MARCH 2018 VOLUME 14 ~ ISSUE

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1 OAK CITY NEWS Oak City Baptist Church Rev. Dr. William T. Newkirk, Sr. - Pastor MARCH 2018 VOLUME 14 ~ ISSUE 1 Thank God for Sending You to Oak City Baptist Church Reverend and Mrs. Newkirk! Written by Judy Crowe, revised by Alice McCoy You have been our pastor, our guide, and friend. Your wisdom is so helpful as on God you depend. It has been thirty years of good times and bad, Most of them were happy, but some were sad. Some of us have gone on to be with the Lord, But we are still here with rivers to ford. We will have trials and storms to go through, But you have been there and shown us what to do. Our prayers each day include you as we pray, And we must give thanks for you each day. Now, may the Lord be with you all of your days And continue to use you as you give Him praise. We love and appreciate you for all you have done As we look back in wonder, where have the years gone? In this issue: From the Pastor 2 Impressions by the First Lady 3 OCBC Twilighters 4 The Ushers Corner 4 Praises for God's Humble Servants 30 Years of Sundays 10 Elegance and Humility-The Portrait of Our First Lady 5 11

2 Page 2 ~From the Pastor~ Rev. Dr. William T. Newkirk, Sr. If Only One Will Pray! Oak City News When it comes to our religious, community and government leaders in recent years, it seems one scandal after another makes the headlines all during the year. There have been many embarrassing moments for those in positions of authority, leadership and responsibility. No one in public office or another leadership position is immune from the schemes and scrutiny of Satan, who is intent on destroying anything that's good. From the President of the United States, to pastors of megachurches, to local city officials, no one is exempt. However, in this day and age where it is the norm to ridicule, criticize and make fun of our leaders, the apostle Paul gives Christians another option: "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence" (1Timothy 2:1-2). Romans 13:1 explains that we are to be in subjection to governing authorities, because none of them exist except as established by God. Instead of taking the time to scoff, criticize, or laugh at our leaders, we should use our time offering up prayers to God on their behalf. In 1875 changed France from a monarchy into a republic. In 1876 gave Rutherford B. Hayes the United States presidency. In 1923 gave Adoph Hitler control of the Nazi Party. In 1941 saved the Selective Service System just 12 weeks before Pearl Harbor. With God's help, just one person on his/her knees can make a world of difference in determining the caliber of leaders we follow. Will you be that one? Pastor Newkirk If just one person would pray, what a difference it would make. You can choose to be that one person. Just think, one vote: In 1645 gave Oliver Cromwell control of England. In 1649 caused Charles I of England to be executed. In 1776 gave America the English language instead of German. In 1839 gave Marcus Morton governorship of Massachusetts. In 1845 brought Texas into the Union. In 1868 saved President Andrew Johnson from impeachment.

