THE FRIENDLY CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

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1 THE FRIENDLY CONNECTION NEWSLETTER October 2018 Volume January 8, Issue Published Volume Monthly 9, Issue 1 Published Monthly Newsletter ================= Staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Newsletter Staff: EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Deborah Ealy ASSOCIATE Deborah EDITOR Ealy Henrietta ASSOCIATE Givens EDITOR: Evangelist Henrietta EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Givens Robert L. Porter Gail Johnson-McIntyre, STAFF MEMBERS: MFT Elder Larry Ealy STAFF Bettie MEMBERS Young Sherease Sherease Durden Durden Larry Mary Ealy Jackson Mary Jackson Alicia COLUMNISTS: Seales Gloria Charmayne Sterling, DMin. Moore Brian WRITERS Thompson Elder Bettie Loren Young Due, PhD, DMin, MA, and Evangelist COLUMNISTS Arjeana Due Arjeana Due Off-Site Correspondents: Loren Due, PhD. DMin, MA Evang. Isarene Doyle Charmayne Moore Moriah Washington OFF-SITE NOTICE TO OUR READERS: CORRESPONDENTS The views expressed by the authors/originators Isarene Doyle of materials Moriah in this Washington publication are not necessarily those of The NOTICE Friendly TO OUR Connection READERS: or The Friendly views expressed Temple Church by the of authors/originators God in of Christ. materials in this publication Please address are not any necessarily concerns those of or The errors Friendly noted Connection in this or Friendly newsletter Temple Church or God in to Christ. larrydeborah@gmail.com Please address any concerns or errors noted in this newsletter to larrydeborah@gmail.com FRIENDLY TEMPLE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST WHERE EVERYBODY IS SOMEBODY AND JESUS CHRIST IS LORD! E STREET VICTORVILLE, CA (760) BISHOP ROGER THOMAS, PASTOR - DR. MARIE THOMAS, FIRST LADY GIVING THANKS IS A GOOD THING IN 2018!! It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and sing praises unto His name Psalms 92:1 ================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================ let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doeth so easily beset us, and run with patience the race that is set before us Hebrews 12:1 FROM THE PASTOR S DESK WHEN THINGS LOOK BAD, GOD LOOKS GOOD. (continued) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:28-31 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. II Timothy 3:1 THANK GOD FOR HIS WORD BECAUSE WHEN THINGS LOOK BAD, GOD S WORD REALLY LOOKS GOOD. EVEN DURING OUR AFFLICTIONS, WHEN WE ARE SICK IN OUR BODIES, GOD S WORD LOOKS GOOD. I WILL PROVE IT BY REFERRING TO GOD S WORD IN PSALMS 107:20KJV HE SENT HIS WORD, AND HEALED THEM, AND DELIVERED THEM FROM THEIR DESTRUCTIONS. RIGHT NOW, GOD IS SENDING HIS WORD TO LET YOU KNOW WHEN THINGS LOOK BAD, GOD S WORD LOOKS GOOD. THERE IS HEALING IN GOD S WORD. IN ISAIAH 53:5KJV THE WORD OF GOD TELLS US, BUT HE WAS WOUNDED FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS, HE WAS BRUISED FOR OUR INIQUITIES: THE CHASTISEMENT OF OUR PEACE WAS UPON HIM; AND WITH HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED. REMEMBER WHEN JESUS WAS WHIPPED ON HIS WAY TO THE CROSS AND THEY WHIPPED HIM WITH THE CAT O NINE TAILS, A LEATHER WHIP, WHOSE LASHES INCLUDED BONE, GLASS, AND ROCKS. THEY GAVE JESUS 39 LASHES WITH THIS WHIP AND EACH ONE OF THOSE LASHES HE ENDURED WAS FOR OUR HEALING. JESUS IS STILL A HEALER AND THE PRICE FOR OUR HEALING HAS ALREADY BEEN PAID. IT S SIMILAR TO HAVING A CREDIT CARD. WHEN YOU RECEIVE YOUR CREDIT CARD IN THE MAIL, IT COMES WITH A STICKER ON IT THAT HAS A PHONE NUMBER YOU MUST CALL TO ACTIVATE THE CARD. THE PRICE FOR YOUR HEALING HAS BEEN PAID AND ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS ACTIVATE IT WITH FAITH, AND FAITH IS SIMPLY BELIEVING. GOD S WORD IS OUR GPS. WE ARE NOT GUIDING OURSELVES. IT IS GOD WHO IS LEADING AND GUIDING US AND HIS WORD IS THE MAP. PSALMS 119:105KJV THY WORD IS A LAMP UNTO MY FEET, AND A LIGHT UNTO MY PATH. IN THIS COLD, COLD WORLD, GOD S WORD IS A PATH. WHEN YOU RE GOING THROUGH PATHS OF LIFE, SICKNESS AND TROUBLE, GOD IS GUIDING YOU THROUGH HIS WORD, AND SOMETIMES ALL YOU NEED IS A WORD FROM GOD. SOMETIMES YOUR MONEY IS FUNNY AND YOUR CHANGE IS STRANGE, BUT WHEN YOU HAVE THE WORD OF GOD, YOU HAVE ALL THE MONEY THAT YOU NEED. GOD WILL NOT SUPPLY YOUR GREED BUT HE WILL SUPPLY YOUR NEED. PHILIPPIANS 4:19KJV BUT MY GOD SHALL SUPPLY ALL YOUR NEED ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES IN GLORY BY CHRIST JESUS. SOME OF YOU THE RENT IS DUE; SOME NEED A HOUSE OR A JOB. GOD IS GOING TO SUPPLY THAT NEED. THERE ARE MANY THAT HAVE BEEN BLESSED IN LIFE BUT AT SOME POINT, WE NEEDED TO FIND A JOB. MANY OF US DIDN T FIND THE RIGHT JOB INITIALLY, BUT FOR SOME, GOD PLACED US IN THE RIGHT JOB AND MANY OF US RETIRED FROM THAT JOB. THE GREAT THING ABOUT GOD IS THAT HE IS NO RESPECTER OF PERSON AND IF HE DID IT FOR OTHERS, HE WILL DO THE SAME THING FOR YOU. IF HIS WORD WORKED FOR OTHERS, IT WILL WORK FOR YOU. (TO BE CONTINUED)

