TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE

Calendar of Events 2-3

Ministries Corner 4

Family News 5-6

Health News 7

Seniors Ministry 8

Marriage Corner 9

Member News 10-19

Black History 20-22

Youth Corner 23

January Birthday’s 24

Puzzle Corner 25

Words of Inspiration 26

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

This month’s scripture is from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace." TAKE TIME. This is a brand new year – 2012. One that we have never seen before. One that we can surely make it a good year by remembering the following:

1. Take time to Work - It is the price of success.2. Take time to Think - It is the source of power.3. Take time to Play - It is the secret of youth.4. Take time to Read your Bible - It is the foundation of knowledge and feeds the soul.5. Take time to Worship - It is the highway of reverence and washes the dust of earth from our eyes.6. Take time to Help and Enjoy Friends - It is the source of happiness.7. Take time to Love - It is the one sacrament of life.8. Take time to Dream - It hitches the soul to the stars.9. Take time to Laugh - It is the singing that helps with life's loads.10. Take time to Pray - It rids us of our excess baggage.11. Take time to Plan - It is the secret of being able to have time to take time for the first ten things.

And with God’s help and prayer, we can have a great year.

We hope everyone enjoyed the December 2011 issue of the Church Chat. However, all the praise, all the honor, and all the glory, belong to God, because without Him, the Church Chat would not be possible. Thank you for the many, many compliments and words of encouragement. And special thanks to all of our contributors.

Calvary Baptist Church - 6122 Haverford Avenue - Philadelphia PA 19151Dr. Garth G. Gittens, Pastor/TeacherEvangelist Gillian Gittens, First Lady

215-747-9979Website: www.calvaryphilly.org.

January 2012 Church Chat Newsletter© Issue #203

“Message from the Editor”

1 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Calvary's New Year's Day Worship Service - Sanctuary9:30 AM January Church Chat Distributed9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Calvary's New Year's DayWorship Service - SanctuaryNew Year's Day Holiday2 AGAPE Outreach Services Closed in Observance of New Year's Day HolidayChurch Administration Office Closed in Observance of New Year's Day Holiday3 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Teen Divine Praise Dance Ministry Class & Rehearsal - TFH7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Mass Choir Rehearsal - Sanctuary8:00 PM - 9:00 PM Adult Divine Praise DanceMinistry Class & Rehearsal - TFH4 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM AGAPE Distribution ofFood and Clothing12:00 PM AGAPE - Free Hot Lunch Served1:00 PM Afternoon Bible Study - Sanctuary5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Video and Special Events Ministry Meeting - Radio Room6:00 PM - 6:55 PM Meal Time6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Strategic Planning CommitteeMeeting - 6118 1st Floor7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Focus on the Family5 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Praise & Worship Ministry Rehearsal - Sanctuary7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Drama Ministry Rehearsal -TFH6 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Friday Night Prayer Service - Sanctuary7 7:00 AM NO Real Men Get Up Early - TFH9:00 AM - 1:00 PM New Members DiscipleshipClasses - TFH9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Children Divine Praise Ministry Rehearsal - Sanctuary11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Teen Divine Praise Ministry Rehearsal - Sanctuary1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Mission Ministry Meeting -6114

8 Communion Services - Sanctuary - 7:30am, 9:30am, & 11:30amMass Choir will be singing at 7:30am, 9:30am, and 11:30am servicesMorning Worship Services - Sanctuary - 7:30am, 9:30am, & 11:30am11:00 AM Children's Church - 6116 Haverford Ave1:00 PM Hospitality Ministry Meeting - TFH9 Jan 9 - Jan 13 Annual Church Fast6:00 PM - 8:00 PM The Sanctuary will be open for prayer10 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM The Sanctuary will be open for prayer11 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM The Sanctuary will be open for prayer12 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM The Sanctuary will be open for prayer13 7:00 PM Breaking the Fast Service - Pastor Gittens & Bishop Darrell Robinson14 7:00 AM NO Real Men Get Up Early - TFH9:00 AM Male Chorus Rehearsal - TFH9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Children Divine Praise Ministry Rehearsal - Sanctuary11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Teen Divine Praise Ministry Rehearsal - Sanctuary15 11:00 AM Children's Church - 6116 Haverford Ave11:30 AM Right Hand of FellowshipMass Choir will be singing at 9:30am and 11:30am servicesMorning Worship Services - Sanctuary - 7:30am, 9:30am, & 11:30am16 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Martial Arts Ministry - TFHChurch Administration Office Closed in Observance of Martin Luther King HolidayMartin Luther King, Jr. Holiday17 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM Harcum College Classes 6114 & 61166:30 PM - 8:30 PM Teen Divine Praise Dance Ministry Class & Rehearsal - TFH7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Mass Choir Rehearsal -Sanctuary8:00 PM - 9:00 PM Adult Divine Praise DanceMinistry Class & Rehearsal - TFH

PAGE TWO

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JANUARY 2012

18 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM AGAPE Distribution of Food and Clothing12:00 PM AGAPE - Free Hot Lunch Served1:00 PM Afternoon Bible Study - Sanctuary5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Video and Special Events Ministry Meeting - Radio Room6:00 PM - 6:55 PM Meal Time6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Strategic Planning Committee Meeting - 6118 1st Floor7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Focus on the Family19 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM Harcum College Classes 6114 & 61166:00 PM - 7:30 PM Praise & Worship MinistryRehearsal - Sanctuary7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Drama Ministry Rehearsal -TFH20 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Friday Night Prayer Service - Sanctuary21 7:00 AM Real Men Get Up Early - TFH9:00 ARE Male Chorus Rehearsal - TFH9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Children Divine Praise Ministry Rehearsal - Sanctuary11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Teen Divine Praise Ministry Rehearsal - Sanctuary22 11:00 AM Children's Church - 6116 Haverford Ave1:00 PM Deadline for Articles for the"FEBRUARY" Church ChatMale Chorus will be singing at 7:30am, 9:30am and 11:30am servicesMorning Worship Services - Sanctuary - 7:30am, 9:30am, & 11:30am23 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Agape Outreach ServicesDistribute Food & Clothing - 61146:30 PM - 7:30 PM Martial Arts Ministry - TFH24 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM Harcum College Classes 6114 & 61166:30 PM - 8:30 PM Teen Divine Praise Dance Ministry Class & Rehearsal - TFH7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Mass Choir Rehearsal -Sanctuary8:00 PM - 9:00 PM Adult Divine Praise DanceMinistry Class & Rehearsal - TFH

25 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM AGAPE Distribution of Food and Clothing12:00 PM AGAPE - Free Hot Lunch Served1:00 PM Afternoon Bible Study - Sanctuary5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Video and Special Events Ministry Meeting - Radio Room6:00 PM - 6:55 PM Meal Time6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Strategic Planning Committee Meeting - 6118 1st Floor7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Focus on the Family26 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM Harcum College Classes 6114 & 61167:00 PM - 9:00 PM Drama Ministry Rehearsal -TFH7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Ministry Leadership CouncilMeeting - TFH27 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Friday Night Prayer Service - Sanctuary28 7:00 AM Real Men Get Up Early - TFH9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Health Support Ministry & Fox Chase Center Free Mammogram Testing -Church Parking Lot9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Children Divine Praise Ministry Rehearsal - Sanctuary11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Teen Divine Praise Ministry Rehearsal - Sanctuary29 Children's Church in Charge - Sanctuary - 7:30am, 9:30am & 11:30amMorning Worship Services - Sanctuary - 7:30am, 9:30am, & 11:30am30 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Agape Outreach ServicesDistribute Food & Clothing - 61146:30 PM - 7:30 PM Martial Arts Ministry - TFH31 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM Harcum College Classes 6114 & 61166:30 PM - 8:30 PM Teen Divine Praise Dance Ministry Class & Rehearsal - TFH7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Mass Choir Rehearsal -Sanctuary8:00 PM - 9:00 PM Adult Divine Praise DanceMinistry Class & Rehearsal - TFH

PAGE THREE

CALENDAR OF EVENTSJANUARY 2012

COME JOIN THE BUILDING FUND MINISTRY

ONSATURDAY, JUNE 23, 2012

TO SEE THE EXCITING SHOW“JONAH”

At Sight and Sound’s“Millennium Theatre”

A non-refundable deposit of $20.00 will reserve your seat.

Donation: $115.00Bus leaves Calvary: 8:00am sharp!10:00am to 12:15pm – Rockvale Outlet Shopping1:00pm – Show 4:30pm – Shady Maple for Dinner

Bus returns to Calvary: Approximately 8:00pm

Deadline for Payment - Sunday, May 20, 2012

For more information, please contact:

Marsha Lawton – 215-837-2735Mary Wellons – 610-626-0202

TASTE OF CALVARY COOKBOOK

The Calvary Building Fund Ministry collected the best recipes from

Calvary members, family, and friends and compiled them into an attractive keepsake cookbook. They are now available (our one of a kind cookbook) after being reissued

for a donation of only $10.00.

All proceeds go to the Building Fund. The cookbook contains well over 150 well-loved recipes. Get your copy today. They make very nice gifts.

HOSPITALITY MINISTRY

The Hospitality Ministry Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show will be held at the luxurious Drexelbrook Banquet Facility in Drexel Hill, PA on Saturday, May 5, 2012.

WOMEN’S 2011 RETREAT

The Women’s Retreat will be held at Willow Valley Resort & Conference Center from Friday, June 8, 2012 through Sunday, June 10, 2012. Women, reserve you room now. Payments are due now for the 2012 Women’s Retreat. See Sis. Theresa Evans, Sis. Crystal Miller, Sis. Leslie Yuille or Tr. Valerie Hayes in the Talmadge Fellowship Hall, Sunday morning after each service, to accept payments.

