THE CHILDREN S MINISTRY

Transcription

1 T H E R O A D U M C A Christ-centered church where we are loving, living, learning and leading in the kingdom of God V O L U M N 2, I S S U E 8 F E B R U A R Y Spotlighting The Ministry of the Month: THE CHILDREN S MINISTRY I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : Message from Pastor K 2 Black History Month Quiz 3 Note of Thanks 4 Celebrations 5 Birthdays / Anniversaries 6 Upcoming Events 7 Kids Korner 8 Gospel Jazz Vespers Service pictures 9 And He took the children in His arms, placed his hands on their heads and blessed them. (Mark 10:16) The Children s Ministry is one of the arteries of the church. Her goal is to pump the oxygen rich blood of Christ through prayer and Bible Study as well as to provide a fun filled experience of getting to know God. Our goal is to reflect the light of Jesus Christ into the hearts and minds of the children of St. Mary s Road UMC and to the community. Every first and third Sundays the children attend their own church service where they are taught of God s love through His teachings. The children are encourage to bring and read their Bibles, participate in offering, as well as Praise and Worship Service. Every second and fourth Wednesday of the month the children are encouraged to attend Children s Night Out (CNO). Here the children participate in Bible study, craft activities which are related to the night s lesson. They break bread together and fellowship with laughter through fun filled games and activities. The Children s Ministry team and the Children are sincerely grateful for the outpouring of love and support you have shown to the Ministry. Please keep Her (The Church) in your prayers that she continues to nourish the children with anointed manna from on high. Yours In Christ, Courtney Lamar, Children s Ministry Chairperson

2 In keeping with Black History Month, I would like to share with you an article that my daughter Amber wrote. I think it speaks deeply and is most introspective. Beautiful is the New Black I have always wondered why we, the human race, are taught to loathe ourselves. The reason is deeply spiritual as most things are and not delegated to any one group of people. It seems that because we are sinful but saved by the grace of God we constantly battle self-destruction. As Satan would have it, we would self-destruct if left to our devices and so we find reasons to beat up on ourselves, even if our ways and reasons are not always consciously intentional. Pondering this thought has led me to probe deeper into my own self-hatred and oppression as an African American woman living today. It seems I have two strikes against me, the third being that I am Christian. As Black history month approaches, and in my recent review of an article that truly concerned me, I am centrally focused on the history of my people. This question arises: Why does the world hate the color of my skin and why do they make me suffer for it? It is preposterous really, as our people have contributed so much to society! Dr. Carter G. Woodson, founded the association for the Study of African American Life and History in 1915 because he believed that education on contributions of African Americans would help dispel myths and improve race relations. I am sure he also personally identified that there is no reason to hate ourselves just because we have been systemically, psychologically stigmatized by our oppressors. They have attempted to erase our memories in the process, inciting an identity crisis just because of the color of our skin is different from theirs. This has not always been the case in history for imperialism does not primarily focus on skin color or caste for that matter, but on control and conquest. Race is merely a method of division that benefits those who wish to do the taking over. I am honored and proud to be an African-American for our positive reputation precedes us. We have contributed greatly to the development of the arts, technology and the sciences, industry and world trade, religion and philosophy. Did you know that an African man was a Roman Emperor who led troops in battle against the early troops of Scotland? A Black man created a machine that would stimulate the economy and make the lives of his fellow people easier. An African Kingdom was the hub of intellectual advancement. We are writers, musicians, poets, preachers and teachers. We are ageless, timeless, and strong. I read an article recently about a Nigerian-Cameroonian rapper who is the face of a skin bleaching cream conglomerate. How dare they use the face of my sister to perpetuate the self-hatred of my people? The audacity of control is mind numbing to me. Going into this Black History Month and for the rest of my life. I will love myself because I have a purpose and responsibility to my fellowman and woman that supersedes the color of my skin ( which is beautiful mind you). I am eternally grateful for the honor God has given me in not only ransoming my soul, but simultaneously blessing me with being Black and Beautiful. What a wonderful God I serve. Love yourselves my people because He Loved You First! With love, Amber C. Pendleton

