New St. Mark Baptist Church CHRISTIAN NEWSLETTER

Transcription

1 Dr. Bowyer G. Freeman, Pastor New St. Mark Baptist Church CHRISTIAN NEWSLETTER Volume 1 Issue No. 78 January 2010 The Cross In My Pocket SUNDAY: SCHEDULE OF SERVICES/ STUDY SESSIONS WEDNESDAY: 9:15 A.M. SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:30 A.M. New Disciples Class 10:15 A.M. BAPTISM (To be Announced) 11:00 A.M. MORNING WORSHIP COMMUNION (EVERY 2ND SUNDAY) 6:30 P.M. PRAYER & BIBLE STUDY ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND! I carry a cross in my pocket A simple reminder to me Of the fact that I am a Christian No matter where I may be. This little cross is not magic Nor is it a good luck charm It isn t meant to protect me From every physical harm. It s not for identification For all the world to see It s simply an understanding Between my Savior and me. When I put my hand in my pocket To bring out a coin or key The cross is there to remind me Of the price He paid for me. It reminds me, too, to be thankful For my blessings day by day And to strive to serve Him better In all that I do and say. It s also a daily reminder Of the peace and comfort I share With all who know my Master And give themselves to His care. So, I carry a cross in my pocket Reminding no one but me That Jesus Christ is Lord of my life If only I ll let Him be. ASSOCIATE MINISTERS REV. FLOYD NEAL REV. DR. R. Beau NICKS

2

3 PAGE 2 New Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church 3300 Elmora Avenue Baltimore, MD Reverend Haywood Bradley, Jr., Pastor-Elect And Sister Tobie Bradley, Leading Lady Pre-Installation and Installation Services Tuesday, March 2, :30 PM Preacher Pastor Bowyer Freeman, New St. Mark Baptist Church Thursday, March 4, :30 PM Preacher Pastor Frank Lance, Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church Banquet, Friday, March 4, :00 PM La Fontaine Bleu Subscription $55.00 Preacher Pastor Bowyer Freeman, New St. Mark Baptist Church The Installation Service Sunday, March 14, 2010, 4:00 PM At Mount Pleasant Church and Ministries 600 Radecke Avenue Baltimore, MD 21206

4 PAGE 3 Soup Kitchen The soup kitchen is an outreach ministry designed to feed, clothe, and assist persons who are in need. It has been going strong for 16 years. We give groceries and provide information regarding shelter and referrals concerning drug and alcohol treatment. We also share the Word of God with our visitors. Our New St. Mark high school students volunteer for community service. From the efforts of our outreach, many of our clients have become disciples of the church. Our scripture reference comes from Matthew 25:35-36, For I was hungered and you gave me meat, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you took me in, Naked and you clothed me, sick and you visited me, I was in prison, and you came unto me. TO GOD BE THE GLORY! Our volunteers are: Trustee Andy Heggins Sr. Bro. Purnell Sellers Sis. Virginia Miller Sis. Ilene Campbell Sis. Virginia Blount Sis. Jackie Cotton Sis. Maude Johnson Sis. Betty Locklear Dea. James Turner Sis. Martha Turner Sis. Martha Stewart Sis. Claudette Dargon-Reid Sis. Delores Johnson Submitted by: Sis. Martha Stewart Courtesy Committee New St. Mark Baptist Church Ministry Reports Our ministry is designed to welcome all visitors and introduce them to our pastor and congregation. We have the ushers present brochures to the visitors which outline the statement of the church, inform them of our services, activities, and programs, and includes a welcome card to complete and return. When we receive the cards back, our vice president, Sis. Terri Freeman sends them a letter of thanks for joining us in worship service and to welcome them back again. We also give them a pen with the church name, phone number, and pastor s name. Several visitors have become disciples of our church. We would love to have more of our YOUNGER PEOPLE join our ministry and are open to all. I am the door by me if any man enter in he shall be saved and shall go in and out and find pasture. John 10: 9 PRAISE IS TO OUR GOD! Submitted by: Sis. Martha Stewart Bereavement Ministry Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4 The bereavement ministry continues conveying love, support, guidance, and assistance to New St. Mark families during the passing of their loved ones. During the 3rd quarter, the Bereavement Ministry Coordinator assisted our bereaved families and expressed condolences to the following New St. Mark Disciples: Rev. & Sis. Nicks Sis. Roena Epps & Family Sis. Juanita Contee & Family Bro. & Sis. Leroy Potts & Family Bro. & Sis. Irvin Moore & Family Bro. & Sis. Earl Potts & Family Bro. & Sis. Anthony Granter Sis. Beatrice Powell & Family Sis. Edna Powell & Family Sis. Betty McCray Dea. Roland Davis & Family Sis. Mary Williams Submitted by: Sis. Virginia Blount Bereavement Ministry Coordinator

