TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE

Calendar of Events 2-3

Ministries Corner 4

Family News 5-6

Health News 7

Seniors Ministry 8

Marriage Corner 9

Member News 10-19

Black History 20-22

Youth Corner 23

April Birthday’s 24

Puzzle Corner 25

Words of Inspiration 26

PAGE THREE

This month’s scripture is from Isaiah 38:14-20, "Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD. And Hezekiah prayed unto the LORD, saying, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth. Incline thine ear, O LORD, and hear; open thine eyes, O LORD, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent to reproach the living God. Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations, and their countries, And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them. Now therefore, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD, even thou only.” STORMS. We all have storms in our lives. Some are little ones and some can be major. It is how we weather these storms that gets us through the tough times. God wants us to stand in prayer against these storms that may be threatening your children, your marriage, your ministry, your job, or something or someone that you care deeply about. God is Lord over your seemingly unstoppable storms. It's time for you to get on your knees and pray against that storm in Jesus' Name. When you pray, don’t just focus on the storm - but, focus on the greatness and total sovereignty of the God in whom you are trusting and unleash His authority on that storm!

What looks like something that is going to bring destruction may actually be a unique opportunity for you, and all those around you, to see what only GOD can do! This is about His glory being seen! So lay out the storm before the Lord . . . stand against that storm . . . and expect something that only God can do! Miracles really do happen. You just have to be ready to accept them. And never forget the fact that Jesus died for all of our sins that we may have eternal life. Happy Easter!!

We hope everyone enjoyed the March 2012 issue of the Church Chat. However, all the praise, all the honor, and all the glory, belong to God, because without Him, the Church Chat would not be possible. Thank you for the many, many compliments and words of encouragement.

Calvary Baptist Church - 6122 Haverford Avenue - Philadelphia PA 19151Dr. Garth G. Gittens, Pastor/TeacherEvangelist Gillian Gittens, First Lady

215-747-9979Website: www.calvaryphilly.org.

April 2012 Church Chat Newsletter© Issue #206

“Message from the Editor”

THIS MONTH WE CELEBRATE

PALM SUNDAY AND

EASTER SUNDAY

1 9:30 AM April Church Chat Distributed11:00 AM Children's Church - 6116 Haverford Ave1:00 PM Hospitality Ministry Meeting - TFH4:00 PM Mass Choir MusicalCommunion Services - Sanctuary - 7:30am, 9:30am, and 11:30amMorning Worship Services - Sanctuary - 7:30am, 9:30am, and 11:30amPalm Sunday2 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Agape Outreach Services Distribute Food & Clothing - 61146:30 PM - 7:30 PM Martial Arts Ministry - TFH7:00 PM Pastor preaching at St. James Baptist Church, Spring Fling 114 N Broad St, Beverly NJ. Mass Choir & Ushers3 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM AARP Income Tax Preparation - TFH6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Teen Divine Praise Dance Ministry Class & Rehearsal - TFH7:00 PM Pastor preaching at St. James Baptist Church, Spring Fling 114 N Broad St, Beverly NJ. Mass Choir & Ushers8:00 PM - 9:00 PM Adult Divine Praise Dance Ministry Class & Rehearsal - TFH4 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM AGAPE Distribution of Food and Clothing12:00 PM AGAPE - Free Hot Lunch Served1:00 PM Afternoon Bible Study - Sanctuary5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Video and Special Events Ministry Meeting - Radio Room6:00 PM - 6:55 PM Meal Time7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Focus on the Family5 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM AARP Income Tax Preparation - TFH6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Fine Arts Ministry Rehearsal - TFH7:00 PM Pastor preaching at Berean Baptist Church, 2425 W Indiana - Maunday Services – Mass Choir & Ushers6 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Good Friday Service - Sanctuary7 7:00 AM Real Men Get Up Early - TFH9:00 AM - 1:00 PM New Members Discipleship Classes - TFH9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Children Divine Praise Ministry Rehearsal - Sanctuary11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Teen Divine Praise Ministry Rehearsal - Sanctuary1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Mission Ministry Meeting - 6114April

8 11:00 AM Children's Church - 6116 Haverford AveEaster SundayHealth Support Ministry Photo Shoot for children in their Easter attire. Benefit purchase of AED - 11:00am & 1:00pmMorning Worship Services - Sanctuary - 7:30am, 9:30am, and 11:30am9 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Agape Outreach Services Distribute Food & Clothing - 611410:30 AM Seniors Ministry Meeting - TFH6:00 PM Building Fund Ministry Meeting - 61146:30 PM - 7:30 PM Martial Arts Ministry - TFH10 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM AARP Income Tax Preparation - TFH5:30 PM - 9:30 PM Harcum College Classes 6114 & 61166:30 PM - 8:30 PM Teen Divine Praise Dance Ministry Class & Rehearsal - TFH7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Mass Choir Rehearsal - Sanctuary8:00 PM - 9:00 PM Adult Divine Praise Dance Ministry Class & Rehearsal - TFH11 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM AGAPE Distribution of Food and Clothing12:00 PM AGAPE - Free Hot Lunch Served1:00 PM Afternoon Bible Study - Sanctuary5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Video and Special Events Ministry Meeting - Radio Room6:00 PM - 6:55 PM Meal Time7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Focus on the Family12 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM AARP Income Tax Preparation - TFH5:30 PM - 9:30 PM Harcum College Classes 6114 & 61166:00 PM - 9:00 PM Fine Arts Ministry Rehearsal - TFH7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Praise & Worship Ministry Rehearsal - Sanctuary13 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Friday Night Prayer Service - Sanctuary14 7:00 AM Real Men Get Up Early - TFH7:45 AM AGAPE Walk For Hunger9:00 AM Male Chorus Rehearsal - TFH9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Children Divine Praise Ministry Rehearsal - Sanctuary10:00 AM - 2:00 PM AARP Income Tax Preparation - TFH11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Teen Divine Praise Ministry Rehearsal - Sanctuary

PAGE TWO

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

15 11:00 AM Children's Church - 6116 Haverford Ave11:30 AM Right Hand of Fellowship1:00 PM Last Day to place an Ad for Pastor's 9th Anniversary Celebration Book3:30 PM All Usher's Day - Bishop Darrell Robinson Yesha Ministries - Dinner served at 2:00pmMorning Worship Services - Sanctuary - 7:30am, 9:30am, and 11:30am16 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Agape Outreach Services Distribute Food & Clothing - 61146:30 PM - 7:30 PM Martial Arts Ministry - TFH17 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM Harcum College Classes 6114 & 61166:30 PM - 8:30 PM Teen Divine Praise Dance Ministry Class & Rehearsal - TFH7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Mass Choir Rehearsal - Sanctuary8:00 PM - 9:00 PM Adult Divine Praise Dance Ministry Class & Rehearsal - TFH18 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM AGAPE Distribution of Food and Clothing12:00 PM AGAPE - Free Hot Lunch Served1:00 PM Afternoon Bible Study - Sanctuary5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Video and Special Events Ministry Meeting - Radio Room6:00 PM - 6:55 PM Meal Time7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Focus on the Family19 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM Harcum College Classes 6114 & 61166:00 PM - 9:00 PM Fine Arts Ministry Rehearsal - TFH7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Praise & Worship Ministry Rehearsal - Sanctuary20 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Friday Night Prayer Service - Sanctuary

21 7:00 AM Real Men Get Up Early - TFH9:00 AM Male Chorus Rehearsal - TFH9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Children Divine Praise Ministry Rehearsal - Sanctuary11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Teen Divine Praise Ministry Rehearsal - Sanctuary1:00 PM New Members Banquet Set-up - TFH5:00 PM - 8:00 PM New Members Banquet – Talmadge Fellowship Hall

22 11:00 AM Children's Church - 6116 Haverford Ave1:00 PM Deadline for Articles for the "MAY" Church ChatMorning Worship Services - Sanctuary - 7:30am, 9:30am, and 11:30am23 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Agape Outreach Services Distribute Food & Clothing - 61146:30 PM - 7:30 PM Martial Arts Ministry - TFH7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Dr. Theodore Watkins Wellness Program - Health Support Ministry24 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM Harcum College Classes 6114 & 61166:30 PM - 8:30 PM Teen Divine Praise Dance Ministry Class & Rehearsal - TFH7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Dr. Theodore Watkins Wellness Program - Health Support Ministry7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Mass Choir Rehearsal - Sanctuary8:00 PM - 9:00 PM Adult Divine Praise Dance Ministry Class & Rehearsal - TFH25 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM AGAPE Distribution of Food and Clothing12:00 PM AGAPE - Free Hot Lunch Served1:00 PM Afternoon Bible Study - Sanctuary5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Video and Special Events Ministry Meeting - Radio Room6:00 PM - 6:55 PM Meal Time7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Focus on the Family26 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM Harcum College Classes 6114 & 61166:00 PM - 9:00 PM Fine Arts Ministry Rehearsal - TFH7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Ministry Leadership Council Meeting - TFH27 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Friday Night Prayer Service

28 7:00 AM Real Men Get Up Early - TFH9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Children Divine Praise Ministry Rehearsal - Sanctuary11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Teen Divine Praise Ministry Rehearsal – Sanctuary10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Talmadge Fellowship Hall Reserved29 Children's Church in Charge - Sanctuary - 7:30am, 9:30am & 11:30am30 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Agape Outreach Services Distribute Food & Clothing - 61146:30 PM - 7:30 PM Martial Arts Ministry - TFH

PAGE THREE

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

COME JOIN THE BUILDING FUND MINISTRY

ONSATURDAY, JUNE 23, 2012

TO SEE THE EXCITING SHOW“JONAH”

At Sight and Sound’s“Millennium Theatre”

Donation: $115.00Bus leaves Calvary: 8:00am sharp!10:00am to 12:15pm – Rockvale Outlet Shopping1:00pm – Show 4:30pm – Shady Maple for Dinner

Bus returns to Calvary: Approximately 8:00pm

Deadline for Payment - Sunday, May 20, 2012 – Please continue to make your payments.

For more information, please contact:

Marsha Lawton – 215-837-2735Mary Wellons – 610-626-0202

WOMEN’S 2011 RETREATThe Women’s Retreat will be held at Willow Valley Resort & Conference Center from Friday, June 8, 2012 through Sunday, June 10, 2012. Women, reserve you room now. Payments are due now for the 2012 Women’s Retreat. See Sis. Theresa Evans, Sis. Crystal Miller, Sis. Leslie Yuille or Tr. Valerie Hayes in the Talmadge Fellowship Hall, Sunday morning after each service, to accept payments.