2 IN THIS ISSUE Featured Writers Bishop Roger Thomas Deborah Thompson-Ealy Henrietta Givens Charmayne Moore Mary Jackson Loren Due, DMin, PhD. Moriah Washington Alicia Seales Arjeana Due CONTENTS Pastor s Desk 1 In This Issue 2 Inspirational Message 2 You ve Been Spotted 3 Happy Birthday Church Mother 3 Did You Miss It? 4 Did You Miss It? 5 Did You Miss It? 6 When Thoughts Become Words 7 Your Spiritual Health 8 Your Spiritual Health cont d 9 Marriage from My Perspective 10 Answer/Mystery Member 11 And a Time to Laugh 11 What. Did You Forget? 12 Bible Mystery Person 13 Words of Encouragement 13 Medical Corner 14 Medical Corner cont d 15 For Your Information 16 Answers Bible Mystery Person 17 An Optical Illusion 17 Bettie s Picks 18 Children s Corner (1) 19 Children s Corner (2) 20 Prayer Requests 21 Announcements 21 Our Daily Bread 22 How Can I Be Saved? 23 to all of our new members who joined Friendly Temple during the month of September. We also extend a welcoming embrace to all who accepted Jesus as their Savior and Lord of their lives or rededicated themselves during the month of September. INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE Evangelist Arjeana Due I Thank You and I give You Praise! Heavenly Father I Thank You right now for your goodness, mercy and grace, you have done so many great things for us. We need to stop and Thank You! We need to lift our hands and Praise you as the angels do in Heaven, Psalms 92:1-2 (KJV) 1 It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: 2 To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night, Yes! Today is the Day to give our God some Thanksgiving! John 3:16 (KJV) 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. Thank You Heavenly Father for your only begotten Son. I want to thank you for giving us this gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. I just want to say Thank YOU! Thank You as the song says, for every Mountain you brought me over I give You Praise Give God some PRAISE for taking care of you and brining you over your mountains that the mountain didn't destroy you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV) 18 in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Chronicles 16:34 (KJV) 34 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good for his mercy endureth forever. I Praise you for being good to me; I praise you for your mercy upon me; I give you thanks for loving me. I thank you for saving me and not turning your back on me. Thank you for your mercy upon me! Hallelujah! Psalms 28:7 (KJV) 7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. I thank you for being my strength when I was weak. I praise you for being my strong tower. I praise you for not letting the enemy exact himself upon me for you set up a standard against him when he came in like a flood, I just want to say thank you. Thank you; when my faith was not strong you still loved me and encouraged me, and I say Thank you for being my God. I want to praise you for healing me I want to thank you for your love. Psalms 107:20-21 (KJV) 20 He sent his word, healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. 21 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Matthew 8:7 (KJV) And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. Thank you for coming to see about me. Thank you for your word; thank you for saving my family, Hebrews 13:5 (KJV) 5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. My heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. Heavenly Father as we see another day that you have given us, I just want to say Thank You! Yes, I Praise You for being so good to me. If God has been good to you shout Hallelujah and give our God some Praise. Let Our God know how much you love Him. Psalms 107:1-3 (KJV) 1 O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever. 2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy. 2

