INSIDE THIS ISSUE. September 2018 Vol. 6, Issue 9

Transcription

1 3375 Church Lane Duluth GA Rev. Ronald L. Bowens, Pastor September 2018 Vol. 6, Issue 9 SEPTEMBER 15 9 th Annual Walk-A-Thon 8:00am 15 Voter Registration 15 FBC Unity Weekend Begins OCTOBER 2-4 Revival Nightly 7:00pm 7 Pastor s 34 th Anniversary INSIDE THIS ISSUE Theme for the Month: Mercy... 1 Hymn of the Month... 3 Inspirations from Psalms Seeds of Faith th Pastoral Anniversary... 7 Outreach Ministry... 8 Voter Registration... 9 Unity Day Weekend Health Ministry Prayer List Youth Day Technology Bible Study GriefShare When Life is Hard Sunday School Opportunities to Serve Church News News Around Gwinnett OUR MISSION STATEMENT: Exalt the Savior Equip the Saint Evangelize the Sinner Understanding Mercy God is known to be a God of mercy and grace. Understanding mercy is often difficult for people as we tend to be a generation of I ll get him for that and I hope they get what they deserve. Many have developed a nature of harsh criticism and want others to get what they have coming to them and then some. God, however, is merciful to even the worst offenders, sinners, and law-breakers. This means that even though He knows of our guilt, He doesn t always issue the punishment deserved. To elaborate, the verse in Romans 3:23-24 says...all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Simply, we are all sinners and do not meet the standards of righteousness that God intends us to have. But, through His mercy and grace He provided a way for our sins to be forgiven through our acceptance of Christ Jesus even though we don t deserve it. Coupled with grace (being given God s free gift of forgiveness though we ve done nothing to deserve it), mercy is shown because He loves us and only asks that we accept His Son by faith. To Whom It Is Given The God of mercy calls for the following in Micah 6:8: He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. These are words to all of mankind. Mercy is offered to you and me alike. He has shown us what is good and answers what is required of us. Micah asks God in Micah 7:18, Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. (cont d next page)

2 September 2018 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 2 (Mercy cont d) This passage shows that God enjoys being merciful, and is still showing mercy today Luke 1:50, His mercy extends to those who fear [revere] him, from generation to generation God s mercy is endless and found throughout the ages to the present. The Ultimate Benefit Saying that He is a God of mercy is a minimized description of what He is willing to do. Remember, in the first section we said God offers a pardon even though He knows of our guilt. Paul gives a good picture of this in Ephesians 2:1-10. As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions it is by grace we are saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Submitted by Paulette Tapp, Editor Source:

3 September 2018 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 3 HYMN OF THE MONTH William Walford ( ) of Coleshill, England, was a simple wood carver with no education, yet he had a very sharp memory and held the reputation of knowing the Bible from heart an impression given by the fact that this humble Englishman was able to quote the Scriptures accurately, including the precise chapter and verse, in spite of being absolutely blind! Walford relied on others to read the Scriptures to him which he then rehearsed and committed to memory as he whittled away bone to make shoe horns, or wood to make trinkets. Walford s mind so dwelt upon Scripture, and his communion with the Lord was so sweet, that this humble little man was often asked to share a sermon at the Congregational services he attended. The overflow of the Word of God within him also came forth in the form of poetry. One day around 1845, when Pastor Thomas Salmon visited Walford, Walford shared a poem about prayer which he had perfected unto memory and he asked Salmon to write it down for him. Salmon, seeing the beauty of the poem, sent it off for publishing (to the Observer) as a poem but it was not until a number of years after Walford s death that the poem was set to music by William Bradbury, at which time the poem then flew around the world upon the wings of its popularity and was translated into several foreign languages. The Hymn is Sweet Hour of Prayer. Submitted by Paulette Tapp SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! That calls me from a world of care, And bids me at my Father s throne Make all my wants and wishes known. In seasons of distress and grief, My soul has often found relief And oft escaped the tempter s snare By thy return, sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! The joys I feel, the bliss I share, Of those whose anxious spirits burn With strong desires for thy return! With such I hasten to the place Where God my Savior shows His face, And gladly take my station there, And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! Thy wings shall my petition bear To Him whose truth and faithfulness Engage the waiting soul to bless. And since He bids me seek His face, Believe His Word and trust His grace, I ll cast on Him my every care, And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! May I thy consolation share, Till, from Mount Pisgah s lofty height, I view my home and take my flight: This robe of flesh I ll drop and rise To seize the everlasting prize; And shout, while passing through the air, Farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer!

