The Spec

I have enjoyed the animated film, Horton Hears a Who which is about an elephant named Horton who lives in the Jungle of Nool. He hears a tiny yelp coming from a floating speck of dust which entices him to chase after the speck and place it on a pink flower. Later, he discovers that the little speck contains the city of Whoville and its inhabitants, the Whos. Unfortunately, the other animals can’t hear the Whos and a Kangaroo wants to get rid of the speck. In fact, the Kangaroo tries to destroy the speck by throwing it in beezlenut oil. Horton does everything he can to protect the inhabitants of Whoville. In the end, they are saved and safe, because of all the elephant did for them. After watching the movie, I thought about the similarity between the Whos and humanity. We can do many things; at times we appear to be strong and mighty. However, even in our strongest moments we are fragile; a natural disaster, an animal or a disease etc. can destroy us. Psalm 103:14 (AMP) says, “For He knows our [mortal] frame; He remembers that we are [merely] dust.”

Mighty God

The blessing of having a Creator who is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, is that we have someone who hears our every cry and moan. LIke the elephant in the movies, God knows where we are and is fighting to protect us and provide for our every need. Even when others ignore us or aren’t aware of our existence, we have a loving Father who is concerned about us. Isaiah 41:13 (AMP) “For I the LORD your God keep hold of your right hand; [I am the Lord], Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’ The Lord wants us to be fully persuaded that he loves us and nothing is too big or difficult for him. To tap into this revelation, we must train ourselves to zero in on how big our God is instead of focusing on our problems and weaknesses. Psalm 121:1-4 (ESV) says, “I will lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.”

PRAY THIS PRAYER: “Father you are great and mighty in power; your understanding has no limit. Who can comprehend the thunder of your power? You are the rock of my strength and refuge. Though an army encamp against me, My heart will not fear; Though war arises against me, even in this I am confident. Thank you for your faithfulness to me. Although I am small and weak, you are the strength of my life. You keep me in the embrace of your loving Presence and see me through every difficulty and challenge. Forgive me for making the issue in my life bigger than you. Nothing is too hard for you. I love you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

Danyale Patterson would love to hear from you! Contact her at www.danyale.com to share a testimony, send a prayer request, or book her to speak.

Eastern Star 156’s BBQ Chicken meal is March 17

ioner started tugging on my robe. Even the most timid of my little congregation made cautious steps towards me. I was swamped with happy faces and outstretched hands. I served them repeating the ancient proclamation of our faith “The Body of Christ, The Blood of Christ.” Our savior was received with joy and smiles. One little one let out a moan of satisfaction –“HMMM”! Mathew 19:14 is right, “The Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.” How many of us who have long moved out of the nursery still have that kind of joy and yearning for the bread and wine? How many of us come to the table in celebration for the love and True Presence of Christ our Lord? If not, why? In just a few weeks we will celebrate the Paschal mystery at Easter. I don’t know of many churches that refrain from having the Lord’s Supper that morning. So, I challenge everyone to reclaim the joyful, celebratory faith of our youth. I challenge everyone to come to the table smiling, maybe even arms flapping with excitement over the real presence of our resurrected Lord Jesus Christ! I challenge all to come to the table and celebrate the love God has for you! And God bless you!

Cherryville Chapter 156 Eastern Star will have their BBQ Chicken plates for sale on Friday, March 17, 2023 at the Cherryville Community Center from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. The plates are $12 and are for drink with eat-in only. All proceeds go to maintenance projects and charities. Pleas come by and enjoy some great BBQ chicken

CHS 1968 55th reunion is May 20

The 55th Year High School Reunion for CHS, Class of 1968 and friends will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 6 to 6:30 p.m. (Social Time), with dinner at 6:30 to 7 p.m., at the American Legion Post, 215 N. Pink St., Cherryville, NC, 28021. The cost is $25 per person.

Cherryville Area Places of Worship

Please send money to confirm attendance by May 1, 2023. Make checks payable to: CHS Class of 1968, and mail to: Libby Brackett, 108 S. Rudisill St., Cherryville, NC, 28021. For questions, please call Mr. Glenn Burgess at (704) 435-5278, or Mrs. Libby Brackett at (704) 435-3368.

