The Testament. The Second Step SAVE THE DATE!! Thursday, January 17th Church Conference 7:00pm. January 21, 2019

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1 The Testament January 2019 Lincoln Memorial Baptist Church The Second Step Happy New Year Lincoln! We pray for God s blessings upon all that lies before us in So often in life, we hear about the importance of taking the first step. Without question, the hesitation and reluctance to take that first step in starting a new venture or a new relationship has been the downfall of many dreams. It takes courage and a positive mindset to take the first step in pursuing the desires of our hearts. Above all, it takes faith. Faith is that spiritual connection to our Heavenly Father that s always available to us. Hebrews 11:1 explains that faith is not something that we can look up and see. Faith is demonstrated by the actions that we take. That s why taking the first step in anything is so important. It demonstrates a measure of faith, even when we don t know what lies on the road ahead. Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) Be aware, however, that taking that first step immediately sends an alert to the enemy that progress is about to be made. The enemy can t have that. Within a short timeframe, the enemy will send a flood of negative energy your way. Disappointments and discouragement will suddenly appear. Mistakes and misunderstandings will litter your path. Doubt will rear its ugly head and you may begin to second guess why you even started your new venture or relationship in the first place. When these things start to happen, we have to recognize that they are merely tools of the enemy designed to keep us from taking the critically important second step on our journey or to halt whatever progress that we may have made. It s imperative to remind ourselves that life is a continuous sequence of steps along a pathway. The steps that - by Deacon Dean Jernigan we take build on each other and life s design is that we keep moving forward in a steady progression towards our goals and dreams. It s a given that we cannot get to the second step without having taken the first one. However, the second step is where some people stumble or simply succumb to the vices of the enemy. For example, at the beginning of each new year, a common desire of many individuals is to lose weight or to start an exercise program. They take that all important first step of joining a gym or fitness center during the first week in January. However, they never take the second step of actually going to the gym to workout. Something gets in the way - the enemy, of course, that keeps them from taking that crucial second step that leads to progress. If we are going to be successful in 2019, we have recognize the critical nature of the second step. The new year will bring lots of energy, loads of enthusiasm and a plethora of ideas. We ll take that all important first step to meet and/or to plan, but we have to take the second step of putting those plans into action. We have to overcome the obstacles and challenges that are certain to surface along the way. More importantly, we have to maintain an awareness of the staircase of faith that Dr. King spoke about many years ago. Indeed, we will not see whole staircase as we climb the stairs of faith. But we have to prepare and position our minds to take the first step. Once onboard, we may find barriers to taking the second step. But we can t stop - we cannot stand still. We must persevere and find a way to move forward. Taking the second step affirms our faith in the first step, and demonstrates our commitment to following the path that God has January 21, 2019 Durham, NC I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day. This will be the day when all of God s children will be able to sing with a new meaning, My country, tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim s pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring. August 28, 1963 March On Washington Lincoln Memorial SAVE THE DATE!! Thursday, January 17th Church Conference prepared for us. Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (Psalm 37:4)

2 Around Lincoln... Sis. Annie Wright enjoys a moment of fellowship Durham s Mayor Steve Schewel. The two were in attendance at the Durham Senior Holiday Party. Minister s Corner - by Rev. Patricia Lee The Gift of Eternity It was pre-christmas Eve night and I had to speak at a Candlelight service on Christmas Eve. I knew time was running out for me to get the holiday preparations completed. So with everyone in bed and no one present to interfere, I got busy with the task before me. I decided some nice music would help me get the job done easier. I listened to classic Christmas songs. l heard black gospel tunes and of course some R&B. I happened to come across a lovely song by Luther Vandross titled I ll be here every year every Christmas. Now I know I have heard this song many times. However, with the quietness and stillness of the background in my warm, delicious smelling kitchen I really heard the words. Apparently, a young man met a young woman one Christmas at a depot. They agreed to come to this meeting place every year at Christmas. The young man kept his promise but his beloved has never returned. His friends were calling him a fool and he himself was beginning to feel like a fool. But he said he loved her and he had hope so he must be here every year at Christmas. How often do we vow to love someone and be with them forever? How often in our human frailties do we fail to keep that promise? Our marriage vows say until death do us part and that has been the case for many married couples. But the fact remains that when that person dies they leave you. We joyously celebrate Jesus birth because He promised that He would NEVER leave us or forsake us. He never has and He never will. He also says lo I m with you even to the end of the earth. This means He will be here every year every Christmas!! He is our gift of Eternity. 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. John 3:16 Members who lost family members during 2018 are acknowledged by the Compassionate Care Ministry during our Christmas Morning Worship Service. Deacon on Duty for the month of January: Deacon Dean Jernigan (919)

