Newsletter WINTER 2015 5405 Black River Road * Rembert, SC 29128 * 803-499-5716 * www.granthillbaptist.org Pastor Clifton and Mrs. Claudette Witherspoon We are privileged to serve the living God. And we count it a responsibility and an honor to serve others as Jesus Christ serves us.. Pastor Witherspoon A New Year s Resolution for 2015: Listen to Others Christian philosopher Paul Tillich said, The first responsibility of love is to listen. Yet in our fast-paced culture, truly listening to someone has become a lost art. The intricate Chinese written character for the verb to listen offers wise insight about how to listen to people so they feel heard. The symbol is actually a combination of characters for ears, eyes and an open heart. Basically it reads, I give you my ears, my eyes and my undivided attention. What a great image of being fully engaged during the act of communication! James 1:19 offers two wise resolutions for the year ahead: Be quick to listen and slow to speak (NRSV). Practicing the skill of active listening is a muchneeded way to minister to other people, serving as Jesus ears in a hurting world. Advisor s Corner p. 2 In Case You Missed It p. 9 Watch Night Service Highlights p. 3 Youth Explosion p. 10 Athletic Corner p. 4 Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King p. 12 Community Spotlight p. 5 Ministry Highlights p. 13, 14 The Inspirement Zone p. 6 Community Job Fair p. 15 Homecoming 2014 p. 8 Get Healthy, GHMBC! - p. 16
Happy New Year to the Grant Hill Family! As we begin this new year, we do so with great expectation and anticipation of what God has in store for us. These are indeed exciting times here at Grant Hill. We have been blessed with so many gifts and talents in our congregation and we continue to experience the amazing grace of God. Many of us constantly use the terms, awesome God, because it s difficult to find words to describe His being. Our Pastor and Visionary, has instilled in us through his weekly sermons, bible study lessons and I m sure during personal conversations, the importance of communicating with God and our fellowman. With this in mind, we want to say to those of you who have been contributing articles, pictures, poems, etc., to the Unity Newsletter, thank you and keep up the good work. We wish to encourage others to join them and share information that touches the lives Dr. Gladys Grant of so many people---old and young alike---inside and outside of our Church home. Our aim is to provide all of our members, to include the sick and shut-in, friends and well-wishers, information on what s happening here at Grant Hill and our community. We seek articles about our spiritual and physical wellbeing, church ministries, family members, community events, new business ventures, educational opportunities, job development, youth and senior activities, just to name a few. Although we would like to have them e-mailed to us, we are willing to assist you at any time with the preparation of your articles. Remember, no article is too large or too small and although sometimes a little late, we will do our best to include it in our issues. The Unity Newsletter staff continues to strive towards disseminating at least three Newsletters annually. If there is someone you would like for us to send an electronic copy, mail a hard copy or drop off one, please let us know. Also, we welcome anyone interested in becoming a member of the Unity Newsletter ministry. We can use your help in gathering information and taking pictures of different functions and activities inside and outside the Church. If you enjoy writing or using the camera and have a desire to join us in the production of the newsletter, please see Dr. Denise Nixon or myself. In closing, please join me in offering a special thanks to Dr. Nixon, Editor, other staff members: Deacon Roosevelt Sanders, Sharon Gathers, and to our Editor-in-Chief, Pastor Clifton N. Witherspoon, for their commitment and dedication toward this effort. We ask that you keep us in your prayers and we hope that you enjoy reading and sharing the various issues, all prepared with you in mind. Your servant, Dr. Gladys M. Grant, Newsletter Advisor GHMBC Member receives award for dedicated service The Wateree Baptist Association Lower Division presented Bro. Levi Rembert with a prestigious award for his dedicated service as a Trustee at Grant Hill Missionary Baptist Church. Special thanks and congratulations to Brother Levi Rembert for his outstanding service! 2
First Watch Night Breakfast a Success By Deaconess Eva Glover On the last night of 2014 the Grant Hill Baptist congregation assembled inside the sanctuary to worship on New Year eve as we have been doing for many years, but there was something different this year. After giving God praise for bringing us through 2014 to see the beginning of 2015, everyone was invited across the highway to our former sanctuary where the Deaconess Ministry had prepared a delicious breakfast. Church members were able to sit down and enjoy the first meal of the year with their fellow members, family, friends and our guest who came to share with us. Deaconess Eva Glover to our Deaconess for the work that they put in to prepare and serve such a wonderful meal. The many compliments that we received made it all worth it. Many congregations gather on New Year s Eve to welcome the New Year through worship and prayer. Watch Night services provide an opportunity to thank God for past blessings and to ask for his protection and guidance in the year ahead. The practice is traced back to Moravian Christians and was later adopted by Methodism founder John Wesley. Watch Night became important for African -Americans on December 31, 1862, as slaves waited for the Emancipation Proclamation to take effect the next day. A Bible passage tied to Watch Night is Mark 13:32-37. Jesus warns Christians to keep watch (or, in some versions, to keep alert or keep awake ) for the end of the world. 3