Anthony Grove Baptist Church 100 Anthony Grove Road Crouse, NC 704-435-6001

Bess Chapel United Methodist Church 6073 Flay Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-7969

Bethlehem United Methodist Church 6753 NC 182 Highway Cherryville, NC 704-435-1608

Blessed Hope Baptist Church 3357 Fallston-Waco Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-8530

Body of Christ Fellowship Center 405 S. Cherokee Street Cherryville, NC www.bodyofchrist7.com

Calvary Way Holiness Church 1017 Second Street Cherryville, NC Pastor Clifton Morgan Cherryville Church of God 810 East Main Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-2275

Cherryville Missionary Methodist Church 318 W. Ballard Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-6934

Emmanuel Baptist Church 1155 Marys Grove Church Rd Cherryville, NC 704-435-5764

Fairview Baptist Church 415 South Mountain Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-4299

First Baptist Church 301 East 1st Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-3796

First Church of the Nazarene 301 North Elm Street Cherryville, NC 828-838-2428

First Presbyterian Church 107 West Academy Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-6064

First United Methodist Church 601 N. Pink St. Cherryville, NC 704-435-6732

First Wesleyan Church 800 North Pink Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-6069

Free Saints Chapel Church 813 Self Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-0949

Gospel Way Baptist Church 3904 Tryon Courthouse Rd. Cherryville, NC 866-356-3219

Legacy Church 805 Self Street Cherryville, NC 704-457-9615

Living Word Ministries 306 East Academy Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-3213

Marys Grove United Methodist Church 1223 Marys Grove Church Rd Cherryville, NC 704-435-5544

Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church 235 A.W. Black Street Waco, NC 704-435-8842

Mt. Zion Baptist Church 112 Mt. Zion Church Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-9636

North Brook Baptist Church 7421 Flay Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-4471

Oak Grove AME Zion Church 542 Flint Hill Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-3687

Oak Grove Baptist Church 219 Tot Dellinger Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-3053

Revival Tabernacle 1104 Delview Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-4073

Rudisill Chapel AME Zion Church 417 South Mountain Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-5621

Second Baptist Church 201 Houser Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-9657

Shady Grove Baptist Church 3240 Tryon Courthouse Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-9605

St. John’s Lutheran Church 310 West Church Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-9264

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church 1203 St. Mark’s Church Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-5941

Victory Life Assembly of God 1655 Shelby Highway Cherryville, NC 704-435-5539 Waco Baptist Church 262 N. Main Street Waco, NC 704-435-9311

Washington Missionary Baptist Church 1920 Stony Point Road Waco, NC 704-435-3138

Word of Faith Ministry 306 Doc Wehunt Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-5560

Zion Hill Baptist Church 3460 Zion Hill Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-3355

Ymca

From Page 1 Academy and Mountain Streets (107 W. Academy St.), before heading northeast towards Cherryville Elementary School. Shriver said they runners “…will celebrate together at the finish line with music and snacks!”

The race is slated to be held on Saturday, April 29, starting with the 9 a.m. 1-Mile Bubble Run, followed by the 10 a.m. 5K Walk/Run. It goes without saying this is a dog-friendly event, noted Ms. Shriver, who added, “Dogs are welcome! Bring your pup and let them get in on the exercise and fun! Dogs must be kept on a fixed-length leash. The first dog to cross

At the Cherryville Family YMCA 5K even pooches can get into the act, exercise, and maybe even get a “Top Dog” tag! This runner’s critter is putting him through his paces… or is the other way around? (Eagle/CF Media file photos by Michael E. Powell) the finish line will receive a Top Dog tag!”

Everybody’s favorite ‘Y’ race host, Butch Boyd; all smiles (as usual) as he waited for all the runners to arrive back at their start point.

There is a fee associated with the race which is as follows: 5K participants –$25; and Bubble Run participants – $15. All must register by April 14 to get their race tee-shirt, said

Shriver. As for the 1-Mile Bubble Run, Shriver noted, “We are adding some BUBBLE-RIFIC fun to the 1-mile race! Come out with your kiddos – both young and young at heart – and run through bubbles at the beginning and end of the race! Bring some bubbles with you! We would love to add as many bubbles and smiles to the race as possible.” So far as awards are concerned, Shriver noted trophies will be given to the top male and female runners and medals will be given to the top three males and fe- males ages 9 and under, and in 10-year increments, for all registered for a timed race. First dog to finish gets a “Top Dog” tag. All Cherryville Family YMCA proceeds from the race will benefit the Cherryville Family YMCA Annual Giving Campaign which provides access to ‘Y’ programs and services for individuals in need of financial assistance as well as sustaining the ‘Y’ in Cherryville. Shriver said the ‘Y’ is passionate about community and what being part of a small group can do for your spirit.

To learn more about the YMCA’s Cherry Blossom 5K and Bubble Run sponsorship opportunities, or for more information or to sponsor, please contact Molly D’Avria at mdavria@gastonymca.org.

The Cherryville Family YMCA, located at 215 N. Mountain St., in Cherryville, is a non-profit organization committed to helping you live a balanced, healthy life in spirit, mind and body. The new 5,700 square foot Mountain Street location offers accessible multispace parking lot, spacious restrooms and showers, community coffee area and attached group exercise space to bring the YMCA mission to life. You can call them at (704) 4459622.

A close-up of the