Volume 4, Issue 2 June 2017

Transcription

1 Volume 4, Issue 2 June 2017 FIRST AFRICAN BAPTIST CHURCH 2700 HANES AVENUE RICHMOND, VIRGINIA, Phone: REV. DR. RODNEY D. WALLER, PASTOR N E W S L E T T E R A N N I V E R S A R Y E D I T I O N ~ 3 Y E A R S

2 Inside This Edition Help Needed Recognizing Pastor Waller Welcome Rev. Carlos Garrett Spotlight: Deacon Samuel & Deaconess Jerlys Barham And much more! We are seeking anyone knowledgeable in American Sign Language Communication (ASL). Please contact the church office at Mission Statement Our Mission is to bring people to Christ and membership in this church by providing ministries that foster Christian discipleship and improve services to the community and the world. PAGE 1 FABC TODAY VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 JUNE 2017

3 T o God is the Glory for all He has done. Under the leadership of our esteemed Pastor, Rev. Dr. Rodney D. Waller, our First African Baptist Church family is spiritually growing in grace and doing amazing things for the Kingdom. There are varied educational opportunities afforded to us by our pastor, right here on campus, to ensure while we re growing in numbers, more importantly, we re maturing spiritually. T hank you for allowing us to be a part of your personal reading time for the past three years. It is our hope and prayer that your heart has been blessed as we cover happenings within our church family, provide writings to inspire, and share with you the move of God within FABC. W e look forward to sharing more with you in the editions to come. May the love, grace, and peace of God forever embrace you! Sister Michelle L. Betts Editor JUNE 2017 VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 FABC TODAY PAGE 2

4 M any years have passed; yet, I remember it as if it was yesterday. When I was at the tender age of seven, my mother, on a dark stormy night, was driving my sister and brother, along with myself, on Hwy 360, from Richmond to South Boston, Virginia. The heavy rain made visibility a challenge. Terrified by the loud booming and crackling thunder, I ll never forget the streaks of lightening flash before us. So much rain water on the highway. No one spoke a word. With nowhere to pull over, it was a tense, scary night. S itting in between my sister and brother, I did something neither of them were aware of and until a few years ago, I had never mentioned it. I closed my eyes and prayed. As a 2 nd grader, my prayers consisted of Now, I lay me down to sleep and God is good, God is grace, oh let us thank Him for our food. This time, it was different. This time, it was not a memorized prayer. It was a prayer with boldness and assurance from the heart. I recall telling Jesus I was afraid. I asked Him to keep us safe and allow us to make it to South Boston without having a car accident and for the storm not to hurt us. Immediately, upon saying Amen something happened and I remember it as though it was yesterday. I felt the gentlest touch on the top of my head. A calmness in heart came over me as I immediately knew Jesus touched me to let me know He heard my prayer and will answer it. That was my first responsive personal encounter with our Almighty God. Sitting on the back seat of our vehicle, sandwiched between my sister and brother, on a dark stormy night, I felt relieved because when I communicated my fears to God, He responded by communicating back with me. He touched me; and after all these years later, I remember what it felt like. That loving touch is forever embedded in my memory. God gave me that. Jesus said, Suffer little children and forbid them not to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. And He laid His hand on them and departed thence (Matthew 19:14-15). Blessings, Sister Michelle L. Betts PAGE 3 FABC TODAY VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 JUNE 2017

5 In Recognition Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors W e proudly acknowledge our esteemed pastor, the Reverend Doctor Rodney D. Waller, who was appointed, December 2016, by Mayor Dwight C. Jones, to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority. By this appointment, Dr. Waller will serve the localities of the City of Richmond, Chesterfield County, and the County of Henrico. The mission of the RMTA is to build and operate a variety of public facilities and offer public services, especially transportation related, within the Richmond metropolitan area, each of which is operated and financed primarily by user fees. Efforts are dedicated toward their customers, employees, and bondholders. JUNE 2017 VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 FABC TODAY PAGE 4

