September 2015 W A Y M A N G O O D H O P E A F R I C A N M E T H O D I S T E P I S C O P A L C H U R C H News of Good Hope The Pastor s Word Do your own work well, and then you will have something to be proud of. But don t compare yourself with others. We each must carry our own load. (Gal 6:4-5 CEV) Welcome September which marks the end of Summer and a return to labor and work whether the work is Church work, or school work, or paid work, or catchup work. From the first Monday in this month, the realities of September are about celebrating work, workers, and opportunities to make a difference in God s Kingdom here on earth. Yet, how many of us really celebrate work, and the challenges of being employed in gainful activity? How many of us see God in the mix and know that God has ordained that we work? From Genesis to Revelations, men and women have worked to care for God s Kingdom here on earth. In fact, the Bible lists some 198 vocations from judges to jailers, from carpenters to teachers, from physicians to farmers, from tentmakers to musicians, from servants to chancellors, from spies to innkeepers, from prophets to bishops, from evildoers to followers of God who believe. And, if we look closely at the Biblical record, we can each find some similarities to the 21 st century professions and careers in which YPD Trip to Washington Zoo we work. And although there were no computers in Biblical times, there were mathematicians and bankers and writers who could fill the jobs of today s computer analysts. Thus, whatever the era, we are called to do the work; and we are instructed by Jesus to work while it is day because the night is coming when no one can work. (John 9:4) As God s people, who have been gifted by God with talents and graces, and inspired and led by the Holy Spirit, we are equipped and empowered to work for God s Kingdom here on earth. Our work is to believe, and our task is Kingdom building and making a difference in God s world. Our text reveals to us that the benefits are numerous. First, we have the benefit of self-respect and a positive self-image because we no longer need to compare ourselves to someone else and to measure ourselves by someone else s yardstick. Why? It is because we are working for God. Moreover, because we are doing the work and are no longer competing, there is no concern about anyone else s performance because Jesus has become the standard-bearer for our living and our working in the Kingdom. Therefore, to see the value of believing in Christ Jesus as Lord, we continue in the Great Commission and we do the work living the sermon and being the example of God s love and God s more excellent way! (Continued on page 2) Saturday, August 22, 2015, the YPD sponsored a trip to the Washington Zoo as a fundraiser for Women s Day 2016. About 30 young and young at heart boarded the bus with bag lunches provided by the YPD. The zoo visitors and personnel were all abuzz in anticipation of the birth of a baby panda. As it turns out, twin pandas were born about 2 hours after we left the zoo headed home. Even though we missed the big event, it was a beautiful day and everyone had a great time. More pictures are on page 6. Page
The Pastor s Word (Continued from page 1) When Paul writes to the Galatians that each one is to do his or her work well, it is an instruction to God s people that we are always to do our very best. The Living Bible makes the meaning of this Galatians text clearer: Let everyone be sure that he is doing his very best, for then he will have the personal satisfaction of work well done, and won t need to compare himself with someone else. (Gal 6:4) Thus, not only do we have the benefit of not having to compare ourselves with others, there is also the benefit of finding satisfaction in our work. Today s 21 st century culture often views work as a necessary evil for sustaining the leisure and fun-time activities that we find satisfying. Moreover, it seems that the American dream has developed to the point where we are made to feel that the only satisfying thing in life is doing what we want to do whenever we want. Yet, God s Word tells us that WORK should be satisfying especially when that work has been done well and we know that we have done our very best. For the Christian, it is hearing God s well-done that matters and brings satisfaction. Hence, as Believers, we are called to go against popular culture, and instead label as successful those people who work to insure that God s Kingdom is being built on earth and who know that they have contributed to that building. But, I believe that the major benefit of work done well is the healing and wholeness that come when we carry our own load and have taken attention from ourselves and allowed our focus to be on a larger picture of life which comes into view when we have touched someone else s life for the good! When this is how we live and work, the concerns and problems of our own lives seem to diminish, and our world view grows beyond the narrow confines of ourselves. This is when we realize the sickness of our own self-centeredness and the evil dangers of our