3 YOU VE BEEN SPOTTED BIRTHDAY RECOGNITION Praise the Lord Saints!! My name is Joyce Butler and I am the mother of one beautiful daughter and the grandmother of two rambunctious grandsons. I moved to the High Desert from Los Angeles in I was commuting on Sundays down the hill to my home church. My friend told me about her church, Friendly C.O.G.I.C. On my first visit I felt welcome and at home. I thought to myself these folks live up to their name Friendly. I attended regularly until I felt in my spirit this is where the Lord has planted me. I joined the church in 2015 and completed the new members class. I am a member of CWC and the Mothers Board. I attend Prayer & Bible Band; there I have participated in the Brown Bag homeless outreach ministry; I have also assisted with the Hospitality ministry. Friendly Temple does not lack in teaching the Gospel. Bishop Thomas and 1 st Lady Thomas are really nice people; they are very approachable. 1 st Lady Thomas refers to me as her name sake since we are both named Joyce. My favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. I have grown in knowledge sitting under strong anointed, righteous leaders. Happy Birthday to our * Church Mother * ============== Fannie B. Cook-Gibson 3

4 DID YOU MISS IT?? Annual Church Picnic 4

5 DID YOU MISS IT?? Annual Church Picnic 5

6 DID YOU MISS IT?? Greeters and Usher Board Annual Day Second Saturday M.M.L.A.I. 6

7 When thoughts become words. A personal commentary in the opinion of Charmayne Char Moore "If your home environment is good and peaceful and easy, your life is better and easier."-lori Greiner I cannot stress enough of how important it is to have peace at home. I refuse to be stressed out at work all day from people and enter a home of chaos or hostility. I shake off all that negativity as I'm driving home and once I walk in the door, I know I've reached my safe haven. I truly believe that fixing things at home can play a part in how your day will go. Arguing with your husband, roommate, or children is bound to happen, but find a way to fix it. Get that straight so you don't go about your day with negative thoughts and energy. In some cases, you may have to move out in order to have that peace; if that happens, trust God, He will take care of you. One compliment that I love to receive is when people say that my house is peaceful, or they feel at home. I pray over my house every few months that there will be peace, laughter, and no negativity to anyone who enters it. How can we love God and not have peace in our homes? Coming home with attitudes, verbally abusing our families, bringing all kinds of spirits, or perverse acts inside. I know people that hate being at home and I always wonder why? I love my home environment, it's peaceful, encouraging and uplifting. People who stay away from home are trying to escape something. Once they can confront that and work on fixing it, they will enjoy peace in their homes. I encourage everyone reading this to clean house. Get rid of any and everything in your home that is hindering you from peace. Have those hard conversations, confront behavior and find solutions to change. Stop sweeping things under the rug and living in misery. Often times we live in misery because we want to. There's always a way out, ALWAYS. I truly believe God wants us to have a life of peace and not conflict. II Timothy 1:7, "For God hasn't given us a spirit of fear, but of POWER and of LOVE and of a SOUND mind." BE BLESSED -Char 7

