FRIENDSHIP S VOICE. February Black History Month. UPCOMING EVENTS MARCH 4 NSC Defensive Driver Course. Volume 5 Issue 2 INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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1 375 Church Lane Duluth GA Rev. Ronald L. Bowens, Pastor Black History Month February 2017 Volume 5 Issue 2 FRIENDSHIP S VOICE INSIDE THIS ISSUE LOVE... Cover Page Pastor s Birthday Celebration... Page 2 Black History Trivia... Page 3 Hymn of the Month... Page 4 Health Awareness... Page 5 Way of the World... Page 7 Women s Ministry... Page 11 Need to Talk... Page 15 Church Apps... Page 16 Drama Production... Page 19 Prom Time... Page 20 Money Matters... Page 20 Drivers Needed... Page 21 Sunday School... Page 22 Opportunities to Serve... Page 23 UPCOMING EVENTS MARCH 4 NSC Defensive Driver Course Letting Others View Eternity Valentine s Day is the time when the world tells us that we need to show an outward sign of our love one to another. Flowers and balloons are delivered. Candy and cards are passed out. Date nights are planned. Oh, what a wonderful feeling to know that you are loved. But as children of God, aren t you glad that you don t have to wait for a particular time or day to get that loving feeling? As an heir to the throne of grace, we have access to that kind of love 24/7, 365 days a year!!! Not only do we have access to it, we also have the responsibility to exhibit it. It s easy to love those that love you back. But what about your haters and instigators? People that despitefully use you? Luke 6: For if ye love them which love you, what thanks have ye? For sinners also love those that love them. 33And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thanks have ye? For sinners also do even the same. 34And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thanks have ye? For sinners also lend to sinners to receive as much again. 35But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. 36Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. When we show that agape (unconditional) love, we see beyond the outer surface and accept others for who they are. When we exhibit that unconditional love to everyone we encounter, like that difficult co-worker or that friend who never shows appreciation or even says thank you, we are showing love that goes beyond faults, shortcomings and flaws--that same love that God showed toward us by sending his only Begotten Son to die in our place. When we display that agape love, we are Letting Others View Eternity, giving them a glimpse of the reality of serving a True and Living God. Take the opportunity this season to transform the world s standards of love into the greatest commandments given in Matthew 22: Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38This is the first and great commandment. 39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Minister Nicole Walker

2 February 2017 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 2 On Sunday, January 22, 2017, the Shepherd s Care Ministry hosted the Birthday Celebration for our beloved, Pastor Ronald L. Bowens. Words cannot express how much we appreciate the many hours you spend praying for us and all the days you labor preparing sermons for us so we may hear a Word from The Lord; and we especially appreciate your sweet and kind spirit you extend to each and every one of us. Your birthday is just our way of pausing to say THANK YOU! We hope you enjoy your new ipad from your church family, and we pray that God will continue to fill you with His Truth. To those who shared in this wonderful occasion, especially those who wore their Afrocentric attire, we, the Shepherd s Care Ministry, say thank you. You were the substance that brought it all together. Pastor Ronald L. Bowens and Sis. Debbie Bowens Mary Blackburn, Chairman Shepherd s Care Ministry

3 February 2017 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 3 BLACK HISTORY TRIVIA MATCH Katherine Johnson Barack H. Obama Zora Neale Hurston Gwendolyn Brooks Ella Fitzgerald Katherine Dunham Bill Russell Sammy Davis Jr. Alain Leroy Locke Dr. Charles Drew Sherman Maxwell I was the first African-American NBA head coach and 11-time NBA champion I was the first African-American Pulitzer Prize winner for poetry I was the first African-American sports broadcaster I was the first African-American and 44 th President of the U.S I was often referred as the First Lady of Song. I was known for my scat style of singing I was a mathematician that worked for NASA during John Glen s Apollo 11 mission. I was the first African-American Rhodes Scholar I was an original member of the Rat Pack and began my entertainment career at 3 years old I was a famous poet during the Harlem Renaissance I was a physician that developed and improved techniques for blood storage I was the first African-American to own my own dance company Answers on page 23

