The Spirit of United. United. A Word from the Pastor s Desk by Rev. Dr. Johnny R. Freeman. Charter Member Sis. Lillie McClendon

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1 Where there is no vision... The people will perish Proverbs 29:18 United INSTITUTIONAL Baptist Church The Spirit of United East Market St, NC Volume 18 Issue 2 Winter 2013 A Word from the Pastor s Desk by Rev. Dr. Johnny R. Freeman Dear Members & Friends of United: This year has sailed by for me! I m amazed at the pace of life and how quickly time passes these days. I believe it is yet another sign of what the Bible teaches about redeeming the time, when it says in Psalm 90:12 so teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom. Another way of saying this is-- make every moment count for tomorrow isn t promised to any of us. In fact, this year has brought that message, making every moment count, home to us here at United. As I write to you in this last issue of The Spirit of United for 2013, I think of those faithful servants of this church that started the year with us and now are gone from among us. Lest I leave anyone s name out, I won t mention names, but I m sure you share my grief for those longtime members God called this year from earthly labor to heavenly reward. I know I sound like a broken record here, but the longer I serve this great church as your Pastor, the closer I get to you, and every death in our church family affects me more deeply and personally. The church is full of joys and sorrows, and has its share of ups and downs. We can never forget the ship that brought us over and we acknowledge that there would be no us without them! However, the church can never stand still; we thank God that He never stops blessing His people. For with every goodbye, there are also words of welcome that allows the church to keep moving forward. We say welcome to our new church family members and we re excited about the gifts and experiences you bring that we know will bless our ministry here at United. I find myself saying again and again that I believe God is up to something great here at United! You can see it in our worship and feel it in the atmosphere. In fact, what I m seeing reminds me of something I read on Facebook that your latter days will be greater than your past! I believe that. What about you? There s no doubt that God is moving United to THE NEXT LEVEL! So GET READY, GET READY, GET READY UNITED! As we move forward to the close of another calendar year, and anticipate the greater that God has in store for us for the new year, from the Freeman family, to our church family, we love you United, and may God shower down His favor upon this great family of God! Grace and peace, Pastor Freeman SNAPSHOT MOMENTS Charter Member Sis. Lillie McClendon Tiny Tot /Youth Choir Let the church know they are dressed in the WHOLE armor of God! Philathea Class Outreach 4th Sunday College Student Lunch Fellowship 1