8 YOUR SPIRITUAL HEALTH. In the opinion of spiritual philosopher Loren Due, DMin and Ph.D. SPIRITUAL MAINTENANCE: On-Going Process! By Loren Due PhD, DMin or Article 56 Spiritual Maintenance in this article will share five basic principles for a successful spiritual life in Christ Jesus. These principles are not the only ones that guarantee a successful life, but I believe them, from what I have studied in the Bible, to be the key ones that help a follower to mature and develop in Christ Jesus. You might say this is a starter lesson to get you pointed in the right direction. From what I have learned all these years the most important thing is to develop and maintain a consistent relationship with the Lord Jesus. The steps to follow are steps that you need to do either all or a part each day of your life for the rest of your life if you want to live at a high spiritual level. The purpose of all this is not to show you as someone important in the Lord to your friends and family, but for you to be one who truly hears from the Lord and the Lord answers your prayers. Being spiritually mature garners a certain amount of responsibility that I believe the Lord looks for in an individual. Keep in mind, this is an on-going process or practice that if implemented in one s life will take you to heights and depths in God such that you will not want to go back to life as usual. You can go to God to that place that gives you peace and security like no other place in this life. It is a life of sacrifice and willingness to obey the word: Matthew 6:33 (KJV) 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. When you put God first in everything in your life you will experience the best God has created for you. Here are steps you need to implement in your life: 1. PRAYER: (DAILY) you should set aside time before you go out of your house to pray - five, ten or thirty minutes each day. You decide how much time you want to give to the Lord as you develop and maintain yourself. Listed are scriptures for your guidance: Luke 18:1 (KJV) 1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Psalm 5:3 (KJV) 3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. Psalm 88:13 (KJV) 13 But unto thee have I cried, O LORD; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee. Psalm 143:8 (KJV) 8 Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. Isaiah 33:2 (KJV) 2 O LORD, be gracious unto us; we have waited for thee: be thou their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV) 17 Pray without ceasing. 8

9 2. THE WORD: You should (DAILY) read something from the Word Psalm 119:105 (KJV) 105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Hebrews 4:12 (KJV) 12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. John 15:7 (KJV) 7 If ye abide in me and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Colossians 3:16 (KJV) 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 3. FASTING: A very important component to spiritual maintenance is the willingness to fast as directed by the Holy Spirit. Your fasting may be once a week or more than once a week. Many that have diet restrictions learn to fast from other things, i.e. such as limiting TV, Movies, not eating certain foods you desperately like and so forth. The key is to learn to sacrifice something you like in order to give yourself to the Lord. Jesus said it this way: Matthew 17:21 (KJV) 21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. 4. LIFE WITHOUT STRIFE, HATRED, JEALOUSY, ENVY, RACISM, and BIGOTRY: The goal of a strong follower of Christ is not to allow the works of the flesh to be active in one s life. The works of the flesh are found in Galatians 5:19-21 (KJV) 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envying s, murders, drunkenness, retellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. The ultimate goal of a follower of Christ is to have the fruit of the Spirit operating in one s life: Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 5. PEACE: (DAILY) seek the path through the Word to find peace and tranquility in this life based on this scripture in Philippians 4:7 (KJV) 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. When one attains the peace and tranquility promised by the aforementioned scripture along with practicing, steps 1 through 4 above I believe you are a candidate to walk in the Spirit. Are you ready to start your daily routine of Spiritual Maintenance? 9

10 MARRIAGE, from my perspective. A commentary in the opinion of Moriah Washington Reality of Compromising My youngest daughter will be one year old in October and it seems like the time flew by faster with her than with my oldest daughter. For me growing up, birthdays were a big deal and you better not forget to tell that person happy birthday or else you would never hear the end of it! I have brought that same tradition into my family by doing everything I can to make my families birthdays as special as possible. Unfortunately, my husband has to work on my soon to be one-year old s birthday, but in my mind that was a problem, why would he not want to take that day off? This is where compromising comes in handy in a marriage, my husband was willing to compromise by taking half of the day off instead of not taking off at all. My husband did his part of compromising but that was not good enough for me, I wanted him to take off the full day because in my mind that was the right thing to do. of built up anger, my husband and I finally had an honest discussion which allowed me to see how my daughter s birthday became my birthday. It became my birthday because I was more focused on what I wanted instead of the fact that my youngest will be happy to see him no matter how long he is there. If I had just accepted my husband s compromise all of that anger could have been avoided. In marriage you are not going to get your way all the time, but God will show you how to find peace even when you have to settle by compromising with your spouse. Instead of accepting his compromise, I soon entered into my flesh and began to have resentment towards my husband for only working half the day instead of a full day. After weeks 10

11 SEPTEMBER MYSTERY PERSON Bishop Charles Harrison Mason Founder and 1 st Sr. Bishop of COGIC MYSTERY PERSON THIS MONTH Who is this lovely young teen? Short Fall Jokes What did the tree say to autumn? LEAF ME ALONE. What did one autumn leaf say to another? I'M FALLING FOR YOU. How do you fix a broken pumpkin? WITH A PUMPKIN PATCH Why are trees very forgiving? BECAUSE IN THE FALL THEY "LET IT GO" AND IN THE SPRING THEY "TURN OVER A NEW LEAF". What falls in autumn? LEAVES! What is the cutest season? AWWTUMN. What's the ratio of a pumpkin's circumference to its diameter? PUMPKIN PI Did you hear about the tree that had to take time off of work in autumn? IT WAS ON PAID LEAF. What do you give to a pumpkin who is trying to quit smoking? A PUMPKIN PATCH! How do leaves get from place to place? WITH AUTUMN-MOBILES. How does an Elephant get out of a tree? SITS ON A LEAF AND WAITS TILL AUTUMN! What did a tree fighting with autumn say? THAT'S IT, I'M LEAVING What do you call a tree that doubts autumn? DISBE-LEAF What is a tree's least favorite month? SEP-TIMBER! 11