4 February 2017 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 4 Hymn of the Month: Love Lifted Me "Love Lifted Me" was written by James Rowe and composed by Howard E. Smith in It gained popularity among United Methodists as one of the frequently sung songs in The Cokesbury Hymnal. reaches out to us in love, and lifts us up into the safety of salvation. Author James Rowe ( ) was born in England, the son of a copper miner. He immigrated to the United States from Ireland in He was a railroad worker for ten years in New York before becoming an inspector for the Hudson River Humane Society. Rowe went on to work for several music publishers, including Trio Music Company in Waco, Texas; A. J. Showalter Music Company of Chattanooga, Tennessee; and James D. Vaughan Music Company of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. Late in life, Rowe moved to Vermont where his daughter was an artist. He worked with her, writing greeting card verses. Composer Howard E. Smith ( ) was a church musician and organist in Connecticut. Rowe's text uses images from two biblical stories. The first is found in Matthew 14:22-33, where the disciples were in a boat in the midst of a terrifying storm. They saw Jesus walking on the sea. He commanded Peter to join him, and Peter also began walking on the water toward Jesus. The storm frightened Peter and he began to sink, calling out to Jesus to save him. Jesus caught Peter by the hand and lifted him up as they got into the boat. The second story is Matthew 8:23-27, in which Jesus is asleep in the boat while the disciples are terrified by the fierce storm threatening to plunge them all into the sea. They wake Jesus and appeal to him. Jesus rebukes the wind and sea, and there is calm. Rowe's text skillfully draws on both stories, using sinking or being swamped into the sea as an image for "sinking deep in sin sinking to rise no more." Jesus, "Master of the sea," hears our cry for help, Submitted by Paulette Tapp Information obtained from Hymnary.org

5 February 2017 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 5 Health Ministry Do you know what it means to have a healthy heart? The best way to look after your heart is with a healthy lifestyle. Be smoke-free Being smoke free is one of the best things you can do to protect your heart. Manage your blood cholesterol Cholesterol is a fatty substance carried in your blood. Your body needs cholesterol to be healthy, but an imbalance of cholesterol in your blood can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Manage your blood pressure Blood pressure isn t usually something you can feel. If it s too high, it needs to be treated. Manage diabetes It s important to manage your diabetes to help prevent a heart attack or stroke. Be physically active Regular, moderate physical activity is great for your heart health. It s never too late to start and get the benefits. It s also important to sit less during your day and break up your sitting time. Achieve and maintain a healthy weight Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of heart disease and other health problems. It can help to know your body mass index and waist measurements and what these mean. Enjoy a variety of nutritious foods Eating a varied diet of healthy foods can help with your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol. There are also specific changes you can make to your diet to help prevent heart disease: Eat less salt: Reducing your salt intake is good for your blood pressure. Replace unhealthy fats with healthy fats: Replacing saturated and trans fats with unsaturated fats can reduce your risk of heart disease. Limit alcohol drinking.

6 February 2017 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 6 (Health Ministry cont d) Look after your mental health We know that there can be a greater risk of heart disease for people who have depression, are socially isolated or do not have good social support. Having a good social life with family and friends can help. Depression is more than feeling sad or low. If you feel depressed for more than two weeks, talk to your doctor, a family member or someone you know well. Reprint: Heart Foundation.Org FAMILY LIFE CENTER GYM AND FITNESS CENTER HOURS OF OPERATION: Mornings Monday Friday 9:00 am 12:00 noon Afternoons Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday (Closed Wednesday afternoons) 4:00 pm 8:00 pm

7 February 2017 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 7 By Minister Floyd Williams Our Civil Defense Siren alert, also known as an Air-Raid or Tornado Siren, is used to provide (Emergency Population) warning of approaching danger to the public. This strategic plan of fore-warning alerts our communities to prepare for impending dangers coming upon a nation s security and well-being. The Word of GOD sounds a Trumpet Blast to awaken us from our sleeping state of procrastination, disobedience and wrong directions. Human beings have lost a sense of urgency to the Trumpet Blast of impending warnings of the! A Harvard Professor, Bernard Lown, lamented that mankind is doomed, locked into a race toward Armageddon. There exists a profound feeling of unease. We as a people are seeing in society that The Religious are not the only folks asking the Crucial Question, what is going on? Many are recognizing that we are living in an increasingly dangerous world! My question is this: Reality Check Question: How long will it take for us to awaken from the irony of wrong directions, procrastination, and blatant disregard to biblical warnings? If we can see that we are headed for destruction, just think of how close the Rapture must be! There are several signs which indicate that we are on our way on the road to destruction. How can we tell? By the moral decay in society. Paul predicted in his second letter to Timothy that the end times will be characterized by pervasive moral decay. Food for Thought: We are to realize this. Paul said that in the Last Days, difficult times will come, for men will be: Lovers of self Lovers of money Boastful, arrogant Revilers, disobedient to parents Ungrateful, unholy Irreconcilable, malicious, gossips without self-control, Brutal haters of good, treacherous Reckless Conceited lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of GOD