By Deacon David Glover Once again the Athletic Ministry along with the Free Spirit Church League is enjoying our annual end of the-year hiatus that runs from mid November to February. Our fall season ended on November Deacon David Glover 2, 2014 with our championship games. Our team completed for the championship in the 10-12 age group. Although we did not win, our kids played hard and really enjoyed the season. This was the 4 th straight season that we had a team in the championship game. I would like to thank our coaches for the work that they put in working with our kids helping them develop basketball skills, mentoring, counseling, babysitting and, oh yeah, picking up and dropping off to practices and games. Our coaches were Timothy English, Jonathan Nesmith, Joseph Spann, Jarren Johnson and Deacon David Glover. At this time we have begun preparations for our spring basketball league which begins on February 28. Our first practice was held on January 15. We will have three teams participating in the league; JV boys ages 13-15, Varsity girls ages 13-18, and Varsity boys ages 16-18. Parents, if you would like for your child to participate in a wholesome fun activity that is spiritbased, encourage them to join our basketball team. It s more than just basketball. Finally we ask your continued prayers for one of our coaches, Bro. Tim English, who recently moved to Charlotte, NC. Tim was a big part of our athletic program here at Grant Hill and he will be missed. Brother Tim English As we adjust to his absence we invite anyone who has an interest in basketball and in working with young people to become a member of the Athletic Ministry. For season schedule and other information on our spring basketball season please continue to check the Athletic link on the church s web site. That s my time thanks for yours and remember, Quitters quit but champions keep playing until they get it right. 4
Sister Dieann S. Spann Sis. Dieann S. Spann believes in the value of our seniors. Her passion for seeing others excel led to the creation of the Dieann S. Spann Foundation. Her program, One Senior at a Time, offers activities and opportunities for seniors to be active and productive in our community. The goal is to develop a facility large enough to provide a focal point for seniors in the Rembert/Sumter area. This program will provide the community with public and private events as well as physical fitness regimens, workshops, and seminars for art, education, and nutritional issues. While the project to raise funding for the facility is currently underway, this challenge has not stopped Sis. Spann s compassion for seniors is evident in her words: So many of our seniors are forgotten, and I feel like this is a good way to show them how much we appreciate them for getting us where we are today. 5
There is a place you can go, if even for just a moment - to contemplate reality. To absorb knowledge. To become more spiritually & scientifically literate than you were before. In this place we strive to educate ourselves and meditate on that which we have harvested. We endeavor to equip ourselves with the tools needed to achieve a more harmonious balance with our very existence, the world as we know, and the actions needed to perfect our lives in the midst in order to be the BEST that we can be. This place is a gateway to a higher sense of purpose. This place is here! Welcome to The INSPIREMENT ZONE. Without inspiration the best powers of the mind remain dormant, there is a fuel in us which needs to be ignited with sparks. Johann Gottfried Von Herder If the truth was to be told, no matter how SUCCESSFUL we become or no matter how GREAT we feel we are, every one of us has many uninspiring moments and days. But even on our down days we must be reminded that the secret to our success or the rise to our abundance was not achieved by apathetic emotions or lackluster endeavors. So on those days when we just cannot muster the strength to be our own inspiration then we may need to seek inspiration from some other external sources. l d like to share some of my favorite sources for inspiration! God s WORD All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - This scripture just simply proves that God s Word is a true & authentic source of inspiration. The accounts found from Genesis to Revelation are purely immeasurable and immensely treasured. Quotes I absolutely love quotes and find them to be an immediate way to provide inspiration. I will literally Google inspirational quotes or look up a quote on a particular topic that s on my mind whether it s about letting go, moving forward, being present, having the serenity of accepting change, or the courage of changing that which is within my power, or simply needing the wisdom to know the difference. Inspirers Spending time with people in my life who want the best for me always leaves me inspired. A long talk with my parents, or a one on one chat with my husband, or a quick call to my best friend or one of my siblings is all it takes sometimes to get me back on track and into the game playing big again. 6