HEALTH SUPPORT MINISTRY

The Health Support Ministry is sponsoring a Free Mammogram Testing by appointment only! When did you have your last mammogram? Calvary Baptist Church and Fox Chase Cancer Center are offering free Mammograms for insured women on Saturday, January 28, 2012 - Start time 9:00 A.M. at Calvary Baptist Church, 6122 Haverford Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19151. Limited funds are available for uninsured women, so please register now with the Health Support Ministry in the Talmadge Fellowship Hall after each service.

MEN’S RETREAT

Men Reserve Your Room Today!!! Payments are NOW being accepted for the 2012 Men’s Retreat to be held on August 17-19, 2012 at Sandy Cove, Northeast, MD. Dea. William Sawyer will be in the TFH Sunday Morning after each service to accept deposits or see Dea. Harold Hall, Dea. Joe De Reef, Bro. Ed Brown or call Dea. Wilbur Napper in the church office 215-747-9979 Ext. 7102.

TITHING ENVELOPES

Attention all members. If you need to order Tithing Envelopes for 2012, please fill out a Tithing Request Form, which is located in the church vestibule. Place the form in the offering basket or drop it in the church office mail slot located at 6142 Haverford by Thursday. You may then pick up your envelopes on Sunday from the Ushers Ministry in the sanctuary.

CHURCH FAST

Come join the Annual Church Fast beginning Monday, January 9, 2012 through Friday, January 13, 2012 if you are able. Check with your physician first. The Sanctuary will be open for prayer from 6:00pm to 8:00pm each day of the Fast, except Friday. On Friday, January 13, 2012, there will be a Breaking The Fast service at 7:00pm with Pastor Garth G. Gittens and Bishop Darrell Robinson from Yesha Ministries.

MINISTRIES CORNER

PAGE FOUR

A FATHER’S BOOKOF WISDOM

PERSISTENCEIn the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins - not through strength but by perseverance. -Dad

The man who wins may have been counted out several times, but he didn’t hear the referee. -H E. Jansen

Never, never, never, never give up. - Winston Churchill

REALITYWe do not see things as they are. We see things as we are. -Dad

Our thoughts determine our responses to life. We are not victims of the world. To the extent that we control our thoughts, we control the world. -Dad

SOURCE: H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

MIGRAINES OFTEN GO UNDETECTEDby Gabrielle Holak

Gazelle Zerafati, then a student at The Baldwin School in Bryn Mawr, PA, last year won a national prize studying migraines — severe headaches that are often accompanied by nausea and often occur on one side of the head. She found that most students were poorly informed about migraines. Parents often know little about them either.

An estimated 30 million Americans suffer from migraines. They most often begin between ages 10 and 40, diminish after age 50, and are three times more common in females.

Though their cause is unknown, migraines in some people can be triggered by stress, certain foods, dehydration, seasonal change, hunger or fatigue. They occur more often in people with a parent or sibling who has them.

Misunderstood in Children“Many parents overlook the problem because not much is known about migraines,” says Mitra Assadi-Khansari, MD, a neurologist in Camden, NJ. She says for parents, a red flag can be vomiting. “A child can’t fake that and parents should then know that something is wrong.”

“My daughter started getting them when she was 3, to the point that she will cry until she throws up and then will nap and wake up just like nothing happened,” says Bear, DE, mom Jodi Gennusa. “It seems to happen a few times a year and when the seasons are changing.”

“I think most parents are aware of migraines in adults but not necessarily in children,” says Nancy Cook, a certified school nurse at Newtown (PA) Elementary School. “Many parents assume that headaches are due to stress, eye strain or perhaps not having had enough to eat or drink that day.”

What Do Schools Do?Denise Manna, RN, a school nurse from Middletown (DE) High School, sees about one student a week suffering from a migraine.

“When students come in with a (possible) migraine, I send them to our special headache room which is dark and quiet,” she says. “If students have a true migraine, they usually need to go home and sleep it off.”

“When a child has a headache in school, we assess the child including a physical exam and history. This can help the family and doctor recognize possible triggers like decreased sleep, missing a meal or the delay of a meal, specific foods, hot weather, seasonal changes or stress,” says Joyce Borawski, RN, a school nurse in Mount Laurel, NJ.

Continued on Page Fifteen

YOU WERE IN HIS PRAYERS

Then Jesus went about a stone’s throw away from them. He kneeled down and prayed

Luke 22:41

The final prayer of Jesus was about you. His final pain was for you. His final passion was for you. Before he went to the cross, Jesus went to the garden. And when he spoke with his Father, you were in his prayers.

And God couldn’t turn his back on you. He couldn’t because he saw you, and one look at you was all it took to convince him. Right there in the middle of a world which isn’t fair. He saw you cast into a river of life you didn’t request. He saw you betrayed by those you love. He saw you with a body which gets sick and a heart which grows weak.

On the eve of the cross, Jesus made his decision.

He would rather go to hell for you than go to heaven without you.

And the Angels Were Silent

SOURCE: Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado

PAGE FIVE

FAMILY NEWS

GOD’S WORDFOR THE FAMILY

The Word of God establishes the family as the most important Christian social unit in our society and gives us guidance for proper relationships so that we might be everything God chooses for us, both individually and corporately. These scriptures will help you learn more about the promises for your family, God’s guidance for a better family relationship, and how God truly wants to bless and direct every Christian family for His glory.

GOD BLESSES YOUR FAMILY “WITH YOUR CHURCH”

And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? I Corinthians 3:1-3

Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.Romans 14:1-3

Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Acts 20:30-32

THE LITTLE BOOK OF PRAYER

LIFE

Real prayer is life creating and life changing. RICHARD FOSTER The Disciplines of Prayer

Prayer that does not bear fruit in self-giving service is not Christian prayer but only soliloquy. DONALD G. BLOESCH The Struggle of Prayer

PASTOR GARTH G. GITTENSFOCUS ON THE FAMILY NIGHT

I am of the firm opinion that the root cause of breakdown in our communities is a breakdown in our families and it’s time for the church to return it’s focus on family life and family values. To this end Wednesday nights at Calvary are about to change, instead of Bible Study as usual Wednesday nights are now titled “Focus On The Family Nights”.

6:00 – 6:55 pmThe night begins with a hot meal – at no charge – served between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm this is to cater to people who come directly from work and children coming directly from school. The menu will vary, but along lines of Burgers &French Fries, Hot Dogs, Spaghetti and Meat Balls, Hot Wings etc.

At this time we will have a homework corner set up where kids can complete their homework under supervision and may even receive help.

The idea is to afford parents a measured mid-week break from the rigorous routine of school-age parenting.

Quick note: this homework help falls under the auspices of our education ministry but we encourage our

educators, college students/graduates and professionals to help us to help our kids by becoming volunteers.

7:00 – 7:30 pm During this time we gather in the upper sanctuary for praise and worship. The idea at this time is twofold: to allow our praise and worship team to introduce the congregation to new praise songs and simultaneously to allow members of our community who work on Sundays an opportunity to worship with us.

7:35 – 8:25 pmThis is our Education hour: we break up into specially designed classes for the purpose of practice oriented Bible Study.

THE JOY OF BEINGA WOMAN

Having the myriad of birth control options modern science provides

An honest friend saying, “Gosh, your kids are so cool.”

Watching a WNBA game with your super-athletic daughter

No one stares when you go to the bathroom with a friend.

She knew what all smart women knew: Laughter made you live better and longer. -Gail Parent, scenarist

Inhaling your kids’ leftovers after dinner and attributing it to the fact that you “just couldn’t let it all go to waste”

SOURCE: Amy Hall

PAGE SIX

FAMILY NEWS

MAKING THE MOST OF BAD CHOICES

Washington Post

You’re trapped in a conference room with your grumbling stomach and the auditors. Or the train just came to a halt somewhere outside Wilmington, and you’re starving in the club car.

There’s nothing to eat but junk food. But how bad is bad?

Take this brief quiz from Fitness magazine, which provides guidance on how to pick the best of the worst.

Which would you order?

1. Sports arena:(a) hot dog, (b) small slice of pizza.

2. Morning meeting:(a) jelly doughnut, (b) bagel with cream cheese.

3. Train or bus station:(a) Snickers bar, (b) peanut butter and cheese crackers.

4. Airplane:(a) peanuts, (b) pretzels.

5. Birthday party:(a) ice cream, (b) cake.

6. Movie theater:(a) small popcorn, (b) nachos.

The better choices:

1. Pizza. One slice has 140 calories and 3 grams of fat, compared with 242 calories and 15 grams of fat in that hot dog.

2. Bagel with cream cheese. It’s not exactly health food, and it has more calories than the doughnut (339 vs. 289), but it’s still better for you.

3. The crackers give you a little bit of everything (protein, fat and carbohydrates), but the Snickers (280 calories with 14 grams of fat and 30 grams of sugar) will only make you hungrier.

4. A one ounce serving of peanuts has protein and fiber to keep you feeling full. Those carb heavy pretzels are low in fiber and protein.

5. Ice cream: One half cup gets you some calcium, protein and potassium for about 145 calories. The cake will set you back 235 calories.

6. Popcorn. At 55 calories and 3 grams of fat, it’s a diet compared with the nachos, with 346 calories and 19 grams of fat.

Submitted by Sis. Mary A. Wellons

WHAT IS GREEN TEA?