8 February 2017 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 8 (Way of the World cont d) Paul goes on to say that we are to avoid such men as these - 2 Timothy 3:1-15. There could hardly be a more accurate description of the condition of the world today. Popular Culture as a whole reflects the distorted image of moral perversion of the Last Days so clearly captured in the scriptural passage, Music of the Day. When we look at the Music of the Day, it is remarkable to see just how far our culture is willing to go in tolerating and condoning the most offensive material. For example: An article in the Chicago Tribune surveyed more than two dozen current Rock Albums, encouraging parents to be open-minded and appreciative of the music their children are listening to and even promoting others to join them. And children are bringing this music home! Here is a quick primer on one recent popular album, Death Metal Round-Up : The cover art is invariably Bloody and Repulsive! The cover is obsessed with Mutilated Internal Organs The lyrics are also graphic descriptions of Murder, Mutilation and Cannibalism The liner notes fold out into an Inverted Crucifix If music has to do with Death and Pain, it is in and here according to so-called Popular Demand! Look at current films in the area of movie entertainment. Moral decay of our culture is equally pervasive. The impact of film is equally responsible for the behaviors of the minds of secular society, even to the dress codes in the church! It is questionable about what the church is allowing in its atmosphere where young minds are being shaped and is equally responsible for compromise! Both industries of music and film have created a total experience of sight and sound and image and emotion. The most highly acclaimed movies in recent years are unimaginable. There is something fundamentally wrong with a society that creates, condones and commends behavior and ideas that are in contemptuous rebellion against GOD s moral standards and open blasphemies to his NAME!! It is hard to imagine how films such as the brutal Slashed Movie and countless movies that are centered on illicit and (or) pornographic sex could be watched for entertainment.

9 February 2017 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 9 (Way of the World cont d) We should not be surprised, however, when we see the same played out in the streets of our cities, in the bedroom of homes, in the Oval Office of the Presidency and, yes, immorality in the churches (and people pretend not to see it). One need not look at the daily newspaper or watch the evening news to confirm this sad commentary on mankind--made in the image of GOD. The moral decay of culture today is dramatically captured in the distorted mirrors of contemporary art and media: A good example is the AIDS martyr, Robert Mapplethorpe, whose explicit photographs of homosexual erotic behavior includes Masochism, Sadism, Pedophilia, and Scatology. The work of Andres Serrano often described as Post-modern Blasphemy, in which he displays a photograph of a crucifix immersed in urine! It is here we now turn to the condition of the professing church in general, one which will be characterized by pervasive parallel to the moral and spiritual decay and destructive thinking in the world heresy and compromise. Paul continued to warn Timothy by telling young Timothy: The time will come when they (the Church, in general) will not endure sound doctrine but wanting to have their ears tickled. They will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their wicked desires, will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths (2 Timothy 4:3). The Apostle Peter further warned that there will also be false teachers among you who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them and many will follow their sensuality, and because of them, the way of truth will be maligned; and in their greed, they will exploit you with false words (2 Peter 2:9). They are stains and blemishes. Revealing in their deception as they carouse with you, having eyes full of adultery and they never cease from sin. - Enticing unstable souls - Having a heart trained in greed - Accursed children forsaking the right way; they have gone astray - Having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness (2 Peter 2:1-3, 13-15).

