The Testament - Lincoln Memorial Baptist Churchmylmbc.org/newsletter/testament_june12.pdf · The...
Transcript of The Testament - Lincoln Memorial Baptist Churchmylmbc.org/newsletter/testament_june12.pdf · The...
The Testament Special Edition Lincoln Memorial Baptist Church
Fifty-six and Counting! “At Least One”
“The church at 1500 South Roxboro
Street has helped save my life.” How many
people that come through the doors of
Lincoln Memorial Baptist Church (LMBC)
will have the opportunity to say those
words? How many people who are here
now can say that they have been truly
blessed or that their lives have been transformed through
this ministry? Pulling up on the church grounds and
walking up to that front door set the stage for the
experience that one may have when they visit Lincoln.
With churches opening today and closing tomorrow,
having a solid history speaks volumes. There are a
countless number of churches in the Durham city alone,
so what sets LMBC apart from the rest? The history
within these walls of LMBC is a story that I cannot
personally tell, but fifty six years of ministry have
brought each one of us to this point today, right here,
right now. Rev. Atkins has preached and mentioned on
several different occasions that there is no such thing as a
perfect church. But for some, LMBC is the perfect place
to get everything that you need. I can attest to that fact!
Being at a place in my life where I was turned off by
church and church folk, I told myself that I was done. I
was done with the lines where the preacher was begging
for money for a third offering, playing dress up to see
who can wear the highest heels with their Sunday’s best,
and coming Sunday after Sunday only to leave the same
way I came in. I was so broken because of church
experiences. And please, please do not let me get started
on the church folk! I was done. I was raised in the church
and I understand why coming to church is important. So
to no end did or do I ever expect for things to be perfect,
but I was tired. I really felt like giving up on church and
opening up Bedside Baptist permanently. Of course, we
know that our plans are not God’s plans, nor our ways
but His ways according to Isaiah 55:8. I would hear a
friend of mine reference something her Pastor said as she
would encourage me through this trying time and it
caught my attention. Here is someone who goes to church
to really hear and receive the Word so that she can
encourage someone else. Does that still exist? I had to
check this out for myself. I wanted to know if this
ministry was real and are there more people like her
there.
It was that one thing that changed my mind about church
and God knows exactly what we need, when we need it. I
needed an example that real church still exists, not about
form or fashion, not obsessive about money, but a true
genuine ministry that is about the people. This is what sets
LMBC apart for me. It is what ministry is all about. Not a
perfect church, but a perfect place to get what you need.
Now all roads led to LMBC were I am being changed,
healed, freed and delivered, and I won’t go back.
It is up to all of us at LMBC to make every experience
here a life changing one for the members and visitors. Are
we doing all that we can to help transform someone else’s
life while they are here? Is this the perfect place to get
everything you need so that you can help make it the perfect
place for someone else to get what they need? I asked the
question, how many people will come through the doors of
LMBC and be able to say that this church has helped save
their life? Well, at least one. So thank you LMBC for lasting
fifty-six years just for me!
- by Sis. Chanetta Evans
An Anniversary Celebration As we celebrate our 56th Church Anniversary, we
pause to say “thank you” to the surviving
founding members. Thank you for the vision,
courage and determination in laying the
foundation for our church. Thank you for your
guidance and the wisdom of your years. Thank
you for your continual support and your faith in
God’s word. Thank You!
“Building the Church in the Community
and the Community in the Church”
Sis. Katie Williams
Sis. Rosa Bass
Bro. Nathan Weaver
Durham, NC
Keep Moving Forward Many years ago, an old friend -
Larry Hester, shared with me a
vision for a new shopping center
that he wanted to develop. During
our talk, he also shared with me the
origin of the name of his first
shopping center - Phoenix Square.
According to Larry, legend has it
that in ancient times there once
lived a large and colorful bird
called the phoenix. The phoenix
lived for long periods of time. At
end of its life cycle, the phoenix
would burn itself to death. Then,
out of its ashes, a new phoenix
would emerge. Younger and
stronger, the new phoenix would
then venture out on its own.
For Larry, locating his shopping
center on the land that once housed
the sprawling Hayti Business
District (a successful Black
business community destroyed by
Urban Renewal in the 1960s), was
reminiscent of the story of the
phoenix. Thus, out of the ashes of
Hayti - Phoenix Square was born.
In a similar fashion, the
Newsletter Committee sees this
issue of The Testament as our
phoenix. For several years, The
Testament was published on each
4th Sunday for the benefit of our
church family. Over the years, we
produced a steady stream of
newsletters - some much better
than others, and played an active
role in recording the history of
events and activities occurring in
the lives of our fellow members
and of Lincoln Memorial Baptist
Church itself. Some of our issues
featured timely and informative
offerings in the health, financial
and spiritual areas. Others featured
the creative and expressive writing
talents of some of our members.