3 Black History Spotlight Howard N. Lee Politician/Educator Howard Nathaniel Lee was the first African-American to be elected mayor of any majority-white city in the South. He was born to Howard Lee and Lou Temple on July 28, 1934, on a sharecropper's farm outside Lithonia, Georgia. He graduated from Bruce Street High School in 1953, and later graduated from Fort Valley State College in He was the first college graduate in his family. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during he summer of He received medical corpsman training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, before being stationed at Fort Hood. While at Fort Hood, Lee organized two sit-ins in the town of Killeen to protest segregated public facilities. He was honorably discharged from the Army in Lee moved to Savannah, Georgia, where he served as a juvenile probation officer, and married Lillian Wesley in They moved to North Carolina in 1964, where he did graduate study, earning a Master's Degree in Social Work from UNC-Chapel Hill. In 1965, he joined the faculties of Duke University and North Carolina Central University. After encountering racial tension in his predominantly white Chapel Hill neighborhood, Lee decided to enter local politics. In February 1969, he announced his mayoral candidacy. On May 6, 1969, Lee was elected mayor of Chapel Hill. He was the first African American to be elected as mayor in a majority-white city in the South since Reconstruction. He won by a narrow margin but was reelected twice. In 1976, Lee sought the Democratic Party nomination for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina, but was defeated in the primary election. In 1990 he was elected to the North Carolina Senate. He served from 1990 to 1994, and again from 1996 to While in the Senate, he concentrated particularly on issues affecting public education. On May 1, 2003, the North Carolina State Board of Education elected Lee as its chairman. In 2009, Gov. Beverly Perdue appointed Lee as the new executive director of the N.C. Education Cabinet. In his retirement, Lee founded the Howard N. Lee Institute, which focuses on erasing the achievement gap and improving academic performance for minority males. The Testament is produced monthly by our Newsletter Committee. Please send articles, photos or other items for publication to newsletter@mylmbc.org by the 3rd Sunday of each month. Newsletter Committee Reginald Davis Willee Murphy Joan Lofton Marva Atkins William Mayfield Earleen Sharrock, Editor Dean Jernigan, Chair Recipe For A Happy New Year Take a cup of Forgiveness, stir in some of God's grace then fold it into your heart and this recipe you'll embrace. For, you'll need to keep adding, more ingredients as you go if you plan on having a year where Love can rise and grow. You're going to need Patience, at least a cup or two if your want to have Meekness bubbling up inside of you. At times you'll need to blend in, a heaping spoonful of Gentleness then beat it into the mixture so you can whip up some Goodness. Don't forget to add a pinch of Joy, as you whisk it into Peace a smidgen of Faith and Trust will cause Hope to be released. If you live in the Spirit, you'll need to walk in it too... if this year you follow this recipe it'll produce His fruit in you! - by Deborah Ann Belka "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Happy Birthday to our January Birthday Celebrities! Leonidus Murphy Sharrod Jackson Joseph Eley Enza Ellis Charmaine Harris Anissa Belcher John Hodge, Jr. Joan Lofton Zayviah Stone Lelia Ervin Best Wishes For Many More!!

