Working Hard!-Part 1

Here are some pictures of people who not only believe in our vision, but also put a little sweat equity in preparing our new building. 

New Worship Location: First Service: August 3

Come and celebrate with us as we move to our new location. We will hold our first worship service at 9:00am on August 3 at our new location at 3381 Raleigh-Millington Road. Come and see what we have done to the place. It has been 12 years in the making!!

PRAYER SERVICE

PRAYER SERVICE 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014, @  6:00 p.m. 

NEW LOCATION:

GIFTS OF LIFE MINISTRIES

3381 RALEIGH MILLINGTON, RD.

MEMPHIS, TN. 38128

(901) 236-7095

Philippians 4:6-8New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, beloved,[a] whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about[b] these things.

G'LIFE MINISTRIES ACTIVITIES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 27TH -AUGUST 3RD, 2014

**Announcements must be submitted to Minister Bernestine Sanders no later than Wednesday evening at 10:00 pm @ 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.

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 Steven Wilson-Coach. 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.

The Klondike Smokey City CDC receives job posting on a regular basis. These job listings will be posted on the Bulletin Board in the Fellowship Hall. For more information, please contact Quincey Morris at the Klondike Smokey City Resource Center, 901-527-9491. The new job listings are posted on the Bulletin Board in the Fellowship Hall.

THE FIRST SUNDAY of every month is "DRESS UP SUNDAY!!!!! Pastor Johnson would like for everyone to DRESS IN THEIR SUNDAY'S BEST!!!!"

All members please complete the Directory Update form enclosed in the Church Bulletin and return to an usher. If you have already submitted the update it is not necessary to complete another form. Thank you, Helen Neely.

G-Life has an up & running Youtube channel: Glifeministriestheurbanoasis

Introducing our Care and Concern Ministry- The "Duolos" Ministry. If you are interested in serving in this ministry and/or for more information, please see Ms. Helen Neely after worship service.

Our newletter is a weekly edition.  Members are asked to get involved in the publication of our newsletter by submitting articles to Helen Neely, Kim Travers or CaSandra Bradshaw. Deadline for submitting articles by Thursday evening, 6:00 p.m., weekly.


WE HAVE A DUTY AND RIGHT TO VOTE........PLEASE VOTE!!!!! The PRIMARY ELECTION is AUGUST 7TH, 2014. Many suffered and some even died for our right to vote. Don't fall for the hype--YOUR VOTE DOES MATTER!!!!

NOTARY SERVICES

First Lady Lisa Jones Johnson has been a Notary Public for 13 years and for the first time, she is offering her services to the general public. If you are a member of Gifts of Life Ministries and in need of a witness for your legal, family, or just plain ole important matter, Lisa's services will be available for $7.00. Moreover, if anyone else is in need of her services the fee will be $10.00 and she will even trip within a 10 mile radius for a small additional fee. So tell everyone you know to call Lisa Jones Johnson at (901) 878-9508 for all of their notary needs.

4 PEACEFUL RESOLUTIONS

Inner contentment or peace cannot be purchased; however, you can learn how to find a way to live harmoniously with one another by working to resolve conflicts that you may have with others.  In Matthews 18: 15-17, it tells believers how to resolve disputes that will arise but what happens when you cannot find resolutions? Traditionally, we resolve conflicts by ignoring one another, becoming disengaged with one another, and becoming spiteful and/or even stop speaking or being in fellowship with each other.  This is not healthy or in God's will for us.  So, if you are looking for answers, peace, and/or ways to prevent conflict, your answers are here.  No need to look any further because 4 PEACEFUL RESOLUTIONS, LLC can help find the peace you are looking for if you are ready to find it. Contact Lisa Jones Johnson at (901) 878-9508, if you have any questions. 

4 PEACEFUL RESOLUTIONS, LLC is a mediation firm that works with individuals and/or groups that are in conflicts involving: All couples, landlord/tenants, child visitation, divorce, church issues, family issues, elderly care disputes between parent(s) and child(ren), child w/domestic violence issues, contracts, property dispute, etc.

Every evening @ 7:00 a.m. the prayer line is open for prayer and discussion on the July, August, September 2014 "Christ In Our Home" devotional. If you are unavailable for the 7:00 a.m. prayer line service you can join in at 6:30 p.m. daily. 