HOSPITALITY MINISTRYThe Hospitality Ministry of Calvary Baptist Church will present their Annual Awards Luncheon and Fashion Show at the luxurious Drexelbrook Banquet Facility in Drexel Hill, PA. Reserve your seat for Saturday, May 5, 2012, beginning Noon until 4:00 PM. Seating begins at 11:30am. Tickets are now available for a donation of $45.00 from any member of the Hospitality Ministry.

Carmen Stratford, Ticket Chair610-352-6885

Maxine Timazee, Ticket Co-Chair856-869-8885

We are also requesting your business ads and patron listings for the Souvenir Journal Booklet. The costs of the ads are as follows:Full Page $35.00Half Page $25.00Quarter Page $15.00Business Card $10.00Mr. & Mrs. $3.00Business Name Only $2.00Single $1.00

You may place the ads in the Talmadge Fellowship Hall after the 7:30, 9:30, and 11:30am services; email to mlawton36@gmail.com; or leave in the Church Office at 6142 Haverford Avenue. Thanks for your continued support. Sis. Denise Clark, Chairperson, Sis. Cynthia Lowery, Co-Chairperson

MEN’S RETREATMen Reserve Your Room Today!!! Payments are NOW being accepted for the 2012 Men’s Retreat to be held on August 17-19, 2012 at Sandy Cove, Northeast, MD. Dea. William Sawyer will be in the TFH Sunday Morning after each service to accept deposits or see Dea. Harold Hall, Dea. Joe De Reef, Bro. Ed Brown or call Dea. Wilbur Napper in the church office 215-747-9979 Ext. 7102.

Giving the GIFT of LightMissions Ministry is Traveling to

Africa You all are WELCOME!!!

Where: Nairobi, KenyaWhen: July 17 – July 27, 2012The Need: 80% of households in Nairobi, Kenya are living without lighting. Together, we can light up a village with just $1,000. Will you help? Cost: $3,200.00 per person----------------------------------------------

Clean Water for NamibiaMissions Ministry is working on

Calvary’s 3 rd Well

Please support us as we run lifting up the work of the Kingdom

Two wells have been completed and serving over 600,000 people

Will you help us to help them? You may help by making a donation to the Mission Ministry. Make all checks payable to Calvary Baptist Church. Please: 1) You must specify Africa on your tithes envelopes, 2) Ask the usher for Mission envelopes, or 3) Send it to Calvary Baptist Church, 6122 Haverford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19151, Att. Gloria Sharp/Africa.

For more information, contact Missionary Gloria Sharp at 215-747-6418, Marlene McIntosh at 1-718-501-4425, or call the church office 215-747-9979.

Submitted by Sis. Gloria Sharpe

Continued on Page Eighteen►

MINISTRIES CORNER

PAGE FOUR

A FATHER’S BOOKOF WISDOM

SELF-RELIANCE

Self-reliance is the greatest gift a parent can give a child.

-Dad

Self-reliance is like a flashlight; no matter how dark it gets, it will help you find your way.

-Dad

You are free the moment you do not look outside yourself for someone to solve your problems.

-Dad

Not in time, place, or circumstance, but in the man lies success.

- Charles Rouce

SOURCE: H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

HOW TO HANDLE PRESCHOOL BULLIESby Deborah Carpenter

Your first clue that something is up might be when your preschooler says, “Kids are mean to me.” Or “I hate so-and-so, and I don’t want to play with him anymore.”

In my case, the eye-opener was when my son, Kevin, brought home his preschool class picture. As he pointed from one smiling child to the next, he told me, “That’s Thomas, that’s Riley, that’s Jenny, that’s...” (ominous drumroll, please) “my bully, that’s...”

Whoa there, little fella, back up. Back way up. A bully? In a preschool class of 3- and 4-year-olds? Not too young to be a bullyBecause little-kid bullying is so surprising to many parents, it’s not noticed as readily as in older kids, says psychologist and author Henry D. Schlinger, PhD. Adults dismiss it as “kids being kids.”

“The problem with ignoring smaller incidents is that intervention doesn’t happen until it reaches a crisis point or someone gets hurt,” says Dr. Schlinger. Ouch! I was guilty of this. Before showing me his school picture, my son had told me time and time again that a boy was “bothering” him, and I’d dismissed it.

Is your kid being bullied?

Here’s what to watch for:•Your child loved preschool but now doesn’t want to go.

•He complains of bellyaches or headaches before being dropped off at a playdate, daycare or preschool.

•He no longer wants to play with a child he once liked.

•He repeatedly tells you a certain kid is “bothering,” “bugging” or “being mean” to him.

•He suddenly becomes withdrawn, depressed, fearful or clingy.

•He makes derogatory remarks about himself, like “I’m a loser,” “I’m stupid” or “No one likes me.”

•He has unexplained boo-boos. If your child seems to have more than a normal amount of bumps or bruises, or “forgets” the details of getting hurt, it might warrant a closer look.

Continued on Page Seventeen►

HEAVEN’S SOLUTION

I pray these things while I am still in the world so that these followers can have all of my joy in them.

JOHN 17:13

What Jesus dreamed of doing and what he seemed able to do were separated by an impossible gulf So Jesus prayed.

We don’t know what he prayed about. But I have my guesses.... He prayed for the impossible to happen.

Or maybe I’m wrong. Maybe he didn’t ask for anything. Maybe he just stood quietly in the presence of Presence and basked in the Majesty. Perhaps he placed his war-weary self before the throne and rested.

Maybe he lifted his head out of the confusion of earth long enough to hear the solution of heaven. Perhaps he was reminded that hard hearts don’t faze the Father. That problem people don’t perturb the Eternal One.

In the Eye of the Storm

SOURCE: Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado

FREE AARP TAX PREPARATION HELP

AVAILABLE AT CALVARYCalvary will host Free AARP Tax Preparations for low to moderate taxpayers regardless of age. Trained tax interviewers will be available on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10:00am to 2:00pm in the Talmadge Fellowship Hall Tuesday, April 3, 2012 to Tuesday, April 17, 2012 and Saturday, April 14, 2012. Services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointments will be given. Please bring your W-2 forms, and all necessary taxable financial information. Please contact Deacon Wilbur J. Napper for further information. Please note: Please Do Not Bring Small Children.

FAMILY NEWS

PAGE FIVE

GOD’S WORDFOR THE FAMILY

The Word of God establishes the family as the most important Christian social unit in our society and gives us guidance for proper relationships so that we might be everything God chooses for us, both individually and corporately. These scriptures will help you learn more about the promises for your family, God’s guidance for a better family relationship, and how God truly wants to bless and direct every Christian family for His glory.

GOD BLESSES YOUR FAMILY “WITH YOUR CHURCH”

If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

II Timothy 2:21-23

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

II Timothy 2:24-26

GOD GUIDES IN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS

“WITH HIM”

Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes. I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.

Psalms 119:124, 125

THE LITTLE BOOK OF PRAYER

MEDITATION

Meditation is not optional. The same Bible that commands us to “pray without ceasing,” to “rejoice evermore,” and “in everything give thanks” ... also urges us to meditate.

CHARLES SWINDOLL Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life

Seek God, not happiness- this is the fundamental rule of all meditation.

DIETRICH BOMHOEFFER Life Together

PASTOR GARTH G. GITTENS ENGAGEMENTS

Monday, April 2nd and Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012 – Spring Revival

Pastor Gittens will be the Revivalist at St. James Baptist Church 114 N. Broad Street, Beverly, NJ 08010 at 7:00pm for Pastor Winston Pierre. Mass Choir & Ushers will accompany Pastor. The Mini-bus will be available on a first-come-first-served basis. Please call 215-747-9979 or visit the Church Office 6142 Haverford Avenue to sign-up.

Thursday, April 5, 2012 – Maundy Thursday Service

Pastor will be preaching the Maundy Thursday Service at Berean Baptist Church 2425-33 Indiana Avenue at 7:00pm. The Mass Choir & Male Ushers will accompany Pastor. The Mini-bus will be available on a first-come-first-served basis. Please call 215-747-9979 or visit the Church Office 6142 Haverford Avenue to sign-up.

THE JOY OF BEINGA WOMAN

Watching your mom and aunts go back to do things they couldn’t do at your age

Seeing women win good purses on the LPGA tour

Tucking tags into the backs of our friends’ blouses and having them be so grateful

Watching When Harry Met Sally. This is my all-time favorite movie to watch with a friend.

We live in an era where our sisters who are physically or mentally abused by their husbands can divorce and suffer no entailing social stigma as they move on to brighter places.

Releasing some of the stress of the workday by indulging in just a teeny bit of road rage on the drive home

I thank God for my handicaps, for through them, I have found myself, my work, and my God. -Helen Keller, American essayist and lecturer

SOURCE: Amy Hall

PAGE SIX

FAMILY NEWS

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

RISK FACTORSCardiovascular disease risk factors include age, family history, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and pre-diabetes.

Of these nine risk factors for cardiovascular disease five of them you are able to control. You can take it upon yourself to stop smoking. An active life style will decrease your chances of becoming obese and having hypertension and dyslipidemia along with becoming pre-diabetic or diabetic.

FITNESS FOR A HEALTHY HEARTCardiovascular exercise is most important to keep your heart healthy. While resistance training and stretching are also important for strength, flexibility and stability, cardiovascular training puts healthy stress on the heart and blood vessels. When beginning cardiovascular exercise be sure to stay within your target heart rate. You can determine your target heart rate by multiplying your maximum heart rate (220-age), by the percentage of your intensity (220-age x %). You want to keep your intensity between 55- 75% depending on your physical activity level.

PREVENTING HEART DISEASEDecrease your risk of heart disease by implementing these 8 tips into your daily routine!

Limit unhealthy fats (saturated and trans fats) and cholesterol by taking little steps such as limiting the amount of solid fats used during cooking, trimming the excess fat off meat, and reading labels.

Choose low fat protein such as chicken, and turkey, and legumes.

Eat more fruits and vegetables which are rich in vitamins and minerals and low in calories.

Eat whole grains instead of white processed foods.

Reduce the amount of sodium intake to 2,300 mg a day by eating more fresh foods.

Control portion size. Eating large portions leads to more calorie intake which then leads to weight gain. Being overweight drastically increases ones risk for heart disease.

Cut out tobacco and reduce alcohol intake. Tobacco and excess alcohol can increase blood pressure.

Be physically active. Staying active will keep all the risk factors low, reducing your risk of having heart disease.

4 SHORTCUTS TO A HEART HEALTHY DIET

1. Cut Meat IntakeAnimal products and saturated fat go hand in hand. Reduce your meat intake and try to go vegetarian at least two days per week to help your heart. Always try to choose lean meats and fish.

2. Count Fat GramsRead your labels. Anything with more than 2 grams of saturated fat will do the heart more harm than good. You should also avoid foods that have more than 1 gram of Trans fat per 100 calories.

