May opens before us like a fresh page—bright, expectant, and full of God’s promise. As we step into this new month, we’re invited to pause and recognize the beauty of the season we’re in. The world around us is blooming! This month, we honor the women who have shaped us with strength, tenderness, and unwavering faith. Mother’s Day gives us a moment to celebrate the mothers, grandmothers, mentors, and spiritual mothers who pour love into our lives in ways seen and unseen. Their influence is a living testimony of God’s grace at work. May also brings a milestone for our young people as we begin Graduation Season. Their achievements remind us that God is continually raising up new leaders, dreamers, and disciples. As they prepare to step into the next chapter, we surround them with prayer, encouragement, and pride. Their journey is just beginning, and we trust that God will guide every step. This month, let’s move forward with hope—rooted in gratitude, inspired by growth, and confident in the good things God has in store.
Sunday School Lesson
Lesson 9 - May 3, 2026
Adult Unit II: Fulfilling Our Obligations to Family and Society Adult General Lesson Title: The Higher Patriotism Adult Topic: Grace Beyond Borders Background Scriptures: Jonah 1 - 4 Print Passages: Jonah 1: 1 - 3; 3: 1 - 5; 4: 6 - 11 Home Daily Readings Friday, May 1 ~ Philippians 3: 17 - 21 Our Citizenship is in Heaven Saturday, May 2 ~ Jonah 3: 1 - 5 - A Season of National Repentance Sunday, May 3 ~ Jonah 4: 6 - 11 God's Compassion for All
Can patriotism go too far? Even after God rescued Jonah from death, Jonah hated to see God's grace so freely given to others
Tuesday Bible Study Recap
Scripture Reference: Nehemiah 4: 13 - 20
"I never want to feel I've learned the best way how. There's always one hill higher with a better view." (Art Fettig)
- People are more committed when they are connected
- There must be Ministries for members to connect
- The direction of the Spirit/Holy Ghost is most important
- Build up weak areas while maintaining strong areas
- Don’t give problems of life more power than you give God - God is more powerful than the problem
- Focus on devotion to him
- We cannot defeat the enemy without God
- Ministry requires protection and productivity
- Communication is vital
- Stay in contact and connect with God
- Our God will fight for us
April 29 Recap
Scripture reference: Jonah 2:1 Thought: Trust God in Prayer
Praise Report
Frances Tyson (Health)
Wednesday Morning Prayer Request
- Pastor Fite and Family
- Steele Hill Church Family
- Willie Morrison
- Jackie Lindsay
- Frank Massey
- Sister Hickman
- Deonne Rice
- Marie Lewis
- Shellie & Annie Springs, Sr.
- Shellie Springs, Jr.
- Mae Barber
- Rev. Gregory & Family
- Rev. April Wolfe
- The Families of the Lousiana and Virginia tragedies
Please contact Sister Johnnie Lewis (919.221.8857) to add someone to the prayer list. TIA
National Day of Prayer
Join us on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 7:00 PM (EST) for a powerful time of unity and intercession during the Connectional Intercessory Prayer on the National Day of Prayer. This sacred gathering is led by the International Prayer Ministry of the Department of Church Growth and Development of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, in collaboration with the Department of Communications of The A.M.E. Zion Church. As we come together to glorify God among the nations and seek Him across generations, this impactful service will be streamed live on AMEZTV and across all A.M.E. Zion Church platforms, making it accessible to believers everywhere. Join us as we lift one voice in prayer for our communities, our nation, and the world. #AMEZion #ZionStrong #NationalDayOfPrayer
Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026 Time: 11:45 a.m. Location: Simon Temple AME Zion Church | 5760 Yadkin Road, Fayetteville, NC
Pee Dee Conference
The Lively and Loving Lancaster District
South Atlantic Episcopal District, We are on the way! Please see the preparation schedule for the A.M.E. Zion Mass Choir. There are multiple options for you to join and prepare. We have so many rehearsals because we truly believe that EXCELLENCE IS NOT STUMBLED UPON. I love you and can’t wait to sing with you. God be praised! To Join and Receive Music Links: Text “Greenville” to 833-261-6405
