Your Connection to a Church with a Heart for the Community

Transcription

1 Monthly Announcements November 2017 The DC Pulse Your Connection to a Church with a Heart for the Community Celebrating The 500 th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation By: Pastor Joseph C. Parker, Jr. Last month Protestants celebrated the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. It is the historical event that set up the main differences between Catholics and Protestants, who worship the same God, but the principles of their faith are different. Five hundred years after the Reformation, there are still painful divisions between Protestants and Catholics. It all started when Reformation took place, 500 years ago, as Martin Luther ( ), a Catholic priest and theologian, tried to reform the Catholic Church and posted his 95 Theses to the door of a church in Wittenberg, Germany on Oct. 31, It is referred to as the Protestant Reformation. His attempt to do so instead led to a schism in the church. The 95 Theses outlined different abusive practices of the church and is considered the founding event that led to this division and the creation of the Evangelical Church. These pungent theses criticized especially the pope's attempt to raise funds for renovating St. Peter's Basilica in Rome by guaranteeing salvation to all who would simply donate to the building project. "As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs," Johann Tetzel, a famed seller of the pope's salvific guarantees (called "indulgences"), preached as he made his rounds throughout Germany. In the 95 Theses, Luther decried such cheapening of God's grace, which distorted and watered down the message of salvation merely to collect cash. Instead, he insisted that the Christian life should be filled with repentance and that the "true treasure of the church is the most holy gospel of the glory and grace of God." Many of the aspects that were reformed by Luther at the time still divide both groups to this day. Ben Hawkins (Missouri Pathway) has suggested that today we should celebrate Luther and the rest of the Reformers, for they trusted Scripture to make an impact in their age. Despite numerous obstacles, they endeavored to publish it widely both in print and proclamation. And, without nails or glue, God's Word has continued to stick with us for centuries, resounding across the globe. Such was the core truth of the 16th-century Reformation, and such should be the crux of all our endeavors: "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever" (Isaiah 40:8). Article continues on page 4

2 Celebrate DC Seniors with November Birthdays! Andrew McCall November 1 Sherman Coleman November 2 Jearline Stephens November 4 Sedalia Johnson November 11 Beatrice Gibson November 12 Ida Ray November 12 Lois White November 13 Charles Walker November 16 Victoria Davenport November 18 Ernestine Hill November 19 Doris Mack November 27 Rozenna Sanders November 30 Are you a senior adult with a birthday not listed? Call or the church office. The DC Financial Ministry continues the Crown Money Life Personal Financial Study. Here are some of the things we ve been learning! But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God.(Psalm 146:5,NLT) The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives. (Psalm 37:5, ESV) A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished. (Proverbs 28:20,NIV) Won t you join us next time and learn for yourself the wisdom of God regarding your life and your finances? Blessings! Your David Chapel Financial Ministry 2

3 LOIS M. UPTON COLD WEATHER SHELTER Austin's lack of shelter space forces many homeless people to sleep outside during winter months. In demonstration of its heart for the community, David Chapel has continued its partnership with the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH) and other churches to provide a warm and safe overnight shelter for the homeless population from November through February when inclement (freezing) weather has been forecasted for the Austin area. DC will provide shelter for twenty men. To make this initiative a success, program coordinators need from 8 to 10 volunteers to prepare hot meals, clean-up, give oversight to the shelter throughout the night, and provide a welcoming environment. To sign-up or get more information, please contact Charles Walker by telephone at (512) or (512) Mr. Walker is also available via at charleswalker78702@yahoo.com. Please consider volunteering. This is an extraordinary opportunity to touch a life. Unsure of your talents, abilities and gifts? Ever wonder if you are doing what God wants you to do? Possibly thinking there are other areas you can apply your skills? Then S.H.A.P.E. may be for you. S.H.A.P.E. makes it possible for you to connect with ministries that let you live your heart and passion in service to others and create a closer relationship with God. Sign up at the S.H.A.P.E. table immediately after Sunday morning worship beginning November 5, 2017 or contact Eunice Ransburg at (512) or via , SHAPEMinistry@DCMBC.org. Looking forward to seeing all new members and those who have not taken the basic SHAPE class. When: Saturday, December 5, 2017 Where: David Chapel Fellowship Hall Time: 9:00 a.m. to Noon 3

