Wednesday, November 30, 2011
The Urban Oasis: G'Life Chior Presents a Pre-Christmas Concert Cele...
The Urban Oasis: G'Life Chior Presents a Pre-Christmas Concert Cele...: On December 4, the Gifts of Life Ministries Choir, lead by Min. Shirley Patterson, will produce a Pre-Christmas Concert and Celebration at t...
PREMATURITY AWARENESS MONTH
More than half a million babies are born too soon, very small, and very sick in our country every year. These tiny babies often face serious problems. And some don't make it. November is Prematurity Awareness Month. Support the March of Dimes and the fight for preemies. Help us find the causes of premature births. Help us give every baby a fighting chance. Visit www.marchofdimes.com/fight Submitted by Chi Lambda Zeta-Bartlett,TN
DO YOU HAVE A VALID ID?
Election 2012 is approaching quickly. TN law now requires you to have State/Federal issued ID in order to cast your vote. If you don't have ID, please begin the process now.....If you have any questions, please see First Lady Lisa Jones Johnson.
Black Atheists: Sign of the Times?
By Christine A. Scheller
Black atheism is in the news again and we're wondering: Does this story represent a disturbing new trend or is it a rehash of old news?
African American Atheist might seem like an oxymoron to some people. After all, black Americans are among the most churchgoing folks in the nation. But for those who know the African American community is not a spiritual monolith, the existence of black atheists should come as no surprise. Nevertheless, the notion that there are African Americans who actually do not believe in God still has that “car wreck” quality to it that at once produces a bounty of incredulous rubberneckers. So there’s no wonder that a new article from The New York Times has got people talking. Here’s a roundup of some of the different opinions.
Read more here
Black atheism is in the news again and we're wondering: Does this story represent a disturbing new trend or is it a rehash of old news?
African American Atheist might seem like an oxymoron to some people. After all, black Americans are among the most churchgoing folks in the nation. But for those who know the African American community is not a spiritual monolith, the existence of black atheists should come as no surprise. Nevertheless, the notion that there are African Americans who actually do not believe in God still has that “car wreck” quality to it that at once produces a bounty of incredulous rubberneckers. So there’s no wonder that a new article from The New York Times has got people talking. Here’s a roundup of some of the different opinions.
Read more here
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Supporting women in all levels of leadership
by Eugene Cho
I support women in all levels of leadership in the Church.
I did not always have this “view” but after years of praying, wrestling, discussing, listening, fasting, and praying some more, I came to this conviction some time ago and while it has been questioned, pushed back, and tested, I remain convicted. It is a view that endears me to some and umm, makes me a quasi-heretic to others.
Read the rest here
I support women in all levels of leadership in the Church.
I did not always have this “view” but after years of praying, wrestling, discussing, listening, fasting, and praying some more, I came to this conviction some time ago and while it has been questioned, pushed back, and tested, I remain convicted. It is a view that endears me to some and umm, makes me a quasi-heretic to others.
[Insert 'Farewell Eugene Cho' joke here...]
But wherever we stand, kneel, or sit on the “issue”, we should all agree that our convictions and beliefs are not formed for the pleasing and pleasure of people. We seek to faithfully serve the Lord. And while it may tempting, we should also agree to never vilify or demonize those who have different views – even while acknowledging and contending for our convictions. For such reasons, I would never disavow a Christian or a colleague for having a different view and would hope that they would extend ‘egalitarians’ that same grace. Ultimately, we serve the same Lord and preach the same Gospel!Read the rest here
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Occupy Wall Street And Homelessness: Millions Spent To Evict Camps, While Cutting Shelter Funds
As cities around the country have swept Occupy Wall Street camps from their plazas and parks in recent weeks, a number of mayors and city officials have argued that by providing shelter to the homeless, the camps are endangering the public and even the homeless themselves.
Yet in many of those cities, services for the homeless are severely underfunded. The cities have spent millions of dollars to police and evict the protesters, but they've been shutting down shelters and enacting laws to prohibit homeless from sleeping overnight in public.
Read the rest here
Yet in many of those cities, services for the homeless are severely underfunded. The cities have spent millions of dollars to police and evict the protesters, but they've been shutting down shelters and enacting laws to prohibit homeless from sleeping overnight in public.
