- by Deacon Dean Jernigan

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The Testament December 2016 Lincoln Memorial Baptist Church Durham, NC This Christmas Hang all the mistletoe, I'm going to get to know you better this Christmas.

Written many years ago by the late Donny Hathaway, This Christmas is one of those songs that manages to penetrate my outer shell and work its way down to my core.

1 The Testament December 2016 Lincoln Memorial Baptist Church Durham, NC This Christmas Hang all the mistletoe, I'm going to get to know you better this Christmas. Those are the opening lyrics to one of my favorite Christmas songs, This Christmas. Written many years ago by the late Donny Hathaway, This Christmas is one of those songs that manages to penetrate my outer shell and work its way down to my core. For me, it helps with pushing aside the many commercial aims of the Christmas season and focusing on a more important aspect gaining a better understanding and stronger appreciation for those who make up our inner circle of family and friends. The first step in knowing others better actually begins with getting to know ourselves better. In fact, the key to a better world is to first become a better you. Understanding ourselves requires effort and honesty. We have to work continuously to learn ourselves and work toward becoming the person that we desire to be. Being honest with ourselves helps us to measure how close we are to being that person and to truthfully acknowledge when we fall short. We grow from both our successes and failures. Adding a healthy dose of truth to our daily diet goes a long way toward getting us to the goal of knowing ourselves. In the Greek tragedy Hamlet, the playwright William Shakespeare states it nicely when he writes - This above all: to thine own self be true. While you're gaining an insight to yourself, strive also to get a better understanding of our Lord and Savior along the way. If you don't already do so, develop a habit of taking a few moments each day to study His Word. Reflect often on His many blessings, both big and small. Thank Him for those in your circle that you want to know better and let this Christmas be the one for a true reflection on the - by Deacon Dean Jernigan reason for this blessed season the birth of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. The birth of Christ serves as one of the most joyous illustrations of God's love for us. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11) As we prepare to celebrate the joy of this most wonderful time of the year, let us make sure to include the gift of love in all that we do. Let love guide our thoughts and actions. Let love decorate our Christmas trees, homes and our church. Let love grace our holiday gatherings and dress our Christmas meal. Let love be a part of every gift given and received. Let's also remember that being joyful is a challenge for some of God's children during this time of the year. Somewhere, setbacks have caused someone to forget about the blood that was shed on Calvary's mountain for us many years ago. Somewhere, someone can no longer feel the warmth of the embrace of a dear friend or a cherished family member. Somewhere, one less present will be under the tree and one less plate will be put out for the Christmas dinner. In mimicking the actions of Christ, we need to be everywhere to help those who struggle during this time of the year and to remind them of the glory of God's greatest gift! Merry Christmas to everyone from the Lincoln Memorial Baptist Church Newsletter Committee. We pray that God will continue to shower His many blessings upon each of you and your families. We pray for your health, faith and prosperity as we prepare for the sun to set on We pray for your SAVE THE DATE!! Sunday, December 25th 9:00am Christmas Worship Service! Saturday, December 31st Time TBA Watch Night Service Saturday, January 21st 8:30am Leadership Retreat Please monitor the bulletin each Sunday for information on these and other forthcoming events. The Reason For This Season! friends, co-workers and for the Lincoln family as we share the Good News of salvation during this season. Most of all, we pray that this Christmas will indeed bring a better understanding of our Heavenly Father's Word and a greater insight into ourselves. We pray that this will be the Christmas that we look beyond the external wrappings of our gifts and truly see the love that wraps our gifts. Let this be the Christmas that we seek Christ first in our thoughts, words and deeds. Let s remember to keep Him there as we go caroling throughout the year on the roadways of life. Merry Christmas!!

