A Better Way to Live Get Your Mind Right!! April 1, 2018 Metropolitan Baptist Church 1021 Halifax Street, Petersburg, VA 23803 Office: (804) 733-3753 Fax (804) 733-4423 Email: metro@metbapch.com Website: www.mymetroexp.org Wi-Fi Access: Metro Sanctuary PW: Praise21 Pastor Lamont Hobbs (804) 931-1097 LamontHobbs@comcast.net Meeting Needs, Empowering People, Transformational Teaching, Revitalizing Worship, Order & Excellence Morning Worship: Sundays 10:45 am Bible Study: Weds 6:30 & Thurs 12 WELCOME TO THE METRO EXPERIENCE! Call to Worship Pastoral Partner in Christ Invocation *Hymn of Praise Responsive Reading #554 The Resurrection of Jesus Parishioner s Prayer Deacon Willie Brown Announcements Church Clerk Welcome Deaconess Offertory Prayer Ministry of Giving Sermonic Selection The Proclaimed Word *Invitation to Christian Discipleship Right Hand of Fellowship Holy Communion Benediction Lady Chanel s Blog Happy Easter Sunday! As we celebrate the resurrection, I began to think about suffering. Many of us face battles and trials that take us through pain and suffering. I have realized that when we are suffering through the storm, we may not know it, but God is meeting us right in the midst, to build our faith. This week I read many ALS stories where the person has decided to give up because dealing with this disease is unbearable. As I read their stories, I thought, this could be me. I have told everyone, by no means am I a Super Saint, I have my moments of doubt, questions, frustration and sadness, just like anyone else. But I thank God that my faith gives me the strength to pull myself out of those moments and put things into perspective. I still remember waiting to be seated in the restaurant, in my wheelchair with my communication device. Another family, with a little boy, was also patiently waiting. The little boy looked at me and said, Not fair! She gets to look at television. He saw my communication device, not as a disadvantage, but as an advantage. Whenever I need to put things in perspective, I always think of that little boy. If I choose to live abundantly, I must learn to change my lens. Maybe you have recently received devastating health, or financial news, or a tragedy or situation has struck your family. I know it is difficult not to worry about the future when life is spinning so fast. As you go through, just remember, you are not alone. Find your own "little boy moment" and put that problem in perspective. www.mymetroexp.org
April 2018 Metro Calendar Apr 01 Easter Apr 01 Easter Sunrise Service @ Bethany BC 6 am Apr 02 Missionary Mtg 5:30 Apr 02 Mass Choir 7 Apr 03 CEM Full Staff 6 Apr 04 Seasoned Citizens 11:30 am at the Light House Apr 07 IMM/B2M Spring Cleanup 10 am Apr 09 Transformation Practice 6:30 Apr 10 Missionary @ Battlefield NH 2:30 Apr 10 Teacher s Training 6 Apr 14 Transformation Luncheon 11 am Apr 15 Marriage Ministry M&G 2 Apr 15 Pastor Hobbs @ Eleven Oaks BC 3 Apr 16 Male Chorus Practice 7 Apr 19 Male Chorus Practice 7 Apr 20 Downtown Churches 11 am Apr 21 Trustee Meeting 8 am Apr 22 SC Spot Light 3 Apr 23 Her Weapon Her Praise 6:30 Apr 26 Church Conference 6:30 Apr 30 Mass Choir 7 METRO PERFORMING ARTS PRACTICE SCHEDULE Apr 03 RED Practice 5:30 Apr 05 HPD Practice 5:30 Apr 06-08 Eagle Eyrie Apr 09 Transformation Practice Apr 10 YC Practice 7 Apr 10 WNB Practice 7 Apr 11 Stepper s Practice 5:30 Apr 11 Transformation Practice Apr 12 YC Practice 7 Apr 14 KKD Practice 12 noon Apr 17 RED Practice 5:30 Apr 19 HPD Practice 5:30 Apr 21 GS Meeting 10:30 am The Symbols of Lent Palm & Cross The cross symbolizes His submission and suffering. The Palm Leaf symbolizes the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. They are also regarded as tokens of victory, honor and peace. Money Bag The Money Bag symbolizes betrayal. Judas betrayed Jesus for 40 pieces of silver. Basin & Towel The Basin and Towel symbolizes the servanthood of Christ and the love and care He has for the Christian Community. The art of washing of feet or hands can be done as part of Maundy Thursday Service. Wheat & Grapes The leaven bread and wine symbolize Christ s body and His blood. Crown of Thorns The Crown of Thorns symbolizes the plaited thorned crown soldiers forced on Christ s head as part of their attempted humiliation and mockery of Him. Nails The nails represent Christ s further suffering, when His hands and feet were nailed to the cross.
