POLICE COMMISSIONER

Commissioner Ross To Speak at Scholarship

Banquet

On March 11, Philadelphia’s new Police Commissioner, Richard Ross Jr., will join the congregation assembled to celebrate the 2016 Man of the Year and the 2016 Scholar of the year.

Commissioner Ross leads t h e f o u r t h l a rg e s t p o l i c e department in the nation with more than 6300 sworn and 800 civilian members. He was sworn in as Phi lade lphia Pol ice Commissioner on January 5, 2016. Commissioner Ross brings more than 25-years of service, experience and expertise to the top post.

Richard Ross spent the last 10 years serving as deputy commissioner with 8 of those as 1st deputy commissioner.

S i n c e j o i n i n g t h e

Philadelphia Police Department in April of 1989, Ross has worked in various units, ranging from Patrol, Special Operations and the Detective Bureau to

Homicide, and Internal Affairs. As First Deputy Commissioner o f F i e l d O p e r a t i o n s , h i s command inc luded Pa t ro l Operations, Homeland Security and Domestic Preparedness, Special Operations, Detective Bureau , Labor Re la t i ons , Community Relations, Criminal I n t e l l i g e n c e , C o m m a n d Inspections Bureau, and the Mayor’s Security Detail.

Commissioner Ross was born and raised in Philadelphia. The Central High alumnus is known a c r o s s t h e c i t y f o r h i s commitment to public safety and his compassion for people. Through the years, he has earned respect in the department and in Philadelphia’s communities. He believes in community policing

THE GRACE BEACON “IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY, SEEKING EVER TO REACH

THE COMMUNITY’S HEART”

Vol. MMXVI Issue No. 3 March, 2016Published by Grace Baptist Church of Germantown

25 West Johnson StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19144-1909

Dr. Quintin L. Robertson, Interim PastorDeacon Tyrone L. Beach, Sr., Chair of Diaconate

He Lives, That We Might Live!

and the power it has to effect change in this country. Ross also believes in the importance of mentoring, and mentors a number of young people.

Of all his assignments, Ross is particularly proud of the time he spent in patrol and the homicide unit. Although he learned a great deal in each of his assignments, these two units helped reaffirm his belief in the importance of good police work as a means to help people feel and be safer.

Commissioner Ross is the recipient of numerous awards and citations, including the Gary P. Hayes award for excellence in policing and a Harvard Kennedy School leadership certificate. He has an undergraduate degree in Labor & Industrial Relations from Penn State University, and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Saint Joseph’s University. He is a graduate of the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, the F.B.I. National Academy and the National Executive Institute, the Police Executive Leadership Institute.

Everyone is invited to join the Men’s Ministry at 6:00 p.m. in the James B. Murray Social Hall to celebrate our outstanding students and dedicated men. Who will be the winner of prestigious “Man of the Year” recognition? Which student will be recognized for outstanding scholarship, extra curricular activities, service to Grace Baptist Church, the ability to think quickly and the ability to speak and write well? All of

these are things which the judges consider during the interview process. We will find out on that Friday.

Al l p roceeds f rom the Scholarship Banquet benefit the Scholarship program here at Grace. Currently each student who applies on time and has at least a 2.5 average receives $1300 to help defray the cost of education during each school year for a total of 4 years. It is important that both students and parents keep an eye on the Bulletin for the announcement of the application deadlines.

Resurrection Greetings From Our Interim

PastorSpring reminds us of the

resurrection as we recall the church’s commemoration and celebration of the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior. It is also reflected in seeing new growth in trees and flowers that we saw die just some four to six months ago. More importantly, the resurrection reminds us of new beginnings.

We witness the changing of the seasons each year in our natural environment. Every fall/autumn we see the falling away of green leaves and colorful

flowers. By the time winter appears they have all but disappeared and are buried by the winter’s cold. However; as spring approaches, new life begins to bloom and we again see those green leaves and colorful flowers once more.

As we take this journey in life we too go through seasons. The Scriptures remind us that “to e v e r y t h i n g t h e r e i s a season.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) If you are experiencing a season of death, denial and drought then it is time for you to anticipate a new season with new beginnings and new opportunities.