3 Black History Month also known as African American History Month, is an annual observance in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom for remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African American Diaspora. Black History Month had its beginning in 1926 in the United States, when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced the second week of February to be Negro History Week. In 1976, the federal government acknowledge the Expansion of Black History Week to Black History Month by leaders of the Black United Student Organization at Kent State University in February of Black History Month met with many criticisms from a great number of Blacks. As Tom Joyner always says; We Celebrate Black History 365 days a year! Modern Day Black History Makers Gabrielle Christina Gabby Douglas, (born December 31, 1995) is an American artistic gymnast. As a member of the U.S. Women s Gymnastics team at the 2012 Summer Olympics, she won gold medals in both the individual all-around and team competitions. Douglas is the first woman of color and the first African-American gymnast in Olympic history to become the individual all-around champion, and the first American gymnast to win gold in both individual all-around and team competitions at the same Olympics as well as the only American All-Around Champion to win multiple gold medals, thus far. Barack H. Obama August 4, 1961, The first African American President of the United States. Serving his second term in office. Condoleezza Rice First African American woman to be Secretary of State of the United States. Eric Holder First African American Attorney General of the United States. Dr. Mae Jemison First African American woman Astronaut. Oprah Gail Winfrey-January 29, 1954, Entrepreneur/Philanthropist. The riches self-made woman and African of the 20th century. Considered to be the most generous philanthropist and the highest paid performer on television. Information from Wikipedia` The First Known Black Eagle Scout The BSA did not track individual ethnicity until recently, therefore it is difficult to track the First Black Eagle Scout. Edgar Cunningham, Sr. was the earliest known Black Eagle Scout in the United States. Cunningham was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and was a member of Troop 12 in Waterloo, Iowa. What was then Wapsipinicon Area Council, now know as the Winnebago Council. Troop 12 was a Colored troop formed in 1925 during the period when Scout units were segregated. Along with Troop 9, was one of the two Colored Troops in Waterloo formed by James Lincoln Page. Cunningham was the first Scout in either of the Colored Troops to earn the Eagle Scout Award on June 8, He received a hand-written letter from President Calvin Coolidge, acknowledging him as the first Black Eagle Scout and Scoutmaster Page received a Presidential citation. Information from: wiki.answers.com STILL I RISE Hey Kids!! (Children and Youth Ministries) CHECK OUT THE BULLETIN BOARD in the Fellowship Hall.Answer the 20 Black History Trivia Questions! Turn your answers in to Mrs. Juanita Patrick. The FIRST FIVE submissions will receive a PRIZE! Out of the huts of history's shame...i rise Up from the past that s rooted in pain I rise I m a black ocean, leaping and wide, Welling and swelling I bear in the tide. Leaving behind nights of terror and fear...i rise Into a daybreak that s wondrously clear I rise Bring the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave I rise, I rise, I rise An excerpt from Maya Angelou s poem ; Still I Rise

4 ...so much. St. Mary s Road Church Family. Thank you for your prayers, thoughts, and other acts of kindness and support during the passing of our brother Clarence T. Jivens. The Graham and Jivens Families Heart felt thanks to the SPRC for the Honey Bake Turkey Breast that we the Office Volunteers received during the Christmas Holidays Dear Church Family, Thank you so much for all your prayers and help concerning my trip to London and Paris. I would not have been able to travel abroad without your assistance. On December 26th through January 4, 2014, I with 17 other Girl Scouts participated in activities including ice skating, the New Year s Parade, visits to museums, and winter festivals. I took part in an adventurous challenge around London and spent an evening with international volunteers participating in songs and activities from all around the world. And of course, I saw the fantastic London fireworks on New Year s Eve! Then I traveled on the Euro star to Paris and spent two days exploring the beautiful city of Paris, France. The entire trip was an amazing experience and I would not have been able to go without your support. Thank you again. Love, Jazmyn St. Mary s Road Church Family, I would like to thank Lionel and Shereda Jones for their presence at my graduation and to all of you for the love and monetary support provided to ensure my success. There is no way that I could have obtained this degree without the years of support from family and the great St. Mary s Road UMC Family. Thanks to you all and a very special thank to those who made sure that my family was supported as I studied, traveled and performed ministry here and abroad. May God continue to bless you and keep you for what you have done and continue to do for the ministry that God has birthed inside of me. Grace and Peace, Minister Charlotte

5 Congratulations, Lawrence Gibbs For earning your Eagle Scout Award Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). A Scout who attains this rank is called an Eagle Scout or Eagle. Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than two million young men. Requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges and demonstrating Scout Spirit through the Boy Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership. This includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. Eagle Scouts are presented with a medal and a badge that visibly recognizes the accomplishments of the Scout. Amari Conwell All A s Columbus H.S. Aiyana Egins A/B Honor Roll Northside H.S. WAY TO GO!!! Congratulations Aiyana Egins She was a Georgia State Finalist in the Pre-Teen Division of the National American Miss Pageant. Aiyana will be competing again in July. Accolades, go out to the following youth of St. Mary s Road UMC for participating and excelling in various school related activities this school year: Jazmyn Bernard Austin Lisbon Marie Mitchell Tyra Conwell Jalen McWhite Marcaile Pridgen-White Aiyana Egins Steven Mendez Sarah White Congratulations Paula Shaw-Powell She has been asked to serve on the new Northwest District UMW Steering Committee. Continue to pray for UMW and the South Georgia Conference through this transition.