3 Page 3 Volume 14 Issue 1 Impressions by the First Lady Speak Life Donald Lawrence pinned the following lyrics: Sometimes you have to encourage yourself. Sometimes you have to speak victory during the test. And no matter how you feel, Speak the word and you will be healed; Speak over yourself, Encourage yourself in the Lord. The lyrics continue but conclude by repeating: Speak over yourself. I'm encouraged. When we understand the power of words and realize that we can choose what we think and speak, our lives can be transformed. God wants us to take His promises and run with them. As we drive through life, use the windshield to see better and the rearview mirror as our point of reference. Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV) should be engraved on our hearts and it reads: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. SPEAK LIFE DECLARE OVER YOUR LIFE DAILY I am Courageous I am Unstoppable I am Victorious I am Love I am Blessed I am Gifted I am ANOINTED I am SUCCESSFUL I am Healed I am Healthy I am Beautiful I am Whole I am Confident I am Forgiving I am Grateful I am Generous I am Strong I am FAVORED I am ABLE I am Powerful I am FRUITFUL I am I am God s Masterpiece Believe, Catherine White Newkirk

4 Page 4 Oak City News Oak City Baptist Church (OCBC) Twilighters are moving forward in 2018 with great expectancy. We welcome new members Deacon Calvin Davis and wife Deaconess Dorothy Davis. OCBC Twilighters attended a Valentine's luncheon at Baptist Grove Church on Tuesday, February 13, We will host our second Senior Games Day Wednesday, April 25, More details to come. The OCBC Senior Ministry meets on the 1 st Wednesday of each month at 11:00 a.m. for our business meeting, followed by Bible Study at 12:00 noon. and on the 3 rd Wednesday of each month at 12:00 noon for Bible Study. Age requirements to be a OCBC Twilighters is 62; however, all are welcome to our Bible Study. To God be the glory, James O. Simuel The Ushers Corner C. Douglas OCBC Usher Ministry Are you looking for a new way to serve God? Consider joining the Usher Ministry here at Oak City. Serving as an Usher will: Allow the individual to develop a better understanding of God Increase one s knowledge of the importance of order in the church Provide the opportunity for the individual to be a walking advertisement for Oak City Baptist Church Allow one to participate in setting the tone for a positive worship experience Develop one s ability to horn team member and leadership skills Aid one s ability to handle problems Provide opportunities for free local & state training workshops Enhance one s understanding of the articles of worship Require attending a meeting once a quarter Require one s team participation only one Sunday per month Please consider joining the Usher Ministry. The blessings of being an usher are out of this world!

5 Volume 14 Issue 1 And Still Standing on His Promises... Praises for God's Humble Servants by OCBC Communications Committee Our souls stir within us every Sunday as our beloved Pastor preaches the Word. His style is simple, powerful, and to the point. He is a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. This is our Pastor, Reverend Dr. William T. Newkirk. For over thirty years, Pastor Newkirk has labored here at Oak City Baptist Church. He has started ministries, overseen building projects, and has changed lives through the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is uncompromising and untiring. Though he is the first one to say that he has not arrived, he has arrived at showing us what a pastor should be-a humble servant. We celebrate him and our beloved First Lady, Catherine White Newkirk. She stands at his side and through God, gives our pastor the ability to preach, teach, and encourage. From a first time visitor who knows nothing about you to members chosen at random to your first born child, Pastor and First Lady, here is a sample of the fruit you have produced through thirty years of standing on God's Promises: Sometimes God s word brings conviction, sometimes it brings comfort, James 3:1 states that, Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. Attending Oak City Baptist Church Worship Service for the first time on March 4, 2018, by an invitation from my sister, Charlotte Dover was a joy and delight. The pastor's message left my niece, Mikayla Cunningham and I saying that the pastor was a great teacher who has a high calling to bring the Word and put it in simple words, be eloquent and understandable. He spoke the Word in truth and in a loving manner. We both walked out of service feeling like we had tasted what the Lord had good for us to feed our soul. My prayer for the pastor's leadership in celebration of his 30th Anniversary is the same as that of Paul s in Philippians 1:9-11. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best Many thanks for the members at Oak City Baptist Church for greeting me and my niece with so much genuine love upon entering and leaving the worship service. This is a reflection of the leadership the pastor has poured into the members. May the pastor continue to lead and teach the word of God. May God bless him as he carry on, carry on! In Christian Love, Lottie McClorin Words to describe Reverend and Mrs. Newkirk: Passion for God Willingness to help others Loves their family and church family Encouraging Inspirational Graceful and Elegant Loving and Caring Sister Alice McCoy Page 5 How awesome that Pastor Newkirk visits people! I love that he has those old fashioned Pastor ways. When I was in the hospital for six weeks, someone was always there; that is what makes him special. A lot of pastors do not go to nursing homes or hospitals to see folks. He goes, that is what makes him truly awesome in my eyes; he