The Bulletin Board: Stephen Cousins hold 3rd annual family reunion

The Stephens Cousins celebrated their Third Cousins Reunion on Saturday, July 2, 2016, at the Sanora Clubhouse and Pool in Sanford.  
The event began with an opening Family Prayer by Minister Winnola Grigley, followed by the introduction of each family in attendance, from the oldest to the youngest.   Lunch and dinner were served. Swimming, dancing, games and contests with door prizes were enjoyed by all.  
Approximately 100 family members from Florida, Texas, Kentucky, Michigan and Georgia were in attendance. This one-day Reunion, which started four years ago, was the brainchild of Beverly Stephens-Wright who was looking for ways to keep the family of the deceased parents of the first cousins networking to continue the tradition of family fellowshipping with each other and not let the torch of togetherness burn out.  The Stephens Cousins Reunion convenes in Sanford every two years.   
A great family reunion song that was played at the event was by the O’Jays, “Family Reunion” … It’s so nice to see all the folks you love come together, sitting and talking about all the things that have been going on; it’s our Family Reunion.”

• Byrd Memorial Church, 2140 Sipes Ave., Sanford (Midway) announces the 18th Year Pastoral Anniversary Service for their Pastor, Rev. Tyrone Green, to be held on Sun., Aug. 28, 2016 at 11 a.m. Everyone is invited to join them in this service as they honor Rev. Green for his loyal and dedicated service to their church and the community.

• Belated July Birthdays and Wedding Anniversary: Happy 80th Birthday to Mother Dorothy Curry. Happy 87th Birthday to Mother Inez McDonald. They both celebrated their birthday on July 24. Happy 41st Wedding Anniversary to Bob and Marvis Redding.

• The Word Center Singles Ministry presented a “Single and Saved Seminar” on Sat., July 9, 2016, from 9 a.m.-12 noon. More than 40 people representing various ministries from Seminole, Brevard, Orange and Dade Counties were in attendance.  
Elder Sharron Riggins was the Moderator and Speaker on the topic, “Living Single and Satisfied". She brought home the fact that it's o.k. to be single and happy with yourself; and once you can actually "love" yourself, then you can truly love others. She also shared that people need to dismiss the “single stigma” that you have to have a mate or something is wrong with you! Not so.   
Marlow Brown spoke on "Living Single and Unsatisfied", sharing that this is not her destiny and that God knows her heart’s desires. She stated that her "mate" is on the way, citing Esther 2:14, "That I am to wait on my king, and when he's delighted in me, he will call me by my name". Sam Adams spoke on “The Pressures of the Dating Game”. Sam, a recent newlywed, re-married his wife Rosetta a few months ago. He stated that although they were married previously to each other for 20 years, they did everything they could while dating not to lose sight of God's Word concerning remaining celibate until marriage.  
The secret according to Rosetta, "Don't put yourself in that position; use your head when planning your dates to avoid pressures and problems.” Andrew Adkins, of Miami, FL, spoke on “Mistakes We Make When Choosing a Mate”. He talked about marrying someone without really knowing that person and wanting to make it work although it was not a healthy situation or Godly, and of having the strength to end it with dignity. He also spoke of God leading him to his soulmate a few years later who proved to be the love of his life.  Sadly, he lost his wife after only being married a few short years.
After dynamic presentations by the speakers, the floor was opened for deep personal questions and answers concerning heartfelt relationships, testimonies, tears and encouragement. The seminar ended with a networking luncheon and fellowship. Everyone in attendance received a gift bag full of love, encouragement and goodies.  Parting sentiments were, "I'm single right now, and that's alright with me. When you see me by myself, I'm not alone. I know what I have coming to me. I'm single and saved; and for now, that's all I need to be!"
The event Coordinators were overjoyed with the great success of the seminar. They expressed thanks to everyone who attended; a special thanks went out to the singles from Northland Church-Longwood and the singles who traveled from Miami. A question has already been asked about when the next seminar will be?  
The Coordinators stated that you can look forward to another session in the coming months. The Word Center is located at 2680 S. Orlando Dr. in Sanford; Pastors Rico and Dana Sharp; Tel.: 407-687-0551.

Sheralyn Brinson can be reached at SBrinson@MySanfordHerald.com.