Reflecting on the resurrection I am reminded of a friend of mine in the Bible named Lazarus. All of us know Lazarus’s testimony that after being dead for four days Jesus resurrects him back to life. However, most of us fail to observe that Lazarus is first mentioned in scripture as a certain man who was sick. (See John 11) We are not introduced to Lazarus prior to his sickness; that is prior to the autumn season of his life.

But there are several things around the story of Lazarus that gives us hope for a personal resurrection.

A l t h o u g h , w e a r e n o t introduced to Lazarus until he is sick, Lazarus is known by Jesus prior to his sickness. John 11:3 says that when his sisters, Mary and Martha sent for Jesus, they send word he whom you love is sick. So although, Lazarus may not have been fai thful or committed to Jesus; Jesus loved him! But not only do we see that

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Jesus loves Lazarus; we see that his sisters care about him.

These two sisters could have given up on Lazarus and not called on Jesus. But they recognized that Lazarus had value; that he was loved by Jesus and therefore they cared for him until his death. They cared for him so much that when Jesus showed up they said it was too late. Can you imagine telling Jesus he is too late! Jesus demonstrates to the sisters and to that grieving community that it is never too late. The season of death may have set in, but Jesus reminds the two sisters “I am the Resurrection.”

If you have experienced a season where you believe it is too late for change; it is resurrection time. It you believe it has lasted too long; it is resurrection time. R e m e m b e r , J e s u s i s t h e Resurrection and He has come to give you life and life more abundantly. If your situation like Lazarus has been dead and is now stinking, it is not too late. Jesus can speak to your dead situation and bring new life. Therefore, roll away the stone that is blocking your blessing. Remove all the hindrances and obstacles of doubt and fear. And allow Jesus to speak to your situation and bring you a personal resurrection. It is a new season; it is a new day; it is a new beg inn ing ; i t i s t he Resurrection!

Grace and Peace,Quintin L. RobertsonThe Rev. Dr. Qu in t i n L . Robertson

A WORD FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE

DIACONATE/CEO

Grace Baptist Church of Germantown – Ministering from

Monday to Saturday

“Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are

few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers

into His harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38

What happens at Grace after we experience a spirit-filled worship service on Sunday morning? During the week, Monday through Saturday, we have many activities taking place in the church, at the community center and in the greater community. During the evenings as you approach the sanctuary, you hear beautiful music coming from the sanctuary and chapel when our choirs/choruses/bells and praise dancers are involved in preparation for ministry. Official boards, community groups, alumni associations, and our many ministries are meeting and planning to carry out their missions.

Our interim pastor or the associate ministers and musicians are involved in shaping the upcoming Sunday service, preparing the Sunday message, selecting scriptures, hymns and musical selections. The Audio/

Video Ministry works to provide quality amplification and to accommodate special requests for families during homegoing services. The ministers, deacons, trustees, nurses, ushers, members of the security team, church clerk, facilities coordinator, mus ic ians , so lo is t s , choi r members, sextons, and secretarial staff all support our efforts to celebrate the lives of deceased members. In February 2016 alone there were homegoing services at Grace Baptist Church of Germantown on the 9th, 19th, 22nd, 23rd and 26th. There were comfort visits conducted for the families prior to each service. We praise God for the members that attend and for all of the participants who gather to bring comfort to those that mourn.

Group Bible study is offered o n M o n d a y a n d Tu e s d a y mornings and on Wednesday evenings. The deacons lead mid-week interactive prayer services at noonday and at 8:00 PM. The associate ministers bless the m e m b e r s h i p w i t h t h e i r meditations during the Lenten season and in the summer months. Most church ministries come together as a group once a year to give leadership to the night-time prayer meeting.

On Wednesdays, the scouts fill the James B. Murray Social Hall as our youth and young men are mentored by dedicated fathers and scouts leaders. Girl Scouts assemble on Saturdays.