10 February 2017 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 10 (Way of the World cont d) The moral alarm clock is going off in America. The corruption that grips us is more dangerous than enemy missiles. Drugs, crime, teen sex, AIDS, and the rest are consequences of failed morals. Not even the preachers are safe from the cultural collapse of sin and moral decay. If we don't turn from our wicked ways, and soon, that moral alarm clock might turn out to be a time bomb. The one who does the WILL of GOD abides forever (1 John 2:17b). Amen. To be continued from the pulpit on Sunday, April 30, 2017, during the 7:30 am Worship Service: Minister Floyd Williams

11 February 2017 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 11 Women s Ministry Praise God from whom all blessings flow! On Saturday January 14, 2017, the Women s Ministry kicked off the New Year with a new goal: Staying Clean in The morning began with intercessory prayer led by Sis. Penny Poole and as is the custom, the fellowship began with scripture, prayer and a delicious breakfast of grits, hard boiled eggs, salmon patties, bacon and fruit. Thank God for those willing workers who labored in the kitchen to feed approximately one hundred women. It was a pleasure to see that those who attended included women of all ages along with those new to the Friendship family. Our new ministry lead servant, Sis. Vickie Chambers, distributed a quarterly calendar of biblical verses to be included with daily bible reading. Not only that, but the ladies will soon be delving into a book by Joanna Weaver entitled Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World. Check Amazon or your local bookstore to purchase a copy. Information on the upcoming trip to the Holy Land Experience in Orlando, Florida was distributed and discussed. What an awesome opportunity for the women to share this moving experience together. (Details are available to all women who are interested. Please see information at the end of this article or refer to the church bulletin for updates). As is customary, announcements of other activities associated with the Women s Ministry were also provided. Sis. Pat Malone reminded the women of the ongoing creative learning classes held each Saturday from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. The blessings continued to flow as Sis. Kimberly Rogers offered an uplifting and anointed liturgical dance performance. After all was said and done, the women separated into three breakout sessions to deal with topics that were relevant for their spiritual guidance. The breakout sessions included a session for the Married and Engaged led by Martha Bailey, the Widowed and Divorced led by Ruthie Nelson and The Single Ladies led by Tasha Barnes.

12 February 2017 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 12 (Women s Ministry cont d) In the Married and Engaged session, Sis. Martha Bailey presented a discussion on being A Wise Wife. The question was asked: What do you believe about marriage? Several points along with scriptural references were made: God created marriage - Genesis 2:18, It s spiritual Ephesians 5:32-33 God gave us a road map for successful marriages 2 Timothy 3:16 God has given us specific roles Ephesians 5:21-25; 1 Peter 3:1-6 God loves men and women equally Galatians 3:28 While there were several key points made, the final quote was that a wife of wisdom trusts that God created marriage to be a blessing to her. Breakout session Married and Engaged In the Singles session led by Sis. Tasha Barnes, the subject of her presentation was Joy in the Journey. The discussion opened with the quote, I am a daughter of the Risen King who is not moved by the world. For my God is with me and goes before me. I do not fear because I am His. Emphasis was placed on the following: Seek God first in All things Matthew 6:33 Don t bring your past into your future. It s a new year and you want to enter it with Greatness, Abundance, Increase and Overflow Psalm 65:11 Seek God s best for your life: You are the apple of His eye Psalm 17:8 Have people in your life who love you, have discernment and will tell you the truth. The discussion also included three points taken from a book by Dr. Myles Munroe entitled, Waiting and Dating: Don t settle for counterfeit Take time to get to know a person before getting into a serious relationship There is a difference between dating and courting. (Scriptural references can be found in the Song of Solomon and the book of Ruth.)

13 February 2017 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 13 (Women s Ministry cont d) Breakout Session Singles The Widowed and Divorced were led in an interactive discussion facilitated by Sis. Ruthie Nelson. She opened the session by sharing her own personal experiences as a widow. Sis. Ruthie encouraged a few women to introduce themselves and state whether divorced or widowed. Each was asked to share how their lives were affected or changed as a result. Responses varied. Some spoke about loneliness and learning how to do things for themselves. Others expressed concern regarding financial security with only one salary. There were some who were embarrassed, feeling a sense of failure in their situation and sadness concerning the loss of friends that both parties once shared before divorce. After a brief discussion regarding these concerns, Sis. Ruthie shared that no matter how we may feel about the ending of a marriage, either by divorce or a partner dying, we can get our strength to go on through the Word of God. The group also reviewed 1 Timothy 5:3-15 which refers to Paul s advice to Timothy concerning widowhood in the church. Key points included: All of the answers we need are found in the Bible. The Word helps us to overcome loneliness, anger, confusion, bitterness and any other emotion we may have. We can become overcomers and move on with our life through it. It will put our life in its right perspective no matter what circumstance we re facing. Sis. Ruthie concluded the session with a challenge to use the believers weapon, the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) daily to produce the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and to depend on the Holy Spirit to motivate us to meditate on those things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report (Philippians 4:8). Never forget We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

