CHR STIAN HERALD WASHINGTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Vol. 7, 2012 Num. 547 Rev. Laddie J. Benton Pastor JULY NEWSLETTER

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J loriJtlkiaJt5 13:4-8 ""***Reread and instead use your name in place of each "love". ****Read again and this time Jesus' name in place of "love".

From the Pastor s Desk Rev. Laddie J. Benton

WE ARE AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST

For whosoever shall do the will of my Father Which is in heaven the some is my brother,

and sister, and mother. (Matthew 12: 50 - King Jomes Version)

WHAT DOES IT M EAN TO BE IN THE FAMILY OF GOD?

In answering this question many thoughts come to mind. There are people world-wide who believe that they are members of t he family of God. In today's world, I often wonder what the term "family" means. In discussing this subject with others; I have learned that "family" has many meanings t o different people that apply t o t heir own particular lifestyles and interests. For example, hospital workers may consider themselves to be a "family" even though t hey are not biological related, but they are related t hrough t heir vocation.

"What does it mean t o be in the family of God?" There are, of course, many ways to answer this question. Permit me to answer on a personal basis from a Christian perspective. I believe to be a member ofthe fam ily of God, one must profess God as the One Eternal Supreme God, and Creator of all. One must profess Jesus as the Son of God and t he Risen Christ - Sovereign Ruler and Redeemer.

Members of the "family of God" shou ld worsh ip, obey, and glorify God by the way in which they live. Study and medit ate on t he written Word of God. Pray for self and for others. Show by example God's love for everyone, especially t hose who are in need both near and fa r. In short, th is is what it means to be in the "family of God."

Your Brother in Christ,

Rev. ~enton, Pastor

STAND UP FOR JESUS! STAND UP FOR WPC

SICK, SHUT-INS AND BEREAVED FAMILIES

Harold and Pauline Jackson, Margie Walker, Joan Marshall, Alex Auston, Jordan Johnson, Donald Lewis, Faith Morrison, Nathan and Marquis Phelps, Jean Rudolph, Alfreda Overton, John Fletcher, LaKeshia Green, and family, Demerik Weglinski-Benton, Teondre' Morrison-Cooper, Aaron Randall, Stephen Randall, Ruth Jenkins, (Barbara Davis' mother), Sylvia Winfrey, Joseph Cooper, Claudette Carter (Alberta'S daughter), Katrina Boykin (Joan Reppert's niece), John Haynes, Viola Jefferson, Freida Carter, Vivian Key, Barbara Davis, Loretta and Ronald Settle (NC), Amber Carter, "Miss Brenda" (Robert Nelson's friend), Jeff and Jean and their family, Sylvia Finn, Lilliam Rivera, Justin Johnson, Kevin Herring, Larry Riden, Melba Stamm (Keith's mother), Bobby Scott (Oliver's Brother), Lyndoll Walker (Y vonne' s friend), Annie Fisher (an Amish friend), and Oliver Carter.

PRAY FOR THE BEREAVED

SCRIPTURES:

July I July 8 July 15 July 22 July 29

Psalm 42: 1-5 Psalm 100: 1-5 Psalm 24: 1-10 Psalm 23: 1-6 Psalm 14: 1-7

STANDING COMMITTEES

Christian Concerns-Sharon Davis Christian Education-Alexis Green Evangelism-Yvonne Lewis Finance-Toni Brooks Property-Stephen Greer Stewardship-Sharon DavisNvonne Lewis Worship Committee-Pauline Johnson/Alexis Green

SESSION Pastor-Rev. Laddie J. Benton Clerk of Session-Oliver Carter Church Treasurer-Toni Brooks Benevolence Treasure -Oliver Carter Club Fund Treasurer-Winnie J Burden

CHOm. REHEARSAL

Daniel 6: 19-24 2 Samuel 5:1-5 Ephesians 1 :3-8 Ezekiel 37: 11-14 Isaiah 12: 1-6

I Corinthians 8:7-15 2 Corinthians 9:5-9 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 Ephesians 3: 14-19 Ephesians 4:25-32

BffiLE STUDY Wednesday 9:30 AM and 6:30 PM

LECTIONARY READINGS 2 Samuel 1:1,17-27 Mark 6:1-13 2 SamueI6:1-5,12b-19 2 SamueI7:1-14a 2 Samuel 11:1-15

ORGANIZATION Men's Fellowship-Oliver Carter Pastor's Aid-Toni BrookslWinnie Burden Personnel-Stephen Greer Presbyterian Women-AlexisGreenILaKeshia Green Sunday School-Sharon Davis