Read the rest here
Young Masters Looking for Boosters and Parents
Poverty has taken root in suburbs
Five years ago, Deidra and David Vaughn were proud, new owners of a $119,000 two-story, five-bedroom Shaler home, complete with a swimming pool.
He made about $30,000 as a social worker for nonprofits, and she collected Social Security medical disability benefits. They weren't rich, but with three children at home, they got by -- until he lost his job not long after they became homeowners.
As David Vaughn, 38, tried for years to find work in his field, the family struggled to save their home from foreclosure. They finally found a buyer for it in September. Now, they rent from her sister.
"We're looking to see how we can get things back to normal," Deidra Vaughn, 31, said last week as she stocked up on groceries at the North Hills Community Outreach food pantry. "I'd like to see my husband back in his field, hopefully, when the economy gets better. Every day is a struggle."
Read more here
He made about $30,000 as a social worker for nonprofits, and she collected Social Security medical disability benefits. They weren't rich, but with three children at home, they got by -- until he lost his job not long after they became homeowners.
As David Vaughn, 38, tried for years to find work in his field, the family struggled to save their home from foreclosure. They finally found a buyer for it in September. Now, they rent from her sister.
"We're looking to see how we can get things back to normal," Deidra Vaughn, 31, said last week as she stocked up on groceries at the North Hills Community Outreach food pantry. "I'd like to see my husband back in his field, hopefully, when the economy gets better. Every day is a struggle."
Read more here
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Mark 13:24-37: Advent -- One of Those Dangerous Religious Ideas
Here comes Black Friday, even earlier than usual. Bell-ringers are appearing outside stores. Advertisers are shifting the consumerism-as-therapy machine into high gear. And Christians say: This is a good time to think about the world falling apart.
We're not trying to be morose. We're starting Advent.
The season of Advent (four Sundays preceding Christmas) traditionally begins, not with backward-looking remembrances of circumstances surrounding Jesus' birth, but with eerie images of cosmic mutations and grand promises of a future in which Jesus plays -- to put it mildly -- a noticeable role. Don't wear the tacky Christmas sweater just yet; track shoes and a hazmat suit may capture the mood better.
Advent's watchwords are preparation and waiting. It's about looking outward and ahead. It's time for Christians to declare that God's previous incursion into human affairs through Jesus Christ is not the end of the story but the foundation for a future hope of God bringing ultimate promises to fruition.
Read the rest here
We're not trying to be morose. We're starting Advent.
The season of Advent (four Sundays preceding Christmas) traditionally begins, not with backward-looking remembrances of circumstances surrounding Jesus' birth, but with eerie images of cosmic mutations and grand promises of a future in which Jesus plays -- to put it mildly -- a noticeable role. Don't wear the tacky Christmas sweater just yet; track shoes and a hazmat suit may capture the mood better.
Advent's watchwords are preparation and waiting. It's about looking outward and ahead. It's time for Christians to declare that God's previous incursion into human affairs through Jesus Christ is not the end of the story but the foundation for a future hope of God bringing ultimate promises to fruition.
Read the rest here
G'Life Educational Ministry
Tis the season to be jolly and also the season to overspend and overindulge. We here at G'Life are trying to wrestle with our impulses and keep our consumption down this year. We do not want to go into debt trying to impress people we do not even like.
However, why are those impulses so strong? Why the admonition from Jesus that you cannot serve both God and Mammon (spirit of money...I know another teaching for another time)? Maybe our first G'Life Educational Ministry teaching will help. It is a documentary on Edward Bernays--the Father of Spin and nephew to Sigmund Freud. Bernays was one of the first to take Freud findings and use them in a practical way and from this we have what we now call Public Relations, Crisis Management, and the way we interpret advertising. We suggest that you take a look at this four part series and see where your struggle for "stuff" comes from.
Check it out here
However, why are those impulses so strong? Why the admonition from Jesus that you cannot serve both God and Mammon (spirit of money...I know another teaching for another time)? Maybe our first G'Life Educational Ministry teaching will help. It is a documentary on Edward Bernays--the Father of Spin and nephew to Sigmund Freud. Bernays was one of the first to take Freud findings and use them in a practical way and from this we have what we now call Public Relations, Crisis Management, and the way we interpret advertising. We suggest that you take a look at this four part series and see where your struggle for "stuff" comes from.
