Summer Edition Volume 2, Issue 7July, 2013

Celebrating and Remembering Fathers!

81st Church Anniversary and Heritage Day

To celebrate 81 years as a Church is for many an enormous challenge as well as a great reward for us all. “Building, Bonding, and Binding” are strengths we can rightfully claim. During the month of June, we shared our Spiritual Heritage with walks down memory lane in the telling of personal experiences by church members during their earlier years at Brown’s “I Remember When”. These candid re-marks were a delight and a glimpse into our past.

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Additionally, both children and adults enjoyed the “Every-body’s Birthday” celebration and getting to know others that shared the same birth months!

“Family Fun Night” was an evening of fun, fellowship, food, and talents. Brother Lawrence Bracey took photos to high-light the event. Ministries and individual families shared their culinary delights and desserts! We were entertained by a reading of Sojourner Truth dramatically delivered by Mis-sionary Beatrice White, an original song written by a young songbird, Sister Kierra Scott, and the comedic Sunday school stories as seen through the eyes of Sister Zaundria Coward’s stu-dents. Everyone had a great time!

Furthermore, we were ministered through music by all of the Brown’s choirs includ-ing our babies and our hearts were invigorated with the dynamic preached Word by Dr. J. Weldon Gilbert of Lawton, Oklahoma.

On Saturday, June 22, the Brown’s Memorial Baptist Church shared in partner-ship with the Park West Medical Center a community festival by providing health, community and church information as well as refreshments for the Park Heights Community at large. The event was very successful and a return is possible.

The combined Church Anniversary and Heritage culminated on Sunday, June 23, 2013 with a spirit-filled service and dy-namic preaching by our Pastor, Dr. R. Lee Johnson. We were reflective of some things that were reminiscent of Brown’s – The choir sung a powerful anthem, the Mother Beulah B. Johnson Liturgical Ministry reunited and ministered through dance, (continued)

Everybody’s Birthday & Hat Extravaganza

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“Let’s go Back to the old time way”. The Culinary Ministry prepared a delicious meal enjoyed by all!

Thanks be to God for an enjoyable month of thanksgiv-ing and celebrations! A special thanks to the 81st Church Anniversary and Heritage Day Committee and helpers for their participation and efforts:

LuReece Brown, Thelmarie Dawkins, Rev. Deborah Griffin, Joan Hammonds, Rhoda Hawkins, Virginia Jackson, Bren-da Jefferson, Earl Johnson, Linda Johnson, Yvette Johnson, Geraldine Jones, Joyce Lee, Birdie Locust, Terrie Martin, Eloise Warren, Barbara West, and Barbara Woodland.

Submitted by Deacon-ess Barbara Woodland

Family Fun Night

Praise the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of his faithful people.Psalm 149:1 NIV

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Heritage Day Festival

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Black Heritage

Rev. Dr. R. Lee Johnson was born on July 22 and is the third of four children born to the late Deacon Leroy and Deaconess Beulah John-son. After surviving a medically complicated delivery, he was des-tined for the Lord’s service.

At an early age, his mom became ill and he was taken to South Hamp-ton, Virginia to live with his ma-ternal grandmother and great aunt. He recalls his uncle teaching him to shoot a double barrel shot gun which he used to shoot a hog. He fondly remembers the hog that he raised. However, he later learned it was killed by his aunt.Through much prayer, his mother’s health returned and the family was reunited and worshipped together at Providence Baptist Church where the Johnson’s have had membership since 1928. From an early age, there were many who proclaimed that he would grow up to become a min-ister. He was always attentive in church and he enjoyed listening to his Pastor Dr. Marcus Woods and to Dr. Harold Carter.At the age of 8 he had a strong desire within his heart to become a

