Friendship s Voice Rev. Ronald L. Bowens, Pastor Newsletter December 2013

Friendship s Voice Rev. Ronald L. Bowens, Pastor Newsletter December 2013 In This Issue Words from Pastor Page 1 FBC Singles Ministry Page 2 Tips for the Temple Page 3 Happy Holidays From the desk of Pastor Ronald Bowens Vol 3 Issue 9 Bowling League Page 5 Upcoming Events Page 5 Signs of the Season Page 6 (Lessons from Candy Cane) Songs of the Season (Silent Night) Page 7 (O Holy Night) Page 8 FBC Senior Citizens Page 9 Ministers Staff Page 10 Service Opportunities Page 10 Newsletter Staff Page 11 Sunday School Info Page 11 How to contact us: Friendship Baptist Church 3375 Church Lane Duluth, GA 30096 (770) 497-8227 (office) (770) 497-9775 (fax) Email: fbcduluth@att.net Website: www.friendshipduluth.org To all members and ministries of Friendship Baptist Church, please accept my sincere thanks and appreciation for your service and support throughout this year. Because of your prayers and participation, this has been a great year for our church family. We ve broken ground for the Family Life Center and construction has begun. God has truly smiled on us and by His grace, prayerfully; this time next year we should be in our new building. I want to encourage you all to continue to fight the good fight of faith as we look forward to an even greater year in 2014. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Appreciatively, Pastor Bowens Office Hours: 9:00am 5:00pm Mon-Fri

Page 2 of 11 Singles Ministry by Amelia Brown On Saturday, November 24, 2013, the FBC Singles Ministry met. Guest speaker, Evangelist Denise Jackson spoke to an audience of about 50 on the topic Whole and One. Evg. g. Jackson stated that being single means separate, unique and whole. It is essentia essential to be single in order to have the proper foundation for all relationships. Adam was totally complete and whole before God presented Eve to him. Because Adam had the presence of God, he did not realize he was alone. Before you marry, make sure you are single, whole, and unique (one totally complete individual). Evg. Jackson showed that 2 halves do not make a whole especially when they are not the same same. The visual using a lemon and lime (shown left) were excellent for this demonstration. Evg. g. Jackson went on to say that if you are already mar married, you can still become a whole and complete individual, which in a healthy, God God-centered marriage, can only strengthen your bond with your spouse. Everyone not only enjoyed the food prepared fo for the event, but everyone feasted spiritually on the word delivered by Ev Evg. Jackson! Sis. De Ricka Chambers eloquently recited an original poem titled I Will Wait. And Sis. Tasha Barnes read audience questions which lead to some great discussions! The he Singles Ministry meets every 4th Saturday at 10:30am. We invite you to attend and bring guests with you. For questions, please email singlesministry@friendship singlesministry@friendshipduluth.org.

Page 3 of 11 Healthy snacks. Vegetables Fresh fruit Nuts Eat some protein with every meal i.e.: beans, meat, cheese, eggs Tips for the Temple by Amelia Brown People who are diabetic or want to live a healthier life have chosen to eat a sugar free diet. However, you may not feel you can (or want to) give up sugar. If this is you, here are some points to consider that outline some benefits to a sugar free diet and some tips on how you can achieve it. Breaking the sugar habit is hard but it can be done because we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. All things should be done in moderation. If sugar is controlling you (i.e.: you give in to sugar cravings), sugar is harmful to you. Here are some reasons why you may want to consider reducing or removing sugar from your regular diet: Adds weight: Sugar contains empty calories and adds pounds to the body which can lead to obesity and therefore increase your risks of diabetes, stroke, heart disease, certain cancers and many more diseases. Obesity cuts life expectancy by as much as five years. Insulin insensitivity: Consistently high blood sugar lead to the cells throughout the body becoming insensitive to insulin which is at the heart of diseases such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Sugar is addictive: If you don t think sugar is addictive, try staying away from it for a few days and see. As you eat sugar less, you will notice that your cravings for sugar will decrease. Note: Keep in mind that some foods act like sugar (i.e.: pasta and starchy foods). Reducedd headaches and fatigue: Without the constant rises and declines in sugar levels in your body, your body is able to cruise at a comfortable level of energy that you will find invigorating! This may also have an impact on your sleep levels and result in more restful sleep. Hormones impact: Hormones are responsible for making our body tick. The state of hormones has a direct impact on the development of disease in our body and for women it has everything to do with weight loss too. Sugar is one of the main hormone wreckers that affect every single hormonal process and function in the body. Emotional and mental health: Neuro scientist, Eric Stice has shown in his research that sugar has a direct impact on the brain. It interrupts normal function and causes chemical reactions that may have a negative impact. These changes in the brain function can then lead to more serious emotional and mental conditions such as depression, panic attacks, anxiety, mood swings, anger issues, bi-polar, ADD/ADHD, lack of mental clarity, brain fog, cognitive disorders, and all sorts of things. By keeping the sugar levels in your body under control, you are maintaining adequate levels of serotonin, which is a chemical in your brain thatt affects your moods. Low serotoninn levels can cause anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, depression, etc. When your body is low on serotonin it automatically wants to remedy the situation with sugar.