2018 Sacrificial Giving We are called to model our giving after God s unconditional generosity to us. Our gifts to Him become sacrificial when we give from what we thought we needed for ourselves. We are asking all members to commit to giving $20 per month sacrificially for a total of $240. God has purposed great things for us in 2018 and we need everyone working towards the vision. Do not neglect to do well and to share what you have. For such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16 Transportation: The Transportation Ministry is looking for additional drivers. Anyone interested in working with this ministry, especially 3 rd Sundays, please contact Bro Christopher Jackson at 804-833-8412. Calling All Men: The Mass & Transformation Choirs need a few good men. If you are interested in making a joyful noise for the Lord, please see Bro O Brian Hargrave. Media: The Media Ministry is looking for new members. If you are interested in learning sound, video or photography, please see any member of the media team. Transformation: The Transformation Choir is looking for new and dedicated members. If you are interested, please see Sis Beatrice McCarroll or Bro O Brian Hargrave. You can also come to one of the practices every Monday at 6:30 and every Thursday at 7 before the 3 rd Sunday. Youth Choir: The Youth Choir is looking for new and energetic members between the ages of 5 and 17 that want to sing praises to our King. If your child is interested in joining the youth choir, please contact Bro O Brian Hargrave. Praise & Worship: The Praise and Worship Team are looking for new members. If you are interested in joining, please come to practice each Monday night after choir rehearsal or contact Sis Amanda Rodgers at 804-263-8248. Boot Camp: Metro s Cardio Boot Camp class will be held every Monday s at 7. Zumba: Zumba Classes will now be held every Monday and Tuesday at 6. Addiction & Recovery Ministry: Every Friday at 6:30. Missionary Ministry: The Missionary Ministry are looking for members who are willing to give 10% of your time and talent to do Missionary work. If you are interested, please see Sis Josephine Jenkins and Deacon Mary Nelson. Leadership Meeting: April s Leadership Meeting has been cancelled. Bible Study: Bible study will resume on Wednesday, April 11 th at 6:30. Zumba/Cardio Boot Camp: The Workout Classes will be Cancelled on April 2 nd and 3rd and will Resume on April 8 th and 9 th. Seasoned Citizens: The April Seasoned Citizens Meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 4 th at 11:30 am at the Lighthouse Restaurant (11976 S Crater Rd). All current and potential members are encouraged to attend, and each member is responsible for their own lunch. WOW: The WOW Meeting that was scheduled for April 28 th has been cancelled.