Senior Choir Thursday 6:00 P M-Director-Mrs Janet Arms Children Choir Sunday (after Church Service)-Director-William Kinkaid Bible Study Wednesday 9;30 A M and 6:30 P M

REBATEMWLETONENHiCHMENTCENTER Activities include: Reading, Comprehension, Computer Skills, Problem Solving, Journalism, Fun, Crafts and Games. THE ENRlCHMENT CENTER WILL RESUME IN SEPTEMBER

July 2011 * Denotes Birthdays

Sunday Monday Tuesday

July 1 2 3

Teondre Cooper *

~

8 9 10

15 16 17

Tiara Tidmore *

Smaller Membership Church

Joash Chest 22 23 24

MetropolitanlUrban Ministry

Parents' Day 29 30 31

Bnanna Green * Nehemiah Davis .. Chaleece Peggues <It

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Wednesday

4 Bible Study - 6:30 PM

Independence Day

11 Bible Study - 6:30 PM

18 Bible Study - 6:30 PM

25 Bible Study - 6:30 PM

Enrichment Center resumes in September

9:30 AM Bible Study resumes in September

Thursday Friday Saturday

5 6 7

AlexandrianJohnson* Parthenia Key * Rev. Laddie Benton <It

12 13 14

Janice Greer * Elizabeth Reese *

19 20 21 Berks Heim-Family Get Together - Noon

Ramadan _(Sundown) 26 27 28

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A DIABETIC RECIPE

German potato­sausage soup

........................................................................................... SERVINGS fi (about 1 \/1 cups each) START TO FINISH 30 minlltes

12 ounces bulk turkey sausage 8 ounces presliced fresh mushrooms 1 medium onion, chopped 1 stalk celery, chopped 1 teaspoon caraway seeds, crushed

1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 % cups lower-sodium beef stock

1h cup light beer or nonalcoholic beer 2 medium potatoes, cubed 1 cup small broccoli florets 2 cups shredded green cabbage

11h cups fat-free milk

1. In a 4-quart Dutch oven, cook sausage, mushrooms, onion, and celery over medium heat until sausage is browned, stirring to break up sausage as it cooks. Drain off fat.

2. Add caraway seeds and pepper to sausage mixture in Dutch oven. Add stock and beer; bring to boiling. Add potatoes. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Add broccoli. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes more or until potatoes and broccoli are tender.

3. Stir cabbage and milk into sausage-broccoli mixture. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or just until cabbage is tender and soup is heated through.

NUTRmON FACTS PER SERVING: 179 cal., 5 g total fat (1 g sat. fat), 44 mg chol., 522 mg sodium, 16 g carb., 3 g fiber, 17 g pro. Exchanges: 1 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable. Carb choices: 1.

heClny SOU),::; & ste\;\s 85

Make It Lighter Cut just 100 calories a day and you'll lose more than 10 pounds a year. Up your cuts to 250 and you'll be down

26 pounds.

Jesus' Dad's Name

A Sunday school teacher asked her class, "What was Jesus' mother's name?"

One child answered, "Mary." The teacher then asked, "Who knows what Jesus'

father's name was?" A little kid said, ""Verge."

Confused, the teacher asked, "Where did you get that?" The kid said, "Well, you know they are always talking

About Verge n' Mary." NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

I had been teaching my three-year-old daughter, Caitlin, the Lord's Prayer

for several evenings at bedtime, She would repeat after me the lines from the prayer.

Finally, she decided to go solo. I listened with pride as she carefully enunciated each word right up to the end of the prayer: "Lead us not into temptation," she prayed,

"but deliver us some E-mail. NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin, 5 and Ryan 3.

The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake.

Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson. "If Jesus were sitting here, He would say,

'Let my brother have the first pancake, I can wait.'" Kevin turned to his younger brother and said,

"Ryan, you be Jesus!" NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

A father was at the beach with his children when the four-year-old son ran up to him, grabbed his hand and led him to the shore where a seagull lay dead in the sand. "Daddy, what happened to him?" the son asked. "He died and went to heaven," the dad replied. The boy thought a moment and them said, "Did God throw him back down?" NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

KIDS IN CHURCH

Three-year-old, Reese: Our Father, who does art in Heaven, Harold is His name.

Amen.