truly stands out to me. When my mom got sick, he was there; when my sister's best friend got sick, he was there praying, being there for us. Pastor Newkirk is a hands on minister. He is awesome about education, making sure they know how proud we are of them; when my daughters sing or dance, he shows how proud he is of them. Sister Newkirk is a sweet lady and is real nice. She likes to include me in things and makes me feel that I am a member. Sister Newkirk makes sure to let me know that she cares about me too! Sister LaToya Bond Pastor and First Lady mean so much to the both of us. Since we arrived at Oak City Baptist Church in 1992, both of them have been and continue to remain influential spiritual leaders in both of our lives. Blessings Deacon William R. Brown and Reverend Dr. Jean D. Brown Pastor Newkirk, what I admire most about you is that you encourage us to always give our best to God. That is priceless. First Lady, you are beautiful in appearance and beautiful in spirit. You are approachable, godly, and fun. Thank you for encouraging me! Reverend Charlotte Dover What the Pastor and First Lady mean to us: Pastor Newkirk is a great Spiritual Leader. He supports and advises us as we take on the responsibility to serve in various capacities. We believe that he allows the Holy

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7 Volume 14 Issue 1 And Still Standing on His Promises... Praises for God's Humble Servants Spirit to guide him as he leads and serves. That he truly cares about people, works hard and deserves our support. First Lady Newkirk always greets us with a warm smile that helps brighten our day. As she sings and shares her testimony you know it is from the heart. She sets a fine example as she serves with compassion and a caring attitude. The Pastor and First Lady are loved and very much appreciated. Linwood and Jacquelin Fitts Reverend and Mrs. Newkirk has meant to us a show of faith, trust, strength, belief, joy, leadership, courage, discipline, endurance, compassion, wisdom, respect, vision, sacrifice, caring, generosity and love to our family. For that we say thank you and to God be the Glory!!! Deacon Charles and Deaconess Rita Tucker Pastor Newkirk, Dorothy and I truly Thank God that we have been Blessed by God to be a part of the Oak City Baptist Church membership under your leadership. May the Grace of God be with you as we celebrate your 30th Anniversary Deacon Calvin and Deaconess Dorothy Davis Reverend Newkirk I thank you for being there for me and my family when they were sick. Although they are not a part of Oak City, You have always been there for them. I remember you calling once to see where my family member was hospitalized. I missed your call but you still found out for yourself and showed up at the hospital. You always go the extra mile. Mrs. Newkirk, you always have a smile on your face and do nice things. The two of you are good people and we are blessed to have you. Sister Mary A. Alston Pastor and Sister Newkirk really, they mean the world to us. They have been there. They have been to almost every funeral for our family members who have gone on to be with the Lord. Pastor and Sister Newkirk continue to be there; they are tremendous people. Sister Newkirk and Sister Vonda really have formed a special bond. To be in the same community, Method and church family with Pastor and Sister Newkirk is a blessing. They are good and godly people. We really love them. Pastor Newkirk married us and that is really special! Brother Robert and Sister Vonda Williams Page 7 Reverend and Mrs. Newkirk, Thank you for your continued support and encouragement, as we mature spiritually in our walk with the Lord Deacon and Mrs. Kelvin Smith We are so blessed to have them with us in the Method Community. I was born in the house next door to the church. I have known a lot of pastors and they are good in their own way. Reverend Newkirk has worked in the school system and has brought his skills to the church. It has been a blessing. I admire him so much because he is so community oriented. He goes to hospitals. He is so loved and respected by so many people! He is a strong man of faith in his ministry not only in the church but outside the church. Reverend Newkirk has helped in the effort to keep Method a distinct community. I can't fathom the thought of him retiring! He is so easy to talk to and Mrs. Newkirk is the same way. I had the honor of giving The Tribute at her First Lady Luncheon. She has such a melodious voice. She has soothed our soul these past several years and written dynamic articles for the newsletter. Sometimes in a church, some people are favored over others, not so with our Pastor and First Lady, they treat us all the same. I like it when people treat people as people no matter their background. They have done a good job of doing it. They hug and show love. When they first came here, they came with love and skills and a whole lot of soul and faith. They have done some very progressive things with our church. He got us out of that mold and done a lot with love. Things moved so slow before he got here but he got things moving by the grace of God. They embrace you. Pastor and First Lady exhibit total interest in kids. I love that they focus on the children in the church. They emulate what God expects of you, being obedient to His will. Sister Ruby Green Our Pastor has been there for my family since he has become our leader. He is more than a pastor, he has become a friend and we have always admired both him and First Lady and love their entire family. We thank God for them. Reverend Michael and Mrs. Eline Pope We are grateful to have a Pastor who teaches and preaches God's Word. Some pastors preach but cannot teach-so what about Bible Study and Sunday School?