5 PAGE 4 Deaconess Ministry TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOR THE GREAT, AWE- SOME, WONDERFUL, AND MIGHTY THINGS HE HAS, IS, AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO! The Deaconess Ministry of NSMBC is comprised of dedicated, Bible-believing women engaged in discipleship, evangelism, and service for our church by being caretakers of the Baptism/Communion linens, and by assistance to the Deacons. The Deaconess have been traveling to the nursing homes and hospitals. We visited Deaconess Thelma Linnen, who is now home, and Deaconess Clarice Matthews. We also bring Our Daily Bread and tracts to the Soup Kitchen. Submitted by: Deaconess Martha Turner, President Deaconess Mildred Smith, Secretary Missionary Ministry Psalm 34:8-9 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the Lord, ye his saint: for there is no want to them that fear him. During this quarter, the Christian Education Ministry of NSMBC held the following activities: " 82nd Annual Session of the Baptist Congress of Christian Education was held July 6-10, " The 2009 VBS session was held at NSMBC July and the theme was Extreme Spiritual Makeover-Jesus the Master Builder taken from 2nd Corinthians 5: The lessons focused on Reconstruction-Luke 17:11-19, Rebuild-Mark 16:9-11; Luke 8:1-2, Restoration Luke 19:1-10, Remodeling-John 4:7-30, and Renovation Complete Mark 5:1-20. VBS is a fun-filled Bible-learning experience. It s an opportunity to proclaim Christ to the community and a beginning step to church involvement. It s also a focal point for reaching family. Children, youth, and adults of all ages can experience learning about God s unending love. We encourage all disciples to attend next year s VBS session. Submitted by: Sis. Debra Baker, Director of Christian Education Sis. Martha Turner, Asst. Director Sis. Janice Myles, Educational Advisor The New St. Mark Baptist Church Missionary Ministry is subordinated to the church s congregation under the general supervision of the Official Deacon Board. All monetary offerings collected from disciples and non-disciples are used for charitable purposes. Charitable purposes include, but are not limited to funeral repast expenses-if you are an active disciple, public utility with past due notice, soup kitchen food/ expenses, evictions with court notice, and assistance with transportation. This assistance is based on limited financial resources. Christian Education He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:10-12 Music Ministry We saw an emphasis on bringing the men of the church together in song over the past few months. We were happy to celebrate with the Women of Worth on the 1st Sunday of September and were blessed by the ministry of Rev. Gwen Boyd, their invited preacher. Later that evening, we fellowshipped with Mt. Hebron Baptist Church and Rev. Gary Swilling for Communion. As the 3rd quarter came to a close, the mass choir began rehearsing for our annual Fall Concert in November.