6 P A G E 6 January Shonalee Gamble 2nd Tyquis Brown 8th Jalen McWhite 8th Harold Claytor 12th Doug Brown 16th Sharon Moffett 18th Talon Gamble 20th Lawrence Gibbs 20th Bob Burton 22nd Burl Levins 22nd Delane Putnam 24th February Stephanie Conwell 1st Kenneth Putnam 2nd Shontae Lewis 3rd John Noah McGowan 5th Geraldine Hightower 10th Lattie Hardy 17th Kendra Lee 21st Debra Alexander 25th Sandra Snell 28th January Perry & Debra Alexander 1st Hutman & Doris Upshaw 10th Kenneth & Delane Putnam 24th Ernest & Mary Hosley 30th February Turner & Aurie McCrary 12th C.J. & Latessa Johnson 14th Siarra L. Clark Dwain Cobbs, Jr. Brenda Curry Martha Dudley Sherman Dudley Sherman Dudley, Jr. April Goodwin Quentin Johnson David McCray Cherita Perez Damarion Weeks Warm greetings and love in Christ is extended to all members and guest. We trust that you experience the warmth of Christian fellowship, the inspiration of worship and the peace that come from an awareness of God s presence. If you have any articles, announcements, and important events you would like to share with the church, please contact one of the editors or the church office. Pictures are also wanted! Moreover, we will appreciate any suggestions that will help make our newsletter better. NEWSLETTER DEADLINE DATES March 21 April 18 May 16 June 20 July 18 August 22 B R O T H E R S K E E P E R

7 The United Methodist Women will host the Columbus District UMW Annual Day Apart/ Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 8:00a.m. 12:noon. Pastor K will be our guest speaker. For further information and if you plan to attend, please contact Mrs. Paula Shaw- Powell at (706) or text to michaelpau@aol.com, so that a count can be sent to Sue Nolan. Food Pantry Ministry Since adding the sermonette to our food box distribution, I feel that we have not only given these people the food they need, but also we have given them some spiritual guidance as well. Minister Charlotte has touched so many of these individuals with her words, that several of them request prayer afterward, and during this month s sermonette a woman stood up, with tears in her eyes and gave a testimony of how God had blessed her life. When I first started with the Food Pantry Ministry, I saw how people would come in with the attitude of just give me my food, and is this all I get. Now. People leave smiling and hugging and saying Thank You and God Bless You! We may not [always] get them in church, but I feel like we may be getting a little bit of the church in them. Submitted by: Regina Henderson, Servant, Food Pantry Ministry If you are a graduating senior and would like to know about loans and scholarship information from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, you can visit their website at: The Trustees are in the process of changing all the exterior door locks to security keys that cannot be duplicated routinely. We will alert the congregation when the security upgrade is completed. Laborers are needed! Please see Brother Tanksley. Brandice Arlene Martin Scholarship This year more than one scholarship will be awarded. Along with the $1, scholarship that is awarded each year, a book scholarship will also be awarded. Mrs. Phyllis Jones is the scholarship coordinator. If you would like to give to this scholarship fund please make checks payable to the United Methodist Women (UMW) and give them to Mrs. Pamela Shaw-Grant. This will be included in your yearly giving statement. Please designate on your check, for Scholarship. Supreme Outreach Food Box Program Abruptly and without forewarning closed their doors in January. The Food Pantry Ministry is currently in discussion with a new food box distributor who will be coming to Columbus to make a presentation to local area Host Sites Directors. More information will follow on the resumption of the food box program. We thank everyone who supported the food box program over the past 26 months.

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9 V O L U M N 2, I S S U E 8 P A G E 9 Pictures are a courtesy of Lionel Jones and William Winder

10 Please submit all newsletter information to: Emma Griggs (76) Jazmyn Bernard (706) Deadline for submit information: The third Friday of each month