14 February 2017 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 14 (Women s Ministry cont d) Breakout Session Widowed and Divorced The morning ended with great anticipation that the coming months will be filled with Love, Laughter and Unity in the Spirit. Additional contributors to this article were Tasha Barnes notes, Ruthie Nelson and Mother Pat Ashe. Submitted by Cheryl Alford The Women s Ministry is planning a trip to The Holy Land Experience in Orlando, Florida, from November 3-5, The cost is $230 per person. The first installment of $140 is due April 1, The last installment of $90 is due by September 1, Cost is based on room occupancy. SPACE IS LIMITED!!!!! Must be 21 years of age or older to attend. Please contact Vickie Chambers at handkeys2014@gmail.com or Telesa Jakes at telesajakes@att.net. Please pray about attending this wonderful experience with us.

15 February 2017 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 15 NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE? When: You are sad, call John 14 You have sinned, call Psalm 51 You are facing danger, call Psalm 91 People have failed you, call Psalm 27 It feels as though God is far from you, call Psalm 139 Your faith needs stimulation, call Hebrews 11 You are alone and scared, call Psalm 23 You are worried, call Matthew 8:19-34 You are hurt and critical, call I Corinthians 13 You wonder about Christianity, call II Corinthians 5:15-18 You feel like an outcast, call Romans 8:1-30 You are seeking peace, call Matthew 11:25-30 It feels as if the world is bigger than God, call Psalm 90 You need Christ like insurance, call Romans 8:1-30 You are leaving home for a trip, call Psalm 100:21 You are praying for yourself, call Psalm 87 You require courage for a task, call Joshua 1 Inflation and investments are hogging your thoughts, call Mark 10:17-31 You are depressed, call Psalm 27 Your bank account is empty, call Psalm 37 You lose faith in mankind, call I Corinthians 13 It looks like people are unfriendly, call John 15 You are losing hope, Psalm 126 You feel like the world is small compared to you, call Psalm 19 You want to carry fruit, call John 15 You want to know the secret for happiness, call Colossians 3:12-17 You have a big opportunity, discovery, call Isaiah 55 You can t get along with other people, call Romans 12 Alternate numbers to call: For dealing with fear, call Psalm 46 For security, call Psalm 121:3 For assurance, call Mark 8:35 For reassurance, call Psalm 145:18 All lines are available 24/7 every day.

16 February 2017 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 16 Church Apps: Distraction or Attraction? How two Georgia churches are using mobile technology to connect to a new generation of Churchgoers. Jennifer Ditlevson Haglund/ SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 In a recent essay in New York Magazine, English author Andrew Sullivan stated that the greatest threat to faith today is not hedonism but distraction. He criticizes how churches have traded their places of sanctuary and contemplative prayer for spaces drowned with light and noise and emotional spasms. He praises solitude and meditation as a balm for those who are drained from constant web interaction. The quiet retreat of a contemplative church might draw what Sullivan calls a frazzled digital generation to its doors, but that doesn t mean churches can expect to reach the appaddicted without having an online presence. According to Darrel Girardier, digital strategy director at Brentwood Baptist Church in Tennessee, churches will indeed have to start asking themselves how they will provide solace from those who are overly connected, but they can t deny the impact they have when they become part of a person s daily digital habit. Whether we like it or not, this is going to be the future, Girardier said. We have to figure out how to get there. For two churches in Valdosta, Georgia, however, apps are the future they re embracing right now. The Virtual Gathering Place Building an online presence for CrossPointe Church in Valdosta, Georgia, was never a question for its leaders. According to the church s communications director, Janetta Oni, if there were simply one physical place in town where everyone gathered, the church would need to go there to meet and minister to people. The space to be right now, however, is virtual. All the media on people s cell phones Facebook and Instagram and apps it would be irresponsible of us not to take the gospel there, Oni said. It would be negligent, actually. According to Oni, taking the church online is vital to keeping their established community close as well as connecting with newcomers. Having a mobile app, in particular, benefits the church population in a number of ways. With Moody Air Force Base nearby, families and individuals who once attended the church can relocate and still stay in touch with CrossPointe. The church s app users can stream live videos of sermons, listen to podcasts produced or endorsed by the church, and keep in touch with their Bible study groups. Offering a mobile app, she said, also gives smartphone users a practical way to engage with the sermon. Not everyone brings a pen and paper to church, said Oni, but everyone brings their cell phone. Justin Crenshaw, the youth and college pastor at Valdosta First United Methodist Church, said he has seen a huge increase in giving and other community engagement since the church began using an app two years ago for their contemporary