The Grace Communi ty Christian Center (GCCC) is our gift to the community. In addition to the morning Monday/

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Tuesday Bible Study and the Wednesday post-prayer meeting luncheon, Cub Scouts meeting on Saturday, there is an after school program for children. After being picked up from their schools, students are fed, assisted with homework and otherwise engaged in wholesome activities i n a n u r t u r i n g a n d s a f e environment. There are several food programs that provide fresh and canned fruits and vegetables, meats, bakery items and other groceries to those in need. There are weeks when as many as five trucks are unloaded with items that must be stored and rotated. There is an on-going need for volunteers and manpower to assist with these projects. During the tax season, AARP provides free tax preparation at GCCC through appointments. To join the GCCC outreach mission, please call (215) 848-2700. GCCC programs run Monday through Friday but meetings are held there seven days a week.

The Grace Baptist Church of Germantown was built on a strong foundation that was rooted in prayer. Our organizational structure was primarily laid during the 42 year tenure of Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Sr. f o l l o w ed b y 3 1 y ea r s o f leadership under Rev. Dr. G. Daniel Jones. Our ministries continue to function and to carry out their missions to the glory of God.

We eagerly and sometimes impatiently await God’s choice to become the next Senior Pastor of our church. “But those who trust in the Lord will find new

strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. [Isaiah 40:31] God grant us patience.

Each one of us must accept the challenge and responsibility to keep the Grace family together. We must s tr ive to enrich and strengthen our spiritual lives through the study of God’s Word so that we can better discern “what is that good and acceptable and perfect Will of God” for us. I encourage you to spend some time reading, studying and meditating over Romans 12. Its message is extremely relevant to our situation. We are all members of this body of Christ with varying gifts and functions. Let us serve the Lord with gladness (Psalm 100: 2a) “to fulfill God’s Will through Worship, Work and Witness.” We have many ministries in the church but not enough volunteers to serve. To become the church that God has called us to be, we need more members to transition from being p e w m e m b e r s t o a c t i v e contributors of their time, talent a n d r e s o u r c e s . F r o m a conversation with a new member, I learned that pew members are important to creating a welcoming atmosphere that could lead visitors to become members. Please know that new ministry ideas are welcomed!

Deacon Tyrone L. Beach, Sr.Chair of the Diaconate/CEO

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NEWS FROM THE SEARCH COMMITTEE

THE DEADLINE FORRECEIPT OF PASTORAL

APPLICATIONSIS

MARCH 31, 2016

Anyone who is applying for the position of Senior Pastor of Grace Baptist Church of Germantown should be sure that the completed application is received on or before this date.

Spiritual Armor

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”  Romans 12:9

PRAYER FOR GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH OF

GERMANTOWNDURING THIS TIME OF

PASTORAL TRANSITION

Eternal God our Heavenly Father: We the members of Grace Bapt is t Church of Germantown thank and praise you for all you have done for us individually and collectively, and you have done so much indeed. You have held us together as a congregation through over a hundred years of worship and service, during times of joy and of sorrow, during turmoil in society, and in spite of tough economic times. You were there with us through it all, and by your precious Holy Spirit you have strengthened us, guided us, and used us to bring others to Christ.

We thank you for the Spirit-filled leadership you have given us through the years, especially for the service of our late Pastor Emeritus, the Rev. Dr. G. Daniel Jones, and we pray for similar l e a d e r s h i p a n d s p i r i t u a l guidance during this time of transition and beyond.

Help us Lord, to work together to discern your will for the future of this congregation. Help us Lord, to put our personal preferences and biases aside and to seek your wisdom, your guidance, your direction. Send us your choice as Senior Pastor of Grace Church, grant us the grace to see your will for what it is, and soften our hearts to accept the person of God whom you have sent. Help us now to acknowledge your

sovereignty in all that we do, and to follow your lead as you direct our paths. Hold this church together in your loving hand, as we work towards a future even brighter than the past you have so lovingly allowed us to experience.

We pray for unity and Christian love during this interim period and beyond, and we will give you all the honor, the glory and the praise, in the precious name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

Amen.The Deacons Ministry,

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE GRACE COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN CENTER

Philadelphia Frontiers International hosted eight (8) children for their Annual Christmas Shopping Event at Walmart, Cedarbrook Mall, followed by lunch at Hibachi Grill, on Saturday, December 12, 2015. A special thanks to Trustee Harvey Clark for making this e v e n t p o s s i b l e f o r o u r participants.

