january/february 2015

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 • VOL 2, No. 1

A BI-MONTHLY NEWS MAGAZINE OF SAINT MARK BAPTIST CHURCH

2 // GROWTH CONNECTIONS

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:Pastor’s Heart 3Loving Inwardly 6Loving Outwardly 12Loving Our Future 16Loving Our Present 18Let’s Celebrate 22

CONTENTS

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

14

7

4

KEEPING UP WITHTHE BRASFIELDSLoving Outwardly equals twice the family

SISTERSloving SISTERSWomen’s Ministry Kick-off 2015

SPREADINGthe LOVE EPIDEMICFour pillars changing the culture at Saint Mark

Loving Inwardly

Loving Outwardly

Loving Our Future

Loving Our Present

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 // 3

Saint Mark Family and Friends,

We have had a wonderful start to the year! The Love Epidemic is in full effect, and we are learning to honor God by putting others ahead of ourselves. This year, we are intensifying our efforts individually and collectively to be living expressions of the Gospel. God’s love was clearly demonstrated on the cross of Jesus Christ. Christ lovingly laid down His life, taking the entire wrath of God that we deserved for our disobedience on Himself. Those of us who have received Him by faith and have turned to His cross to be rescued from the penalty of our sin must share this message with the entire world! Grace is available and forgiveness is possible. We share this message with our words and with our selfless lifestyles of service and giving.

We are not simply adding more service projects to our calendar, although these opportunities are important pictures of the Gospel. Rather, we are revolutionizing the way we think and act to ensure that everything we do is done in love. This is a significant undertaking and calls for radical adjustment to the way we are accustomed to living. It also draws a clear line of distinction between believers in Christ and the “me first” culture in which we live. The God who loves us is certainly worthy of such extreme correction in our attitude and behavior. Christ served, loved, gave and surrendered so that we can be saved. We owe Him a life of selflessness.

In this issue you will see the beginning of the Love Epidemic movement in our church family. It is infiltrating our various ministries and hopefully your hearts as we endeavor to touch everyone we come in contact with the love of God. From our New Year’s Eve services to our ministry kickoff activities, and even in your testimonies we are experiencing a heart change that we believe will result in a better community and stronger individuals within the body of Christ. I’m excited to see God move through us to infect our world with love. Join me in spreading the Love Epidemic.

With All Christian Sincerity,

Phillip L. Pointer, Sr.

PASTOR’S HEART


Love EPIDEMIC

CREATINGaCultureCAREOF

What is the Love Epidemic? Love epidemic is more than random acts of kindness. It must be a new behavior leading Saint Mark to develop a culture of care. That means we take care of one another. It is when everyone, no matter what our age, socioeconomic status or social circle understands we are called to care for others.

We’ve been commanded to love our family, neighbors and even those people who are not so easy to love. It’s not about finding people to love; it’s about loving people no matter who they are.

LOVE NEVER IGNORES NEEDS. If we see a need, we should do something to serve the person in need. We should not wait for a cry for help to act.

LOVE INVESTS TIME AND RESOURCES. Compassion must be met with action. Taking care of someone in need requires resources and time.

LOVE IS LAVISH AND OVERPOWERING. Love may not necessarily be expensive, but it is lavish. Love is a deliberate decision. We should love in such a way that we give whatever it takes for others to become whole.

How do we spread the Love Epidemic? These four focus areas will help us transform our homes, jobs, schools, and neighborhoods.

Loving Inwardly

Loving Outwardly

Loving Our Future

Loving Our Present4

2

3

1

We will love our present by helping the men of Saint Mark become godly leaders in the home, church and our community.

We will love our future by helping our children develop spiritually and educationally through the new Children and Youth Center.

We will love outwardly by encouraging members to become regularly involved in community service through volunteerism and advocating for social justice.

We will love inwardly by making sure every member knows they are valuable and cared for, whether they are a new member or have been a part of this ministry for decades.