6 F i r s t A f r i c a n B a p t i s t C h u r c h Welcomes Reverend Carlos Garrett (Rev. Los) Ministry Leader for our Youth Rev. Los is a powerhouse of a preaching man of God who has a passion for the Word of God and our aspiring youth. With just a few months into his new Godly assignment, Rev. Los has hit the ground running by keeping our youth busy, inspired, and engaged! All youth are encouraged to step into the FABlueprintYM (First African Blueprint Youth Ministry). Don t get left behind; get in the game! Even greater things are in store for the youth of FABC under the leadership and direction of Rev. Los. Children & Youth Church (summer hours beginning June 25) 1 st & 4 th 10:00 am Fellowship Hall Youth Bible Study 7:00 pm Meet Us on the Prayer Line Call: (Code: ) Youth Prayer Line (YPL) 8:00 pm 15-minute devotion & prayer dedicated to youth only. PAGE 5 FABC TODAY VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 JUNE 2017

7 Spotlight Up Close & Personal With Mr. & Mrs. Barham Sis. Michelle L. Betts, Editor Deacon Samuel Deaconess Jerlys Barham What an honor it is to share with you an interview of two long-standing members of our First African Baptist Church family. Editor: How long have you been a deacon and deaconess? Deacon Barham: Ordained July 12, 1964 Deaconess Barham: 16 years Editor: Looking back, what would you say your most memorable or cherished moment at FABC would be? Deacon Barham: Being accepted as a member of the Deacons Ministry. Deaconess Barham: My Deaconess Consecration Service. Singing with the senior choir and assisting the director when needed. Playing the Allen Organ when asked. Interview continued on the next page. JUNE 2017 VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 FABC TODAY PAGE 6

8 Barham interview continued from the previous page. Editor: Share with the readers something about yourself. What are some of the things you enjoy? Deacon Barham: I m an educator and started my teaching career in Danville, Virginia in Spent 4 years in the Air Force; afterwards, I started teaching again and remained in that profession until retirement. Deaconess Barham: Being with my family and my church family. Traveling. Listening to various types of music. Editor: Do you have a favorite childhood memory? Deacon Barham: Growing up in the country. Deaconess Barham: Becoming a Girl Scout. Scouting and camping were such fun activities. Editor: What words of wisdom would you offer a new beginner in Christ? Deacon Barham: Maintain humility, a healthy spiritual life, a healthy emotional life, and a healthy physical life. Deaconess Barham: Keep the faith. Become involved in the church. Editor: What is your favorite scripture? Deaconess Barham: Psalms 27:1-6 The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?... Editor: What is it that you like about Pastor Waller s leadership at FABC and the impact you see on the church body and/or community? Deacon Barham: His positive attitude and healthy relationship with members. Deaconess Barham: His leadership includes the entire church. I feel his emphasis is on the youth and older adults. He has made an impact on the community through his visits to churches and through his participation in City Government. Editor: What are some of the things you enjoy about worshipping at FABC? Deacon Barham: The people and church atmosphere. Deaconess Barham: The varied programs of music and inclusion of the entire church from the youngest to the oldest. Interview continued on the next page. PAGE 7 FABC TODAY VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 JUNE 2017

9 Barham interview continued from the previous page. Editor: Over the years, which ministries have you been a part of and are a part of currently? Deacon Barham: Deacons Ministry and Sunday School. Deaconess Barham: Regularly attend Sunday School. I was the volunteer musician for Day Care over several years. Recorder for Premises Committee. Senior Choir President; Assistant Director, and organist. Deaconess Ministry; Recording Secretary; and chairman of committees. Editor: Is there anything you would like to add? Deaconess Barham: I am a retired music educator who is now dedicated to serving her church and community through volunteer services. I am also the proud wife of a deacon and the mother of two wonderful adult children and two lovely young-adult grandchildren. I feel I have been truly blessed and enjoy every moment that I can. Many thanks to Deacon Samuel & Deaconess Jerlys Barham for their time and commitment towards participating in our interview. Sister Michelle L. Betts Editor JUNE 2017 VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 FABC TODAY PAGE 8

10 THE Faces & Memories OF FABC d A l w a y s a S o u l S t i r r i n g W o r d! F e l l o w s h i p a t C h u r c h C o o k o u t PAGE 9 FABC TODAY VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 JUNE 2017

11 MORE Faces AND MEMORIES OF FABC Youth Trip! A l w a y s a W a r m W e l c o m e! JUNE 2017 VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 FABC TODAY PAGE 10

