Saluting the Past “Mothers of the Year”
It has been a rich blessing since becoming the under shepherd of Langley, to witness how so many of our women have diligently and lovingly served God and others. This is the true mark of being a disciple of Christ. The women of Langley are “Proverbs 31 Women”, which benefits the entire church family. However, the practice has been to single out one woman each year to celebrate as “The Mother of the Year”. I am blessed to have been a part of the celebrations from the years of 2012 through 2019. These women of God have seemingly been “miracle workers”. They accomplished so much, while requesting so little. Most of the time they requested nothing except the desire to serve, love and honor the Lord, their families and our church family.
While this year, we are having no special physical celebration together in the church facility, this grants us the opportunity to re-visit those who have been honored in the past. We appreciate how they have planned, taught, rehearsed and led the music ministry, which has been anointed and seemingly, at times, opened up the very heavens during worship services. Year after year after year, we received communion that was quietly and faithfully prepared and served to us by them. They tirelessly counted funds, paid bills and have kept immaculate financial records on the church’s behalf. They have overseen our Sunday School and ensured that our children had special times of celebration during holiday seasons. They have taught and nurtured their own children, neighborhood children, public school children and the Langley children with unending love and patience. They have served faithfully in several Langley ministries for as long as anyone can even remember. They have planned, coordinated and attended special events with a smile, even when facing challenges and facing the lack of finances. Therefore, they willingly provided their personal funds. They have cared for our infants, toddlers and little ones with love, care and patience like we’ve never witnessed before. We know that the Lord has constantly infused into them His strength and love that has consistently flowed through them to our little ones. They have coordinated and provided the Vacation Bible School staff with supplies, encouragement and guidance in order to facilitate for children a week of exciting teaching about Jesus. These children also enjoyed making beautiful crafts and taking exciting excursions. They have ushered and stood on their feet in order to serve us during worship services when, at times, they needed to be served themselves.
Above all, they have been godly role models for us all. We continue to celebrate how the Lord has blessed us through all of their love and service. Gaze upon their lovely faces. Pray for their families. Never cease to thank the Lord for them!
Pastor Cynthia Thomas
Mothers Day, 2020
Photos from left to right: Marvis Jackson Ivy 2012, Mildred “Toni” Hillman 2013, DeLois Jenkins (deceased) 2014, Annie Washington 2015, Karita Thomas 2016, Patricia Payne 2017, Micole Jenkins 2018, and Anita Allen Jackson 2019