Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr. presents future First Lady of VOF

STONE MOUNTAIN—Voices of Faith Ministries soon will have a new First Lady. Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr. introduced his fiancé, Pamela Albright, to the church’s congregation on May 12, Mother’s Day.

The beautiful, 5-foot-3, Alabama native is vice president of product management for Bank of America. A graduate of the University of Alabama, she received her bachelor’s degrees in political science and criminal justice. Albright had planned for a career in law, but decided to move up the corporate ladder with Bank of America after landing a job there.

Together, Albright and Hawkins will have a blended family of young men. Albright has two sons, ages 11 and 13. Bishop Hawkins also has two sons, ages 19 and 18.

As Albright stood beside Bishop Hawkins in the pulpit, the congregation erupted into applause and cheers as an elated Albright mischievously flashed a big smile—and her engagement ring—just as Bishop Hawkins was about to make his crescendo in introducing her.

“I couldn’t help myself. He is the one who is always making everyone laugh. He’s very funny,” Albright said about showing off her rock. “He is one of the most loving people I’ve ever known. It’s not just the love he has in his heart for me and the kids, it’s his love for the Lord and others. It’s very contagious.”

“She’s been a blessing in my life and I honor God for her. She’s been there with me through thick and thin,” said Bishop Hawkins, who dated Albright for two years before asking her to marry.

Bishop Hawkins said he popped the question on May 10 while he and Albright were visiting her family for a pre-Mother’s Day dinner in Alabama. Albright, who has two sisters and three brothers, said they were having dinner with her mother when Bishop Hawkins presented the ring. Albright said the proposal came as a big surprise.

“It was a total, total shock,” said Albright. “I thought it was a Mother’s Day celebration for my mother.”

“Pam was excited. Her mom was screaming. I wasn’t sure if Pam had said yes,” Bishop Bishop Hawkins said.

Bishop Hawkins said relatives and friends have been very supportive—from his mom to his brother and sister-in-law, Aaron and Mia Hawkins, to his spiritual father, Bishop Leroy Woodside.

“They all love her,” said Bishop Hawkins, who said he and Albright enjoy attending baseball and basketball games in support of their sons, going to the movies, and trying different restaurants.

Albright said they also enjoy college football together, with one exception.

“We are huge college football fans. He is a fan of LSU (which is where his home town of Baton Rouge is located) and I’m a fan of University of Alabama. When those two teams play one another, however, we decided we will not watch the game together,” Albright said. “He doesn’t like to lose and the last time, LSU lost,” Albright said gleefully.

To see the video of Bishop Hawkins and his fiancé, Pamela Albright, visit our FB page: On Common Ground News (Official).

We Worship Calendar

Impact Ministries to host health block party

Impact Ministries International—Atlanta, 1600 Agape Way, Decatur, is hosting a free block party and health screenings on May 18, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Free health screenings will be offered such as blood pressure, and HIV testing and youth empowerment information such as child sex trafficking awareness. There also will be designer clothing giveaway, fitness demonstrations, free food and music.

Bishop Junaldo and Pastor Tiffany Lee invite everyone to come out. For more information, call 770-771-3299.

Elizabeth Baptist seeks Greek organizations to feed needy

Elizabeth Baptist Church, 4245 Cascade Road, S.W., Atlanta is welcoming members of fraternities and sororities to assist in feeding the needy on May 25, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Volunteers will serve with the One In Him Ministry (fraternities and sororities for Christ) for the Open Hand Project. Volunteers will sort meals and then deliver them to elderly and disabled residents in the Cascade community.

Participants will meet in Room 3 at the church. For more information or to sign up your fraternity or sorority, call 404-691-3146.

Kingdom Investment Ministry offers free health screenings

Kingdom Investment Ministry, 2219 Idlewood Road, Tucker, will offer free health screenings at a community health fair on June 1, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Information pamphlets and health screenings for the following conditions will be provided: cancer, prevention and the spread of it in the body; heart disease screening; vision and blood pressure checks; and glucose screenings.

Vendors from local businesses and companies, U.S. military, and temporary agencies will be on hand to discuss interested fair attendees about both, full-time and part-time positions they are currently offering. 770-934-9994 or 770-780-6129.

First Baptist youths set yard sale

Youths at First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave., will host their annual yard sale on June 6 – 8, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. and June 8, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The yard sale, a Decatur tradition, is held on the front lawn each year the week after school ends for the summer. The sale helps fund the many mission projects and activities the church’s youths are involved in during the year.

Donations to the yard sale are welcome. For more information or to donate your buried treasures, call 404-373-1653.

Beulah prepares for colossal VBS

Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, 2340 Clifton Springs Road, Decatur, will host a “Colossal Coaster World” Vacation Bible School Parade and Family Day on June 1, 9 a.m.

The VBS Parade will feature themed-floats, made by volunteers and members of the church. Following the parade, the Twelve Tribes Ministry will host the Annual Family Day. Everyone is encouraged to attend and bring family and friends to the event. Family Day will feature a cook-off, a bake-off and awards presentation.

The following Monday, June 3, is the kick-off day for VBS 2013 continuing through Friday, June 7. VBS will start at 6 pm each day. There will be classes for the young and young at heart. The theme scripture is taken from 2 Timothy 1:7, and each day students will have an opportunity to explore a portion of the scripture as attendees “Face Our Fears” of being a modern Christian. 404-241-3307.