Page 0: Page 1: Volume 2, Issue 2 March 2010 Pastor's Pen Get Ready Pastor Walter Gibson, Jr. Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church "By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household . . ." Hebrews 11:17 NASB Spotlight on Ministry Transportation Ministry TeResa A. Smith Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church "If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him." John 12:26 NASB This passage speaks of Noah’s faith in God to build an ark during a time when it had never rained and no rain was in sight. However, Noah believed God and obeyed. God gave Noah specific instructions on how to build the ark because that which Noah was to build had to be strong enough to handle the storm that was at hand. God knew what the storm would bring and placed within the heart of Noah, a man who would live in and through the storm, how to build the structure that would handle the storm. I believe the Holy Spirit is molding men, women, boys, and girls to be the Noahs of their generations. We must pray for them. Encourage them. Be slow to criticize their beliefs and methods as long as they are building on the sure foundation of Jesus Christ. continued on page 2 Inside This Issue 1 1 2 3 3 4 4 5 6 Pastor's Pen Spotlight on Ministry Spotlight on Member Birthdays and Anniversaries Classified Advertisements Health Notes The 411 on Member Activities Epiphanies Tax Tips To most of us, getting to church on Sunday, or any event or meeting, is as easy as turning the key in our cars. For some, the Transportation Ministry, led by Sister Angela West, is their only link to being present for the blessings that PRBC has to offer. PRBC currently has six drivers: Sister Angela West, Brother Orlando Smith, Sister Erica Williams, Sister Eloise McMillian, Brother Fred Ramsey, and Brother Danny Green. Each driver must possess a valid driver’s license and submit to a background check. When asked about the qualities she looks for in potential drivers, she replied simply, "Drivers who are responsible, respectful and reliable." Drivers are trained in driver and passenger etiquette and are given suggestions to make the driving transition a pleasant one. Brother Orlando Smith finds solace by playing gospel music during the ride…and according to some passengers he has even been known to belt out a tune or two. Sister West uses these opportunities to fellowship with her passengers through testimonies. With the growth of PRBC, it is becoming more evident that another vehicle may be necessary to accommodate all passengers who may want to attend service. At present, one driver is responsible for transporting passengers from as far away as Okemos. This becomes challenging when there are a number of passengers who requests rides. The purchase of another vehicle, especially one that is handicap accesscontinued on Page 2 PILGRIM'S NEWS 1 Page 2: Pastor's Pen continued from page 1 Spotlight on Member Sister Greta Trice Ethel Owens Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church Can you imagine the criticism Noah must have incurred building a ship on dry ground with no evidence that it would ever be used? Why believe this ark needed to be built? Did God really tell you to build this ark? Now imagine if he would have stopped. What if he would have listened to the critics who said it doesn’t take all that and you should build it with this type of wood or use this type of pitch? It is evident that Noah understood the times in which he lived and at the same time heard God’s plan for how he should prepare for what was ahead. The message that Noah preached remained the same-children get ready because it’s going to rain. Yes, some thought he was off base. His message was criticized. He was ostracized by the masses. But, when the storm came, Noah and those who took heed to what God was saying and doing through Noah were saved. We need more Noahs in our homes, community, cities, and churches. We need more saints who will hear from God and follow His instructions in the midst of uncomfortable times. A storm is on the way. Will your family be safe? -Excerpt taken from No More Business As Usual, by Pastor Walter Gibson. Authorhouse, 2006. Spotlight on Ministry continued from page 1 ible, is being considered. At present PRBC provides transportation to Wednesday bible study (Revelation of the Word) at noon and 7:00 p.m. along with 9:30 a.m. Sunday school and 11:00 a.m. Sunday worship. If you are in need of transportation to any of these services, please follow the protocol below: 1. Call (517) 775-7504. For bible study, call before 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. For Sunday worship, call before 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. 