12 What did you forget? Submitted by Administrative Assistant Dr. Gloria Sterling From Clearing the CLUTTER from your MIND -- by Lady Mae L. Blake HOLDING GRUDGES Carrying a chip on your shoulder indicates a bad attitude that tends to get you easily upset. You seem angry all the time because you feel that you have been treated unfairly. This chip contributes to the development of a grudge. Holding a grudge is the act of dwelling and hanging onto hurtful events, intense anger, resentment, vengeance, hostility, or dislike for others based on a real or perceived wrongdoing. Allowing negative feelings to crowd out positive feelings will cause you to be swallowed up by your own bitterness or sense of injustice causing mind clutter to occur. Grudges need to be dealt with rather than holding those miserable feelings inside. Holding grudges can take a toll on your health. To carry a grudge is like being stung to death by one bee. William H. Walton Ephesians 4:31-32 English Standard Version (ESV) Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. 12

13 BIBLE MYSTERY PERSONS by Evangelist Henrietta Givens Bible Baptisms 1. What magician came to be baptized by Philip? 2. Who was baptized in the Red Sea? 3. What tradeswoman did Paul and Silas baptize? 4. How many were baptized on the day of Pentecost? 5. Who baptized Paul? 6. What Roman official did Peter baptize? 7. What kinds of baptism did John promise The Christ would administer? 8. What foreign dignitary did Philip baptize? 9. What man of Philippi took Paul and Silas home and was baptized by them? 10. What did Peter say had to precede baptism? WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER (Submitted by Evangelist Alicia Seales) Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place (2 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV). What we must do during an attack will determine whether or not we triumph. We must make up in our mind that I m not going to accept failure. I m not saying fear, doubt and setbacks won't come, but it s never over until God has the opportunity to turn things around and lead us into triumph. I don t know what you may be going through today, but I do know this: If you won t give up, God will always lead you in triumph. Confession: I believe God will turn every adversity into victory. I believe God has a victory plan for every negative circumstance I face. I always expect victory because God has promised I can always triumph in Christ. 13

14 Why Does Acupuncture Work? For millions of people who live with pain, acupuncture is no longer an exotic curiosity. It's now widely accepted among the medical community. And it's pretty popular with patients as well. A recent survey found almost 3.5 million Americans said they'd had acupuncture in the previous year. "In our clinic, we have been in existence for like 22 years," says Ka-Kit Hui, MD, founder and director of the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine. "We have a 4- or 5-month wait for new patients." Acupuncture -- in which needles, heat, pressure, and other treatments are applied to certain places on the skin -- has come a long way since That's when the 2,000-year-old Chinese healing art first caught on in the United States, thanks to a story in The New York Times. The piece was written by a reporter who had visited China and wrote about how doctors healed his pain from back surgery using needles. In 1996, the FDA gave acupuncture its first U.S. seal of approval, when it classified acupuncture needles as medical devices. In the 20 years since, study after study indicates that, yes, acupuncture can work. "There's nothing magical about acupuncture," Hui says. "Many of these [alternative] techniques, including acupuncture, they all work by activating the body's own self-healing [mechanism]." And that's the main goal of acupuncture: self-healing. "Our bodies can do it," says Paul Magarelli, MD, a clinical professor at California's Yo San University. "We are not animals who are dependent on drugs." If you're deciding if acupuncture is right for you, it's best to be open to its benefits and skeptical of claims it's a magical cureall. "It should be part of a comprehensive approach to solve problems," Hui says. Chronic Pain Acupuncture has long been recognized as an effective treatment for chronic pain. In 2012, a study found acupuncture was better than no acupuncture or simulated acupuncture for the treatment of four chronic pain conditions: Back and neck pain Osteoarthritis (your doctor may call it degenerative joint disease or wear and tear arthritis) Chronic headache Shoulder pain The National Institutes of Health calls the study "the most rigorous evidence to date that acupuncture may be helpful for chronic pain. Now, doctors are eager to find a drug-free approach to pain treatment in light of the dangers of opioids -- the class of powerful pain medications that includes codeine, morphine, OxyContin, Percocet, and Vicodin. In March, the CDC called deaths from opioid overdoses "an epidemic." Now, the CDC says doctors should turn to other treatments for chronic pain in cases that don't involve active cancer, palliative care, and end-of-life care. "Now, you're like, 'OK, well, if we're not using opioids, what should we use?'" says Houman Danesh, MD, director of integrative pain management at New York's Mount Sinai Hospital. That dilemma has many people giving acupuncture a second look when it comes to treating pain. 14