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9 Volume 14 Issue 1 And Still Standing on His Promises... Praises for God's Humble Servants People look forward to Sunday but what about the rest of the week? First Lady Newkirk a loving and caring soul who truly loves the Lord. Subject to tell a joke, but quick to tell all the goodness of God, if only you trust and believe! Deacon Douglas and Deaconess Connie George Reverend Newkirk means a lot to me and my family. He is an excellent pastor. About two months before my mother died, she visited Oak City for Bible Study on a regular basis. We traveled back to our home state of Tennessee for the service. During the service, I heard a familiar voice from the pulpit, it was Pastor Newkirk! Pastor Newkirk had driven through the snow and mountains to come to my mother's service. Neither I nor my mother were members, and my sister Erica had only been a member for a short time. His actions showed me his person and character. their homework and make better grades in school. Page 9 I trust him. He is a good man. He is a reliable man and he did not come here just for the dollar because we could not offer him much when he came. I am happy and really enthused over the job that he is doing now. The only thing is that I wish he could do it for as long as he lives. He is a wonderful person; his wife, his kids, I love them all. I wish I could have them with me for the rest of my life. Deacon Emeritus Rudolph Loftin, Sr. I was sixteen years old when we came to Oak City. Watching my parents helped me to understand the importance of sacrifice and putting God first in your life. Oak City is family and I thank God for that. I've grown up here and my children have only known Oak City as a church family. My parents have given their all and we congratulate them on their thirty years of service to Oak City. April N. Peebles Nine years later in 2011, my mother's father became ill and my sister and I moved him here to take care of him. Pastor heard of us taking our grandfather in, and Pastor went to the hospital every Sunday and gave our grandfather communion and the church bulletin. He and my grandfather built a relationship. Grandfather even called him "Pastor". As you still stand on His promises after thirty years... God Bless you richly, Pastor and Sister Newkirk! We love you! Our grandfather passed away at my home and Pastor was there for the most difficult time of me seeing my grandfather's body being placed in a body bag and taken out the door. For Pastor's compassion, my sister Erica and I gave him a plaque with our grandfather's name on it, simply stating (from our grandfather): "That's my Pastor!" Valerie Johnson I tried to get Reverend Newkirk two or more years before he actually came to Oak City. I called him but by that time, he was with another church. A couple of years later, I still had him on the list and when the opportunity came, I went for him again. And this time, I went to his house. This time, I took the Lord with me. The other time, I just called. I took the Lord with me and got good results. Then I got to know his family. He has a lovely family. I like all of them and wish they could stay here at Oak City forever. The kids love me like they love their own parents and I love them. I think he is among the best leaders we have ever had in the last sixty years. That time he spends looking at the report cards for the kids, I think that has caused many kids to do