4 September 2018 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 4 INSPIRATION FROM THE PSALMS Written By Evangelist Deloris Williams The Greatest Degree of Delight PSALM 1: 1-6 Climatic Point: The Anonymous author of this Psalm pens his inspiration to express GOD s sacred and divine instruction to make aware to his people who would surely encounter ungodly influence of those who scoff and mock his children for abiding whole heartily in His instructions to a joyful and steadfast life instead of its many hills and trials. Path of the Righteous: Verse 1: Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. The Degree of Delight: Blessed is GOD s (measure) of degree and his intensity of beautifying something or someone. His unit of temperature is above all we could understand! Divine Delight: This author has undoubtedly completed a (spiritual course) of an intensified measure of delight. HOW? Verse 2: But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Verse 3: And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Due Diligence: The Psalmist in this Psalm has carefully come to be attentive and (conscientious) of GOD s instructions and thoroughness in what obedience and its due season will bring to a (healthy spiritual life) of following Our Creator s laws of obtaining and diligently walking on the roadway of (anointed splendor), even when it s raining fiery darts in the true believer s life! (the true) Christian s commitment usually encounter s a period of being casted down, but NOT Destroyed!

5 September 2018 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 5 (Inspirations from the Psalms cont d) Tentative Observations: Not one word of GOD, not one (jot) will be dishonored by the ungodly regardless of what man may say! His Word is his Covenant and his Covenants are (NOT EVER) Broken! Verse 4: The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Contrasting Point: Verse 5-6: Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. Psalm 35:5-6 Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them. Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them. Life s Two Roads: This Psalmist makes it PLAIN! The life of the faithful person is contrasted with the life of the faithless person. There is Only one (LIFE TO LIVE)! GOD will use his (own plumb line) in measuring our faithfulness, man can only estimate your (true lifestyle) behind the scenes of (church-going), and in the secrecy of night! So?? Of the (two) paths, shall we choose (Sacred Bliss) of Obedience or the Road of Rebellion of the ungodly as chaff in the wind? OR THE CONCLUDING BRIDGE of the Expressed Confidence in GOD! Our choice is Eternal! The Divine Instruction is DON T BE DISTRACTED. JOY is a Sovereign Fruit only given of the righteous of which we cannot analyze ourselves to be; only GOD knows your deep self, which is in a spiritual state for which He (SEES THE REAL YOU)! In Conclusion: LET US ALL EXAMINE with whom we are sitting and standing? Let us plead for GOD s Adoration! I CHOOSE LIVING AS TREES PLANTED BY THE RIVERS OF LIFE.

6 September 2018 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 6 THREE KEYS TO THE SEED OF FAITH CAMPAIGN: 1. Recognize that God is your Source - Philippians 4:19 says, My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. God will use many different instruments to supply our needs but He alone is the Source, and He alone cannot fail. 2. Give first, so that it may be given back to you - Luke 6:38 says, Give, and it will be given to you. We must first plant a Seed of Faith so that God can multiply it back to meet our needs. Jesus is talking about giving in the deepest sense of the word the giving of ourselves to God. This includes anything we can give: love, time, patience, forgiveness, finances, and our prayers. Please note that our giving reflects our Trust in God. 3. Expect a miracle - Mark 11:24 says, Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. The moment we ask God for something the moment we do our part and plant our Seed of Faith we should believe God that the answer is on its way. It s important to expect our miracle so we can recognize it and reach out to take it when it comes. How This Campaign Will Work: Over the next 78 weeks, we are asking every member and friends to sow a seed of $26 over and above your tithes and offerings. If you are not able to give $26, give what you can, and if you are able to give more than $26, please do so. If you are blessed to give $260 or $2,600 per week, be obedient to God. We are asking you to please utilize the blue envelopes located on the back of the pews. Using the blue envelopes will help our Finance Ministry greatly. This allows them to track and account for your seed offerings. So please each Sunday for 78 weeks, give God something to work with. No matter how little you think you have, sow it in Joy and in Faith, knowing you are Sowing Seeds so you, your family, our church, each ministry and our community may reap miracles from the seeds that are sown. Remember God is Our Source Give so that it can be Given Back to you, and Expect a Miracle! Thank you and God Bless!

