A Publication of Pilgrim Baptist Church of Rockford...

A Publication of Pilgrim Baptist Church of Rockford, Illinois

The Pilgrim MessengerPILGRIM BAPTIST

CHURCH1703 S. Central Avenue

Rockford, IL 61102815-968-4449

www.pilgrimbaptist.org

MINISTERIAL TEAMRev. Dr. Kenneth R. Board,

Senior PastorRev. Sharon L. Olson,

Assistant PastorMinister Marvin BallardMinister Ernest EvansRev. Carmen JordanMinister Willie Reed

Minister Carl L. Towns

A Church inspired by the Word and Empowered bythe Holy Spirit.

ALL ARE WELCOME!

WEEKLY WORSHIPTuesday:9:30 am - Bible StudyWednesday:12:00 Noon - Bible Study6:00 pm - Prayer Service6:30 pm - Adult Bible Study6:30 pm - Youth Bible StudySunday:9:00 am - Sunday School10:30 am - Worship ServiceChildren’s Church 10:30 amChapel of the Crosses

CONTENTS

Wow, where did 2015 go so quickly? I am amazed that I am writing this note of welcome to our readers as we enter 2016! God is so good and worthy to be praised! Before we begin making New Year’s resolutions, let us pause to thank God for abundant blessings and

overflowing grace. Let us ask God to give us God’s desires and God’s will. Let us seek ways to better serve God through service to others.

I welcome you to daily seek someone different than you to bless through act of service. I welcome you to strike up conversations with people of other faiths, belief systems and per-suasions. Why? There is a piece of God in all creation. We learn from each other and are given opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I also welcome our members and readers to support our newest community partnership: My Brother’s Keeper of Rockford, Illinois (MBK). This is a President Obama Initiative that was envisioned to minister to at-risk male youths of color. Our own member, Michael Jones (Executive Director), was inspired by

God to start this ministry in collaboration with the White House. Quickly, God assembled a diverse board of men to serve as board of directors. Deacon Samuel Gaynor is chair of the board. Miraculously, we applied through the IRS for 501c3 non-profit status which was approved in record time! Soon, we plan to begin offering after school mentoring, meals and tutoring. This is a separate organization from Pilgrim reaching out to all churches and community sectors. However, the programming will be initially housed at Pilgrim. We welcome any and all tax deductible donations from members, readers, corporations, foundations and government grants. They can be mailed to My Brother’s Keeper of Rockford Illinois.

Finally, I welcome each reader to share what you like about the newsletter, what you would like to see added to the newsletter and how we can better report on the Pilgrim ministries. Feel free to contact our new editor, Janie Wilson-Cook, who is doing an outstanding job.

I welcome you to pray that we grow this ministry locally and globally through Christian education, community activism, evangelism and mission. Thanks to all of our readers for your loving support, encouragement, and contributions. Happy New Year! Go well, stay well in Jesus’ name!

WELCOME TO YEAR 2016!By Rev. Dr. Kenneth R. Board

Pastor Board

Rev. Carmen Jordan“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in darkness and the darkness has not overcome it”. John 1:1-5 (NIV)For many of us, the beginning of a new year is exciting and hopeful. What happens though when the excitement wears off and the dark spaces of life consumes our thoughts and time? When life happens and we find ourselves wondering who turned out the light? The good news is that the light of Christ is always shining, although we sometimes focus so intently on the darkness, that we miss the light. Cultivating an intentional and consistent prayer life will sharpen our spiritual eyes to recognize the light of Jesus Christ in and around us. Even in the darkest of life’s circumstances and situations, there is victory in the light of Christ.

• Welcome to Year 2016! 1• Prayer & Devotional 1• We’re Having an Epiphany 2• Praise & Worship Music 2• Daniel Fast 4 & 5• Pilgrim Happenings 3, 6–7• Calendar 8• Celebrations 8

January 2016 Volume X, Issue 1

Prayer & Devotional

PILGRIM’S VISION STATEMENTThe vision of the Pilgrim Baptist Church is the fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation through the belief in the Ministry of

Jesus Christ and the empowerment of excellence in all people through Christian education and community activism.