3. Bulk Up on Plant FoodsThe vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber in produce and beans can help lower blood pressure while protecting your arteries.

4. Keep Your Weight Under ControlA study of nearly 30,000 men found that those with a BMI between 25-28 (which falls within the overweight range) had a 72% higher risk of developing heart disease during a 3-year period than lean men with a BMI of 23 or under.

EASY FOOD SWAPS TO CUT CHOLESTEROL NOT TASTE

1. Skip croutons on your salad and add walnuts. Carbohydrates can cause high levels of a type of low density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as bad cholesterol. Replace croutons with walnuts, which raise levels of good cholesterol. (HDL)2. Sip red wine not cocktails. Research suggests that moderate alcohol intake can produce a slight rise in HDL cholesterol (so-called good cholesterol). But it won’t help if you’re tossing back margaritas or mixed drinks with fruit juice, which contain carbohydrates. Switch to red wine; it has about a tenth of the carbohydrates of a margarita, and you’ll also get antioxidants such as flavonoids that are believed to lower LDL and boost HDL. 3. Ditch the butter or margarine spread. One tablespoon of butter contains more than 7 grams of saturated fat (that’s more than a third of the recommended daily value). It also contains 10% of your daily value for dietary cholesterol. Switch the butter with a vegetable-oil-based spread such as Smart Balance or Olivio (which also contains olive oil).4. Skip fatty sour cream, choose fat-free Greek yogurt. Sour cream adds a shot of saturated fat to otherwise heart-healthy meals. To cut out that excess fat without sacrificing taste or texture, swap the sour cream with no-fat Greek yogurt.

Submitted by Bro. Curtis Lawton

HEALTH NEWS

PAGE SEVEN

FAMOUS QUOTATIONS

If a human is modest and satisfies, old age will not, even youth will be a burden.

Plato

TEN TIPS TO PROTECT SENIORS FROM FINANCIAL

CRIMES(ARA) - Sweet, trusting, kind. These are three words most people use to describe their aging parents or grandparents. But unfortunately, a growing number of people are adding the word “victim” to the list.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics, each year, tens of thousands of senior citizens are victimized by crimes motivated by economic gain. Thieves frequently target seniors for the crimes of burglary, robbery and personal theft; sweepstakes and telemarketing fraud; home-improvement scams; and identity theft.

Experts say most of the people who fall victim to these crimes do so because they are too trusting. The Dignity Memorial Smart and Safe Living program offers seniors these 10 tips to protect themselves:

1) Elect to have your social security check deposited directly into your checking or savings account on the day it is issued. This not only allows faster access to the funds, but eliminates the need for traveling to the bank and becoming the possible target of a robber.

2) Take advantage of automated bill paying services so you won’t ever have to put a check with your personal information in the mail box. Bills can be paid with credit cards, debit cards or even with a check-by-phone these days.

3) If you need cash:. Get it at a store where you’re shopping anyway by writing a check for more than the total amount of your bill.. Get cash from a bank branch inside a grocery store where there will be a lot of people around.. If you end up going to an actual bank, and don’t feel comfortable in the neighborhood it’s in, ask one of the employees to walk you back to your car after you make your transaction.. If you elect to use an ATM machine, go to one in a shopping mall or in front of a grocery store where there are a lot of people around. When using the ATM, shield the front of the machine from prying eyes so your PIN number is protected.

4) If your credit cards and/or checks become lost, immediately call the issuing company to have the card(s) invalidated and the checks stopped.

5) On the Internet, never give away personal information to someone you meet in a chat room. They could use it to commit identity theft.

6) Beware of’ Spyware. These programs can be downloaded for free, yet once installed on your system can send messages to the originator of the software about every Web site you visit, the things you are interested in, and even what you’re doing on your own system. To avoid it, before downloading any program, even if it’s an attachment from a friend, search the Internet under “Spy Ware” to look for names of the most recent predators.

7) Don’t download files sent to you from unknown sources. They may contain a “virus,” which is a computer program put out by malicious programmers. Computer viruses can erase hard drives, lock up entire systems, steal information, and more.

8) Beware of home repair scam artists. Before hiring a contractor to do work on your home, check them out with the Better Business Bureau and check their references.

9) Make sure the person you’re considering hiring is bonded. Though your home insurance may cover anything that goes wrong during construction, have the worker show you proof that he or she is bonded then contact the insurance company listed to verify.

10) Before inviting a sales-person into your home, have a family member or trusted friend available to join you in the meeting, and tell him or her ahead of time that you don’t want to make any firm commitments that day.

PAGE SEVEN

SENIORS MINISTRY

PAGE EIGHT

SHE HATED HER HUSBANDMary May Larmoyeux

Little Madissen and her big brother, Branden, often huddled in the closet together, wondering when their parents’ yelling would stop.

Brian and Julie Moreau didn’t protect their kids from their constant fits of rage. Their children “were always right in the middle of it,” Julie says, “with us screaming at each other.”

Julie regrets the time she shouted over and over to Brian, “I hate you! I hate you!” with the kids sitting right there.

Brian just turned around and walked out of the room. But something broke deep within his soul.

Was there any hope for this family?

Limping along in marriageBrian and Julie were very possessive of each other. That started even before they married in 1991. They describe themselves as jealous, immature … not knowing what real love meant. “We had no business being together,” Julie says, “and my parents did not like Brian.”

Brian couldn’t seem to keep a job and his goal in life was to have fun. He says that Julie was the responsible one who had money in the bank.

Julie continually pointed out to her husband what he was doing wrong. She says that he had a money problem.

Julie was grateful for her one good friend. They often got together and criticized their husbands. Julie would complain about Brian’s spending habits. She’d also talk about Brian and her fights, and why they were always his fault.

Brian knew the woman’s husband, and they spent time together complaining about their wives. Brian would tell his

friend about how Julie was trying to control whatever he was doing.

In 2000, after being married for nine years, Brian accepted a position as an internet technology manager at a hospital three hours away. When the Moreaus arrived in their new community, Julie began a home daycare center. She poured her life into the children. Brian poured his life into his job.

Because of Brian’s new position, the money issues in the family eased off. “At that point,” he says, “I had become committed to getting a career and holding a job down and supporting my family.”

Someone he could talk toBrian often worked late into the night, and he became good friends with a co-worker—a married woman. It was easy for him to talk to her. They shared about their problems at home.

Brian didn’t want to be around his wife. “We didn’t like each other very much.” That’s why he deliberately came home after everyone was asleep in bed. And instead of going into the bedroom with Julie, he would prop himself up on the couch and fall asleep watching TV.

One night in May 2004, Brian asked Julie for a divorce. Julie was shocked. She said they needed to go to a counselor. “I stayed up all night begging him and begging him that we couldn’t do it, that we had kids, that we couldn’t get a divorce.”

Brian finally gave in. “Fine, whatever,” he said. “… I’ll stay for the kids but I’m not staying for you.”

A couple of weeks later one of Julie’s friends told Julie that she had heard rumors of Brian having an affair. Julie confronted her husband.

Brian responded by saying Julie didn’t trust him and that he would never have an affair. The only reason he wanted a

divorce, he said, was because he wasn’t happy. He also said the kids would be better off if they divorced. After Julie confronted Brian two or three more times, he finally admitted to the affair. “I can have conversations with her that I can’t have with you,” he said.

Continued on Page Nineteen►

GOD CAN HANDLE IT ….MARRIAGEBy Dr. S. M. Henriques

PRACTICING PATIENCEAND KINDNESS

There’s an old story of the man who came home from work, kissed his wife warmly, and offered to help with preparing supper. The wife burst into tears, exclaiming, “What a rotten day this has been! Little Tommy broke his arm, the washing machine broke down, and now you come home drunk!” Hmmmm. If you treated your spouse with warmth and kindness, demonstrating patience when it’s needed most - would he or she have reason to be suspicious? Two qualities - patience and kindness are back-to-back characteristics of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit as described in Galatians 5:22. They should be a normal part of any marriage. The quotations and verses on the next few pages will remind us all of the need for patience and kindness. And lots of it!

Shall we make a new rule of life: always try to be a little kinder than necessary. Sir James Barrie

Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.

Mark Twain

There are no traffic jams in the second mile. Unknown

If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.

Matthew 5:41 (NIV)

MARRIAGE CORNER

PAGE NINE

WAR AND PIECES(First of a Two Part Series)

Joseph’s tribe was split in two. His sons Ephraim and Manasseh got their own land allotments. Joshua 16:4

With Nehemiah as the foreman, it took 52 days to rebuild Jerusalem’s wall. Nehemiah 6:15

Stephen was the first recorded Christian martyr .He was stoned to death. Acts 7:59-60

Israelites weren’t allowed to eat camels. What a sacrifice! Well, actually, they couldn’t sacrifice them either. Leviticus 11:4

When Joshua’s army was taking over parts of Canaan, they crippled their enemy’s horses by clipping their hamstring Joshua 11:9

When Saul couldn’t get his armor-bearer to kill him, he committed suicide by falling on his own sword. 1 Samuel 31:4

Antipas was a martyr who lived in Pergamum, one of the Asian cities named in Revelation. Revelation 2:13

When Pharaoh gave orders to kill all Hebrew baby boys, Shiphrah and Puah, two Hebrew midwives, refused to do it. Exodus 1:15

THE DEAD CHURCH

A new Pastor in a small Oklahoma town spent the first four days making personal visits to each of the members, inviting them to come to his first services.

The following Sunday the church was all but empty. Accordingly, the Pastor placed a notice in the local newspapers, stating that, because the church was dead, it was everyone’s duty to give it a decent Christian burial. The funeral would be held the following Sunday afternoon, the notice said.

Morbidly curious, a large crowd turned out for the “funeral.” In front of the pulpit, they saw a closed coffin, smothered in flowers. After the Pastor delivered the eulogy, he opened the coffin and invited his congregation to come forward and pay their final respects to their dead church.

Filled with curiosity as to what would represent the corpse of a “dead church,” all the people eagerly lined up to look in the coffin. Each “mourner” peeped into the coffin then quickly turned away with a guilty, sheepish look.

In the coffin, tilted at the correct angle, was a large mirror.

Author Unknown

DAILY PRAISE FROMTHE BIBLE

Inspiration from the PsalmsBy Dan Dick

Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord.

Psalm 134:2

It was weird. Jane had never been to a service like it before. All the people murmured the Lord’s name during the prayers, raised their hands, and rocked back and forth in the pews.

At first, she had been very uncomfortable, but as she got accustomed to the goings-on around her, she began to relax. Suddenly, she realized that everyone didn’t have to express their faith the same way. Though she didn’t feel comfortable displaying her faith with physical expressions, she found that she readily accepted others who did. The sincerity of the worship and the energy of the congregation excited Jane. A whole new aspect of her faith was opening up to her.