10 Page 10 And Still Standing on His Promises Years of Sundays by OCBC Communications Committee Dear Pastor, When you received A Special Invitation (Isaiah 55:11) to become our Pastor, we are glad that you were unafraid of Facing the Unknown! (Joshua 1:7). God has used you to encourage us to give our tithes and offerings and thus The Windows of Heaven (Malachi 3:10) have continuously opened. As Pastor-elect on March 6, 1988, you preached on The Forks of the Road (Hebrews 11:24-25) and have continued to navigate them successfully with God as your Pilot. Since you are His child and our Pastor, you know that God Can Fix It (Genesis 37:28). You heard The Voice of God (Isaiah 40:3-5) as you made your Christmas Preparations and you are not afraid of calling His Name- JESUS because Mary and Joseph were Naming the Baby (Isaiah 9:6) Jesus. Knowing that He's Coming Again (John 14:1-3)! You are Called to Serve: Seize the Moment (Acts 13:2) as you are Living Life with a Purpose (Philippians 3:12) you know that Thirsting for Jesus (John 19:28) is What Makes A Great Church (Acts 2:42). Have You Brought Anyone to Jesus (John 1:40-42a) is the question you ask so that we can let them know that The Greatest Is Love (1 Corinthians 13:13) and that it is the best of the Choices We Make (Genesis 6:8) because The Promise of Paradise (Luke 23:43) will hold us steady from The Dangers of Drifting (Hebrews 2:1)! We know that God is Doing a New Thing (Isaiah 43:18-19)-that is our Prediction for the Future (Hebrews 11:1) and we are not Drifting Away (Hebrews 2:2)! We love you because Pastor you, Don't Let the Devil Steal Your Song! (Psalm 134:1-3)! So, Resist and Remember (James 4:7) when You Feel Like Giving Up (1 Kings 19:10) that God is Faithful (Psalm 121:1-2), and like a Negro Spiritual, "I Am Free and Saved" (I Corinthians 9:22) and that you are Revived to Serve (Isaiah 6) as you are still standing on His promises. Then and Now (Psalm 37:25), When God is Late (Isaiah 55:8-9), God Is All the Help We Need (Psalm 46:1). Oak City News When satan is on the Attack (Job 1:1-12), remember How to Handle Depression (Psalm 77:2-3); how to avoid The Proud Leper Complex (2Kings 5:1); and how God helps you in Getting Past Your Past (Joshua 6:22-23). After all, you are Too Blessed to Be Stressed (Matthew 11:28-30). Pastor, you remind us that Freedom Always Costs You Something (John 8:36) when you are Workers for the Cause of Christ (2Corinthians 5:20) and Serving God's People with Joy (Galatians 5:22) Starting Over Again (Jeremiah 18:4) When God is Late (John 11:39) is like A Brand New Year, A Brand New Walk (Ephesians 5:15-17). The Real Learning Starts Now (Romans 8:28) as you continue Growing in the Grace of God (2 Peter 3:18) with An Attitude of Gratitude (1Timothy 6:6-7). You taught us what Jesus meant when He said "You did It to Me" (Matthew 25:40). When we show others The Love of the Father (Luke 15:20-22) we are using those 5 Keys to Revival (2Chronicles 7:14) that you gave us in September. Thanks for letting God use you to help Oak City Baptist Church pass God's Three Fold Test (John 13:34) as we all try to FINISH THE RACE (Hebrews 12:1) and Pastor Newkirk please remember yourself that The Battle is Not Yours (1 Samuel 17:47) as you Dare to Be Blessed (Genesis 32:24-26) while you are Running the Race (Hebrews 12:1) and explaining The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:8-9). Thank you again Pastor William T. Newkirk, Sr. for thirty years of Sundays where you sincerely smile and enthusiastically proclaim Welcome to His House (Hebrews 3:3-4) with An Attitude of Gratitude (1Timonthy 6:11-12)! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!