Available food continues to be distributed Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. SHARE, a state food program, is

given to anyone who meets the income guidelines. Grocers Against Hunger is available to anyone who needs food. This food is picked up from ShopRite Grocery store on Fox Street. This food is available to anyone who needs food. Senior Boxes, ( C S F P – C o m m o d i t y Supplemental Food Program) is a Federal Food Program designed to improve the health and nutrition of Senior Citizens by providing a balanced mix of healthy foods each month to add to their home pantries. Senior Boxes arr ive on the 2nd Thursday of each month. This food is available to people ages 60+ with certain income guidelines.

A special “thank you” to all the volunteers, members and nonmembers, who help in bringing these huge boxes of food into the Center, inventory the contents, and repack for distribution.

The generosity of our local ShopRite on Fox Street, in providing food is deeply appreciated. Philabundance delivers fresh produce, meat, etc. every Friday. This food is given to anyone who requests it.

The Grace After School Program (GAP) continues to provide instruction and help to students after school, along with a nutritious snack. Parents continue to express appreciation that their children are in a safe environment when they are working.

Summer Day Camp is scheduled to start Monday. June 22nd and end Friday, August 14,

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2016. An exciting summer day camp is planned. More details will be forthcoming.

The previous Health Care Seminars presented by Holy Redeemer Hospi ta l were extremely well attended. The “Care for the Caregiver” seminar provided by our own, Rev. Dr. Peggy Vertreace, was very informative, and another session is anticipated.Don Jose Stovall, Reporter It’s Spring Cleaning

Time! Many organizations have

things placed about the church that they no longer use. These items need to be removed as we prepare for a fire inspection. If the organizations do not claim these items and /or remove them, they will find their way to the trash.

We know we have a storage problem here at Grace, but the Fire Codes are specific about what and where things need to be stored.

Let’s cooperate with the Board of Trustees and remove the items ASAP.

More details about the Spring Clean UP will be posted in the Sunday Bulletin.

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Child Protection Workshop

Well Done, Grace!On Saturday, February

27,2016, 61 members of Grace who now or intend to work with Grace’s children and youth gathered in the J.B. Murray Social Hall to participate in an informational training session on the state of Pennsylvania’s Child Protection Act 31.

Led by Meghan Johnson and Allie Dolan, the presentation was both interest ing and quite informative. Did you know that as a volunteer for any organization (Church related or other) you have the responsibility to report suspected child abuse wherever you encounter it...even if it is not within the organization you are working with? You are what the state calls a “mandated reporter”. We learn many things about the new (rewritten) law that many of us did not know.

After Meghan and Allie finished the general presentation of the Act, Sandi Johnson presented a summary of the specifics of Grace’s Child Protection Policy. Each participant was given a copy of that document. As we discussed the document, that we will have to implement some changes in procedures dealing with our children and youth became apparent. These changes will be further discussed with the Joint Board, and then presented to the Church for adoption.

Our mandate supersedes the state’s mandate because it comes directly from the word of God

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them." Mark 10:14, 16

"Now it is required that those who have been given trust must prove faithful." I Corinthians 4:2

The f ina l s teps in the certification process for Grace is that criminal background and child abuse clearances be obtained, and that current photographs of all volunteers be placed in their files. We will begin working on these items in April with those who have been trained. The when and where will be posted in the Narthex, the C o m m u n i t y C e n t e r a n d Education Building as soon as arrangements are finalized.

Someone asked if we intend to have another training soon. We definitely will have to have at least one other session, but that date has not yet been set.

We know that we want to be in total compliance by July, so as Pastor Wright used to say “We’re working on it!”

As we approach Passion Week and Resurrection Sunday, please keep our services and other activities in mind. They are outlined for you on page 12.

Because He lives, we have Eternal Life! Praise God!

Happy Resurrection Sunday!Peace,S.J.