Page 4 of 11 Sugar-Free Banana Pudding (dessert in 10 minutes) Original recipe makes 10 servings Ingredients: 8 ounces sour cream (optional) 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed 1 (5 ounce) package sugar free instant vanilla pudding mix 2 cups 2% milk (low fat) 1 (16 ounce) package sugar free vanilla wafer cookies 4 bananas, peeled and sliced Directions: In large bowl, combine sour cream (optional), whipped topping, pudding mix and milk. Stir well. In the bottom of a trifle bowl or other glass serving dish, put a layer of cookies, then a layer of pudding mixture, then a layer of bananas. Repeat until all ingredients are used. Refrigerate until serving. Tips for the Temple (continued) If you want to decrease or remove sugar from your diet, here are some tips you help you kick the refined sugar habit: 5. Get motivated. Do your own research on the effects of sugar in the body. Talk with your doctor to see what is best diet or plan for you. 6. Stop drinking soft drinks (soda) and other sweetened drinks. Sweeteners in soft drinks are very high. A 12-ounce can contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar. If you cannot quit cold turkey, cut back a little each day, each week, and/or substitute a regular soft drink for the diet version of the drink. (Note: There are some toxins in sugar-free drinks also, but you will have fewer empty calorie intakes.) 7. Don t eat or buy packaged foods. If you keep these foods at home, you may find them hard to resist. Make your own snacks at home like homemade popcorn (on stovetop), or eat fruit or vegetables for a snack. Eat hot cereal, homemade muffins, or eggs and toast for breakfast. 8. Don t eat or buy packaged foods. If you keep these foods at home, you may find them hard to resist. Make your own snacks at home like homemade popcorn (not microwave, but stovetop popcorn), or eat fruit or vegetables for a snack. Eat hot cereal, homemade muffins, or eggs and toast for breakfast. 1. Make wise choices when eating out. Sugar is hidden in many dishes at restaurants (i.e.: salad dressing on what could be a healthy salad) and their desserts can be tempting. Stick to dishes like grilled meats and roasted vegetables. Most restaurants have online menus available (which include nutritional information) take a look before you go and have in mind what you want to eat. 2. Eat a well-rounded diet, especially concentrating on protein and vegetables. Simply removing sugar can help improve your health, but for good health you need to fill up on good-for-you foods; proteins and vegetables. (Note: Buy a cookbook that focuses on healthy, delicious recipes, or look online for free recipes.) 3. Challenge yourself to go complete sugar-free for two weeks. If you do this, you will have started resetting your taste buds and gainingg a lot of self-control. After the holidays may be a good time to try going sugar-free for two weeks. 4. Get a friend who is interested in reducing or eliminating sugar to join you. It could be a spouse, a walking partner, or a co-worker. If you have someone who has the same goal as you, and shares healthy recipes, it can make it much more enjoyable and doable. As always, before making changes to your diet, check with your doctor and follow their recommendations. Along with your eating habit changes, they may recommend vitamin or other supplements.