2. Turn down all background noise and speak clearly while stating your name, phone number, address, number of people needing transportation, and the service you want to attend. Are you are interested in becoming a driver for PRBC? If so, please see any member of the Ministry or call the transportation line at (517) 775-7504 and leave a message. Sister Greta Trice was born in Cleveland (OH) but grew up in Tennessee. She is one of eight siblings. She moved to Michigan in 1970 and graduated from Eastern High School in Lansing. She has two adult children: a son (Viol) who lives in the Washington D.C. area and works for the Library of Congress and a daughter (Dennise) who lives in Lansing but commutes daily to work in Detroit. Although Sister Trice had been a long time member at other churches, she joined Pilgrim Rest in November 2007. She is currently Ministry Leader of the Ministry of Prayer. Sister Trice has worked for the Lansing School District for over thirty years. During the last eleven years, she has taught 2nd and 4th graders. She is currently a 2nd grade teacher at Forest View Elementary School. One of the more positive aspects of her job is making a difference in a child's life. She sees teaching as more than a job. Teaching not only involves their minds but also their spirits, bodies, and souls. She enjoys getting to know the children as people and getting to know their families. Sister Trice expressed that there are a number of challenges, such as governmental policies, that actually interfere with teaching and do not allow teachers to do their jobs effectively. Differences between poor and affluent districts impact education. Affluent districts have access to computers and other technology that less affluent districts do not have. Racial and class bias played out in schools and deterioration of the family structure are other problems she sees that negatively affect education. She fears that our community is in jeopardy as our poor- and middle-class Black families are challenged to keep spiritual hope and faith as their needs, in many cases, are being ignored. Sister Trice applied for and was accepted as a Fulbright Scholar. She will travel to Tanzania, Africa in 2010 or 2011 to study through the Michigan State University (MSU) African Studies program. She is very excited about this opportunity. continued on Page 4 PILGRIM'S NEWS 2 Page 3: Birthdays and Anniversaries Rhonda Thompson Allen Logan, III Scherry Scott Jeanette Muse Barbara Sprague Jawone Baker Michael Lee Andra Niki Barnett Jenell Bogan Pamela Bolden Arma Dorty De'Kyra Love James Nelson Catherine Brady Christine Bryant Deloris Elayne Chandler Danny Green D'Mon Tucker Dorothy Lane Wardrell Wicker Tracy DePass James Bibbs Valencia Moses Dominique Muse A.E. Flanagan Alberta Morrell Alicia Perez Makayla Smith Joyce Baker Louis Houston, Sr. Joseph Goodrich Jovan Gilchrist Whitney Landrum Latina Scates Kendall Taylor Kenyon Lanier Charlean Richardson Joann Doby-Waters Ronald Ferguson Candice Colllins Tarsha Gibson Constance Ross Clifton Todd Frankie Turner Farnisha Williams Timothy Wilson William Peebles Gerald Potter Claudia Allen 03/01 03/02 03/03 03/03 03/03 03/06 03/06 03/07 03/07 03/07 03/07 03/07 03/07 03/08 03/08 03/08 03/08 03/08 03/09 03/10 03/11 03/12 03/12 03/13 03/14 03/14 03/14 03/14 03/15 03/15 03/16 03/17 03/17 03/17 03/17 03/18 03/18 03/19 03/19 03/21 03/21 03/22 03/23 03/23 03/25 03/26 03/27 03/27 03/29 continued in next column PILGRIM'S NEWS 3 Birthdays and Anniversaries continued from previous column Tia Bell James Gardin Mary Nelson Janaya Royal Valetta Leonard NyAzia Blankenburg Thomas Herring Sherman Nelson, Jr. Correction from 01-02/2010 Issue: Curt Eure 03/29 03/29 03/29 03/29 03/30 03/31 03/31 03/31 02/06 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS WANT TO SAVE A SAPLING? GO GREEN? This newsletter can be delivered to your inbox! E-mail prbcnusletter@sbcglobal.net and type "SUBSCRIBE" in the subject line. Are your creative juices flowing? We need you! Pilgrim's News is seeking additional staff. If you would like to become a resident reporter, e-mail your letter of interest to prbcnusletter@sbcglobal.net. Is there a column you would like to see published on a regular basis? As this newsletter continuous to evolve, we welcome your ideas. Forward your suggestions to us at prbcnusletter@sbcglobal.net. PARENTS/CAREGIVERS: Children's Church needs YOUR help! The Kingdom Connection Ministry team is privileged to work with the next generation. During offering time, many children want to give so badly that they pretend to give an offering, try to place personal items in the bucket, and even want to surrender their hard-earned kingdom bucks! While we let children know you can give more than money, we want children to experience the joy of sowing a financial seed. Children want to help sponsor hungry children in other countries with the money they give. We want to see their dream come to pass. Won't you help us? We have been teaching that the amount does not matter because God blesses our willingness to give. As God blesses you, please help us help