LOVE EPIDEMIC

New Year’s Eve 2014 was the official kickoff of the Love Epidemic. For the first time, there were two worship services to accomodate more people as we started this love movement. Members from the dance ministries came together moving us forward toward the new year, but were interrupted for an emergency announcement like no other: “Warning! Officials have announced the beginning of something highly contagious that is spreading across the land!”

As music began to play the dancers began to step to the music “Love Epidemic” by the Trammps. Members of the choir and the congregation joined in spreading the love across the room. The atmosphere was set for a great night of worship.

Following great praise and worship led by the Saint Mark Sanctuary Choir, and a brief introductory video about Love Epidemic, Pastor Pointer encouraged everyone to catch this highly contagious condition. “There is no greater need in the world today than for the world to see and know the love of God expressed through the body of Christ,” said Pastor Pointer. “We are starting here in our church, touching our community around us, our city, our state. We want to spread this thing to the world.”

TWOSERVICESepic NightONE//


Making sure every member knows they are valuable and cared for

INWARDLY


LOVINGINWARDLY

By Jason Ray

The leadership at Saint Mark is excited about our continued growth here. Now more than ever the staff would like to make sure the ways we connect with you are fast and effective. In March, the new online community MySaintMark will launch on our website. Through MySaintMark, you will be able to register for events, search for and express interest in ministry groups, and communicate with members within those groups.

You will also be able to sign up for the new online giving. If you already give through SMARK.ORG or the church app, beginning March 1st online givers will be required to use MySaintMark to give. The transition will be smooth and easy. You won’t notice much difference, it will just look slightly different. You will be able to schedule your recurring giving. You will also be able to select how you want your contribution to count on your giving record.

MySaintMark will also be the place where you can find online sign-ups and forms, Bible study notes, the church calendar, Annual Reports and coming soon, our new photo gallery.

Again, beginning March 1st, please go to SMARK.ORG and register to be a part of this great new community.

Join OURONLINECommunity

By Pastor Brodes Perry

What is Assimilation? That’s the question I get asked most often since coming to Saint Mark. The short answer; Assimilation is about getting people integrated into the body of the church from every aspect. It is the task of moving people from an awareness of Saint Mark, to attending, to becoming an active member.

Our goal is to have everyone become a part of the Saint Mark family rather than merely being attached to it. There’s a difference. God has blessed Saint Mark over the years, as evidenced by the current membership and ministry successes. But I believe that our best days are ahead of us as we strive to continue to be all that we can be for God’s glory. There’s so much Saint Mark offers, but the reality is, there’s so much YOU offer Saint Mark. We should all share in building up God’s Kingdom through the life and ministry of Saint Mark, and that’s something that each of us can do! God has uniquely gifted each of us to be a blessing to the body here at Saint Mark.

Could you imagine for a moment how much more of a blessing we would be as a church family, if everyone got involved in what God is doing here? How

many more lives we can touch. How much more could we spread the Love Epidemic? That’s what Assimilation is all about: helping provide a sense of belonging and connection to Saint Mark.

What does a Saint Mark member look like? It is a person who is growing in learning, serving, giving and building godly

relationships with one another. You. GROW. Here. And that’s where it begins. Are you currently connected

to a learning group, whether it is Sunday School, Master Life or Roddy E. Collins School

of Ministry? Have you committed to serving in one of our many ministries

that focuses on using your gifts and talents? Are you being a faithful steward over the resources that God has given you, realizing that “God

owns and we manage?” Are you building godly relationships through the ministries in our Life

Connections Division? If not, we invite you to change that today.

To start your journey, call or email me and I’ll help you get

plugged in where you belong, 501-663-3955 ext. 207 or

[email protected].

Start. GROW. Here.Finding Your Way at Saint Mark


LOVINGINWARDLY

Do you have questions regarding your faith and what Christianity is all about? Join the Starting Point Class, designed to help answer those questions as you begin your new life in Christ. This class meets at 9:45a each Sunday in the Conference Room of the Education Center.

Join us in our Steps To Growth Class where we will share more about the innerworkings of Saint Mark and help you along your journey of growing here at the church. This class meets at 9:45 a.m. each Sunday in Room 320 C & D of the Education Center.