Page 5 of 11 Friendship in Fellowship FBC Bowling League Upcoming Events 2013 FBC Bowling League Championship Team Pictured in center (left to right); Deacon Michael Jerralds, Sis. Barbara Johnson, Deacon Michael Bailey. International Seminary Classes will begin January 2014. For anyone interested in returning to school and learning a more indepth knowledge of God s word, these classes are for you. Classes will be held in two locations: Friendship Baptist Church and Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Lawrenceville. For enrollment information, please call Dr. Joann Malone at (770) 995-8736 or (678) 464-5550. by Amelia Brown The Friendship Baptist Church (FBC) bowling league is getting ready to resume in January 2014. All ages and all skill levels (beginners to pros) are encouraged to come out and participate. If you like fun, friendly competition and fellowship, this bowling league is for you! You are not required to have your team when you sign up. You can sign up as an individual or a family. The teams will be assembled at the time the league starts. This is a GREAT way to meet new people and friends. Through funds raised this year, the league donated $1,200 to a local homeless shelter and the FBC Family Life Center. The 2013 Bowling Championship team is comprised of: Deacon Michael Jerralds, Sis. Barbara Johnson, and Deacon Michael Bailey. Watch the church website and Sunday bulletin announcements for more information. Saturday, December 21, 2013 (11:30 am) You are invited to join our ZUMBA family from 11:30am 2:00pm at Bunten Road Park, Duluth, GA as we celebrate this holiday season. Please RSVP to jdavis201@bellsouth.net no later than December 14. Sign up to bring an appetizer and come join the fun and fellowship. Additional information is posted in the Fellowship Hall. Sunday, December 22, 2013 (3:00 pm) Christmas play entitled Casting Call will be held at Friendship Baptist Church at 3:00 pm. FREE admission. Make plans now for you, your family and friends to attend. Saturday, December 28, 2013 (10:30 am) Minister Amelia Brown will be speaking in Fellowship Hall on topic When Re-Gifting Won t Work focusing knowing and using your spiritual gifts. All single men and women (incl. divorced and widowed) are encouraged to bring guests. Refreshments served. Tuesday, December 31, 2013 (10:00 pm) Watch Night Service. Join us in worship as we bring in the New Year with thanksgiving and praise. Notice: Dates are subject to change

Page 6 of 11 Christmas Candy Cane Poem about Jesus Look at the Candy Cane What do you see? Stripes that are red Like the blood shed for me. White is for my Savior Who is sinless and pure! J is for Jesus My Lord, that s for sure! Turn it around And a staff you will see Jesus my shepherd Was born for you and me! Signs of the Season (Lessons from the candy cane) Submitted by Amelia Brown The candy cane is a long-time Christmas tradition. They are used as decorations on Christmas trees and they are one of the most popular of alll Christmas treats. There are several stories about the history and meaning of the candy cane. While I don't know if they are true, I do agree that the candy cane can teach us a few things about the true meaning of Christmas. #1 Jesus - If you look at the candy cane like this it looks like the letter J. Jesus starts with the letter J, so that should remind us of Jesus and help us remember that Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of Jesus. #2 Shepherd - If you look at the candy cane like this it looks like a shepherd's crook. The shepherd used his crook to keep the sheep from wandering away from the flock and getting lost or eaten by a wild animal. The Bible says, "The Lord is my shepherd." Psalm 23 The candy cane should remind us that Jesus is our shepherd and he will keep us from wandering away and from getting lost or hurt. #3 Purity - The candy cane is mostly white. White is a symbol of purity. This should remind us that Jesus was the spotless Lamb of God (Mt 1:23; Lk 1:34-35). Because Jesus came to be the sacrifice for our sin, we also are made as pure as snow through the cleansing action of His blood (Rev 7:9, 14; Is 1:18). #4 Healed / Everlasting life - The candy cane has three red stripes. The Bible tells us that before he was crucified, Jesus was beaten with a whip which made blood-red stripes across his back. The Bible says that we are healed by those stripes. The stripes on the candy cane should remind us that Jesus suffered and died, so that we can have everlasting life. To many people, the candy cane is a meaningless decoration seen at Christmas time or just a piece of candy to be eaten and enjoyed. I hope that this year, every time you see a candy cane, you will be remindedd of the true meaning of Christmas. Lord, we thank you that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who keeps us from harm. We thank you that because of his suffering and death on the cross, we have life everlasting. Help us to remember that we find the true meaning of Christmas in Him. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his stripes you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24