minister. At the age of 9, he re-ceived the call from God to be a minister. At the age of 10, he ac-cepted the call and ran home from school to tell his Mother “I have to preach”. On that very same day, a salesman came to the home and told his Mom that there was something special about one of her children and pointed to his picture. From that moment on she passion-ately bolstered his destiny to serve the Lord and to preach the word. Furthermore, his Godmother stated “God wants him to prepare to be a minister,” therefore she paid for his education and made sure he didn’t have to work.Through God’s grace and the sacrifice of his Godmother and a dear member, Sister Flora Diggs, he was able to complete his educa-tion ending with an earned Doctor in Ministry. In addition, because of his life service, he has been awarded three Honorary Doctorates. He taught at the Bridgewater College for the American Baptist Church of the South, as well as the publish-ing of written articles. He preached for Lott Carey for twelve years and has served on the National Circuit for preaching for over 30 years. As a Lott Carey Minister, he enjoyed the time spent helping to shape the hearts and minds of young people with a desire to serve the Lord. During his early years in the min-istry, he shared his love for music as a member in the Johnson Family singers, and as a musician for the Stars of Grace, and ultimately as a Minister of Music for Mt. Ariat Baptist Church. Furthermore, he served as interim minister in Wil-liamstown, New Jersey. In 1989, he answered the call to become the Pastor of Brown’s Memorial Baptist Church. Over the past 24 years, he

has demonstrated the importance of preaching the Word of God em-braced with love and commitment to the Brown’s Memorial Baptist Church and its membership. His fa-vorite scripture is Revelation 22:11 and his favorite song is O Thou in Whose Presence. He was married to Margo Lee and from that union Julian was born who is the love of his heart. He loves to cook with recipes that he inherited from his grandparents as well as his mother. In addition, he is a collector of fountain pens and antique watches. On any given day, you will find him in possession of at least five fountain pens. Everyone has a season where there is a time to work and a time to rest. During those seasons of rest, he has jour-neyed to Mexico, Panama, South America, Egypt, Israel (Holy Land), England, and loves to cruise. Each experience has been unique and rewarding.He advises the young to not be anxious about growing up based on what you see in life and even based on what you may want. Time dic-tates what you will be. Enjoy your seasons of life. Enjoy you and allow you to know your seasons and your seasons to know you. Be productive in your formulative years where you know and can grasp yourself. These are also times when you establish long term friendships. When each season ends, you should end with it and move on to the next phase in your life. Do not stay where time says you are no longer wanted. For we must be careful that when the season ends, that the season does not end your life---Step on to a greater plain. Bottom line; always remember, the Lord will pave the way when others can’t.

-Submitted by Deaconess Yvette Johnson

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YOUTH CORNERNia Hill will graduate from Mother Seton Academy with a 3.5 GPA. In September, Nia will attend St. Timothy School for Girls as a ninth grader, class of 2017.Nia’s interests are writing, journal-ism, golf, equestrian and running out-door track. One of Nia’s long

term goals is working in the sports medicine industry.

Nyle Hill will graduate from Mother Seton Academy with a 3.2 GPA. InSeptember, Nyle will attend Institute of Notre Dame as a ninth grader, class of 2017. Nyle’s interests are public speak-ing, science, running track and playing basketball.One of Nyle’s long term goals is to be-

come an entrepreneur to create her own fitness line.Submitted by Sister Elaine Raines

Nia Hill Nyla Hill

Our Inaugural Dunton Scholar-ship Ministry Day was flawless with Dr. Haywood A. Robinson, III, Pastor of The Peo-ple’s Community

Baptist Church. His compelling message on perseverance “Don’t give up” ignited energy to everyone within earshot. A highlight of the program was our own adult choir led by Bro. Smith and our youth choir with Rev. Flowers. To con-clude the celebration a tribute was given to Sis. Raines for her 11 years of service and dedication to the ministry. In August, look forward to the awarding of scholarships and acknowledgements of monetary contributions to this ministry.

Tell Me More About the Dunton Scholarship Ministry!The Dunton Scholarship Ministry was created in 2000. Since its establishment, the ministry has awarded more than 100 scholarships to students here at Brown’s Memorial Baptist Church benefit-ing their educational/technical goals beyond high school.