Young people are great inspirers as well. It s something about their eyes wide open, fearless approach to life that s so encouraging and refreshing. They see no limits. And sometimes we must remember to see the world as they do. Books We should always be reading something. And reading does not always have to be literal in the sense of opening a book. I spend a lot of time in my car so optimizing that time by listening to audiobooks while driving is just as beneficial. Choose inspiring literature, such as the bible or non-fiction books on personal development, business, or leadership and sometimes memoirs and biographies. One of my husband s all-time favorites is The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene. TV - I absolutely love watching TV. And while it is perfectly ok to be entertained by our favorite sitcoms, series, movies, and reality shows we should still find the time to connect and engage our minds with shows of substance. Shows with fascinating ideas and stories that will open your mind and your heart to new ways of thinking about things and different ways to see the world and your contribution in it. Social Media (FB, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube) Yes, social media can be very inspiring, but only if we choose to be vigilant about who we connect with. It s imperative that we choose to connect with people who can be an inspiration to us or us to them. Follow your mentors, spiritual leaders, life coaches, American icons, financial gurus, etc. Give attention to those subjects that have substance and value. I am motivated all the more when my FB & Twitter feed is full of inspiring scriptures, quotes, ideas, and links to articles that will all help catapult me closer to becoming the best me that I can be. Nature God s creation is another great source of inspiration. Sometimes I like to sit in my car and gaze through the sunroof at the slow moving clouds. And as the clouds drift by so does my mind. I am free in thought to all I need to be inspired and am quickly reminded of what s possible. For you, it may be a hike or a jog along a scenic trail. Or it may be a short walk along the beach. Or literally stopping to smell the roses. After all, it s great to stop and smell the roses sometimes. The fragrant scent may remind you that the possibilities are endless as well. So the question is What is it that inspires YOU? But no matter what the answer, remember to: Live YOUR LIFE on purpose (appreciate your divine creation) For a purpose (understand it s ALL for His Glory) With a purpose (be cognizant of your PERSONAL assignment at ALL times) 7
By Sister Dorothy B. Nixon Greeting and Blessings to all! We celebrated our 37 th Homecoming on October 12, 2014. It was an enjoyable event, Our Male Chorus rendered music for the occasion and Pastor Witherspoon had a Special Group that gave us Songs of Praises for our Homecoming Celebration. Thanks to everyone who attended. Enjoy these photos from our celebration! 8
The GHMBC Male Chorus gave an outstanding performance at their anniversary celebration in November 2014. A few of the GHMBC Youth take a moment to share beautiful smiles! Miss Carla Canty, was 1st runner up in the Miss Youth (8-12 year olds) division of The Miss Wateree Baptist Association Youth Pageant. Congratulations! The GHMBC Music Ministry takes a quick break after service. 9
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God s Awesome Grace Just after Martin Luther King Jr. was killed in 1968, Robert F. Kennedy spoke to a group of mourners in Indianapolis. Having lost a brother to assassination, Kennedy knew just what to say. His feelings and thoughts were in total harmony with the crowd s. Toward the end of his speech, Kennedy quoted from a poem by the ancient Greek poet Aeschylus: Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart, until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God. The dictionary defines awful as inspiring awe. Such is the awesome grace of God. Great Thoughts from Martin Luther King, Jr. On excellence: If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven played music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well. On repentance: We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people. On character: I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. On courage: We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear. On hope: We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope. 12
By Sister Mary Singleton Ministry Highlights On October 23, 2014, the Wateree Ushers assembled at Rafting Creek Missionary Baptist Church at 6:30 p.m. The theme of the week was Teaching Preaching that build leadership, taken from Romans 10:8-10 14:17; I Corinthians 1:21; Ephesians 4:11-13. Praise and worship was led by several members of various ushers from churches in the association. Music was provided by the ushers, and the ushers march was led by Sister Juanita Halley. The introduction of the president was executed, and the speaker. Our president, Sister Lottie McClary, presented a great speech. Reverend Douglas preached an inspiring message on Recognizing Authority. The Usher s Night Service was a great success for those who were in attendance. By Sister Marie Knox, Y.W.A. President First giving honor to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Y.W.A. is a ministry of young women for mission study, personal evangelism and missions. The Y.W.A. is a plan of organization which works to involve young women in God s redemptive work in today s world. It is a fellowship designed to help young women to be God s redeemed ones and to do the work to bring others into the fellowship, the redeemed. We pray daily that our source of spiritual enrichment and Christian fellowship grows! -Our aim: To carry to every person the gospel of Jesus Christ. -Our authority the Great Commission: Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. -Our message: God, love, and redemption for the world. -Our colors: White with accents of lavender. White represents purity and nobility, and lavender represents lofty ideals. -Our emblem: The dove represents peace, the cross symbolizes the sacrificial gift of the life Christ assures the salvation of all believers. -The praying hands: Direct communication with God. -The Bible: God s holy word, our indisputable guide. Our chain has been broken with our dear Sister Mary Rembert Reed, who has led our skit, The Granny Steppers, for the YWA Retreat for several years, will be missed dearly. The Y.W.A. is a servant of the Lord, to be like Him according to His word, in faith and obedience. We are servants willing to do whatever the Lord asks us to do. We are servants who serve the God for whom nothing is impossible. God, thank you for doing the impossible. Help us to be your servant this year and years to come, in Jesus name, Amen! 13