BETTERCasey J(Sing along here)I’m not the same.Your word has changed me.It is hidden in my heart.My life has a fresh start. (3X)

I’m walking out freerI’m walking out strongerI’m walking out betterBetter than when I came.

Oh, it’s getting betterOh, it’s getting betterOh, oh, oh it’s already betterBETTER!BETTER! BETTER! BETTER! (repeat)

PULLING ME THROUGHTodd Dulaney(Sing along here)Through all I have gone through, Lord it was you.Through all I have gone through, Lord it was you.It was you it was you pulling me throughIt was you. Lord it was you pulling me through

When I stumbled, when I criedWhen it felt like I wanted to dieWhen my friends turned and they walked awayYou were right here right here to stayIt was you, it was you pulling me throughIt was you. Lord it was you pulling me through.

He’ll never walk out on you. No never. No never.He’ll never walk out on you. No never. No never.

I’m a witness that he’ll never no never no never

Through all I have gone through, Lord it was you. (3X)It was you. It was you pulling me through.

Lear

n Pra

ise &

W

orsh

ip M

usic

WE’RE HAVING AN EPIPHANY!By Rev. Sharon Olson

“Happy Epiphany!” is not a typical holiday greeting, but it is appropriate for this time of the year. Epiphany is a Christian festival held on January 6 around the world. It honors the first time Christ appeared to Gentiles when the Three Kings visited the baby Jesus. Light is the theme of Epiphany: the light of the star that guided the Kings to Jesus and the greater light that God shone on the world through Jesus. In Isaiah 42:6-7 God said of his Servant, “I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind….”

According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, an epiphany is “a moment in which you suddenly see or understand something in a new or very clear way.” The Three Kings had such a moment when they realized that they were looking at a very special baby. As you begin the new year, pray that Christ will shine His light on you to help you see something about Him in a new and clear way.

Please enjoy reading these Epiphany-related devotional scriptures: Isaiah 9:1-7, 42:1-9, 49:5-6, and 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12; Acts 9:1-22; and Ephesians 3:1-6.

MARTIN LUTHER KING CELEBRATION EVENTS

“A BRIDGE TO SELMA” DOCUMENTARY SHOWING FREE AT YWCA Tuesday, January 12, 2016, 6 p.m. — RSVP by January 5 League of Women Voters of Greater Rockford hosts. IL House Rep. Litesa Wallace leads discussion on voter rights. 4990 East State St., Rockford, Illinois

MLK SCHOLARSHIP BREAKFAST AND ORATORICAL CONTEST Saturday, January 16, 2016; 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Rockford University, 5050 East State Street, Rockford, Illinois High School Seniors compete in an Oratorical Contest for scholarships. Includes breakfast, entertainment, and a keynote address from Dr. Robert L. Head, President of Rockford University.

MLK UNITY CHOIR CONCERT Saturday, January 16th 7:00 p.m. St. Paul C.O.G.I.C.,1001 Bishop Washington Avenue, Rockford, Illinois

MLK WORSHIP SERVICE Sunday, January 17 beginning at 7:00pm MLK Worship Service hosted by the Rockford Minister’s Fellowship Pilgrim Baptist Church. Guest Speaker: Rev. Dr. Steve Bland, Jr., former pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church and current senior pastor of Liberty Temple Baptist Church - Detroit, Michigan.

Rev. Sharon Olson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bAUuyjvrdE&list=PLozxoJ4VMVrfVvwQWwsW_W6Cl9YotuCig&index=5&ab_channel=#CaseyJ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLsza01LL1A&ab_channel=mukristo

Servant Leader of the Year:

Mitchell Chappel

Outstanding Achieve-ment–Female Award:

Lorraine Wilson

Outstanding Achieve-ment–Youth Female:

Jasmine Holifield

Outstanding Achievement–Youth Male: Ethan Lathan

(1st Recipient) Everette L. Sherrod Outstanding Leadership Award:

Demetrius Ray Buchanan, Sr.