4 O Come Let Us Adore Him! Our Christmas Morning Worship Service brings together many voices and many talents in a united display of reverence to the birth of Jesus. Featuring a mixed choir, poetry readers, dancers, a little drummer girl and a timely message from Rev. Atkins, our service succeeded in its objective of placing Christ in the center of our worship. There is joy and purpose to this season of thanks based on our conviction in God s Word and our never ending love of Christ. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11) Special thanks to Sis. Adrienne Jernigan, our Christian Education Ministry and our Pastor for uniting our hearts and minds in worship. Our Mixed Choir guided our worship service with specially selected songs to complement the story read by the Poetry Readers. Through imagery, expression and excitement, the Poetry Readers tell a story of the most holiest of nights. Accompanied by the Little Drummer Girl, the Dance Ministry worships in celebration of the newborn King. A fitting culmination as the Lincoln family worships and gives praise while Sis. Mamie Brodie leads us in Jesus, What A Wonderful Child. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

5 Sounds of Joy Christmas Fellowship With a heart of thanksgiving, the Sounds of Joy gathered for an afternoon of fellowship and to celebrate the reason for the Christmas season. In addition to a delicious dinner and awesome fun, the youth choir members thanked the Deaconess Ministry as well as Bros. Cecil Sharrock and Karl Brodie for providing meals to them following their rehearsals throughout the year. Rev. Atkins, First Lady Marva and several parents also joined in the fellowship. Let us continue to support our youth and encourage them as they grow. Hats off to Sis. Adrienne Jernigan, Bro. Bobby Hamm, Bro. Eric Melvin, Sis. Ann Williams and Sis. Pamela Jernigan for their outstanding dedication to working with our Sounds of Joy. Set These Four Goals to Grow More Like Jesus Walk carefully, not as the unwise, but as wise, making the very most of your time... Do not be foolish and thoughtless, but understand and firmly grasp what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:15-17 AMP) Do you want to be healthier? More rested and less stressed? Do you want to be closer to God? To other people? You don t just drift into good things. You must be intentional. You have to set some goals and then commit to working toward them every day. We were created to become like Jesus Christ, so let s use him as a model for growth. The Bible tells us that Jesus grew in four ways: Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52 NIV). If you want to be like Jesus, then you have to grow intellectually, physically, relationally, and spiritually. As you read through these points, be thinking of one goal you can set for yourself in each of these four areas. Set a goal for intellectual growth. Proverbs 19:8 says, Do yourself a favor and learn all you can; then remember what you learn and you will prosper (GNT). You must never stop learning. A mind is a terrible thing to waste! What is one thing you d like to learn? It doesn t have to be a spiritual thing. Maybe there s a book you d like to read for the first time. Maybe there s a class you d like to take. Maybe you ve always wanted to learn another language. Now is the time to do it! Set a goal for physical growth. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Don t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body (NLT). God wants you to honor him with your body, because it s where he lives. What could you do to set a goal in this area? How can you improve your health? Don t make an unrealistic goal, because you will just get discouraged. You might need to get a physical, go to bed earlier, change an eating habit, or start walking during your lunch break. Set a goal for relational growth. Philippians 1:9 says, This is my prayer for you: that your love will grow more and more; that you will have knowledge and understanding with your love (NCV). The greatest lesson you can learn in life is how to love God and other people. Because that s what life is all about! What do you need to do to develop stronger relationships? Do you need to join a small group? Restore a relationship? Offer forgiveness or ask for forgiveness? Invite a new friend over for a meal? Remember to make your goal specific. Set a goal for spiritual growth. The Bible says in 2 Peter 3:18, Grow in spiritual strength and become better acquainted with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (TLB). I ve found in my life that the smallest goal I set in this area reaps the most incredible benefits. As you think through this one, ask, What can I do that will make the biggest difference? Even a small thing can make a huge difference. Or what have you been putting off when it comes to spiritual growth? Do that one first when it comes to this goal. Make it a point to write down your goals and put them on your refrigerator or your mirror. Look at them every day. Pray about them. Review them. Share them with a spiritual partner. Use these goals to help you know Jesus better and grow more into his image. Pastor Rick Warren