7 September 2018 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 7 We are honored to announce the 34 th Pastoral Anniversary Celebration for our beloved leader, Rev. Ronald L Bowens. Revival services will be held October 2-4, 2018, at 7:00 pm nightly and conclude on Sunday, October 7, at 7:30 am and 11:00 am services. Guest Churches Tuesday, October 2 Rev. Dale Worthy Fairfield Baptist Church, Auburn, GA Wednesday, October 3 Rev. Ronald Dunnigan Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Lawrenceville, GA Thursday, October 4 Rev. Ulysses Ponder Poplar Springs Baptist Church, Ellenwood, GA

8 September 2018 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 8 OUTREACH MINISTRY - One Body Saved To Serve Join the Outreach Ministry on Saturday, September 15 th at 8:00 a.m for FBC s 9 th Annual Community-wide Walk-a-Thon & Donation Drive Our guest walker will be former NFL player, Mr. Ovie Mughelli. Enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast and free car wash from 9:00 am- 11:00 am sponsored by the Men s Ministry. Registration forms are available in the Church Office, Family Life Center, Fellowship Hall and the Outreach Center. For more information, please contact Catherine Stafford at or Diana McGhee at THE FRIENDSHIP MARKET Fruit and Produce Wednesdays: 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Fridays: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Saturdays: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Items will be distributed in the Fellowship Hall on Fridays and the Outreach Center on Wednesdays and Saturdays. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED MID-WEEK SERVICE the Outreach Ministry hosts a mid-week worship service every Wednesday at noon in the Fellowship Hall? We invite you to worship with us.

9 September 2018 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 9 VOTER REGISTRATION Many people have lost their lives fighting for: YOUR RIGHT to VOTE! The Right and the Need to vote goes beyond the presidential races and must include stated Mid-Term local elections. Voter Registration Training If you would like to participate in registration training and help others register to vote, please come to the FBC Family Life Center on Thursday, September 13 th from 7:00 pm-8:00 pm. Voter Registration: September 15 th during the FBC Walk-a-Thon and Unity Day Celebrations. Due to 34,000 people being recently purged in Gwinnett County, they must re-register to vote. Come out and make calls to people who have been purged in Gwinnett County. Let them know they must re-register. For more information, contact: Deacon Thomas Young at or (cell) or Sis. Penny Poole at

10 September 2018 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 10 FBC UNITY DAY WEEKEND CELEBRATION SEPTEMBER 15-16, 2018 FBC Unity Day Family Appreciation BBQ Saturday, September 15 th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Duluth Festival Center (Town Green), 3142 Hill Street, Duluth GA Bring your lawn chairs and blankets! Unity Day Worship Service Sunday, September 16 th at 11:00 a.m. after Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. There will be no 7:30 a.m. service.

11 September 2018 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 11 HEALTH MINISTRY Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Screening and Early Detection Establishing a routine schedule for prostate cancer screening is the best way to detect prostate cancer in its earliest stages giving you the greatest chance of successful treatment. When should you start screening? First, talk to your doctor at your next checkup to go over your particular risk factors. You may have more than one risk factor at play and thus have a greater chance of developing prostate cancer than other men. In general, screening for prostate cancer should begin in your 40s or 50s. Here are some rough guidelines: Do you have family history of prostate, ovarian, Consider screening starting in your early 40s breast, colon, or pancreatic cancers, or do you know that Lynch syndrome, BRCA, or HER2 mutations are present in your family? Do you have African ancestry? Consider screening starting at around 45 How old are you? In the absence of other risk factors, consider screening starting at around 50 Where do you live? Men in northern latitudes have higher risk. How do I get screened? Consider screening a few (3-5) years sooner than you otherwise would. Routine screening usually includes two simple tests: the PSA and the DRE. The PSA test measures levels of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. It s usually an add-on to other routine blood tests at a checkup. PSA is a protein produced by the cells of the prostate, and cancerous cells tend to produce more of it, so a spike in your PSA level can signify a problem although there are other reasons why the levels might fluctuate. Tracking your PSA over time is a very valuable metric, because many cases of prostate cancer are very slow-growing. If your level is still within normal range, but is higher than it was the last time it was checked, it s worth checking further. Learn more at