Not only is the ministry dedicated to the future of our youth at Brown’s Memorial Baptist Church, it also recognizes our past. At the inception of this scholarship ministry, two survivors of the seven original church founders remained: Deacon Albert Dunton and Deacon-ess Edna Dunton. Rev. R. Lee Johnson honored the surviving founders by naming the new ministry ~ The Dunton Scholarship Ministry ~ thereby connecting our past with our future.

By aiding with the cost of higher learning, this ministry will assist in helping to further educate and train students who will bring a Christian Lifestyle to future careers, families, and to the global neighborhoods that they may touch.

Our efforts are voluntary and at no monetary cost to the church. The administrative process is fair, and the awards are only granted to qualified students of Brown’s Memorial Baptist Church. Therefore, it is our contin-ued effort to fund this ministry through offerings, donations, and other benevolent gifts as we advance our spiritual heritage of generosity and integrity so that ultimately, God gets the Glory.

If this ministry is of interest to you, please contact:

Mary Barnes, Micale Benton, Rosilind Davis, Tangy Ellis, Bernice John-son, Beatrice Seasay, or Linda Shields-Chairperson so that you may attend the next meeting.

– Submitted by Sister Linda Shields, DSM Chairperson.

The Dunton Scholarship Ministry

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A Dream Deferred and a Promise Fulfilled!by Teresa Marion

BMBC Health Ministry Diabetes WorkshopOn Saturday, June 1, 2013, the Health Ministry presented a workshop to provide a better un-derstanding of the different effects that Diabe-tes can have on your body.BMBC nurse, Sister Lealer Kelly shared the importance of taking control of your body by monitoring what you eat and keeping active via exercise. In addition, the importance of writing down your questions in advance of your doctor appointments and keeping track of your A1C (Average of your blood sugar readings).

– Submitted by Sister Linda Jones, M.A.

A HABIT THAT IS COSTLYImpulse Buying

What’s behind impulse buying, an unplanned decision to buy a product or service? For some, it simply feels good because buying it boost self-esteem. For others, buying it offsets depression or anger. A shopping trip with children can be an im-pulse buying decision when your kid(s) are hollering over a toy or cereal, a weakness can come over to buy them something they want. Shopping online can easily increase impulse buying: A 1998 study estimated that North Americans spent more than $4 billion a year on impulse buys. Here are a few helpful tips to put the brakes on buying:

a. Consider the consequences of such a purchase

b. Commit to returning the purchase

c. Don’t play into the tantrums of children

d. Online deals: fill your cart, then turn off the computer

e. For more information go to USA weekend.com

f. Talk to your doctor-Submitted by Sister Linda Johnson

Beat the HeatAre you feeling hot and trying to find a cool place? The worst heat wave and heat warning is underway. Here are a few tips to keep cool:1. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty

of fluids

2. Wear loose fitting light clothing, avoid dark clothing

3. Slow down, stay indoors during the hottest part of the day

4. Cool yourself by keeping water in a spray bottle

5. Bring pets in doors when there is a heat advisory

6. Use a buddy system if walking

-Submitted by Sister Linda Johnson

In 1989 I received my BS in Criminal Justice from Coppin State College and in 1998 I received my Master’s in Criminal Justice from Coppin, as well. Before my mother passed away from

Cancer in 2003, I told her I was going to become a nurse when I retired so I could take care of her.

However, God had other plans. Eventually, I retired from the Maryland State Police after 20 years of service on January 1, 2010. It is truly impossible to know the Joy that our tomorrows will bring but now I am daily reminded. On May 17, 2013 my promise to my mother was fulfilled when I received a Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing from Coppin State University. I am feeling so blessed now that I am fulfilling a promise to care for someone as a RN at Harbor Hospital in the Emergency Room. God works wonders!

