DuPage. Pastor Miller FROM THE PASTOR S PEN:

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1 I FROM THE PASTOR S PEN: Spring 2017 DuPage African Methodist Episcopal Church 4300 Yackley Avenue Lisle, IL fax info@dupageamec.org Rev. Dr. James F. Miller Senior Pastor Rev. Lana Parks Miller Executive Pastor Rev. Albert D. Tyson, III Presiding Elder Rt. Rev. John Franklin White, Sr. Presiding Prelate Inside this issue: New Members 2 Easter Sunday 5 Sunday School 8 Black History Month 10+ Quarterly Calendar 15...and more Pastor Miller & Rev. Lana I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. ~Joshua 1:9 People of God! Servants of God. In these times in which we live, great courage is needed to stand for Christ. Toward this end, a weekend of faith building and fellowship sharing is planned for the Men of God. This is a call out now to all fathers, sons, brothers, guardians, mentors and role models. We already know what God wants us to do. Let s gather and embolden ourselves in the great work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Brothers, we are putting on our spiritual war clothes to fight the enemy. We will have workshops on: health, finances, relationships and more. A fellowship, soul food luncheon and our formal challenge shall close out our first weekend day. Brothers, on Sunday we are putting on our praise clothes and the Singing 100 will once again lead the way. Women of God, how much support will you give us for our day? And we will have dynamic preaching. Rev. Kevin Thornton and Rev. Peter Edward Matthews of Ohio will preach! We know this weekend will be a blessing for the males young and old. And yes we also want this celebration to be a blessing to the kingdom! It s time the people of God walk in the faith of their victory. THIS YEAR THERE ARE NO PLEDGES REQUIRED OF THE MEN. Every man and parent of a young man or boy, every male friend and family member, is asked to support our conference weekend by coming. (See back cover.) God bless you and let s get ready for a glory day mountaintop experience of a men s weekend! Pastor Miller Rev. Peter Edward Matthews

2 PAGE 2 WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS We welcome the following New Members to our DuPage AME Church family! May each of you always be open to the ministry of the Lord s church. Remember: Active Christians create churches that are alive! Julius Isaac Roy Downers Grove Eric, Carmen & Camille Armstrong Aurora Tonda & Zion Cummings Montgomery Norma Houser Murray Westchester Tim, Darnetta & Lia Jones Bolingbrook Mia Brackenridge Daishona, Damira, Danaya & Demonte Watkins Oswego Malik & Aliyah Akinbile Oakbrook Nita Nelson Bolingbrook Taylor Jones Carol Stream Joann & Eric Brackenridge Oswego THE NEWSLETTER is a publication of DuPage AME Church, 4300 Yackley Avenue, Lisle, IL 60532, , Editor Rev. Lana Parks Miller. Staff Rev. Morgan Dixon & Brooke Denham , info@dupageamec.org. Ted McKee, photographer. Rights reserved to edit for content and space. Our aim is to communicate with you, provide an outreach to you, and truly reflect the spirit of the congregation and it s leadership. THE NEWSLETTER is published quarterly.