Check it out here
A Beginner's Guide to Understanding Poverty in America
Read the rest here
The God Who Would Be Friend – Theresa Froehlich
The following post was submitted by Theresa Froehlich for the series Jesus is Coming What Do We Expect? which should begin tomorrow with the beginning of Advent. However it seemed a very appropriate forerunner to the season so I thought that I would begin a little early with the journey.
The advent candle holder is on our dining table, ready for the special advent candles that represent Jesus Christ, the light of the world.
The candle holder is a round one with five Angels looking outward. After we carefully insert the Advent candles into their individual cavities, we light the candles and we read from the Advent devotional book. The devotional readings remind us that Christ has come, that he is Immanuel, God with us, and that he will come again. This simple ceremony is a powerful and profound experience as we look on the flames of the flickering candle giving light in darkness, savoring the real presence of Jesus Christ.
Advent is a season of waiting, hoping, reflecting and anticipating. The whole world is reflecting on their life during the first eleven months of the year and wondering what they could expect in the New Year.
Read the rest here
The advent candle holder is on our dining table, ready for the special advent candles that represent Jesus Christ, the light of the world.
The candle holder is a round one with five Angels looking outward. After we carefully insert the Advent candles into their individual cavities, we light the candles and we read from the Advent devotional book. The devotional readings remind us that Christ has come, that he is Immanuel, God with us, and that he will come again. This simple ceremony is a powerful and profound experience as we look on the flames of the flickering candle giving light in darkness, savoring the real presence of Jesus Christ.
Advent is a season of waiting, hoping, reflecting and anticipating. The whole world is reflecting on their life during the first eleven months of the year and wondering what they could expect in the New Year.
Read the rest here
The Season of Advent: Anticipation and Hope
The Colors of Advent
Read the rest here
Friday, November 25, 2011
Pastor Johnson to Preach at Mt. Moriah East Baptist Church
G'Life Chior Presents a Pre-Christmas Concert Celebration
On December 4, the Gifts of Life Ministries Choir, lead by Min. Shirley Patterson, will produce a Pre-Christmas Concert and Celebration at the church located at 1542 Jackson. Min. Patterson said that the attendees will be in for something special as the choir will partner up with longtime friends, The Roxie Gunther Singers and guest soloist, Janet Meadows. The start time for the event is 3:30pm and the event is free and open to the public.
Black Church & The Violence of Education
by Min. Larry T. Crudup
Welcome to the life of many students in the urban educational system. This is a system, that is the target for prison planning and growth, drug trafficking and gang violence, domestic abuse, racial profiling, rape, advancement of the military as the only means of getting out, and violence to the Imago Dei. This is a system that not only feeds violence but is the center of violence for the beloved community. And the beloved community continues to send it’s children into a system that is a slow, painful killer. Kirk-Duggan says that violence is, “any oppression, anything that violates and separates us from the truth and sacred within ourselves, our relationship with Spirit, and community.”i Urban education is a violence that denies the dignity of the individual. This system builds schools named Hoodlum Elementary, Left Behind Middle School, and Drop Out High School. There are no resources, there is no safety, and everyone is falling behind, both teacher and student.
Read the rest here
Welcome to the life of many students in the urban educational system. This is a system, that is the target for prison planning and growth, drug trafficking and gang violence, domestic abuse, racial profiling, rape, advancement of the military as the only means of getting out, and violence to the Imago Dei. This is a system that not only feeds violence but is the center of violence for the beloved community. And the beloved community continues to send it’s children into a system that is a slow, painful killer. Kirk-Duggan says that violence is, “any oppression, anything that violates and separates us from the truth and sacred within ourselves, our relationship with Spirit, and community.”i Urban education is a violence that denies the dignity of the individual. This system builds schools named Hoodlum Elementary, Left Behind Middle School, and Drop Out High School. There are no resources, there is no safety, and everyone is falling behind, both teacher and student.
Read the rest here
Black Friday How Did We Get Here?!?!
by Ann Brock
Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving which official kick-off the holiday shopping season. Today's the day when the big retail stores have HUGE sales on most cheap stuff. Personal I don't get the black friday thing. There's no way I'm going to be trampled to death while trying to get into a store. Nor stand in line for hours before a store open in the cold so I can buy Christmas. Not happening! I wonder how we as a country got sucker and pulled into such craziness? Are you part of the Black Friday madness why/why not?