“A Place Prepared by God”

“And the woman (Israel) fled into the wilderness where she had a place prepared by God, so that there she might be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days.” Revelation 12:6 (NASB)

“ C o m e , m y p e o p l e ( Israe l ) , en ter in to your rooms, And close your doors behind you; Hide For a little while, Until indignation (the Great Tribulation) runs its course.” Isaiah 26:20

Back to the land of the Bible. To the mysteries, miracles, and i r o n i e s o f G o d a n d H i s marvelous handiwork. Such is the case concerning Petra, a faraway land hidden from the world for centuries yet preserved by the providential hand of God for a special purpose, time and people. Petra is an ancient biblical city in the Old Testament kingdom of Edom (present-day Jordan), also known as the ‘Rose Red City’ because of the magnificent maze of elaborate buildings, tombs, and temples which were literally carved out of the mountains of natural red sandstone some two thousand years ago. It could well be considered the eighth wonder of the world for good reason for only God could bring about the

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!From the Pen Of The Editor

awesome miracle and mystery of this forgotten yet preserved monument spoken of in His Word centuries ago.

Edom and the EdomitesEdom, also known as Mount

Seir, a mountainous region south of the Dead Sea, was the land given by God to Esau (Jacob’s t w i n b r o t h e r ) a n d h i s descendants, the Edomites. The hated enemy of the Jews, we see ( i n G e n e s i s 2 5 : 2 2 - 2 3 ) foreshadows of the struggles to come between the Edomites (Esau) and the Israelites (Jacob) with the prophecy being fulfilled as there was constant conflict with Israel, the origin of which began with the selling of Esau’s birthright to Jacob (vs. 31-34) and the deceitful manner in which Jacob derived the blessing of his father, Isaac (Genesis 27:6-41). The Edomites were a rebellious people who rejected Moses’ request to pass through their land enroute to Moab (Numbers 20:14-20) , they opposed King Saul (I Samuel 14:47), they fought against David (I Kings 11:14-17), and they opposed Solomon (I Kings 11:14-25). However, because of the Edomites’ pride in rejoicing over the misfortunes that befell Jerusalem and for participating in crimes against the Jews, God eventually judged Edom. The prophets Jeremiah and Obadiah proclaimed the Edomites would be expelled from their kingdom. Thus, during the 5th century BC, God allowed the Nabataens, early inhabitants of Petra, to conquer the Edomites, seizing

their territory and forcing them to withdraw to southern Palestine. The book of Obadiah chronicles E d o m ’s e v e n t u a l d o o m , denunciation and destruction. Ironically, God would use the conquerors of the Edomites to begin construction of the city of Petra in preparation for a still-future event prophesied in Scripture long ago! (Revelation 12:6; Isaiah 26:20)

PetraFormerly the capital of the

Edomite kingdom was named Sela but later renamed Petra which is believed to be

the Greek translation for Sela. Biblical history records the early destruction of Edom by a band of marauding Arabians from North Africa known as the Nabataens. By conquest, the nomadic Nabataens commanded the great caravan routes of the Middle East, robbing the rich caravans which traveled between Egypt , Syria , Arabia, and Palestine, hiding the spoils in the caves of Petra. Later, they stopped the plundering but extracted a high toll for the safe passage of well-laden trade caravans whose routes crossed each other at the strategic point beside the Nabataen fortress city. Thus, between 100 BC and 100 AD, in the days of Jesus and during the early Christian era, the rock kingdom of Petra built a modest empire as the center of t he ca r avan t r ade a s t he Nabataens carried the precious cargo of myrrh and frankincense on caravans throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East.

In these modern times, due to its breathtaking beauty and incredible history, Petra is the chief tourist attraction in the entire Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan . Located 169 miles south-southwest of the capital city, Amman, and fifty miles south of the Dead Sea, it is considered one of the most remarkable of ancient cities because of its location, shut in by mountain cliffs and accessible only on horseback or donkey through a twisting narrow gorge called a Siq (pronounced seek), meaning a cleft. The opening in the rock which is only twelve feet wide at its narrowest place with walls of sheer, stupendous red sandstone rock rises 200 to 300 feet above the valley floor

of the fortress-type city. With the aid of a genial Arab guide, a visitor travels the mile-long gorge a short journey back thousands of years in time.