2New Waysto get

just joined // considering Saint Mark

recently baptized // new believer

GROWING


By Terrie Ellington

How sweet it is to be loved by you! That’s just how we felt as we entered the Family Life Center for the 2015 Women’s Ministry Kick Off! We were greeted with warm smiles, pleasant words of welcome, and lots of hugs from ministry volunteers.

More than 125 women entered the room to find tables and chairs beautifully decorated displaying an ambiance of elegance. Food prepared for the evening was on display, and the atmosphere was charged with excitement.

After Scripture was read and prayer rendered, volunteers were called to start the festivities off with the line dance first introduced on New Year’s Eve to the song “Love Epidemic.” Soon the volunteers were joined by most of the other women in the room as they stepped in unison to the rhythm of the music.

Although line dancing was fun, it was not the highlight of the evening. That came when we played “The Name Game,”

where we were instructed to find ten ladies that we did not know and ask them their names.

Prizes were provided by

the Prayer Shawl Ministry for the night. To win a door prize at the end of the event we had to recall all ten names and point the ladies out.

This caused us to leave our comfort zone with friends and interact with others in the room to spread the love by involving all who were present. Everyone was on someone’s top 10 list by night’s end as we mingled in conversation to get to know each other.

It was beautiful, and it felt good to put names to the faces of women we see every Sunday. Now when we greet each other to spread the Love Epidemic during service, we can call each other by name. This simple act of intimacy helps to make everyone feel loved and accepted.

Won’t you join us by becoming a part of the Women’s Ministry and helping us spread the Love Epidemic? We welcome you and we want to know your name!

SS "...but the greatest of these is LOVE."~1 Corinthians 13:13b

SistersLovingSisters

To Know YouIs to Love You

Photos by Randall Lee


Welcome

April AcreeEarl AcreeKorey B. AdamsAzel AmosFe’Tara AmosBrandon Anderson- ThomasKendal BeanHoward BellRalston BledsoeTonya BooneEaster BroadwayAlyse BriggsMarque BrownAngela R. BurtonErica CobbsDarlene ColemanKendrick CollinsSharetta CrinerDetonio DavisSheena DeloneyTanika DixonRochelle DuckworthBernard EllisCrystal EvansDanielle GatewoodTahnya GloverHenry GreenClark Harris IIIJoshua HarrisCynequa HaynieMiles HearneIndigo Henderson

Edward HesterRachondra HillTomelia HintonKay HunterBrandon HoustonTermeka HubbardCassandra HunterMikita JewsTeri JohnsonKenitra JonesBrittany KimbroughDamien LandNashell LibbettCedric LoudenRachel LuckettRichard LyonsLyntisha MillerParis MiltonWillie MiltonChastity MooreAshmere NelsonMaqruel NelsonTabitha Dickerson PerryBarry RanciferRegina ReamsRoland RigginsKaren ShawMia SimmonsUndray StarksMisty StewartShunte StoneKeyonna SurrattLynneice Swift

In December 2014 and January 2015 we welcomed 80 members to the Saint Mark church family. We encourage you to get to know our new members.

NEW MEMBERS

Eugene TerrellBrandi ThompsonCrystal ThrowerKaylon ThurstonNorris Townsend IIIFrank TurnerLaShaundra TylerPaul WashingtonDebbie WelchTyrus WestAlex WilliamsEmily Heard-WilliamsKylar WilliamsNicholas WilliamsBrandi Yarberry-Rawls

LOVINGINWARDLY

Encouraging members to become regularly involved in community service through volunteerism and advocating for social justice

OUTWARDLY


moments from Dr. King’s leadership of the Civil Rights Movement. Supportive remarks were made by Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola, U.S. Congressman French Hill, U.S. Congressman Tom Cotton and several others.

Zetoria Curry sang “Walk With Me, Lord” and inserted imagery of the days of the Civil Rights Movement through spoken word. The entire room was moved to stand throughout her selection.

Dr. Christopher Davis of Memphis, Tennessee, delivered a very poetic and driving message “It’s My Responsibility,” stirring passion for the tasks ahead of us during the changing times. He used the example of the vine and vine dresser to show through God’s mercy we are still here to continue to strive for the betterment of humanity.