And nearly all included at one least
photo that was destined to be a
keepsake for some and engendered
a smile among many.
- by Bro. Dean Jernigan
We have been on hiatus for a
little more than a year - our own
burnout if you will, but strongly
encouraged by the interest among
our members in seeing the return
of the newsletter.
In this second offering of The
Testament, we aim to build upon
the success of the earlier years of
this wonderful communicative
tool. We will offer many of the
same types of stories and event
coverage as we did previously, but
we'll also ask more of the "what
if.." types of questions that will
lead us to include new and broader
content. Our basic design will
remain the same but curiosity and
ingenuity may lead to subtle
changes in appearance and layout,
all aimed at bringing you a more
enjoyable reading experience.
We’ll take the occasional look
back, to mull over the pluses and
minuses regarding the success of
our efforts. We’ll look back into
our archives from time to time and
pull out some of our favorites for
the “Food For Thought” section as
well as a few articles that convey
a timeless message. But we won’t
linger in the past. We'll employ
the essence of the words of
wisdom that Walt Disney once
shared with members of his staff
during the building phase of his
successful empire - “Around here,
however, we don’t look backwards
for very long. We keep moving
forward, opening up new doors
and doing new things because
we're curious and curiosity keeps
leading us down new paths.”
We invite you to join us as we
move forward in bringing The
Testament back to you with
renewed energy and focus. Travel
the path with us and litter it with
your photos, articles, recipes,
poems and other words of
encouragement to share with our
church family. Let us
know what you and
your ministries are
doing to promote the
efforts of our church
in “spreading the good news”.
We need your input, fused with
our energy, to keep us moving
forward.
Not that long ago, a forward
thinking group of individuals
founded our church. To be
certain, there were challenges,
trials and tribulations during the
start up and growth phases of our
church. We may never know of
some of the obstacles that they
had to maneuver or the setbacks
that hindered their progress.
But what we do know is that
they kept moving forward. And
as a result of their efforts, this
year’s anniversary celebration
marks our 56th year of existence
as a church family. Let us
continue to build on the
foundation laid by our founding
members and keep moving
forward along the path that leads
to redemption and salvation. That
path is laid out for us in God's
word.
Finally, as you leave church
today, or as you browse through
The Testament in the days and
weeks to follow, don’t be alarmed
if you happen to spot a strange
bird flying overhead nearby. It’s
ok - it’s probably just a phoenix!
The Testament is produced monthly
by our Newsletter Committee. Please
send articles, photos or other items for
publication in The Testament to
[email protected] by the 3rd
Sunday of each month.
Newsletter Committee
Chanetta Evans ● Janice Campbell
Gloria Manley ● Reginald Davis
Earleen Sharrock ● Joan Lofton
Marva Atkins ● William Mayfield
Dean Jernigan, Chair
Saluting Our Mothers Hats off to the Laymen’s League for recognizing the mothers and mother figures of Lincoln with their annual
Mother’s Day Breakfast. The breakfast outing is just one way that the men at Lincoln express their love,
admiration and support of the women in our lives and our church family.
Church Beautification Always dutiful in caring for God’s property, the Trustees recently organized an effort to beautify the church
and grounds in preparation for our anniversary celebration. Assisted by several additional members from the
congregation, some areas cleaned, some painted, the kitchen cleaned and reorganized for efficiency and the
grounds were treated and mulched. Thanks to everyone who participated in the event.
Senior Adult Appreciation The month of May has been set aside nationally to recognize older Americans in our country. Lincoln proudly
participates in this celebration and each year honors our senior adults with a special program and dinner.
Congratulations to all of our senior adults and thanks to each of you for all that you have done to improve the
quality of our lives.
“Aging With Passion and Purpose”
Putting The Amazing
Back Into Grace
Paul’s definition of grace is unmistakable.
In Roman’s 11:6, “If by grace, then it is no
longer of works; otherwise grace is no
longer grace.” Once a condition is placed on
grace, or asks a payment for it, or demand a
work to obtain it then it ceases to be grace.
To those who try to relate to God through bargaining,
Paul says, “You have fallen from grace”.
Jesus told us to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees.
A Pharisee is someone who tries to get you to pay for
that which God gives you for free. That’s what legalism
does.
Never let anyone take you out of the grace of God.
Stand fast in the liberty Christ purchased for you and
me. “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered
Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him shall also
freely give us all things” (Rom.8:32).
Everything that God has done for us flows from His
heart of love. God wants us to respond to Him through
love. When we pray, give, serve, sacrifice, go, witness
and suffer out of a heart of love, this is pure Christianity.