4 500 th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, cont. from cover 1. Understanding of the Bible: Catholicism and Protestantism have distinct views on the meaning and the authority of the Bible. For Protestant Christians, Luther made clear that the Bible is the "Sola Scriptura," God's only book, in which He provided His revelations to the people and which allows them to enter in communion with Him. Catholics, on the other hand, do not base their beliefs on the Bible alone. Along with the Holy Scripture, they are additionally bound by the traditions of the Roman Catholic Church. 2. Understanding the church: Catholics and Protestants have a different view on the nature of the church. The word "catholic" means "all-embracing," and the Catholic Church sees itself as the only true church worldwide, under the leadership of the pope. In contrast, the Protestant Churches which have emerged from Reformation, also called "Evangelical," which means "according to the Gospel," do not make up one united Church. There are rather several tens of thousands of different denominations around the world, which include Baptists. Officially, all of these many churches are considered equal. 3. The pope: Protestants are not open at all to papal primacy. According to the Evangelical view, this dogma contradicts statements in the Bible. Catholics see in the pope the successor of the Apostle Peter, the first head of their Church, who was appointed by Jesus. The papal office is justified by an allegedly unbroken chain of consecrations, ranging from the first century to the present. Even if many Protestants like Pope Francis, they categorically reject papacy, which means the office or authority of the pope. 4. Understanding of the office: This continuous chain, known as the apostolic succession, is overall significant for different spiritual offices in the Catholic Church. With the Sacrament of Holy Orders, bishops, priests and deacons receive a lifelong seal of God giving them sacramental authority over Catholic laypeople. This consecration can only be given to men. Protestants do not consecrate specific persons into office, but rather accept the principle that priesthood can be transferred to every believer - even to women. 5. Eucharist, Lord's Supper or Communion: The Catholics' views on the spiritual office are reflected in the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, a rite commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples before his crucifixion. Once consecrated by a priest in the name of Jesus, bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ. Non-Catholics may not participate in Communion. In the Protestant Church, every baptized person is invited to share and is allowed to lead the Lord's Supper, although some protestant churches add more restrictions relative to it being open or close opportunity. This approach is not accepted by Catholics. Additionally, Eucharist has a different meaning for Catholics and Protestants. For Catholics, the bread, known as the Host, embodies Jesus and can therefore be prayed to. For Protestants, the ritual only serves to commemorate Jesus' death and resurrection. For Catholics, the Host represents bread that is consecrated to represent Jesus' body. 4

5 500 th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, cont. from cover 6. Sacraments: In the Roman Catholic Church, there are seven solemn rites, called sacraments, a religious ceremony or act of the Christian Church that is regarded as an outward and visible sign of inward and spiritual divine grace, in particular: baptism, confirmation, the Eucharist, matrimony, penance, holy orders and extreme unction. The church believes these sacraments were instituted by Jesus and that they confer God's grace. Most Protestant churches only practice two of these sacraments: baptism and the Eucharist (called Lord's Supper or Communion). They are perceived as symbolic rituals through which God delivers the Gospel. They are accepted through faith. 7. Marian dogmas and the worship of Saints: The Roman Catholic Church reveres Mary, the mother of Jesus, as "Queen of Heaven." However, there are few biblical references to support the Catholic Marian dogmas - which include the Immaculate Conception, her perpetual virginity and her Assumption into heaven. This is why they are rejected by Protestants. Though Protestants believe Mary was the mother of Jesus, unlike Catholics, they do not venerate her. The Catholic Church also practices the veneration of saints. Dead models of faith, recognized as "saint" by the church through canonization, can be prayed to for help in maintaining faith in God. There are over 4,000 saints. Their remains are considered holy relics which are venerated. This veneration is also categorically by the Protestant Church as unbiblical. According to Reformation views, every person may and should pray directly to God. 8. Celibacy: All main world religions integrate in some way the concept of celibacy, the vow of abstaining from marriage and sexual relations, and the Catholic and Protestant churches are no exception. In the Catholic Church, celibacy is obligatory for priests. It is seen as a symbol of the undivided succession of Christ. The Protestant Church rejects this obligation for priests. Martin Luther already demanded its abolition as early as He made a decisive personal contribution to this end in 1525: The former monk married the former nun Katharina von Bora. Initially unsure of whether he should marry, Luther finally determined that "his marriage would please his father, rile the pope, cause the angels to laugh, and the devils to weep." All announcements and articles for the December publication must be submitted to the church office or Keisha Nunn (communications@davidchapel.org) by Sunday, November 19 th. 5