12 September 2018 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 12 (Health Ministry cont d) Attention Travelers: Please donate your unused sealed toiletries to the Outreach pantry for those in need. Place in the collection bin in the Family Life Center. FAMILY LIFE CENTER GYM AND FITNESS CENTER HOURS OF OPERATION: Mornings Monday Friday 9:00 am 12:00 noon Afternoons Tuesday 4:00 pm 8:00 pm

13 September 2018 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 13 Protect Yourself During Flu Season Seasonal flu can increase the occurrence of illness in the workplace and result in lost work time. Flu season typically begins when cold weather strikes and can last into spring. For many people, the seasonal flu is a mild illness, but for others it can result in serious infections or hospitalization. Preventive health measures are even more necessary during this season and workplaces of every type should be proactive to keep employees safe and business operating as usual. Preventative Measures Encourage employees to take precautions to reduce the spread of the flu. Provide hand washing stations or hand sanitizer. Tissues should be discarded immediately after use - provide waste receptacles. Thoroughly clean work stations, door knobs and telephones. Educate your employees - share prevention tips and information. Initiate discussions with companies that provide temporary or contract employees. Contact your local health department and other organizations for up-to-date information. Vaccinations Health professionals recommend a yearly seasonal flu vaccine. Everyone over the age of six months is encouraged to get vaccinated. Work with your health insurance company to provide information to employees. If possible, create opportunities for on-site vaccinations or coordinate with a local health clinic that can accommodate your employees. If Your Employees Contract the Flu Flu symptoms include fever, headache, extreme fatigue, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches and stomach symptoms. Those with the flu should avoid contact with others and doctors may prescribe antiviral medication or suggest over-the-counter remedies. Employees in the workplace exhibiting flu symptoms should be sent home. Ill employees should be encouraged to stay at home. The CDC recommends that employees with flulike symptoms should remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of a fever. Employers should be flexible about sick leave. Be aware of school closures that may impact employees with children. Source:

14 September 2018 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 14 Remember with prayer, calls and visitations Bro. James Agee Sis. Mary Anderson Bro. Robert Atkinson Bro. Gabriel Bell Bro. Willie Benton Dea. Hezekiah Bowens, Jr. Bro. Julius Brogdon Sis. Joyce Brooks Sis. Sherie Brown Bro. Tyler Caldwell Sis. Pearl Coles Sis. Nekka Dean Sis. Doris Doyle Sis. Everlene Fisher Sis. Barbara Hall Sis. Crystal Ingram Bro. Willie L. Harris Sis. Charlotte Hayes Bro. Leroy Hurt Bro. David Johnson Sis. Mary L. Jones Bro. Patrick Jones Sis. Deidra Joyner Bro. Dennis Kimmey Sis. Mabel Lawrence Bro. Edwin Logan Sis. Sylvia Marrow Bro. Harold Mitchell Sis. Roxanne Motley Evg. Valerie Montaque Sis. Khuyen Nguyen Sis. Gloria Peters Bro. Garvin Potts Bro. Kelvin Pruitt Sis. Carrie Rawls Sis. Peggy Rogers Bro. Benny Rollins Bro. Rennie Samuels Dea. Clarence Slaughter Bro. Antonie Smith Sis. Latisha Smith Sis. Valerie Smith Bro. Xavier Stephens Bro. Julian Sydnor Sis. April Walker Sis. Bernice Webb Sis. Mabel Thomas Sis. Savalia Thomas Rev. Dwight Wilkerson Dea. Clendon Wilson Sis. Sadie Wilson Bro. Donald Wood