Church Office is closed on MondaysWednesdays – 11:00 a.m. Bible Study, 12 noon Service, 7:05

p.m. Bible Study & Prayer Service will resume September 11Summer Worship Schedule – August 4 - September 8,

Service Time is 10amDuring the month of August we will share inWorship Service with The Ezekiel Church and Ministries, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and First New Life Baptist Church

Sunday, July 28 – 8 & 11am Worship, 3:30 p.m. – Holy CommunionThursday, August 1 – 5:00 p.m. VBS outing to Washington DCSunday, August 4 – Youth Sunday - 10am WorshipSaturday, August 10 – 10am – 12 noon, Dunton Scholarship Ministry College

Workshop Sunday, August 11 – 10am Worship, 3:30 - New Bethlehem Freewill Baptist

Church, (65th Church Anniversary) 1400 N. Eden St., 21213 Bishop Paul E. Lee, Pastor

Sunday, August 18 – 10am WorshipSunday, August 25 – 10am Worship & Holy Communion

Announcements

Brown’s Memorial Baptist Church | 3215 W. Belvedere Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215 | Pastor R. Lee Johnson, D. Min. Phone: 410.542.5700 | Fax: 410.542.7688/877.761.3986 | Email: brownsmemorial3215@gmail.com

Jamel Brown – 7/ 1Samuel Matthews – 7/ 1Stephanie Oliver – 7/1

Chris Powell – 7/ 1Terry Brown – 7/ 2Karen Clark – 7/ 3

Deaconess Debra Sydnor – 7/ 3Mary Gardner Dennis – 7/7

Deaconess Yvette Johnson – 7/ 7Sean Brodie – 7/ 8

Bertha Prince – 7/ 8Greer Griffin – 7/9Larry Rose - 7/ 10

Patricia Griffin – 7/ 11Rachel Hill – 7/ 11

Beatrice White - 7/ 11Esther Ball – 7/ 13

Carmella Chambers – 7/ 13Hattie Harper – 7/ 13Denise Logan – 7/ 13Jeffrey Royster - 7/ 13

Torraine Thomas – 7/ 15Charles Epps – 7/16

Moses Proctor – 7/ 16Elsie McLaughin – 7/ 17

Bertha Burrell – 7/ 18Latease Price – 7/ 18

Quandra Paige-Snype – 7/ 19James Simmons – 7/ 21Pastor Johnson – 7/ 22James Laury – 7/ 22

Thelma Lawhorn – 7/ 23Shirley Howell - 7/26Gazellia Lucas – 7/29Mildred Purdie – 7/ 31

Mother Vivian Lucas – 7/ 31Margarite Shields – 7/ 31

Mother Joyce Williams - 7/ 31

Birthdays Ashley Johnson’s Freshman/Sophomore College Experienceby Ashley Johnson

As an 18 year old college freshman, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Like most freshman we come into the college life with an idea of who we want to be and what we will aspire to be once we gradu-ate. My freshman year at Morgan State University was nothing compared to what I thought it was going to be. I once believed that college was going to be like the

movies: parties every day, gourmet food, easy classes and a care free environment. However, once I got to college I realized college is nothing like what’s portrayed in the movies. Don’t get me wrong there are still parties everyday but my days were spent with long hours in the library, late night studying and group projects. Not to mention the food was nowhere near close to gourmet food.

For the remainder of my freshman year I planned to make my sophomore year better than my freshman year. I wanted to go to more parties; I wanted to pledge in a sorority or join an organization and possibly get in the honor society. However, as my sophomore year approached I realized that I had grown from the major that I had chosen as a freshman. My interest changed…and there was a time where I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to go back to school. But with some encouragement from my parents, I began my sophomore year in the fall of 2011. (It was no better than my freshman year, lol) Even though I had a rough start everything started to fall in to place. I realized that I was spending too much time studying and not enough time relaxing. I hadn’t yet learned how to balance the two.

In short, over the course of my freshman and sophomore years I have experienced the highs and lows of the college life; and might I say I wouldn’t change them for the world. I have 2 more years to go and I am looking forward to my graduation.