3 PAGE 3 STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN RECAP: We Will Flourish! They shall again live beneath My shadow, they shall flourish as a garden; ~Hosea 14:7 As our 2017 spiritual growth stewardship campaign comes to a close, let's see what God is trying to accomplish. This theme statement itself is a bold profession of faith, despite all contrary forces, we will flourish.! Why? Because God is with us., and we are with God. In January we reunited with God through: prayer, Bible study, fasting and by sharing our witness with others. In February, we expanded our sacrifice to include our support for the church. After spiritually joining with God, we were better prepared to demonstrate our faith. Our morning pastoral prayer call was a continuing foundation. The goals of our annual campaigns are twofold. First, we are renewing our spiritual relationship with God. Second, we are insuring that our church is properly supported. The spiritual discipline of regularly and dependably supporting the church is the tithing way of giving. This year, it is hoped that every member household has been awakened in their faith and that this will be evidenced in increased and more dependable, regular giving. We Will Flourish has been a spiritual journey and a blessing. The revelation now is that this blessing can continue uninterrupted. Have you ever written a true, 10% of gross tithing check? The glorious blessing of this act is another step of faith. Look into your heart and in your relationship with God then pray about it with serious consideration. Spiritual disciplines lead to spiritual freedom. Spiritual freedom leads to generosity. We Will Flourish! A GUIDE FOR GIVING TO THE LORD Every member household is asked to prayerfully tithe to the church by Easter. It is our goal that every member is able to testify that they have tithed. ANNUAL INCOME MONTHLY INCOME 10% MONTHLY INCOME $35,000 $ $ $45,000 $ $ $55,000 $ $ $65,000 $ $ $75,000 $ $ $85,000 $ $ $95,000 $ $ $100,000 $8, $ $125,000 $10, $ $150,000 $12, $ $175,000 $14, $ $200,000 $16, $

4 PAGE 4 LENTEN SEASON Undying Love!...I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued My faithfulness to you. ~Jeremiah 31:3 Please call in to the DuPage AME Church 7 AM weekday Pastoral Prayer Call. It began Ash Wednesday and continues through Good Friday, April 14 th. Our Lenten Theme is: Undying Love. (Following Steven H. Albers, A Love That Never Dies ) GOOD FRIDAY 7 LAST WORDS OF CHRIST SERVICE FRIDAY, APRIL 14 TH 7:15 PM THE FIRST WORD Rev. Dr. Geneace Williams Father forgive them, for they know not what they do. Luke 23:33-34 THE SECOND WORD Rev. Elliott R. Griffin Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise. Luke 23:39-43 THE THIRD WORD Rev. Morgan E. Dixon He said to His mother, Woman, behold your son! Then He said to the disciple, Behold your mother! John 19:26-27 THE FIFTH WORD Bro. Dennis Gary I thirst! John 19:28 THE SIXTH WORD Rev. Kevin Thornton It is finished! John 19:29-30 THE SEVENTH WORD Pastor James F. Miller Father, into Thy hands I commit My spirit. Luke 23:46 THE FOURTH WORD Rev. Marland J. Brazier Eloi, eloi, lama sabachthani? My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me? Mark 15:33-34

5 PAGE 5 RESURRECTION EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 16 TH Undying Love! He Arose Bishop & Supervisor McKenzie On RESURRECTION EASTER SUNDAY at the 11:15am Worship Service Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, will once again join us. We continue the annual fellowship with Bishop & Supervisor McKenzie and look forward to hearing a resurrection Word from the Lord! The Gospel Choir will be singing. Invite your friends your family to join us on Easter Sunday morning!! REBECCA SMITH-ANDOH CELEBRATION OF TALENTS 2016 Scholarship Winners DuPage AME Church is still awarding scholarships! This year s announcement program promises to be unique & enjoyable. The Celebration of Talents is a vision of the late Rebecca Smith- Andoh, our beloved choir member who was trained in the classical arts. This program has always been dedicated to the retention of the classical arts, as well as an encouragement in all of the arts. On Saturday, April 22 nd at 6 pm, we are blessed to have Fernando Jones & My Band performing gospel expression though The Blues. Fernando Jones is an educator and songwriter was born on the South Side of Chicago in Bronzeville. Jones has performed from Mississippi to The Smithsonian Institute and from Hawaii to Eastern Europe. Fernando Jones & My Band! is a sharp dressed, raw, guitar driven power trio that performs all original compositions: Their sound is full and always evolving. Fernando Jones As the go-to guy for all things Blues in Chicago, Jones founded the Blues Kids Foundation to preserve, perform and promote the Blues among America's youth, parents and educators under the tutelage of highly qualified instructors, globally. We are blessed to have renowned artists such as Fernando available to us in the Chicago metropolitan area and are excited to welcome him. Please come and invite a friend to this anticipated time of relaxation and fellowship. We will be awarding the DuPage AME Church Scholarships for 2017 to our deserving graduating high school seniors at the event.