Page 7 of 11 Songs of the Season Silent Night by Hyacinth Chung The popular Christmas carol Silent Night was composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber to lyrics by Joseph Mohr in the small town of Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria. This song was first performed on Christmas Eve, in 1818 at the St. Nicholas parish church in Oberndorf, a village on the Salzach river. The young priest, Father Joseph Mohr, had come to Oberndorf the year before and had already written the lyrics of the song Stille Nacht in 1816 at Mariapfarr, the hometown of his father in the Salzburgh Lungau region, where Joseph had worked as a coadjutor. (Coadjutor is a bishop appointed to assist a diocesan bishop, and often also designated as his successor). The melody was composed by Franz Xaver Gruber, schoolmaster and organist in the nearby village of Arnsdorf. Before Christmas Eve, Mohr brought the words to Gruber and asked him to compose a melody and guitar accompaniment for the church service. Both performed the carol during the mass on the night of December 24 th, 1818. The original manuscript has been lost; however, a manuscript was discovered in 1995 in Mohr s handwriting and dated by researchers at CA. 1820. It shows that Mohr wrote the worlds in 1816 when he was assigned to a pilgrim church in Mariapfarr, Austria, and shows that the music was composed by Gruber in 1818. In 1859, the Episcopalian bishop, John Freeman Young published the English translationn that is most frequently sung today. The melody is slightly different today than that of Gruber s which was a sprightly, dance-like tune in 6/8 time, as opposed to the slow meditative lullaby version we now sing. The carol was translated in 140 languages and was sung simultaneously in French, English and German by troops during the Christmas truce of 1914. This was the one carol that soldiers on both sides of the front line knew. Silent Night was declared an intangible cultural heritage by the UNESCO in March 2011 and has been recorded by a large number of singers from every music genre. Silent Night (lyrics) Silent night, holy night All is calm, all is bright Round yon Virgin Mother and Child Holy Infant so tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace Sleep in heavenly peace Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight Glories stream from heaven afar Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia! Christ, the Saviour is born Christ, the Saviour is born Silent night, holy night Son of God, love's pure light Radiant beams from Thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth "

The W Page 8 of 11 O Holy Night (lyrics) O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining. Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices! O night divine, the night when Christ was born; O night, O Holy Night, O night divine! O night, O Holy Night, O night divine! Led by the light of faith serenely beaming, With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand. O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming, Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land. The King of kings lay thus lowly manger; In all our trials born to be our friends. He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger, Behold your King! Before him lowly bend! Behold your King! Before him lowly bend! Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love and His gospel is peace. Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother. And in his name all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, With all our hearts we praise His holy name. Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we, His power and glory ever more proclaim! His power and glory ever more proclaim! Songs of the Season O Holy Night by Hyacinth Chung O Holy Night (Cantique de Noel) is a well-known Christmas carol composed by Alolphe Adam in 1847 to the French poem Minuit, Chretiens (Midnight, Christians) by Placide Cappeau 1808-1877. Cappeau was a wine merchant and poet and was asked by a parish priest to write a Christmas poem. John Sullivan Dwight, a Unitarian minister and editor of Dwight s Journal of Music, created a singing edition based on Cappeau s French text in 1855. In both the French original and in the two familiar English versions of the carol, the text reflects on the birth of Jesus and of humanity s redemption. This song has been recorded through the years by many notable singers, including Anita Bryant, Mariah Carey, Bing Crosby, Celine Dion, Josh Groban, Whitney Houston, The Lettermen and Andy Williams, to name a few. On December 24, 1906, Reginald Fessenden, a Canadian inventor, broadcast the first AM radio program, which started with a phonograph record of Handel s aria Ombra mai fu followed by Fessenden playing O Holy Night on the violin and singing the final verse. As such, the carol was the second piece of music to be broadcast on radio. In 1916, tenor Enrico Caruso recorded a version which is still in print today. Mireille Mathieu and her father, Roger Mathieu, sang this song together on the Chante Noel 1968 album, which was re- as a CD in 2004 with three released additional songs. David Foster arranged and produced the song successfully for several different artists including Michael Crawford, whose rendering in the 1993 TV special The David Foster Christmas Album. It was also charted on the Billboard Hot Country Songs by four country music artist renderings, John Berry hit the charts in 1996 and 1998. Martinaa McBride was charted five times, in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001. Josh Gracin in 2006 and Edens Edge in 2012. This song was also sung by Lea Michelee n the TV show Glee s 2010 album Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album, and later shown in the season four episode, Swan Song. In 2012, O Holy Night was recorded by Ladywell Primary School from the Scottish town of Motherwell, in honor of classmate Caden Beggan, who died following a losing battle with meningococcal septicaemia, 90% of the funds raised from the sale of this single went to the Meningitis Research Foundation and the other 10% went to the school.