The power of our devotional walk with God is found in the Word and in prayer.  Delight in the Lord and He will enliven your day with His precepts. Your tongue will bubble forth His praise. Sit at the feet of the Master, commune with Him, and then arise in humble obedience. Nothing less will bring adequate glory to God. -Salt&Light-Hanover BC

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014 @ 6. P.M..............PRAYER SERVICE @ G'LIFE'S new location (3381 Raleigh Millington Road). 

Philippians 4:6-8New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, beloved,[a] whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about[b] these things.

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES 

(July 27th-August 3rd, 2014)

Sunday

7:30 am Prayer Service

8:00 am Worship Service

Friday

6:00 p.m. Prayer Meeting @ New location
Gifts of Life Ministries
3381 Raleigh Millington Road
Memphis, TN. 38128
(901) 236-7095

SERVICE ATTENDANCE 

07/27/2014   Sunday Morning Worship Service (8 a.m.)              (55)





www.giftsoflifeministries.org

G'LIFE MINISTRIES ACTIVITIES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 20TH -JULY 26TH, 2014

**Announcements must be submitted to Minister Bernestine Sanders no later than Wednesday evening at 10:00 pm @ 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.

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 Steven Wilson-Coach. 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.

The Klondike Smokey City CDC receives job posting on a regular basis. These job listings will be posted on the Bulletin Board in the Fellowship Hall. For more information, please contact Quincey Morris at the Klondike Smokey City Resource Center, 901-527-9491. The new job listings are posted on the Bulletin Board in the Fellowship Hall.

THE FIRST SUNDAY of every month is "DRESS UP SUNDAY!!!!! Pastor Johnson would like for everyone to DRESS IN THEIR SUNDAY'S BEST!!!!"

All members please complete the Directory Update form enclosed in the Church Bulletin and return to an usher. If you have already submitted the update it is not necessary to complete another form. Thank you, Helen Neely.

G-Life has an up & running Youtube channel: Glifeministriestheurbanoasis

Introducing our Care and Concern Ministry- The "Duolos" Ministry. If you are interested in serving in this ministry and/or for more information, please see Ms. Helen Neely after worship service.

Our newletter is a weekly edition.  Members are asked to get involved in the publication of our newsletter by submitting articles to Helen Neely, Kim Travers or CaSandra Bradshaw. Deadline for submitting articles by Thursday evening, 6:00 p.m., weekly.

Summer Camp...... Monday, June 2, 2014, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m through Friday, July 25th, 2014!!!!

WE HAVE A DUTY AND RIGHT TO VOTE........PLEASE VOTE!!!!! The PRIMARY ELECTION is AUGUST 7TH, 2014. Many suffered and some even died for our right to vote. Don't fall for the hype--YOUR VOTE DOES MATTER!!!!

NOTARY SERVICES

First Lady Lisa Jones Johnson has been a Notary Public for 13 years and for the first time, she is offering her services to the general public. If you are a member of Gifts of Life Ministries and in need of a witness for your legal, family, or just plain ole important matter, Lisa's services will be available for $7.00. Moreover, if anyone else is in need of her services the fee will be $10.00 and she will even trip within a 10 mile radius for a small additional fee. So tell everyone you know to call Lisa Jones Johnson at (901) 878-9508 for all of their notary needs.

4 PEACEFUL RESOLUTIONS

Inner contentment or peace cannot be purchased; however, you can learn how to find a way to live harmoniously with one another by working to resolve conflicts that you may have with others.  In Matthews 18: 15-17, it tells believers how to resolve disputes that will arise but what happens when you cannot find resolutions? Traditionally, we resolve conflicts by ignoring one another, becoming disengaged with one another, and becoming spiteful and/or even stop speaking or being in fellowship with each other.  This is not healthy or in God's will for us.  So, if you are looking for answers, peace, and/or ways to prevent conflict, your answers are here.  No need to look any further because 4 PEACEFUL RESOLUTIONS, LLC can help find the peace you are looking for if you are ready to find it. Contact Lisa Jones Johnson at (901) 878-9508, if you have any questions. 

