THE EPISTLE Newsletter of the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church€¦ · June 4, 2016 Annual Awards...
Transcript of THE EPISTLE Newsletter of the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church€¦ · June 4, 2016 Annual Awards...
1The Epistle | Vol. 37 No. 7 | July 2016
THE EPISTLE Newsletter of the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church
“You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men…” 2 Corinthians 3:2
2The Epistle | Vol. 37 No. 7 | July 2016
Nineteenth Street Baptist Church4606 16th Street NWWashington, DC 20011
202-829-2773www.everyblessing.org
Ministerial StaffRev. James A. Crosson Jr., Interim Pastor
Rev. Jerry C. Cheatham Jr.Rev. Cheryl Coleman HallRev. Dr. I. Benni SingletonRev. Reginald Townsend
Rev. Edward TurnerRev. Robin L. Turner
Rev. Eddie Martin Jr., Youth Minister
Rev. Dr. Jerry A. Moore Jr., Pastor Emeritus
Church School, Sunday 8:45 AMMorning Worship, Sunday 10:00 AMPrayer Meeting, Thursday 6:30 PM
v
GOD is Our Passion. Serving People is Our Mission.
The mission of the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church is to profoundly experience, joyfully
celebrate, and meaningfully share God’s grace.We do this through Christ-centered worship,
biblical instruction, prayer, nurturing fellowship, and caring acts that are reflective of our
love for God and one another.We, through the power of the Holy Spirit, proclaim
the Gospel and Jesus Christ to all people while supporting the work of missions in our church,
our community, our country, and the world.
The Epistle is an official publication of the
Nineteenth Street Baptist Church.
Editor EmeritusRev. Dr. I. Benni Singleton
EditorKaren E. Williamson
Epistle ContributorsWilma Bonner
Edith Bullard-BrittDeaconess Sandra CavinessDeaconess Sageta Jackson
Cece JohnsonSandra Howell
Edmund HundleyDeacon in Training Deborah Crain Kemp
Deacon Fred LeftrictDeacon Kevin LittleRev. Eddie Martin
Judith NeelyRobin Smith
Trustee Charles Sprow Rev. Reginald Townsend
Robin Williams
The Epistle is published monthly on the first of the month. The deadline for materials is
the 20th of each month.
Submit articles and photographs for publication via email to [email protected]
IN THIS ISSUE…Pastor’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Trustees Report on Rally Day . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Congratulations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Prepare to Care Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Summer Church School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
We Remember . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Congratulations Graduates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Overcoming Tribulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Love Pal Program Makes a Difference . . . . . 11
Happy Birthday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Youth Ministry Weekend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Youth Oratory Contest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Best Attendance Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Youth Church Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Special Notice: The Epistle is taking a vacation in August.
The next issue will be published the first of September. The deadline for materials for that issue will be the 20th of August.
Submit articles and photographs at any time via email to [email protected].
Contact Karen Williamson at 202-829-5973 or at [email protected] if you have any questions.
3The Epistle | Vol. 37 No. 7 | July 2016
PASTOR’S CORNER
Summertime DiscipleshipBy Rev. James A. Crosson Jr.
We are entering that time of year when
the days are longer, the sun is stronger,
and fun is in the air. You may be thinking
about the big time you will have this
summer — the blur of block parties,
ballgames, health and home fairs, street
festivals, summer camp, backyard
barbecues and beach outings to the
shores. You may be looking forward to
a one-week family vacation or to having
idle, unscheduled time when you can curl up with a good book.
It is also a time of growth for all things in the field. As it is a
growth time in the vegetable garden, shouldn’t it also be a time
to grow in our walk with Jesus? How do you plan to grow in the
fruit of the Spirit this summer?
We cannot take a three-month sabbatical from being disciples
of Jesus. Here are some ideas for keeping your soul hot for the
Lord this summer.
1. Worship: Go to a church service while away on vacation.
It feeds your soul, and vacations are some of the only
Sundays that you have no weekend responsibilities or
commitments.
2. CheckOutourChurch’sWebsite: View the
livestreaming of services and enjoy a worship service in
the comfort of your home.
3. ReadyourBible: It is meant to be mobile. Keep up your
daily Bible reading plan.
4. StartaGroup: Bring together a small group of
like-minded persons who share your love of God.
