The Testament. Judge Marsh To Address Youth. In Memoriam. Rev. Weldon Harris

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1 The Testament January 2016 Happy New Year! It s hard to believe that the sun has set on 2015 and that we have crossed over into As you glimpse at 2015 through your mind s rear view mirror, how pleased are you with your efforts last year? How many of your goals did you achieve? Are you pleased with the personal and/or professional growth that you made? More importantly, did you grow spiritually? Whatever the answers are to these questions, the start of a new year provides a great opportunity to build on last year s success, recommit to the efforts that you deemed worthy at the beginning of 2015, or to plot a new strategy for achieving success in As you may already know, there are many elements that influence our success. God s favor is at the top of that list but our mental state of being plays a key role as well. The thoughts that take root in our minds and grow into fruition have a direct impact on our actions and the motivation needed for success. Channeling the proper thoughts in our mind s eye is one strategy that we can use to stay focused and remain positive as we fight against the various attacks that the enemy is sure to throw our way as we walk along faith s highway. In our minds, we have the remarkable ability to look back on past events and to also envision the future that lies before us. The wonderful feature of looking back is that it allows us to choose what we want to recall. Special events - weddings, birthdays, graduations, etc., can be recalled at a moment s notice. And, just as important, the emotion that we felt at those events can be recalled as well. By now, many of us have been on the receiving end of a blessing from our Heavenly Father in one form or another. God may have provided a way out of what appeared to be no way that allowed you to get through a difficult situation. He may have cured an illness when all hope was lost or fixed a broken situation in a manner that could only be made whole by His might. When we stand firm in our faith and trust in His Word, it sets the stage for God to reveal His power through Lincoln Memorial Baptist Church Change The Channel - by Deacon Dean Jernigan actions that lead to victory over the various tricks and tools of the enemy. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. (Psalm 37:5) Victories over the enemy help to fortify our faith. They let us know that despite whatever outward advances the enemy appears to make, that God is in control and that victory is always achievable with Him on our side. Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10) As you look forward to all of the great things that our God has in store for 2016, keep the remote control for your mind s eye powered up at all times. Things won t always go your way - they never do, but you can influence your success by controlling your thoughts when confronted by the perils of the enemy. Don t give in when the enemy clouds your mind with thoughts of doubt, worry and despair. Instead, change the channel in your mind s eye. Rather than focusing on the tools planted by the enemy, recall the various victories that God has provided for you. Change away from the doubt channel and tune in to the determination channel. Turn away from the hopelessness channel to the happiness channel. Change from the hurt and frustration channel to the healed and content channel. Looking forward, switch over to the preview channel and envision in your mind the satisfaction of watching your seeds of faith grow into scenes of victory. Change the channel in your mind s eye to fight off the enemy and to keep you moving forward on the pathway that leads to the success that God has in store for you. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13) In every situation, stay tuned to the channels that God has provided for the peace, prosperity and abundance that He has planned for our lives. Have a happy, healthy and blessed new year! Durham, NC Judge Marsh To Address Youth District Court Judge William A. Marsh, III, will serve as the guest speaker at the Durham County Youth Missionary meeting on January 10th at 3:00pm. LMBC will host the meeting and everyone is invited to attend. Judge Marsh is an alumnus of Hillside High School, Hampton University and the UNC School of Law. He was appointed to the District Court by the Honorable Michael F. Easley in January In Memoriam Rev. Weldon Harris February 11, November 21, 2015 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Psalm 116:15

2 From The Pastor s Desk... #7 - Total Church Commitment Through and Vision to Reality (Building on the Foundation) Ministry Sunday School Sunday Worship Christian Education June September December March Deacon July October January April Deaconess August November February May Laymen League September December March June Male Chorus October January April July Missionary November February May August Sounds of Joy December March June September Sunday School January April July October Trustee February May August November Usher March June September December Voices of Praise April July October January Women of Faith May August November February 1. Devotion (scripture and prayer) 2. All ministry members present 3. Select one Topic for and mobilize the entire church Sunday School 1. Devotion (scripture and prayer) 2. All ministry members present 3. Mobilize the entire church for the Sunday Seminar 1. Attend Noon Day (Tuesday or any week day) 2. Attend Wednesday Evening Intercessory at 6:30 pm 3. Identify a time for Fasting and Sunday Worship 1. Responsive Reading 2. Ministry Highlight / Skit 3. Birthday Moment Gifts 4. Children s Moment 5. Children Church 6. Pick at least one Sunday to emphasize the 7 points in the Vision Each ministry should involve other church ministries not mentioned above Health and Wellness, Couples, Singles, and Zero Gravity

3 Moments and Memories Over the years, Rev. Weldon Harris was a constant fixture at church outings and events. A tireless worker for Christ, he impacted us with his zeal for life and his never ending drive to grow God s Kingdom. Following are a few of the many moments that he shared with his Lincoln family. Food For Thought... The Nail As the story goes, they built a new church building and people came from far and wide to see it. They admired its beauty! Up on the roof, a little nail heard the people praising everything about the lovely structure-except the nail! No one even knew he was there, and he became angry and jealous. If I am that insignificant, nobody will miss me if I quit! So the nail then released its hold, slid down the roof, and fell in the mud. Displaying his bowling skills at NCCU during an outing with the Recreation Ministry. That night it rained and rained. Soon, the shingle that had no nail blew away, and the roof began to leak. The water streaked the walls and the beautiful murals. The plaster began to fall, the carpet was stained, and the pulpit Bible was ruined by water. All this because a little nail decided to quit! But what of the nail? While holding the shingle, it was obscure but it was also useful. Buried in the mud it was just as obscure, but now it was useless and would soon be eaten up by rust! Performing the role of Jesus in one of our church plays. Singing at a Senior Adult Appreciation Event. His signature smile and welcoming persona. Rest In Peace - Rev. Weldon Harris 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 Dean Jernigan, Chair The moral of the story -- EVERY MEMBER IS IMPORTANT TO THE CHURCH! You may, like the nail, feel obscure at times, but just like the nail, your absence is felt. When you are not present for worship, in some way the body of Christ hurts. We are ALL a part of the Lord's ministry. Happy Birthday to our January Birthday Celebrities! Leonidus Murphy Kenya Harrell Joseph Eley Enza Ellis Barbara Harrell Charmaine Harris Anissa Belcher Joan Lofton John Hodge, Jr. Retella Jones Lelia Ervin Best Wishes For Many More!!