15 September 2018 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 15 The Youth of Friendship Baptist Church celebrated their Annual Youth Day on Sunday, August 26, As in the year prior, there were three days of activities leading up to the spirit-filled Youth Day wherein the Youth were in charge of both morning worship services. Last year s theme was Soldiers for the Lord and throughout the year, the children were equipped as good soldiers in walking through the Word of God throughout the year. This year s theme was Taste and See that the Lord is Good from Psalm 34:8. The children started Youth Day activities on Thursday evening, August 23 rd, with an intense Bible study of some of the figures named in Hebrews Chapter 11, who by their examples of Faith, could attest to the fact that they ve tried God and know that He is Good!! On Friday night, there were Bible games for each child to play and exhibit their knowledge. When a Bible question was answered, they got a chance to play games ranging from Spinning a Prize from the Wheel of Blessings, being a Ringer for the Lord-Ring Toss Game, Tossing Sin Aside Bean Bag Toss Game and Hitting the Mark of Faith! They closed out the evening with an eventful game of Bible Bowl exhibiting their knowledge of the Bible, gaining tickets for the highest points for a medal! While the youth were learning and enjoying their games, the parents were treated to a hospitality suite! There they were pampered with various flavored coffees, teas and water to wash down a light spread of hors d oeuvres including chicken wings, multiple cheeses, salami, pepperoni and crackers, fruit and cookies. The joyous fellowship in there could sometimes be heard out in the kid s game rooms! On Saturday, August 25 th, the youth began the day with choir rehearsal at 10:00 am, followed by a Praise march in the lower level of the church before gearing up for the fun-filled Ice Cream Social, during which the highest three scoring individuals from three different age groups (Kindergarten/Pre K, Elementary and Teens) were recognized and awarded. An overall glorious time was enjoyed by all. On Sunday, August 26 th, the Youth closed out with a Grand Finale exhibiting pure worship during both the 7:30 am and 11:00 am services! They displayed their worship in Song beginning with the WoW Praise Team ministering to the congregation with their voices singing of God s Reckless Love and how He s a Good, Good Father! From the Teen church, Rev. Stan Williams introduced the church to Minister Roslyn Long and her Devil Stompers who showed they weren t afraid to stand for who they were and who they were stomping out!!

16 September 2018 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 16 (Youth Day 2018 cont d) The Youth of Friendship Baptist Church were on fire for the Lord and certainly let the congregation know they had tasted and seen that the Lord is Good! Submitted by Rhonda Razor Photography courtesy of Louie Malone and Shirley Price Rev. Stan Williams Teen Leader Sis. Charlene Benn Youth Leader Evg. Kimberly Rogers Prayer Warrior

17 September 2018 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 17 (Youth Day 2018 cont d) Bro. DiAndre Richardson 11:00 am Guest Speaker Pastor Ronald Bowens preached the 7:30 am Worship Service Min. Roslyn Long and the Devil Stompers

18 September 2018 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 18 (Youth Day 2018 cont d)

19 September 2018 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 19 Technology 6 WAYS YOUR FAMILY BENEFITS FROM TECHNOLOGY Don t be fooled. Technology does benefit your family. Consider this: 1. Skill Development Kids are getting a head start at school thanks to technology. Not only do apps and games teach basic skills like reading and math, they also teach high-level skills such as problem solving, strategy, and critical thinking, which are essential to academic success. Blogs, websites, and social media platforms can help kids develop social skills by allowing them to communicate with family and friends from all different backgrounds and cultures. Games and apps are also helping with development. Video games require a great deal of manual dexterity and may help to increase hand/eye coordination. Plus, a number of apps and computer games are available to enhance reading and phonics skills or even help kids learn a second language. Now that s something parents can feel really good about! 2. Expression and Creativity Technology has opened up a whole new world to express and create. It allows for a true sense of freedom and empowerment. It s not hard to find apps, toys, and programs that nurture our inherent need to express. Both kids and adults are able to vocalize opinions through blogs, or even let our inner Picasso shine through digital coloring books. There is no limit to what s possible! The best part is you can engage anytime, anywhere. As soon as the mood strikes, you re able to express and create to your heart s desire.