17 February 2017 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 17 (Church Apps cont d) worship service. The app was so widely used that the church has expanded its reach to the entire congregation, which consists of about 900 members. We ve had a definite spike in people listening to podcasts, connecting to small groups, and giving, Crenshaw said. After seeing the data, Crenshaw said it s critical that churches get online to be effective in reaching people. However, Crenshaw and Oni both said some of their older congregants still want printed copies of the weekly bulletin and information about upcoming events. They make sure those printouts are still available, so no one is left out. The days of folding sheets of copy paper in the church office may not be over, but Crenshaw doesn t see those days making a comeback, either. Everything is online, he said. You pay your bills online, and hardly anyone writes a check anymore. Appealing to the App-Savvy Gino Padua, CEO of the mobile app platform Mobile Roadie, said his company began working with churches in 2010, just a year after officially launching at South by Southwest. After working with musical acts, academic institutions and businesses, the company identified another niche market: religious groups. Mobile Roadie is just one of several mobile app development companies to recognize that churches are essentially looking for ways to engage with an audience and an increasingly tech-savvy and tech-dependent audience at that. Padua noted that churches have unique needs and requests when it comes to communal technology. In addition to keeping churchgoers abreast of church-related events with calendar functions and daily Bible readings, church-specific mobile apps can alert the entire congregation of emergency prayer requests and allow people to tithe or donate securely and privately. At Valdosta FUMC, online giving has been popular with members who use the church s app, said Crenshaw. Over at CrossPointe, meanwhile, Oni estimated that the church has had at least 1,000 apps downloaded to date; Sunday attendance at both CrossPointe campuses combined averages 1,300. CrossPointe has worked with its current app for four years, and they re getting ready to upgrade to an app designed specifically for churches. Before a sermon series begins, Oni runs a statistical analysis to discover what is and isn t working online. She said tracking the data and discussing the interactions on the web at leadership meetings could sound unspiritual or like a marketing campaign, which is why it s addressed upfront whenever ministry teams discuss strategy.

18 February 2017 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 18 (Church Apps cont d) Every Number Is an Actual Human Being Every number is an actual human being, Oni said. Every new follower we make on Instagram is a soul maybe one step closer to coming to church and getting to know Jesus. For Crenshaw, having a daily presence online is important, too. Regularly scheduling posts about what God is doing in the church attracts people searching for a way to plug in to ministry. He said that in the Valdosta area, people often look for church activities for the children and students in their lives even if they don t intend to go to church themselves. We re reaching families through their children nowadays, Crenshaw said. It s not the other way around. In the last three years, more than half the families that began attending Valdosta FUMC initially connected through the student ministry. The majority of those found out about the church through social media outlets like Instagram and Twitter. Just like Jesus was able to use culturally relevant things of his day parables are a great example we use things that people can understand and relate to for furthering the gospel, Crenshaw said. Social media is something that we can redeem for the sake of the gospel. Crenshaw doesn t think people are going to check out a church on Sunday morning without having done some searching online: which is why the leadership team at Valdosta FUMC has no reservations about being intentional with their online communications and presence. The more they see and the more they hear about good things God is doing in our churches online and by word of mouth, [the more likely] they re going to check us out for themselves, said Crenshaw. Throughout her time as communications director at CrossPointe, Oni has received all kinds of questions submitted online through s and the church s social media pages. Some are easier to answer than others. When someone asks what the church is like or checks on event details, it s one thing. When someone has personal questions or wants to know about CrossPointe s stance on a controversial topic, it s time to invite that person to grab coffee for some one-on-one conversation. We don t want to keep people in the web atmosphere, she said. We want to bring them to a physical place. Submitted by Shatina Patterson Technology Tips

