The Vision. let s yield ourselves wholly to God and see what he does with us!

Transcription

1 Our calling and legacy is to welcome All God s children and transform lives. The Vision for People With A Purpose Vol. 11, Issue 113 A NEWSLETTER OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN JAMAICA June 2014 The Power of Pentecost N ineteenth-century evangelist Dwight L. Moody was walking down a New York City street, thinking about a sentence he d heard: The world has yet to see what God can do with a man who is wholly yielded to him. Suddenly Moody felt a great yearning and cried out, O God, make me that man! He was so overwhelmed with God s love and with heartfelt passion to reach lost people that he had to stop at a friend s house to rest. In Birth of the Body, Ray Stedman says this is what Luke is talking about when he describes the events of Pentecost. When John the Baptist predicted that Jesus would come and baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire, he meant that there would be an unexplainable passion about the church. As we feel the Pentecost passion, The Power of Pentecost 1 Food and Cancer 2 Tribute to Maya Angelou 3 Bible Crossword Puzzle 6 let s yield ourselves wholly to God and see what he does with us! Green Green is the traditional liturgical color for the weeks after Pentecost (as well as the season of Epiphany). The Pentecost season largely overlaps with spring and summer, which is fitting because green symbolizes growth: growth of plant life and crops, and growth of the church in discipleship and faith. Tongues of Fire Reminiscent of the Pentecost account in Acts 2 when tongues of fire rested on the disciples heads as the Holy Spirit birthed the church, images of flame symbolize the Spirit. Sometimes a tongue of fire is paired with a dove and set on a red background other symbols of the Holy Spirit. Fire may also indicate spiritual fervor and zeal in a Christian s life. Fatherly Reflection R enowned actor Sidney Poitier once said, I decided in my life that I would do nothing that did not reflect positively on my father s life. If you re blessed with a dad you admire and respect, how would it affect your life to make such a decision? Would you be inspired to set sound priorities, live with integrity, be a positive role model to the young people you influence? For all of us children of the only perfect Father may our prayer and intent be: God, while earthly fathers are a mix of strengths and flaws, you give yourself to us as our heavenly Father, wholly loving, kind and passionate about our best interests. May we, in turn, seek to reflect positively on you. May my life spread far and wide your love, kindness and passion for the best interests of all, and may others see you in me. Amen. My father It doesn t matter who my father was; it matters who I remember he was. Anne Sexton

2 June 2014 REACHING OTHERS FOR CHRIST, DEVELOPING BELIEVERS IN CHRIST 2 FOODS CANCER CELLS FEED ON An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding them with food they need to multiply. Sugar is cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar you cut off one important food supply to the cancer cells. Sugar substitutes like NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc are made with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses, but only in very small amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in color. Better alternative is Bragg s aminos or sea salt. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the gastrointestine tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milk and substituting with unsweetened soya milk cancer cells are being starved. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather than beef or pork. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to people with cancer. A diet made of 80 percent (80%) fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an alkaline environment. About 20 percent (20%) can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetables juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts) and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C). Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine. Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer-fighting properties. Water best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid know toxins and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines become putrefied and leads to more toxic build up. Cancer cell walls have tough protein covering. By refraining from or eating less meat your body frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body s killer cells to destroy the cancer cells. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Essiac, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, EFAs, etc.) to enable the body s own killer cells to destroy cancer cells. Other supplements like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body s normal method of disposing damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor. Anger, unforgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells. A matter of perspective P astor and author T.D. Jakes tells of visiting a community in Africa where a woman from the local church welcomed him into her small home. Proud to have built the structure herself, she swept her arm toward the door a blanket as if inviting him into a mansion. She offered him a seat on her bed and graciously served a meal. As Jakes departed in a small plane, rain began falling. The pastor looked down to see his host dancing in gratitude. He was struck by the contrast between his African host and many Americans, including himself. How often we let worries about our small house, lack of nice furniture or inability to serve gourmet food get in the way of welcoming friends or new acquaintances into our home. How often we view rain as an annoyance, complicating our day and depressing our mood. Meanwhile, this woman was eager to share her humble house and grateful for God s gift of moisture in her dry homeland