Christian Merit & Appreciation: Virginia Wynn

Ministry Achievement Award: A.S.K. Prayer Ministry, Patricia Fricks

LEADERSHIP AWARDS REFLECT OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN SERVICE

IT’S A NEW YEAR...PILGRIM BRINGS MEMBERS FITNESS OPTIONS

There are some things that you can change about your metabolism and some things that you can’t. For example, you can’t change your age or your gender. But there are some things that you can change to boost your metabolism and lose weight. These include:

Exercise. You burn more calories when you exercise. Even an easy workout increases your metabolism. Harder workouts, however, burn more calories.

Daily movement. No time to exercise? Then move more during the day. Simple daily tasks like walking, climbing stairs, gardening and housework require your body to work harder and boost your metabolism.

Build muscle. You can improve your body com-position to burn more calories. Do strength training exercises to build muscle and burn more calories even when your body is resting.

Eat the right number of calories. Eating too many calories can cause weight gain. But eating too few calories can cause your metabolism to slow down. Make sure you’re eating enough calories to maintain a healthy metabolism.

Your metabolism will change slightly from day to day. But if you can learn how to manage and maintain a healthy metabolism on a regular basis, weight loss and weight maintenance will be easier. From About.com

Pilgrim Baptist Church offers opportunities to improve both body and soul. Members and the public are encouraged to join in.

Mondays at 6 p.m. there is an hour-long Begin-ning Adult Fitness class that focuses on strength building, stamina, and aerobic exercise. Bring two 3 or 5 pound weights and an exercise mat. It ends with prayer.

Thursdays at 12:00 Noon the Senior Low Impact Exercise class meets. The class includes walking, plus sitting workouts to videos from the Arthritis Foundation using bands, hand weights, and 6 inch rubber balls. They also go on excursions such as apple orchards. They splurge with occasional birthday celebrations. This class is also used as a means of rehabilita-tion therapy. It ends with devotions and prayer.

Thursdays at 6 p.m. is an hour-long Advanced Adult Fitness class focusing on aerobic exercise. Bring an exercise step if you plan to use that, but the floor exercise is very intense. It ends with prayer.

Some Pilgrim members are personal fitness trainers and are available by the hour on contract.

HOW CAN I CHANGE MY METABOLISM TO LOSE WEIGHT?

The Daniel Food Fast Fasting for Spiritual Insight and Breakthrough

Pilgrim Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Kenneth R. Board, Pastor/Servant Leader

! You may choose to participate in the 5 day, 7 day or 21 day Daniel Fast

2 Corinthians 10:-5 “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” (KJV)

If you take daily medications or supplements, please continue to take them during the fast. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns about your ability to go on the Daniel Fast.

GUIDELINES

FOOD WE MAY EAT: Fruits, Vegetables, Cereals and Nuts

FRUITS: For example: Apples, Apricots, Bananas, Blackberries, Blueberries, Cantaloupe, Cherries, Cranberries, Dates, Figs, Grapefruit, Guava, Honeydew Melon, Kiwi, Lemons, Limes, Mangoes, Nectarines, Oranges, Peaches, Papayas, Pears, Pineapples, Plums, Prunes, Raisins, Raspberries, Strawberries, Tangerines, Tangelos, and Watermelon.

VEGETABLES: For example: Artichokes, Asparagus, Beans, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chili Peppers, Collard greens, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Ginger Root, Greens (Collards, Kale, Mustards, Turnip), Lettuce, Mushrooms, Okra, Onions, Parsley, Peas, Peppers, Pickles, Potatoes, Rutabagas, Spinach, Squash, Tomatoes, etc.

CEREALS: NON SUGARED! For example: oatmeal, grits and cream of wheat.