Page 9 of 11 NEW Ministry Coming!! Senior Citizens Ministry We want you! Rev. Eugene Graves FBC Senior Citizens Ministry, Chairperson Friendship Baptist Church (FBC) is excited to announce the newest ministry birthed in our church body. The FBC Senior Citizens Ministry will be launched in 2014! (for ages 55 and older) Rev. Eugene Graves is very excited to lead this group and is looking forward to having everyone join them for the kick-off event. DATE: Saturday, January 24, 2014 TIME: 11:00am 12:30pm PLACE: Fellowship Hall Listed below are some of the activities you can expect to be a part of: Bible studies Bible trivia Health awareness information Field trips Games Learn of senior benefits Visiting the sick and shut-in Lots of fun and fellowship Mission Statement That we might exemplify the fruit of the Sprit. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Gal. 5:22-23 Scripture "The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; to show that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him." Psalm 92:12-15 Purpose of the FBC Seniors' Ministry The purpose of the FBC Seniors' Ministry is to strengthen, encourage, empower and nurture the seniors of Friendship Baptist Church (FBC) and the community with tender loving care and to obey and proclaim Jesus Christ.

Page 10 of 11 Associate Ministers Minister Chris Colston Rev. Garfield Garner Rev. Al Gamble Rev. Eugene Graves Minister Shurron Green Elder John T. Hayes Rev. Alton Wilson Rev. Floyd Williams Opportunities to Serve The following are WEEKLY dates: Bible Study Wednesday (Current Series: The Seven Words of Worship ) Youth Bible Study Wednesday Intercessory Prayer Friday 7:30pm 7:45pm 7:00pm New Members Class Sunday School (all ages) Marriage Ministry Class Sunday Worship Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday 9:45am 9:45am 9:45am 7:30am & 11:00am (Nursery & Kids Church allow the children to worship in their way) Ministers of Evangelism Minister Amelia Brown Evangelist Geneva Burse Evangelist Karen DeLee Minister Roslyn Long Evangelist Denise Jackson Evangelist Ruthell Morris Evangelist Deloris Williams Recovery Ministry 7 days/24 hours recoveryministry@friendshipduluth.org The following are MONTHLY dates: Marriage Ministry Saturday (3 rd ) Singles Ministry Saturday (4 th ) singlesministry@friendshipduluth.org Men s Ministry Saturday (1 st ) Women s Ministry Saturday (2 nd ) womensministry@friendshipduluth.org Health Ministry Saturday (2 nd ) Shepherd s Care Ministry Saturday (3 rd ) shepherdscareministry@friendshipduluth.org Education Ministry Monday (2 nd ) Communication Ministry Saturday (3 rd ) communicationsministry@friendshipduluth.org Money Matters Saturday (3 rd ) Outreach Ministry Saturday (3 rd ) outreachministry@friendshipduluth.org Prison Ministry As announced Media Ministry Saturday (1 st ) Usher Ministry Tuesday (1 st ) Mother Board Saturday (1 st ) Minister s Meeting Saturday (1 st ) Contact: Tim Sanford 5:00pm 10:30am 7:30am 9:00am 11:00am 10:00am 7:00pm 11:00am 10:00am 9:00am 9:30am 7:00pm 9:30am 3:00pm Male Chorus Preparation Saturday (2 nd & 4 th ) 9:30am Gospel Choir Preparation Youth Choir Preparation See Quarterly Calendar See Quarterly Calendar

Page 2 of 3 Page 11 of 11 Communications Ministry President: Louie Malone Chaplain: Terrill Tarver Secy/Treas: Barbara Tucker Webmaster: Terrill Tarver Ministry Deacon: Deacon Harold Mitchell Friendship s Voice Newsletter Editor-in-Chief Amelia Brown Editors Jerry Fisher Hyacinth Chung Publisher & Graphic Design Joseph Reeves Anthony Swint Terrill Tarver Reporters Errol Kerr Shatina Patterson Jerry Fisher Christine Smith Wanda Hall Deloris Williams Amelia Brown Barbara Tucker Charlene Benn Cynthia Urquhart Hyacinth Chung Justice Williams George Johnson Sandra Wright Photographers Louie Malone Terrill Tarver Charlene Benn Christine Smith Join us for Sunday School Every Sunday Morning Sunday School Classes: New Member s Class (4-week session) Survival Kit Course Basic Bible Study Class Marriage Ministry Class Men s Class Women s Class Young Adults Class Young Disciples for Christ (Post-High School) In Teens (High School) Jesus and Me (Middle School) Juniors (3 rd 5 th Grade) Primary (K 2 nd Grade) Beginners (3 4 Years Old) Nursery (under 3 Years) Our Sunday School curriculum offers a wide variety of classes to meet your needs. Mission Statement: at 9:45 a.m. Exalt the Savior * Equip the Saint * Evangelize E the Sinner Please direct questions or comments to: communicationsministry@friendshi pduluth.org