A little boy was overheard praying "Lord, if you can't make me a better boy,

don't worry about it. I'm having a real

good time like I am." NNNNNNNNNNNNNN

After the christening of his baby brother in church, Jason sobbed all the way home in the back

seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong

Finally the boy replied, "That preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, and I wanted to stay with you guys NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

A little boy was attending his first wedding. After th service, his cousin asked him, "How many women can a man marry?" Sixteen." the boy responded. His cousin was amazed that he had an answer so quickly. "How do you know that?" "Easy", the little boy said. "All you have to do is add it up, like the Bishop said: 4 better, 4 worse, 4 richer, 4 poorer." NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

After a church service on Sunday morning, a young boy suddenly announced to his mother, "Mom, I've decided to become a minister when I grow up." "That's fine, son, but what made you to decide that "Well," said the little boy, "I have to go to church anyway, and I figure it will be more fun to stand up and yell than to sit and listen."

NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. "I've gone for 30 years, II he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't

remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastor s are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all." This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until

someone wrote this clincher:

"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this ... They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today.

Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nOUrishment, I would be spiritually dead today!"

UNITY, LORD? HOW?

As we continue to search and study your Word, Lord, we see, to our surprise that we are not at all obedient to you.

Father, we need you not only to forgive us, not only to cleanse us; but, Lord, our God, please, teach us how to Believe, Understand, come to Know your Word, and then Fully Obey Thy Word.

Lord, help us to became like your Apostle Paul, your prisoners who walk worthy of the calling with which we were called.

Help us to bear with one another, as we walk with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering and love, helping us to become "unified" in the spirit and in the bond of peace. Cause us to know the truth that there is only One Body, One Spirit, One Hope of our calling.

Convince us that there is truly One Lord, One faith, One Baptism: One God and Father of us all who is above all, and through all, and in you, all.

Father, God, teach us also that your Son, Jesus said, there is but One way to reach you or your heavenly home. Only Jesus is the Way the Truth and the Life. Please, teach us to accept your Word as you give it to us and not to change it to make it suit our whims and wishes.

Dear Lord, we also don't seem to know who is head of your church nor who you have anointed to be your earthly leaders. Your Word says that Jesus, himself gave the church these:apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, and said some were to have these positions for a specific purpose.

They are to equip your saints for the work of the ministry and for the edifying the Body of Christ. Because he wants us to be "united" in the faith and of the "knowledge" of the Son of God, to a "perfect" person, to the "measure" of the stature of Jesus, the Son of God, that we may reach the "fullness" of Christ.

Lord, we know that you don't expect more of us than you will help us to attain. But, Lord, sometimes it looks so hard and impossible to us, that we won't even try to do as you ask. Take away our "fears", Lord, and give us a "holy boldness" to "obey" you, no matter what!

We often say we believe you. Help us to push past this point into knowing, with you on our side, we can move from merely believing you to what you have said is absolute truth and we know you will bring to pass all that your word says.

Thank you Father, thank you. We do know we can trust you. We do know that when you speak of "Unity" you are not speaking of the kind of unity we hear of here on earth.

You tell us that because you love us and you make us members of your family, therefore by your Holy Spirit's Power, you cause us to become United in you-into One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. Oh, Lord, please keep moving us into a strong, loving relationship with you. That we will always be your obedient servants while becoming all you want us to become.

AMEN.

THOUGHTS TO PONDER Verse of the Month

Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." John 13:7

Unity in the Body of Christ Ef hesians 4:1~16 . . . lAs a prisoner for the Lord. then, urge you to hve a hfe worthy of the calhng you have received. IBe completely humble and gentle; be patient. bearing with one another in love.

1 Make every effort to keep the unity oft e Spirit through the bond of peace.

All believers in Christ belong to one body; all are united under one head, Christ himself. Each believer has God­given abilities that can strengthen the whole body. Ask God to use your unique gifts to contribute to the strength and health of the bodW of believers. NIVLASB

In Psalm 68: 18, God is pictured as a conqueror marching to the gates and taking tribute from the fallen city. Paul uses that picture to teach that Christ, in his crucifixion and resurrection, was victorious over Satan. When Christ ascended to heaven. he~ave gifts to the church, some of which Paul discusses in 4: 11-13.