LOVINGOUTWARDLY

By Zeornee’ Herts

More than 250 religious and secular leaders, politicians and members of the community came together for the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission’s Interfaith Prayer Breakfast. Saint Mark served as host for this event, which started the “Day of Service” in Central Arkansas.

The program featured segments of prayers and speeches by the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and a welcome by our own Dr. Phillip L. Pointer, Sr. Pastor Pointer encouraged everyone to use the causes of social justice for which Dr. King stood and marched as motivation to be active seekers of social justice.

Throughout the program Mistress of Ceremonies Tiffany Pettus recited historical vignettes highlighting different

COMING TOGETHER

CHANGEfor Social


By Keya Pointer

Like many other couples, college sweethearts Kim and Kamar Brasfield were having trouble getting pregnant. So when their biological son, Kamron, was 12 they decided to try in-vitro fertilization. Kim got pregnant but miscarried. Hopeful, Kim and Kamar tried again. Kim got pregnant a second time, but unfortunately miscarried again. Kim was devastated. “I was lost. After the second miscarriage, I was angry with God, angry at the world. My faith was holding on by a thread. ”

Kim found herself struggling through a depression. Her despair was aggravated by guilt she felt over an abortion she had had when Kamron was a baby. “Although I love my son and would not change a thing [Kamar and I] encountered several challenges working part-time jobs and being full-time students. Our parents were helping with Kamron and I didn’t want to burden anyone else with a second child,” she says. Kim became convinced that the miscarriages were punishment for that abortion.

But as she continued faithfully attending church and serving in ministry, Kim experienced a fresh

outpouring of God’s forgiveness. “Jesus died for us and forgives our sins. I realized he had already forgiven me, but I needed to forgive myself.” With that breakthrough, Kim heard from God. It was then that she started considering adoption and decided to broach the subject with Kamar. “My first thoughts were, ‘We’d already been through the fertility treatments and the miscarriages, let’s give it some time and think about it,’” Kamar remembers.

After some time of prayer and reflection, Kim and Kamar decided to move forward with adoption. The couple connected with The C.A.L.L., an Arkansas organization that recruits and trains Christian families for foster care and adoption. The Brasfields learned about a sibling group of three in need of a home. Kim printed out a picture of them, put it in her Bible and started praying about them.

In March 2014, the Brasfields were introduced to Kenzie, 10, Kaylee, 6, and Kason, now 5. The siblings had been separated and living in different foster homes as often happens. They were reunited in the Brasfield home in April

Keeping Upwiththe Brasfields

Photos by Randall Lee

An Act of Love from the heart


LOVING OUTWARDLY

2014, and became permanent members of the family on October 7, 2014.

Throughout the process, the Brasfields say The C.A.L.L. provided much needed support. The organization connected them with other foster and adoptive parents, educated them about the foster care and adoption system and even provided clothing from the C.A.L.L. Mall for the children. “My oldest and youngest came to us with nothing,” Kim remembers. The adoption process took fifteen painstaking months involving paperwork, home visits and more paperwork. Kamar credits Kim with being “persistent and consistent” through the experience.

Kim and Kamar are so proud of how the children have blossomed and have great hopes for the children.

Every day has its challenges. Kim and Kamar marvel over God’s providence and timing in their journey to adoption. Kenzie, Kaylee and Kason entered foster care on the very date of Kim’s first miscarriage. “I didn’t understand what God was doing,” says Kim, reflecting on her years of infertility and loss. “I understand it now. When I got their case profiles and saw that date, I thought, ‘this has to be it. That is not a coincidence. That is the hand of the Lord.’ He wanted us to have these children. He knew these kids needed us.”

The Brasfields encourage anyone who is interested in fostering or adopting to connect with the C.A.L.L. For more information

visit www.thecallinarkansas.org.