Metro Sunday School Youth Cornerstone Ages 1-8 Students Class II Ages 9-12 Student Class I Ages 13-15 Young Adults Ages 16-18 Every Sunday Morning @ 9:25 am Men @ 9am Women @ 9:30am Bereaved Family We are Praying For: Deacon Willie Brown and Family Sis Kelli Gary and Family Our Thoughts and Prayers-Sick & Shut-In Pastor Emeritus William N. Bland, Jr. (Riverview Nursing Home #314) Sis. Lucille Parham, Rev. Ruth Mallette, Sis. Angela Glover, Sis. Lucille Jackson, Sis. Catherine Hill, Sis. Glenda Edmonds, Sis. Renea Pelham, Rev. Merle Keene, Rev. Charlotte Bynum, Bro Richard Allen Raught, Sis Joyce Mason, Sis Margie Thomas, Bro William Steele, Sis Alfreda Hill, Sis Rosa Crenshaw, Sister Shirley Mallet, Bro Charles Stubbs, Sis Jessie Nelson, Sis Brenda Langford, Sis Brenda Edmonds, Rev. Sylvia Wright, Rev. Leroy Evans & Sis Dreama Tyler Adult & Youth Bible Study Every Wednesday at 6:30 Theme: Get Your Mind Right The Food Pantry Hours of Operation: Tuesdays: 10 am 12 Eligibilities: *Emergency Food ONLY *Only 1 supply of food QUARTERLY (3 months) *You MUST have a Picture ID METRO SPIRIT NIGHT: Please come out to the Colonial Heights Chick-Fila (in front of Walmart) for dinner on April 4 from 5:00-8:00. 15% of your check will go towards supporting the Metropolitan Performing Arts Ministry. This ministry includes praise dance, mime, step and rap. When you place your order, you must tell the cashier that you are supporting METRO for Spirit Night. Please post on social media to help spread the word or print out a flyer to pass around! If you need a copy, please see any of the directors for praise dance, step or rap or you can see Amber Brown. Transformation Ministry The Transformation Ministry presents Makin Money Moves Financial Luncheon With Entreprenuer Investment Advisor and Author JB Bryan She is the president and chief investment officer of JB Bryan Fiancial Group, Inc where she specializes in Afro Economics and Black Wealth. April, 14, 2018 11:00 AM 2:00 PM **Please see the flyer included in your bulletin and RSVP with the QR code on the back of the bulletin. Any question please see Sis Beatrice McCarroll** Engagment: Pastor Hobbs will be at Eleven Oaks BC (13012 Lew Jones Rd, Dewitt, VA 23840) on Sunday, April 15 th at 3. Deacons, Ushers, Nurses and Transformation Choir are on duty.
/.../? Join Pastor by way of conference call for morning devotion inclusive of your word for the day. If you missed last week s call dial: (888) 899-7904. Enter 382829086 Women s Ministry (W.O.W) The Power of Influence Philippians 4:8 tells us, Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things. You are who you spend time with. The people you spend time with shape you and influence how you think, feel, act, and react. Who or what is shaping you? Lately, I ve pondered the importance of choosing friends wisely as adults. We must be sure that it s not deadweight that creates an unnecessary burden or a negative influence. NOON-DAY BIBLE STUDY Digging Deeper From Beginning to End The Metropolitan Baptist Noon-Day Prayer and Bible Classes are held each Thursday from 12:00 noon until 1:30. Fellowship time will begin at 1:30 and is encouraged but not required. Come grow with us. Individuals from seventeen years and older are invited. For more information call the church (804-733-3753) or (804-732-7110) April Trustee: Anthony Scales (804) 720-4936 Transportation Trustee: Christopher Jackson 804-833-2412 Make a mental list of those closest to you and ask yourself if everyone has a positive, negative, or neutral influence on you. When you identify someone whose influence is negative, you may be tempted to end the relationship. But doing so may cause you to miss the opportunity to speak into her life and be a positive influence on her, even if she is a negative influence on you. Ending unhealthy relationships is hard. But undoing the damage they may do to us is often harder. Consequently, to enjoy meaningful relationships, we must be wise when choosing whom to spend time with. You become like the people you spend time with. As you evaluate your earthly relationships, remember that we all need to soak up a little more of Him as well. 10 Money Habits to Break In 2018 (A new one will be revealed every week) Do bad money habits HURT your financial progress? Yep! Many people fall into the same financial behavior patterns year after year. If you have any of these financial tendencies, the New Year is as good an occasion as any to alter your behavior. #10: Do-It-Yourself Financial & Retirement Planning. Those who plan for retirement without the help of professionals leave themselves open to abrupt, emotional investing mistakes and tax and estate planning oversights. Another common tendency is to vastly underestimate the amount of money needed for the future.