6 In honor of Veterans Day, David Chapel would like to recognize those who have served in the military with honor and bravery (active, retired and deceased). Let s give support to all the Armed Services. A commemorative display of photographs and biographies will be in the fellowship hall November 6 th through November 12 th. On Sunday, November 12 th, a reception will be held. If you have any questions, please contact Sisters Rosie McCall at (512) or Sis. Damaris Brown- Harris at (512) Thank you in advance for your support! Highlighting Adult Member Accomplishments Brother Leroy White (center, seated, looking toward the camera) was selected by the Honor Flight Austin with a trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the War Memorials. He notes the selection was an extreme honor and privilege, as well as very educational to see and learn the history of all those brave individuals who have given their live to keep this country free. DC salutes Mr. White on this accomplishment and his service. 6

7 Join the Baylor University Black Alumni Network to commemorate the 50 th Anniversary of the First Black Graduates from Baylor University -- Rev. Robert Gilbert and Ms. Barbara Ann Walker. The Scholarship Gala will also honor other Black Firsts at Baylor, including Pastor Parker as the First Black Truett Seminary School Graduate. Proceeds from the Scholarship Gala will benefit the Dr. Vivienne Malone-Mayes Scholarship Endowment. This scholarship is offered by the Baylor University Black Alumni Network to help alleviate the financial burden associated with the pursuit of higher education at Baylor University. Visit for additional information. Tickets and other sponsorships are available at www1.baylor.edu/ers/upay.php?event_id=109077&action=register. Attention December Graduates! Are you graduating from college, vocational, or graduate school in December? If so, DC would like to ensure your graduation announcement is placed in the December edition of the Pulse. Please submit commencement information to by Sunday, November 19, While we will continue to celebrate all graduates in June, we d love to recognize and celebrate any December commencements as well. 7

8 November is Celebrate Recovery Month! Once you become addicted to anything, the addicted person has a very high and difficult mountain to climb. No one can climb that mountain except you, the addicted person. Your parents can t climb it, your siblings can t, your spouse can t, your children can t, treatment can t, literally no one can except you, the addicted individual. Therefore, the best thing to do is prevent becoming addicted in the first place. I have been hearing about the opioid epidemic that is taking over the young people in New Hampshire, Minnesota, and it is not an epidemic in Austin, yet. What can we do as parents? That s what this article is about. How to help prevent your children from becoming a victim. A Family Affair: Raising Drug-Free Children by Rebecca A. Drey; modified by Dr. Rosalee Martin Parents in today s society have a critical responsibility to protect their children/youth from the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. While our community has committed considerable resources to combat the problem of substance abuse, families remain a largely untapped and valuable resources. Prevention of substance abuse must become a family affair, challenging all members of the family to invest in healthy, drug-free lifestyles. Families with children ages 8 through 12 face a special challenge. It is during this period that children are making their first decisions about the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. However, the Twelve-Step Approach can be applied to older children. A model for raising drug-free children is the Council on Chemical Abuse s A Twelve-Step Approach to Prevention, which was designed to prepare parents to take on the challenges of raising drug-free children. Parents must be prepared to assume the role of family prevention educator before and/or when the child is making his first decision to use or not use drugs. This approach is a comprehensive prevention program that promotes a community-wide effort to strengthen the role of families as prevention educators. Instead of relying solely on teachers to educate our children regarding the risks of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, this approach to prevention empowers parents to become the primary prevention educators in their children s lives by attempting to meet the following goals: Enhancing the capacity of parents of children, ages 8-12 years specifically (and older youth as well), to serve as family educators in alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention. NOTE: It is more difficult to reach older youth with this intervention program because some of their habits have already been established. However, parents can still intervene on their behalf. Increasing parental enforcement of clear behavioral expectations regarding alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. Increasing parental capacity to intervene on alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use by their children. Empowering parents to serve as advocates for community prevention education. Parents must carry out a variety of special responsibilities as family prevention educators. These responsibilities form the foundation for Raising drug-free Children: A Twelve-Step Approach to Prevention: 1. Be a good role model. Your habits and attitudes will strongly influence your children s ideas about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. It is important for the sake of your children to be healthy, positive role models. 2. Listen to your children. A child is more likely to talk with you when you give verbal and nonverbal cues that show you are listening. 3. Talk to your children about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. You can help change ideas your children may have that everybody drinks, smokes, or uses drugs with practical, honest information. 8 Submitted by Sis. Jacque Pleasants and Dr. Rosalee Martin