Open-mindedness is the greatest need in our churches today. Somehow we must learn to affirm and respect the other members of the body of Christ who don’t choose to function as we do. There is room for any and all honest expressions of love and devotion to our Lord. Whether we approach Him on bended knees deep in the silence of our own hearts, or with hearts, hands, and heads lifted in jubilant praise, we can know beyond doubt that God accepts us and is honored by our expressions of worship.

PRAYER: Receive me as I am, Lord I worship You in the best way I know how. Help me to be open to new and different expressions of faith, and teach me to grow. Amen.

Submitted by Sis. Marsha Lawton

MEMBER NEWS

PAGE TEN

PROMISES YOU CANCOUNT ON!

Whatever your problems, whatever your needs, the answers are in the Bible. Whatever you’re feeling, whatever you’re suffering, whatever you’re hoping ... the Bible has something to say to you.

God’s Promises on “SICKNESS”

And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened;

Matthew 9:28-30 Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.

Jeremiah 17:14

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers disease and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

Matthew 4:23, 24

CHRISTIAN BOOK OF QUESTIONS

Questions to Explore Your Beliefsand Deepen Your Faith

In the Ten Commandments, God tells us not to put any other gods before him because he is a “jealous God.” What does he mean by this? How can a perfect being have a quality such as jealousy?

We are supposed to thank God for being alive, but life can be so hard at times. Why are we supposed to be thankful for life? If we weren’t born, we would never know.

Is downloading your favorite songs off the Internet stealing?

How do you think Mary was treated once people discovered she was supposedly a virgin, but pregnant?

How do you think Joseph reacted when Mary informed him she was pregnant, but he had not been with her?

Does God give us only what we can bear, as the adage says, or are our circumstances only random?

WHAT JESUS IS SAYING TO YOU

By Peter Wallace

Peter, get up! Kill these and eat them.Acts 10:13

Peter the apostle had gone to the roof to pray. And he fell asleep and saw a vision of heaven opening, a sheet bound at the four corners descending to him, let down to the earth: “In it were all kinds of animals, snakes, and birds” (Acts 10: 12). All of them were forbidden by strict Jewish dietary law.

Then the voice of Jesus broke in to Peter’s reverie. Did Peter obey? Not at all. He was still Peter: “Lord, I can’t do that!” He was still obedient to the rigid rules of his former faith.

But Jesus was bringing a new way of freedom in the Spirit, of obedience to Him, not to a lot of proscribed, human-devised regulations.

What has you distracted and tied up? What do you think Jesus would say about that to you today? Ask Him.

Submitted by Sis. Marsha Lawton

GOD’S PROMISES FOR MEN

The Word of God doesn’t tell us about the truth; it is truth.

Charles Swindoll

GOD’S PLAN FOR MEN IS“To Listen to the Holy Spirit”

Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

John 16:7, 13

Being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Acts 1:4-5, 8

For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Philippians 2: 13

SOLUTIONS MARCHPUZZLE CORNER

ANSWERS: DOUBLE EXPERIENCE: 1-Caleb, 2-Saul, 3-Solomon, 4-David, 5-Daniel, 6-Saul, 7-Isaacv, 8-Goliath, 9-Joshua, 10-Caesar, 11-Rachel, 12-Joshua

Cryptogram Solution: Psalm 51:15:19

MEMBER NEWS

PAGE ELEVEN

DID YOU GET YOURBOOK YET?

Calvary’s Bookstore is now open. There are various items available. But, in case you did not know, our own Pastor, Dr. Garth G. Gittens, has written a book.

The book is entitled “MASSA SAY, DE BIBLE SAY” and will be personally autographed. Let us show our love and support by purchasing your very own copy. You can also visit his website for more information. Please go to www.drgarthggittens.com

Father, I’ve been crying over my child’s “spilt milk,” which is useless. He’s reached the age where the decisions are his own. His is the milk, and his is the mess-

and his is the right and the responsibility to clean it up .... He is always my son, Lord-

but his decisions are no longer my responsibility. It is essential-for his sake-that I let him go. I believe in him, believe in his ability to come through this crisis.... Why do I deny that belief with motherly blubbering? Besides, I have promises of my own to keep,

and things to do and miles to go before I sleep. Watch over my son, Lord. Jo Carr & Imogene Sorley

SOURCE: Life’s Little Prayer Book

IS THERE LIFE ONOTHER PLANETS?

The Bible does not specifically address the issue of our human term planets. Rather, it speaks of all of creation being brought into existence through God’s work, by His plan, and for His purpose. Whether we discover other planets and other civilizations will be determined by whether God allows us that access.

The bigger question now seems to be, What are we doing with the civilization we have? Why concern ourselves with life on another planet until we improve the life of all within our sphere of influence on earth?

SOURCE: The Little Book of Big Questions - Answers to Life’s Perplexing Questions

HEART SURGERYTomorrow morning,” the surgeon began, “I’ll open up your heart...”

“You’ll find Jesus there,” the boy interrupted.The surgeon looked up, annoyed. “I’ll cut your heart open, “he continued, “to see how much damage has been done...”

“But when you open up my heart, you’ll find Jesus in it.”

The surgeon looked to the parents, who sat quietly. “When I see how much damage has been done, I’ll plan what to do next.”

“But you’ll find Jesus in my heart. The hymns all say He lives there. You’ll find Him in my heart.”

The surgeon had had enough. “I’ll tell you what I’ll find in your heart. I’ll find damaged muscle, low blood supply, and weakened vessels. And I’ll find out if I can make you well.”

“You’ll find Jesus there too. He lives there.”

The surgeon left. The surgeon sat in his office, recording his notes from the surgery,”... damaged aorta, damaged pulmonary vein, and widespread muscle degeneration. No hope for transplant, no hope for cure.

Therapy: painkillers and bed rest. Prognosis:” here he paused, “death within one year.” He stopped the recorder, but there was more to be said. “Why?” he asked aloud. “Why did You do this? You’ve put him here; You’ve put him in this pain; and You’ve cursed him to an early death. Why?”

The Lord answered and said, The boy, My lamb, was not meant for your flock, and will forever be. Here, in My flock, he will feel no pain, and will be comforted as you cannot imagine. His parents will one day join him here, and they will know peace, and My flock will continue to grow.”

The surgeon’s tears were hot, but his anger was hotter. “You created that boy, and You created that heart. He’ll be dead in months. Why?”

The Lord answered, “The boy, My lamb, shall return to My flock, for he has done his duty: I did not put My lamb with your flock to lose him, but to retrieve another lost lamb.”

The surgeon wept. The surgeon sat beside the boy’s bed; the boy’s parents sat across from him. The boy awoke and whispered, “Did you cut open my heart?”

“Yes,” said the surgeon.

“What did you find?” asked the boy.

“I found Jesus there,” said the surgeon.

Author Unknown

Submitted by Sis. Debora Richardson

MEMBER NEWS

PAGE TWELVE

BIBLE SECRETS FORSUCCESSFUL LIVING

FAITHFULNESS

And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. John 4:42

Faith in the Lord must be personal. You cannot ride on the spiritual coattails of someone else. Have you personally put your faith in Jesus?

In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. Psalm 56:11

Faith in God can eliminate the fears we face. Let’s put our total confidence in God.

THE BIBLE PROMISE BOOK FOR WOMEN

CONVERSATION

KIND WORDS CAN BE SHORT AND EASY TO SPEAK, BUT THEIR ECHOES ARE TRULY ENDLESS.Mother Teresa

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! JAMES 3:5

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. PROVERBS 25:11

A soft answer tumeth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. PROVERBS 15:1

GOD’S ANSWERS FOR

YOUR LIFE

GROWING IN CHRIST

HOW TO UNDERSTAND THE LIBERTY THAT IS IN CHRIST

But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. James 1:25

I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David. and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Corne. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Revelation 22:16-17

TRUST MORE -- FEAR LESSBy Max Lucado

Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” JOHN 20:21-22 NLT

A church of desperate disciples. Peter cowers in the corner and covers his ears, but he can’t silence the sound of his empty promise. “I’d die for you!” he had vowed (Luke 22:33 MSG). But his courage had melted in the midnight fire and fear. And now he and the other runaways wonder what place God has for them. Jesus answers the question by walking through the door. He brings bread for their souls. “Peace be with you” (John 20:19 NLT). He brings a sword for the struggle. “Receive the Holy Spirit” (v. 22).

Facing Your Giants

Submitted by Bro. Curtis Lawton

PRAYER

Prayer-that is, talking with God is a precious privilege.

Through prayer you may find relief from anxiety and fear. Through prayer you may find fellowship with God and enjoy blessed peace.

But sometimes you may be too sick to pray, or too tired. Or it may seem that God isn’t listening. Or you hardly know what to pray for. What then?

Then it’s good to know that others are praying for you. Loved ones, family, and friends are talking to God on your behalf.

And Jesus Himself prays for you. And the Holy Spirit, too, who knows all your needs, presents them perfectly before your Father in Heaven.

THE BIBLE SAYS…Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!

Psalm 66:20

SOURCE:SOMEONE CARES

Submitted by Tr. Mattie B. Hull

MEMBER NEWS

PAGE SIXTEENPAGE THIRTEEN

10,000 THINGS TOPRAISE GOD FOR

westerly wind friends with houseboats mint for your iced tea getting on the right Underground line

in London the fun of watching the Rose Parade

while you wear a floral flannel nightgown

getting the right blend of spices solved mistaken-identities mysteries children’s Sunday school leaflets,

presented with pride tennis players who show up at the

court with more than one racket

pumpkin farms in early October

By Jan Dargatz

“A TIME, A SEASON”Bro. Michael R. Jones, Sr. Kuumba Koncepts

For everything there is a time and a season. The time may not appear to be appropriated to the desire or need of the individual and the season may be one of drought as opposed to harvest. Everything manifests itself in its course of God’s divine purpose. Often times his time and purpose may not match up to what we feel and believe we need, deserve and want.

There is also nothing done that hasn’t already been done, nothing new that isn’t old and nothing so unique that it hasn’t been seen before. That information often strikes many as unreal or merely non-existent to them. The book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3 speaks to some of this.

The normal tendency of the faithful is to trust and lean on the Lord in all things; however very few of us have a life that is “normal”. We all have our own particulars, circumstances, assignments, responsibilities and

each set may require a certain level of preparation, skills and strengths to deal with. The fact that we may feel that only we are living in a certain condition or set of circumstances is the norm, but everything that we could possibly encounter has already been experienced by someone else.