2 The Nurses Ministry completed the Biennial CPR re-certification on Saturday, September 21, 2013 hosted by United. The class was taught by Ron Flack, RN, CPR Instructor. The atmosphere of the class was energetic, hands-on, fun and educational. According to the American Heart Association, approximately 92% of sudden cardiac arrest victims die prior to reaching the hospital. Statistics prove that if more people know knew how to perform CPR, more lives could be saved. Immediate CPR can double, or even triple, a victim s chance of survival. This is an alarming number, as half of these victims die suddenly due to cardiac arrest. When a victim suffers from cardiac arrest, they have but a few short minutes before brain damage, organ damage, or even death occurs. Rescue breathing coupled with chest compressions buys the victim the time that may be required to save their life. This technique is known as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). It is a lifesaving emergency procedure. The American Heart Association recommends that everyone, untrained bystanders and medical personnel alike, begin CPR with chest compressions. It s far better to do something than to do nothing at all. Is the Lord calling you to serve others? If so, come join the Nurses Ministry. We meet on the third Saturdays of the month at 10:00 am. LEARN CPR You Can Do It! Senior Ministry Laughter on Wednesday The Seniors kicked off their fellowship session with a little laughter provided and encouraged by Comedienne Bishop Sho Nuff on August 28th. Someone has said that laughter is good for the soul. That day, the souls must have had a wonderful time. Laughter could be heard throughout the church and out to the parking lot! Healthy Lifestyles for Seniors The Seniors were blessed with a visit from the Guilford County Agriculture Extension Service in the person of Ms. Gloria Rush. Her topic was Healthy Lifestyles for Seniors which included discussions on exercise and physical activity; smart food choices for healthy aging. Ms. Rush left with the Seniors pamphlets and a book on each subject discussed. Bible Study with the Pastor Please feel free to join the Seniors on second Wednesdays, beginning at 11:30am as they walk through Bible study with Pastor Freeman. Revival 2013 The United Church Family hosted the Second Annual Citywide Revival, held October 9th through October 11th! Nothing can be said to describe the spirit-filled environment except that the Lord s presence was truly felt! It was in the atmosphere. It was in the offering. It was in the choirs and praise/worship teams. It was all over the people. It was felt through the messages delivered by Dr. Charles Booth. Praise Teams and Choirs during the Revival Services were: United s Praise and Worship Team, NCA&TSU Fellowship Gospel Choir, Gethsemane Baptist s Praise Team, St. James Baptist Church Will Green Choir, St. Paul Baptist Church s Praise and Worship Team, and the United Voices of Praise Choir (UVOP). Dr. Booth stated that his style in delivering the Word was like a plane taxing down the runway as oppose to some preachers of the Gospel liken unto a helicopter straight up! On Wednesday It s Time to Fight (1 Sam 17:2-4, 8-11; 16:24-26, 43-44) was the message topic; Thursday evening s topic- Don t Miss His Presence (Genesis 28:10-17), and ending on Friday evening with He Looked Beyond My Faults (Acts 9:8-17). Dr. Booth may have smooth down the runway but he hit high the altitudes! Glory Be to God! The Lord revived us again! Dr. Booth is the Senior Pastor of the Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Columbus, OH. The Citywide Revival is hosted by a union of pastors and churches representing the Baptist, AME, AMEZ, Non-Denominational, and COGIC faith community. 2

3 United Spotlight Members Jordan Hawkins son of Bro. Ray and Sis. Danielle Hawkins, grandson of Deacon John and Deaconess Georgia Graham, received high academic acknowledgement from the College Board as an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction. The Award to Jordan states that it is in recognition of exemplary collegelevel achievement on Advanced Placement Program Examinations. Congratulations Jordon on your academic achievements!!! Marcus Douglas son of Deacon and Deaconess Winslow Douglas was inducted into the James Benson Dudley High School Football Spirit of United Newsletter Hall of Fame Congratulations to Marcus on such a high honor of recognition. 7 Reasons to Bring Your Child 2 Sunday School (Adapted from Ministry to Children 10 Reasons to bring your child to Sunday School) 1. Age targeted Teaching: Where else can your kids get Biblical instruction that s focused toward their development abilities? 2. Friends: In Sunday School, your child will build positive friendships with their peers by discovering God s Word together. 3. Spiritual Mentors: A dedicated teacher can be a Christian role model who supports you and helps inspire the faith in your child. 4. Systemic Bible Learning: Our curriculum has been read and approved by our pastor and gives a broad foundation, so children will understand how all parts of the scripture point to Christ 5. Send the Right Message: Making Sunday School a priority shows your kids that God s Word really does matter more than pillow-time. 6. Big Reward For a Small Investment: If you re already coming to church, just come a little earlier. That one change will equal over 500 hours of additional Christian teaching before your child graduates. 7. You ll Be On Time: Families who come to Sunday School always get to worship on time. It s the easiest way to avoid being late. Is the Lord calling you to serve others? If so, come join the Nurses Ministry. We meet on the third Saturdays of the month at 10:00 am. 3