As we prepare for Mother's Day on Sunday, May 10, please note the following: 1. The Mother's Day Choir will have rehearsal Sunday following service. All ladies are welcomed and encouraged to participate. (Contact: Queenetta Adams, 803. 762.8241)
2. Annual Mother's Day Luncheon* Saturday, May 9 3 pm Steele Hill Fellowship Hall Please submit your profile and picture to Doris Waiters as soon as possible! Information can be sent via text to Doris Waiters *In order to get a headcount, please sign up online! TIA (Contact: Doris Waiters: 803.416.2352)
Turning The Corner
A special thank you to Deanne, Free and Margretta for sharing your story! We will continue to support Autism Awareness by sharing information. We are in the process of developing an Autism Resource Toolkit. If you would like to assist or know of resources in our area, please contact Fred Witherspoon, Tina Johnson, or Tia Johnson
Let’s commit to: -Breaking stigma -Creating safe spaces -Advocating for proper diagnosis & support -Embracing neurodiversity within our culture Because awareness without action isn’t enough. #BlackMentalWellness #AutismAwarenessMonth #NeurodiversityMatters #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthAwareness #StayTuned
Happy Belated Birthday
April 2 ~ Donnisha Levert
Happy Belated Wedding Anniversary
April 20 - Cedric & Donnisha Levert
May 1 - Creola Johnson #91
May 2 - Brother Jarrod Webb
May 3 - Cedric Levert
May 5 - Rev. Eldren Morrison
May 6 - Ruth Kelly #102
May 7 - Jeniece Tims
May 8 - Jacqueline Lindsay
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Iota Theta Omega Chapter
Lancaster, SC
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is the oldest African-American service organization for college educated women. The Scholarship Committee of Iota Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is currently accepting applications for the following 2026 Scholarship Awards: * Merit Scholars Award * HBCU Merit Scholars Award (for students attending a Historically Black College/University) Scholarships will be awarded to students based on the following: *Graduating high school senior from Lancaster County School District *Academic achievement *Leadership ability *Extra-curricular activities *Community service *Acceptance to accredited college or university
Contact: Verta W. Looper 404-408-4075
Souls to the Polls!
South Carolina Votes
Voting In York County, SC
Let's Build A Strong Connection
Sunday @ 10 AM
Thank You for Reading
Steele Hill Media Ministry
fwitherspoon@steelehillamez.org
Credits:
Created with images by alenka2194 - "Banner hello may.,Text on the photo hello May.,Welcome card" • PetrovMedia - "Generations of African American Women United in a Family Portrait on Mother's Day" • MH - "Class of 2026" • Maria Marganingsih - "When you need, God knows.,When you ask, God listens.,When you believe, God works.,Believe in God concept with spiritual words on background of dramatic sunset sky and colorful clouds over the field" • MstFatema - "Happy mothers day celebration table setting with flowers and embroidery" • ZAKARIYAE - "Empowering Minds Through Education and Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder for a More Inclusive World" • Zunopixl - "A colorful group of human figures standing together symbolizing unity and autism awareness support" • abu - "Frosted Layer Cake with Colorful Swirls and Candles Featuring Oops I'm Late Message Against a Blue Background" • Athiphat - "serene birthday themed backdrop featuring golden balloons, candles, and pastel colors, perfect for celebrating May.,soft clouds add whimsical touch to festive atmosphere" • bizoo_n - "Start your engines" • Maxim Borbut - "An African American junior school girl posing with a robotic car at STEM class.,An African American preteen girl holding a robotic car at a STEM class.,Engineering and coding.,Stock photo." • Burlingham - "Young black college graduate with tuition debt, horizontal" • linda - "Deadline Notice" • freshidea - "United diversity and unity partnership as heart hands in a group of diverse people connected together shaped as a support symbol expressing the feeling of teamwork and togetherness" • Christian Horz - "top view of words thank you written on sticky note on laptop computer"