4 Spiffy & Nifty - First Lady Turns 50! Happy Belated Birthday to First Lady Marva Atkins as she celebrates her 50th birthday. In honor of this milestone, a 70 s themed birthday party was held in her honor. Attired in their best collection of threads from the 1970 s, family members and friends gathered with Sis. Atkins to look back down memory lane and to look ahead toward a future full of grace and favor from our Heavenly Father. Congratulations and Best Wishes!!

5 Around Lincoln... Sis. Mamie Brodie sings with the Christmas Choir during the church Christmas Program. Sis. Shekina Wooten works with our youth during a special Children s Moment about giving during the church Christmas Program. What To Wear Today If you re like me, when you wake up in the morning, you start thinking about your day where you ll be going, who you ll be seeing, and what the weather will be like. Then you go to your closet and choose something to wear that will work for all those different scenarios. But there s one thing that the Bible tells us we need to put on if we are going to be fully equipped for everything we will face each day and that is love. Love is a one-size-fits-all solution to every situation you will ever encounter with your family, friends, coworkers, and even the grocery clerk. When you re wearing love, you are setting yourself up for success because the Bible tells us that love never fails. And love never goes out of style, either! It never gives up, wears out, or becomes old. It s the perfect thing for every occasion. So, how do you put on love? It s interesting that with the principles of God, we always have to do something. Wouldn t it be nice if God would just come and put love on us? You know, like when you re in the middle of a heated discussion or someone cuts you off in traffic; it would be nice if He would just come and drop love right on us so that we would always do and say the right thing! But that s not how it works. We have to choose love. We have to choose to be patient, kind, humble and giving. We have to choose His Word. In every circumstance, we have to decide between what our mind is screaming and what our heart is whispering. I encourage you today, read what First Corinthians 13 says about love. When you choose to read and meditate on God s Word, you are putting on love and empowering yourself to make the right choices. And, even if you ve made some mistakes in the past, today is a new day. Receive God s love and forgiveness. Put on His royal robe of righteousness so you can move forward. Put on love and be fully equipped for everything you will ever face! Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which ties everything together in unity. (Colossians 3:14, ISV) Joined by their spouses, Rev. Atkins and First Lady Marva, the Deacons and Deaconess gathered recently for their annual Christmas Social. Buoyed by love and fueled by compassion, the group enjoyed a delicious meal and wonderful afternoon of fun and fellowship.

6 -submitted by Sis. Earleen Sharrock "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17 A Simple New Year's Resolution LOVE GOD MORE! When we make a resolution, we commit to something important to us. For 2016, include a resolution that is more like a concept instead of resolving to change specific behaviors. Since God is very important, we can look to Him to find out what we can make a resolution about to become a better Christian. A Broad Motivational Concept Love is a broad motivational concept that involves every aspect of life. Jesus tells us that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Mk. 12:30). If we love God more, we'll become a better Christian. As a better Christian, we'll improve in every relationship -- we'll become better people, in every way. Every Christian Can Love God More Have you thought about the fact that you can love God more today than yesterday? In Paul's prayer for the Philippians, he revealed that they could love God more. He prayed that their love would "abound still more" (Phil. 1:9). Their love was abounding, but it could abound more and more and more.... There is never a time we can't love God more. Therefore, there is never a time we can't become a better Christian. Love God More: Increase in Knowledge and Understanding (Discernment) In Paul's prayer for the Philippians, he reveals how we love God more. He prayed that their love would "abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment" (Phil. 1:9). To love God more, we must grow through His word. The more we grow through God's word, the more we love God as we're "rooted and grounded in love" (Eph. 3:17). Love God More: Obedience with a Positive Attitude "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome" (1 Jn. 5:3). If we love God more this year, we'll make fewer mistakes while also becoming a better Christian. And, we'll have a better attitude toward obeying God. Adapted from

7 -submitted by Sis. Earleen Sharrock A New Year s Resolution

8 31 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 9:00am Worship Service :30am Deacons 3:00pm Youth Missionaries Music Ministry January 2016 Building the Church in the Community and the Community in the Church 12:00Noon Noon Day 6:00pm Pastor s Aide All Choir Meeting Sounds of Joy 12:00Noon Noon Day Voices of Praise 6 13 Intercessory Intercessory 7 14 Sounds of Joy 6:00pm Christian Board Voices of Praise 1 8 New Year s Day :00am Trustees 12:00Noon Women of Faith 1:00pm Missionary Ministry 10:00am Deaconess 6:00pm Couples Ministry 16 9:00am Laymen s League ML King, Jr. Holiday 19 Noon Day Newsletter Health & Wellness Male Chorus Intercessory Male Chorus 24 1:00pm Ushers Mtg :00Noon Noon Day Computing & Technology 5th Sunday Choir 27 Intercessory 28 5th Sunday Choir Newsletter Photos by Deacon William Mayfield and Deacon Dean Jernigan