While our road may have its own set of hurdles and obstacles, it is the road nonetheless. There is always a beginning, middle and an end. Moving through life’s beginning into the middle often reflects a certain amount of growth through triumph. The end of everything is inevitably death for all things created. But while on the road to the middle and beyond we have a mixture of life’s joys and pains.

Timing in all things is often difficult to accept and appreciate. There is an old saying that “speed kills” and I’ve taken that to mean that if I move too fast in any journey that I may miss the mark or find my timing inappropriate. Knowing when to act is as important as the act itself. Missed blessings often stem from the inability to recognize them in times of turmoil.

Spiritual principles such as patience, perseverance, faith, obedience are tantamount to the delivery of blessings that are meant to be for each of us. Coveting, jealousy, and envy of the blessings of others have the power to block our personal blessings. Surely what God has for others is for them and what he has for me is mine. It becomes a matter of time. Oh, I forgot to mention commitment to the spiritual principles. I’ll get back to that.

While living in preparation of the blessings of Abraham, I have found it very beneficial to live in a manner that reflects my Christian mindset. While not perfect in anything but sin, I’ve

still the responsibility to live my belief and demonstrate my obedience and faith. A very simple yet difficult thing to do. So you think that you have it bad and your circumstances are new and unique. Think very seriously on that. Things that you may be experiencing have been worse. Taking a close look around and you will see just how blessed that you may have it in your discomfort. Others close and far are experiencing much more devastating and sometime fatal circumstances.

So when I become weak in any area. I am comforted to know that my behavior, thoughts and deeds have been seen before. Nothing that I could possible encounter has the Lord not seen. Thank God for his wonderful twins: Grace and Mercy. They deliver me no matter what my carnal minds tells me.

I can testify to times when I even questioned my very existence; when everything that I tried seemed to fail. How could I ever rise above what I believed had me buried in fear, doubt, hopelessness and despair? The testimony of other saved souls has alerted me to the biblical truth. God is the author and the finisher of all things.

I have never been alone and I have not traveled on this road of life by myself. There is a time for identification. You may ask identification of what? Well, my truth is that I’ve been able to identify that God has been always with me in my time of trouble and despair, as well in the presence of my blessings. In my 11:59 moment, when my perceived hopelessness was at its height, God showed up as he has always done for his children. Thank you Father, thank you for sending your son to die for me on the cross. Absolving me of my sins if I confess and ask your forgiveness.

Continued on Page Fifteen►

MEMBER NEWS

PAGE FOURTEEN

MEN OF THE BIBLEBy Dan Hannon

ISHMAEL

Genesis 16; 21:9-21

Ishmael was the son of scheming and jealousy.

Abraham and Sarah were childless. Sarah, frustrated by her barren condition, formulated a solution. She gave Abraham her Egyptian maid Hagar as his wife, so Hagar could bear a child on Sarah’s behalf. After she became pregnant, Hagar could not hide her feelings of contempt toward her barren mistress, Sarah. Angrily Sarah mistreated her and Hagar fled into the wilderness. An angel found her there deeply distressed and admonished her to return to Sarah’s service. The angel told her that her newborn son should be called Ishmael, that he would be a wild man, and contend with many people. Yet Ishmael would give Hagar a line of descendants too numerous to count.

So Hagar returned with Ishmael to the house of Abraham and Sarah.

Ishmael was a teenager when God finally gave a son to Abraham and Sarah. With the birth of Isaac, tension mounted within the household. Sarah wanted to make sure their entire inheritance went to her son Isaac, so she demanded that Abraham send Hagar and Ishmael away.

Abraham did not want to do this. He was afraid Hagar and Ishmael would not survive. But the Lord assured him, “Your son Isaac will have your inheritance and continue your lineage, but your son Ishmael also will father a great nation.”

Abraham sent the servant woman and her son away with water and bread. Roaming through the wilderness near Beersheba, they soon ran out of food and water. Hagar placed her son in the

shade of a bush then stumbled off so she would not have to see him die.

In the depth of her despair, Hagar was again visited by an angel who led her to a well of water. “Do not worry,” the angel said, “Ishmael will survive and become the father of a long line of descendants.”

Ishmael grew up to be a great hunter and his mother found an Egyptian woman for him to marry. He did not receive his father’s inheritance but Ishmael nevertheless was richly blessed as the Lord had promised his mother.

WHISPERSThe man whispered, “God, speak to

me” and a meadowlark sang.But, the man did not hear.

So the man yelled, “God, speak to me” and the thunder rolled across the sky.

But, the man did not listen.

The man looked around and said, “God let me see you.” And a star

shined brightly.But the man did not see.

And, the man shouted, “God show me a miracle.” And, a life was born.

But, the man did not notice.

So, the man cried out in despair, “Touch me God, and let me know you

are here.”

Whereupon, God reached down and touched the man. But, the man

brushed the butterfly away .............. and walked on.

I found this to be a great reminder that God is always around us in the little and simple things that we take for granted ... even in our electronic age.

So I would like to add one more:

The man cried, “God, I need your help!” And an e-mail arrived reaching

out with good news and encouragement.

But, the man deleted it and continued crying .............

Don’t miss out on a blessing because! It isn’t packaged the way that you expect.

Submitted by Sis. Juanita Ford

MIRACLES FROM GODI’m truly touched by miraclesThat bless my life each day.

As I’m thanking God for one,I see another come my way.

The vastness of the ocean,The beauty of the sky,

The splendor of the universe,All in God’s watchful eye.

Large trees and lovely flowers,The many singing birds,

The colors of the rainbow,True beauty without words.

Huge canyons and great mountains,Large rivers and small streams,

The beauty of Fall colors,And the miracle of dreams.

The beginning of a tiny lifeFrom conception on through birth,

The process known as aging,As we live upon this earth.

Yes, life is filled with miraclesGiven by God’s mighty hand.

Each day they’re greatly multipliedAnd as abundant as the sand.

By Frances Culp Wolfe

All wisdom comes from the Lord and with Him it remains forever. The sand of the seashore, the drops of rain, days of eternity: who can number these?

Sirach 1: 1-2

Submitted by Sis. Eleanor Richardson

MEMBER NEWS

PAGE FIFTEEN

BRIEF HISTORY OF DECEASED CALVARY MEMBER

A service of remembrance was held for Calvary member, Sis. Magdalene

Hughes on Friday, March 16, 2012. Sis. Magdalene Hughes, daughter of the late Charles and Carnell Hughes was born March

18, 1937 in Philadelphia, PA. Madge was educated in the Philadelphia Public School system, graduating from Bok Vocational School in 1955.

Madge, as she was affectionately known, gave her life to the Lord at a young age. She was a dedicated Christian woman always concerned about her brothers and sisters. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church for over 50 years. She was a member of the Senior Ushers and the Mite Missionaries. She became President of the Mite Missionaries in 2011. She also assisted with the Culinary Committee, serving breakfast after early Sunday morning service and repasts for funerals. Madge was a member of the Sisters of the Poor on Chester Avenue. She supported the Elmwood Community Picnic. She loved to travel. She supported the National Baptist Convention. She gave money to the sick and shut-in at her church.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories; 4 sisters: Louise Harmon, Diane Laws, Ruth Baylis, and Marie McNeal; 2 brothers, Mark Hughes, and Kenneth Hughes; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many loving friends.

“A beautiful life has come to an end. She died as she lived, everyone’s friend.”

Minister Ethel Napper Napper-Johnson, Officiant – Pastor Garth G. Gittens, Eulogist

“A TIME, A SEASON”◄Continued From Page Fourteen

Isn’t it funny that at times when you are going through something some people can’t identify or relate. But if you wait long enough they find themselves in similar situations and seek you out for your experience. Nothing is new under the sun. What is new is and has been old. The common denominator is Jesus the Christ. No matter what time, what hour, what day, what situation or circumstance our Father is there if we just access him.

The growth walk as a Christian is long, often rough, full of distractions and can be draining. I’ve been able to walk just knowing that I am not walking alone. At least once I got saved that I recognize this. My Father is always walking with me no matter what time or circumstance. Jesus knows what time it is. He sets the second for things to happen in my life so it is I who must recognize the journey that I am on. In my darkest hours, in my most vulnerable state, I know that he is with me.

There is a time to sing, a time to dance, a time to move and a time to stay. Of all the conditions there is always a time to pray no matter what the season may be. So as often as I think that I am too busy, I must always remember to take time to pray and thank our Father for all that he has done, all that he is doing and for all that he will do.

CHRIST’S BIRTH AND DEATH

A study of the birth and death of Jesus reveals some interesting parallels. Consider the following:•At both, He was rejected of men (Luke 2:7; Mark 15:15).•At both, He was cast “outside” (Luke 2:7; Hebrews 13:12).

•At both, Mary was there (Luke 2:7; John 19:26).•At both, myrrh was present for use upon Him (Matthew 2:11; John 19:39).•At both, there was darkness (Matthew 2:10, Matthew 2:14; Matthew 27:45).•At both, His body was wrapped in cloth (Luke 2:7, Luke 2:12; Mark 15:46).•At both, a Herod becomes curiously involved (Matthew 2:7-8; Luke 23:7-12).•At both, wise men recognized His deity (Matthew 2:1-2; Mark 15:39; Luke 23:41).•At both, Jew and Gentile were there.•At both, there was worship—the first genuine, the second mocking (Matthew 2:11; Luke 2:13-14; Mark 15:19).•At both, He was hailed as King—one in earnest, the other in jest (Matthew 2:2; Mark 15:26, Mark 15:32).•At both, there was an honorable man named Joseph (Matthew 1:19; Luke 2:16; Mark 15:43).•At both, the chief priests and scribes involved (Matthew 2:4-6; Matthew 27:41; Luke 23:10). And both have changed the world and altered the impact of eternity.

—Neal Pollard, Denver, Colorado

CHIEF WISDOM

“When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food, and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies with yourself.”

—Tecumseh, Shawnee Chief

Submitted by Sis. Priscilla Young

MEMBER NEWS

PAGE SIXTEEN

HOW TO HANDLE PRESCHOOL BULLIES◄Continued From Page Five

What can you do about bullying?

STEP ONE: Find out what’s going on. Ask your child pointed questions, like “Did someone hurt you?” or “Can you tell me exactly what he did?” Kids this age may know that what’s happening makes them feel bad, but they may not have a label for it or know how to talk about it.

But remember: No matter what your child tells you, even if it makes your blood boil, keep that mama bear under control and remain calm and reassuring for your kid. The more supportive you are of his feelings, the more details you’ll get about what happened, how he feels about it, and how serious the situation is. The message you want to send him is “I love you. I’m here for you. Together, we’ll work on a solution.”