5. Serve: One of the best ways to grow in your walk with
Jesus is to serve others. Join in with others whose hearts
are focused on God’s Word at work in our lives for the
benefit of others in our community and the world.
6. Give: Church ministries need your financial support all
year long. Visit the church’s website and utilize the online
payment option for consistent giving.
This time of year offers us an excellent opportunity to grow in
our understanding of God’s beautiful work in our lives. So enjoy
your summertime fun. Everyone deserves a refreshment. Then
ready yourself for the harvest we will need this fall. v
New Members, January–June 2016Sister Christine M. Green
Brother John W. Gentry
4The Epistle | Vol. 37 No. 7 | July 2016
Trustees Report on Rally Day By Trustee Charles Sprow
Nineteenth Street celebrated the annual Trustee Rally Day
during the Sunday, May 15 worship service. We were blessed
to have our very own Rev. Jerry Cheatham deliver the morning
message.
For several weeks prior to the rally, the Trustee Board had
requested each church member to render a special donation
of $200. We were grateful that the congregation generously
contributed almost $18,000 to go toward the roof repair
expense.
Several recent projects that have been undertaken and
completed by the Trustee Board include the Jones Handy
House bay window installations, repair of a major leak in the
kitchen, and painting of the trustee and the business office area.
A major project currently being explored by the Board is the
installation of solar energy panels on the roof. Several major
companies are giving presentations to the Board to determine
if this is a feasible option to pursue in our attempt to reduce the
church’s energy expenses.
Trustee Board members were recently surveyed to identify the
top projects we should pursue in the immediate future. Our
ideas included:
• An electronic message board at the front entrance.
• Replacement doors in the fellowship hall near the kitchen
entrance and the entrance door by the church office.
• Painting throughout the church.
The Trustee Board encourages members to attend church
business meetings. The next meeting is July 22. The meetings
are a good way for members to work together to address
Trustee Board Chairman Robert McNair at the podium with Trustees William Quander, Avé Cannady, and James Rodgers
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5The Epistle | Vol. 37 No. 7 | July 2016
church issues, to strengthen our bonds as a
church body, and to help in securing the future.
The Trustee Board is extremely grateful for the
congregation’s continued giving throughout
the year and encourage members to maintain
their giving even when on vacation. (Tithes and
offerings are typically lowest during the summer
months.) As a reminder, your tithes and offerings
can be mailed in and also donated using the
church website (www.everyblessing.org).
As stewards tasked with handling the church’s
finances, through Almighty God, we will always
use your offerings to His glory and serve you in a
way the Lord will be forever pleased. v
Trustees Steve Jumper, Juniors Thompson, Dwight Crawford, and Franklin Smith
Trustees Emerson Bretous, Donza Poole, Charles Sprow and John Jackson
Photos: Deacon in Training Deborah Crain Kemp
6The Epistle | Vol. 37 No. 7 | July 2016
Congratulations to Dr. Wilma Bonner, who was honored by the
A Step After-School Tutoring and Enrichment Program at their
June 4, 2016 Annual Awards and Scholarship Ceremony.
Dr. Bonner, longtime principal of Wilson Senior High School
and the current Director of the Teacher Education Program at
Howard University, was recognized for her many years as an
educational leader and for her contributions as an educator to
America.
Shown at the award ceremony are Church Secretary Robin
Smith, June L. Jackson, Honoree Dr. Wilma Bonner, Church
School Superintendent Shirley France, Phillis Cooke, and Janice
Robertson.
Congratuations!
Congratulations to Greg Parchment (center), who was
presented with the Men’s Ministry President’s Award by Deacons
Gerald Young and Howard Smith on Sunday, June 12.
Photos: Deacon in Training Deborah Crain Kemp
7The Epistle | Vol. 37 No. 7 | July 2016
Second Prepare to Care Workshop Is Successful TooBy Judith Neely
The Comforting Care and Health Ministries presented their
second successful Prepare to Care Workshop on Saturday,
June 11. Members of the committee, volunteers and NSBC staff
buzzed around the fellowship hall making sure all was in place,
from setting up tables for the attendees, registration and food
to sprucing up the hall. While there was no “whistling while we
worked,” the team members joyfully greeted each other and
carried on conversations.
Attorney Joyce Williams, Debra Sable, RN, BSN, and Beverly
Reynolds, MA, MS, gave enlightening presentations and
provided informative answers to the many questions posed by
the workshop’s more than 56 attendees.