12 Answer Key is on page 21 PAGE 11 FABC TODAY VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 JUNE 2017

13 So simple, with supervision, the kids can make it! The adults will want to help eat it! Serves 18 Ingredients 1 (9 inch) angel food cake 3 (20 ounce) cans cherry pie filling cups confectioner s sugar 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1 cup milk 1 tablespoon vanilla 20 ounces Cool Whip Directions Cut angel food cake into small cubes. Set aside. Beat cream cheese. Gradually add milk, confectioner s sugar, and vanilla. Mix well. Fold in cool whip. Layer in punch bowl: cream cheese mixture, cake, cherries. Repeat. Refrigerate overnight. Enjoy! Names of Jesus Name Reference Meaning Insight Lamb of God John 1:29, 36 The Way, The Truth, and The Life John 14:6 Jesus is our sacrifice. Jesus is our path to God. Jesus is the fulfillment of the whole sacrificial system (Hebrews 7:26-29), especially as our Passover Lamb. Jesus is the Way to God; the path to truth and life. He is the map, road, and destination. He is the one who has gone ahead of us. JUNE 2017 VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 FABC TODAY PAGE 12

14 How Well Do You Know Fill in the blank. The answers are provided in the box below. Moses Manna Laban The Burning Bush Produced a Bright Shining Star Pharaoh Padanaram I Drew Him Out of The Water He Used Moses as Their Guide Warrior Before He Delivered Them Midian Hardened It Serpent Appeared as a Pillar of Cloud & Fire After Bringing Them Out of Bondage Drowned Everybody in the Red Sea Egypt Changed It 1. Who was the new king over Egypt? 2. What is the meaning of Moses name? 3. What s the name of the land Moses escaped to hide in? 4. What did Moses rod turn into when God told him to throw it down? 5. How did God lead the children of Israel through the wilderness? 6. When did God give the Israelites the 10 Commandments? 7. What did God do to the heart of the new king over Egypt? Answers 1. Pharaoh (Ch. 1) 2. I Drew Him Out of the Water (Ch. 2 vs 10) 3. Midian (Ch. 2:15) 4. Serpent (Ch. 4:3) 5. Appeared as a Pillar of Cloud & Fire (Ch. 13:21) 6. After bringing them out of bondage (Ch. 20:1-17) 7. Hardened it (Ch. 10:20) PAGE 13 FABC TODAY VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 JUNE 2017

15 Happy Father s Day June 18 A careful man I ought to be, a little fellow follows me. I do not dare to go astray, For fear he ll go the selfsame way. I cannot once escape his eyes; Whatever he sees me do, he tries. Like me, he says he s going to be, the little lad who follows me. He thinks that I am good and fine, believes in every word of mine. The base in me he must not see, the little lad who follows me. I must remember as I go, through summer s fun and winter s snow, In building for the years to be, the little lad who follows me! ~ Author Unknown ~ JUNE 2017 VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 FABC TODAY PAGE 14

16 June is Men s Health Month June is National Men s Health Week Put an end to the silent killers; remind our men to stay healthy! Michelle L. Betts, Editor J une is the national awareness month for men s health and is promoted across the country with screenings, health education, health fairs, and outreach activities. The initiative is to heighten awareness of the various preventable health issues impacting our men and boys and to encourage early detection. E ncourage them to get regular health screenings and to keep follow-up appointments. Encourage healthy diets and regular exercise. Discourage unhealthy habits such as smoking. It s never too late to quit and once stopping, it lowers your risk of heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and other ailments caused by smoking. A dults need approximately 7 9 hours of sleep each night. There are various chronic illnesses and diseases associated with having a lack of sleep. Some of those illness and diseases are diabetes, depression, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. There are signs and symptoms our body alerts us to but are often ignored. It s imperative to pay attention to chest pain, changes with urination, shortness of breath, excessive thirst, bruises that will not heal, etc. Often times, men will not go to the doctor out of fear of what they will hear. The first line of defense is prevention. The second line of defense is early detection. Those two defenses will help our men to live longer and more productive lives. Source: Center For Disease Control and Prevention / Men s Health Network PAGE 15 FABC TODAY VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 JUNE 2017

17 Sunday, June 4, 2017 National Cancer Survivors Day Celebrating those who survived Inspiration for those recently diagnosed Support for loved ones Prayer of Serenity God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change Courage to change the things that I can And the wisdom to know the difference. SUPPORTING THE Fighter ADMIRING THE Survivor Honoring THE TAKEN NEVER EVER GIVING UP Hope JUNE 2017 VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 FABC TODAY PAGE 16

