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Showing posts from November, 2015

First Sunday of Advent, Initial Sermon (Pastoral Emphasis for 11/29)

We are reading through the Bible as a church family this year. We're following the 52-week reading plan. We are on week 48. Today is the first Sunday of Advent . Advent is a word that means "coming" or "visit". In the Christian season of Advent, we prepare for the "advent" of Christ at Christmas. During Advent... We remember Israel’s hope for the coming of God’s Messiah to save, to forgive, and to restore.  We remember our hope for the second coming of Jesus.  We remember our need for a Savior to save us from our sins.  We prepare to welcome Christ at Christmas into our world . . . and into our hearts.  I'm pleased to announce that Sister Tayon Dancy will be giving her Initial Sermon on Sunday, December 13th, at 4:00 pm. Everyone is invited to join us for this special occasion!

Syrian Refugee Crisis, Elder-Led Prayer, Thanksgiving Schedule (Pastoral Emphasis for 11/22)

While Christians are in an uproar about Starbucks red holiday cups , there are more important things going on in the world to be concerned about. Concerning the Syrian Refugee Crisis , I see a lot of fear-mongering on social media. How should we, as Christians, think about this issue? We need to think Biblically. As we've learned in the Truth Project , the government and church have different spheres of responsibility . Let the government do its job to vet the refugees in order to protect its citizens. As the church, we should show compassion and the love of Christ. Why are we so afraid to have refugees come in? God has not given us a spirit of fear but power, love, and a sound mind (or self-control) . We should not fear those who can kill the body but fear the One who can kill the body and the soul . Christians are called to love our enemies . In the parable of the Good Samaritan , Jesus calls us to love our neighbor. The church should not be like the religious ones (the

Pray for Paris, Condensed New Member Class, Truth & Love (Pastoral Emphasis for 11/15)

The city of Paris was the victim of multiple terrorist attacks where 129 died, 352 more were injured, 99 of which were critical.  Let's pray for all of the families devastated by these evil acts. Please pray for Bro. Calvin Gray who lost his mother last week.  Keep his family in your prayers during their time of bereavement. We are reading through the Bible as a church family this year. We're following the 52 week reading plan. We are on week 46. As Christians, we are apt to face suffering, adversity, and calamity in our lives especially as we live in a fallen world. The Bible teaches us how to handle them. Join us in our current Bible Study series, "Courage in Times of Trouble," a study of 1st and 2nd Peter, continuing Wednesday at 7:00pm. A condensed New Members Orientation Class will be offered on Saturday, 11/21, from 9:00am to 11:30am. If you have any remaining classes, please make plans to attend this session. Please see the announcements for cont

Intercessory Prayer Workshop, Condensed New Members Orientation Class (Pastoral Emphasis for 11/8)

Please pray for Minister Jacquelyn Harrison whose sister, Sharron, passed away last week. Services will be held in Virginia at the end of this week. We are reading through the Bible as a church family this year. We're following the 52-week reading plan. We are on week 45. On Saturday, 11/14, we're having a training workshop for the Intercessory Prayer team from 9 to 11 am in the MPR. All are welcome to attend if you're interested in learning more about the ministry of intercessory prayer. A condensed New Members Orientation Class will be offered on Saturday, 11/21, from 9 to 11:30 am. If you have any remaining classes, please make plans to attend this session. Please see the announcement for contact info for questions and registration. Congrats to Marquel and Raquitta on the dedication of their baby boy, Aiden Landon Williams-Daniels.

Praise Reports, Courage in Times of Trouble, Intercessory Prayer Training (Pastoral Emphasis for 11/1)

As a church family, we have much to rejoice over and praise God for! Congrats to newlyweds, Jacob and Stephanie Julian , who were married last Monday. Congrats to Jae and Kelly on the arrival of their son, Xidan Smith  Praise God that Elder Wayne Bullock is home from his back surgery and rehab. Praise God that Bro. Joseph Hancock is home.  Here is Brandi Hancock's testimony about her dad: “I am elated and beyond excited to know that in 29 days my father has managed with God's strength to survive a massive heart attack! He died for 7 minutes but God said not so, my mother his Wife managed with the strength of God to administer chest compressions until the paramedics arrived, after being shocked 11 times he slipped into a coma and battled pneumonia. He has LESS THAN minimal brain damage! You can't tell me God is not a healer! The wheelchair is policy but Yes! He can walk! By the way he was released 11 days ahead of schedule! Thank you all for your undying support