The Missionary Ministry of the First Baptist Church at 507 Whatley St., Andalusia, would like to t hank those ladies who make our teas better each year.

Churches that have been represented are Babbie Baptist, Church of the Living God, First Baptist – East Three Notch, First Baptist Red Level, First Bethlehem Baptist, First Unity, Holy Tabernacle, Macedonia Baptist, Mt. Moriah Baptist, New Pilgrim Baptist, St. Mary’s Episcopal, Southside Baptist, and St. Peter’s Baptist Church.

We love having you and welcome others on the fourth Saturday in March each year at this free admission event.

Our missionary ministry includes two mission circles (north side and south side, older ladies); matrons’ department (young ladies); and youth department (Sunbeam, Red Circle, Crusaders). With the leadership of our pastor, the Rev. Johnny R. Davis, we are all working together to advance God’s word.

Our tea spun out of the north side circle ladies’ decision to wear a hat to an afternoon program at church. They are Ruby Crittenden, Julia Evans, Mable Jenkins, Dorothy Johnson, Emm Locke, Bridie Phelps, Ethel Robertson and Dorothy Stallworth.

Thanks to the late Mrs. Lula “Dear” Miller, “a lady of many hats,” we did. Mrs. Miller was a Christian and faithful member until her passing. She has two daughters, Ethel and Ruby, in the north side circle who happily agreed.

“A lady’s hat says something,” wd found out, so from that we have our Mad Hat Tea.

The first year, we sported Mrs. Miller’s hats and afterwards, we brought our own and just displayed hers.

After each program we partake in an afternoon brunch and tea, as well as the Hats on Parade Walk. Every hat is judged whether you walk or not for originality, style head-to-toe, most common and a “you-go-girl” hat.

Through this fellowship we have made new friends, shared the word of God, found encouragement and lifted spirits through a hat. We are a family of God, individuals throughout history who have accepted God’s free gift of salvation, which has entitled us to be God’s children (John 1:12). We may not always see the fruits of our labor, but remember, one missionary may plant, another may water, but it is God who gives the increase.

We invite you ladies out to join us on March 24, 2012.

Dorothy Johnson