Christ is Lord of the whole universe, past, present, and future. Nothing or no one is hidden from him. The Lord of all came to earth and faced death to rescue all people. No one is beyond his reach. Our oneness in Christ does not destroy our individuality. The Holy Spirit has given each Christian special gifts for building up the church. Now that we have these gifts, use them. Are you spiritually mature, exercising the gifts God has given you? Jfyou know what your gifts are, look for opportunities to serve. Jfyou don't know, ask God to show you, perhaps with the help of your minister or Christian friends. Then, as you begin to recognize your special area of service, use your gifts to strengthen and encourage the church. Working together, the church can express tehe fulness of Christ. NIVLASB 14 Then we will not longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things Wow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body,joined and held together by every supportmg ligament. grows and builds itself up in love. as each part does its work. Christ is the truth (John 14:6), and the Holy Spirit who guides the church is the Spirit of truth (John 16:13). Satan, by contrast is the father of lies (John 8:44). As followers of Christ, we must be committed to the truth. This means both that our words should be honest and that our actions should reflect Christ's integrity. Speaking the truth in love is not always easy, convenient, or pleasant, but it is necessary ifthe church is going to do Christ's work in the world. NIVLASB Livine as Children of Lieht Ephesians 4: 17-32 17 So I teU you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. Living "in the futility of their thinking" refers to the natural tendency of human beings to think their way away from God. Intellectual pride, rationalizations, and excuses all keep people from God. Don't be surprised if people can't grasp the gospel. The gospel will seem foolish to those who forsake faith and rely on their own understanding. NIVLASB 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. 20 You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21 Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. n You were taught, with regard to your fonner way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 13 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. People should be able to see a difference between Christians and non-Christians because ofthe way Christians live. We are to live as children oflight (5:8). Paul told the Ephesians to leave behind the old life ofsin, since they were followers of Christ. Living the Christian life is a process. Although we have a new nature, we don't automatically

think all good thoughts and express all right attitudes when we become new people in Christ. But if we keep • listening to God, we will be changing all the time. As you look back over last year, do you see a process of change for the better in your thoughts, attitudes, and actions? Although change my be slow, it comes as you trust God to chan e '01,1. See Romans 6:6' 8:9' Galatians 5: 16-28' Colossians 3:3-8 . l~ There ore each of you must put otf falsehood and speak: truthfully to his neighbor. for we are all members of one body Lying to each other disrupts unity by creating conflict and destroying trust. It tears down relationships and leads to open warfare in a church. NIVLASB 26 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. 17 and do not give the devil a foothold. The Bible doesn't tell us that we shouldn't feel angry, but it points out that it is important to handle our anger properly. If vented thoughtlessly, anger can hurt others and destroy relationships. If bottled up inside, it can cause us to become bitter and destroy us from within. Paul tells us to deal with our anger immediately in a way that builds relationships rather than destroys them. Ifwe nurse our anger, we will give Satan an opportunity to divide us. Are you angry with someone right now? What can you do to resolve you differences? Don't let the day end before you begin to work on mending fiour relationship. NIVLASB

The Holv Soirit within us is a seal or guarantee that we belong to God. Ephesians 1:13-14. NIVLASB 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another. forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you. This is Christ's law of forgiveness as taught in the Gospels (Matthew 6:14-15; 18:35; Mark 11:25). We also see it in the Lord's Prauer-"Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." God does not forgive us because we forgive others, but solely because of his great mercy. As we come to understand his mercy, however, we will want to be like him. Having received forgiveness, we will pass it on to others. Those who are unwilling to forgive have not become one with Christ, who was willing to forgive even those who crucified him (Luke 23:34). NIVLASB J esus the Great High Priest Hebrew 4:14-16 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.

IS For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way. just as we are--yet was without sin. Jesus is like us because he experienced a full range oftemptations throughout his life as a human being. We can be comforted knowing that Jesus faced temptation-he can sympathize with us. We can be encouraged knowing that Jesus faced temptation without giving in to sin. He shows us that we do not have to sin when facing the seductive lure of temptation. Jesus is the only perfect human being who has ever lived. NIVLASB 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and fmd grace to help us in our time of need. Prayer is our approach to God, and we are to come "with confidence." Some Christians approach God meekly with heads hung low, afraid to ask him to meet their needs. Others pray flippantly, giving little thought to what they say. Come with reverence because he is your King. But also come with bold assurance because he is your Friend and Counselor. NIVLASB

The Light of the World is Jesus

The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin; The Light of the world is Jesus! Like sunshine at noonday, His ~lory shone in, The Light of the world is Jesus! No darkness have we who in Jesus abide, The Light of the world IS Jesus; We walk in the light when we follow our Guide! The Light of the world is Jesus! Ye dwellers in darkness with sin blinded eyes, The Light of the world is Jesus; Go, wash, at His bidding, and light will arise, The Light of the world is Jesus! No need of the sunlight in heaven we're told, The Light of the world is Jesus; The Lamb is the light in the City of Gold, The Light of the world id Jesus! Come to the Light, 'tis shining for thee; Sweetly the Light has dawned upon me; Once I was blind, But now I can see; The Light of the world is Jesus.