your child experience the blessings of being a cheerful giver. Page 4: Health Notes "Your" Temple of the Holy Ghost Othelia Pryor Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church Health Notes continued from previous column are comprised of mind, body, soul, and spirit. Jesus offers a more abundant life for your entire being. I hope you will choose this day the full benefits of the abundant life Christ has for you. ____________________________________ In January, Pastor Gibson taught us how to be better stewards over all of the blessings that God has given us. In I Corinthians 6:19, Apostle Paul speaks about another form of stewardship that is often overlooked by the body of Christ. He says, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?" This message is of critical importance to the African American church. My question is, "What kind of temple is your Holy Ghost living in?" In the history of the United Sates, the general health outcomes of minority populations have never equaled the health status of Caucasians. Heart disease and stroke kill more African Americans than cancer, accidents, pneumonia, AIDS, diabetes, liver failure, suicide, and homicide combined.1 The situation is more critical for African American men, whose life expectancy in 2005 was the same as Caucasian men in the 1950s.2 If we plan to live longer, healthier lives, we must prevent disease rather than seek a cure after we get sick. In Deuteronomy 30:19 Moses said, "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants." We all know what keeps us healthy. The hard part is getting us to do it. Good places to start include:  Eat at least one additional fruit or vegetable a day.  Walk thirty minutes 3-5 days a week. You can break this up into 10-minute segments. Just move.  Make sure your children have healthy diets and are physically active. Play active games with them. It will be good for you and the kids.  Learn about the risk factors for heart disease and strokes. Discuss with your healthcare provider how you can decrease your risk factors.  Talk to your friends and neighbors about creating and living healthy lifestyles.  Go to church on a regular basis. Research has shown that regular church attendance extends the life of African 3 Americans an average of 19 years. 1 Kong B. W. & Ofili, E. Heart Disease and Stroke in African Americans: A Patient Guide, Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc. 2 Michigan Department of Community Health, Health Disparities Impacting Racial and Ethnic Minorities in Michigan http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-2940_2955_2985,00.html. 3 Kong B. W. (2005). Speech given at National Minority Quality Forum Annual Conference in Washington, DC. The 411 on Member Activities 2010 Census Fonda Cavin-Turner Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church Every ten years the Census Bureau takes a snapshot of our population, determining how many people reside with the nation's borders, who they are, and where they live. The results help determine our representation in government, as well as how federal funds are spent in our community on things like roads, parks, housing, schools, and public safety. PRBC partnered with the Census Bureau to assist in this endeavor. The Go Ye Ministry was instrumental in bringing awareness and job recruitment onsite to PRBC in January 2010. If you missed the event but are seeking employment, jobs may still be available. Contact the Lansing Census Office at (517) 318-5710 to schedule an appointment to take the employment test. Available jobs range from office clerks to field operations. Salaries range from $10.50 to $17.00 per hr. For more information about the 2010 census, go to www.2010censusjobs.gov or call (800) 877-8339. Spotlight on Member continued from Page 2 In John 10:10, Christ says, "….I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." He was speaking about spiritual life…which is of the utmost importance. However, we Sister Trice has many interests and hobbies. She enjoys watching college basketball and football. She enjoys reading and belongs to a book club. She enjoys walking. She loves to fish. Some of her favorite fishing spots are Sleepy Hollow, Lake Lansing, and Narrow Lake. She recently lost her fishing buddy but has faith that a new fishing buddy will come along. If you like to fish and are also looking for a fishing buddy, I'm sure Sister Trice would love to share some of her favorite fishing spots and swap fishing stories. PILGRIM'S NEWS 4 Page 5: Epiphanies S T S U B M I T E T D R E H E D R O L N C R E F R U V L W A H L A T C A V S A E I E O W S D N T E B L S V V E A O S E H D A S O E R M Y T I R E C N I S S W E P E L E R S D O D H B N P U C V S T S O W O R K I N H E R I T A E A E D I V O R P W RULES FOR CHRISTIAN HOUSEHOLDS Find the words listed below. Circle their letters only. Do not circle the words. Children Fathers Husbands Inherit Lord Love Masters Obey Please Provide Reverence Reward Serve Sincerity Slaves Submit Wives Work Starting at the top row and reading from left to right, write the leftover letters, except the final one, in the spaces below to reveal a trivia. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ (and ___ ___ Timothy) ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ for the Colossians? Trivia answer (include scripture):____________________________ Created using Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEducation.com BIBLICAL TEXT TWISTING This month's word is INHERITANCE."Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve." Colossians 3:23-24 NASB Can you find 30 or more words in INHERITANCE in 40 minutes? Words must be five or more letters in length. No proper names or slang words. ACCORDING TO COLOSSIANS 3 1 N 8 E 10 W 12 D E C T 13 P 18 E 21 T 23 A D D E E S 24 E L A N W E R 22 L U G E 14 A 15 N O R 19 B A L A L A R 16 M 17 A 20 M R E S V I I L L 11 E E U R O 2 A 3 M 4 E 9 B O N D 5 L 6 I 7 A ACROSS 1. "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the ____ of the Lord Jesus" 5. Tooth shell 8. "Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its ____ practices" 9. "Put on love, which is the perfect ____ of unity." 10. Trickery 11. European Union currency 12. Announces openly 13. Picture unrolled before one's eyes 18. Water pitcher 19. Healing ointment 21. Holds football in position for kicking (plural) 22. Small sled ridden in a supine position 23. Calculate 24. Vigorous spirit DOWN 1. "Put on the ____ self" who is being renewed to a true knowledge" 2. Ardent 3. Unit of distance 4. Qualified voters 5. Variation of lower 6. Concerning (2 words) 7. Troubles 9. Endurable 13. Animal rights organization (abbrev) 14. Revered 15. Necessity 16. Manhandle 17. Seaweed 20. "Do your work heartily as for the Lord rather than for ____" Clues with fill-in the blanks are direct quotes from Colossians 3 NASB PILGRIM'S NEWS 5 Page 6: Answers to 01-02.2010 Epiphanies F S H S S N O S A E S N R S S E P A R A T E D O V E G E T A T I O N H F O N A D V M S C M D R T E K T B G E A P L U O T S R B E G I N N I N G G N A E A R T H T G R E O A D M R O E F O H A I E P I D I D U T M T N M T X M I N L H E A V E N S E W D G Y L O H W D A A C R E A T U R E S T N T Tax Tips Charitable Contributions for Haiti Relief Felicia Nelson Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church From what did God command the man not to eat? The tree of knowledge (Genesis 2:16-17) 1 R 8 I 10 B 12 P S A R 13 B 18 E 21 T 23 A M E A N G D E N 14 A 15 N I S 19 A 22 W 24 K N E E L A A R H L M A 16 E 17 D 20 R T I S T O N E T E M 11 O V I S 2 A 3 P 4 S 9 T E R A 5 D 6 I 7 E Certain cash contributions for Haiti relief can be deducted on your 2009 tax return. A new law allows you to choose to deduct certain charitable contributions of money on your 2009 tax return instead of your 2010 return. The contributions must have been made after January 11, 2010, and before March 1, 2010, for the relief of victims in areas affected by the January 12, 2010, earthquake in Haiti. Contributions of money include contributions made by cash, check, money order, credit card, charge card, debit card, or via cell phone. The new law was enacted after the 2009 forms, instructions, and publications had already been printed. When preparing your 2009 tax return, you may complete the forms as if these contributions were made on December 31, 2009, instead of in 2010. To deduct your charitable contributions, you must itemize deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040) or Schedule A (Form 1040NR). The contribution must be made to a qualified organization and meet all other requirements for charitable contribution deductions. However, if you made the contribution by phone or text message, a telephone bill showing the name of the donee organization, the date of the contribution, and the amount of the contribution will satisfy the recordkeeping requirement. Therefore, for example, if you made a $10 charitable contribution by text message that was charged to your telephone or wireless account, a bill from your telecommunications company containing this information satisfies the recordkeeping requirement. Source: Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service FINEST FIST FISTED IDEA INCEST INCITE(D) IDEA INDICATE INDICT INFECT INFEST INSECT INSET INSIDE INSTEAD NEAT NEST NICE NICEST SAFE SAID SAIN SAINT SANE SATE(D) SATIN SCAN SCANT SCAT SCENT SEAT SECT SEDAN SEND SENT SIFT(ED) SITE(D) SNIDE SNIT STAID STAIN STAND STEAD STEIN TEND TIDE TINE(D) TINIEST BIBLICAL TEXT TWISTING: "SANCTIFIED" ACNE ACTED ADIT ADEN AIDE ANTE(D) ANTI CAFÉ CANE(D) CANT(ED) CAST CENT CIDE CITE(D) DAFT DANCE DATE DEAF DEAN DECAF DECANT DEFIANT DEFT DENT DIET DINE DINT EDIT ENACT FACE(D) FACET FACT FADE FAST FASTEN FATE(D) FEAST FEAT FEINT FEND FEST FETA FETE(D) FIANCÉ FIAT FIEND FIND FINE(D) PILGRIM'S NEWS 6 Page 7: