Wellsville Area Ministerial Association

Tuesday – February 8: The Wellsville Area Ministerial Association (WAMA) held their regular monthly breakfast meeting yesterday at Tonda's Place on the Square. President, Rev. Jay Nightingale presided.

After Rev. Nightingale offered the opening devotions the minutes of the February meeting was read by Pastor Darlene Zanders, Secretary. Deacon Terry McCuen gave the Treasurer's Report.

New correspondence included a letter from the Salineville Youth With A Purpose home soliciting donations to support their mission. The home is a Christian alternative for boys that would otherwise probably be in a junvenile detention facility.

Also, a letter was read from members of Wellsville's First Baptist Church advising they are getting ready to hold a celebration for their pastor's service to the Center Street church. Come April 9 Rev. Roosevelt Thompson will have a 30 year anniversary leading the congregants of First Baptist. Advertisement space is available for a souvenir booklet they are putting together.

Rev. Mike Dyer reported on the upcoming “Men's Rally In the Valley – Men At The Cross” annual event to be held Saturday, May 7 at the Covelli Center in Youngstown. The Men At The Coss organization is similar to the now defunct Promise Keepers. Dyer noted that at the first Rally held last year there were 3,500 in attendance. The group meets monthly at the Dutch House in Columbiana. The next meeting is February 19 at 8 AM. Anyone interested is invited to attend. For more on the May rally go to the their web site at www.mensrally.org.

Lenten Services Committee Chairman, Rev. Bill Betteridge reported plans are being formulated for the annual Sunday Lenten services. The services are held at different Wellsville churches at 7 PM each Sunday in Lent. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 9, this year and the first service will be held on March 13. The community, WAMA sponsored, services culminate on Good Friday with a Prayer Breakfast and a noon service at a church yet to be selected. Betteridge advised the breakfast will once again be hosted by Covenant Presbyterian on 18th St. More details will be forthcoming at the March 8 meeting.

February is Black History Month. Special programs will be held each Sunday afternoon for the remainder of the month according to Byron Carter. The programs start at 3:30 PM. Lee's Chapel will host the first one this coming Sunday, February 13. The members of the First Baptist Church will host the February 20 program. Both Lee's Chapel & First Baptist are located on the opposite corners of Center & 14th Streets. Mt. Sinai AME, at 1617 Main, will host the final program on Sunday, February 27. Collection offerings will be donated to the First Baptist Food Pantry. The Mt. Sinai Youth Group will be featured on February 27. The public is invited to attend.

Deacon McCuen advised the monthly Food Pantry will be held Thursday & Friday, February 17 & 18, at the First Baptist Church. Thursday is reserved for handicapped only. Friday is opened to the public. Patrons must bring proof of residency and their own bags. The pantry is held on the third Thursday & Friday of each month.

Bro. Aaron Smith reported that the WHS choral group Ebony & Ivory is already lined up for the May 5 National Day of Prayer celebration. Rev. Darlene Zanders was commended on her outstanding efforts organizing the Wellsville Community Celebration of Martin Luther King's birthday. Zanders in turn thanked everyone that participated and attended.

Next scheduled WAMA meeting is Tuesday, March 8 at Tonda's Place at 9 AM.

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