3 June 2014 REACHING OTHERS FOR CHRIST, DEVELOPING BELIEVERS IN CHRIST 3 M aya Angelou was born Marguerite Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 4, She grew up in St. Louis and Stamps, Arkansas. She was an author, poet, historian, songwriter, playwright, dancer, stage and screen producer, director, performer, singer, and civil rights activist. She was best known for her autobiographical books: Mom & Me & Mom (Random House, 2013); Letter to My Daughter (2008); All God s Children Need Traveling Shoes (1986); The Heart of a Woman (1981); Singin and Swingin and Gettin Merry Like Christmas (1976); Gather Together in My Name (1974); and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), which was nominated for the National Book Award. Among her volumes of poetry are A Brave and Startling Truth (Random House, 1995); The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou (1994); Wouldn t Take Nothing for My Journey Now (1993); Now Sheba Sings the Song (1987); I Shall Not Be Moved (1990); Shaker, Why Don t You Sing? (1983); Oh Pray My Wings Are Gonna Fit Me Well (1975); and Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water fore I Diiie (1971), which was nominated for the Puliter Prize. In 1959, at the request of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou became the northern coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. From 1961 to MAYA ANGELOU April 4, May 28, she was associate editor of The Arab Observer in Cairo, Egypt, the only English-language news weekly in the Middle East, and from 1964 to 1966 she was feature editor of the African Review in Accra, Ghana. She returned to the United States in 1974 and was appointed by Gerald Ford to the Bicentennial Commission and later by Jimmy Carter to the Commission for International Woman of the Year. She accepted a lifetime appointment in 1982 as Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in Winston- Salem, North Carolina. In 1993, Angelou wrote and delivered a poem, On The Pulse of the Morning," at the inauguration for President Bill Clinton at his request. In 2000, she received the National Medal of Arts, and in 2010 she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. The first black woman director in Hollywood, Angelou wrote, produced, directed, and starred in productions for stage, film, and television. In 1971, she wrote the original screenplay and musical score for the film Georgia, Georgia, and was both author and executive producer of a five-part television miniseries Three Way Choice. She also wrote and produced several prizewinning documentaries, including Afro-Americans in the Arts," a PBS special for which she received the Golden Eagle Award. Maya Angelou was twice nominated for a Tony award for acting: once for her Broadway debut in Look Away (1973), and again for her performance in Roots (1977). Angelou died on May 28, 2014 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina She was Submitted by Dr. Cicely Rodway for Education Ministry Helping the world see Jesus T he church s role isn t only to take Christ to the world, thus fulfilling Jesus Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, but to recognize Christ already at work in the world and help others see him, too. God is visible through his handiwork, but easily seen? Not always. So the church is called to direct the world s gaze past mere human decency or good fortune to God as the ultimate Source of goodness. When someone professes atheism but also awe at nature, we might gently share our conviction that God designed such beauty. When medical care yields a cure, we can thank Jesus openly for healing. When community volunteers deliver toys to foster children; when counselors help families communicate; when neighbors welcome newcomers there is Jesus. Christ doesn t hole up in church buildings until church members take him to the world; he works in the world, through churched and unchurched alike. But the church is key to helping people recognize him.

