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

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1 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 also serve as containers for the spirit and soul that our Heavenly Father has gifted to us. As Christians, our job is to care for our bodies; and along with our minds and souls, make them available to work the works of God to grow His kingdom. In order to stay alive, our bodies require a steady stream of air. With each breath that we take, we inhale a fresh supply of oxygen, which is used by the body to make sure that it functions properly. Each inhale is followed by an exhale, which removes bad air from our bodies. This bad air contains carbon dioxide, which is a waste product for humans and can become poisonous if too much of it stays in our system. Exhaling allows us to rid the body of this potential poison. Under normal circumstances, breathing requires no thought or effort on our part. Our bodies are programmed to carry out this critical process automatically. In fact, breathing is so routine that it fades into the background of our daily activities, taking a back seat to moments and events that could not even occur without the breath of life. Have you ever paused to think about the preciousness of one breath? Have you ever reflected on the love shown by our Heavenly Lincoln Memorial Baptist Church Remember To Breathe - by Deacon Dean Jernigan Father when He breathed life into His most prized creation? And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. (Genesis 2:7). As we celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, I encourage you to set aside a few moments to just breathe. Take a moment from life s fast lane to enjoy a gentle breeze, to marvel at the leaves as they change colors, to live in the moment of an enjoyable time with family and friends or to simply reflect on this wonderful journey called life. Unlike the automated breathing process, make a conscious effort to breathe in the manner that God would have us to breathe. Inhale the joy that comes with His goodness, glory and mercy; exhale the poisons of hate, jealousy and envy. Inhale love, compassion and thoughtfulness; exhale lust, greed, wrath. Inhale forgiveness, faith, patience; exhale pride, slothfulness and gluttony. Bask in the warmth of knowing that every breathe that we take represents God s love. As you reflect on the preciousness of each breath, remember those who are less fortunate, those who struggle to breathe and those who simply have no appreciation for the breaths that they take. Breathe life into scarred relationships and old dreams. Breathe life into past due Durham, NC Congratulations Deacon Lofton! Congratulations to Deacon Eugene Lofton on his recent installation as Chairman of the Finance Committee for the Durham Interdenominational Ushers Union for The Union is made up of 21 Churches in the Durham area. A true servant at heart, Deacon Lofton currently serves as President of the LMBC Ushers Ministry. Congratulations to Deacon Lofton on his expanded role in working in God s vineyard. SAVE THE DATE!! Annual Christmas Program Wednesday, December 17th Watch Night Services Wednesday, December 31st Time TBA commitments and into that struggling ministry. Breathe life into acts of kindness and deeds of encouragement to help someone find their way. Breathe slowly and purposely, and reflect on the love contained in God s breath of life. Remember to breathe that love with every breath that you take.

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. 1. A New Sanctuary Let s Build the Community in the Church 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 Strong In You, Lord I am not always able to Do what I'm supposed to do, But through Your Blood that set me free And with Your Spirit guiding me I won't give up but carry on Until my time on Earth is done. Be with me and guide my steps; Help me to daily do my best. Left to myself I'll surely fail For I am very weak and frail; In You alone can I be strong And not do those things which are wrong. Here I stand strengthened by You, Assured that You will help me through Whatever trials may come my way. I know with me my Lord will stay; You are my Rock, Deliverer, Friend; My Hope and Strength until the end. - by Belinda van Rensburg Happy Birthday to our December Birthday Celebrities! Chanetta Evans William Mayfield, Sr. Lisa Eley Jennifer Crawford Bailee Davenport Marsha Nazzare LaTonya Brodie Gianna Jackson Marva Atkins Cherelle Lee Maggie Harrell Karl Brodie Harold Nazzare Thurman Prescott Eugene Lofton Gloria Manley Trudy Owens Ronald Strickland Rosa Bailey Marcus Lofton Best Wishes For Many More!! 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 Chanetta Evans Reginald Davis Willee Murphy Joan Lofton Marva Atkins William Mayfield Earleen Sharrock Dean Jernigan, Chair Food For Thought... Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh What did gold, frankincense, and myrrh have to do with gifts to Christ? What do the gifts represent? Gold, frankincense, and myrrh were the gifts that were given to Jesus by the wise men according to Matthew 2:11. Gift of Gold. The gift of gold was considered worthy of a king. The buildings and treasures of kings and pharaohs from the ancient past have left reminders that gold was the prize of rulers and kings. Both secular and biblical kings valued gold. Men such as King Solomon and King Nebuchadnezzar treasured gold. While gold can be a gift for anyone, gold was a gift especially for kings. Gift of Frankincense. Frankincense and myrrh come from the yellow or brown sticky substance from trees. Frankincense was once greatly valued throughout the Middle East, from Rome to India. It was very expensive and a gift having a wonderful fragrance. It was used for a variety of purposes such as incense (Ex. 30:34), medical treatment, and perfume (Song of Solomon 3:6; 4:14). We discover from the Bible that frankincense was used in worship. Frankincense speaks of the worship of God. Gift of Myrrh. Myrrh was less expensive than frankincense, but was still highly valued. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Gen. 37:25, where it was being carried by camels on a caravan. Myrrh was used for a variety of purposes, such as: a perfume (Song of Solomon 3:6; 4:14), an anesthetic, burial embalming (John 19:39), as an ingredient in anointing oil, and to deodorize clothes. According to Esther 2:12, it was also a cosmetic used by women. John 19:39 records that myrrh was used in Jesus' burial. In the New Testament, myrrh is primarily associated with death. Since gold, frankincense and myrrh were highly prized by kings and emperors, these wise men gave Jesus three very expensive gifts. The gift of gold would have had great value to a young married couple whom God would soon send to Egypt. Besides their monetary values, frankincense and myrrh would have had medical and deodorizing benefits - great gifts for a couple with an infant. The gifts also speak of Jesus Christ. Gold speaks of His birth. He is born a King. Frankincense speaks of the fragrance of His life. Myrrh speaks of His death. All of this is indicated in the gifts that were brought to Him at His first coming. Dr. J. Vernon McGee. Thru The Bible. Nelson Publishing vol. IV, p submitted by Sis. Earleen Sharrock