6 PAGE 6 ANNUAL MISSIONARY SUNDAY APRIL 30 Growing The Church By Serving Others ~I Peter 4:10 Annual Missionary Day is fast approaching. On Sunday, April 30 th, our Sarah Allen Missionary Society will celebrate its many and various outreach ministries. Our society coordinates our scholarship program, distributes groceries to needy families at Thanksgiving and though our Angel Tree gift program to children of underprivileged families at Christmas. They do so much more. Our guest preacher will be Rev. Kimberly D. Russaw, PhD at the 8:15 am Worship Service & Rev. Trina Armstrong, PhD at the 11:15 am Worship Service. Rev. Kimberly D. Russaw, PhD God bless you Missionary Society for all you do. We look forward to this great day of recognition and celebration. We are all blessed by your service. Sarah Allen Missionary Society FIFTH SUNDAY LECTURE SERIES: THINKING THEOLOGICALLY! Rev. Trina Armstrong, PhD Introducing our new Fifth Sunday Lecture Series: Thinking Theologically! On Sunday, April 30 th, at 10 am, our Sunday School kicks off it s Fifth Sunday Academic Lecture Series, featuring Rev. Dr. Trina Armstrong, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Care and Pastoral Theology at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston. She is an ordained Itinerant Elder and will teach on the subject, God s Love, for about 30 minutes. An open discussion will follow and engage us all. We are very excited about what our Sunday School continues to do in training our youth and stimulating our thinking. THIS IS A FIRST!!! We encourage all church members to come and enjoy this teaching. Bring your friends and family too! Thank you Sunday School for helping us all grow! _

7 PAGE 7 THINK LIKE A FISH MAY 6 Think Like A Fish! - On Saturday, May 6 th, from 9 am 11 am, Rev. Dr. Virgil Woods, pastor of First AME Church, Gary, IN and author of this year s guide book, Think Like a Fish, will present us a workshop based on his book. We are honored and thankful to God that this could be divinely orchestrated. Dr. Woods is a very unconventional thinker who practices a results oriented faith. DuPage this is our best chance to spur our growth this year!!!everybody who wants to be a genuine, real-time Christian. Everybody who wants to be a better church leader. All members who know the vision God has for our church. We have been working up to this for a long time. Thank you Church Growth Committee for all you ve done to get us to this point! Rev. Dr. Virgil Woods Thank you Evangelism Commission for all you are doing right now to take us further! Thank you worshippers who ve been touched in our worship to come and bring someone else. Hope to see everybody at this event! This is important, just come! FAMILY AND FRIENDS DAY SUNDAY, MAY 21 Fishing for Family and Friends And He said to them, Follow Me, and I will make you fish for people. ~ Matthew 4:19 Dear Church family. God is so good to us. Yes, we have a lot of Rev. William H. Lamar IV challenges. There is no doubt of that. But through, it all, God has been good. We continue to enjoy the fruits of salvation. We want all of our friends and family saved too. On Sunday, May 21 st, the dynamic pastor, Rev. William H. Lamar, IV of Metropolitan AME Church, in Washington DC, affectionately referred to as The Cathedral of the Capitol, will preach us to glory. The church is going to do everything it can to encourage, invite and support all of our members in compelling their friends and family to be present. Materials for invitation, special gifts for our guests and a sumptuous soul food dinner will be served after 11:15am Worship Service. This is it church. The mountain of our faith for We will grow. We will blossom. We will flourish in the Lord!