own personal quests for doing only what we want to do whenever we want. Could it be that most of the depression that plagues our society, and most of the complaints that we have about life in general and about our own situation specifically can be erased by meaningfully productive work? The Bible says Yes! God our Creator understood that we need to be partners with Him in this Kingdom building task for our own health and well-being. God, our Creator, understands that when His people focus on WORK, and WORKING WELL, we no longer have time to think about our personal situations. Thus, the positive self-images come, and the satisfaction comes, and the blessings of health and wholeness come because we realize that we are making a difference and contributing to the work of building in a meaningful way. Thus, it is in knowing that we have helped somebody and have made a difference in someone s life that it becomes clear that our living is not in vain. Therefore, our work is not in vain. And we hear the Master s words affirming that our labor is not in vain in the Lord. Therefore, as we continue in this quarter of Kingdom Working, and in this month of labor and work, let us boast not about ourselves or about our work, but let us boast about the work of Christ and the Cross of Christ. Let us boast about Jesus in whom we believe and trust and rejoice because through Him we can have abundant life and eternal life. And then, let us continue to run with patience the race that is set before us, always looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. (Heb 12:1b-2b) Scriptural Thought for the Conference Year 2015-2016 Love, Joy, and Peace, Pastor Poag-Ray The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the How to Get Items Published in the Newsletter Submissions by Email (attachments) are preferred but not required. If you have original photographs, we will scan them while you wait- it only takes a couple of minutes. Please be aware that copies of pictures will not reproduce well and may not be included if too blurry Because of space limitations, editing of submissions may be required. Publication of all content is at the discretion of the Editorial Staff. Email submissions to waymangoodhope@aol.com attn: newsletter News of Good Hope - Editorial Staff Editor - Pamela Spearman This Month s Contributor(s) Sis Sandra Keemer Sis. Sylvia Nolan Pastor - Rev. Dr. Lois A. Poag-Ray Page 2
News News FROM THE COMMISSION ON HEALTH Sis. Sylvia Nolan, Chairperson Storm Season Myth: If you're caught outside during a thunderstorm, you should crouch down to reduce your risk of being struck. Fact: Crouching doesn't make you any safer outdoors. Run to a substantial building or hard topped vehicle. If you are too far to run to one of these options, you have no good alternative. You are NOT safe anywhere outdoors. See our safety page for tips that may slightly reduce your risk. Myth: Lightning never strikes the same place twice. Fact: Lightning often strikes the same place repeatedly, especially if it s a tall, pointy, isolated object. The Empire State Building is hit nearly 100 times a year. Myth: If it s not raining or there aren t clouds overhead, you re safe from lightning. Fact: Lightning often strikes more than three miles from the center of the thunderstorm, far outside the rain or thunderstorm cloud. Bolts from the blue can strike 10-15 miles from the thunderstorm. Myth: Rubber tires on a car protect you from lightning by insulating you from the ground. Fact: Most cars are safe from lightning, but it is the metal roof and metal sides that protect you, NOT the rubber tires. Remember, convertibles, motorcycles, bicycles, openshelled outdoor recreational vehicles and cars with fiberglass shells offer no protection from lightning. When lightning strikes a vehicle, it goes through the metal frame into the ground. Don't lean on doors during a thunderstorm. Myth: A lightning victim is electrified. If you touch them, you ll be electrocuted. Fact: The human body does not store electricity. It is perfectly safe to touch a lightning victim to give them first aid. This is the most chilling of lightning Myths. Imagine if someone died because people were afraid to give CPR! Myth: If outside in a thunderstorm, you should seek shelter under a tree to stay dry. Fact: Being underneath a tree is the second leading cause of lightning casualties. Better to get wet than fried! Myth: If you are in a house, you are 100% safe from lightning. Fact: A house is a safe place to be during a thunderstorm as long as you avoid anything that conducts electricity. This means staying off corded phones, electrical appliances, wires, TV cables, computers, plumbing, metal doors and windows. Windows are hazardous for two reasons: wind generated during a thunderstorm can blow objects into the window, breaking it and causing glass to shatter and second, in older homes, in rare instances, lightning can come in cracks in the sides of windows. Myth: If thunderstorms threaten while you are outside playing a game, it is okay to finish it before seeking shelter. Fact: Many lightning casualties occur