6 -submitted by Sis. Earleen Sharrock of Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose HOPE is in the Lord his God. ----Psalm 146:5 It s a fresh winter season and it is a New Year. Look upon them through eyes of hope and through the lens of faith. A New Year is the perfect time to reflect on where we ve been and the hope for tomorrow and the New Year to come. A New Year speaks of new things, new beginnings, new adventures, new life, new stories and testimonies! Will you allow hopelessness to rob you of these blessings? I think not, so get set for the best of times this year! What is hope? Instead of a long story, try a long time, says Megan, age 7: "I think hope is when you wish for something to go a certain way, and sometimes you have to wait for a long time." The word "hope" in the Bible expresses confidence and assurance concerning the future because it's based on God's promises, character and faithfulness. As Will, 10, says, "Hope is to look forward to something with a feeling of expectation or confidence. Christians always know they have hope because they have God in their hearts." Hope isn't pie in the sky; it's practical, says Justin, 10: "Hope is talking to God every day, expecting an answer. Hope is having Jesus to talk to. Hope is being satisfied with what God has given you." Remember the feeling of Christmas morning? "Hope is a thing that makes you feel kind of good inside, sort of like you're going to get a gift," says David, 9. Every day can be like Christmas morning for Christians who realize the best is yet to come. This kind of hope asks questions like "What new adventure does God have for me today?" and "I wonder what God is up to in this or that situation." Christians have trusted the Lord Jesus with their eternal destiny, but many live like atheists because their thinking and actions are without hope. We should always remember that hope is the confident expectation that God is working in and through us to carry out His plan. "Hope can be powered by Satan or by God," says Madeline, 11. "Let your hope be controlled by God." "Hope is what you believe, but you cannot see it," says Charlotte, 10. Yes, hope and faith are cousins, says Lauren, 9: "Hope is faith; it is a thing to help you set your goals. Hope helps you to believe in Christ." You may fail when your hope is in man but not when your hope is in God. He is faithful and most reliable. He is not man that He should lie. What He says is what He does. Hope in God makes all the difference! In times of uncertainty: No matter what 2019 may bring our way, we don t have to live in fear and worry! We Have the Hope of God s Promises. We Have the Hope of God s Presence. We Have the Hope of God s Protection. We Have the Hope of God s Provisions.

7 -submitted by Sis. Earleen Sharrock When we hope, we believe that our future holds something good. In the midst of feeling unsure, we have the feeling that things will be better. Hope helps us live with unpredictability. Have you no hope or feel that you have lost hope? A good starting place for regaining hope is to be open to having it sent to you --- Much as when we leave the electric light switch on with the expectation that power will be restored after a storm. In the same way, you can be ready for hope to enter your life.

8 January 2019 Building the Church in the Community and the Community in the Church Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat :00am Deacons 3:00pm Youth Missionaries Music Ministry Holiday Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. New Year s Day Pastor s Aide Sounds of Joy Voices of Praise 22 2 & 9 & 16 & 23 & :00pm RTTC Community Group 1:00pm RTTC Community Group 6:00pm Christian Ed 1:00pm RTTC Community Group Church Conference (All Day) 10:00am Trustees Women of Faith 1:00pm Missionary Min. 12 (All Day) 10:00am Deaconess 2:00pm Deacons Fellowship 19 (All Day) 9:00am Laymen s League 26 (All Day) 27 Ushers Mtg After Service Male Chorus 30 & 31 Male Chorus To add an event to the church calendar, please contact Sis. Janice Campbell by calling the church at You may also reach her at churchcalendar@mylmbc.org. YAC Mass Choir Mass Choir Please send articles, photos or information for The Testament to newsletter@mylmbc.org by the 3rd Sunday of each month. Newsletter Photos by Deacon William Mayfield, Sis. Myra Davenport and Deacon Dean Jernigan