The miracle power of green tea may be unlocked by the way green tea is processed. Whereas regular teas are fermented and allowed to oxidize, green tea is steamed, which preserves the natural ingredients.

The wonder ingredients in green tea are the anti-oxidants, particularly the anti-oxidant, epigallocathechin gallate or EGCG and its best known benefit is its ability to help fight cancer.

EGCGs fight cancer in two ways: they inhibit the growth of cells, and are also able to kill cancer cells without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue. Studies done on green tea and cancer show green tea to be ten times more potent in inhibiting the growth and spread of cancer cells than other teas.

It is also helpful in warding off heart disease. Green tea lowers the levels of LDL cholesterol and minimizes the formation of blood clots, the biggest cause of strokes and heart attacks. Interesting to note is that the rate of heart disease among Japanese men is low.

A lesser-known benefit of green tea is that it might help with dieting. It apparently stimulates metabolism and helps to burn fat. A study done in Switzerland found people who took green tea burnt more calories.

Green tea also contains the active ingredient, theanine, which has a ‘feel good’ effect and helps one relax without making one drowsy or sleepy. Green tea slows down ageing as it protects against damage to cells. It is also a good source of vitamin C.

Submitted by Bro. Curtis Lawton

HEALTH NEWS

PAGE SEVEN

SENIORS (ADULTS 65 YEARS AND OLDER) AND THE FLU

For older adults, the seasonal flu can be very serious, even deadly. Each year in the U.S., deaths from flu-related causes range from 3,300 to 48,600 (average of 23,600), and more than 200,000 are hospitalized from serious flu complications. Ninety percent of flu-related deaths and more than half of flu-related hospitalizations occur in people age 65 and older.

Actions To Take This Flu Season1. Get Your Flu ShotGetting vaccinated means not only protecting yourself, but not spreading the flu to your spouse, children, or grandchildren. CDC recommends getting the vaccine as soon as it becomes available in your community because it takes the body about two weeks to build up immunity. The immunity will last throughout the entire flu season.

You should get vaccinated this year even if you got a 2009 H1N1 or a seasonal vaccine last year because the vaccine viruses have been updated. Immunity sets in about two weeks after vaccination.

This season, people 65 years and older will have two flu shots available to choose from - a regular dose flu vaccine and a new flu vaccine designed specifically for people 65 and older with a higher dose. This should result in a stronger immune response. Both vaccines will protect against the same three flu viruses. Talk to your doctor or nurse about the best option for you.

If you have Medicare Part B, health insurance, there is no cost to you for the flu shot if the doctor accepts assignment for giving the shot.

The flu vaccine is safe and effective, and because the influenza viruses in the flu shot are inactive, you can’t get influenza from the vaccine.

2. Take Everyday Preventive ActionsStay healthy by practicing these healthy habits

•Avoid people who are sick with the flu•Stay home when you are sick•Cover your coughs and sneezes.•Wash your hands often•Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth•Get plenty of sleep, stay physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food

3. Seek Medical Advice Quickly if You Develop Flu SymptomsYou might need medical evaluation or treatment with antiviral drugs.

It’s very important that antiviral drugs be used early to treat flu in people:

•who are very sick with flu (for example, people who are in the hospital)•who are sick with flu and have a greater chance of getting serious flu complications, like people 65 and older

Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.

Why should seniors get the flu shot?

As we age, our immune system is weakened, making us more susceptible to the flu.

PAGE SEVENPAGE EIGHT

SENIORS MINISTRY

10 PRINCIPLES TO KEEP CHRIST AT THE CENTER OF

YOUR HOMEBy Mary May LarmoyeuxPart Two of a Two Part series

5. Keep God’s bigger picture in mind. As we seek our neighbors’ good before our own, we will model Christ to a watching world.

When Jim and I planned our new house, we had to look at the big picture of the neighborhood and not just our individual lot. We considered the location and design of our home and how it would fit in with our future neighbors’ houses.

As each house is unique, so too are the individuals who will be living near us. If Jim and I truly follow Christ’s example, we will look at the big picture as we interact with our new neighbors. How will what we say and do impact their thoughts of Christ?

In 1 Corinthians 13:5 the Bible says that love cares more for others than for self. That means that I need to care more about showing God’s love to my new neighbors than pleasing myself.

For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good. Psalm 122:9

6. Live in unity. Harmony and peace will mark my home and relationships when my actions match Christ’s desires.

It would be terrible if an earthquake destroyed our new home. But it would be far worse if misunderstanding and confusion split our hearts apart.

Living in unity is the mark of a home centered on Jesus Christ.

If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. Mark 3:25

7. Seek understanding. As I seek to understand others in my house, it will become a Christ-centered home.

Time and effort were invested in preparing the lot for our new house and in pouring a solid foundation. And after it is built, the rooms will be filled with our material possessions.

But those material possessions will not transform our house into a home. We’ll need understanding to center (establish) it on Christ.

By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; and by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. Proverbs 24:3-4

8. Ask God to bless my home. And let others know of His faithfulness.

If our builder does a wonderful job constructing our new home, he will likely ask us to endorse his work. We will be happy to tell others about his expertise as a builder.

Likewise, when we move into our new house, we will ask God to bless it. We will also tell others of His faithfulness over the decades of our married life.

May it please You to bless the house of Your servant …2 Samuel 7:29

9. Choose every day to serve the Lord. No matter what our culture says, we will choose God’s ways.

After we move into our new house, we can either take good care of it or neglect it. It can be a place of refuge and beauty, or it could eventually become dilapidated. The choice is ours.

Continued on Page Fifteen

GOD CAN HANDLE IT ….MARRIAGEBy Dr. S. M. Henriques

PRACTICING PATIENCE AND KINDNESS

There’s an old story of the man who came home from work, kissed his wife warmly, and offered to help with preparing supper. The wife burst into tears, exclaiming, “What a rotten day this has been! Little Tommy broke his arm, the washing machine broke down, and now you come home drunk!”

Hmmmm. If you treated your spouse with warmth and kindness, demonstrating patience when it’s needed most - would he or she have reason to be suspicious?

Two qualities - patience and kindness are back-to-back characteristics of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit as described in Galatians 5:22. They should be a normal part of any marriage. The quotations and verses on the next few pages will remind us all of the need for patience and kindness. And lots of it!

Keep thy eyes wide open before marriage, and half-shut afterwards.

Benjamin Franklin

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Ephesians 4:2 (N/V)

MARRIAGE CORNER

PAGE NINE

ODDS AND OMEGAS

Evidently, Amram and Jochebed didn’t name their son. It was Pharaoh’s daughter who called him Moses. Exodus 2:10Did you know that when Jesus died, saints rose from the dead and walked around Jerusalem? Matthew 27:52-53There are a lot of “wolves in sheep’s clothing” these days. But Jesus used the term to describe false prophets a couple thousand years ago. Matthew 7:15The ultimate sarcasm: God described the people in Nineveh as not knowing their left from their right. Jonah 4:11Ruth’s first husband was Mahlon. Ruth 4:10They had peanut butter in the Bible-Ezekiel’s tongue was stuck to the roof of his mouth until the Lord gave him words. Ezekiel 3:26-27Animals have to answer to God, too. Genesis 9:5Paul was beaten five times and shipwrecked three. 2 Corinthians 11:24-25

JOKES FOR YOUR SOUL

OBITUARY

Our church was saddened to learn this week of the death of one of our most valued members, Someone Else.

Someone’s passing creates a vacancy that will be difficult to fill.

Else has been with us for many years and for every one of those years, Someone did far more than a normal person’s share of the work.

Whenever there was a job to do, a class to teach, or a meeting to attend, one name was on everyone’s list, “Let Someone Else do it.” Whenever leadership was mentioned, this wonderful person was looked to for inspiration as well as results;

“Someone Else can work with that group.”

It was common knowledge that Someone Else was among the most liberal givers in our church.

Whenever there was a financial need, everyone just assumed Someone Else would make up the difference.

Someone Else was a wonderful person; sometimes appearing superhuman.

Were the truth known, everybody expected too much of Someone Else.

Now Someone Else is gone! We wonder what we are going to do.

Someone Else left a wonderful example to follow, but who is going to follow it?

Who is going to do the things Someone Else did?

When you are asked to help this year, remember -- we can’t depend on Someone Else anymore.

Author is Unknown

DAILY PRAISE FROMTHE BIBLE

Inspiration from the PsalmsBy Dan Dick

Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.

Psalm 131:1

When John had started out, all his superiors told him that he was destined to go far in the firm. Now they all shook their heads in wonder that he had never climbed the corporate ladder. John just smiled to himself. Dog-eat-dog was fine for some, but John was content to just do the work he loved. He didn’t care

what anyone else thought, he was happy, and that was worth more than all the prestige in the world.

Grow where you’re planted, the saying goes. When you find a place of contentment, guard it. Don’t be ready to throw it away for what may or may not be better. Too often we get into situations over our heads, and then it is too late to go back. God will not be impressed by your fame or wealth. What pleases the Lord is someone who uses his talents and makes peace for himself in the work that he does.

PRAYER: Make my aspirations for myself realistic and worthwhile. Help me to keep my wits about me, to do the things I like rather than those things that are done merely to impress others. Amen.

Submitted by Sis. Marsha Lawton

NEW MEMBERS

Greetings in the name of Christ Jesus. Welcome to the Calvary Baptist Church family. Feel free to participate in any Church activity you choose. You are also invited to join our ministries as the Holy Spirit leads you. May God bless you and continue to strengthen your faith.