6 Flower Circle The Flower Circle assisted with planting flowers in the front of the church. They can be seen on the front cover of the Pastor s Anniversary Program Booklet. Also, we assisted with center pieces for the Pastor s Anniversary Celebration and changed seasonal flowers on the altar. Please continue to pray for us. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. Isaiah 40:7-9 Submitted by: Constance Hall-President Building Fund Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. Psalm 127:1 The NSMBC Building Fund is dedicated to church improvements, rehabilitation, and facility expansion. We also must provide a safe, clean, comfortable, functional, and inspiring environment for all who enter within. In order to accomplish any one of the aforementioned items, we must have the support of the entire body of the church. Our actions depend solely upon contributions from our disciples. In July, we met with the Official Board to discuss some of the repairs/renovations that desperately needed addressed. The main focus was targeted on the water problem and the actions needed to correct it. We are working toward a permanent fix for the problem. We also went outside to survey the exterior of the building and the surroundings to see what could be done that would profit us in the future, which included vacant lots that could be used for parking. We raised $792 on the 5th Sunday in August. On September 21, the Building Fund Committee met with the Official Board to continue discussion of the renovation plans. The property at 3906 Springdale is owned by the City of Baltimore and at present, to purchase the property would cost $11,525. The property at 3907 W. Forest PAGE 5 Park is owned by Donald Walter and at present to purchase it would cost $6,750. These are just a couple of the interests that could possibly be added in our renovation plans. Our goal for 2009 was set at $10,000. We have collected $6, Submitted by: Sis. Jacqueline Cotten, Chairperson Sis. Bernice Pumphrey, Secretary Nurses of Mercy Psalm 7:1 Oh Lord my God, in You I put my trust. The Nurses of Mercy are as usual still on the battlefield for the Lord. The Lord blessed us with a spiritual anniversary and we would like to thank everyone who supported us, including the Pastor for supplying a preacher. Submitted by: Sis. Willie Mae Beverly, President Sis. Tershia Page, Secretary Ministry Mentorship Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, and give attention to know understanding; for I give you good doctrine; do not forsake my law. Proverbs 1:2 This quarter, the New St. Mark Baptist Church Family was blessed with 3 New Disciples-2 by Christian experience and one candidate for baptism. There were four New Disciples who faithfully attended and completed the New Disciples Institute: Bro. Roland II, Sis. Robin Cothorne, Sis. Kimberly Bachaus, and Sis. Rose Willoughby. They received certificates on Sunday, July 26, Currently, there are ten students registered for the New Disciples Institute, which convened on September 13. Attendance has been low. The Ministry Mentorship is making every effort to determine the needs of our New Disciples because we want 100% participation. Submitted by: Dea. Isaac Byrd, Sr. and Sis. Gloria Byrd-Coordinators

7 PAGE 6 Senior Ministry It is indeed a great honor to have this Senior Ministry, for their years are precious and they can teach and show us a journey of history. The computer and Bible study classes are still being held on Tuesdays and are doing extraordinarily well. Our seniors will continue to fellowship with other churches and different events in Baltimore City. Sis. Marrie Scott and Rev. Floyd Neal will continue to visit the sick and shut-in as well as care for our seniors and teach them the ways of the Lord while also learning from them. O lord our lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth who hast set thy Glory above the Heavens. Psalms 8:1 Submitted by: Rev. Floyd Neal and Sis. Marrie Scott Senior Ministry Advisors Men s Ministry James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availed much. The Men s Ministry is a dynamic, collaborative fellowship of men at NSMBC. In keeping with the NSMBC Vision of Spiritual Regeneration, Social Transformation, Community Reconciliation, and Physical Restoration, we endeavor to support and strengthen men of NSMBC and the community in every dimension of life. Open forums, which address issues and challenges that men face, are held monthly. The Men s Ministry is designed to encourage men to take their rightful place in God s Army as well as within their families, church, and community. We are asking all men to join us in praise and worship and encourage dialog to plan for the increase God is providing this year. The NSMBC Men s Ministry has been changed to the 3rd Saturday of each month in order to serve communion commitment carried out on the 2nd Sunday of each month. On Saturday, September 19, 2009, Ministry Chair acting on notice concerning men s health and its importance passed out brochures containing information in the area of men s health. Open dialog proves to be a tool needed to inform Disciples of good health practice. Some of the topics discussed were Facts on Prostate Cancer and the 3rd Annual Men s Blue suit Heath Awareness Weekend. We are asking all men to join us in praise and worship and encourage dialog to plan for the increase God is providing this year. The following disciples are committed to this Ministry: Dea. Henry Tucker Dea. Isaac B. Byrd, Sr. Dea. Roland Davis Dea. Nathaniel Bryant Bro. Herbert Williams Bro. Lorenzo Davison We ask you for your prayers as we praise and worship as men of God. Submitted by: Dea. Isaac B. Byrd, Sr.-Chair Jones-Barksdale Scholarship Fund And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalms 1:3 The Jones-Barksdale Memorial Scholarship Program honors the memory and great servant leadership of two long-time leaders of the New Saint Mark Baptist Church, Pastor Allen Jones and Deacon Arthur Barksdale. The purpose of the program is to promote and support the educational growth and scholarship of NSMBC youth and adults, with a priority on young people s academic achievement beyond high school. Eight applicants were awarded the scholarship: Camille Freeman-Criminal Justice/Education $500 Darryl Rogers- Automotive $500 Candace Potts-Music Concentration Vocal Performance $500 Kyri Glover- Communication-Broadcast Journalism $600 Markia Rogers- Business Administration $500 Corryn Freeman- Political Science $500 Ashley Phillips- Business Management $500 Whitney Rideout- Pre-Vet $500 Submitted by: Sis. Marrie Scott Jones-Barksdale Memorial Scholarship