4 PEACEFUL RESOLUTIONS, LLC is a mediation firm that works with individuals and/or groups that are in conflicts involving: All couples, landlord/tenants, child visitation, divorce, church issues, family issues, elderly care disputes between parent(s) and child(ren), child w/domestic violence issues, contracts, property dispute, etc.

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES 

(July 20th-July 26th, 2014)

Sunday

7:30 am Prayer Service

8:00 am Worship Service

SERVICE ATTENDANCE 

07/20/2014   Sunday Morning Worship Service (8 a.m.)              (45)

We Are Moving-Part 1

Two years ago on Easter Sunday morning, I announced to the congregation that it is time for us to start seriously thinking about moving to another location. From the pulpit, I said to the congregation that I believe with everything in me, that it is now time to move. Now mind you, this was not something that I had planned.

For you see, we have been sharing space with a wonderful church—Peace Lutheran in Memphis Tennessee, for the past twelve years. The folks at Peace have been wonderful. We have done many things together—from worship services to outreach ministries. Indeed, the building located on 1542/1548 Jackson Ave, has been a blessing for many on the margins of society. One of the last things we did together was to help start Trinity Ministries—an outreach ministry of the Lutheran Church, led by the Rev. Antoinette (Tonie) Robinson—who has a heart for outreach and service.

To be truthful, that would have been enough for me—stay there, share space, pay “rent” (even though we never felt like we had a tenant/landlord relationship), and do ministry. However, two years ago, on Easter Sunday morning, I told the members of Gifts of Life Ministries (G’Life) that it was time for us to move.

That Easter Sunday morning started like any other Sunday morning—I got up early to prepare for our 8:00am service focusing on my sermon for the day. As I prepared my coffee and started to get ready for worship (being quiet as not to disturb Lisa who likes to get some extra sleep on Sundays…..), my mind starting rushing on other things. Now mind you, this is not unusual for this to happen on Sundays for me. My mind tends to rush on different things as I prepare in the quiet on Sundays—prayer requests, thoughts about sick and shut-in members, situations happening in our city and world. Sunday mornings is usually a good meditation time for me and as I prepare, I try to listen to the Spirit and allow my mind to wonder wide.

There was however one thing that kept “popping” up in my mind—“moving and ministry.” I had no idea what this meant, so I kept mediating and thinking about Resurrection Day and “getting Jesus up out of the grave.” I finished dressing and with another cup of coffee and a quick kiss on the cheek to Lisa (as she was still in bed), I was on my way to church.

I remember praying when I got in the car for a “spirit filled service” and for “resurrection in the lives of the people.” After that, I put on some music as I continued to mediate and prepared to enjoy my ride in to church. However, now while the music played, (probably some hip hop or old school Gospel music), I “heard” or “sense” the words moving and ministry again. This time it would not stop until I turned down the music and wondered aloud, “what does this mean?”

As I approached the church, moving and ministry turned into “It’s time to move.” I did not want to hear this—like I said, I had grown comfortable with where we were—and to top things off, we were doing ministry! We fed and housed the homeless, our summer camps and after school ministries were blessings to parents. We opened our doors and shared our space with groups other ministries, agencies, anyone looking for a space to share information that was helpful to the community. 

Many knew us as the “friendly church” because of our open door, radical hospitality and inclusive nature. We were proud to be that progressive church in a neighborhood that needed a church to be a little different. No, not everyone got what we were doing and yes, we lost some members along the way, but we really felt God’s call on us and we have stayed faithful to the original vision, mission and spirit of our church—a called centered, mission group oriented, servant leadership church. Each and every day we tried to lived up to our name—the Urban Oasis. So, why, now, Lord? Why move, why now? Why Lord why?

I did not get my answer until I said those words—“I believe it is time to start seriously thinking about moving to another location.” I did not want to say it—I tried not to say it, but as I was going through my pastoral remarks, it just came out. It came out as I tried to contain it, not to reveal it—I mean what if I was wrong. It came out, as much as I tried to change it, rearrange it, or act strange to it—it just would not stop. It just came out, because, as I know now, it was the right time.