15 "If a lot of people recognize the value of acupuncture," Hui says, "it will be one of the components of addressing the prescription drug epidemic that we're talking about in our country right now." Cancer Many who get treatment for cancer get acupuncture in addition to standard cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. Acupuncture can help people who have nausea and vomiting during treatment. "We have many patients come through with cancer," Hui says. He adds his department treats people in all phases of cancer treatment: from those who are newly diagnosed, to those dealing with the discomfort of cancer treatment, to those in the later stages. Keep in mind, chemo and radiation weaken the body's immune system. So, it's important for your acupuncturist to follow strict clean-needle procedures. Menstrual Cramps Some women who have extremely painful periods, a condition known as dysmenorrhea, try acupuncture. The science looks promising. Some research suggests acupuncture may help with pain from menstrual cramps. So far, though, that research is limited. Fertility Treatment For women trying to get pregnant with expensive and time-consuming fertility treatments, acupuncture can make a big difference. It can improve the success rates of treatments such as in vitro fertilization. One study suggests acupuncture can help some women get pregnant by: Alleviating anxiety and stress felt by those having fertility treatment Promoting blood flow to the uterus "Logic tells me more blood flow, more access to eggs," says Magarelli, who founded Reproductive Medicine & Fertility Centers in Colorado and New Mexico. "More eggs, more embryos, more choice, better chance for a baby." If You're Considering Acupuncture Acupuncture is safe if done correctly. If you're thinking about getting it, remember these tips: Acupuncture can be dangerous if you take certain medications, have a pacemaker, are at risk of infection, have chronic skin problems, or are pregnant. Talk to your doctor before you jump in. Check your acupuncturist's credentials. Most states require a license to practice it. You can get a referral from your doctor. Don't rely on a disease diagnosis you may get from an acupuncture practitioner unless they're also a licensed medical doctor. The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture can provide a referral list of doctors who practice it. If you get a diagnosis from a doctor, ask him if acupuncture might help. Check your insurance. Some plans cover it. Some don't. The Final Word Doctors learn more about acupuncture each year. But still, no one fully understands how acupuncture works. Does it boost your body's painkilling ability? Does it affect your blood flow? Can it help your body manage depression to promote further healing? Scientists continue to study -- and debate -- the issues. But those who practice acupuncture say that's no reason to stop doing it. Danesh suggests we remember how aspirin became accepted as more than an over-the-counter painkiller. "It took years and years for us to figure out the exact molecular mechanisms, but we were [still] giving aspirin," Danesh says. 'You have a headache? Take aspirin.' 'You have back pain? Take aspirin.' You have heart problems?...' We accepted that aspirin was used. Acupuncture has good evidence [supporting it]. Just because we can't necessarily explain it down to the molecular level doesn't mean we need to abandon it." 15

16 FOR YOUR INFORMATION submitted by Mary Jackson Celebrate National Cat Day, October 29 National Cat Day was founded as a way to bring awareness to the number of homeless cats. It is a celebration that takes place on October 29th every year in the United States. The National Cat Day website states that the holiday was first celebrated in 2005 "to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of cats that need to be rescued each year and also to encourage cat lovers to celebrate the cat(s) in their life for the unconditional love and companionship they bestow upon us." The day is founded by Pet and Family Lifestyle Expert, Colleen Paige supported by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a nonprofit organization which also works to encourage pet adoption. This National Cat Day (and every day!), shower your kitty companion with extra love, encourage friends and family members to adopt or rescue a cat, and consider adding another feline friend to your household. 16

17 ANSWERS TO BIBLE MYSTERY PERSONS by Evangelist Henrietta Givens 1. Simon Acts 8: Our ancestors 1 Corinthians 10: Lydia the seller of purple Acts 16: About three thousand souls Acts 2: Ananias Acts 9: Cornelius Acts 10: Holy Spirit & Fire Matthew 3:11 8. Eunuch Acts 8: Philippian jailer Acts 16: The gift of the Holy Spirit Acts 2:28 17