8 Wedding Ministry And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. Genesis 2:23-24 The Wedding Ministry was organized with a mission to convey support, guidance, and assistance to couples in coordinating their weddings held at NSMBC, along with coordinating the rental of the Church Fellowship Hall. During the 3rd quarter, we engaged the following events: Bro. and Sis. Frank Gaskins Wedding: August 1 Wedding for non-member (sanctuary rental): September 12 Submitted by: Sis. Diane Moore, Coordinator Youth and Young Adult Ministry With many of our youth enrolling in out-of-state colleges and families moving to surrounding counties and cities that are uncomfortable for their travel on Sunday mornings, our YYAM has experienced a steady decline in participation and attendance. However, God is blessing and preparing those of us who are here to step up in our ministries within the church and community. Please continue to support our youth ministry as we take in stride the belief that We Have this Ministry. August/September Back to School 2009 We were able to prepare over 120 bags for the school season. Extra supplies were presented to schools in our surrounding community. A special thanks goes out to the Jones-Barksdale Scholarship Committee for their assistance. October Fall Revival The YYAM participated in the fall revival services where the minister spoke on topics that relate to the young and old, giving us all a chance to revive (our spirit), renew (our relationship with God), and reveal (our love for God through fulfilling his will). November Family and Friends Day All youth and young adults were challenged to a Gala of Life for Christ in which they were asked to invite as many friends and family to worship with NSMBC. The youth who invited the most guests received a gift card. Submitted by: Delass Johnson Director Youth Ushers The New St. Mark Baptist Church ushers serve the Lord with gladness and looks forward to its duties and responsibilities every 4th Sunday. On October 18, we celebrated our annual Nurses and Ushers Anniversary. We had a wonderful time and were glad that our NSBMC family supported us. Submitted by: Bro. Nicholas Hall, President Women of Worth The purpose of the Women of Worth Ministry is to take everyday issues that face women and provide a comfortable, safe place to discuss, learn, and grow while using the Word of God as the baseline context. On September 13, 2009, the WOW Ministry sponsored our annual Women s Consecration Service. The guest preacher was Rev. Gwendolyn Boyd. The theme for the service was Maturing in Christ, Learning to Love, taken from 1st Corinthians 13. She was an incredibly dynamic speaker. So much so, that the committee asked her to come back for the December Joy Night. An evening of pampering with the theme Learning to Love...YOU, was scheduled for November 6 and Joy Night on December 3. Monday evening exercise classes are still in motion. Participation varies, but we are prayerful that for those that participate, it is one element of the healthy lifestyle they are choosing to pursue. We have space for many more and have a goal of exercisers, men and women, by the end of January Submitted by: Sis. Terri Lee Freeman, Chair PAGE 7

9 PAGE 8

10 PAGE 9 Special thanks, NSMBC Family for supporting our Church Directory Project. Your smiles were beautiful!!! We are still finalizing our group photos and hope to complete the project by February. Sis. Anita Granter Florine Johnson Wesley Johnson ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING Candidate for Baptism Lisa Patterson FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2010 MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

11 PAGE 8 BEREAVED FAMILIES And the prayer offered in Faith will make the sick person well. James 5:15 SIS. MAGNOLIA GEATHERS SIS. ETHEL SMITH SIS. LUCY BELL SIS. BERNICE HARRIS BRO. SAMUEL BOYD SIS. THELMA LINNEN Sis. Delores Gordon & Family Sis. Elizabeth Ruffin Sis. Kyri Glover Bro. and Sis. Reginald Hart & Family Sis. Lucy Bell Sis. Magdalene Cox SIS. BEATRICE SPENCER SIS. ELLA MAE ROBINSON BRO. SOLOMON BRIDGEFORTH SIS. EVELYN HUGHES SIS. FLOSSIE STEWARD SIS. CLARICE MATTHEWS SIS. FLOSSIE ROGERS SIS. ROENA EPPS BRO. GEORGE DERAMUS SIS. ELIZABETH BELL DEA. ALVIE COX SIS. DAPHNE BYNUM