2 Habakkuk 2:2-3 And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the Vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the Vision is for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Let s Build the Community in the Church 1. A New Sanctuary 2. Burn the Present Mortgage within 4 Years 3. Let s All Get Debt Free (in every sense) 4. Be Faithful Stewards (Time, Talent, & Treasure) 5. Every Member Operating in their Spiritual Gift(s) 6. Break Ground within 5 Years 7. Total Church Commitment to Bible Study and Prayer Acts 4 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. LMBC Rev. Linzie B. Atkins, III June 27, 2012

3 Member Spotlight - by Sis. Marva Atkins Food For Thought... The Lord's Light Within Lord, we reflect with thankful hearts On the wonder of your birth The love you expressed when you left Your glory to come to earth Deacon Robert Brodie Deacon Robert Brodie was born in Tarboro, North Carolina. He has been a member of the Lincoln family since After graduating from Hillside High School in 1981, he attended North Carolina Central University and North Carolina State University before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. Deacon Brodie currently serves as a member of the Compassionate Care Ministry, Laymen s League, Usher Board, Budget Committee and Family and Friends Day Committee. In his spare time he loves participating, watching and talking sports. He especially loves talking about the Dallas Cowboys. Deacon Brodie also enjoys reading for enjoyment and for knowledge, traveling and spending time with family. He married the love of his life, La Tonya Parker Brodie on March 25, 1989 and discovered that she is his soulmate. Deacon Brodie is the father of two daughters, Necole and Bianca; two sons, Justin and Myles; one granddaughter, Jordyn and is expecting another grandchild in May Deacon Brodie wants the Lincoln Family to know that he loves the Lord and knows that He loves us unconditionally. He trusts God s plan for his life as written in Jeremiah 29:11 and for the body of Christ at Lincoln Memorial Baptist Church. He believes this can be accomplished by faith and obedience. One of his favorite scriptures is 2 Chronicles 7:14 which he sees as the cornerstone to growth. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:12-14 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 For your life was like a beacon, Lord Shining brightly in the night Filling the world with the radiance of The Father's glorious light And we, too, long to have inside Your light for others to see The beautiful reflection of your grace And the wonder of your majesty For as your life indwells our hearts, We can shine wherever we are And arise to take hold of each new day With your light ablaze in our hearts So rekindle the flame within us, Lord So it will not flicker nor dim Ignite us with the light of your love, So you will shine brightly within By M.S.Lowndes Merry Christmas!! Happy Birthday to our December Birthday Celebrities! William Mayfield, Sr. Lisa Eley Jennifer Crawford Paul Hilliard Bailee Davenport Marsha Nazzare La Tonya Brodie Gianna Jackson Marva Atkins Cherelle Lee Maggie Harrell Belinda Owens Daya Valentine Karl Brodie Eugene Lofton Trudy Owens Rosa Bailey Marcus Lofton Best Wishes For Many More!!

Women s Day Tribute Congratulations to the women of our church on their Women s Day celebration.

Following a special Sunday School session lead by First Lady Marva, the Lincoln family feasted on the melodious ministry of the Women s Day choir and was encourage to Hook Up in an inspiring message

An angel came by and said: Why spend so much time on that one? And the Lord answered Have you seen all the specifications I have to meet to shape her?

the same time, give a hug that can heal anything from a bruised knee to a broken heart and she must do all this with only two hands. The angel was impressed. Just two hands.impossible!

4 Women s Day Tribute Congratulations to the women of our church on their Women s Day celebration. Organized by the Women of Faith, our Women started their activities with a pleasant fellowship gathering that featured a delicious meal and a pocket book exchange. Following a special Sunday School session lead by First Lady Marva, the Lincoln family feasted on the melodious ministry of the Women s Day choir and was encourage to Hook Up in an inspiring message by our own Rev. Patricia Lee. Following is a Tribute to Women that was presented by Sis. Vera Hodge during the program. When God created woman, He was working late on the 6th day. An angel came by and said: Why spend so much time on that one? And the Lord answered Have you seen all the specifications I have to meet to shape her? She must be washable, but not made of plastic, have more than 200 moving parts which all must be replaceable and she must function on all kinds of food, she must be able to embrace several kids at the same time, give a hug that can heal anything from a bruised knee to a broken heart and she must do all this with only two hands. The angel was impressed. Just two hands.impossible! And this is the standard model? Can she think? the angel asked. The Lord answered: Not only can she think, she can reason and negotiate. The angel touched the woman s cheek. Lord, it seems this creation is leaking! You have put too many burdens on her. She is not leaking.it s a tear the lord corrected the angel. What s it for? asked the angel. Too much work for one day.wait until tomorrow and then complete her. I will not, said the Lord. I am so close to complete this creation, which will be the favorite of my heart. She cures herself when sick and she can work 18 hours a day The angel came nearer and touched the woman. But you have made her so soft, Lord She is soft, said the Lord But I have also made her strong. You can t imagine what she can endure and overcome. And the Lord said: Tears are her way of expressing grief, her doubts, her love, her loneliness, her suffering and her pride. This made a big impression on the angel; Lord, you are genius. You thought of everything. The woman is indeed marvelous! Indeed she is! Woman has strengths that amazes man. She can handle trouble and carry heavy burdens. She holds happiness, love and opinions. She smiles when feeling like screaming. She sings when she feels like crying, cry s when she is happy and laughs when she is afraid. She fights for what she believes in. Stand up against injustice. She doesn t take no for an answer, when she can see a better solution. She gives herself so her family can thrive. She takes her friend to the doctor if she is afraid. Her love is unconditional. She cries when her kids are victorious. She is happy when her friends do well. She is glad when she hears of a birth or a wedding. Her heart is broken when a next of kin or friend dies. But she finds the strength to get on with life. She knows that a kiss and a hug can heal a broken heart. There is only one thing wrong with her She forgets what she is worth

