The Reed-Bookman Family Reunion was held at the Hyatt Summerfield Suites in Fort Lauderdale on July 13-15.

Honored with being the “wisdom and heartbeat” of the family was Madesia Reed-Patterson. She is the oldest of the family and is 97 strong, this year. Others honored in the Reed-Bookman family were, Mrs. Annie Bookman-Wright, Mrs. Fannie Bookman and Mr. Cab Bookman. They were all showered with plaques, gifts and love.

Deep, rich history was explored at the reunion’s first day, finishing with dance, song, talent show and plenty of food and fun. Saturday’s picnic was held at the John U. Lloyd Beach State Park in Dania, FL near East Miami with sea breeze and the epic Florida sun. The day was picture perfect.

The reunion ended with a grand inspirational service held at New Jerusalem Church, Hollywood. There was fine dining and reminiscing and prayer. The theme was, “History and Heritage Lives On.”

• The Rescue Church of God, a historical landmark in the Goldsboro community will celebrate 50 years of service to the community.

You are invited to come and celebrate another milestone in their history through labor of love of Mother Blanche Bell Weaver, who was led by the spirit of God to move to Sanford in 1962. She obeyed the call of God and made the move and began sowing seeds of wisdom and encouragement into the hearts of people in the city.

Rescue Church of God is an extension of a larger Ministry in Newark, N.J. where she shepherd a flock of believers. Rescue Outreach Mission of Central Florida and the Rescue Open Door Shelter for Women and Children feeds, clothes and shelters thousands and thousands of men, women and children from all walks of life.

Many have been blessed through this ministry and there are products from this ministry yet thriving and meeting the spiritual and natural needs its community.

July 26-29, the General Assembly and Homecoming Reunion celebration will be held 7:30 p.m. nightly at the Charisma Media in Lake Mary. “Celebrate the Past and Rejoice in Expectation.” Pastor Quintin C. Faison and the Rescue Church of God family invite you to register by contacting 407-323-3700 or 407-314-9446.

• Westside Community Outreach Program City of Sanford L.I.H.E.A.P. Office, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program will help pay your electric bill. Saturday, July 21, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Westside Community Center Boys and Girls Club, 919 South Persimmon Avenue, Sanford 407-330-2456. Located north of Crooms Academy of Information Technology and 1 block south of Amtrak/Auto Train.

For safety reasons, no children Please. For Seminole County residents only. You will need to bring, picture ID and electric bill.

For further information contact: Dr. Velma H. Williams, District Two Commissioner (407) 322-9270, Joshua Brown, Westside Community Center (407) 330-2556.

• One Night Crusade with Apostle Dr. Elizabeth Hairston-McBurrows.

God has anointed her rich talents and now uses them for His honor and glory. She was the first woman ordained in the Office of Apostle under Christian International Network by Apostolic Bishop, Dr. Bill Harmon in November of 1997. Dr. Hairston-McBurrows ministers apostolically and prophetically in music and drama and teaches a relevant, revelatory, simple, yet uncompromising word of God.

Presently, she serves as founding President of the Apostolic-Prophetic Connection, a ministry that bridges the gap between the Five Fold and the Arts. She is International President and Founder of “Women With a Call International, Inc.”

She has branches in the U.S., South America, Caribbean Island, Holland, West and East Africa, Philippines and India. Hosting the one-night crusade will be Getting Your House in Order Ministries, July 31st at 7:00PM. Location of the Church, 2400 Chase Avenue. Pastor Robin R. Riggins, Ph.D. Overseer and Hostess, Dr. Sharon Riggins Patterson.

• National Night Out. Join us on America’s Night Out Against Crime.

Sanford Police Department and Sanford Super Target will be hosting the 29th Anniversary of National Night Out on Tuesday, August 7 at 6 p.m. at Ft. Mellon Park, 600 E. 1st St.

Plenty of free activities for the family. Food, face painting, games and giveaways. Partnering for a Safer Community.