20 September 2018 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 20 (Technology cont d) 3. Communication Technology is not just helping families build relationships it s helping to maintain them as well. Technology is making it easier than ever for families to stay in touch despite hectic schedules that involve work, errands, and extra-curricular activities. Parents and kids can easily check in with each other throughout the day. Parents also have peace of mind knowing where their kids are at all times, and that they can reach them quickly in the event of an emergency. Many families also use technology to strengthen and maintain bonds with grandparents and other relatives who may live far away. Technology and social media can also be a channel for opening up a dialogue between parents and kids about events affecting our world. 4. Sense of Belonging Research has proven that technology is helping individuals reach developmental milestones, like gaining a sense of belonging and sharing personal problems. Social media platforms and avenues like and blogging are paving the way for meaningful communication and interaction. The use of hashtags, for example, can connect individuals from around the world. Advice and guidance on any subject is just a Google search away. A family s constant connection to technology is not just convenient, it s necessary. 5. Educational Possibilities We re lucky to live in an age where our families have access to vast amounts of information any time of day or night. Digital technology, virtual libraries, and various apps provide access to instant news alerts and other information 24/7. As well, educational technology and e-learning are gaining popularity. Students are able to take courses online thanks to technology that allows them to upload homework and interact with fellow students and teachers through chat rooms and online forums. Online education has also made it very simple for students to receive personal attention from qualified teachers, and for parents to track academic progress of their children online. Parents are also benefiting from online learning that makes it easier for working adults to pursue college degrees. 6. Entertainment The best part about owning fun gadgets and toys is that they offer an endless array of family entertainment options. Music, TV shows, movies, apps, and games are available at our fingertips through streaming services. The vast content selection can even help bridge generation gaps within families. Nothing beats family night at home with snacks and a great movie! Submitted by Tina Patterson

21 September 2018 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 21 COME JOIN US Every Wednesday Night for: Intercessory Prayer 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Worship Service & Bible Study 7:30 p.m.

22 INTER ES TED IN BEING A DRIVER? September 2018 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 22 GriefShare Ministry Leader Minister Karen L. Blacknell Karen83052@gmail.com Help and encouragement after the death of a spouse, a child, family member or friend. GriefShare is a special weekly seminar and support group designed to help you rebuild your life after losing a loved one. The support group is led by caring people who have experienced grief themselves and want to help you through the difficult days ahead. We know it hurts, and we want to help. The GriefShare Ministry has received the necessary GriefShare training to be able to provide a warm, caring and comfortable environment to those experiencing the pain of grief. Training is key for effective ministry. GriefShare provides ongoing training to the support group in order to continue to build and maintain a strong leadership team. GriefShare meets Sundays at 9:45 a.m. in the Family Life Center in Room 234. Each participant will need to register to attend this class. The workbooks are $15. The GriefShare Ministry support group members are: Minister Karen L. Blacknell, Rev. Kenneth M. Blacknell, Rev. Garfield Garner, Minister Amelia Brown, Minister Barbara Williams, Sis. Sandra Williams, Sis. Linda Berry, Sis. HaLynn Brown, Mother Gerald Baker, Mother Dorothy Blagmon, Sis. Tyesaha Peak-Lane, Sis. Tradenia Hill, Sis. Cortney Garner, Sis. Hyacinth Chung and Evangelist Deloris Williams.

23 September 2018 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 23 Friendship Baptist Church - Fellowship Hall Monday Nights 7:00 8:00 p.m. Books - $12 If you are a child of God, you can be sure that trials are coming your way. But your hardships are raw materials in the hands of a mighty God who wants to work in your life for good. This study is anchored in the scriptural truth that God disciplines all of His children, using trials to train you for your good and for His purposes.

24 September 2018 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 24 FBC YOUTH MINISTRY AGES: NURSERY - 5TH GRADE 7:30 AM & 11:00 AM SERVICES LOWER LEVEL MAIN BUILDING As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace 1 Peter 4:10 TEEN MINISTRY HERITAGE CHURCH AGES 12 TO 19 (MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL) 7:30 AM & 11:00 AM SERVICES