God’s desire is to have a love relationship with us.
What makes Christianity unique and stand apart from
every other religion? Man-made religions may demand
that we do something in order for God to accept us or to
bless us. Grace says we are already accepted
unconditionally and blessed immeasurably-all are free!
His Grace is amazing, no doubt about it!
Food For Thought...
A PIECE OF CAKE
Sometimes, we wonder, "What did I do to
deserve this", or "Why did God have to do
this to me". Here is a God sent explanation!!
A little boy was telling his Grandma how
everything was going wrong.
School, family problems, severe health
problems, etc.
Meanwhile, Grandma was baking a cake.
She asked her grandson if he
would like a snack, which, of course, he did.
"Here, have some cooking oil."
"Yuck" said the boy.
"How about a couple raw eggs?"
"Gross, Grandma!"
"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe
baking soda?"
"Grandma, those are all yucky!"
To which Grandma replied: "Yes, all those
things seem bad all by
themselves. But when they are put together
in the right way, they
make a wonderfully delicious cake!
God works the same way. Many times we
wonder why He would let us
go through such bad and difficult times.
But God knows that when
He puts these things all in His order,
they always work for good!
We just have to trust Him and,
eventually, they will all make
something wonderful!
God is crazy about you. He sends you
flowers every spring and a
sunrise every morning. Whenever you want
to talk, He'll listen.
He can live anywhere in the universe, and
He chose your heart.
Hope your day is
“A Piece of Cake!"
- by Sis. Janice Campbell
CAN YOU FIND 16 BOOKS OF THE BIBLE?
I once made a remark about hidden books of the Bible.
It was a lulu, kept people looking so hard for facts and for
others it was a revelation. Some were in a jam, especially
since the name of the books were not capitalized, but the
truth finally struck home to numbers of readers. To others,
it was a real job. YES, THERE WILL BE SOME REALLY
EASY ONES TO SPOT. Others may require judges to help
them. I will quickly admit it usually takes a minister to find
one of them, and there will be loud lamentations when it is
found. A little lady says she brews a cup of tea, so she can
concentrate better. See how well you can compete. Relax now
for there are really sixteen names of books of the Bible in this
story.
(One preacher found 15 books in 20 minutes, but it took him 3
weeks to find the sixteenth one.)
Mother-Daughter Luncheon
Hat’s off to our Pastor’s Aide Ministry for the outstanding Mother-Daughter luncheon recently on Mother’s
Day weekend. Well planned and attended, the event featured delicious food, wonderful fellowship, and an
inspired message from First Lady Marva Atkins.
Just Horsing Around
There’s nothing more relaxing than an afternoon of riding horses. Several of our youth (and adult) members
experienced this joy on a recent outing to a local horse stable. This outing, funded by our Special Projects
collections, was enjoyed by all, and topped off with an afternoon meal at McDonald’s.
Around Lincoln….
Rev. Joyce Bailey performs with her family
during a recent concert.
Apryl and Bailee celebrate after
performing with the Durham Public
Schools Elementary Honors Chorus.
Save The Date!
Lincoln Memorial Baptist
Church Health Fair
Saturday, June 23rd
10:00am - 2:00pm More Information Coming Soon
LMBC Jimmy and Torian Graves
Memorial Scholarship Program
Saturday, July 14th
More Details Coming Soon
All smiles as the Brodie family proudly celebrate the graduations
of Bianca and Peggy from NC Central University.
The Eley family celebrates
Joe Jr.’s graduation from
Josephine Dobbs Clement
Early College.
Sis. Erin Campbell graduates from NC
A&T State University.
Sis. Adrienne Jernigan and the NC A&T
State University Choir pose with the 2012
Commencement Speaker - First Lady
Michelle Obama.
Happy Birthday To Our
June Birthday Celebrities
Terri Nicholson
Theresa Wilson
Chris Sanders
LaTacha Evans
Mamie Brodie
Amire' Brodie
Tanga Best
Jasper Earl
Jonathan Poole
Tiffany Long
Barbara Cromartie
Dean Jernigan
Adrienne Jernigan
Stephen Smith
Tamecia Daye
Melvin Evans
Montesia Garrett
Tomeka Webb
Caleb Crawley
Best Wishes For Many More!
Mikala Smith celebrates
with her brother following
a dance performance at
her school.
“Building the Church in the
Community and the
Community in the Church”
Congratulations
Lincoln Memorial Baptist Church
Fifty-six Years and Counting
- submitted by Sis. Earleen Sharrock
Jesus is Love Jesus is Love Conquers All
I thank God for giving His only begotten son,
Jesus who died for our sins at Calvary.
He died for you and me and all humanity!