4 Girl Scouts Girl ScoutsThe Girls Scouts kicked off the season early this year! The season typically begins the fourth Saturday in the month of August. Some Scouts participated in the Leadership Connections STEM Summit for Girls, held in July. STEM Summit for Girls This year s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Summit was held at Bennett College for Women. Young ladies were able to reside on the college campus for a week. Cadettes Alanya Mazyck and Alyeah Mazyck attended. Rededication Ceremony Park was cancelled due to the rainy weather. We ll look forward to contributing to the community during next year s holiday Candlefest! Jaycee s Greensboro Christmas Parade Girl Scouts from the Guilford County area participated in the Jaycee s Greensboro Christmas Parade on December 7th. Yes, United s Troops were there, hats, gloves, scarves and all! If you saw the floating Mr. Potato Head and the News 2 personalities, there in that company were the local Scout Troops surrounding the balloon, alon with Scout leaders and News 2 producers holding the ropes. What an experience! Youth Focus: OUR SCRIPTURE: Matthew 19:13-15 Then the little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them: But Jesus said Suffer the little children to come unto me, and do not stop them; for it is such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs. And he laid hands on them and went on his way. OUR VISION: To Build and Bless Young Souls OUR PURPOSE: We exist to INVITE nonbelievers to Christ and CONNECT them with other believers by LIFTING up his name through LEARNING about Him and HELPING others in need. United s Girl Scouts held their Rededication and Investiture Ceremony on Saturday, October 26th. This is a time when the young ladies set the priority of scouting in their lives and their commitment to learning the values of scouting which will enhance not only their lives, but the life of the community. The Girl Scout Ministry welcomes young ladies in the Church body as well as welcomes young ladies in the community to become involved! CandleFest at Country Park The Girl Scouts Candlefest at Country Youth Ministry 2nd-3rd Sunday Children's / Teen Church Small Group Support Needed Please contact Rev. Montrell Caldwell, Sr. 4

5 Bereavement Workshop & Fellowship Welcoming New Members FELLOWSHIP Opportunities December 2013 Dec. 23rd thru Jan. 1, 2014 Church Office Closed for Christmas holiday The Missionary Ministry hosted its 2nd Grief Counseling/Recovery Workshop on Saturday, October 5, The facilitators were Dr. Vivian Barnette and Pastor Sammy Ngetich. The workshop focused on the following areas: What is Grief? How Grief Affects us Coping with Grief Factors that May Hinder the Healing Process Some things NOT to say What s appropriate to Say and/or Do Children and Grief Developmental Grief Responses Needs of Children and Teenagers Physical Symptoms of Grief Grief or Depression? Gender Differences Ways to help Grief Groups Grief Resources The information provided was invaluable. Its goal was to help the attendees to be better equipped, better witnesses, and better servants in helping someone who has lost a loved one. If you would like information on assisting during grieving and bereavement, contact a member of the Missionary Ministry. Juan Carlos Baez Marcia Worrell Taras Andre Leggett Rodney, Reshawn & Madison Joe Dec. 31st 10:00pm - Watchnight Service here at United Institutional January 2014 Jan. 1 Church Office Closed Jan. 12 Ward Meeting (after 11:00am worship service) Jan. 20 Church Office Closed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance February 2014 Feb. 9 Ward Meeting Feb. 23 Sunday School Black History Program Feb Annual Prayer Lock-In Hosted by Philathea Class Ministry Feb. 23 Back Home Sunday Remember... February Peanut donations month for Greensboro Urban Ministry 5

6 GOD S Plan of Salvation For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 Receive the Salvation of the Lord for You Cannot Save Yourself. Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man it not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: For by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Jesus Provided Salvation Romans 5:8 But God commendeth His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Accept Jesus By Faith Today Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved Children s Day Program You re Invited! We the family of United would like to extend to you an open invitation to join us in fellowship or become a part of our family. We re a body of Christ growing spiritually day by day, Expanding our ministry & Extending Ourselves. Join us Sunday Mornings for our 7:27 am Worship Service, 9:30 am Sunday School 11 am Worhip Services. 5th Sundays Sunday School 8:30 am Unity Service at 10 am United INSTITUTIONAL Baptist Church 802 East Market Street Greensboro, NC Contributing Editors: Sis. Monica Glover Deaconess Sarah Patterson Sis. Tanya Roberts Sis. Betty Williamson Bro. Cephas Williams Follow United on: The Spirit of United is a publication of United Institutional Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Johnny R. Freeman, Pastor, and is intended for its members use only. 6