God’s Hidden PlaceCenturies have passed yet

ancient Petra still endures in the desert of southern Jordan, its existence completely forgotten until an Anglo-Swiss explorer named John Lewis Burkhardt brought it back to the world’s attention in 1812. Anchored in the cliffs from which it was carved, though ra t t led by e a r t h q u a k e s t h r o u g h t h e centuries, many of Petra’s buildings remain intact even as the ravages of time resulted in the city’s decline concealing its glory for another age. In recent years, archaeologists have traveled to Petra to unearth the

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treasures of this living antiquity finding to their great surprise that the details of the magnificent carvings are well-preserved though they were cut in the stone more than two thousand years ago. Since World War II, Petra has been booming again this time with tourists trade from all over the world. In this present day, a tribe of Bedouin occupy the city though tourism was spurred by Jordan’s peace treaty with Israel in 1991 at which time 41,000 visitors ascended on the now-famous tourist site. More recently, visitation has increased tenfold with Jordan in 1993

designating Petra as a national park.

Amazing DiscoveriesOver time, archaeological

excavations in the rock city have produced amazing discoveries, one of which was the recovery of charred church scrolls still legible after the building burned around 600 AD. Experts believe these records of daily life in Petra may hold clues to its demise after the Romans took control and rerouted the caravan trade away from the ancient city. As the great treasures of Petra continue t o b e u n e a r t h e d , a n o t h e r d i s c o v e r y o f a s t o u n d i n g proportion surfaced. When the engineers in the mountains overlooking the stone city began t o r e t r a c e a n d m a p t h e Nabataens’ network of channels, basins, and dams … all built to capture and control spring water and the rainfall that gushes down toward the Siq through nineteen distinct tributaries, they found elaborate systems of hydraulics and hundreds of cisterns which kept Petra from dying of thirst in times of drought while masonry

dams in the surrounding hills protected the city from flash floods. Through the mastery of their water supply system, the Nabataens were able to build a metropolis of 30,000 people in a remote desert canyon that

gets only six inches of rain each year. To the amazement of the engineers, the Nabataens’ techniques and skill at capturing and controlling rainwater, a system known as hydrology, was nothing short of genius especially in light of the fact that Petra has no oil fields and few natural resources. In recent excavations in the Siq (the road into Petra), water channels visible along the roadside were uncovered and archaeologists have suggested that perhaps three-fourths of Petra is still underground. Today, while there are extensive ruins at Petra of Roman date, the Jordanian government has unde r t aken a p rog ram o f restoration and preservation in Petra. ……. Conclusion in next issue

Doris Collins-Terrell

March 2016

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Octavia Says:How about bringing some joy to a shut in during

Holy Week by reaching out to touch them with a call

or brief visit, Let’s try spreading a little “Jesus

Joy” as we celebrate the gift of Salvation!

Happy Easter!

Beacon Staff

Managing Editor Sandi Johnson

Associate EditorKarol Mason

Computer SpecialistWilliam L. Lucas

AdvertisingDebra L. S. Wake

Circulation ManagerCheryl Johnson

Reporters Doris Collins-Terrell

Octavia Jeanine Watson

StaffersMarcia Bass

Courtney CarterPriscilla E. Custis

Leedrester Jackson Jackie JohnsonGrace McCollum Lavida Royster Ellen Williams

Jonathan H. Williams

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Views From Our Pews

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March 13-17, 2016a forumon

andBlackPreaching

!eology

Ltsp.edu/PWP16 | 215.248.4616

The Rev. Dr. Quintin L. RobertsonDirector, Urban Theological Institute

SUNDAY, MARCH 13 | 3:30 pmCelebration of Music in the African American ChurchSt. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church5900 N. 5th StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19120

MONDAY, MARCH 14 | 7:00 pmThe Rev. Dr. Howard-John WesleyGrace Baptist Church of Germantown25 W. Johnson StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19144

TUESDAY, MARCH 15 | 11:15 amTerrorism in America — Sacred Places!e Brossman Center, LTSP7301 Germantown AvenuePhiladelphia, PA 19119

TUESDAY, MARCH 15 | 7:00 pmBishop Violet L. FisherJanes Memorial United Methodist Church47 E. Haines StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19144

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16 | 11:15 amThe Rev. Jocelyn K. HartSchae"er-Ashmead Chapel, LTSP7301 Germantown AvenuePhiladelphia, PA 19119

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16 | 7:00 pmThe Rev. Julian DeShazierReformation Lutheran Church1215 E. Vernon RoadPhiladelphia, PA 19150

THURSDAY, MARCH 17 | 7:00 pmBishop Jeffrey N. LeathMt. Tabor AME Church961 N. 7th StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19123

The URBAN THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE of The LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY at PHILADELPHIA

presents the 34th ANNUAL

A Pre-Preaching with Power Worship Service will be hosted at Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ, 6401 Ogontz Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19126, Sunday, March 13, 2016, with Dr. Quintin L. Robertson preaching at 7:30 am, and Dr. J. Louis Felton preaching at 11:00 am.