His love exists now and even then.
It’s not about you or me
But about how Jesus gave us love, and shed his blood.
How he sacrificed his life for us.
(To love one another we must)
Right now He needs our trust.
He loves all of us.
We can stand bold and tall.
He won’t let us fall.
We should love one another regardless of skin color.
We are all sisters and brothers.
The descendents of Adam and Eve.
(I truly do believe)
Black, yellow, red and white.
We are precious in God’s eyesight.
Don’t do it wrong, do it right.
We need to focus on our children of today.
Let’s not let Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s dream
of hope for us fade away.
The answer lies between you and I.
We shouldn’t have a reason to sigh.
Let’s stand up, speak out and be bold for the Lord,
so our successes can unfold.
His love we can all afford.
He don’t lie, He speak truth.
His word won’t come back void.
We must accept and activate Jesus’ love from above.
The fruits of Jesus Spirit, love, peace, joy and much more
will began to gradually fold in our souls.
These will be our measure of treasures.
Our riches and gold will began to behold.
Jesus is Love - Love Conquers All
Let’s have love in our hearts for God.
We need to love here on earth so we can receive our crown of Glory in heaven one day.
We are all one:
God - Father
Jesus - Son
Holy Ghost - Spirit
Body - People
Church - One Denomination
“We need each other to survive.”
Opposites Attract
Negative Positive
Devil God
No Yes
Darkness “The Light”
Hate Love
Back Front
- by Sis. Gloria Manley
Jesus is Love (continued) Down Up
Out In
Blind Can See
Frown Smile
Bad Good
Down Up
A frown is just a smile turned upside down.
Many more can be comprised.
Prayer changes things.
Love lifted me.
I love Jesus because he first loved me.
Jesus put us first.
We need to put Him first.
Put people before ourselves.
We need each other to survive.
Run to the storm.
Don’t run away.
God’s love is here to stay.
Through it all God fought my battle.
If God can’t do it, it can’t be done.
“Can’t nobody do me like Jesus.”
God is about love.
This we should give plenty of.
His love exists now and even then.
We are in His hands. His love is here to stay.
“He was there all the time.”
God had my life in control.
From “the darkness” to “the marvelous light.”
“We fall down but we get up”
Jesus Is Love, Love Conquers All
We all need love.
This we should give plenty of.
We can stand bold and tall.
Positive is stronger than the negative reaction.
With God’s help, we no longer have to be a fraction.
I can see clearly now as a whole.
Things for us are about to unfold.
I can see the great difference God’s love can make in you and me.
Can’t nobody do us like Jesus.
Love lifted me.
There’s no greater love than He.
We need prayer in our homes, on the streets, schools,
work and all over the world.
Prayer and love can change things around.
We can meet the deficit.
“We can fall down but we can get up again.”
Stay in tune to Jesus Christ.
He sacrificed his life and paid the price.
Let’s celebrate Jesus’ love every day and everywhere we go.
Let’s have a hand for God!
June 2012 “Building the Church in the Community and the Community in the Church”
Newsletter photos by Reginald Davis, Jocelyn Campbell and Dean Jernigan
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
10:00am
Trustees Mtg
12:00pm
Women of Faith
3
4
5
6:30pm
Pastor’s Aide
Committee
6
12:00Noon
Hour of Power
6:00pm
Sounds of Joy
6:30pm
Intercessory
Prayer
7:00pm
Bible Study
7
8
6:00pm
Praise Team
9
10:00am
Deaconess
Meeting
10
3:00pm
Youth
Missionaries
11
7:00pm
Voices of Praise
12
6:30pm
Health and
Wellness Mtg
13
12:00Noon
Hour of Power
6:30pm
Intercessory
Prayer
7:00pm
Bible Study
14
6:00pm
Christian Board
15
6:00pm
Praise Team
7:00pm
Voices of Praise
16
9:00am
Laymen’s
League
12Noon
Male Chorus
17
18
19
20
12:00Noon
Hour of Power
21
22
23
Usher Fun Day
@Lake Gaston
10:00am
Health Fair
2:00pm
Missionary Dept.
24
1:00pm
Usher Training
25
7:00pm
Voices of Praise
26
6:30pm
Computing &
Technology
Committee
27
12:00Noon
Hour of Power
6:30pm
Intercessory
Prayer
7:00pm
Bible Study
28
6:00pm
Neighborhood
PAC
6:30pm
YAC Mtg
29
30
To add an event to the church calendar, please contact Sis. Jocelyn
Campbell by calling the church at 688-1886, option 1. You may also
email her at [email protected].
Please send articles, photos or information for The Testament to
[email protected] by the 3rd Sunday of each month.
Vacation Bible School Time TBA