4 REACHING OTHERS FOR CHRIST, DEVELOPING BELIEVERS IN CHRIST June LOGOS End of Year Celebration Friday May 16, marked the closing of a successful year of the Logos family ministry. The Logos Family ministry serves families of students in Pre-K to 12 th grade. Each Friday evening from 6:30-9:00 families share in Recreation, Family time, Bible study and Worship. The goal of the ministry is for each family and Logos volunteers to grow in their relationship with God and relationship with each other. The second half of the Logos year began on January 10, 2014, with the highlighted themes of Setting goals and Growing in Christ. A highlight for the month of February was the celebration of the love of Christ on Valentine s Day through songs and art and craft based on the text, John 3: 16. The evening ended with fellowship through music and dancing for all the Logos Family. During March the children were led into preparation for Easter Celebrations. The children presented a Palm Sunday skit entitled Palm Sunday Live to the congregation on April 16 through which the children shared the story of the triumphant entry of Christ into Jerusalem. Another highlight for April was a guest speaker Ron Knight who led the children and teenagers in an interesting discussion about money and financial responsibilities. Our travel guide There are two ways of traveling on the Continent. In the first, you do everything for yourself. You obtain your ticket, look after your luggage, get your seat in the carriage, ask at least three porters whether you are right, and, if you have an imperfect knowledge of the language, Photo by Cliff you Mason have perpetually an uneasy sense that perhaps you are wrong. There is another method of foreign travel. You employ a Tourist The Logos year came to a close on May 16. The evening began with a special family time where all the logos volunteers were celebrated. After family time, the children participated in a bible challenge where the Pre-k to 5 grade students showed off their knowledge of the bible. This was followed by sharing of talents by the Logos family. The Logos choir led the group in a sing a long, Catherine Dragon played the piano, Duane and Sabrina shared their voices, the 3-6 girls shared spoken word and then the 5-8 girls had the last dance with movement to the popular song Happy. It was indeed a happy ending to blessed year at Logos. Our sincere thanks and blessings are extended to all the leaders and volunteers who freely give of their time to serving our children and families at Logos. Photo courtesy of Cliff Mason Catherine Dragon playing the piano - Submitted by Jacqueline Charlton Agency, which obtains your tickets, sees to your comfort, gives you precise directions, provides you, where necessary, with a conductor, and at every terminus waits to greet you. In this we have an apt illustration of the easier way of traveling to heaven. Be at rest in the indwelling and inworking of the Holy Spirit. Only see that he is not grieved, and he will see to all else. F.B. Meyer ( ) First Church Honors Students O n June 29th, First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica will celebrate and offer prayers of gratitude and ask God s blessings on every student served by First Church Members of the Congregation, Visiting Students, Sunday School, LOGOS, SHINE, ALPHA and Academic Success Tutoring Program. Students will participate in all aspects of the service, so be sure to come out and support them. On that day an Academic Achievement Wall will be unveiled on which will be written the names of every student in Pre-K to Graduate School. CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES. Dominique Davis Matthew Gibbons Sabrena Watson Jasmine Saunders Zachary O Connor CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR COLLEGE GRADUATES Candace Baker Kiva Brown Akelia Burke Ashley O Connor Marie Ann Saldahna Sena Harlley Maxwell Ayisha Leandra Williams Jacqueline Saunders Reynaldo Charlton Matthew Gibbons Darryl Baker Irene Faison Usha Sinclair - Submitted by Dr. Cicely Rodway for Education Ministry

5 June 2014 REACHING OTHERS FOR CHRIST, DEVELOPING BELIEVERS IN CHRIST 5 Wednesday Bible Study New Bible Study Series C o l o s s i a n s Colossians is a rich and inspiring letter of Paul. It contains a great hymn which speaks about Christ's role, discusses our union with Christ and has exhortations about how to live the Christian life. Join Rev. O'Connor for the month of June on Wednesdays at 7:00p.m. in Magill (Library) for this new Bible Study Series! Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen Report May 2014 Food Pantry Adults Children Seniors Total 1329 Note: The above total does not include Saturday, 5/31/2014 Pantry. Soup Kitchen Adults Children - 3 Seniors - 74 Total 414 Special Dates June 2014 Pentecost, June 8. Flag Day, June 14. Trinity Sunday, June 15. Father s Day, June 15. First day of summer, June 21. Every one counts! I m an avid player of Yahtzee, in which you roll five dice to collect different number combinations. It s a game of both chance and strategy. Because it seems less problematic to accept a roll that s short by one point rather than a roll that s short by, say, six, every so often I m disappointed to discover I ve missed winning by only one point. We do something similar in church and other parts of life: dismiss a child s idea as less important than an adult s; worry more about pleasing the big givers at church than the ones who contribute less; check in on the longtime member who misses worship once but forget about the newcomer who attended twice, then didn t return. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, leaves 99 sheep in order to go after just one who is lost. May we learn from his example that everyone every one counts. Heidi Mann A golden ticket You are educated. Your certification is in your degree. You may think of it as the ticket to the good life. Let me ask you to think of an alternative. Think of it as your ticket to change the world. Tom Brokaw

6 June 2014 REACHING OTHERS FOR CHRIST, DEVELOPING BELIEVERS IN CHRIST 6 BIBLE CROSSWORD PUZZLE Page 3 for Answer Key

7 June 2014 REACHING OTHERS FOR CHRIST, DEVELOPING BELIEVERS IN CHRIST 7 May Moments LOGOS Photos by Cliff Mason

8 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN JAMAICA / FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN JAMAICA TH STREET, JAMAICA, NY TEL: FAX: Web Site: Newsletter: ext. 29 The Vision for People With A Purpose is published by the Newsletter Team, First Presbyterian Church In Jamaica Team Members: John Olatoyan, Team Leader / Editor; Alpha Brown; Marjorie Daligadu; Jeffrey Morris; Tsahai Brown; Georgette Brown; Shelette Richards.