because people do Lightning Myths and Facts not seek shelter soon enough. No game is worth death or life-long injuries. Seek proper shelter immediately if you hear thunder. Adults are responsible for the safety of children. Myth: Structures with metal, or metal on the body (jewelry, cell phones,mp3 players, watches, etc), attract lightning. Fact: Height, pointy shape, and isolation are the dominant factors controlling where a lightning bolt will strike. The presence of metal makes absolutely no difference on where lightning strikes. Mountains are made of stone but get struck by lightning many times a year. When lightning threatens, take proper protective action immediately by seeking a safe shelter â don t waste time removing metal. While metal does not attract lightning, it does conduct it so stay away from metal fences, railing, bleachers, etc. Myth: If trapped outside and lightning is about to strike, I should lie flat on the ground. Fact: Lying flat increases your chance of being affected by potentially deadly ground current. If you are caught outside in a thunderstorm, you keep moving toward a safe shelter. Myth: lightning flashes are 3-4 km apart Fact: Old data said successive flashes were on the order of 3-4 km apart. New data shows half the flashes are about 9 km apart. The National Severe Storms Laboratory report concludes: "It appears the safety rules need to be modified to increase the distance from a previous flash which can be considered to be relatively safe, to at least 10 to 13 km (6 to 8 miles). In the past, 3 to 5 km (2-3 miles) was as used in lightning safety education." Source: Separation Between Successive Lightning Flashes in Different Storms Systems: 1998, Lopez & Holle, from Proceedings 1998 Intl Lightning Detection Conference, Tucson AZ, November 1998. Myth: A High Percentage of Lightning Flashes Are Forked. Fact: Many cloud-to-ground lightning flashes have forked or multiple attachment points to earth. Tests carried out in the US and Japan verify this finding in at least half of negative flashes and more than 70% of positive flashes. Many lightning detectors cannot acquire accurate information about these multiple ground lightning attachments. Source: Termination of Multiple Stroke Flashes Observed by Electro- Magnetic Field: 1998, Ishii, et al. Proceedings 1998 Int'l Lightning Protection Conference, Birmingham UK, Sept. 1998. Myth: Lightning Can Spread out Some 60 Feet After Striking Earth. Fact: Radial horizontal arcing has been measured at least 20 m. from the point where lightning hits ground. Depending on soils characteristics, safe conditions for people and Page 3
PRAYER REQUESTS Inez Boone James Brown, Jr. Lloyd Carter Rev. Annette Colston Peggy Colbert Anne Coates Day Willis Day Marion Floyd Kalanai Harried Page 4 Lillie Ann Henson Carolyn Hunt Mediterranean Jackson Irene Johnson Joseph Lovett Gary Minniefield Sylvia Nolan Roger Nolan Nola Solomon Whitney Somerville Lorraine Stanton John Stepney Shirley Stepney Scott Stanger Alan White Carl White Grace White Shirley White Teresa Williams SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS 4th Keshia Brown Alicia Cully 5th Rose White 15th Christopher Johnson 16th Anjenette Pack 20th JoAnne Blackwell Alvin Pack, Sr. 21st Sharon Cager-Best Roland Day 22nd Justin Darden 25th Marcus Coates Judy Reeves 28th Dana Anderson
Upcoming Special Events The Men s Fellowship Will meet Saturday, September 12th @ 9am All Men are invited The Women s Fellowship Will meet Friday, September 11th @ 7pm All women are invited Join us for Bible Study Wednesdays at 7pm Wednesday Morning Prayer Line 6:30 6:45 am 1-605-475-3235 Access Code 705504# Dial in & put your phone on mute to listen If you need a Ride to Sunday Service contact the Church Office by noon on Thursdays Sunday, September 20th - 10am Worship Service Presiding Elder Harvey will be preaching 1st & 2nd Quarterly Conference will be held at 1pm The Churches United for Christ Cluster (CUCC) 25th Anniversary Revival & Concert Wednesday, September 16-Friday, September 18th - nightly at 7pm Asbury Town Neck UMC - 429 Asbury Dr. Severna Park, MD 21146 Check the Calendar for other scheduled meetings Men s Season Activities Gospel Music Concert -Saturday, September 19th @ 6pm featuring the Christian Cavaliers, Spirit Lifters & Capital Community Choir Dinners-Friday, September 25th @ 11am Annual Men s Day Celebration Sunday, September 27th @ 10am Support the Men of Wayman by purchasing a Patron Ad for their Men s Day Celebration Booklet All ads are due by September 18th The Wayman Good Hope Community Job Center is open Wednesdays 6:30-8:30pm. Help is available for those who are: Unemployed, Looking for a Career Change, Want Career Training/Certification, Seeking Help with Resume Writing, Seeking Help with Interviewing Skills. Please confirm attendance by noon each Monday View the News of Good Hope on-line at www.waymangoodhope.org click on the News & Events tab Page 5