Attorney Williams, who works with her clients on preparing
personalized plans, opened her presentation on Estate Planning
with current news topics and related information, such as the
state of Prince’s estate. Though not legally representing any of
us, Williams provided the audience with definitions and facts
pertaining to wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other legal
concerns of seniors.
Mrs. Sable from VITAS Healthcare spoke to the audience
on hospice care, explaining what it is and what it is not. In
debunking some of the myths about hospice care, Mrs. Sable
shared some her personal experience and knowledge as a
hospice care nurse. She explained that hospice is not a last
resort, but an attempt to improve quality of life for terminally ill
people and their families.
Mrs. Reynolds, who pursued a career in counseling as a result
of a personal experience, shared that grief is a necessary
process that helps individuals adjust to loss, and not a sign of
weakness or lack of faith. She revealed some of the physical
and emotional symptoms associated with normal grief. She
explained that grief is exhausting and noted the importance
of continuing daily health routines and seeking medical and/or
counseling help if needed.
The Committee would like to thank everyone who attended or
helped with the Prepare to Care Workshops and looks forward
to presenting the next workshop in the spring of 2017. v
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Top: Speakers Attorney Joyce Ann Williams, Beverly Reynolds, and Debra Sable. Bottom: Members of the audience asked questions and
listened intently to information provided during the workshop.
8The Epistle | Vol. 37 No. 7 | July 2016
We Remember with Love the Saints We Lost January–June 2016
Brother Charles Theodore Boggs
Sister Earline Bowman
Brother George Logan Broadus
Sister Judy Huguley
Deacon James B. Johnson
Sister Doris Marie Bruce Young
“ Time is free, but it is priceless. You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t keep it, but you can spend it. Once you’ve lost it, you can never get it back.”
~ Harvey Mackay
9The Epistle | Vol. 37 No. 7 | July 2016
Congratulations 2016 Graduates!Graduate School
Sharrone Marie Brawner – Master of Arts in Special Education and Human Development, Summa Cum Laude. The George
Washington University Graduate School of Education and Human Development, Washington, DC
Angelica Lewis – Master of City and Regional Planning, Master of Science in Facilities Management. The Catholic University of
America, Washington, DC
College
Dorean Collins – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Portuguese, minor in International Relations. Smith College, Northampton,
Massachusetts
Clarence Bradford Ellison – Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy; Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology with Distinction.
Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
Lawrence Jahmel Hayes – Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology, minor in Marketing/Entrepreneurship.
Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia
High School
Derrick Collins – Bullis School, Potomac, Maryland; going to Penn State University
Tyler Jefferson Hinton – Calvin Coolidge Senior High School, Washington, DC; going to Tuskegee University, Tuskegee,
Alabama
Nigel Christopher Sanders – St. John’s College High School, Washington, DC; going to Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia
Ronnea Simpkins – Bell Multicultural High School, Washington, DC; going to Norfolk State University, Norfolk, Virginia
Alexis Monet White – Roosevelt Senior High School, Washington, DC; going to Lincoln University, Chester County,
Pennsylvania.
10The Epistle | Vol. 37 No. 7 | July 2016
Overcoming TribulationBy Rev. Reginald Townsend
Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation.” (John 16:33)
He didn’t say that you could have tribulation or that, if you aren’t
a good person, tribulation will come your way. Jesus flatly stated
you will have tribulation. It is as certain as growing older.
It has been said that the person who starts behind in the great
race of life must forever remain behind or run faster than the
person in front.
When trials come, we sometimes act as if God is on vacation. We
question God: Why is this happening to me? Why am I going
through this difficult circumstance? What’s wrong with You, God?
But such complaining is shortsighted and wrong. God is far higher than we are. Who are
we to say He is wrong or to tell Him what He ought to be doing? As God reminded Job,
“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?” (Job 38:4) Such complaining
also shows a lack of faith; we are doubting God’s wisdom and His love for us. But the
wonderful promise of Christ is that while you will have trials and tribulations, “Be of good
cheer. I have overcome the world.”
God does not promise us an easy life, free of troubles, trials, difficulties, and temptations. A
victorious Christian is one who, in spite of worries, inner conflicts, and tensions, is confident
that God is in control, and we will be victorious in the end. Whatever our difficulties,
whatever our circumstance, we must remember that “the joy of the Lord is our strength.”
