AME - Bethel Madison NJ

The Bethel AME Church Family welcomes you to worship with us, the Lord Jesus Christ who is our Savior and our God. We pray that you will enjoy the powerful presence of the Holy Ghost and God’s awesome, wonderful healing and delivering power.

We pray that the gifts of music and the gifts of preaching will minister to your Spirit and inspire you to walk with the Lord everyday that you breathe. If you are looking for a Savior, Jesus is here, if you need a new church home, Jesus is here and if you need a place to give God the Praise, BETHEL is here!

Pastor Teresa Lynn Rushdan and the Bethel Church family...

Bishop Richard Franklin Norris was born the sixth of eleven siblings in Atlanta, Georgia to the Rev. David Norris and Mrs. Mabel E. Brown Norris. In his early years, Bishop Norris’ family moved to Philadelphia where he was educated in the Public School System. After graduating from West Philadelphia High School, Bishop Norris attended Morris Brown College, then transferred to Rutgers University where he received his B.A. Degree. Having received the call to ministry at age 15, he attended the New Brunswick Theological Seminary and the New York Theological Seminary where he received his Doctor of Ministry Degree.

Bishop Norris has since received honorary doctorates from the Lee Theological Seminary, and Monrovia College. His fellowships have included the Ford Foundation Urban Training Center (Chicago, Ill), the Lily
Foundation, the New York City Mission Society and the New York Theological Seminary.

Bishop Norris has pastored throughout the First Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Pennsylvania, Bermuda, New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia. He was Pastor of Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia, PA from 1986 through 1993, and St. Matthew AME Church, also in Philadelphia, from 1993 to 2000.

Bishop Norris has many civic affiliations to his credit and has done much to improve the quality of life in the communities in which he has served.

In June 2000, at the Forty-sixth Quadrennial General Conference, Bishop Norris was elected and consecrated the 116th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He was sent to serve the 14th Episcopal District in West Africa, which includes Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Liberia, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Cote D’Ivoire. There, Bishop Norris was an able and effective leader in the spiritual and educational development of the people in the areas in which he served. He rebuilt churches, schools and universities that had been destroyed in the ongoing unrest in the area. He has traveled to and from Africa frequently for the good of his pastors and the people, even when his life would have been in jeopardy.

In June, 2004, at the Forty-seventh Quadrennial General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Episcopal Committee met to carry out the business of the Church and to appoint Bishops to its 20 districts. The AME Church is the fourth largest church in the National Council of Churches. Its 20 districts include: The U.S. and Canada, Africa, Europe, the Caribbean and South America.

At the General Conference, the presiding elders, ministers, delegates and lay people of the First District requested that the Episcopal Committee send Bishop Richard Franklin Norris to the First District, where the AME Church started under Bishop Richard Allen in 1787. This district includes the eastern half of Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, New England (including Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut) and Bermuda. We are happy to have Bishop Norris here and…

We cannot introduce Bishop Norris without including our beloved Episcopal Supervisor, Mrs. Mary Ann Hill Norris, his wife and soul mate for over thirty years. As the Supervisor of Missions for the First District, Mrs. Norris is an integral and important component of our Episcopal Team. Bishop and Mrs. Norris are the proud parents of two sons. The oldest, Richard Franklin Norris, II, is a successful computer company executive and an accomplished musician and music director in the First District. His brother, the Rev. Marcellus Norris, is the pastor of historic Bethel AME Church in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Bishop and Mrs. Norris reside in Philadelphia.

“WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE!”


AUG2004

Rev. Teresa Lynn Rushdan is an Itinerant Elder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Senior Pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church located in Madison, New Jersey where she has served for four years. Along with her pastoral duties Pastor Rushdan continues to work with her community, youth, seniors and other civic organizations for the betterment of the human condition.

Prior to her pastorate she served as the Minister of Pastoral Care on the executive staff of St. James A.M.E Church in Newark, New Jersey under the leadership of Rev. Dr. William D. Watley.

Pastor Rushdan has studied at the College of New Rochelle, New York where graduated at the top of her class. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and a minor in African American Studies. Soon after, Pastor Rushdan attended Drew Theological Seminary Madison New Jersey where she received a Master of Divinity with an emphasis in Pastoral Theology.

Rev. Rushdan travels extensively preaching, teaching and lecturing throughout the United States. Currently, Rev. Rushdan is writing her first book entitled “Sassy Sayings from the Pulpit” and she is also on faculty as an Instructor for the St. James Christian Learning Center in Newark where she teaches Church History, Spiritual Disciplines and The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit.

Pastor Rushdan says that she is committed to motherhood (she has one daughter named Desiree) and to the Master Jesus who still saves and sets the captives free.

Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
53 Central Avenue
Madison, New Jersey 07940

Phone: (973) 514-1925
Fax: (973) 514-1552

Email: Bethelamemadison@aol.com
Website: http://www.bethelmadison.com

Rev. Teresa Lynn Rushdan, M. Div., Senior Pastor
Rev. James E. Deas, Sr., Presiding Elder
The Rt. Rev. Richard F. Norris, Presiding Prelate, First Episcopal District

Minister:  I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord; our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem.

Congregation:  For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand; I’d rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

Minister:  Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good.

Congregation:  Those that are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.

Minister:  Blessed are they that dwell in the house; Lord I have loved thy habitation the place where thy honor dwelleth.

Congregation:  For the Lord is in His holy temple let all the earth keep silence before Him.

Minister:  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord my strength and my redeemer.

Congregation:  O sing unto the Lord a new song for He has done marvelous things.  Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth sing praises.

The Bethel AME Church Family welcomes you to worship with us, the Lord Jesus Christ who is our Savior and our God. We pray that you will enjoy the powerful presence of the Holy Ghost and God’s awesome, wonderful healing and delivering power.

We pray that the gifts of music and the gifts of preaching will minister to your Spirit and inspire you to walk with the Lord everyday that you breathe. If you are looking for a Savior, Jesus is here, if you need a new church home, Jesus is here and if you need a place to give God the Praise, BETHEL is here!

Pastor Teresa Lynn Rushdan and the Bethel Church family

Submitting Announcements
If anyone has an announcement for the bulletin please be sure to give it to Sis. Donella Harlee on Sunday so that it can be approved by Pastor for the following week.

Baptismal
If anyone has not been Baptized please see Pastor Rushdan that she may arrange your date for Baptismal Counseling and your Baptism.  Remember that Baptism Seals and Completes your membership in heaven as well as the church.

New Class Leaders Ministry
Bethel Madison introduces its newest ministry.  The Class Leaders Ministry will be divided into 4 classes.  The Class Leader is appointed annually and is to watch over those members in their class as to their spiritual needs (that they are working out their soul’s salvation).  A Class Leader is to report to the official Board (First the Pastor) those who are sick and those who may walk disorderly and are in the need of Spiritual Guidance by the Pastor.  Every member will have a class leader.  The following persons have been assigned as Class Leaders:

Class #1  Sis. Camille Haynes
Class #2  Sis. Lisa Castro
Class #3  Evang. Pam Underhill
Class #4  Sis. Patricia Morris
Class #5  Sis. Pam Donacien
Class #6  Bro. Charles Morris

CPR Course from American Red Cross
The Nurses Unit will be hosting a CPR course provided by the American Red Cross.  The cost is $45 and the course is for 4 hours. Please see Sis. Patricia Morris to register.

Cleanliness is next to Godliness
If you believe that “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” Please see Bro. Charles Morris so that you can help keep God’s House clean.  All you need is a willing Spirit.

Historical Bethel Madison Materials Wanted
Pastor Rushdan is working steadily to have Bethel recognized formally as a historical site and is also pursuing funding from the New Jersey Historic Trust Fund, The Morris County Historic Trust Fund, and The Victoria Foundation.  If anyone has any pictures of Bethel Madison from the 19^th Century (1885-1903) or early 20^th Century (1905-1945) also to the present day, or perhaps you have old movie footage, or old newspaper clippings, please see Pastor.

Sunday Church School
Every Sunday morning – 10:00 AM

Worship Service
Every Sunday morning – 11:00 AM

Weekly Activities
Tuesday, Narcotics Anonymous (open meeting) 8:00 PM
Thursday, Fasting & Prayer from dawn to dusk
Thursday, Intercessory Prayer – 6:00-7:00 PM

Prayer is a requirement by God. It is the vehicle by which the Christian is able to speak to God and by which God speaks to us. Do you have a need? Do you suffer with temptation? Are you desiring a closer relationship with God? Regardless of the need God will answer in God’s way and in God’s time. Let the prayer warriors intercede for you and your family and then prepare to receive the victory.

Thursday, General Bible Study – 7:00 PM
Thursday, Choir Rehearsal – 8:00 PM
Missionary Meeting – every 4^th Tuesday – 7:00 PM
Steward Board Meeting – every 2^nd Sunday immediately after service
Trustee Board Meeting – every 3^rd Sunday immediately after service
YPD/Youth Ministry Meeting- every 2^nd Sunday immediately after service

The Lord’s Supper
Every first Sunday

Holy Baptism
Every third Sunday

Love Feast
The last Thursday before the first Sunday – 7:00 PM

Sunday February 5^th
11:00 AM, Our own Presiding Elder Rev. James E. Deas, Sr. will preach at Bethel Madison

Sunday February 5^th
3:00 PM, Our own Bishop The Rt. Rev. Richard Franklin Norris will preach at Bethel Madison.  All Preachers, Officers, Choirs, Lay Ministries and members are expected to attend.