19 February 2017 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 19 The DRAMA MINISTRY is preparing for the 2017 production of Now Let Me Fly by Marcia Cebulska, based on the controversial court case Brown vs. Board of Education. This production requires multi-ethnic participation. If you would like to participate in this production, please contact Cynthia Urquhart at Now Let Me Fly (Traditional Spiritual) I heard a rumbling in the sky I thought the Lord was passing by It was the good old chariot drawing nigh Oh well, it shook the earth, swept the sky Now let me fly Oh, Lord, Lord... Now let me fly

20 February 2017 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 20 Outreach Ministry It s Prom Time Again! The Outreach Ministry is requesting gowns and donations for our annual Prom Dress Drive. Volunteer alteration services are needed. All services are provided in a friendly and private environment. Please contact Pamela Stodghill at for more information. Money Matters Tip A written plan, if actually lived and agreed on: Will remove many household money disagreements. Will show if you are overspending in certain areas. Will give you a sense of power and control over money that is hard to get any other way. A budget is your key to success! If you don t tell your money where to go and what to do, it will definitely master you. Questions? Contact: sharon@parsonex.com

21 February 2017 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 21 Transportation Ministry Shuttle driver pick up riders from the lower parking lots to the front door Route driver pick up in the community within a 12 mile radius. CDL not required Commit to one Sunday per month for one year Contact Fred Toplin at toplinf@gmail.com or Shirley Woods at vwadv2@gmail.com for more information. If you need a ride to church and you live within a 12-mile radius, please call National Safety Council s Defensive Driver Course The next scheduled Defensive Driver Class will be held Saturday, March 4, Online registration can be made at: or on the FBC website at: fbcduluth.org. The course fee of $10 must be paid by check or money order on the day of class. PLEASE BE AWARE -- When the National Weather Service issues a winter storm warning for our area where driving conditions may be dangerous, an announcement will be posted on the Church website regarding closings. Please also tune in to 11Alive TV News as they will also broadcast the Church closings.

22 February 2017 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 22 CLASSES LOCATED IN THE FAMILY LIFE CENTER: Class Room Class Room Men s Class 131 In Teens (High School) 217 Survival Kit 135 Jesus and Me (Middle School) 219 Women s Class 139 CONNECT (College age 19-29) 220 Basic Bible Study 208 IGNITE! (Singles and Young Adults 29 & older) 221 New Member s Class 209 Marriage Class 233 Note: Adult classes are combined on the 5 th Sundays and meet in the Sanctuary CLASSES LOCATED IN THE LOWER LEVEL OF THE MAIN BUILDING: The Nursery (3 months-2 years old) Beginner s (3-4 year olds) Primary (K-2 nd Grade) Juniors (3 rd -5 th Grade) Minister Geneva Crownhart, Superintendent gcrownhart@yahoo.com Dorian Rogers, Assistant Superintendent 4integrityauto@gmail.com

