Bethel Baptist Church holds annual Women's Day service

BETHEL'S 2008 WOMAN OF THE YEAR - Pictured are Betty Pyles; Italia Rankin, first runner-up; Malisha Smith, Ms. Bethel 2008; Dr. J.W. Sanders Sr., pastor; Stephanie Mickles, Ms. Bethel 2007; and Rubye C. Sanders, Bethel's First Lady and Woman's Day chairperson. Annual Women's Day services were held recently at Bethel Baptist Church with women of the church in charge of the day's activities. The theme was "Christian Women: Uncommon Achievers For Christ - According to His Purpose."

Guest speaker was Betty Dawkins Pyles, daughter of Conell and Lucille Dawkins. She is married to Robert B. Pyles and is coowner of Pyles Enterprises 1, LLC in Mequon, Wisc.

Participating on the program were Stephanie Mickles, Dasheena Bell, Annie Beard, Alicia Littlejohn, Connie Garrett, Robtees Smith, Diane Brannon, Dr. J.W. Sanders Sr., Rachel Vanlue, Anita Littlejon, Jessica Harris, Brandy Tate, Juanita Cook, Wanda Hopper and Bre'ana Johnson. Music was provided by the Women's Choir that was directed by Terri Williams and musicians were Jewette Patterson, Mary Wilkins, Jerome Adams and Roy Lee Smith.

Devotional services were conducted by the Women's Praise Team with Andrenna Montgomery serving as chairperson. Lorena Gregory was in charge of the senior and young adult women ushers. Ruzlin Smith, Brandy Tate and Shannon Redish served on the finance committee while Camellia Stuard was in charge of the Pastor's Aide. Pernice Smith, Lenora Hollis and Mattie Brown composed the welcoming committee.

Participating in the church school department were Edith Knuckles, Trina Brown, Natalie Cannon, Dorse Cleveland, Margaret McCluney, Kendra Kilgore, Earlene Littlejohn, Eula Johnson, Angela Dawkins, Corrie B. Jefferies, Dedra Fowler, Stephanie Mickles, Sarah Smith, Donna Davidson, Andrenna Montgomery, Juanita Dewberry and Cathy Neal.

A highlight of the day was the crowning Ms. Bethel 2008, Malisha Smith.