Donna BrownCandace Campbell

Ieisha CarterChanel ConleyMarlon HoilettDenise Kenney

Paulette LeonardAkima Lyons

Keyshawn LyonsTemekia Mitchell

Damir RenaudTamia Robinson

Deborah StithSaniya White

Michael Wilson

MEMBER NEWS

PAGE TEN

PROMISES YOU CANCOUNT ON!

Whatever your problems, whatever your needs, the answers are in the Bible. Whatever you’re feeling, whatever you’re suffering, whatever you’re hoping ... the Bible has something to say to you.

God’s Promises on “TRUST”

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

Psalm 46:1, 2

For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. . O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

Psalm 84:11,12

Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Psalm 37:3-5

CHRISTIAN BOOK OF QUESTIONS

Questions to Explore Your Beliefsand Deepen Your Faith

Would God help us more if we more readily recognized it when he did?

Are some people simply born happier and more positive, and others born more skeptical and negative? Or are these choices we make?

Is doing mission work in “fun” destinations for example, repairing houses in a Caribbean country-still true mission work?

Can a Christian take part in “extreme” sports like bungee jumping or skydiving, or is that taking for granted the life God gave you?

We are told to love one another as we love ourselves, but how are you supposed to love the guy down the hall who plays loud music at 3:00 A.M., or a woman in Namibia whom you will never meet? Isn’t it hard enough to love the people closest to us?

Are lunchtime Bible studies at work acceptable, or improper for an office environment?

WHAT JESUS IS SAYING TO YOU

By Peter Wallace

But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world.

Acts 1:8

Power. What would you do if you had all you needed? What would life be like?

Many people lust after personal power to the point that it consumes them. You see it in business. In relationships. In churches. But that’s not the kind of power Jesus is talking about.

He’s talking about genuine, godly power that comes to us through the Holy Spirit in our lives. An energizing, releasing, cleansing power that enables us to live more fully and love more liberally God’s way.

This power has a purpose: to enable us to be His witnesses.

How powerful are you today? How far have you gone as His witness?

Submitted by Sis. Marsha Lawton

GOD’S PROMISES FOR MEN

The Word of God doesn’t tell us about the truth; it is truth.

Charles Swindoll

GOD’S PLAN FOR MEN IS“To Come to God in Prayer”

Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.

Matthew 18:19

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

Ephesians 6: 18

Hear a just cause, O LORD, Attend to my cry; Give ear to my prayer which is not from deceitful lips.

Psalm 17:1

For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.

1 Peter 3:12

SOLUTIONS TO DECEMBERPUZZLE CORNER

ANSWERS: HOME: 1-Demon-possessed man, 2-They were not sharing their own food, 3-John, 4-A lost sheep was found, 5-A sick servant, 6-His outer garment, 7- They felt Joseph thought they had stolen money, 8- The Egyptians because hail was coming, 9-When he married, 10- To fulfill a covenant, 11-His counsel was not followed, 12-God had charged him not to

Cryptogram Solution: II Corinthians 8:7-9

MEMBER NEWS

PAGE ELEVEN

DID YOU GET YOURBOOK YET?

Calvary’s Bookstore is now open. There are various items available. But, in case you did not know, our own Pastor, Dr. Garth G. Gittens, has written a book.

The book is entitled “MASSA SAY, DE BIBLE SAY” and will be personally autographed. Let us show our love and support by purchasing your very own copy. You can also visit his website for more information. Please go to www.drgarthggittens.com

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO DEAL WITH

DISAPPOINTMENT?

Disappointments come with daily living and divine appointments. Realize that disappointment may simply be a turn in the road before you see the real finish line. The truth is, most delights are sweeter after passing through disappointments along the way. It also helps to remember that getting what you expected may not be what you really wanted.

You cannot change the past, and you can’t always control the present, but you can push the past into its proper perspective and you can face the present realistically.-HUGH P. FELLOWS

SOURCE: The Little Book of Big Questions - Answers to Life’s Perplexing Questions

O Lord, Who hast given unto us thy word of truth:

quicken within us an increasing love of thy revelation of thyself; And grant that, delighting daily to exercise ourselves therein,

and bringing forth fruit as trees of thy planting, We may be nourished by the waters of thy grace

and daily be ripening unto everlasting life.

Mozarabic

SOURCE: Life’s Little Prayer Book

HISTORY OF NEW YEARS DAYThe celebration of the New Year is one of the oldest holidays. Many believe it was first observed in ancient Babylon about 4000 years ago it marked the first New Moon after the Vernal Equinox. The Babylonian new year celebration lasted for eleven days. How did New Year’s Day move from the summer to the winter? A good question, especially since the spring is the season of rebirth, of planting new crops, and of blossoming. Today New Year’s Day is January 1st.

The month of January was named for their god, Janus, who is pictured with two heads. One looks forward, the other back, symbolizing a break between the old and new. The Greeks paraded a baby in a basket to represent the spirit of fertility. Christians adopted this symbol as the birth of the baby Jesus and continued what started as a pagan ritual. Today our New Year’s symbols are a newborn baby starting the next year and an old man winding up the last year.

Not all countries celebrate New Year at the same time, nor in the same way. This is because people in different parts of the world use different calendars. Long ago, people divided time into days, months, and years. Some calendars are based on the

movement of the moon, others are based on the position of the sun, while others are based on both the sun and the moon. All over the world, there are special beliefs about New Year.

The Jewish New Year is called Rosh Hashanah. It is a holy time when people reflect on the things done wrong in the past, with a promise to do better in the future. Religious services are held in synagogues, and an instrument called a Shofar, which is made from a ram’s horn is played. Children are given new clothes, and New Year loaves are baked and fruit is eaten to remind people of harvest time.

Continued on Page Sixteen

OH, WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING!

Oh, what a beautiful morning! Birdsong is filling the air. Flowers are waking to sunlight, And the world’s wondrously fair.

Oh, what a beautiful morning! April spreads joy o’er the earth. Everything pulsates with gladness, Glorious time of rebirth.

Oh, what a beautiful morning! Come walk this fine day with me. Spring is unfolding her treasures, Breathtaking splendor we’ll see.

Oh, what a beautiful morning! Time to rejoice and to sing. Hope fills our hearts with the promiseAfter the Winter comes Spring.

Beverly J. Anderson

They are renewed each morning, so great is His faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:23

Submitted by Sis. Eleanor Richardson

MEMBER NEWSMEMBER NEWS

PAGE TWELVE

BIBLE SECRETS FORSUCCESSFUL LIVING

FAITHFULNESS

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Live life on the wings of faith in God and watch your life soar to new heights.

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Deuteronomy 31:6

Faith in God will sustain you through the hard times. Nothing else can compare.

THE BIBLE PROMISE BOOK FOR WOMEN

HONESTY

He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved. PSALM 15:5

And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. ACTS 24:16

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. MATTHEW 7:12

And as ye would that men should do to you, do you also to them likewise. LUKE 6:31

GOD’S ANSWERS FORYOUR LIFE

WHAT THE BLOOD OFJESUS IS TO YOU

And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

Luke 22: 19-20

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Ephesians 2: 13

TRUST MORE -- FEAR LESSBy Max Lucado

The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.

ROMANS 8:16 NASB

When we come to Christ, God not only forgives us, he also adopts us. Through a dramatic series of events, we go from condemned orphans with no hope to adopted children with no fear. Here is how it happens. You come before the judgment seat of God full of rebellion and mistakes. Because of his justice he cannot dismiss your sin, but because of his love he cannot dismiss you. So, in an act which stunned the heavens, he punished himself on the cross for your sins. God’s justice and love are equally honored. And you, God’s creation, are forgiven. But the story doesn’t end with God’s forgiveness.

It would be enough if God just cleansed your name, but he does more. He gives you his name.

The Great House of God

Submitted by Bro. Curtis Lawton

MY CUP

I’ve never made a fortune,and it’s probably too late now.

But I don’t worry about that much,I’m happy anyhow.

And as I go along life’s way,I’m reaping better than I sowed.I’m drinking from my saucer,

‘Cause my cup has overflowed.

Haven’t got a lot of riches,and sometimes the going’s tough.

But I’ve got loving ones all around me,

and that makes me rich enough.

I thank God for his blessings,and the mercies He’s bestowed.I’m drinking from my saucer,

‘Cause my cup has overflowed.

I remember times when things went wrong,

My faith wore somewhat thin.But all at once the dark clouds broke,

and the sun peeped through again.

So Lord, help me not to gripe,about the tough rows I have hoed

I’m drinking from my saucer,‘Cause my cup has overflowed.

If God gives me strength and courage,When the way grows steep and rough.

I’ll not ask for other blessings,I’m already blessed enough.

And may I never be too busy,to help others bear their loads.

Then I’ll keep drinking from my saucer,

‘Cause my cup has overflowed.

When I think of how many people in this world have it worse than I do.

I realize just how fortunate most of us really are.

Submitted by Sis. Juanita Ford

MEMBER NEWS

PAGE THIRTEEN

10,000 THINGS TOPRAISE GOD FOR

those who are careful with, other people’s possessions

freshly shaved faces soft stuffed bears little children brought to Jesus those who do as good as they preach freedom from shortness of breath former smokers who have been able to

quit clean snowdrifts reaching the top of the mountain sump pumps

By Jan Dargatz

WHAT IS YOUR BRAND?

In first grade, our children Tim and Beth had a wonderful teacher. During the time of the Western Stock Show, their teacher focused on western culture and they studied cowboys and ranches. One topic—cattle brands—stuck with me. Cattle brands are made up of a series of letters and symbols forming a kind of language. For example, a backwards letter means crazy whereas a letter lying on its side means lazy. By design, brands are meant to uniquely identify the cattle with their owner. Most often brands are chosen because they have special meaning to the owner or describe something distinctive about them. As homework, our children had to make up a brand describing themselves.