By Sister Louise Johnson The Sunday School is the teaching arm of the church. Our mission is to promote Christian education, Kingdom building, and Evangelism. We teach the word of God from the scripture and through life living examples inside and outside the classroom setting. Our goal is to win souls for Christ; to create an atmosphere that will stimulate a hunger for the word of God; and to help engage families in Bible Study and daily devotions. Our vision is that every teacher now, and those to come, will teach with a purpose and passion that will be seen by others, causing them to become a part of the Sunday School and a blessing to others, including those that are not of the household of faith. The Sunday School Ministry at Grant Hill Missionary Baptist Church is moving along with fulfilling goals of teaching and offering trustworthy, biblically sound resources that help people of all ages learn and apply the Word of God. Our prayer is that anyone who attends our Sunday School will increase their faith in today s society, and to live life abundantly in daily connection with God. We will continue implementing new ideas and be committed to increasing the number of people we reach and the number of souls saved, and improves the quality of our teaching. As we do these things, we are supporting the church and the work of the Lord. When church leaders and members get excited about something, it encourages others to get excited and come see what's going on! We will continue to plan special events to encourage new comers to attend. During the year our church calendar will continue to be filled with our Annual Teacher Appreciation Program in February, attending workshops in May and June, Vacation Bible School in June, having a Back to School Bash for our children in August, an Annual Promotion Day in September and our Annual Christmas Program in December. Our first Christmas Cantata 2014 was presented this year through the music department by Brother Herbert Johnson. It was a great program. We encourage all parents to bring their children and grandchildren to learn more about God s word and interact with other young people within a classroom setting with peers of their age group. As Christians, we pray constantly for guidance in whatever we do to help our children to grow strong in their faith for God. Our goals for 2015 are listed below. They are Work closely with the pastor to plan and evaluate the Sunday school department and to develop the yearly Sunday school ministry strategy for all the classes (this may include budget needs). Help class coordinators plan and reach their class ministry goals. Ensure that planned class events do not conflict with each other, with other major church events, or with community events. Identify, select, and train new class teachers, outreach leaders, secretary, and others as needed. Meet regularly with existing class leaders for prayer, planning, and training. Identify, and evaluate the needs of the Sunday school programs by speaking with the teachers, church leaders, and attendees. This includes the following areas: space, budget, supplies, curriculum, and other resources; recommend needed actions. Start new Sunday school classes as needed. Help class leaders with any potential problems as they arise. Arrive 15 minutes early to pray, greet and assist new comers with finding their classes. Set a positive example as a Christ follower through our personal life and church involvement. 14
The Employment Support Ministry hosted its fifth annual Community Job Fair in November 2014. Over 20 companies were represented at this event. Some of the attending companies included Morris College, University of South Carolina, University of Phoenix, SAFE Federal Credit Union, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Goodwill Dr. Denise Nixon Industries, and Becton Dickinson (BD). The Sumter County Solicitor s Office was present to provide counseling and advisement regarding the expungement process. Special thanks to all who attended!! 15
Let s make 2015 a year of health and prosperity! ChooseMyPlate.gov offers informative tips, weight loss strategies, meal plans, and exercise tips for improving health and well being. In this issue of the GHMBC newsletter, health tips from this website are included for you to learn about a healthy lifestyle. 16
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GRANT HILL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 5405 Black River Road Rembert, SC 29128 COME WORSHIP WITH US! Contact Us Sundays 9:00 Give a.m. us a Sunday call for more School 10:00 information a.m. Worship about our Service services p.m. and Wednesday products Daytime 12:00 Bible Study Northwind Traders 7:00 p.m. 4567 Wednesday Main Street Night Bible Raleigh, NC Study 02134-0000 Grant (555) Hill 555-0123 Missionary Baptist Church email@sample.com 5405 Black River Road Visit Rembert, us on the SC web 29128 at ghmbcinfo@granthillbaptist.org www.northwind.com Clifton N. Witherspoon, Pastor Phone: 803-499-5716 Visit us on the web at www.granthillbaptist.org Grant Hill Missionary Baptist Church 5405 Black River Road Rembert, SC 29128 PLACE STAMP HERE