Why move now? My answer came in my unprepared remarks that Easter Sunday Morning. It was time for us to move because we were about to outgrow our present place. It was time for us to move, because we needed more space—space to house, to fed, to counsel, to minister. It was time to us to move because our mission and vision demanded the move. It was time for us to move, because we saw a place—an Urban Oasis opened to all and for all. Then I asked to church to dream with me a dream I shared with them earlier:

Imagine a place where people can find safety and security. A place where one can find water to quench one's thirst. A place where healing and deliverance can take place. A place where the hungry can come and find a meal. A place where education and learning take place. A place where dreams can be shared and lived out. A place where gifts and abilities can be practiced and demonstrated. A place that is a sanctuary of shalom in the middle of a storm.

Imagine a place where you can come and discuss the tough questions. Imagine a place where you can be whoever God has created you to be. Imagine a place where children can discover who they are and what they are called to be. Imagine a place where the elders of the congregation take time and sit down with the young people not to berate and belittle, but to encourage and inspire. Imagine a place where the spirit resides and the spirit has its way. Imagine an urban oasis.

After I said that, the congregation responded with praise! I admit, it had taken me back a little, but I soon discovered that the church thought it was time to move as well. Many of them felt it was time for us at least to start seriously looking at the possibility. After the service, many shared their hopes, dreams, and ideas about what a building would look like. Some even thought of new ministries we could do in more space. However, the majority of the church wanted something to call “ours.” They did not want to rush—you know, get ahead of God, but they were in total agreement with me when I made that announcement.

Two years ago, Easter Sunday morning, I just made an announcement. I had no plan, no agenda, and no idea where we were to go; I just follow what I believe was the Spirit leading me to announce that it is time to move. Fast-forward about two and a half years later, as I write this, we closed and have keys to our new ministry location! Let the moving begin!!

To be continued……..

Rev. Andre E. Johnson, PhD is the pastor of Gifts of Life Ministries and professor of Rhetoric and Religion and African American Studies at Memphis Theological Seminary

G'LIFE MINISTRIES ACTIVITIES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 13TH -JULY 19TH, 2014

**Announcements must be submitted to Minister Bernestine Sanders no later than Wednesday evening at 10:00 pm @ 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.

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 Steven Wilson-Coach. 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.

The Klondike Smokey City CDC receives job posting on a regular basis. These job listings will be posted on the Bulletin Board in the Fellowship Hall. For more information, please contact Quincey Morris at the Klondike Smokey City Resource Center, 901-527-9491. The new job listings are posted on the Bulletin Board in the Fellowship Hall.

THE FIRST SUNDAY of every month is "DRESS UP SUNDAY!!!!! Pastor Johnson would like for everyone to DRESS IN THEIR SUNDAY'S BEST!!!!"

All members please complete the Directory Update form enclosed in the Church Bulletin and return to an usher. If you have already submitted the update it is not necessary to complete another form. Thank you, Helen Neely.

G-Life has an up & running Youtube channel: Glifeministriestheurbanoasis

Introducing our Care and Concern Ministry- The "Duolos" Ministry. If you are interested in serving in this ministry and/or for more information, please see Ms. Helen Neely after worship service.

Our newletter is a weekly edition.  Members are asked to get involved in the publication of our newsletter by submitting articles to Helen Neely, Kim Travers or CaSandra Bradshaw. Deadline for submitting articles by Thursday evening, 6:00 p.m., weekly.

Summer Camp...... Monday, June 2, 2014, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m through Friday, July 25th, 2014!!!!

WE HAVE A DUTY AND RIGHT TO VOTE........PLEASE VOTE!!!!! The PRIMARY ELECTION is AUGUST 7TH, 2014. Many suffered and some even died for our right to vote. Don't fall for the hype--YOUR VOTE DOES MATTER!!!!

NOTARY SERVICES

First Lady Lisa Jones Johnson has been a Notary Public for 13 years and for the first time, she is offering her services to the general public. If you are a member of Gifts of Life Ministries and in need of a witness for your legal, family, or just plain ole important matter, Lisa's services will be available for $7.00. Moreover, if anyone else is in need of her services the fee will be $10.00 and she will even trip within a 10 mile radius for a small additional fee. So tell everyone you know to call Lisa Jones Johnson at (901) 878-9508 for all of their notary needs.