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Good Friday, March 25, 2016

Seven Last Words From The Cross

12:00 - 3:00 P.M.

Seven Last Words in Praise Dance Worship

Service7:00-9:00 P.M.

2016 Holy Week Services and Activities

Saturday , March 19, 2016Easter Egg Hunt9:00 - 11:00 A.M.

Sunday, March 20, 2016Palm Sunday Worship Service

10:55 A.M.

Wednesday, March 23, 2016Mid Day Prayer

12:00 - 1:00 P.M.

Evening Prayer8:00 - 9:00 P.M. Maundy Thursday, March 24, 2016

We Remember Calvary - A Contemporary Tenebrae Service-

Cantata by Chancel ChoirHoly Communion7:00 - 9:00 P.M.

Resurrection SundayMarch 27, 2016

Early Worship Service 5:30 - 7:00 A.M.Easter Morning Breakfast 7:00 -9:00 A.M.Sunday School Program 9:00 -10:30 A.M.

Easter Sunday Worship 10:55 A.M. - 1:15 P.M.

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Everyone is Invited to attendThe

Cathedral Choir’s

7:00 p.m.Friday, March 18, 2016

Grace Baptist Church of Germantown25 West Johnson St.

Philadelphia, PA 19144

Morgan Williams, PresidentMrs. Sara C. Blanford, DirectorRev. Dr. Quintin L. Robertson,

Interim Pastor

Why Do Churches Use L i l i e s a s E a s t e r Decorations?

There are many stories about why the Easter Lily is the Easter Lily.

One story says that after Jesus was taken from the Garden of Gethsemane these flowers sprang up in the garden where drop’s of the Savior’s sweat fell as he prayed and agonized.

Another story looks at 1 Cor inth ians 15:52 and suggests that since the pure white blooms look like trumpets, they symbolize Eternal Life.

Another says that the white of the lily represents the purity of Jesus and the gold represents Christ’s kingship. And because the flowers grow from a bulb in the ground, early Christians saw it as a symbol of Christ’s rising from the dead.

Did you know that the lily is not the only arboreal representation of Christ and Easter? The Dogwood is one of the first trees to bloom in the spring. Its four petals form a cross, and often have marks around the edge that look like rusty nail marks. In the fall, the dogwood berries are red and are said to represent the blood of Jesus.

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Kids’ PAGEsBible Memory Verses for March

Luke 24:4-7 ESV(4) While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. (5) And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? (6) He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, (7) that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.”

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Special Events in MarchDate Day Time Event5 Saturday 10:00 a.m. Women’s Retreat Brunch

5:00 p.m. PRISM Worship Service

6 Sunday 10:55 a.m. Morning Worship Service

3:30 p.m. Wrights Gospel Chorus Day

11 Friday 7:00 p.m. Men’s Ministry Scholarship Banquet

13 Sunday 10:55 a.m. Morning Worship - Holy Communion

14 Monday 7:00 p.m. Preaching With Power UTI Worship

Service

17 Thursday 7:00 p.m. BOCE Quarterly Meeting

7:30 p.m. Sister Girl Talk

18 Friday 7:00 p.m. Cathedral Choir’s Joy Night

19 Saturday 9:00 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt

20 Sunday 10:55 a.m. Palm Sunday Worship Service

1:30 p.m. New Members’ Fellowship

24 Thursday 7:00 p.m. Holy Thursday Cantata/Tenebrae

Service

25 Friday 12:00 p.m. Good Friday Service

7:00 p.m. Good Friday Praise Dance Service

27 Sunday RESURRECTION SUNDAY

5:30 a.m. Early Morning Worship Service

7:00 a.m. Senior Ushers’ Easter Breakfast

9:00 a.m. Sunday School Program

10:55 a.m. Easter Sunday Worship Service