During this time, I took them out to dinner at Red Robin. As we were sitting and waiting for our food to arrive, a lady entered the restaurant wearing a T-shirt with a slogan on the front in black gothic letters. At first, I was not able to make the word out clearly, but as she walked by our table, I was able to read the message. It was a single word and it read, “Sinful.” Most of us have probably seen more offensive bumper stickers around town. However, seeing this T-shirt worn at a family restaurant caught me

by surprise. Reflecting upon this made me question what brands I wear in public. For the most part, it is plain vanilla T-shirts without any real personality. I’ll let you draw your own conclusions of how that reflects on my personality.

Paul noted that he bore the brand-marks of Jesus (Galatians 6:17). That is the same brand we should be wearing.

Regardless of whether you are wearing clothes branded by the maker’s name, each of us wears a brand that is deeper, longer lasting, and more significant. Those around you see your brand, and it declares who truly owns you. Instead of being emblazoned upon your clothing, this brand is embodied by each word you say and action that you take.

As you go throughout this week, consider what brand you are wearing not just in the clothes that you wear but deeper. What brand are you wearing in your words and deeds?

Thom Vaught, Daily Bread Devotional, Neal Pollard, editor

Submitted by Sis. Priscilla Young

BLESSED AND DELIVERED

“Treat people as you want to be treated and then sit back and reap the benefits”. PGW

While shopping at a local mall, I spotted a man with an acronym on his shirt that had B.A.D. Me, being the person that I am (curious), stopped the man and asked, “What does B.A.D. stand for?” And trust me; you’ll be amazed at what his response was.

He replied B.A.D. stands for: “Blessed And Delivered.” That thought stuck with me as I finished doing my

shopping that day. So, I came up with a little advice for you today.(1) When the enemy tries to attack you, just remember that you are B.A.D.!

(2) When things don’t seem to be going right on your job, just remember that you are B.A.D.!

(3) When things are not looking good in your marriage/relationships, just remember that you are B.A.D.!

(4) When folks scandalize your name, just remember that you are B.A.D.!

(5) When health challenges seem to overtake your body, just remember that you are B.A.D.!

(6) When the spirit of depression tries to overtake your mind, just remember that you are B.A.D.!

(7) When you have more month than money, just remember that you are B.A.D.!

(8) When your mode of transportation is not working right, just remember that you are B.A.D.!

(9) When the spirit of grief tries to paralyze you, just remember that you are B.A.D.!

(10)… And when you wake up in the morning to a brand new day, just shout to the heavens… Hallelujah! I AM B.A.D.!!!!!!!!!

Send this to somebody that you know is “BLESSED AND DELIVERED.”

I Just did! YOU ARE B.A.D. So Have a B. A. D. Day! Love never fails...I Corinthians 13:7-8

Submitted by Sis. Gail Seldon

MEMBER NEWS

PAGE FOURTEEN

MEN OF THE BIBLEBy Dan Hannon

HOSEAHosea

The unfaithful wife deserted her husband for a lover. The husband paid her return to his household ! This, the story of the prophet Hosea, parallels the message he brought to the people of Israel. Israel had betrayed their Lord like a promiscuous wife, yet God in His mercy was willing to buy them back!

Hosea could understand the agonizing relationship between God and His wayward people better than any other prophet because he knew similar agony in his own life. He could speak to the Israelites bluntly and harshly but with genuine underlying love. He knew of the pain they were causing their Maker by their long history of disobedience. And God’s pain was heightened by the fact that He loved them passionately.

Hosea’s prophecy contained a straightforward accusation against the people’s sins and idolatry. “Judgment is coming,” he warned. “Bondage will follow. You have trusted in your own power so you will reap destruction.”

But near the end of his book Hosea poignantly conveyed God’s irrevocable love for His people. “How can 1 give you up?” God said. “I am not man, I am God and I love you tenderly. I will not vent My wrath on you.” Hosea concludes with a plea that Israel repent, and a final assurance of God’s forgiveness if the people would only turn back to Him.

EASY V.S. HARD

Why is it so hard to tell the truth butYet so easy to tell a lie?

Why are we so sleepy in church butRight when the sermon is over we suddenly wake up? Why is it so hard to talk about God but yet soEasy to talk about dirty stuff? Why is it so boring to look at a Christian magazineBut yet so easy to look at a dirty one? Why is it so easy to delete a Godly e-mail butYet we forward all of the dirty ones? Why are the churches getting smaller but yetThe bars and dance clubs are getting larger? Do you give up? Think about it ...Just remember-God is watching you. Of all the free gifts we may receive, Prayer is the very best one.... There are no costs, but wonderful rewards...

GOD BLESS!

Submitted by Brother Earl Sawyer

MIGRAINES OFTEN GO UNDETECTEDby Gabrielle HolakContinued From Page Five

Prevention and Treatment“The best preventative treatment is lifestyle changes or headache hygiene —staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, reducing stress and maintaining a healthy diet” says Tara Pezzuto, MSN, an advanced practice nurse of neurology at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, DE. She says medication at the onset of the headache can often relieve symptoms.

Dawne Walker, a mother from Wilmington, whose 12-year-old suffers from migraines, believes that

certain foods trigger her son’s episodes. “Keeping him on good vitamins, fish oil and unprocessed foods has helped,” she says. “I bought a My-GraStick, a roll-on tube that contains peppermint and lavender oils, at a health food store and it has made all of his recent headaches disappear.”

Submitted by Sis. Denise Clark

10 PRINCIPLES TO KEEP CHRIST AT THE CENTER OF YOUR HOMEBy Mary May LarmoyeuxContinued From Page Nine

Likewise, every day Jim and I will choose whether we will serve ourselves or the Lord. Will we be selfish or selfless? Will we be patient and kind, or jealous and rude?

Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve … but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15

10. Remember that the Master of my home [the Lord] will return. May I be aware each day that my house ultimately belongs to the Lord.

Jim and I may live in our new house for a year, decades, or more. We can consider it ours, or remember that it is ultimately the Master’s. One day the Lord will return and ask how we used His house. Will it be a haven for the weary? Will we tell others about Jesus within its walls? Will we be found faithful?

Will we fulfill the purpose God has for our home?

“It is like a man away on a journey, who upon leaving his house and putting his slaves in charge, assigning to each one his task, also commanded the doorkeeper to stay on the alert. Therefore, be on the alert—for you do not know when the master of the house is coming …” Mark 13:34-35

MEMBER NEWS

PAGE FIFTEEN

FEAR

Perhaps you are wondering just how serious your illness is. You may be fearing the worst.

Or you may already know the worst. And that may make you afraid- afraid of today, afraid of tomorrow, afraid of what will happen to you.

Or you may be afraid of what will happen to your loved ones if you don’t make it, if you don’t get better.

Does God understand those fears? Does He really care when you’re afraid? Of course He does.

That’s why He promises that He will never leave you. He assures you that He will never forsake you, no matter how rough the way may be.

Tomorrow may be uncertain, but the promises of God are not. Do not let fear of the unknown take away the comfort of that which is sure!

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6

But now, this is what the LORD says he who created you, a Jacob, he who formed you, a Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”

Isaiah 43:1-2

SOURCE:SOMEONE CARES

Submitted by Tr. Mattie B. Hull

CAN WE GET MARRIEDIN HEAVEN??

On their way to get married, a young Catholic couple was involved in a fatal car accident. The couple found themselves sitting outside the Pearly Gates waiting for St. Peter to process them into Heaven.

While waiting they began to wonder; could they possibly get married in Heaven?

When St. Peter arrived they asked him if they could get married in Heaven. St. Peter said, “I don’t know. This is the first time anyone has asked. Let me go find out,” and he left.

The couple sat and waited for an answer.... For a couple of months.

While they waited, they discussed the pros and cons. If they were allowed to get married in Heaven, should they get married, what with the eternal aspect of it all? “What if it doesn’t work?

Will we be stuck in Heaven together forever?”

Another month passed St. Peter finally returned, looking somewhat bedraggled. “Yes”, he informed the couple, “You can get married in Heaven.”

“Great!” said the couple. “But we were just wondering; what if things don’t work out? Could we also get a divorce in Heaven?”

St. Peter, red-faced with anger, slammed his clipboard on the ground.“What’s wrong?” asked the frightened couple. “OH, COME ON!!!” St. Peter shouted. “It took me 3 months to find a priest up here! Do you have ANY idea how long it’ll take to find a lawyer???”

Submitted by Sis. Debora Richardson

HISTORY OF NEW YEARS DAYContinued From Page Twelve

The Chinese New Year is celebrated some time between January 17 and February 19, at the time of the new moon, and it is called Yuan Tan. It is celebrated by Chinese people all over the world, and street parades are an exciting part of their New Year. At the Festival of Lanterns thousands of lanterns are used to light the way for the New Year. The Chinese people believe that there are evil spirits around at New Year, so they let off firecrackers to frighten the spirits away. Sometimes they seal their windows and doors with paper to keep the evil spirits out.

The traditions of the season include the making of New Year’s resolutions. Making a resolution to change some part of one’s life also dates back to the early Babylonians. Today most people promise to lose weight or quit smoking.

Our ancestors thought that one could affect the luck they would have throughout the coming year by what they did or ate on the first day of the year. It has become common for folks to celebrate the first few minutes of a brand new year in the company of family and friends.