9 DECEMBER December 6, 2017 Habit #8 Prayer December 13, 2017 Habit #9 Purity WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY SCHEDULE 14 Habits of Highly Effective Disciples (BaptistWay Press) NOVEMBER November 1, 2017 Habit #5 Fellowship November 8, Wednesday Night Worship Service November 15, 2017 Habit #6 Love November 22, 2017 Thanksgiving Break November 29, 2017 Habit #7 Obedience WINTER BREAK December 20, 2017 February 6, 2018 FEBRUARY February 7, Wednesday Night Worship Service February 14, 2018 Valentine s Day Timeout Celebrations February 21, 2018 Habit #10 Service February 28, 2018 Habit #11 Stewardship MARCH March 7, 2018 Wednesday Night Worship Service March 14, 2018 Habit #12 Thankfulness March 21, 2018 Habit #13 Witnessing March 28, 2018 Habit #14 Worship Study materials will be provided In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, the church office will be closed the following days: Thursday, November 23 Friday, November 24 Wednesday worship service is on the Wednesday following the first Sunday from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. This month, Wednesday worship is on November 8,

10 DAVID CHAPEL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH STEPHEN MINISTRY What Is Stephen Ministry? Stephen Ministry is a one-to-one lay care ministry in a congregation. This ministry equips and empowers lay caregivers, called Stephen Ministers. Stephen Ministers provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting. Through this ministry, people receive a practical and powerful way to respond to Christ s commandment: Love one another as I have loved you (John 15:12 RSV). How Stephen Ministry Works The best way to understand how Stephen Ministry works is to learn about three groups of people involved in this ministry: Stephen Leaders, Stephen Ministers, and care receivers. Stephen Leaders Stephen Leaders establish and direct Stephen Ministry in a congregation. They are responsible for: Building awareness of Stephen Ministry within the congregation and community Recruiting and training Stephen Ministers Meeting with potential care receivers to assess their needs Matching care receivers with Stephen Ministers Providing Stephen Ministers with ongoing supervision and continuing education Congregational members learn to serve as Stephen Leaders by attending a Leader s Training Course a one-week conference that introduces the resources used to lead the Stephen Ministry. At this training they develop key skills, and techniques on how to get the congregation excited about this caring ministry. Stephen Ministers Stephen Ministers are congregation members trained by Stephen Leaders to offer high-quality, one-to-one Christian care to people who are going through tough times. Each Stephen Minister is dedicated to caring for any member or other person in our community during these tough times. A Stephen Minister usually provides care to one person at a time, meeting with that person at least once a week, depending on the caring relationship. Stephen Ministers gather monthly with their Stephen Leaders for supervision and continuing education. 10 Continued on next page.

11 STEPHEN MINISTRY, cont. Care Receivers Care receivers are people congregation members and others in the community who receive care from a Stephen Minister. These are people struggling through a difficult time in life experiencing grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or some other life crisis. Some important guidelines for this caring relationship protect both the care receiver and the Stephen Minister: The relationship between a care receiver and a Stephen Minister is confidential. Men are matched with men; women with women. When a care receiver s needs exceed what a Stephen Minister can provide, the Stephen Ministry team makes a referral to an appropriate mental health professional or other community resource. Stephen Ministry was established as a ministry at David Chapel in This distinctively Christian caregiving ministry enhances our already compassionate and loving congregation. Should you need a Stephen Minister, please call the Stephen Ministry Coordinator, Charlene Gregory at (512) The Texas Department of Transportation has scheduled a public meeting for Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. to receive comments on the 2018 Unified Transportation Program (UTP). The Texas Transportation Commission and TxDOT use the Unified Transportation Program (UTP) as TxDOT s 10-year plan to guide transportation project development. The UTP authorizes projects for construction, development and planning activities and includes projects involving highways, aviation, public transportation, and state and coastal waterways. Specifically, the UTP is a listing of projects and programs that are planned to be constructed and/or developed within the first ten years of the 24-year Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan (SLRTP). Despite its importance to TxDOT as a planning and programming tool, the UTP is neither a budget nor a guarantee that projects will or can be built. However, it is a critical tool in guiding transportation project development within the long-term planning context. In addition, it serves as a communication tool for stakeholders and the public in understanding the project development commitments TxDOT is making. You may participate in this meeting via WebEx or in person at your local TxDOT District Office. To join the meeting via WebEx, please click on the link provided below for the UTP Public Involvement web page. 11

