Laypersons of the Year

Laity Sunday gives us an opportunity to recognize the ministry of the Laity in our church in a very special way. We have two ladies in our church who are responsible for so many things that no one else knows about. When you come to worship service on Sunday, you find our Sanctuary all prepared for the service. The ushers are on duty, the acolytes and crucifer are all set and ready to bring in the cross and light the candles, the flowers are placed on the altar, the paraments are the right liturgical color, on Communion Sundays the elements are prepared and ready to be served, the hymnals and Bibles are in the pews and all is in readiness for us to participate in the worship service.

In case you did not recognize the description of the two ladies that I was referring to: Kitty Hupman and Mae Edla Shaw are those two ladies that we recognize this Laity Sunday. They co-chair the Worship Committee and carefully attend to all these details, which I have described.

These two special ladies are not natives of Mebane, one having come from Western North Carolina and the other from Northeastern North Carolina and they came here many years ago to embark on a teaching career. They found homes here, married, reared families and became a vital part of the community. They have influenced many lives as they taught in the local High School, participated in local community activities and became active members of this church.

Kitty has been involved in the Christian Education Ministry of our church for many years, presently teaching the McFarland/Shaw Sunday School Class. Because of Kitty's vision and foresight, we have a most successful program for the children of our church and community. The MUMS program has been firmly established in our church for many years and has served the families of our church and community. Presently, she is serving as Chairman of our Board of Trustees.

Mae Edla, in addition to co-chairing the Worship Committee, serves as the Membership Secretary of the church. She keeps an accurate record of every member of this church and all information relevant to that person. She plans and directs a training session for the youth who want to become acolytes and crucifers. She prepares a schedule for them and notifies them when they are to be present. Because of her interest in, and knowledge of, she is well versed in wedding etiquette and directs lots of weddings here in our church.

There are many other details that I could share with you that these two ladies participate in here in this church and community, but instead, let me say this: Kitty and Mae Edla, on behalf of this church, I wish to express our love, our thanks and appreciation to each of you for your loving service and ministry to our church. May God bless you as you continue your ministry here in our church.

The Reverend Dr. Alan P. Swartz presented the honorees with plaques of appreciation from the church.

Two Recognized as Laypersons of the Year