8 PAGE 8 DUPAGE CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL IS GROWING! Start children off in the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. ~Proverbs 22:6 NIV New faces and fun activities Sunday School is where you can find all ages: Pre-school,Primary, Juniors, Intermediates, Teens, Young Adults and Adults on Sunday mornings starting at 10 am! Sunday School Jeopardy! With hostess Ashley Green-McCant: The Primary and Junior Classes had fun with their lesson review as they provided the Questions for the Answers. Sunday School Superintendent, Pamela Jones, says The love of God and HIS Son Jesus Christ is what energizes our teachers and engages our students. There are classes for everyone - we welcome you to come. Also, we are excited about our newest teachers they are: Kaylaa McGinnis and Peju Obalereko (Pre-School Class) Greg Baker (Teen Class) and Riché Miller (Intermediate Class).

9 PAGE 9 WHAT IS SUNDAY SCHOOL? Sunday School uses an age-based curriculum as do our youth programs. Pre-school children learn about God and Bible verses through songs and stories. The Primary Class - grades 1 st thru 3 rd - learn how to find verses in the Bible and read them. Sometimes they put on skits in their class to share what they ve learned that day. The Junior Class grades 4 thru 6 th take the Sunday School lessons and apply them to their everyday experiences. The Intermediate Class grades 7 th and 8 th - starts the critical thinking age as they begin to ask a few more questions about the meaning of the scriptures. The Teen Class interprets their lessons by sharing poems, writings and personal testimonies of their relationship with God. The Adult Class takes an in depth look at the Word and discussions are geared towards personal sharing and growing in knowledge. Sunday School is an educational preparation for worship. Everyone is encouraged to join us as we dig deeper into God s Holy Word for answers to help direct our daily living. What s buzzin around Sunday School Superintendent Pam Jones FEBRUARY BLACK HISTORY MONTH The play, Lift Ev ry Voice And Sing took us on a journey thru time celebrating the lives of incredibly strong and faithful African Americans. Shining Light Award This year s 2017 recipient Betty Green. Betty has devoted her life to giving back. Serving as a coach for our Bible Bowl Teams is just one of many ways Betty gives back and supports the youth of DuPage Shinning Light Award Winner Betty Green graciously accepts her award! MARCH - SUNDAY SCHOOL RAP REVIEW The Junior Class will be putting a new spin on their lesson review come support our youth as they share what they ve learned. Rap On Junior Class! APRIL RESURRECTION EASTER SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM Sunday, April 16 th. This is always a joy and a treat!

10 PAGE 10 BLACK HISTORY MONTH RECAP IN PHOTOS

11 PAGE 11 BLACK HISTORY MONTH

12 PAGE 12 Kathie Anderson Alicia Anderson Eric Armstrong Dr. Carmen Armstrong Dr. Greg Baker David Baker Ebony Baker Vera Bass Dr. Elizabeth Boone Denise Boykins Pat Brooks Kamarrie Coleman Ron Cotton Nancy Covington-Beal Loubertha Crowe Oscar Darden Osie Davenport Connie Eldridge James Ferguson Nancy Ferguson Gwen Frasier Mary L Ginwright Dr. Deborah Hammond-Watts Cheryl Henderson Khalida Himes BJ Holt Beverlynn Ivory Robin James Natalie Johnson Susan Johnson Pattie Jones Stephanie Keys Tonja Killingham Julia Lowe Eddie Lega Kaye Lega Carol Lucas Elaine Mass Robert Mathis Lee McGinnis Patricia Nettles Chenai Okammor Diyonne Palmer Claudie Phillips Terri Rayburn Earl Reed Brandi Reese Thais Reid Robert Robinson Shirley Robinson Inzafaye Scott Anderson Smith Barbara Smith Sherid Smith Addie Bass Spence Dr. Yolanda J Stovall John Tribble Dr. Leatha Ware JP Watts Tamela Williams