25 September 2018 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 25 Bro. Dorian Rogers Superintendent 4integrityauto@gmail.com CLASSES LOCATED IN THE FAMILY LIFE CENTER (FLC): Class Room Class Room Men s Class 131 In Teens (High School) 217 Survival Kit 135 Jesus and Me (Middle School) 219 Women s Class 139 CONN3CT (College age 19-29) 220 Basic Bible Study 208 IGNITE! (Singles and Young Adults 29 & Older) 221 New Member s Class 209 Marriage Class 233 Master Life 1: The Disciple s Cross 130 Single Parenting 220 Master Life 2: The Disciple s Personality 210 Master Life 3: The Disciple s Victory 211 Note: Adult classes are combined on the 5 th Sundays and meet in the Sanctuary Master Life 4: The Disciple s Mission 212 CLASSES LOCATED IN THE LOWER LEVEL OF THE MAIN BUILDING: The Nursery (3 months-2 years old) Beginners (3-4 year olds) Primary (K-2 nd Grade) Juniors (3 rd -5 th Grade)

26 September 2018 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 26 0PPORTUNITIES TO SERVE W E E K L Y Worship Services Sunday 7:30 & 11:00 am Sanctuary Teen Church Sunday 7:30 & 11:00 am Heritage Church Sunday School Sunday 9:45 am Family Life Center Sunday School (Youth) Sunday 9:45 am Lower Level Main Building New Members Class Sunday 9:45 am Room 209 Family Life Center Deacons Meeting Tuesday (1st & 3rd) 7:00 pm Room 232 Family Life Center Mid-Week Service Wednesday 12:00 noon Heritage Church Intercessory Prayer Wednesday 6:30 pm Sanctuary Sunday School Teachers Wednesday 6:30 pm Lower Level Main Building Adult Bible Study Wednesday 7:30 pm Sanctuary Youth Church Bible Study Wednesday 7:45 pm Lower Level Main Building Recovery Ministry 7 days a week 24 hours a day Contact: Tim M O N T H L Y Education Ministry 2nd Monday 7:00 pm Room 303 Lower Level Main Bldg Usher Ministry 1st Tuesday 7:00 pm Room 135 Family Life Center Men s Ministry 1st Saturday 7:30 am TBA Monthly Media Ministry 1st Saturday 9:30 am Room 130 Family Life Center Mothers Ministry 1st Saturday 9:30 am Room 135 Family Life Center Ministers Meeting 1st Saturday 3:00 pm Room 232 Family Life Center Women s Ministry 2nd Saturday 8:45 am Fellowship Hall Money Matters 2nd Saturday 11:30 am Fellowship Hall Male Chorus Preparation 2nd & 4th Saturdays 9:30 am Sanctuary Health Ministry 2nd Saturday 11:00 am Room 303 Lower Level Main Bldg Outreach Ministry 3rd Saturday 9:00 am Fellowship Hall Shepherd s Care Ministry 3rd Saturday 10:00 am Room 202 Lower Level Main Bldg Communications Ministry 3rd Saturday 11:00 am Room 135 Family Life Center Marriage Ministry 3rd Saturday 5:00 pm Room 239 Family Life Center Seniors Ministry 4th Saturday 11:00 am Fellowship Hall Singles Ministry 4th Saturday 12:30 pm Lower Level Heritage Church Prison Ministry Gospel Choir Preparation Tuesday before 1 st & 3 rd Sundays 7:00 pm Youth Choir Preparation Tuesday before 2 nd & 4 th Sundays 6:45 pm S P E C I A L M O N T H L Y S E R V I C E S Holy Communion 1st Sunday 7:30 & 11:00 am Sanctuary Baptism 3rd Sunday 11:00 am Sanctuary Baby Dedications 4th Sunday 7:30 & 11:00am Sanctuary Get plugged in and start serving today. Your gifts, talent, skills and time are needed.