NUTS & SEEDS: Cashews, Peanuts, Pecans, Walnuts, Sunflower seeds etc.

WATER: Distilled, Spring, Tap, Natural Seltzers without flavors.

OILS: All-vegetable for example: Canola, Corn, Olive, Sunflower, etc.

HERBS/SPICES: Coriander, Basil, Oregano, Paprika, Pepper, Salt, Thyme, etc.

FOODS TO AVOID: ALL FISH, ALL MEATS AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS, ALL DAIRY PRODUCTS, ALL SWEETENERS, ALL BREADS, ALL DEEP FRIED FOODS, ALL SOLID ANIMAL FATS, BEVERAGES CONTAINING CARBONATION, SUGAR, AND/OR ALCOHOL.

Here’s some recipe sites for the Fast: A B C

http://dish.allrecipes.com/recipes-kick-start-daniel-fast/

http://www.ultimatedanielfast.com

http://daniel-fast.com/myrecipes/

The Daniel Food Fast (Daniel 1) Fasting for Spiritual Insight and Breakthrough

Pilgrim Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Kenneth R. Board, Pastor/Servant Leader

What can you do to prepare for the Daniel Fast? - What are you seeking from God? Find a specific purpose for your fast.

- Develop an increased prayer schedule before work and before bedtime to commune with God.

- Find a prayer partner to pray with and keep a journal.

Following is a listing of Biblical passages on fasting. These will encourage you along the way.

DAILY SCRIPTURAL READINGS

DAY 1: Chronicles 20:3 DAY 2: Esther 4 DAY 3: Daniel 1-4 DAY 4: Joel 2 DAY 5: Jonah 3 DAY 6: Matthew 6 DAY 7: Mark 9: 14-29 DAY 8: Acts 10 & 27 DAY 9: 1 Corinthians 7 DAY 10: Hebrews 4

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS MORNING PROGRAM & BREAKFAST Something about this Christmas!, our Christmas program was 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 13, 2015. Immediately after our program, we enjoyed each other’s company while eating a fantastic breakfast together.

Thank you to everyone, especially the parents, the child performers, and our church family for always supporting us.

See a link or colored outline? Click it! This PDF has Enhanced HTML links!

A great fellowship after Christmas Program.

Jackie Tenard and Timothy Rogers as Mary and Joseph in the Christmas Program.

REVEALED: WHO WAS YOUR SECRET SISTER?December 12, amid fabulous food, the Pilgrim Women’s Ministry held a Secret Sister reveal luncheon. Participants draw a Pilgrim sister’s name from a basket and stay in contact all year encouraging and loving her. Sometimes small gifts are involved but more importantly sisters have someone to spoil. If you are not one this year, be sure to come to next year’s luncheon and sign up.

TRUSTEES PLAN FOOD PANTRY DRIVE

By Jacci ManneryIn order to fulfill the expectation set forth by the Leadership Council for all church ministries to reach out into the community, the Trustees propose to initiate a Food Drive for the Rock River Valley Pantry. As we reflect on “Who will do this with me?”, we ask that ALL Pilgrim members assist us during February, “The Month of Love” by donating the following items —canned and dry beans, canned fruit, soup, canned vegetables, tuna, mac-n-cheese. These items are on the Pantry’s list of immediate needs.

Barrels will be delivered an January 29 and our drive will end February 29. We ask that all Pilgrim members spread LOVE by assisting us in fighting hunger in our community. Together we can make a tremendous difference.

Beverly Owens records sister matches while Thomasine Hanserd fills out her data for her Secret Sister-to-be.

Imagine being Helen Ware’s Secret Sister while working with her on a newsletter. She had no idea!

Nanelle Due and Rev. Car-men Jordan revealed as Secret Sisters.

Shawndolyn Smith, Marilyn Board, Debra Simp-son, and Emma Gipson wait to learn who are their Secret Sisters.

WelcomeNew

Members!Be sure to greet them, tell them about your

Pilgrim experience, and give a big Pilgrim hug!

