Bethel AME Church hosts return of Hat and Tea luncheon to help fund programs

Jeff Larson, Appeal-Democrat, Marysville, Calif.
·3 min read

Apr. 8—Saturday in Marysville was a day to celebrate and honor the best-looking hat and shoe as part of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church's annual Hat and Tea luncheon tradition brought back to life for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We are going to enjoy today," Bethel AME Director of Community Outreach Nyati Cleveland said. "We'll be struttin'."

Cleveland was referring to the many activities planned by Bethel's local crew of the Women's Missionary Society, which is an international faith-based non-governmental organization.

Lady Ashley Richards, the first lady to Bethel AME Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Gilbert Richards II, said the mission of the local chapter of the society is to help and serve as many people as possible.

"We go out into the community, state and nation and we give back as God called us to do," Ashley Richards said.

The first lady has helped organize local food and shoe drives to give back to those in need while partnering with Yuba-Sutter organizations to make sure everyone is taken care of. Bethel AME Church has stood in its current location for over a century and is not going anywhere, Richards said.

The return of the Women's Missionary Society hat and tea fundraiser kicks off a plethora of activities that the local church has planned for the rest of the year. Up next is a celebration of Juneteenth on June 22 when Bethel AME will host a day filled with programs, health screenings and seminars designed to take care of the community.

Cleveland and Richards are working to provide health screenings where individuals can get free checks of cholesterol levels and blood pressure, as well as diabetes and other help for those in need.

"We want everybody," Cleveland said. "We get the community involved and ask for their support."

The return of Saturday's Hat and Tea luncheon helped fund the Bethel AME schedule through a $30 "love donation," Richards said.

In July, Richards is helping put together a three-day celebration in honor of the Bethel AME Church's 170-year anniversary in Marysville.

As Richards pointed out, the church has faced and overcome many obstacles in its path over 170 years. Pandemics and fires have been no match for Bethel AME Church and the entity will look to move forward once again and honor its presence in Yuba-Sutter.

Richards said the anniversary will begin with a gala/dress-up party on July 12, followed by a community concert where anyone can participate in the church sanctuary on July 13, and a two-session guest pastor service on July 14.

Bethel AME provides weekly Bible studies and worship services on Wednesdays and Sundays that are live streamed via its Facebook page. Each Bible study begins at 6 p.m. and worship service starts at 10 a.m.

To contact the church, send a message to bethelamemarysville@gmail.com, or call 530-742-3393, Richards said.