New Year foods are also thought to bring luck. Many cultures believe that anything in the shape of a ring is good luck, because it symbolizes “coming full circle,” completing a year’s cycle. Some put coins in black-eyed peas and the person who gets the coin in their meal will be prosperous in the coming year.

SOURCE: http://new-years-day.com

MEMBER NEWS

PAGE FIFTEENPAGE SIXTEEN

DRIVING ON SNOW AND ICE: 10 SAFETY TIPSExpert Advice To Prevent a Car Crashby Mac DemerePart Two of a Two Part Series

The best tip for winter driving: Sometimes it’s best to stay home, or at least remain where you are until snow plows and sanding crews have done their work. If you crash on a snowy or icy road, you’ll certainly be late — or worse. But since you can’t always call in to work claiming a “snow day,” it’s better to learn how to correctly deal with driving in the snow.

I’ve battled snow- and ice-covered highways in two-dozen states behind the wheel of both passenger vehicles and 18-wheelers. I’ve performed hundreds of tire tests on snow-covered roads, attended snow-driving schools and done precision (translation: “barely in control”) driving in the snow for videos and still photos. From this experience, here are some snow driving tips the average driver can follow to reduce the chances of a crash.

7. Remember the tough spots. Race drivers must memorize the nuances of every track, so they can alter their path for changing track conditions. You must remember where icy roads tend to occur. Bridges and intersections are common places. Also: wherever water runs across the road. I know people who lost control on ice caused by homeowners draining above-ground pools and by an automatic lawn sprinkler that sprayed water onto a street in freezing temperatures.

8. Too much steering is bad. If a slick section in a turn causes your front tires to lose grip, the common — but incorrect — reaction is to continue turning the steering wheel. That’s like writing checks on

an overdrawn account: It won’t improve the situation and may make things worse. If the icy conditions end and the front tires regain grip, your car will dart whichever way the wheels are pointed. That may be into oncoming traffic or a telephone pole. Something very similar happens if you steer too much while braking with ABS. Sadly, there are situations where nothing will prevent a crash, but turning the steering too much never helps.

9. Avoid rear-tire slides. First, choose a car with electronic stability control. Fortunately, ESC will be mandatory on all 2012 models. Next, make sure your rear tires have at least as much tread as your front tires. Finally, if you buy winter tires, get four.

10. Technology offers no miracles. All-wheel drive and electronic stability control can get you into trouble by offering a false sense of security. AWD can only help a vehicle accelerate or keep moving: It can’t help you go around a snow-covered turn, much less stop at an icy intersection. ESC can prevent a spinout, but it can’t clear ice from the roads or give your tires more traction. Don’t let these lull you into overestimating the available traction.

Regardless of your driving skill or vehicle preparation, there are some winter conditions that can’t be conquered. But these tips may help prevent snowy and icy roads from ruining your day.

The U in JesUs Before U were thought of or time had begun,God even stuck U in the name of His Son.

And each time U pray, you’ll see it’s trueYou can’t spell out JesUs and not include U.

You’re a pretty big part of His wonderful name,For U, He was born; that’s why He came.

And His great love for U is the reason He died.It even takes U to spell crUcified.

Isn’t it thrilling and splendidly grandHe rose from the dead, with U in His plan?

The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew,and this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.

When JesUs left earth at His upward ascension,He felt there was one thing He just had to mention.

“Go into the world and tell them it’s trueThat I love them all Just like I love U.”

So many great people are spelled with a U,Don’t they have a right to know JesUs too?

It all depends now on what U will do,He’d like them to know, But it all starts with U.

Submitted by Bro. Jerome Richardson

MEMBER NEWS

PAGE SEVENTEEN

“ASSIGNMENT”

I recently had to re-evaluate and understand the huge responsibility that I have as a Christian. It wasn’t as if I didn’t know how to conduct myself in a Christ like manner, but I had for the longest time missed the part regarding my “assignment”. It is the same “assignment” that all who professes to be born again and Christian have.

Being saved and re-born, I have the opportunity to tell the world just how great God is. My testimony need not be a silent one. I not only should be able to tell of the goodness of God but I should capture every opportunity that I have to do so.

Let’s look at the definition of the word; assignment: something assigned; a particular task . That makes sense to me. God has given me an “assignment” much like he gave his disciples to go forth and share the good news. I question whether I’ve done my best to fulfill my “assignment”.

Some days I can be so obsessed with self that I forget to look at my station in life. Now I am not one who has unlimited financial resources or disposal income, nor do I have other great and abundant material possessions. I do however have a wealth of gratitude for just who and what I am because of the mercy provided by our Lord and Savior. I am awaken every day with the breath of life that is freely given to me and allows me to go forth and do what needs to be done in order to sustain my existence without complications. Because of these truths I am very grateful for all that I have considering where I’ve been.

Were it not for the grace and mercy of the Lord, none of this would be possible. I recall in my academic years when I was given an assignment and didn’t complete it. Normally I received a poor grade for my lack of effort and my GPA suffered. If I

continued this practice in all of my classes I may have had to repeat the grade or course. In life, much like in school, our completing of our “assignment” will be graded at the entrance to the Pearly Gates.

When I am asked to give an account of what I’ve done in my life to deliver the gospel how will I fare? Lack of completing my “assignment” will definitely be graded and impacted on judgment day.

God has given each of us a personal, unique and special gift. The use of that gift in carrying out my assignment is essential to my work as a Christian. In an earlier writing I spoke of “Can You See Me Now” and in that work I alluded to the fact that if I am a Christian, saved by grace does my walk demonstrate it. Is it visible and tangible?

That is my assignment. To live in a manner much like Christ in all of my affairs to the best of my ability. Being of service in deed, thought, character and demonstration are the qualifications that make my carrying out my “assignment” possible. Have I been patient with someone, has my presence been positive in an otherwise negative environment, have I ministered to someone who may have needed prayer? These are just a few of the ways that I carry out my “assignment”. But there is so much more.

The Bible is full of examples of Disciples of Christ carrying out their individual and collective “assignments”. So were persecuted, killed and ridiculed for their beliefs; yet they pressed through sometimes horrific adversity to complete the “assignment” given to them by Jesus. Much like these men, we must press forward in the completion of our assignment to share the beauty and love that our Father has for all of us.

So whatever your particular gift, use it to lift up Christ. Use your abilities,

station, access and visibility to give God all the glory for he is worthy. Every second of every minute our Father completes his “assignment” to his children: he loves us without condition.

His assignment was to die on the cross at Calvary and rise again. Assignment completed.

Submitted by Bro. Michael Jones, Sr. Kuumba Koncepts© November 2011

CHURCH ETIQUETTE

What is Church Etiquette? Webster’s standard dictionary describers Etiquette as rules for socially acceptable behavior. How does that apply to church? There should be order and reverence in God’s House. We welcome God when we pray and conduct ourselves in such a way that invites His presence. When we talk needlessly and walk in the middle of the sermon, we disrespect God. To help maintain respect and order in God’s House. Listed below are a few etiquette suggestions:

Please use outside aisle if you must walk during service.

Do not walk when scripture is being read.Don’t chew gum during worship service.Turn off cell phones and beepers when possible. (If you have a need for these devices, please put them on vibrate).Talk less and praise more. (If you whisper, let it be a prayer).Do not bring drinks into the sanctuary.

This is just a partial list, as you read this, I am sure you can think of a few more that could be added, if so, keep them in mind or better yet, share them with each other.

“Let all things be done decently and in order.”

MEMBER NEWSMEMBER NEWS

PAGE EIGHTEEN

1 Corinthians 14:40BRIEF HISTORY OF DECEASED CALVARY MEMBERS AND CALVARY FAMILY MEMBERS

For I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.

Jeremiah 31:13

A Memorial Service in loving memory of Florence (Toni) Baker was held on Saturday, November 19, 2011, mother of Calvary members Bro. Irvin Oliver, mother-in-law of Sis. Angela Oliver, and grandmother of Sis. Joi Oliver. Florence was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. “Toni” as she was affectionately called was educated in the Philadelphia Public School System. She met and married Arthur Baker in 1973.

Toni was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on July 19, 1974. She loved the ministry and was always willing to work. She became a full-time pioneer in September 2003 and remained one until her death on November 1, 2011.

Toni was known for her outgoing personality, outspokenness, sharp tongue and witty sense of humor. She was also a very classy, fashionable dresser who loved jewelry.

Service was held at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 6826-40 Ardleigh Street, Philadelphia, PA 19119.

Homegoing Services for Calvary member, Sis. Monica A. Benton, mother of Calvary member Minister Nigel Pierre, mother-in-law of Solitaire Pierre and grandmother of Joshiah Pierre was held on Tuesday, December 6, 2011.

Monica was born on May 4, 1948 in Point Fortin, Trinidad. She went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday,

November 22, 2011after battling a long-term illness.Monica attended Egypt Village Government School and Trade School where she learned Garment Construction. She worked at Radio Trinidad as a cook for twenty years. Monica migrated to the United States in 2003, where she worked as a Home Health Aide.

Monica was a member of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church while in Trinidad and attended her new home church, Calvary in the United States. She supported and participated in the Missions Ministry and volunteered at AGAPE.

She touched the lives of many people with her smile and maintained her strength and courage all the way to the end.

Pastor Garth G. Gittens, Eulogist

101 RESOLUTIONS FOR THE NEW YEARBy Nancy Walker Hale

52I will say grace in a restaurant.

I am not ashamed of the Good News. It is the power of God. It is the way He saves men from the punishment of their sins if they put their trust in Him.