STEP TWO: Help her figure out how to respond. Your child shouldn’t be expected to deal with bullies on her own. So roleplay with her, says Joel D. Haber, PhD, author of Bullyproof Your Child for Life. It’s a great way to help a little kid learn, and it’ll boost your child’s confidence.

Tactics she can try:

•Stand tall and act brave. Sometimes just acting as if the bully doesn’t bother you can stop him. Tell the bully “Knock it off!” or “Stop that!” in a loud voice and walk away.•Ignore the bully. Some experts believe that if you don’t give him attention, he’ll eventually stop.•Stick with friends. As the saying goes, there’s safety in numbers. If your child doesn’t have many friends, try to help her make some through new playdates or activities.•Tell an adult. If you’re not there, she should go to the teacher.

STEP THREE: Take action. If your child attends daycare, nursery school or preschool, set up a meeting with the teacher or caregiver. If you don’t get help, don’t give up. Apply pressure until a solution can be found, even if it means moving the bully or your child to a different classroom or, in some extreme cases, a different school.

If the bullying is going on at a playground or playdate and you know the parent, try talking to her. Say, “Our kids aren’t getting along very well. Have you noticed?” Don’t be surprised if she seems unconcerned about it. Sometimes the best solution may be to avoid that child or find a new playground.

What did I do about Kevin’s bully? Believe it or not, we invited him over. I talked it over with Kevin and told him I would be there the entire time, and that if the boy still acted like a bully, at least we’d both know that we’d tried to be kind and forgiving.

The boys didn’t wind up as best buddies, but the bullying did stop. And while I might not recommend this course of action for older kids, with little ones it can be effective.

Deborah Carpenter, a mom of two, is the author of The Everything Parent’s Guide to Dealing with Bullies. A version of this article originally appeared in Parenting magazine.

Submitted by Sis. Denise Clark

101 RESOLUTIONS FOR THE NEW YEARBy Nancy Walker Hale

60I will spend more time on my knees in prayer.

God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray

hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

EPHESIANS 6:17-18 MSG

61I will enjoy life’s spontaneity.

Here’s my concern: that you care for God’s flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously. Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way.

1 PETER 5:2-3 MSG

62 I will mean what I say and say what I mean.

Let me say it again. Have nothing to do with foolish talk and those who want to argue. It can only lead to trouble.

2 TIMOTHY 2:23 NLV

NEW MEMBERS

Greetings in the name of Christ Jesus. Welcome to the Calvary Baptist Church family. Feel free to participate in any Church activity you choose. You are also invited to join our ministries as the Holy Spirit leads you. May God bless you and continue to strengthen your faith.

Jerome BlakelyShirley Canty

Ernest DunhamPatricia GarnerSheila GilyardArionna Hurt

Dion HurtMarcia Johnson

Lewis LloydJais TrumanKisha White

Glen WilliamsSophia WrightDarron Wright

PAGE SEVENTEEN

MEMBER NEWS

MINISTRIES CORNER ◄Continued From Page Four

COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF PHILADELPHIA SCHOLARSHIP

Calvary Baptist Church is in partnership with Community College of Philadelphia. The Calvary Baptist Church Scholarship was established by the Hospitality Ministry, under the leadership of Pastor Garth G. Gittens, to provide financial support to a student attending the College in pursuit of an associate degree. Applicants must be a high school graduate who plans to attend in the Fall 2012 and Spring 2013. Preference will be given to applicants who reside in the 19151 section of Philadelphia, or who will be graduating in June from a high school within the 19151 zip code. Members of Calvary Baptist Church are encouraged to apply. Applications are available from Sis. Carmen Stratford, Scholarship Chair, Church Office 6142 Haverford Avenue (215) 747-9979, and Calvary Agape Community Outreach Services 6114 Haverford Avenue (215) 472-3460. Deadline Tuesday, May 1, 2012.

Submitted by Sis. Carmen Stratford

HEALTH SUPPORT MINISTRYThe Health Support Ministry will sponsor an Easter Day Photo Shoot for all of our little ones dressed in their Easter Best Attire on Sunday April 8, 2012. Professional photos will be taken after 9:30am & 11:30am services in TFH. 5x7 photos can be purchased that day for $7 and Children’s Easter baskets will be sold for $5. All of the proceeds will go towards purchasing Calvary a brand new Automated External Defibrillator (AED). So please sign up with any member and support this important goal!

DISCIPLESHIP & CARING MINISTRY

The Calvary Baptist Church’s 9th New Members’ Banquet sponsored by Special Events and Discipleship and Caring Ministries will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2012 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm in the Talmadge Fellowship Hall. It is in honor of members who have joined Calvary and have taken New Members’ Discipleship Class between November 5, 2011 and April 7, 2012. Banquet is free of charge. Please RSVP for yourself and up to two guests by April 15, 2012 to: Tr. Valerie Hayes vhcharmed0614@msn.com or Sis. Sharon Russum at sjr0920@comcast.net. Dress Code: Church Attire

BLESSINGS!!!

Submitted by:Trustee Mattie B. Hull, President,

Special Events MinistryTrustee Valerie D. Hayes, President,

Discipleship and Caring

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICECalvary Baptist Church will have a Good Friday Service on Friday, April 6, 2012 at 12:00pm. Come out and worship with us as we celebrate Easter.

MASS CHOIR CONCERT

The Calvary Mass Choir will present a Musical Concert on Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 4:00pm. Everyone is invited as we celebrate Easter with songs.

HOW CHILDREN PERCEIVE THEIR GRANDPARENTS

Part One of a Two Part Series

1. She was in the bathroom, putting on her makeup, under the watchful eyes of her young granddaughter, as she'd done many times before. After she applied her lipstick and started to leave, the little one said, "But Grandma, you forgot to kiss the toilet paper good-bye!" I will probably never put lipstick on again without thinking about kissing the toilet paper good-bye....

2. My young grandson called the other day to wish me Happy Birthday. He asked me how old I was, and I told him, 62. My grandson was quiet for a moment, and then he asked, "Did you start at 1?"

3. After putting her grandchildren to bed, a grandmother changed into old slacks and a droopy blouse and proceeded to wash her hair. As she heard the children getting more and more rambunctious, her patience grew thin. Finally, she threw a towel around her head and stormed into their room, putting them back to bed with stern warnings. As she left the room, she heard the three-year-old say with a trembling voice, "Who was THAT?"

Submitted by Bro. Jerome Richardson

MEMBER NEWS

PAGE FIFTEENPAGE EIGHTEEN

SHE HATED HER HUSBAND◄Continued From Page Nine

The Moreaus’ relationship continued to deteriorate until Julie saw no hope for her marriage. In July 2004, she reluctantly told her husband, “Fine, let’s get a divorce.”

Out of controlFor the next two months, the Moreaus’ marriage was like a runaway roller coaster. One day Julie said, “It’s over, I can’t do this,” and the next day she said, “We have to try.” She saw an attorney. He looked for an apartment for himself. He asked for her forgiveness. Then they said to one another, “Let’s try to work this out.”

Up and down. Their marriage was out of control … and their three children were watching.

“This craziness continued until the end of August,” Julie says. That’s when Brian sat on the couch at home with his two oldest children; Madissen was six years old and Branden was eight. He told them that he was leaving.

“Does that mean that we’re going to have another house?” Madissen asked. “Will I get my own room?”

Branden said nothing. He just sat there.

About that same time Julie and Brian went to their pastor for counseling. He told them that some marriages just don’t work. But other new friends disagreed. They told Julie and Brian that they could make it. “We had these Christian people coming around us that were insisting that we couldn’t get divorced ... that we had to work it out,” Brian recalls.

Julie’s family physician was one of those friends. He had met Brian at the hospital, and his wife led a Bible study that Julie participated in. He took Brian to lunch one day and brought his Bible with him. “I told him to close the Bible,” Brian says. “I said I didn’t

need that and I wanted some real-world advice.”

A ray of hopeIn the fall of 2004, a friend handed Julie a brochure about a marriage getaway called Weekend to Remember®. She suggested that Julie and Brian try it before they divorced. Julie almost threw the brochure away.

Brian came home for lunch that day, and Julie handed him the Weekend to Remember brochure. He returned to work, and about two hours later the phone rang. It was Brian. He told Julie that he had registered for the conference, had booked a hotel room, and that she needed to be sure her parents could watch the kids. For the first time in years, she felt a little optimistic.

Julie had an appointment with her family doctor on the Friday morning of the marriage conference. He shared Scriptures with her in his office and prayed for Brian and her.

On Friday night at the conference, the Moreaus heard about threats to marriage. They broke down in tears when they realized that they had been doing marriage wrong—they had been destroying themselves and their family.

On Saturday morning, when the speakers told about God’s plan for marriage, Brian and Julie knew there was hope.

Brian remembers seeing an illustration of the cross … and understanding the gospel much differently than he had before. When the speaker explained that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is needed to make a life and a marriage whole, Julie and Brian each asked Him to be Savior and Lord of their lives.

Julie learned the meaning of true forgiveness at the Weekend to Remember. She also realized for the

first time that Brian was God’s gift to her.

When Brian and Julie left the getaway they were changed people. “The bottom line was,” Brian says, “we both accepted Jesus and we now had that Helper to help us.”

Two happy parentsToday, the word divorce never comes up in either Brian’s or Julie’s vocabulary. “It never will,” Brian says. “We have a different type of commitment.”

The Moreaus now counsel couples, lead marriage classes at their new church, and usually attend at least one Weekend to Remember getaway every year.

Brian says that their marriage has taken a 180-degree turn. He and Julie read the Bible together and understand how God has designed their roles in marriage. “She is a different wife, a completely different wife.”

“Even when I didn’t believe in my marriage,” Julie says, “it didn’t matter, because God did.”

Madissen is now 12 years old and Branden is 14. They both vividly recall how their parents used to yell incessantly at one another. Madissen says that she was terrified when she thought her parents were getting a divorce. “I remember sitting in the closet or under my bed with my brother, and we would cry.”

“All my parents ever did back then was fight,” Branden says, “… I was tired of having to stay up really late some nights just listening to them arguing.”

Today Madissen describes Brian and Julie as her “two happy parents.” Branden says, “I know that God will keep my parents together, and they will never get a divorce. I thank God for that every day.”

MEMBER NEWS

PAGE NINETEEN

Edith Spurlow Sampson (1901-1979): Lawyer, Judge and ActivistBy Dorothy G. Kapenstein

Edith Sampson was born at a critical time in the nation’s and the world’s history. She saw the two World Wars, the Great depression between them and the

Korean Her life began in a time of great racial and gender discrimination. Being black and a woman, she felt the harsh stings and outrages of both forms of discrimination. She did not let either one make her bitter. She lived long enough to see women achieve the right to vote, hold public office, own property and businesses in their own names and also to gain equal rights to education and professional training. For many years, she saw African Americans living under the grim and harsh conditions forced upon them by bigotry and segregation. She lived long enough to see the great Supreme Court decision of 1954, Brown V. The Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, begin to desegregate the public schools. This eventually led to more reforms and the end of the terrible and unfair “separate but equal” policy established in 1893.