Read the rest here
Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving which official kick-off the holiday shopping season. Today's the day when the big retail stores have HUGE sales on most cheap stuff. Personal I don't get the black friday thing. There's no way I'm going to be trampled to death while trying to get into a store. Nor stand in line for hours before a store open in the cold so I can buy Christmas. Not happening! I wonder how we as a country got sucker and pulled into such craziness? Are you part of the Black Friday madness why/why not?
Read the rest here
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Pulpit Pop: The Perception of Religion in Modern Music
A realization came to me a few days ago while listening to an old mixtape I threw together in 8th grade. Amidst the odd collection of “Work It”-era Missy, “Ass Like That”-era Eminem, and seven chapters of R. Kelly’s Trapped in the Closet, — before he jumped the shark with that weird through-story about the cheating housewife, a black leprechaun, and Omar from the wire (in a stunning career turn) — there lay Kanye West’s “Jesus Walks”.
If any reminder is necessary, “Jesus” Walks” was a straight-up-and-down hit. That song drilled the screws into Kanye’s pedestal. What’s more, as a “single”, it was a direct reference to an established religious figure. That spells mass-appeal suicide in most PR offices. But, there it is, nestled in between what my 13 year old sensibility had been programmed to deem “pop”.
Read the rest here
If any reminder is necessary, “Jesus” Walks” was a straight-up-and-down hit. That song drilled the screws into Kanye’s pedestal. What’s more, as a “single”, it was a direct reference to an established religious figure. That spells mass-appeal suicide in most PR offices. But, there it is, nestled in between what my 13 year old sensibility had been programmed to deem “pop”.
Read the rest here
Attn. Mega Church Pastors: “The Jig is UP”
Super sized mega churches operatate across America attracting thousands of members, developing popular television ministries and economic development programs.
Pastors of Mega churches are charismatic and push dramatic, music-filled ministries that help retain members. Mega Churches, among other things, are big businesses and their pastor operates as a CEO as often as a Pastor. One of the primary jobs of a CEO is to build relationships that ensures the organization’s growth. That, perhaps, is how Eddie Long was operating when he developed a relationship with investment salesmen (non Licensed), Ephren Taylor, that caused ten members of New Birth to file suit against Bishop Long and the Church. I am sure this news story is of great interest to Mega Church Pastors and should send a strong signal that ‘THE JIG is UP!
Read the rest here
Pastors of Mega churches are charismatic and push dramatic, music-filled ministries that help retain members. Mega Churches, among other things, are big businesses and their pastor operates as a CEO as often as a Pastor. One of the primary jobs of a CEO is to build relationships that ensures the organization’s growth. That, perhaps, is how Eddie Long was operating when he developed a relationship with investment salesmen (non Licensed), Ephren Taylor, that caused ten members of New Birth to file suit against Bishop Long and the Church. I am sure this news story is of great interest to Mega Church Pastors and should send a strong signal that ‘THE JIG is UP!
Read the rest here
Voter Suppression: What Pastors Need To Do To Inspire Political Action
It’s estimated that 5 million registered voters will be disenfranchised in the 2012 election by laws passed in some states and proposed in others that make it harder to vote, mainly by requiring government-issued I.D. cards, as well as limiting early voting days. Since the Republican-led attacks on voter rights primarily target African-Americans, other minorities, poor folks, students and the elderly, it only makes sense for the foundation of the Black community to get involved. That’s the Black Church.
Recently Roland Martin spoke with AME Bishop Vashti McKenzie and Rev. Dr. Frederick Douglass Haynes, III, of Dallas, Texas, about what pastors need to do to inspire political action.
Read more here
Recently Roland Martin spoke with AME Bishop Vashti McKenzie and Rev. Dr. Frederick Douglass Haynes, III, of Dallas, Texas, about what pastors need to do to inspire political action.
Read more here
Is the black church the answer to liberal prayers?
As the American left continues to seek a coherent way to articulate its moral priorities in these days of political stalemates and widening income gaps, it might look to the most unlikely of places — the academy — for guidance and inspiration.
At elite universities and seminaries thrives a constituency of African American intellectuals who fiercely contend that the American conversation needs to stay focused on justice — specifically, for those whom the Bible calls “the least of these.”
Read more here
At elite universities and seminaries thrives a constituency of African American intellectuals who fiercely contend that the American conversation needs to stay focused on justice — specifically, for those whom the Bible calls “the least of these.”
