoolteacher, quoted her favorite Psalm and a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Ada Morgan, chairperson of the nine-member Women's Committee that organized the weekend, called the performance the ``inspirational highlight'' of the event, which attracted more than 100 women.
Following dinner Saturday, performers from the church and other local groups entertained.
There were vocal and instrumental presentations, and the ``Supersonic Sisters'' performed energetic, syncopated dance. Choreographer Kaye Jefferson and her daughter also presented a creative dance interpretation of ``The Impossible Dream.''
Door prizes, including a whistling teapot, cake saver and gourmet coffee, were awarded to banquet participants. Take-home favors decorated the tables, and African fashions worn by many banquet-goers added festivity.
Women's Day continued through Sunday's 11 a.m. worship hour, with women of the church assuming leadership roles. A Women's Day Choir, directed by Karen Croston, provided special music.
Guest minister was the Rev. Medina Marble of Newport News, co-pastor of Antioch Baptist Church in Gloucester. A graduate of Hampton University with a degree in speech and drama, Marble has worked with the School for the Deaf and Blind in Hampton and has served as a missionary in Jamaica. Marble also serves as a speaker for the American Bible Society.
Marble's remarks addressed the theme of the weekend: ``Women on the Move - Our Heritage, Our Hope.''
``Rev. Marble emphasized that the heritage that's most important comes through our relationship to Jesus Christ, and we need to cherish that,'' Morgan noted. ``Her message was very inspiring. She put it on a level that all of us could chew and swallow.''
Following Marble's message, a challenge was delivered by East End member Vergie Smith. ``It's our prayer that women would respond to our theme. We pray that women would have hope, even in troubled times,'' Smith said. ``Sometimes it's so easy to give up, but there is hope, and that comes in Jesus Christ. He is our peace.''
Morgan said people from throughout the congregation gathered at the altar for prayer at the end of the service. ``It was a beautiful and moving experience. We were tremendously blessed,'' she said. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Rosa Gay, who sang in the choir at the Women's Day festivities, with
her sleeping granddaughter, Timika. Gay designed the African clothes
and headdress she's wearing.
by CNB