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14 PAGE 14 THE PRODIGAL STEWARD BY PATRICIA WILSON BAKER The Right Way The world economist s definition of money is that it is a medium of exchange meaning I give you my goods and you give me your money in exchange. We are all consumers. That s not a bad thing because as we exchange our money for things we consume, we keep our dollars in circulation and we keep the economy running smooth. As Christians, we must also have a biblical view of money. Our view should be based on Malachi 3:10, where God encourages us to Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. The challenge we have is to balance our Christian view of money with our worldly view of money. Most of our money issues stem from focusing on the world s view of money being consumers, when we should be more focused on the biblical view of giving with generosity. Proverbs 20:21 says, An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed. For most of us, getting or having money is not a difficult thing, but the key to success is what you do with it when you get it. God has given us clear instructions on the right way to manage our finances. Proverbs 10:17 says Anyone willing to be corrected is on the pathway of life. Anyone refusing has lost his chance. There is a right way but it s not popular or the most convenient. Isaiah 26:7 says, The way of the just is uprightness. Jeremiah 42:3 states That the Lord thy God may show us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do. God s Word is a lamp unto our feet and light for our path so, let s follow it. Let s dig into Malachi 3:10 and see where it takes us. We ll start with a question; what should I do? Well, that s very clear; first we should pay our tithes. Why should I give a tithe to the church? We are not just giving to the church, we are giving to God and we are taking Him up on His challenge for us to prove that he is faithful and trust worthy and that He will in return, take care of us. He has promised us blessings. Blessings are special favors granted by God. A blessing is that something extra that we were not expecting or could have made happen on our own. God is not obligated to give us a blessing just because we ask for it; but when we follow His instructions and when we trust that He will fulfill His promise in Malachi 3:10, then we know getting a blessing is possible. But, if we do not do our part, when we withhold our blessings from Him, He is not obligated to pour out His blessings on us. God loves us with an everlasting love and He wants to bless us and He wants us to be a blessing to others. It s Spring and new life is sprouting all around us and with that comes hope. We are also in uncertain times in America, it s important that we begin to shore up our faith and fill the storehouse. The world is changing; the natural things we consume now may not be available in the future. Our current comforts may be challenged. Our hope cannot be in the things of the world as they were in the past. We must continue to follow God s path. We know from Matthew 7:14 that strait is the gate and narrow is the path that leads to life and not many will follow it. It s easy and natural to be a consumer; it takes the discipline of faith, love, hope and belief in God to be a tither and to prepare for the future.

15 PAGE 15 R.E.A.C.H. FOOD BANK When I was hungry you fed Me ~Matthew 25:35 DATES TO REMEMBER MARCH 1 Ash Wednesday We thank all the many volunteers who assisted with the Food Bank in 2016! Upcoming dates for serving: 10 am 12 Noon Saturday, March 11 th Saturday, April 8 th Saturday, May 13 th Make a contribution of your service! Assistance is also needed the Friday prior to truck days. Pray about how you can be a blessing to someone in need. To volunteer please contact Loleta at Your assistance is greatly appreciated! Thank you! 12 Visitor Celebration Day Men s Weekend APRIL 9 Palm Sunday 14 Good Friday 7 Last Words Service 16 Easter Sunday 22 Rebecca Smith-Andoh Celebration of Talents 30 Missionary Sunday MAY 14 Mother s Day 21 Family and Friends Day

16 1:30pm - Depart with Power 12 Noon - Brother s Banquet 11am-Breakout Session III 10am - Breakout Session II 9am - Breakout Session I REGISTER IN THE NARTHEX TODAY! What A Real Man Looks Like Body Building! :Holistic Health for Mind, Body and Soul God's $$$, GOD's Way What Can We Do? The African American Male in the Age of Trump, Violence and Opportunity How Do I Love? (married & single) Xtreme Sports, Extreme Faith! 9am - Opening Devotion & Moments 8:30am - Registration& Continental Breakfast DuPage AME Church 4300 Yackley Avenue Lisle, IL Blessed To Be A Blessing