Helping our children develop spiritually and educationally through the new Children and Youth Center

OUR FUTURE


LOVING INWARDLY

The final countdown for the groundbreaking of our Children and Youth Center has begun. Immediately after the 11:30 a.m. worship service on May 3rd we will meet on the back parking lot for the ceremony that will begin the building phase of this great facility. Everyone is invited to be a part of this great occasion.

Please continue your financial support so that our church will reach our goal of more than $2 million to start the project. May 3rd will also serve as Seed Sunday. This is the day to bring our best sacrificial gift toward the capital campaign. We want to make sure that everyone participates in building the future

for our youth and this community. There are many ways to particpate. You can give online at SMARK.ORG, through our church app, Saint Mark LR or you can use the envelopes in the pews on Sundays and Wednesdays.

nowatSaint Mark

The AWANA program has now begun at Saint Mark. AWANA, which is Approved Workmen

Are Not Ashamed, is derived from 2 Timothy 2:15. The youth received their introductory packet and are tasked with memorizing scripture to earn their first achievement.

AWANA is held during the 11:30 worship service for children in kindergarten through

fourth grade. Once the students

master their introductory booklet, they will receive their achievement vests and their study lessons. Each time they reach a new level they will receive a new patch to attach to their vest.

The first group of students will finish the year’s program in October. Students are welcome to join in this exciting way to learn the Bible at any time during the year. Contact the Saint Mark Youth Ministry for more information at 501-663-3955 ext. 241.

Helping the men of Saint Mark become godly leaders in the home, church and our community

OUR PRESENT


By Pastor Brodes C. Perry

The Men’s Ministry kick-off event brought out more than 135 brothers, with 35 attending a Men’s Ministry event for the first time. Pastor Pointer shared his vision for the men and challenged them to be consistent in 2015. The men heard the heart of Pastor Pointer as it relates to what a Saint Mark member looks like. It is one who is Growing in Learning, Growing in Serving, and Growing in Giving.

A new ministry was introduced at the meeting, Gideon’s Army. This ministry will serve in various capacities throughout Saint Mark that will help facilitate the growth of the church. It is actively seeking men who currently aren’t involved in any ministry. Gideon’s Army is a great first serve opportunity. The commitment will be two Sundays a month and we’re praying for 40-50 brothers to respond to this call. If you are interested,

please contact Brodes Perry at 663-3955 ext. 207 or [email protected] for more information.

The Men’s Ministry meets monthly on the fourth Saturday of the month at 9 a.m. in the Family Life Center as Pastor Pointer leads the study “Kingdom Man,” by Tony Evans.

LOVINGOUR PRESENT

Developing Men as Spiritual Leaders


In January, Pastor Pointer introduced the seventeen deacons-in-training to the congregation. These men will undergo a process of training that will last at least twelve months. During this time they will serve alongside our current deacons as they are vetted by the leadership of the church and the congregation.

WHAT IS A DEACON? Deacons are extensions of the pastoral ministry of our church. Their primary function is to serve the practical needs of the church as a whole and members in particular. The deacons are a “catch all” ministry – they function in any and every way necessary to ease the burden of the pastor and the membership. Much of the deacons work is unseen and unheralded. Deacons are a serving gift, not a speaking gift. They are known for their works, not their words.

A deacon is not just someone who attends church regularly and supports the church financially. A deacon should be able to recognize the needs of the church and meet the needs even before they are verbally expressed. The deacons are to be servants.

Jesus showed the perfect example of meeting unspoken needs by washing the feet of the disciples. In those times, people traveled across dirt roads to their gathering places and their feet were very dirty. It was not a job that anyone of stature would be expected to do. But Jesus knew their feet needed to be cleaned after their journey, and He wanted to be an example of the kind of servant He was looking for in His kingdom to come so Jesus knealt down and washed their feet.

LEADERSDeveloping

DEACONS

new

There are core qualifications for the office of deacon:

“Men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom” – Acts 6:3

“Full of faith and the Holy Spirit” – Acts 6:5

Deacons are to be capable of serving the Lord in spiritual ways. – Acts 6:8 NJKV, Acts 8:5-7

The Office of Deacon requires a firm grasp of sound doctrine. – Acts 6:9

The presence of deacons should advance the unity of a church. – Acts 6:5

The presence of deacons should advance the cause of evangelism. – Acts 6:8

From: “The Biblical Role of Deacons” by Derek Gentle


LOVINGOUR PRESENT

First Row: Enos Jones, Chris Bell, Cory Adams, Phillip Carlock, Odell Nickelberry, Walter Jones, Sr., Terrance James, and Thomas Cooper.