Dorn Scott

Carmen Rivera-Long

Ashley Griffin

The Welcome Ministry met together on December 10th for an evening of fellowship and thanking God for a year of many blessings. Meeting at Ruby Tuesdays, members had a chance to greet and enjoy one another as well as devouring the delicious food served there. While always being ready to serve God, the Welcome Ministry love greeting and showing love to all people.

Therefore Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you for the glory of God. KJV Romans 15:7

The Welcome Ministry is truly reflecting this. Just wanted to share. God Bless! by Frances Blalock

Pastor’s Care Ministry relaxing after preparing food for recent funeral. Janet Mitchell, President of Pastor’s Care Ministry, Charlotte Puckett, Matti Chappel, Dawanna Johnson, and Patricia Fricks

Several Pilgrim Members traveled to see Evon Sams at his senior recital. He excelled at a variety of music in preparation for graduation from Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, Illinois. He is the son of Ms. Emma Gipson and part of Pilgrim’s Music Ministry.

PILGRIM HAPPENINGS

Send your celebration to: [email protected]!

JanuaryCelebrations

Z=Birthdays B=Anniversaries

1 Z Kelli Jackson 2 B Debra & Duane Simpson 5 Z Deacon Samuel Gaynor 7 Z Timothy Rogers 8 Z Valerie Carter 8 Z Ann Gilbert 9 Z Vicki Richard 12 Z Dr. Vinest Steele 13 Z Debra Curry 15 B Min. Marvin & Tomiko Ballard 15 Z Leslie Purifoy 16 Z Sharon Thurmond 19 Z Kathleen Jamerson 22 Z Diedre Harvey

22 Z Carmen Jordan

JANUARY 2016Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Sun. School 9am

Morning Worship 10:30amNursery Open

Adult Beginning Fitness 6pm

Ushers Mtg. 6pm

Trustees Mtg. 5:30pm-7:30pm

Sun. School 9am


Communion



Bible Study 101-12pm

Prayer & Praise 6pm

Wed. Night Live!Bible Study 6:30pm

Senior Fitness-Low Impact Exercise 10:00am

Adult Advanced Fitness 6pm

Lydians Mtg. 2pm

Sunday School9am-10:00am



Ushers Mtg. 6pm

Pilgrim’s Tots Nursery Mtg. 5pm



Prayer & Praise 6pm




MLK Unity Choir Concert, St. Paul COGIC, 7pm

Sun. School 9am


MLK Worship Service 7pm




Prayer & Praise 6pm



Senior Ministry Mtg. 11am


Sun. School 9am



Ushers Mtg. 6pm




43 5 6 7 8 9

1110 12 13 14 15 16

1817 19 20 21 22 23

To add an event, please contact the Church office at (815) 968-4449 or [email protected].

The Pilgrim MessengerA Newsletter of

Pilgrim Baptist Church1703 South Central Avenue

Rockford, Illinois 61102(815) 968-4449 • (815) 968-2603 fax

www.pilgrimbaptist.orgwww.facebook.com/pilgrimbaptist

[email protected]•

Senior Pastor & AdvisorRev. Dr. Kenneth R. Board

•Editor

Janie [email protected]

•Contributing Photographer

Helen Ware•

ProofreaderJacquelyn Tenard

•News may be submitted by email by the 15th of

the month to the editor. All copy is approved by the Pastor before

publishing. Past issues at the above website.•

Hard copies are available at the church on the first Sunday of the month. To receive by email,

send an email to the Editor.

Evangelism cards are available from the church office.

When a friend asks “What

church do you go to?” You now have a ready answer!

“Be my guest at Pilgrim Baptist!

Here’s my card!”

We’re waiting for you.

[email protected]


www.facebook.com/pilgrimbaptist

1703 South Central Avenue

Rockford, Illinois 61102

815.968.4449 • 815.968-2603 fax

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A

Sun. School 9am


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mailto:[email protected]









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