4 PEACEFUL RESOLUTIONS

Inner contentment or peace cannot be purchased; however, you can learn how to find a way to live harmoniously with one another by working to resolve conflicts that you may have with others.  In Matthews 18: 15-17, it tells believers how to resolve disputes that will arise but what happens when you cannot find resolutions? Traditionally, we resolve conflicts by ignoring one another, becoming disengaged with one another, and becoming spiteful and/or even stop speaking or being in fellowship with each other.  This is not healthy or in God's will for us.  So, if you are looking for answers, peace, and/or ways to prevent conflict, your answers are here.  No need to look any further because 4 PEACEFUL RESOLUTIONS, LLC can help find the peace you are looking for if you are ready to find it. Contact Lisa Jones Johnson at (901) 878-9508, if you have any questions. 

4 PEACEFUL RESOLUTIONS, LLC is a mediation firm that works with individuals and/or groups that are in conflicts involving: All couples, landlord/tenants, child visitation, divorce, church issues, family issues, elderly care disputes between parent(s) and child(ren), child w/domestic violence issues, contracts, property dispute, etc.

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES 

(July 13th-July 19th, 2014)

Sunday

7:30 am Prayer Service

8:00 am Worship Service

10:30 am POWER HOUR

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

6 p.m. G'LIFE ON THE MOVE!!!

Saturday

SERVICE ATTENDANCE 

07/13/2014   Sunday Morning Worship Service (8 a.m.)              (40)

G'LIFE MINISTRIES ACTIVITIES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 6TH -JULY 12TH, 2014

**Announcements must be submitted to Minister Bernestine Sanders no later than Wednesday evening at 10:00 pm @ 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.

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 Steven Wilson-Coach. 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.

The Klondike Smokey City CDC receives job posting on a regular basis. These job listings will be posted on the Bulletin Board in the Fellowship Hall. For more information, please contact Quincey Morris at the Klondike Smokey City Resource Center, 901-527-9491. The new job listings are posted on the Bulletin Board in the Fellowship Hall.

THE FIRST SUNDAY of every month is "DRESS UP SUNDAY!!!!! Pastor Johnson would like for everyone to DRESS IN THEIR SUNDAY'S BEST!!!!"

All members please complete the Directory Update form enclosed in the Church Bulletin and return to an usher. If you have already submitted the update it is not necessary to complete another form. Thank you, Helen Neely.

G-Life has an up & running Youtube channel: Glifeministriestheurbanoasis

The Sisters' Bistro is open every Sunday morning after Worship service.

Introducing our Care and Concern Ministry- The "Duolos" Ministry. If you are interested in serving in this ministry and/or for more information, please see Ms. Helen Neely after worship service.

Our newletter is a weekly edition.  Members are asked to get involved in the publication of our newsletter by submitting articles to Helen Neely, Kim Travers or CaSandra Bradshaw. Deadline for submitting articles by Thursday evening, 6:00 p.m., weekly.

Summer Camp...... Monday, June 2, 2014, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m through Friday, July 25th, 2014.....weekly!!!!

S.U.G.A.H. RETREAT, ("SPECIAL DELIVERY-LOVE LETTER FROM GOD"), Saturday, July 12, 2014 @ 9:00 a.m., Gifts of Life Ministries, 1542 Jackson Avenue, Memphis, TN. 38107. For more information contact: Rev. Alma Brown (almabrown82@yahoo.com) @ (901) 644-5127!!!!!

WE HAVE A DUTY AND RIGHT TO VOTE........PLEASE VOTE!!!!! The PRIMARY ELECTION is AUGUST 7TH, 2014. Many suffered and some even died for our right to vote. Don't fall for the hype--YOUR VOTE DOES MATTER!!!!

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES 

(July 6th-July 12th, 2014)

Sunday

7:30 am Prayer Service

8:00 am Worship Service

10:30 am POWER HOUR

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday
9:00 a.m.  S.U.G.A.H. Women's Retreat
"SPECIAL DELIVERY-LOVE LETTER FROM GOD"

SERVICE ATTENDANCE 

07/06/2014   Sunday Morning Worship Service (8 a.m.)              (30)