ROMANS 1:16 NLV

53I will be thrifty.

Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts, “Consider your ways! You have sown much, but harvest little; you eat, but there is not enough to be satisfied; you drink, but there is not enough to become drunk; you put on clothing, but no one is warm enough; and he who earns, earns wages to put into a purse with holes:’

HAGGAI 1:5-6 NASB

54I will avoid impropriety.

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person such a man is an idolater-has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

EPHESIANS 5:1-5 NIV

55I will live a life pleasing to God.

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

ROMANS 14:17-18 KJV

56I will count my blessings instead of my burdens.

O my soul, bless GOD. From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name! oh my soul, bless GOD, don’t forget a single blessing! He forgives your sins-everyone. He heals your diseases-everyone. He redeems you from hell-saves your life! He crowns you with love and mercy a paradise crown. He wraps you in goodness beauty eternal. He renews your youth-you’re always young in his presence.

PSALM 103:1-5 MSG

MEMBER NEWS

PAGE NINETEEN

Marie Selika (1849-1937): An African American Pioneer in OperaBy Dorothy G. Kapenstein

It is very sad to think about the many potential accomplishments of African Americans that were

lost forever by being buried under the dreadful burden of slavery or crushed under the grim heel of segregation. What great books were never written? What great inventions never saw the light of day? What beautiful works of art were never created? What lovely music was never written and what glorious voices were never raised in song? It is equally sad to reflect on how much was lost to us that would have enriched and enhanced world culture and the culture of our nation as well.

This does not mean that no one in slavery ever produced literary or artistic works of great worth and merit. We are well aware of the poems of Phillis Wheatley, Jupiter Hammon and George Moses Horton and others. All spent their lives in slavery but created much admired poetry. Their talents and genius were somewhat known in their own time

but sadly, not much effort was made to record the achievements and successes of black people, slave or free. Much more is known today because present day scholars have done serious research and unearthed considerable information that makes us aware of early African American genius.

It must be said that there were also free blacks before the Civil War who used their talents to produce works of art and literature. Lawyer George Vashon left a tremendous epic poem. Another early lawyer, John Mercer Langston also produced literary works. Mary Ellen Watkins Harper and Ann Plato were black women who are remembered as excellent writers. The way to success was even harder for them because of their gender. Again, we should ask, “How many others lost their way?”

With the end of the Civil War came the end of slavery. As we know, this brought its own evils and calamities-segregation, Jim Crow laws, separate but (un)equal. The former slaves had to build their own education systems, create their own businesses and constantly fight for the necessities of life. In the midst of oppression and opposition, a number of African Americans did great work in literature, art, music, politics and business during these grim times, but the road to success was hard and rough and only the most dedicated got past the struggles.

The field of public entertainment was a most difficult one for African Americans to enter

and classical music was particularly difficult. African Americans tended to form their own entertainment units because so many doors in the field were closed to them. For instance, for countless years, blacks were barred from buying tickets to concert halls, opera houses and theatres, with almost no chance to become performers. In addition, because few well-paying jobs were available to African Americans, not many could scrape together the money needed for education and training.

Opera became an art in Italy in the 16th and 17th centuries. Although the music was universal, the plots and dramatic roles were European in nature. When opera reached this country in the late 1700’s, black artists, no matter how glorious their singing voices, were not likely to be permitted to even try out, and had no chance of landing a role. Today, Philadelphia’s own Marian Anderson is rightfully recognized as the first black classical singer to integrate the American opera stage by singing a major role at the Metropolitan Opera House. Before this totally deserved honor, Miss Anderson had a long and brilliant career as a concert artist. She suffered racial abuse but nothing could quench her spirit or her voice. A host of glorious black leading ladies such as Leontyne Price, Shirley Verett, Grace Bumbry, Barbara Hendrix and many others then followed her to the Met and to opera houses all over the world.

Continued on Page Twenty-One

PAGE TWENTY

BLACK HISTORY

Marie Selika (1849-1937): An African American Pioneer in OperaBy Dorothy G. KapensteinContinued From Page Twenty

There were some truly magnificent black women classical singers who flourished in the nineteenth century before Miss Anderson integrated The Met. They, alas, had to sing only in concert halls in their own country. In other lands, some of them were made welcome on opera stages. In her book, And So I Sing, Rosalyn M. Story points out that these gifted women eventually faded from the pages of history but she hopes the book will revive their history. Rosalyn Story is a black woman who is a symphony violinist. She is well aware of racial and gender discrimination. The black singers were equally or more talented than their white co-artists. We will never know how talented, because their voices were never recorded, but we have the words of newspaper reviewers and other contemporaries. Among the women were Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, Sisserietta Jones, Flora Batson and Marie Selika. This article will concentrate on Marie Selika. I have already written about Elizabeth Greenfield and I plan to write about the others as well. Marie Selika was born Marie Smith in Natchez, Mississippi. She married a black classical singer named Sampson Williams and her legal name became Marie Smith Williams. However, she took the name Marie Selika as her stage name. Selika is the name of the leading female character in the opera, L’Africaine, by the German Jewish composer, Giacomo

Meyerbeer. The opera title means “the African woman.” The opera had its Paris premiere in 1865, a year after the death of the composer. The work is rarely performed today because it is a big, complicated production. Our great African American diva Shirley Verrett last sang in it in 1972 and again in 1988.

Selika is a beautiful and feisty woman and in the opera she is queen of an “African country.” Her countryman Nelusko is also a main character in the opera. They are portrayed as real people with real emotions. At this time it would have been very difficult to find any other black characters in opera. This may be why the name of Selika appealed to Marie Smith who became known to the world of opera as Madame Selika.

Marie Selika was born in Mississippi but the family soon moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. There is not much information about her family or education, but several accounts of her life say that she showed remarkable talent as a singer while she was a very little girl. She and her lovely voice came to the attention of the members of a wealthy Cincinnati family. They paid for the little girl to have singing lessons with a professional teacher. Marie moved to the west coast in the early 1870’s. She settled in San Francisco and studied there with a voice teacher, Madame Bianchi. The teacher judged her talented pupil to be ready to make her stage debut in 1876 and she arranged a concert for Marie. It proved to be a great success. Marie was a coloratura soprano with a high flexible voice capable of the most amazing trills, rapidity of

movement and warm flowery tones. The concert led to many other bookings and Marie’s future as a concert artist was assured, except that she would be fenced in by the indignities placed on black performers by the prevalent racist tendencies of the time.

Marie then moved to Chicago to study with Antonio Farini, a top-rated voice coach. There she met and came to care for Sampson Williams, a black baritone who was also the maestro’s student. Sampson had also chosen to use a stage name. From time to time, he was featured as Signor Velosko the Hawaiian tenor! This was an odd choice since he was clearly a black baritone, but possibly it was safer to be Hawaiian than black-or perhaps Hawaiians could get better accommodations! After the marriage, the two artists most often appeared in concerts together.

The couple became very popular and successful and they were invited to give a concert in the White House for President Rutherford B. Hayes and his wife Lucy. On November 18, 1878, the two singers poured their voices out in song for the Commander in Chief and his lady. Many scholars believe these singers to be the first black professional entertainers to give a concert at the White House! Marie sang “Ernani Involami” by Verdi, “The Last Rose of Summer” by Thomas Moore and “Ave Maria” by Millard. She included a song which became her signature piece and she sang it at every concert. It was “Staccato Polka” by Richard Mulder.

Continued on Page Twenty-Two

BLACK HISTORY

PAGE TWENTY-ONE

Marie Selika (1849-1937): An African American Pioneer in OperaBy Dorothy G. KapensteinContinued From Page Twenty-One

Staccato, in music can mean short, sharp twists and turns and Marie was adept at this type of singing. Reviewers often called her “the Queen of Staccato.” Sampson also sang his signature song, “Far Away” by Bliss.

Their careers took off and the two singers took off as well. They made tour after tour of concert halls in this country and in venues abroad as well. They had two European tours, one from 1882 to 1885 and a second one from 1887 to 1892. In 1883, during the first tour, Marie was ordered to give a command performance for Queen Victoria! Several sources state that Marie also made a few operatic appearances while on the continent. Life in Europe must have been a pleasant change for the two black singers. Sometimes they were allowed to stay at good hotels or to eat in quality restaurants, something that could never happen in the land of the free! After the second European tour, Marie and Sampson (now always billed as Signor Velosko) gave a series of concerts in the Caribbean area.

In 1893, Marie and Sampson moved to Cleveland. They opened a music studio and gave lessons and they continued to perform at concerts, although they slowed down a bit as their voices aged and they aged also. Marie gave a concert at the Chicago World’s Fair that summer. The black press loved her and reported glowingly on her performance.

In 1911, Marie and Sampson moved to Philadelphia. Sampson passed away shortly after the move. Marie lived quietly in retirement but in 1916, she was offered a chance to teach her art. A violinist named David Martin opened a school of music in Harlem, the Martin-Smith School of Music. She moved to New York and until her death in 1937, she shared the many things she knew about classical singing with her students.

One of Marie’s biographers, Ellistine C. Lewis, wrote an article about Marie that was published in the book, Black Women in America. In the article, the author described a wonderful concert that took place on October 12, 1896. The three greatest African American divas of the day, Flora Batson, Sisserietta Jones and Marie Selika appeared together in a concert at New York City’s famous Carnegie hall. What a musical summit that must have been! It is sad to think that racism and bigotry limited their actions, but is wonderful to think about what magnificent role models they were for all classical singers!