(Nehemiah 8:10) Never make a decision without committing it to God and seeking His will.
He promises to guide you—and He will. (John 16:33)
Rev. Reginald Townsend is an Associate Minister on the staff of Nineteenth Street Baptist Church and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
11The Epistle | Vol. 37 No. 7 | July 2016
Love Pal Program Makes a DifferenceBy Edmund Hundley
I am a rising junior at the University of Pennsylvania, majoring in Economics. Born and
raised in Washington, DC, I had not seen much outside of the city for the first 18 years
of my life. When it came time to apply for college, I sought institutions in unfamiliar and
promising settings. The idea of exploring a new city on my own was an exciting prospect
to me. So, I was elated when I was accepted into the University of Pennsylvania because
I had the opportunity to experience a great city like Philadelphia while attending a great
school.
However, shortly after I arrived on campus, I realized that I had taken for granted the
things I knew so well. I was presented with an academic challenge unlike any other I
had previously faced, and I quickly found myself struggling to adjust to the rigor of my
courses. I became very anxious and insecure and I longed for as much reassurance and
encouragement from home as possible. Along with my family, Nineteenth Street’s Love
Pal Program was able to provide me with the support that I needed at such a pivotal point
in my academic career.
The letters that I received from my Love Pal, Ms. Virginia Lee, every month helped to
improve my spirits and my attitude towards things. She would include inspiring passages
from the Bible and quotes from great thinkers that were especially relevant and this
provided a positive impact on my outlook. In addition, these letters included a significant
monetary gift, which allowed me to eat at places besides the cafeteria and to have
adventures off campus. Having this luxury relieved some of my stress. In all, the love
and support that I received from the Love Pal Program enabled me to get through my
freshman year.
My time at college has not gotten any easier since then. The courses that I have taken
have been very challenging and have pushed me tremendously. However, with the initial
lessons that I learned and a reliable support system, like Love Pal, I have been able to
handle adversity much better and excel. The Love Pal Program has been an integral part
of my success and I greatly appreciate its consistent care and consideration. v
12The Epistle | Vol. 37 No. 7 | July 2016
Birthday Party Surprises Gordon and Stevens
Martha W. Gordon celebrated her 98th birthday
and Deacon Oddie L. Stevens celebrated his
88th birthday at a surprise party on June 25.
Deaconess Sandra Caviness, Mrs. Gordon’s
daughter, and Deaconess Evangeline Stevens,
hosted the delightful celebration.
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Youth Ministry Weekend 2016 HighlightsBy Chaplain Eddie Martin
Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. ~ 2 Timothy 1:6-7
The aforementioned scripture fully embodies the efforts and
service of the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church youth during
Youth Ministry Weekend 2016. Throughout the weekend, youth
led and participated in several events that highlighted their
physical fitness, intelligence, creativity, passion for social justice,
and spiritual and cultural depth. For example, on Friday, June
10, the black history and biblical knowledge of our youth was
tested against many of our adult church members in the first
annual Youth vs. Adults Quiz Bowl Tournament. The night was
competitive as there were several lead changes between the
two teams, and many adults were impassioned and determined
to not let the youth defeat them! Although the adults edged out
our youth by only one point, the youth demonstrated that they
should not be underestimated in any capacity.
The Friday night event was only a taste of the many riches to
come for the rest of the weekend. On Saturday, youth competed
against and with adult church members in our 2nd Annual
Youth vs. Adults Basketball Tournament. Additionally, some
of our “younger” youth ministry individuals had the chance to
participate with many of their parents and other church adults
in the Youth Ministry “Younger Games” celebration. From the
extraordinary basketball skills shown by our teens to the love
and energy demonstrated by our elementary age and pre-teen
youth, the day was one that was full of joy and excitement.
The youth participation on Sunday was priceless. They served as
praise dancers, song leaders, and pulpit participants, and they
even delivered a passionate spoken word responsive reading.