Second Row: Deacon Garrett Jones, Deacon Thomas Bennett, Tony Brown, Elder Chester Wicker, Kevin Noble, Richard Wilson, Pastor Phillip L. Pointer, Sr., Elder Tim Woods, Patrick Stubbs, Troy Jackson, Dewayne Gentry, Quincy Edwards, Kelsey Bailey,

Elder Lamarr Bailey, and Elder Willie Howard.Not Pictured-Rayfield Brown

Deacons in Training

“In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily

distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters,

choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them”

Acts 6:1-3 (NIV)


RAYMOND ARMON Named Saint Mark Deacon of the YearRaymond Armon was selected as the Saint Mark Deacon of the Year for 2014 because of his commitment and dedication as a deacon. He leads the hospital visit teams and fills in when other deacons are not able to visit.

CHARLES THOMAS Receives Deacons Service AwardCharles Thomas was selected to receive a special service award by the Saint Mark deacons for the assistance he provides members toward improving their financial stewardship.

CHRIS HENDERSON, IRVING JACKMAN New Officers with LRPDChris Henderson and Irving Jackman were among the Little Rock Police Academy’s graduating class of Winter 2015. They were both sworn in as patrol officers.

COLETTE HONORABLE Confirmed to Federal Energy Regulatory CommissionThe United States Senate confirmed Colette Honorable in December 2014 to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). She has served as chairman of the Arkansas Public Service Commission since 2011 and is the former president of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners. She will serve out the remainder of a term that ends June 2017. FERC Chairman Cheryl A. LaFleur congratulated Honorable on her confirmation: “Colette brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the important issues we are facing.”

GROWTH CONNECTIONSis a bi-monthly news magazine of the Saint Mark Baptist Church, Little Rock, AR.

This publication is produced through the Media & Marketing Division of our church.

eNews Team: Rodney Armstrong, Patrice Bax, Saundra Bracy, Natasha Brown, Brandi Doan, Terrie Ellington, Jerry Hall, Tammy Harrell, Jennice Haynes, Zeornee’ Herts, Teddi Johnson, Wanda McGee, Anthony Moore, Angela Newkirk, Keya Pointer, Roline Thomas, Julian White, Corey Wiley, LaShaun Wiley, Bill Wilkins.

Celebrations: Submit jpg photos and information to [email protected]

Advertising: Rates and sizes are available upon request.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Zeornee’ Herts, [email protected], or at 663-3955 ext. 230.

LET’S CELEBRATE


ROADSIDE SERVICE [via email]

One hot Friday I stopped to help three women and two toddlers whose car had broken down on their way across the country. They had been stranded for 14 hours. No one had stopped to help them and their cell phones were dead so they couldn’t reach their loved ones.

My husband joined me in the effort to help the women and tried to start their car but the transmission was dead. I had charged one of their phones in my car for a while and she was finally able to reach someone, but they couldn’t come pick the women up until hours later. God moved on our hearts to do more to help them. So we took them to a hotel and payed $80 for a room for them to stay in until their help arrived.

We never saw or heard from them again, but we overheard one of them saying, “These church people came to help us.” We had not told her we were “church” people, but she saw God’s love in and through our actions. God got the glory!

Terrie Ellington#loveepidemic

We Wantto hear Your

TESTIMONIES

[email protected]#loveepidemic

5722

CONNECTWe encourage you to stay in touch with us through our social media channels and at SMARK.ORG.

5722 West 12th Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72204

501.663.4924501.663.3955

WAYS TO

@saintmarklr @plpointer

january/february 2015

Documents

love of god

gods love

love epidemic movement

loving people

saint mark family

culture of care

body of christ

cross of jesus christ