Edith Sampson was a remarkable woman who worked tirelessly to get an education, but at the same time supported and was supportive of her family. She was devoted to the Civil Rights cause in her own way and she always remained true to her own feelings and principles. She was an extremely intelligent woman who held high legal posts. She was also a diplomat representing this country on the international level.

Edith was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, one of the eight children of Louis Spurlock and his wife, Elizabeth McGruder Spurlock. Louis Spurlock worked in a tailor shop. Although the pay was not great, the work was steady. Since her eight children very much needed her at home, Mrs. Spurlock could not go out to work, but she found a way to earn money at home. In those days, women’s hats were not made in factories. The hats were made by milliners in their shops. They used hand made frames and covered them with fabrics and trimmings chosen by the customers. Mrs. Spurlock learned to make hat frames at home and helped to support the family.

The children also worked when they were old enough. Edith had to drop out of school when she was fourteen and go to work in a fish market. Then she was lucky enough to get back to school and continue her education. She studied hard, got excellent grades and graduated high in her class at Peabody High School. Many years later, a reporter interviewed Edith for an article that appeared in Reader’s Digest, Edith told him that her family owned its own home, worked hard and went to Church regularly.

Having finished high school and done well, Edith longed for more education and a chance at a good and useful job. While Edith was job hunting, her former Sunday school teacher heard that Associated Charities, a nationally respected social work organization, was giving interviews for jobs. She arranged an interview for her bright young former student and gave her a letter of recommendation. Edith got the job. It was in the company’s New York headquarters. Edith was such a good worker that her supervisors asked her to consider going to college to get a degree in social work. She enrolled in the School of Social Work of Columbia University. Edith loved her classes and got good grades in all of

them. However, she got the highest marks in her criminology courses. George W. Kirchwey, a Professor at the Columbia University School of Law, taught the criminology courses at the New York School of Social Work. He told Edith that she would be an excellent attorney and she should seriously consider attending law school. At this time, she decided to continue getting a degree in social work.

Changes in her personal life were beginning to take place. When she graduated from the School of Social Work, she married Rufus Sampson whom she has known for some time. He was a field representative for Tuskegee Institute and later held other positions at Tuskegee. Shortly after they married, Sampson was assigned to a job in Chicago and the couple moved there. Edith’s sister passed away leaving two small children. Edith took them into her home and her heart and raised them lovingly. She never had children of her own. Edith’s marriage to Sampson later ended in divorce but although she remarried in 1934, she kept Sampson as her professional name.

Edith took on a pair of day jobs as soon as she settled down in Chicago. One was with the Illinois Children’s Home and Aid Society. The other was with the YWCA. Then her life changed once more. Professor George Kirchwey, Edith’s law professor at the Columbia School of Social Work, came to Chicago on business. Theirs paths crossed and again he urged her to change her priorities and pursue a law career. This time she listened to him.

She enrolled in Chicago’s John Marshall School of Law. She was an excellent student and received high grades all the way through. She had the highest average of 95 students in her class in jurisprudence.

BLACK HISTORY

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Continued on Page Twenty-One►

Edith Spurlow Sampson (1901-1979): Lawyer, Judge and ActivistBy Dorothy G. Kapenstein◄Continued From Page Twenty

The Dean gave her a written commendation for this achievement. After graduation, she took the licensing examination that would enable her to practice law in Illinois. She was shocked but not discouraged when she failed! She decided that more education would help her. She therefore enrolled in the Loyola University School of Law for a master of laws degree. She earned her degree in 1927 and was the first woman and the first African American woman to earn the LL.M at Loyola. Edith then tackled the Illinois state bar exam and this time she aced it!

In 1925, while she was still studying for her master’s degree, she got a job with the Cook County Juvenile Court working as a probation officer and a referee. After she passed the Bar exam, she opened a private law practice. She specialized in domestic law and criminal law. Many of her clients were poor African Americans. She gave them top quality legal advice at prices they could afford. She was a true professional who belonged to legal organizations. In 1938, Edith and attorney Georgia Jones Ellis became the first African Americans invited to join the Chicago branch of the National Association of Women Lawyers.

Edith was deeply interested in helping Africans to be free of segregation and to have fair opportunities for education, housing and jobs. She was also anxious for women to have domestic, legal and civil rights. She played an active part in such organizations as the NAA CP, the Chicago Urban League and the League of Women Voters. She was active in the Chicago Professional Women’s Club, the Afro-World Fellowship and the Women’s

Progressive Women’s Club and served each organization as President. She was especially proud of being an active member of the National Association of Colored Women. At one point, she served as President of its executive Committee.

Edith Sampson had a great year in 1934. She married Joseph Clayton, an attorney. They joined together to have a successful law practice that continued until his death n 1947. That same year, she received eligibility to take part in cases at the Supreme Court. She was one of the first black women lawyers to be given this privilege. In 1947, Edith Sampson was appointed Assistant State’s Attorney of Cook County. At this time she began to be a popular guest speaker for civic and community groups and her popularity continued for years.

This was probably one of the reasons she was selected to take part in a series of radio programs called America’s Town Hall of the Air that premiered in 1949. The radio shows were designed to be part of the tactics used by the United States and its allies to maneuver against the opposition, which consisted of the USSR and its satellite nations during a long series of skirmishes called the Cold War. The shows were designed to boost the U.S. image around the world. Some twenty-five cultural, civic, labor and social organizations sent representatives to speakers on the radio programs.

That year, Edith was Chair of the Executive Committee of the National Association of Colored Women, a major national association of black women. They chose Edith Sampson to serve as their representative. The tour group visited twelve countries. Edith gained a reputation as one of the best speakers in the shows. Edith proved to be a knowledgeable speaker. She ably defended the United States against Communist propaganda.

When the tour group returned home, it was given semi-permanent status and Edith Sampson became its first president.

The resulting publicity must have impressed President Harry Truman. In 1950, he appointed Edith Sampson to serve as a delegate to the general Assembly of the United Nations. She was the first African American woman to be honored with the post. She served on the Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee. She was reappointed in 1952. In that year, she was made a member of UNESCO, a UN group especially interested in the health and welfare of children around the world. A few years later, she was appointed a member of NATO’s U.S. Citizens Commission. She was the first black woman to hold this post. She served as a member of the U.S. Advisory Committee on Private Enterprise in Foreign Aid in 1964 and 1965.

The law became the focus of Edith Sampson’s career during most of the rest of her life. When a vacancy occurred for a Judge to sit on the Chicago Municipal Court, Edith ran for the office and won handily. She was the first black woman elected to a judicial position in Illinois. She became Associate Justice for the Circuit Court of Cook County by popular vote in an election in 1966 and remained in this office until her 1978 retirement. She gained the reputation for moving trials in her court along quickly but also fairly and efficiently. There was hardly ever a backlog in Judge Sampson’s court. In addition, her biographers agree that she was scrupulously fair in seeing that poor people who came through her court had fair legal representation.

Edith Sampson was, in her own way, a great advocate and fighter for Civil Rights. She stood right in the middle of opposing views about how African Americans should go about in achieving racial equality.

BLACK HISTORY

PAGE TWENTY-ONEPAGE TWENTY-TWO

Continued on Page Twenty-Two►

Edith Spurlow Sampson (1901-1979): Lawyer, Judge and ActivistBy Dorothy G. Kapenstein◄Continued From Page Twenty-One

She was not one for holding back or being quiet. On her many speaking tours, she frequently spoke out with pride about what her people had achieved and predicted that in the end, they would achieve all. She constantly spoke about her pride in being a citizen of the United States. She was also not happy with any kind of violent action. Whatever her views, she accomplished a great deal and she serves as a role model for girls and women everywhere.

101 KNOWN BLACK HISTORY FACTS

FIRSTS

Fact #101Black Swan Records, founded in 1921 by Harry Pace in Harlem, was the first U.S. record label owned and operated by African-Americans. It was originally the Pace Phonograph Corporation and was renamed Black Swan Records after the 19th century opera singer Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, who was known as the Black Swan.

COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY◄Continued From Page Twenty-Three

By honestly referring to your discomfort, you ‘lower the temperature’ and reduce the likelihood that the other person will become hostile or defensive.

Be aware of your body languageThe way you speak - including the volume and tone of your voice, your

physical gestures, and facial expressions, all have an important impact on how your message will be received. For example, if you fold your arms in front of your chest, have a stern expression on your face or speak in an accusing tone, the other person is likely to feel defensive even before they have heard what you have to say.

On the other hand, an open posture, a calm voice, and relaxed body language helps the other person to feel at ease, and your message is delivered in a non-threatening way.

Here’s an acronym that might help you remember good body language:S - Face the person squarelyO - Open posture, no crossed arms or fidgetingL - Lean towards the person, not too much but just enough to show interestE - Maintain eye contact, without staringR - Be relaxed, don’t fidget and be comfortable

Communicate positive feelingsDeveloping good relationships means being able to express positive feelings at times. We often assume that people know that we like them or appreciate what they do for us, so we don’t tell them.

However, people aren’t mind-readers, and if we don’t tell them they don’t always know. (And even if they do know, it’s still nice to hear someone say nice things every now and then!) Communicating positive feelings towards others lets them know that we value them and helps to strengthen relationships.

Warm feelings can be expressed as a whole message. For example: ‘Jo, the other day when I was upset about things at school you sat down and asked me if I was OK. It was really good to talk to you - I appreciate your concern. I just wanted to say thanks - you’ve been a good friend.’

Alternatively, you can communicate warm feelings by making simple statements such as: ‘Thanks for being there for me the other day’ or ‘You’ve been a good friend - I really appreciate it.’

Passive Communication involves putting your needs last. You don’t express your thoughts or feelings, or ask for what you want. When you use passive communication it feels like others are walking all over you because you don’t assert your own needs. So, you bottle things up and might feel resentful. The assumption behind passive communication is ‘My needs don’t matter’ (You win/I lose).

Assertive Communication involves clearly expressing what you think, how you feel and what you want, without demanding that you must have things your way. The basic underlying assumption is ‘We both matter - lets try to work this out’.

Assertive communication increases your likelihood of getting what you want, avoiding conflict and maintaining good relationships (I win/you win). When you are assertive you can:

Express your own thoughts, feelings and needsMake reasonable requests of other people (While accepting their right to say ‘no’)Stand up for your own rightsSay ‘no’ to requests from others at times, without feeling guilty.Poor communicationPoor communication often creates tension and bad feelings within relationships.