Read more here
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Sunday, November 6, 2011
THIS WEEK'S ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR NOVEMBER 6, 2011 - NOVEMBER 12, 2011
**ANNOUNCEMENTS must be submitted to Min. Bernestine Sanders no later than Wednesday evening at 10:00 p.m. @ bernsanders@att.net or 730-0155.
Please contact the church office to select dates for any ministry activity. YOU MUST BE ON THE CALENDAR TO HAVE AN EVENT. Please schedule your event during the times in which the building is open.
If you are in need of a van ride to church on Sunday mornings, please call CaSandra Bradshaw at 859-5922 by Thursday night at 9:00 p.m.
The Young Masters are looking for a few good adults who are interested in seeing young people succeed to join the BPC "BOOSTERS & PARENTS CLUB" The BPC will be committed to providing support to the Young Masters as well as all young people within their reach. Please call Rev. Glenn Carter-Ministry Leader 272-7337 or Alonzo Gwynn & Alphonzo Gwynn-Coaches. The Young Masters is a ministry designed to teach young people about the word of God through basketball and caring. Sports and athletics teach kids about the discipline and control needed in everyday life as well as when they are in friendly competition.
Election 2012 is approaching quickly. TN law now requires you to have State/Federal issued ID in order to cast your vote. If you don't have ID, please begin the process now...If you have any questions, please see First Lady Lisa Jones Johnson.
Annie's Girls would like to thank you for your support in the purchasing of the dinners on yesterday. Because of you we were very successful.
The G'Life Outreach Christmas Basket Project will be taking applications for consideration of Christmas baskets Sunday, October 23, 2011, after morning worship in the Fellowship Hall. For more information please call Quincey Morris (734-6953) or Sheila Hurt (484-3147).
FRIENDS AND FAMILY CONTEST UPDATE:
JoAnn White 27 pts.
Leslie Brown Montegue 24 pts.
Donna Wilson 7 pts.
Delores Beckley 7 pts.
Rodnekia Hurt 6 pts.
CaSandra Bradshaw 5 pts.
Carl Gunter 5 pts.
Diane Carter 3 pts.
Chuncey Seldon 3 pts.
Dr. JoAnne Nickelberry 2 pts.
Georgia Littlejohn 2 pts.
(11) Members 1 pts.
*Sorry, Leslie......Ms. JoAnn came from behind and took your lead; WHAT U GONNA DO!!!! LOL
Leslie Brown Montegue 24 pts.
Donna Wilson 7 pts.
Delores Beckley 7 pts.
Rodnekia Hurt 6 pts.
CaSandra Bradshaw 5 pts.
Carl Gunter 5 pts.
Diane Carter 3 pts.
Chuncey Seldon 3 pts.
Dr. JoAnne Nickelberry 2 pts.
Georgia Littlejohn 2 pts.
(11) Members 1 pts.
*Sorry, Leslie......Ms. JoAnn came from behind and took your lead; WHAT U GONNA DO!!!! LOL
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Gifts of Life Ministries Upcoming Events
ANNIE'S GIRLS....................
Hope that you will allow them to provide you with your Saturday meal of FISH OR CHICKEN, SPAGHETTI, SLAW, DESSERT AND BEVERAGE for a donation of $7. See Bernestine or Korey Sanders for more information.
and
CLOTHES CLOSET YARD SALE.........
EVERYTHING MUST GO!!!
COSTS: SUITS $1.00 AND EVERYTHING ELSE $ .50
TIME: 11 A.M. TO 1:30 P.M.
DATE: NOVEMBER 5, 2011
PLACE: GIFTS OF LIFE MINISTRIES
1542 JACKSON AVENUE
MEMPHIS, TN. 38107
PHONE #: 901-272-7337
Hope that you will allow them to provide you with your Saturday meal of FISH OR CHICKEN, SPAGHETTI, SLAW, DESSERT AND BEVERAGE for a donation of $7. See Bernestine or Korey Sanders for more information.
and
CLOTHES CLOSET YARD SALE.........
EVERYTHING MUST GO!!!
COSTS: SUITS $1.00 AND EVERYTHING ELSE $ .50
TIME: 11 A.M. TO 1:30 P.M.
DATE: NOVEMBER 5, 2011
PLACE: GIFTS OF LIFE MINISTRIES
1542 JACKSON AVENUE
MEMPHIS, TN. 38107
PHONE #: 901-272-7337
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