18 WEEKNIGHT COOKING INGREDIENTS 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 12 ounces oyster mushrooms sliced if large Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 5 cloves garlic (4 thinly sliced, 1 lightly smashed) 3 leeks, halved lengthwise, well rinsed and thinly sliced 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth 1 sprig rosemary 4 1-inch-thick slices ciabatta bread 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest 1 cup frozen peas thawed Shredded pecorino cheese, for sprinkling DIRECTIONS Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add 1 more tablespoon olive oil and the sliced garlic; cook, stirring, until softened, about 30 seconds. Add the leeks, season generously with salt and cook, stirring, until they start softening, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken broth, rosemary sprig, 2 cups water and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a steady simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the broiler. Brush the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil on both sides of the bread. Broil, turning, until toasted, 3 to 5 minutes. Rub the bread with the smashed garlic. Top with the ricotta and lemon zest; season with salt and pepper. Stir the peas into the soup and heat through; season with salt and pepper. Divide the soup among bowls and serve with the toast. Sprinkle the soup and toast with the pecorino. Drizzle with olive oil. INGREDIENTS 4 ears corn shucked 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 large poblano chile pepper, stemmed and seeded, thinly sliced 1 onion thinly sliced Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 1 teaspoon chili powder 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chiles 1 15-ounce can hominy, drained and rinsed 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (about 12 ounces) 1 1/2 cups crushed tortilla chips 2 scallions thinly sliced DIRECTIONS Cut the corn kernels off the cobs and transfer to a small bowl. Run the back of your knife down the cobs to scrape any corn milk into the bowl (it will help thicken the soup). Set aside. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the poblano, onion, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper; cook, stirring, until the vegetables are browned in spots, about 6 minutes. Add the corn kernels and their milk. Stir in the chili powder and cook until toasted, about 1 minute. Stir in the chicken broth, 3 cups water, the tomatoes, hominy, chicken, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cover and bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, until the broth is slightly reduced and the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. INGREDIENTS 6 bacon slices chopped 1 cup chopped leek 1/2 cup chopped celery 4 garlic cloves minced 8 cups chopped cauliflower florets and stems (from 1 [2 1/2-lb.] head) 3 cups unsalted chicken stock 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 3/4 cup half-and-half 2 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded (about 1/2 cup) STEP 1 - Cook bacon in a Dutch oven over medium, stirring often, until crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain. Reserve 1 tablespoon drippings in pan; discard remaining drippings. STEP 2 - Increase heat to medium-high. Add leek, celery, and garlic to hot drippings in pan; cook, stirring often, until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Add cauliflower, stock, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to medium. Simmer until cauliflower is very tender, about 15 minutes. STEP 3 - Remove 1 cup vegetables with a slotted spoon; finely chop. STEP 4 - Pour remaining mixture into a blender; add half-andhalf. Remove center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape); attach lid and place a clean towel over opening in lid. Process, starting slowly and increasing speed, until very smooth, 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Return mixture to pan with chopped vegetables; cook over medium until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Ladle soup into bowls; top with bacon, cheese, and chives. STEP 5 - SLOW COOKER METHOD - Prepare as directed in step 1, substituting a skillet for Dutch oven. Omit step 2. Combine drippings, leek, celery, garlic, cauliflower, stock, salt, pepper in a 6-qt slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW until tender, about 4 hours. Proceed with steps 3 and 4. *Roasting Roma tomatoes with onions and a hint of red bell pepper gives this chicken brothbased tomato soup the ultimate flavor boost without a drop of cream." INGREDIENTS 3 pounds Roma (plum) tomatoes, quartered 1 yellow onion halved and quartered 1/2 cup coarsely chopped red bell pepper 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper 3 cloves garlic halved 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line two 10x15- inch baking pans with parchment paper. Arrange tomatoes, onion, and bell pepper in a single layer on the prepared baking pans. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Add garlic; continue roasting until mixture is tender, about 15 minutes more. Bring broth to a boil in a large pot over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer, covered. Meanwhile, put 1/2 of the tomato mixture in a blender. Cover and pulse 3 times, then blend until smooth, adding hot broth as needed. Pour into the pot with broth. Repeat with remaining tomato mixture, then stir into the pot until combined. Simmer soup to heat through, about 5 minutes. Stir in basil and parsley. 18

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20 CONSTRUCTION PAPER, SCISSORS, PENCILS,GLUE AND HANDS! PAPER PLATES, GLUE AND KIDS!

21 THE EFFECTUAL FERVENT PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS MAN AVAILETH MUCH Sis. Wooten Sis. Pearlena Jones Jeraline Lewis Magda Littles Gray Hosey Freda Stevens Sharon Howard Joyce James Viola Briggs Nelson Taylor Sr Robert Williams Christine Collins Novella Jordan Mother Grace Robinson Rosie Hudson Alvernon Caine Diane Drayton Ella McKenzie Erna Sutton Kevin R. Jackson Cassandra Williams Elder James Ham Sis. Mary Ham Josiah Hunter Michael Ray Philips Sis. Mattie Allen Diane Tyler-Fulson Josephine Alsup Jessica Ogura Dea. Odell Jones Zoe Pascoe Freddy George & Family Brandon Borja The Wright Family Elizabeth Peters Joshua Isaiah Brown Brian Thompson Michael Thompson The West Family PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY AND OUR COUNTRY Pray also for our missionaries abroad who are being persecuted. SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICES: 8:00 am and 11:30 am, Sunday School 9:45 am ANNOUNCEMENTS CORPORATE PRAYER: Every Tuesday & Thursday at 6 am, and Wednesdays at 6:30 am. Call (641) and enter code #. Missionary Circle Prayer every 2 nd and 4 th Sunday at 7:00 am. Monday Prayer 6:00 am and pm. Noon Day Prayer Wednesday and Friday at 12:00 noon. PRAYER & BIBLE BAND: Tuesdays at 9:00 am PRAYER & FAMILY BIBLE STUDY: Wednesdays at 7:00 pm MINISTERS AND WIVES ANNUAL DAY: Sunday, October 28 th at 5:00 pm. YWCC CREATIVE CANVAS PAINT NIGHT: held Thursday, November 29 th at 7:00 pm here at Friendly Temple. This event is for ages 14 and up. Tickets are $40 per person and you can make payments until November 18 th. Men are welcome to attend. See Sis. Tiffany Thomas for tickets. HALLELUJAH JAMBOREE TRUNK OR TREAT: At Friendly Temple on October 31 st from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. We need your help renting bounce houses, passing out candy with the trunk or treat process and we need volunteers to help during this event. If you can help, see Sis. Tiffany Thomas. BIBLE STUDY DAY CHANGE: Due to the Hallelujah Jamboree being on October 31 st, Bible Study will be held Tuesday on October 30 th. 21

22 ================================================================================================ It Never Runs Out He has given us new birth into... an inheritance that can never perish. 1 Peter 1:3 4 When I asked a friend who is about to retire what she feared about her next stage of life, she said, I want to make sure I don t run out of money. The next day as I was talking to my financial counselor he gave me advice on how I might avoid running out of money. Indeed, we all want the security of knowing we ll have the resources we need for the rest of our lives. No financial plan can provide an absolute guarantee of earthly security. But there is a plan that extends far beyond this life and indefinitely into the future. The apostle Peter describes it like this: In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade (1 Peter 1:3 4). When we place our faith in Jesus to forgive our sins we receive an eternal inheritance through God s power. Because of this inheritance, we ll live forever and never run short of what we need. Planning for retirement is a good idea if we re able to do so. But more important is having an eternal inheritance that never runs out and that is available only through faith in Jesus Christ. Dear God, I want that assurance of an eternal inheritance the certainty of everlasting life with You. I put my faith in Jesus to forgive my sins and make me His child. Thank You for saving me and reserving a place for me in Your eternal kingdom. The promise of heaven is our eternal hope. 22

23 HOW CAN I BE SAVED? You must confess and believe. Romans10:9 says, If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. If you believe that God raised Jesus of Nazareth up from the grave and can confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, you shall not maybe you shall be saved. THE PRAYER If you desire to be saved, would you pray the following prayer? Dear God, I know that I am a sinner. And I know that Jesus died for my sins. I believe You raised Jesus from the dead, and I want Him to be my Lord and Savior. Jesus, come into my heart and save me. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen. We re on the Web! Visit us at: Also, our newsletter can be viewed at friendlytemple.wordpress.com. Bishop Roger Thomas, Church of God in Christ California Southern Third Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Prelate Mother Ida Martin, Jurisdictional Women s Supervisor-Designee FRIENDLY TEMPLE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST E Street Victorville, CA Postage 23