4 Family and Friends Day Our annual Family and Friends Day celebration is a delightful event full of joy and festive fellowship. This year s event featured a special Family and Friends Day Choir and a special Children s Moment presentation from Judge Pat Evans. This wonderful celebration was enjoyed by all. Male Chorus Spreads Joy Members of the Male Chorus recently performed at the annual Black Tie Scholarship Awards Banquet for the LEAD Scholarship Foundation. Founded by employees at Merck, the Foundation provides scholarships to African-American high school seniors entering college. Deacon Eugene Lofton, a Merck employee and Male Chorus member, arranged for the Chorus participation on the program. In addition to delivering a riveting performance to the assembled honorees and guest, the Male Chorus members were also on the receiving end of a delicious meal!

5 Women s Day Hats, Heels & Pearls was the theme adopted for this year s Women s Day celebration. Extending their celebration beyond the Sunday service, a full week of activities were planned for this year s celebration. The week culminated with a powerful message from guest speaker Rev. Pebbles Lindsay Lucas and inspiring presentations from the youth at Mt. Zion Christian Academy during the morning worship service. Congratulations and Thank You to ALL of our women for all that they do to enrich our lives. Hats, Heels and Pearls - Dressed For The Battle

6 Around Lincoln... Sis. Apryl Jernigan makes her acting debut in Carrington Middle School s production of William Shakespeare s A Midsummer Night s Dream Sis. Brittany Salaam prepares to pass on her crown as the outing Miss Black & Gold of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity at Wake Forest University Sis. Adrienne Jernigan performs during her Senior Recital at NC A&T State University and celebrates with members of the Lincoln family afterwards. Why Not You? Today, many will awaken with a fresh sense of inspiration. Today, many will open their eyes to the beauty that surrounds them. Today, many will choose to leave the ghost of yesterday behind and seize the immeasurable power of today. Today, many will break through the barriers of the past by looking at the blessings of the present. Today, for many, the burden of self doubt and insecurity will be lifted by the security and confidence of empowerment. Today, many will rise above their believed limitations and make contact with their powerful innate strength. Today, many will choose to live in such a manner that they will be a positive role model for their children. Today, many will choose to free themselves from the personal imprisonment of their bad habits. Today, many will choose to live free of conditions and rules governing their own happiness. Today, many will find abundance in simplicity. Today, many will be confronted by difficult moral choices and they will choose to do what is right instead of what is beneficial. Today, many will decide to no longer sit back with a victim mentality, but to take charge of their lives and make positive changes. Why not you? Today, many will take the action necessary to make a difference. Today, many will make the commitment to be a better mother, father, son, daughter, student, teacher, worker, boss, brother, sister & so much more. Today is a new day! Many will seize this day. Many will live it to the fullest.

7 M & Ms Christmas Poem -submitted by Sis. Earleen Sharrock As you hold these candies in your hand, And turn them you will see The M becomes a W, and E and then a 3 They tell the Christmas story, It's one I'm sure you know It took place in a stable a long, long time ago The E is for the East, where the star shone so bright The M is for the manger where Baby Jesus slept that night The 3 is for the wisemen, bearing gifts they say they came W is for Worship, Hallelujah, Praise His Name So as you eat these candies or share them with a friend Remember the meaning of Christmas. It's a Love Story that never ends!

8 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Pastor s Aide Music Ministry :30am Deacons 2:00pm Deacon Christmas Social 3:00pm Youth :00pm Usher Ministry Health & Wellness Sounds of Joy Newsletter Male Chorus December 2014 Building the Church in the Community and the Community in the Church Computing & Technology 3 Intercessory Prayer Bible Study Dance Ministry 10 Intercessory Prayer Bible Study Dance Ministry Christmas Program Intercessory Prayer Bible Study Dance Ministry 31 Intercessory Prayer Bible Study Dance Ministry Watch Night Services Time TBA Newsletter Photos by Deacon William Mayfield, Sis. Jocelyn Campbell, Deacon Eugene Lofton and Deacon Dean Jernigan :00pm Christian Board 18 Sounds of Joy 25 Christmas (All Day) 10:00am Trustees Women of Faith 1:00pm Missionary Ministry (All Day) 10:00am Deaconess 4:00pm Durham County Youth@Duke Children s Hospital 6:00pm Couples Ministry 20 (All Day) 9:00am Laymen s League 27 (All Day) To add an event to the church calendar, please contact Sis. Jocelyn 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.