Submitted by Sis. Marsha Lawton

BLACK HISTORY

PAGE TWENTY-TWO

COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY

The way you communicate has a big impact on your ability to get on with people and get the things that you want. Good communication skills can help you to avoid conflict and to solve problems. Open and honest communication is also important for making friends and having healthy relationships.

Styles of communicationCommunication can be expressed in an aggressive, passive or assertive style.

Aggressive Communication is expressed in a forceful and hostile manner, and usually involves alienating messages such as you-statements (blaming the other person and accusing them of being wrong or at fault) and labeling.

In addition, the person’s tone of voice and facial expressions are unfriendly. The assumption behind aggressive communication is ‘Your needs don’t matter’ (I win/you lose).

MORE TIPS FOR COMMUNICATING

Use ‘I’-statementsAs you might have seen in the Effective communication fact sheet, ‘you’-statements put people on the defensive and often lead to a hostile response.

On the other hand, ‘I’-statements have the opposite effect. When we point the finger at ourselves (rather than the other person) and avoid blaming them, we usually get a more positive response. For example, ‘I feel disappointed that you cancelled at the last minute’ rather than ‘You’ve let me down again’.

Express yourself clearlyAs seen in the example in the Effective communication fact sheet mind-reading and assuming that others know what you want can create all sorts of problems. When you hint rather than make a clear statement, people don’t always get the message. Similarly, when you ramble on rather than state your thoughts clearly, people may not get the message. So, if there is something that you need to say, it is helpful to tell it as it is - don’t hint.

Do it nowIf there is an issue you need to raise or a situation that needs to be resolved, try to deal with it as soon as possible. The longer you leave it, the harder it gets, and the more tension builds up.

The only exception to this rule is if you feel very angry, and you can’t trust yourself to stay calm when you talk about it. In this situation, it’s often a good idea to have a cooling off period before you raise the issue. Doing this prevents conflict and reduces the likelihood that you will say things that you will later regret. Sometimes you may need a day or two to cool down before you say what you need to say.

Ask for clarificationJust as people can’t always read your mind, sometimes it is difficult to interpret what someone else is thinking or feeling. If you are confused about the message that you are receiving, the best thing to do is check it out with the other person. Asking for clarification helps to prevent misunderstandings.

For example, a friend seems withdrawn and you suspect that they are angry with you. You say: ‘You seem quiet - have I done something to upset you?’ or ‘Is everything OK?’ Checking it out with them can help bring the issue to the surface (if there is one), then you can talk about it. On the other hand, if there is actually nothing wrong, talking about it will ease your concerns.

Acknowledge your discomfortIf you feel uncomfortable raising a particular issue, it can be helpful to let the other person know this, for example: ‘Look Sam I feel really awkward about bringing this up but...’ or ‘Alex, I need to talk to you about something and I’m feeling nervous about it. I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but if I don’t say anything, I think I’ll continue to feel upset.’

Continued on Page Twenty-Two►

YOUTH CORNER

PAGE TWENTY-THREE

1Giselle BaileyCrystal BoganEvon Jeffers

Balvinder KashapErin PourAlice Seay

2David Anderson

3Trevor AdamsAlejandra Gill

Michael GreeneJanaya McFarlandSylvia S. Spady

4Abdulah Baba-Abdulah

Taya BullockPatrice Fears-Young

Anderson GuerraBo’keir Ross

Eboni Whitaker

5Ruby BauknightChanel Conley

Kenzell MunroeTyre Phillips

Josephine RichardsonThinderene Williams

6Jorrae Beard

Dawn DeverteuilRahim Islam

7Barbara TuckerCharles White

8Tameka Barnes

Regina BarrSammy Brown

Shanique GravesHarvey Johnson, Jr.

Megan Talbott

9Sharmaine Alexander

Shirley BelfieldRicardo BurnsLouise Guess

Montrell Henderson-Coleman

Tamia RobinsonDiane Warren

10Gregory Johnson, Jr.

John MathisJasmine Washington

11Lenoria DevineKirby Gaddis

Mary HollowayDelores Johnson

12Josephine Bailey

Lisa LynnHollie Scott

Regina StevensKisha White

13Gracie Eastering

Blair JonesEdward Small

Ada TateShannon Woodall

14Bijjah ArtisLinda Fisher

Andrea Newman-KitchensDeHaven PollardJenae Washington

15Kerry Foster

Michaiah HaleyJennifer WebbApril Williams

16James Burnett

Rafia GroomsYetta King

Valdena Whiteman

17Diana Bridgett

Gwendolyn CadeLatonya GoodeLéAndre Guerra

Derrick Reed

18Norma ColmonShaquille FarrellHadiyyah GrayVictoria Nelson

Theodore Wiggins

19Edward E. Brown, Jr.

Sharon Johnson

20LaJoyce AyersRoberta BakerApril BurtonJustin Davis

Stefanie HollowayBruce Jackson

Taleah Robinson

21Arionna Hurt

Zianni McDonald

22Gwendolyn Baskerville

Dean ForbesCharlotte Gayle

Deja JacksonRaymond Lynn

Mary Williams-Handy

23Prince Campbell

Kim L. MontgomeryBeletha Perkins

Kriston Ramdass

24

Kyana MitchellHakeem Paris

25Nathaniel Laws

Andrea RobinsonGabrielle Turner

26De’Monte HadleyVaughntina Primus

Vernell Sparks

27Tiana Tyler

28Anjea AyersCarol Beatty

Sheila GilyardRobert KennedyKimberly Nelson

Vivian Waithe

29Adelaide LockwoodByron Newman, Jr

Lelia Williams

30Anthony Gayle

Geraldine Townsend

The Church Chat Staff wishes to extend birthday wishes to everyone born in the month of April.

APRIL BIRTHDAY’S

PAGE TWENTY-FOUR

Please let Bro. Edward Brown know if we have omitted anyone.

FEET

Feet were important transportation in biblical days.Fill in each blank with the person associated with the feet.

1. ____________ wiped Jesus’ feet with her hair (John 11 :2).2. ____________ laid down at the feet of Boaz (Ruth 3 :4-6)3. ____________ said she wanted to be a servant to wash the feet of David’s servants (1 Sam. 25:41-42).4. ____________ had not “dressed his feet” from the day King David left for war until he returned (2 Sam. 19:24).5. ____________ had diseased feet in his old age (1 Kings 15:23).6. ____________ fell at Jesus’ feet and begged for a child’s healing (Luke 8:41).7. ____________ told Thomas: “behold my hands and my feet” (Luke 24:39).8. ____________ sat at Jesus’ feet and “heard his word” (Luke 10:39).9. ____________ took the lame man’s hand, lifted him up, and his feet received strength (Acts 3:6-7).10. ____________ said “Behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose” (Acts 13:25).11. ____________ took Paul’s girdle and bound his own hands and feet to predict what would happen to Paul (Acts 21:10-11).

CRYPTOGRAM

Can you identify this scripture? Hint: P=E

___ _ __ ___ _____ __ __ _______, ___ ___ ____ __ __ _________ __ __RIK Y JL ZIN KPJWU AI XP IRRPKPW, JZW ASP AYLP IR LU WPFJKAMKP YQ JA

____. _ ____ ______ _ ____ _____, _ ____ _______ __ ______, _ ____ ____SJZW. Y SJHP RIMDSA J DIIW RYDSA, Y SJHP RYZYQSPW LU OIMKQP, Y SJHP CPFA

___ _____: __________ _____ __ ____ __ ___ __ _ _____ __ ____________,ASP RJYAS: SPZOPRIKAS ASPKP YQ BJYW MF RIK LP J OKINZ IR KYDSAPIMQZPQQ,

_____ ___ ____, ___ _________ _____, _____ ____ __ __ ____ ___: ___ __NSYOS ASP BIKW, ASP KYDSAPIMQ TMWDP, QSJBB DYHP LP JA ASJA WJU: ZIA AI

__ ____, ___ ____ ___ ____ ____ ____ ____ ___ _________. __ ___LP IZBU, XMA MZAI JBB ASPL JBQI ASJA BIHP SYQ JFFPJKYZD. WI ASU

_________ __ ____ _______ ____ __.WYBYDPZOP AI OILP QSIKABU MZAI LP.

Submitted by Sis. Marsha Wellons-Lawton

PUZZLE CORNER

PAGE TWENTY-FIVE

TO ALL WHO LOVE HIMO God of the Universe,

you shed your glory, your majesty,your omnipotence

to become human, as Jesus Christ--to get close to us, to connect with us,

to be our role model and guide for living.

O God of the Universe,you became the human Jesus Christ,

to know us, to feel all we feel,to show us how much you love us

by taking within yourself all our sins.

O God of the Universe,you felt not just one person's pain

but the pain of all of us,to wash us clean and bond with us,

your creation, your children.

O God of the Universe,you proved your transcendent holy power

by rising from the dead,a sign that all of us who believe in You

will also rise to be with You eternally.

The resurrection of Jesus Christis the "Happy" in "Happy Easter."Happy Easter to all those who love

Him.

By Joanna Fuchswww.poemsource.com

POSITIVE THOUGHTS

Rank does not confer privilege or give power. It imposes responsibility.

Peter Drucker

Beauty is in the heart of the beholder. Al Bernstein

The vision must be followed by the venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps, we must step up the stairs.

Vance Havner

The bridges you cross before you come to them are over rivers that aren’t there.

Gene Brown

IN THE SMALL STUFF

• It is true that Christianity is good. More important, Christianity is true.

• Your view of the world and how it works is directly related to your view of origins.

• Your view of origins will determine your worldview.

• When it comes to origins, there are only two alternatives: Either God created the heavens and the earth, or He didn’t.

• If God didn’t create the heavens and the earth, they happened by themselves.

• It is impossible for something to come from nothing.

CHURCH CHAT STAFF

Editor and Publisher:Marsha Wellons-Lawton

Contributors This Month:Trustee Mary Wellons, Edward Brown, Denise Clark, Theresa Evans, Juanita Ford, Trustee Valerie Hayes, Trustee Mattie B. Hull, Michael Jones, Sr., Dorothy Kapenstein, Curtis Lawton, Deacon Wilbur

J. Napper, Eleanor Richardson, Debora Richardson, Jerome Richardson, Gloria Sharpe, and Priscilla Young.

Articles for the May 2012 Church Chat issue are due on Sunday, April 22, 2012. Any articles received after that date will be considered for the June 2012 issue. We reserve the right to edit and publish any articles submitted to us at our own discretion.

PAGE TWENTY-SIX

WORDS OF INSPIRATION