Founder’s Day
Correct dates are Feb. 9th & 10th to be held at District Headquarters Philadelphia, PA.  Let us come together as we pay tribute to our Founding Father Bishop Richard Allen.

Monday February 13^th
7:00 PM, “Grace Episcopal Church “Madison” The Interfaith Association of Madison presents a Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.  Bethel Madison has been selected to sing and play all music.  TLR will be singing.

Saturday February 18^th
9:00 AM, 3:00 PM at Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church New Brunswick Pastor Rushdan will be the guest preacher and TLR and musicians are the guest artist.  All who attend must pay $25.00 each if they stay all day.

Saturday February 25^th
6:00 PM, Praise Team of Bethel Madison has been asked to sing for the YPD Evening Service at Israel Memorial A.M.E. Church Newark.  All Praise Team Members are being asked to participant and we are asking that Sis. Ayeisha join us.

Sunday March 5^th
3:00 PM, Presiding Elder of New Brunswick Rev. Lloyd M. Guyton will be preaching here at Bethel Madison.

Sunday March 12^th
Service will be at 9:00 Am at Bethel Madison and then we will follow Pastor to the 11:00 AM at Bethel A.M.E. Church Passaic Pastor Rushdan will be preaching for Women’s Day.  Pastor is asking that we all accompany her.

Rescheduled to spring
Marriage Recommitment Ceremony.  All couples are invited to participate.  Please see Sis. Patricia Morris for further details.

This page features Programs for Seniors, sponsored by The Community Health Department of Morristown Memorial Hospital (MMH).

Keep Yourself Safe from Stroke
Tue, Feb. 21st, 2:00 to 3:00 PM
MMH, Auditorium A, B Level
(registration is required for all programs
by calling 1-800-AHS-9580)

Dial-A-Ride Senior Van
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday
Call (973) 593-3095 – 8:30-9:00 AM

American Red Cross
By Appointment, Monday-Friday
Schedule 2 weeks ahead for medical visits outside of Madison

Shop-Rite Van
Every Wednesday at 1PM.
Call 24 hours in advance to reserve a seat.

Flower Memorial/Anniversary
Pastor Rushdan would like to encourage you to remember your deceased loved one with flowers on the anniversary of their passing. We will place your flowers on or near the altar and will pray for the memory of that person during morning worship.

Pastoral Counseling
Pastoral Counseling is available to all members. Please call (973) 514-1925 for an appointment. Counseling is available Thursday evenings from 8:00-9:00 PM. Confidentiality is our Banner!

Prison Ministry
Pastor Rushdan is looking to expand the ministries of the church, if any member is interested in doing Prison Ministry with her one Saturday a month please let her know.

Special Request
Pastor Rushdan is asking that the church respect that Sunday is the Sabbath Day. Unless it is an emergency, please refrain from disturbing Pastor before morning worship, as she is meditation. If you must send a message, please give the message to Evangelist Pamela Underhill. Thank you!!

"Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayers of faith will save the sick and the Lord will raise him up." (James 5:14-15)

Sis. Mary Johnson, 17 Kinney Street, Madison, NJ
Rev. Rushdan’s Bro. Herman in MD
Rev. Howe’s Father-in-law

God bless you. We will be praying for you. Please remember to pray for the families of the miners in WV and the survivors of Hurricane Katrina and Rita. Please let the Pastor know if there is someone who needs prayer, is sick and shut-in, or in the hospital.

Bethel’s 24 Hour Prayer Number is (973) 514-1525

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. The third day he arose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Church Universal, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sin, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen.

Rev. Teresa Lynn Rushdan, Senior Pastor
Rev. Hennighan Howe, Associate Minister

Evangelists
Evangelist Pamela Underhill
Evangelist Sandra Jones
Evangelist Jacqueline Underhill

Music Staff
Evang. Pamela Underhill, Minister of Music
Sis. Patricia Morris, Youth Director
Bro. Jomear Martin, Organist
Bro. Vaughn Irving, Drummer
Bro. AJ Morris, Drummer

Lay Ministry & New Members Welcome Ministry
Sis. Donella Harlee

Education Ministry
Sis. Patricia Morris, Sunday School
Bro. Charles Morris, Sunday School

Dance & Wellness/Health Ministry
Sis. Lisa Castro

Youth Ministry/YPD
Sis. Pamela Donacien, Director
Sis. Desiree Rushdan, President (YPD)

Usher and Greeters Ministry
Sis. Camille Haynes

Secretarial Staff
Sis. Janice Gaskins, Pastors’ Secretary
Sis. Donella Harlee, Church Secretary/Church Bulletin