27 September 2018 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 27 & Other Important Information Help Needed! We need help in our FBC Nursery. If you are spiritually gifted and led to work with our youngest children, please come by the Nursery to sign up, or see Sis. Joyce Bowens for additional information. The FBC Women's Ministry The Women s Ministry wants to honor all women cancer survivors. This will take place in October. Please send your contact information to Sis. Vickie Chambers at handkeys2014@gmail.com. Transportation Ministry Need a ride to the church? Please call us at by 4:00 pm Saturday. Lost and Found If you have lost an item and would like to check the Lost and Found, you may contact the church office Monday Friday, 9:00 am 4:30 pm. If you find a lost item, please see one of the ushers after any Sunday service, or contact the church office at Neighboring Church News Join Mt. Calvary United Methodist Church, 145 Neal Blvd., Lawrenceville, GA as they celebrate their 147 th Church Anniversary on Sunday, September 23 rd at 11:00 am. They will also host Gospel on the Grounds on Saturday, September 22 nd from 11:00 am-3:00 pm. It s a celebration in music, dance, song and the spoken Word. Bring your lawn chair, blanket and Sunbrella. Food truck and Bounce House for the kids.

28 September 2018 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 28 NEWS AROUND GWINNETT Commissioners approve transit contract with MARTA The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners recently approved a contract with the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority to operate and expand Gwinnett's transit system in accordance with the recently approved Connect Gwinnett Transit Development Plan. The board also passed a motion putting the contract on the ballot in the March 19, 2019, special election for voter consideration. Gwinnett is expected to grow by up to 500,000 people for a total of about 1.5 million over the next two decades, and that means transportation options are essential. Public input gathered as part of the recently approved Comprehensive Transportation Plan and the newly adopted Connect Gwinnett Transit Development Plan also made it clear that Gwinnett residents and businesses desire congestion relief and mobility options. Under the contract, the Authority would operate Gwinnett's bus system as soon as practical upon voter approval. Approval of the contract by voters would lead to expansion of transit within Gwinnett and connections with the regional transit system. Gwinnett County Career Expo Could Change Your Life Job seekers wanting to begin their careers with Gwinnett County Government are invited to the fourth annual Career Expo hosted by the Gwinnett County Department of Human Resources. The free event will be held Friday, October 5 th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. The expo offers attendees the opportunity to meet with representatives from County departments to talk about opportunities in a variety of fields. Free résumé critiques will be provided.

29 September 2018 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 29 National Black Anthem Lift every voice and sing, till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of liberty; Let our rejoicing rise, high as the listening skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea. Sing a song full of faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory won. Stony the road we trod, bitter the chastening rod, Felt in the days when hope unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat, have not our weary feet, Come to the place for which our fathers sighed? We have come over a way that with tears has been watered, We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered; Out from the gloomy past, till now we stand at last Where the white gleam of our star is cast. God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who has brought us thus far on the way; Thou who hast by Thy might, led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray. Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee, Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee. Shadowed beneath Thy hand, may we forever stand, True to our God, true to our native land.

30 September 2018 Friendship Baptist Church A Purpose-Driven Church Page 30 CHURCH ADDRESS AND CONTACT INFORMATION 3375 Church Lane, Duluth GA Contact: Rita Bowens, Office Office Hours: Monday Friday 9:00am-5:00pm fbcduluth@att.net Website: FBC LEADERSHIP FBC ASSOCIATE MINISTERS Rev. Ken Blacknell Rev. Garfield Garner Rev. Eugene Graves Min. Shurron Green Rev. Timothy Twyman Min. Floyd Williams Rev. Stan Williams Rev. Alton Wilson FBC MINISTERS OF EVANGELISM Min. Karen Blacknell Min. Amelia Brown Evg. Geneva Burse Evg. Karen DeLee Min. Roslyn Long Evg. Valerie Montaque Evg. Ruthell Morris Evg. Kimberly Rogers Min. Nicole Walker Min. Barbara Williams Evg. Deloris Williams COMMUNICATIONS LEADERS Louie Malone, President Terrill Tarver, Vice President Shatina Patterson, Secretary Kelly Wilson, Assistant Secretary Christine Smith, Treasurer Hyacinth Chung, Chaplain Harold Mitchell, Deacon Advisor NEWSLETTER STAFF Editor/Graphic Designer: Paulette Tapp Photographer: Louie Malone Photographer: Shirley Price Proofreader: Christine Smith Publisher/Webmaster: Terrill Tarver SUBSCRIBE today at: Friendship Baptist Church has a newly-enhanced website to provide greater communication across all FBC Ministries. The address has not changed. Improvements are ongoing. Feedback can be provided to the Communications Ministry at tag49llm@aol.com.