We cordially welcome all newcomers who have moved into the Kipling and Chalybeate Springs community and also we extend our welcome to you to visit our area churches for worship every Sunday morning. If you are interested in a home church, prayerfully, you just might find a church of your choice. Our church doors are open always to new members.

Friday night, Feb. 15, the UMW group at Kipling United Methodist Church sponsored their annual Valentine’s banquet at the church fellowship building. With a delicious catered meal and much fun, the party was well attended and a good time was enjoyed by everyone.

We celebrate African American History Month this February. The theme for the 2013 African American History Month is “At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality: the Emancipation Proclamation and the March on Washington.”

This theme commemorates the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln in 1863. This action was a major step in ending the practice of slavery within the United States and bringing freedom to people of color who were living as slaves. The fight for civil rights was a difficult journey, but worth the shed blood and the struggle.

Ms. Patsy C. May of Matthews visited Ms. Annie Bullock recently. Bishop and Mrs. John H. Williams of Fuquay-Varina visited Ms. Bullock last Thursday evening.

Happy birthday this week to Ms. Mae Surles, Whitney McLean, Tiwana Chance, Sally Bryant, Marion Miner, Vincent Scott, Daniel Baker, Michael Frank Champine, Bill Adam, Larry Whimple and Joe Alexander.

Wishing each of you many more happy returns.