18 The Month of June is Alzheimer s & Brain Awareness Month Michelle L. Betts, Editor Alzheimer s is a brain disease which causes a decline in one s memory, reasoning skills, and thought process. Memory loss which disrupts one s life may be one of the symptoms of Alzheimer s or some other form of dementia. N i n e W a r n i n g S i g n s If you notice these signs, please see a doctor for evaluation. 1. Memory loss disruptive of daily life. This is one of the most common signs (forgetting information recently learned). They may not know who the U.S. President is. 2. Confusion with time or a place. Losing track of the date; forgetting where they are. 3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks. Trouble driving to a familiar location. 4. Challenges in solving problems or planning. Problems with keeping track of monthly bills or the ability to balance their checkbook (a view of one s checkbook may give loved ones an indication that something may be going on). Difficulty Concentrating. 5. Misplacing things & difficulty with retracing steps. They may put things in unusual places; lose things and cannot go back over their steps; will accuse people of stealing. 6. New problems with words when speaking or writing. They may have problems following a conversation. They may have difficulty finding the right word. 7. Trouble comprehending visual images and judging distance. There may be difficulty reading, judging the distance between objects, or determining colors. This may cause problems with driving. 8. Decreased or poor judgment. People with Alzheimer s may experience making bad decisions with money (easily scammed) and no longer keeping themselves clean. 9. Withdrawal from social activities. People with Alzheimer s are aware of their memory struggles and will sometimes avoid their routine social outings by isolating themselves. P u r p l e f o r A l z h e i m e r s PAGE 17 FABC TODAY VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 JUNE 2017

19 Welcome to our New Members March Nasir Brown Rev. Dr. Linda Elum Beverly Evans Destiny Harrison Ebony Malone-Brown April Rev. Carlos Garrett Kenyetta Malone Tyrone Williams Mission Statement Our mission is to bring people to Christ and membership in this church by providing ministries that foster Christian discipleship and improve services to the community and the world. A Church That Brings Glory to God and Hope to the World JUNE 2017 VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 FABC TODAY PAGE 18

20 Join us for Worship Summer Hours Sunday School 8:45 am Sunday Worship Service 10:00 am Wednesday Bible Study Noon & 7:00 pm Mark Your Calendar June 10:00am Harvest Sunday June 21 7pm Blueprint Youth Revival August 6 Family & Friends Day (Check the bulletin and church calendar for more details to come.) Meet Us on the Prayer Line Call: (Code: ) Youth Prayer Line (YPL) 8:00 pm 15-minute devotion & prayer dedicated to youth only. Adults Nightly, Monday through 9:45 pm Praying for church growth, spiritual growth, and all things. PAGE 19 FABC TODAY VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 JUNE 2017

21 Looking for a convenient way to give? First African Baptist Church First African Baptist Church 2700 Hanes Avenue Richmond, Virginia First African Baptist Church Richmond, Virginia JUNE 2017 VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 FABC TODAY PAGE 20

22 ANSWER KEY Puzzle is on page 11 PAGE 21 FABC TODAY VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 JUNE 2017

23 I m Just too Busy Author Unknown I I said, I m just too busy, Lord, to read your Word today. I shuffled through the Bible, then put the book away. I m just too busy, Lord, to take the time to pray. I m sure God will forgive me. I m just too rushed today. I m just too busy, Lord, to help that friend in need. I hear God s inner prompting, but I have no time to heed. I m just too busy, Lord, to stop and worship You. Today s the day I m planning several things to do. had a dream one night. I knocked on heaven s door. An angry angel answered: What are you knocking for? God s far too busy now. He has no time for you. On earth, you were too busy. So now, God s busy, too. He turned away from me. I stood there all alone. I felt such utter blackness, the likes I ve never known. W hen I awoke next morning, I knelt beside my bed: From now on, make me busy for You, my Lord, instead. JUNE 2017 VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 FABC TODAY PAGE 22