101 KNOWN BLACK HISTORY FACTS

FIRSTS

Fact #76Minnie Jocelyn Lee Elders (1933 - ) was the first African-American and the second woman to serve as the United States Surgeon General. Her term lasted for 15 months (1993 - 1994)

Fact #77Maya Angelou’s (1928 - ) autobiographical, “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” is the first non-fiction work by an African-American woman to make the best-seller list.

Fact #78Matthew Henson (1867-1955) was a part of the first successful U.S. expedition to the North Pole in 1909.

Fact #79Althea Gibson (1927 - 2003) was the first African-American tennis player to compete in the U.S. Championships in 1950 and at Wimbledon in 1951. In 1957 she won the women’s singles and doubles at Wimbledon in 1957, which was celebrated by a ticker tape parade when she returned home to New York City.

Fact #80Arthur Ashe (1943 - 1993) was the first African-American to not only be named to the U.S. Davis Cup team in 1963, but to also win the U.S. Open in 1968, to win the men’s singles at Wimbledon in 1975, and the first to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1985.

Fact #81Alexa Canady became the first female African-American neurosurgeon in the United States. She graduated from medical school in 1975.

BLACK HISTORY

PAGE TWENTY-TWO

“LAMBING IN NEW ZEALAND”

The beautiful, green hills of New Zealand, a country known for its sheep industry, are dotted everywhere with white sheep. During the yearly lambing season, thousands of baby lambs are born. Unfortunately, some lambs die at birth. Many mother sheep are also lost during lambing season; they die giving birth.

In an attempt to save the orphaned lambs, the shepherds match baby lambs who have lost their mothers with mother sheep who have lost their lambs. It’s not as easy as it sounds, though-a mother sheep won’t accept a lamb and nurse it unless it is her own.

How, then, do shepherds get a mother sheep to accept an orphaned lamb as her own? The process is as old as shepherding itself. The mother’s own lamb, which has died, is skinned, and the skin of the dead lamb is draped over the living lamb as it is placed by the adoptive mother’s side. The mother sheep then smells the skin and accepts the orphaned lamb as her own.

Lambing season in New Zealand reminds us of what Jesus did for us on the cross. When John wrote in Revelation 7:14 and 12:11 of our being saved by “the blood of the Lamb,” it was in terms that people in agrarian societies vividly understood. Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For he . . . has destroyed, the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility. . .” (Eph. 2:13, 14). Because of Christ’s blood, God accepts us as His own. Once we were orphans, but now we are God’s adopted children.

Submitted by Sis. Marsha Wellons-Lawton

YOUTH CORNER

PAGE TWENTY-THREE

1Agatha AdlamLoretta Blunt

Curtina BrownBasil GuerraJessica Lewis

Patricia MajetteDestiny Robinson

2Reather Broxton

Tracy FloydCynthia Lowery

Kristen MontgomeryTyniece Smalls

3Philip CarvalhoStephan GuerraZion McCray

4Charles Gresham, Sr.

Michele HillocksArlene JamesVelda PostleyAndré Walker

5Waverly Brown

Khalil Gray-LomaxBernadette JacksonPreyton Lambert-

BarefieldTameka PittmanDeAndre Vernon

6Deaconess Ingrid Bell

Eric CarltonArsha Gary

Dahmir YoungDiamond Young

7Joyce Brooks

Kamara GoldenPamela HarrisonSteven Hunter

Anthony MarshallEdith Tomlin

8Carrie Ray Crane

Aireka FowlerVirginia HillGloria Tanner

9Marchial FranklinBeverley Leung

10Latosha Collier

Leroy LloydJabrell Martin

Heidi Peel

11Arnolda FrazierMartha B. Smith

12Allan Alexander

Olivia ClarkAlbert Davis

Marquita DavisMin. Herman Guerra

Angela JamesJoan Robinson

Peter Royal

13Shaun Flynn

14Christopher DavisCynthia Parchment

Yvette Stewart

Brianna Taylor

15Melissa Haley

Shawn Medlock

16Michael BostonWillie BrownSharon DiggsBertha Glover

Gregory Johnson, Sr.

17Jermaine Edwards, Jr.

Carmelita GarySheron Guerra

Jordon Wimberly

18William Wright, Jr.

19April BrownJuanita Davis

Harry HollowayMalachi Phillips

Saleeta Pope

20Ahouefa AkakpoRaheem Tyson

21Tanya HendersonLouise McKenzieEleanora Nwadike

22Chrystal Cole

Robin CraddockSemaj EppsEliza ScottKayla Ward

Robert Young, Jr.

24Kirtis Golden

25Palmia Allen

Sabrina CherryLatifah Douglas

Lisa HandyChanais T. Morris

26Brian ConixBrooks Early

Vanessa HayesMarsha Wellons Lawton

Bryant Turner

27Marsha Mason

28Mary Best

Jeanette HenryErnestine Little

Paula Patrick-Johnakin

29Brazil Bailey

Jermaine Long

30Merle Guerra

Kenneth ManningRachel Whithers

31Samuel Lynch

Chevel Thompson-BrownJermel Thompson-BrownPharell Thompson-Brown

The Church Chat Staff wishes to extend birthday wishes to everyone born in the month of January.Please let Bro. Edward Brown know if we have omitted anyone.

JANUARY BIRTHDAY’S

PAGE TWENTY-FOUR

DRAGONS

Dragons are mentioned in the Bible infrequently.Fill in each blank with the person or object associated with a dragon.

1. Jeremiah complained because ____________ had crushed him like a dragon (Jer. 51:34).2. Ezekiel called ____________ the great dragon (Ezek. 29:3).3. ____________ had a vision in which frogs came out of the dragon (Revelation 16: 13).4. ____________ said, “I am a brother to dragons, and a companion to owls” (Job 30:29).5. Jeremiah said God would make ____________ a den of dragons (Jer. 9:11).6. Jeremiah said ____________ would be made a dwelling place for dragons (Jer. 51:37).7. Isaiah said ____________ the dragon would be killed in the sea (Isa. 27:1).8. Moses said Israel’s enemies’ ____________ is the poison of dragons (Deut. 32:33).9. Jeremiah likened the famine to mules which snuffed up the ____________ like dragons (Jer. 14:6).10. John said the ____________ received his power from the dragon (Revelation 13:2).

CRYPTOGRAM

Can you identify this scripture? Hint: G=E

__ _____ _____ _____ __ _ ______, ___ _ ____ __ _____ _______ _____ ___ZN GSGPT ZRMLQ ZRGPG MV F VGFVNL, FLE F ZMUG ZN GSGPT WHPWNVG HLEGP ZRG

______: _ ____ __ __ ____, ___ _ ____ __ ___; _ ____ __ _____, ___ _RGFSGL: F ZMUG ZN KG KNPL, FLE F ZMUG ZN EMG; F ZMUG ZN WBFLZ, FLE F

____ __ _____ __ ____ _____ __ _______; _ ____ __ ____, ___ _ ____ __ZMUG ZN WBHYD HW ZRFZ CRMYR MV WBFLZGE; F ZMUG ZN DMBB, FLE F ZMUG ZN

____; _ ____ __ _____ ____, ___ _ ____ __ _____ __; _ ____ __ ____, ___RGFB; F ZMUG ZN KPGFD ENCL, FLE F ZMUG ZN KHMBE HW; F ZMUG ZN CGGW, FLE

____ __ _____; _ ____ __ _____, ___ _ ____ __ _____;ZMUG ZN BFHQR; F ZMUG ZN UNHPL, FLE F ZMUG ZN EFLYG;

Submitted by Sis. Marsha Wellons-Lawton

PUZZLE CORNER

PAGE TWENTY-FIVE

NEW YEARS PRAYER

Dear Lord,In the New Year, we pray

that You will guide us each new dayin paths that are pleasing to You.

Lord, the New Year gives us another chanceto rededicate our lives to You,

to study Your Wordso that we know right from wrong

and to act in accordance with Your commands.

Thank you for the sense ofdirection, purpose and peace we get

from aligning our lives with Your Holy will.

We pray for the strength and the will to obey Youeach and every day of the new year,

and when we fail, we pray for Your mercy,Your compassion, Your grace and Your love.

Help us in the New Year to be your faithful servants.In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

By Joanna Fuchswww.poemsource.com

POSITIVE THOUGHTS

An age is called Dark, not because the light fails to shine, but because people refuse to see it.

James A. Michener

The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.

Chinese Proverb

Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to.

George Seaton

Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure. Don Wilder

IN THE SMALL STUFF

• Prayer involves listening to God as well as speaking to Him.

• You can’t stand up to Satan if you don’t kneel before God.

• Pray with perseverance and expectancy.

• At its core, prayer is giving yourself to God.

• Pray as if the task depends on God and work as if it depends on you.

• The next time you feel weak in the knees, try using them to pray.

CHURCH CHAT STAFF

Editor and Publisher:Marsha Wellons-Lawton

Contributors This Month:Trustee Mary Wellons, Edward Brown, Denise Clark, Juanita Ford, Pastor Garth G. Gittens, Trustee Mattie B. Hull, Michael Jones, Sr., Dorothy Kapenstein, Curtis Lawton, Deacon Wilbur J. Napper, Eleanor Richardson, Debora Richardson,

Jerome Richardson, Earl Sawyer, Gail Seldon, and Priscilla Young.

Articles for the February 2012 Church Chat issue are due on Sunday, January 22, 2012. Any articles received after that date will be considered for the March 2012 issue. We reserve the right to edit and publish any articles submitted to us at our own discretion.

PAGE TWENTY-SIX

WORDS OF INSPIRATION