The final praise dance performance by one of our former Youth
Ministry members was so powerful that it brought tears to the
eyes of many congregants while others stood and applauded in
awe and appreciation. And yet, there was still more to come…
The day concluded with amazing oratory presentations by our
middle and high school youth who passionately compared
and contrasted the American Civil Rights Movement and the
Black Lives Matter Movement. Collectively, their performances
summed up what the 2016 Youth Ministry Weekend was all
14The Epistle | Vol. 37 No. 7 | July 2016
about and who our youth ministry participants
truly entail: investing in determined, talented,
and encouraged youth who are ready to make
an indelible impact on society for generations
to come. As they continue to devote
themselves to following God’s lead, they need
only the support and guidance from loving
adults who are ready to help them succeed.
Church, are we up to the task? v
15The Epistle | Vol. 37 No. 7 | July 2016
Youth Speak Their Minds at Oratory Contest The Youth Ministry’s 4th Annual Oratory Contest was held on
Sunday, June 12 after the Youth Sunday/Graduation Recognition
Day Worship Service. The topic of the oratory presentations
was “A Contrast and Comparison of the Civil Rights Movement
and Black Lives Matter.”
Five middle school and six high school students participated
in the contest, which was judged by Deacon Peyton Lively
and young adults Edmund Hundley and Gayraud Townsend.
Chaplain Eddie Martin, Nineteenth Street’s Youth Minister and
Minister Lorise White-Wolfe gave the opening and closing
prayers. Other program participants included Deaconess
Patricia Kilby Robb, the Director of the Board of Christian
Education, who welcomed the enthusiastic audience of parents
and friends, and noted educator Dr. Wilma Bonner, who
introduced the judges and awarded the prizes.
Congratulations to all of the participants in the 4th Annual
Oratory Contest! v
Contest Results
Middle School
1st Prize: Jay Young
2nd Prize: Jara Wilensky
3rd Prize: Kalyl Young
Honorable Mention: Noah Cooper
Honorable Mention: Lindsey Sanders
High School
1st Prize: Jadyn Wilensky
2nd Prize: Quiana Ford
3rd Prize: Matthew Little
Honorable Mention: Alicia Dawson
Honorable Mention: Mark Little
Honorable Mention: Junious Woodrick
16The Epistle | Vol. 37 No. 7 | July 2016
Jadyn WilenskyHigh School 1st Place
Jay YoungMiddle School 1st Place
Qiana FordHigh School 2nd Place
Jara WilenskyMiddle School 2nd Place
Matthew LittleHigh School 3rd Place
Jalyl YoungMiddle School 3rd Place
Photos: Deacon Kevin Little
17The Epistle | Vol. 37 No. 7 | July 2016
SEPTEMBERSUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30
Youth Church CalendarThe Youth Ministry is holding Youth Church several Sundays
(shown in blue) each month. See Calendar on page 18 for
other Youth Ministry activities.
Church members are needed to help on any of these
Sundays. To volunteer, contact Chaplain Eddie Martin Jr. at
AUGUSTSUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31
JULYSUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
Awards Given for Best Attendance
The Booker Memorial Committee recently recognized several students for
having the best Church School attendance.
These special students received a certificate and a $50 cash prize:
Kinsley Beckham
Abbott Anderson
Jack Anderson
Noah Cooper
Jay Young
Kalyl Young
Congratulations!
18The Epistle | Vol. 37 No. 7 | July 2016
JULY
Sunday, July 3 – Church School Summer Program begins and continues each Sunday through August 28, 8:45 AM
Monday, July 4 – Independence Day Holiday
Tuesday, July 5 - Friday, July 8 – Vacation Bible School, 9 AM – 12 Noon
Sunday, July 10 – Worship Service, Guest Preacher Rev. Dr. Lora F. Hargrove
Monday, July 11 – Vacation Bible School Outing
Friday, July 22 – Church Business Meeting, 7 PM
Friday, July 22 – Progressive Adults Theater Outing, Born For This: The Bebe Winans Story, Arena Stage, 8 PM
Sunday, July 24 – Worship Service, Guest Preacher Rev. Dr. Darryl D. Roberts, J.D.
AUGUST
Saturday, August 6 – Resume Writing & Career Workshop for Youth, 10 AM – 2 PM
Sunday, August 21 – Ushers’ Annual Back to School Drive (Donations for school supplies will be collected after the worship service)
SEPTEMBER
Monday, September 5 – Labor Day Holiday
Monday, September 12 – John H. Brinkley Annual Memorial Golf Tournament, Enterprise Golf Course, Mitchellville, Maryland
Sunday, September 18 – New Members Sunday
Calendar