YPD Trip to the Washington Zoo WAYMAN Recognition - To God Be The Friday, August 29, 2015, Sis. Sylvia Nolan retired after 25 years service as a dental assistant at the U.S. Naval Academy. She was joined by family members, co-workers, and some members of Wayman at the retirement ceremony and reception. Her co-workers praised her as being the cornerstone of the Dental Corp and for being a true Proverbs 31 woman. A formal celebration will be held at Hella s Restaurant in Millersville on October 23rd. Page 6 A Round of Applause
Resources for your Financial Health In the August Newsletter we included a Personal Financial Assessment. As promised, this month we are including a list of resources about finances that may be useful to you. Set of Pamphlets in the Church Office The pamphlets are entitled: You re getting married What to do before, and after, you say I do. And baby makes three A financial guide for new parents When divorce happens Start your tomorrow, today Your aging parents and you How to handle a difficult subject together A death in the family Navigating personal and financial affairs Transitioning into retirement Five steps today for a smoother tomorrow Settling an estate can be unsettling With the right strategy, it doesn t have to be Identity theft When You are the target Savvy investments or her Take an active role in your money matters When disaster strikes Plan now, for peace of mind later Managing finances in college and beyond Love, honor, and protect Are your assets protected? www.consumer.gov Resources about Managing Your Money Resources about Credit, Loans, and Debt Resources about Scams and Identity Theft Resources to Help Immigrant Communities All Videos by Topic http://www.consumer-action.org/ MoneyWi$e This long-standing national financial literacy partnership of Consumer Action and Capital One provides free educational materials to individuals, non-profits and community based organizations. Housing Information Project Consumer Action's housing program launched in 2006 to help consumers prepare for homeownership, avoid foreclosure and to learn about the housing and mortgage markets. Managing Money - a Consumer Action Project. Its web site, www.managing-money.org, is a financial literacy clearinghouse featuring Consumer Action s award-winning multilingual educational materials. Consumer Services Guide -a searchable directory of resources that can help you solve consumer problems and get answers to your questions. Insurance Education Project - created to help consumers make wise decisions when they buy insurance. Privacy Information Project - focuses on personal privacy and why it is important to be careful about who has access to your personal information. WirelessED - a multilingual educational project created by Consumer Action and sponsored by AT&T. Journey to Financial Freedom - A 13 Lesson study of biblical principles on finances by Tommy C. Higle Lesson 1-Getting Started on Our Journey Lesson 2 Symptoms of Financial Bondage Lesson 3 The Peril of Debt Lesson 4 How to Get Out of Debt (Part I) Lesson 5 How to Get Out of Debt (Part II) Lesson 6 Getting Control of Your Money Lesson 7 How to Get the Best Deal on an Automobile (Part I) Lesson 8 How to Get the Best Deal on an Automobile (Part II) Lesson 9 Buy or Rent Lesson 10 Giving to the Lord Lesson 11 Preparing for Your Financial Future Lesson 12 The Main Ingredient of Financial Freedom To request copies of the lessons, contact the Church Office Page 7
WAYMAN GOOD HOPE Rev. Dr. Lois A. Poag-Ray, Pastor 100 Hoyle Lane Severna Park, MD 21146 MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM WAYMAN GOOD HOPE CHURCH SCHEDULE: SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES 10 AM Every 1 st Sunday Every 3 rd Sunday CHURCH SCHOOL & BIBLE STUDY CHURCH SCHOOL (Children & Youth) Tuesday 6:15-7:15 PM CHURCH SCHOOL (Adults) Sunday 9:00-9:50 AM PRAYER CALL (Dial 605-475-3235 code 705504#) Wednesday 6:30-6:45 AM BIBLE STUDY (Adults) Wednesday 7:00 PM LOVE FEAST MONTHLY Wednesday before the 1 st Sunday at 6:30 PM OFFICIAL BOARD 3 rd Thursday 7:00 PM Refer to the Calendar for other regularly scheduled meetings & rehearsals. MINISTERIAL STAFF Rev. Dr. Lois A. Poag-Ray, Pastor Rev. Lisa Purvis, Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries Pastor s Office Hours See the weekly bulletin or call the office for an appointment CHURCH OFFICE STAFF Sis. Sharon Cager-Best, Administrative Assistant Sis. Sandra Dixon, Financial Officer Church Office Hours Mon. - Thurs. 10am 2pm Church phone (410)647-4867 Church fax (410)647-4883 Email waymangoodhope@aol.com Website waymangoodhope.org To all who struggle and desire victory; to all who sin and all who mourn and long for comfort; to all who are thirst after righteousness; to whomsoever will this name of Christ Jesus our Lord! Enter this Church, therefore, not as a stranger, but as the guest hearts and thanks on your lips, offering God your love and worship here, and may that blessing rest on you forever. need forgiveness; to all who are anxious and need peace; to sensitive and look for service; to all who hunger and Church opens wide its doors and bids you welcome in the of God. Come then into God s presence with joy in your service. Beseech God s blessing on those who minister and Page 8