Around Lincoln How To Keep Your Healthy Habits Healthy - by Sis. Janice Campbell Working Out. U.S. Health and Human Ser vices recommends that the average adult get at least 150 minutes/week of moderate aerobic activity.

It s great exercise but if you do it too much, you may end up with chronic foot pain. The repetitive motion can cause plantar fasciitis.

I knew I had to do something, so I started swimming.) Getting consistent sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours for adults per night.

5 Around Lincoln How To Keep Your Healthy Habits Healthy - by Sis. Janice Campbell Working Out. U.S. Health and Human Ser vices recommends that the average adult get at least 150 minutes/week of moderate aerobic activity. Deacon Eugene Lofton gives remarks after being sworn in as President of the Durham Interdenominational Ushers Union. Walking. It s great exercise but if you do it too much, you may end up with chronic foot pain. The repetitive motion can cause plantar fasciitis. Your best bet is to get good orthotic inserts with sturdy arch support for your walks. (This has happened to me; my doctor does not allow me to walk anymore for exercise. I knew I had to do something, so I started swimming.) Getting consistent sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours for adults per night. Oversleeping on weekends builds up carbon dioxide and doesn t make up for lack of sleep during the week. Think daily, not weekly cumulative hours. Dieting. People who tr y differ ent fad diets often gain back more weight than they ve lost. If you want to lose weight, talk to a nutritionist or your doctor for a long-term diet that s right for you. First Lady Marva Atkins provides insight and sparks discussion during the Women s Day Sunday School class. Mary Did You Know? Taking supplements. Many adults take one or more vitamins or supplements every day. However, too many supplements (without your doctor s approval) can interact with other medications and have serious side effects. Vitamin K, for example, can reduce the effectiveness of blood thinner medication. Stay safe and Healthy this Holiday Season! Take Advice from the Ocean: Be Shore of yourself, Take Time to Coast Avoid Pier Pressure Sea life s Beauty Don t get Tied Down Sisters Nevaeh Hemmingway, Apryl Jernigan and Tameica Daye spread Christmas cheer with a performance of Mary Did You Know? during the Annual Christmas Program of the Youth Department of the Durham Interdenominational Ushers Union. Make Waves! I will never forget your Commandment, for you have used them to restore my joy and health. Psalms 119:93 (NLT)

6 -submitted by Sis. Earleen Sharrock THE HISTORY The Twelve Days of Christmas was written during the 16th century religious wars of England. It was used as a tool to secretly teach children the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. The 'true love' represents God, the 'me' represents the believer in Jesus Christ, and the 'partridge' represents Jesus Christ. The song presents Christ as a mother partridge covering her chicks, recalling the expression of Christ's sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered you under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but you would not have it so... " (Luke 13:34) On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me = My true love is symbolic of God the Father. A partridge in a pear tree=jesus Christ (The pear tree is symbolic of the cross). Two turtle doves = The Old and New Testaments. Three French hens = Faith, hope and love. (1 Corinthians 13:13) Four calling birds = The Gospels. (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) Five golden rings = The first five books of the Bible. (Gen., Ex., Lev., Num., Deut.) Six geese a laying = The days of creation. (Genesis 1:1-31) Eight maids a milking = The Beatitudes. (Matthew 5:1-12) Nine ladies dancing = The Fruits of the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23) Ten lords a leaping = The Ten Commandments. (Exodus 20:1-17) Eleven pipers piping = The eleven faithful disciples. (Luke 6:14-16) Not including Judas, the betrayer. Twelve drummers drumming = The beliefs listed in the Apostles Creed. * Some believe the history of the song is a myth. However, even if it wasn't used during religious persecution, it can still be used as an effective tool for teaching basic Christian creeds. Seven swans a swimming = The gifts of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:7-11)

-submitted by Sis. Earleen Sharrock SANTA S MESSAGE: TELL THE CHILDREN When finishing the household chores for the night and preparing to go to bed, I heard a noise in the front of the house.