12 Engage, educate and empower young people to prevent and end abusive relationships. Each month, DC will highlight a few of the common types of abuse so you can better identify them. Experiencing even one or two of these warning signs in a relationship is a red flag that abuse may be present. Remember, each type of abuse is serious and no one deserves to experience abuse of any kind. STALKING You are being stalked when a person repeatedly watches, follows or harasses you, making you feel afraid or unsafe. A stalker can be someone you know, a past partner or a stranger. While the actual legal definition varies from one state to another, here are some examples of what stalkers may do: Show up at your home or place of work unannounced or uninvited. Send you unwanted text messages, letters, s and voic s. Leave unwanted items, gifts or flowers. Constantly call you and hang up. Use social networking sites and technology to track you. Spread rumors about you via the internet or word of mouth. Make unwanted phone calls to you. Call your employer or professor. Wait at places you hang out. Use other people as resources to investigate your life. For example, looking at your facebook page through someone else s page or befriending your friends in order to get more information about you. Damage your home, car or other property. WHAT IF I M BEING STALKED? If you re being stalked, you may be feeling stressed, vulnerable or anxious. You may also have trouble sleeping or concentrating at work or school. Remember, you are not alone. Every year in the United States, 3.4 million people are stalked and youth between the ages of experience the highest rates. Most people assume that stalkers are strangers, but actually, three in four victims are harassed by someone they know. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 and report everything that s happened to the police. Get additional support by obtaining a protection order that makes it illegal for the stalker to come near. Know that the person harassing you may also get arrested and convicted in the criminal justice system. Remember to save important evidence such as: Text messages Voic s Videos Letters, photos and cards Unwanted items or gifts Social media friend requests s Stalking is traumatic. It can help to tell your friends and family about the stalking and develop a safety plan. You can also chat with a peer advocate for support. 12

13 GO PURPLE IN NOVEMBER! Alzheimer s can t wait! Show your commitment to a world without Alzheimer s. This November, join the Alzheimer s Association in celebrating National Alzheimer s Disease Awareness Month by sharing the power of purple. There are many ways you can get involved: Educate your colleagues about Alzheimer s Encourage friends to wear Purple Host a Purple with a Purpose Event Decorate your office or home door Purple Light your building Purple Send communications in Purple Turn your Facebook icon Purple Hang Purple ribbons or a banner on your building or home HELPLINE: Alzheimer's is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. There are 10 warning signs and symptoms. Every individual may experience one or more of these signs in different degrees. If you notice any of them, please see a doctor. Visit to learn more. 13

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15 Personal Vehicle Drivers Help UPS deliver the holidays! Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, be able to continually lift, lower, and carry packages that may weigh up to 70 pounds, meet appearance guidelines, be able to perform essential job functions, and have a valid driver s license. A physical examination and reliable and insured four door sedan (in your name). The work hours are Monday through Friday with varying hours. 15

16 DAVID CHAPEL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 2211 E. M.L.K., Jr. Blvd Austin, Texas (512) #DavidChapelATX Facebook.com/DavidChapelMBC Twitter.com/DavidChapelMBC Joseph C. Parker, Jr., Esq., D.Min., Senior Pastor Remember to check the church calendar regularly for new events and scheduling changes. ONLINE GIVING Members and non-members may give their tithes and offerings online safely and securely through checking account, debit/credit cards and electronic fund transfers. Visit David Chapel s website for online giving, more information, and instructions at BABY DEDICATIONS are held the 3 rd Sunday of each month, unless it is a holiday or an annual day. Please contact the church office at (512) to schedule your child s dedication and to obtain additional information regarding the event. Sunday Morning Bible Study Sunday School -- 9:15 a.m. Tuesday Bible Study Tuesday Morning -- 11:00 a.m. Small group study -- 7:00 p.m. Wednesday Prayer & Praise and Bible Study Prayer & Praise Service -- 7:00 p.m. Bible Study -- 7:30 p.m. 16