23 February 2017 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 23 O P P O R T U N I T I E S T O S E R V E W EEK L Y Worship Services Sunday 7:30 & 11:00 am Sanctuary Teen Church Sunday (1st & 3rd) 7:30 & 11:00 am Heritage Church Sunday School Sunday 9:45 am Family Life Center Sunday School (Youth) Sunday 9:45 am Lower Level Main Building New Members Class Sunday 9:45 am Room 209 Family Life Center Deacon s Meeting Tuesday (1st & 3rd) 7:00 pm Room 232 Family Life Center Mid-Week Service Wednesday 12:00 noon Heritage Church Intercessory Prayer Wednesday 6:30 pm Sanctuary Sunday School Teachers Wednesday 6:30 pm Lower Level Main Building Adult Bible Study Wednesday 7:30 pm Sanctuary Youth Church WoW Bible Study Wednesday 7:45 pm Lower Level Main Building MasterLife1 Class Thursday 7:00 pm Room 102 Lower Level Main Bldg Marriage Class Thursday 7:00 pm Room 201 Lower Level Main Bldg Recovery Ministry 7 days a week 24 hours a day Contact: Tim M O N T H L Y Education Ministry 2nd Monday 7:00 pm Room 303 Lower Level Main Bldg Usher Ministry 1st Tuesday 7:00 pm Room 135 Family Life Center Men s Ministry 1st Saturday 7:30 am TBA Monthly Media Ministry 1st Saturday 9:30 am Room 130 Family Life Center Mother s Ministry 1st Saturday 9:30 am Room 135 Family Life Center Minister s Meeting 1st Saturday 3:00 pm Room 232 Family Life Center Women s Ministry 2nd Saturday 8:45 am Fellowship Hall Money Matters 2nd Saturday 11:30 am Fellowship Hall Male Chorus Preparation 2nd & 4th Saturday 9:30 am Sanctuary Health Ministry 2nd Saturday 11:00 am Room 303 Lower Level Main Bldg Outreach Ministry 3rd Saturday 9:00 am Fellowship Hall Shepherd s Care Ministry 3rd Saturday 10:00 am Room 202 Lower Level Main Bldg Communication s Ministry 3rd Saturday 11:00 am Room 135 Family Life Center Marriage Ministry 3rd Saturday 5:00 pm Room 239 Family Life Center Senior s Ministry 4th Saturday 11:00 am Fellowship Hall Single s Ministry 4th Saturday 12:30 pm Lower Level Heritage Church Prison Ministry Gospel Choir Preparation Tuesday before 1 st & 3 rd Sunday 7:00 pm Youth Choir Preparation Tuesday before 2 nd & 4 th Sunday 6:45 pm S P E C I A L M O N T H L Y S E R V I C E S Holy Communion 1st Sunday 7:30 & 11:00 am Sanctuary Baptism 3rd Sunday 11:00 am Sanctuary Baby Dedications 4th Sunday 7:30 & 11:00am Sanctuary

24 February 2017 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 24 ANSWERS: BLACK HISTORY TRIVIA MATCH Katherine Johnson I was the first African-American NBA head coach and 11-time NBA champion Barack H. Obama I was the first African-American Pulitzer Prize winner for poetry Zora Neale Hurston I was the first African-American sports broadcaster Gwendolyn Brooks I was the first African-American and 44 th President of the U.S Ella Fitzgerald I was often referred as the First Lady of Song. I was known for my scat style of singing Katherine Dunham I was a mathematician that worked for NASA during John Glen s Apollo 11 mission. Bill Russell I was the first African-American Rhodes Scholar Sammy Davis Jr. I was an original member of the Rat Pack and began my entertainment career at 3 years old Alain Leroy Locke I was a famous poet during the Harlem Renaissance Dr. Charles Drew I was a physician that developed and improved techniques for blood storage Sherman Maxwell I was the first African-American to own my own dance company

25 February 2017 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 25 Friendly through Fellowship Developed through Discipleship Enlarged through Evangelism Sharing and Caring through Servanthood Stronger through God s Word and True Worship Church Address and Contact Information 3375 Church Lane, Duluth GA :00am 5:00pm Monday-Friday Contact: Rita Bowens, Office fbcduluth@att.net Website: FBC MINISTRY LEADERS ASSOCIATE MINISTERS Rev. Ken Blacknell Minister John Carter Minister Chris Colston Rev. Garfield Garner Rev. Al Gamble Rev. Eugene Graves Minister Shurron Green Rev. Timothy Twyman Minister Floyd Williams Rev. Stanley Williams Rev. Alton Wilson MINISTERS OF EVANGELISM Minister Karen Blacknell Minister Amelia Brown Evangelist Geneva Burse Minister Geneva Crownhart Evangelist Karen DeLee Evangelist Denise C. Jackson Minister Roslyn Long Evangelist Ruthell Morris Minister Nicole Walker Minister Barbara Williams Evangelist Deloris Williams FBC COMMUNICATIONS LEADERS Louie Malone, President Terrill Tarver, Vice President Tina Patterson, Secretary Kelly Wilson, Assistant Secretary Christine Smith, Treasurer Hyacinth Chung, Chaplain Harold Mitchell, Deacon Advisor NEWSLETTER STAFF Editor-in-Chief and Graphic Designer Paulette Tapp Photographers Louie Malone/Shirley Price Publisher Terrill Tarver Please direct comments regarding the newsletter to: communicationsministry@friendshipduluth.org