11 Volume 14 Issue 1 Elegance and Humility-The Portrait of Our First Lady by Reverend Charlotte Dover Page 11 It was a mild, sunny day in February when the ladies of Oak City Baptist Church, close friends, and family gathered to celebrate Sister Catherine White Newkirk, our First Lady. If how a church treats their First Lady is a reflection of love for their Pastor, then surely, our Pastor is loved! The North Raleigh Country Club provided the setting for the event. The committee spent numerous hours planning to make sure the event was just right and it was! The hall was filled with laughter, joy and hugs abounded. Pictures flashed and although the food was good; laughter was the main course. First Lady Newkirk wore a stunning red suit and had a thankful, beaming smile on her face as she saw so many come out to show their love. Indeed, it was a beautiful celebration fitting for queen, not just any queen, but a queen who is a reflection of beauty, godliness, elegance, and humility. Sister Catherine White Newkirk was born in Spring Lake, North Carolina and is a loyal daughter of Fayetteville State University "Bronco Pride"! She stands by the side of our Pastor and encourages him to "Preach the Word Newkirk"! They met on a blind date in the town of Windsor, NC, where both of them were employed as educators. It was the beginning of a great life together, a life that continues to reflect godliness, beauty and commitment. He lovingly refers to her as his "roommate" and you can hear the love for her in his voice. First Lady Newkirk's smile lights up the sanctuary, and you hear her regularly in Sunday School contributing enthusiastically to the lesson. Her comments reflect prayer and preparation. She loves to encourage our church members and shows that you can tell it like it is and be godly. She is a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She loves to spend time with her family. She praises God all the time for her role model, her beloved mother, the late Mrs. Blanche W. White and the lessons she taught her. In our community, she has worked faithfully as an Elementary School Teacher at her beloved Bugg Elementary. She calls herself "retired" but you can still see her at Bugg and various other Wake County Schools on a regular basis as a Substitute Teacher. At OCBC, First Lady Newkirk has served as a member of the Missionary Ministry. Her melodious praises for God can be heard in the Voices of Oak City. First Lady is also a regular contributor to The Oak City News (OCN) with articles such as "Usefulness to God" and "Trust in His Timing." Her articles are witty, inspiring, and fun! Here is what Sister Alice McCoy, OCN Chair has to say: "We thank God for you lending your voice to the Oak City Newsletter for fourteen years. You are gracious, loving and caring. Thank you both for inspiring others through your words!" Did we both say, "inspiring"? There it is! Back to that mild sunny day in February. The celebration was a grand time. First Lady was honored to be honored by such an outpouring of love. She is so appreciative and gives all the glory to God! Yes indeed, as at the luncheon and as of today, the time is not enough to finish the portrait of our First Lady. God continues the work in her. We are so grateful to Him for giving us the opportunity just to contribute a few lines in this masterpiece of elegance and humility-our First Lady, TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

12 OAK CITY EVENTS 3/25 Pastor s 30th Anniversary 11:00 a.m. 4/1 Easter Sunrise Service 6:30 a.m. 4/17-19 WMBA Spring Institute 6:30 p.m. 4/20 Praise and Worship Service 7:00 p.m. 4/22 Shaw Day 11:00 a.m. 4/27 Youth Revival 7:00 p.m. 4/28 WMBA Union Session -Springfield BC 9:00 a.m. 5/5 Leadership Training 8:00 a.m. 5/13 Mother s Day Program 11:00 a.m. 5/18 Prayer Vigil 12:00 noon 5/18 Praise and Worship Service 7:00 p.m. 5/27 Memorial Day Program 11:00 a.m. Communications Committee: Alice McCoy Cheryl Lucas Stewart Presti Bradley Barbara Fish Glenda D. Sandlin Samuel Stewart Sherine Vernon Rev. Charlotte Dover Instagram Michael Ndombe Facebook Xenia Pigford Alice McCoy Oak City Blog and Twitter Cheryl Lucas Stewart Photographers Presti Bradley Rodney Melvin Editors: Angela Bailey Deacon Richard H. Jones February 4, 2018 Olivia Danielle Keith February 11, 2018 Travis LaVar Clark March 4, 2018 Carlton Jeffrey Hayes Oak City Baptist Church 726 Method Rd. Raleigh, NC Telephone Number: (919) Web Site Watch Live Sermons oakcitybaptist.org/watch-live-now/ Like us on Facebook OakCityBaptistChurchRaleigh Follow our Blog Follow us on Twitter Instagram Put your talents to work for Oak City Baptist Church. Join the Communications Committee Welcome New Members Inspirational Words of Wisdom Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6 7 (NKJV)