7 -submitted by Sis. Earleen Sharrock SANTA S MESSAGE: TELL THE CHILDREN When finishing the household chores for the night and preparing to go to bed, I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door to the front room, and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out from behind the Christmas tree. He placed his finger over his mouth so I would not cry out. "What are you doing?" I asked him. The words choked in my throat, as I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager boisterous soul we all know. He then answered me with a simple statement, " TEACH THE CHILDREN!" I was puzzled: What did he mean? He anticipated my question, and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. As I stood there bewildered, Santa said, "Teach the children! Teach them the true meaning of Christmas that now-a-days is forgotten!" Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it on the mantle. "Teach the children that the fir tree remains green all year round, representing everlasting life, through Jesus. All the needles point upward, to remind us to turn our hearts and thoughts towards God in heaven." He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR. "Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of that promise." He then reached into the bag and pulled out a CANDLE. "Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness." Once again he reached into his bag and then removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree. "Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the eternal nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection." He reached in again and pulled out a HOLLY LEAF. "Teach the children the holly plant represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly berries represent blood shed by Him." Next he pulled out a GIFT from the bag and said, "Teach the Children that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift. Teach the children that the wise men bowed before the holy babe and presented Him with gold, frankincense, and myrrh. We should give gifts in the same spirit as the wise men." Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree. "Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherd's crook. The crook on the shepherd's staff helps bring back strayed sheep from the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper." He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL. "Teach the children that it was the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang 'Glory to God in the highest, on earth, peace and good will.'" Suddenly I heard a soft twinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL. "Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of a bell, it should bring people to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return." Santa looked at the tree and was pleased. He looked back at me and I saw the twinkle was back in his eyes. He said, "Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas, and not to put me in the center, for I am but a humble servant of the One who is Lord of Lords and King of Kings, and I bow down and worship Him." - Author Unknown

8 December 2016 Building the Church in the Community and the Community in the Church Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 4 5 To add an event to the church calendar, please contact Sis. Janice Campbell by calling the church at You may also reach her via at churchcalendar@mylmbc.org. Please send articles, photos or information for The Testament to newsletter@mylmbc.org by the 3rd Sunday of each month. 6 Noon Day Prayer Mass Choir :00am Trustees Women of Faith 1:00pm Missionary Min :30am Deacons 2:00pm Deacon Christmas Social 3:00pm Jameca Cotton Graduation Celebration :30 pm Retreat Planning Committee Sounds of Joy Music Ministry Noon Day Prayer Voices of Praise 20 Noon Day Prayer Intercessory Prayer Bible Study Intercessory Prayer Bible Study 6:00pm Christian Board 15 6:00pm MLK Steering Committee Sounds of Joy Voices of Praise :00am Deaconess 6:00pm Couples Ministry 17 9:00am Laymen s League :00am Christmas Worship Service Health & Wellness 26 YAC Christmas Choir 27 Noon Day Prayer Computing & Technology Mass Choir 28 Intercessory Prayer Bible Study Intercessory Prayer Bible Study Christmas Choir Health & Wellness Christmas Social 29 Mass Choir Time TBA Watch Night Service Newsletter Photos by Deacon William Mayfield and Deacon Dean Jernigan

The Testament. Remember To Breathe. Congratulations Deacon Lofton! SAVE THE DATE!! Annual Christmas Program Wednesday, December 17th 7:00pm

The Testament. Remember To Breathe. Congratulations Deacon Lofton! SAVE THE DATE!! Annual Christmas Program Wednesday, December 17th 7:00pm The Testament December 2014 The human body is an amazing vessel. Created by an amazing God, it is an intricate and highly sophisticated structure. Designed for growth, protection and procreation, our bodies