24 A Quick Look at Past Stories The History of First African Baptist Church The formation of the First African Baptist Church has been called, by some historians, one of the most important events in the history of our state. O ne evening during June 1780, Joshua Morris, a 27-year old pastor of Boar Swamp Baptist Church, made an appeal to everyone of the Baptist faith to attend a prayer meeting. It was during this meeting they sought the favor of God to have a Baptist church in Richmond for believers having no place to worship. That evening, the Richmond Baptist Church was formed in a house at the corner of what is now known as Carrington and Pink Streets. The congregation consisted of whites, free blacks, and enslaved black people. It is because of this, First African Baptist Church, on the corner of Norwood and Hanes Avenue, and First Baptist Church, on Monument Avenue, claim the 1780 congregation as their beginning. D uring year 1825, Richmond Baptist Church, became First Baptist Church of Richmond, Virginia. By the end of 1828, the congregation was mixed consisting of well over 1,000 black members and fewer than 400 white members. Because of this, the white congregants decided to move to another house of worship and in January 1841, they purchased a building on 12 th and Broad Streets for their place of worship. The 1,700 black members of First Baptist remained in the old house of worship paying $6,500 for the premises. T he First African Baptist Church has had nine pastors and three interim pastors. Dr. Robert Ryland, President of Richmond College (now University of Richmond) was chosen as the first pastor of the First African Baptist Church Colored. He served 24 years ( ). For more on the history of the pastors of First African Baptist Church, you may refer to the Inaugural Edition of FABC Today Volume 1, Issue I Pages PAGE 23 FABC TODAY VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 JUNE 2017

25 More from A Quick Look at Past Stories Reconciliation D uring one of several meetings with Dr. Jim Somerville, Pastor of First Baptist Church (Monument Avenue), our pastor, Dr. Rodney D. Waller, inspired by a vision, challenged First Baptist to show Richmond, Virginia what true racial reconciliation looks like. This prompted several meetings, involving the two pastors and a handful of their deacons. This vision resulted in members of First Baptist Church returning to First African Baptist Church for a two-day revival. On December 4 and December 11, 2013, Dr. Somerville preached the Word with both churches worshipping together, within the same church walls. Afterwards, we enjoyed lunch and conversing with one another in our fellowship hall. While our church was once separated for racial reasons, on those two dates, we came together acknowledging, as children of God, we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. Dr. Jim Somerville Pastor of First Baptist Church Monument Avenue Preaching at First African Baptist Church Hanes Avenue Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14 KJV JUNE 2017 VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 FABC TODAY PAGE 24

26 More from A Quick Look at Past Stories C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s Minister Kat Brandt I n i t i a l S e r m o n ~ How Good is the Good News to You ~ Acts 8:26-39 ` February 4, 2015 Left Photo: Then Deaconess Kat Brandt receiving words of reflection & encouragement from Pastor Rodney D. Waller after preaching her initial sermon. Right Photo: Minister Kat Brandt receives her license to preach from Pastor Rodney D. Waller. PAGE 25 FABC TODAY VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 JUNE 2017

27 More from A Quick Look at Past Stories 2016 Discipleship & Evangelism Students Deacon Chuck Johnson The class provided a wealth of knowledge allowing one to evangelize effectively in the Evangelism Ministry. Sister Janice Watson I learned strategies with how to share my faith by leading souls to Christ and disciple new believers in growing spiritually. Sister Gail Wilson Evangelism and Discipleship are independent upon each other. I can t imagine a disciple loving God, working for God, but not being able to tell others about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and the Good News. Sister Janet Orraca After taking this class, I have found myself sharing the Gospel a lot more and have gained a deeper understanding and am truly inspired. I m grateful for the experience and passion conveyed by Dr. Waller and Dr. Woodson. Sister Michelle Betts This class has been very impactful as it has given me a more concentrated focus on God and how to serve Him. This renewed joy from being able to experience God at a deeper level is an immeasurable joy! JUNE 2017 VOLUME 4, ISSUE 2 FABC TODAY PAGE 26

28 First African Baptist Church A Great Place to Grow in Grace I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. Jeremiah 3:15 KJV We pray that you have enjoyed and been blessed by this edition of our quarterly newsletter. Stay tuned for the next edition. Advisor and Senior Editor Dr. Rodney D. Waller, Pastor Editor Sister Michelle L. Betts Contact our Newsletter! fabctoday@gmail.com Visit Us On-line! Like Us on Facebook!