What’s Inside From the Pastor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 01 Sermon Topics of the Previous Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 02 Deacon’s Group Bible Study Lesson Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 03 Sanctuary Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 04 Reading Through the Bible in a Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 05 Sunday School Lessons Topics & Daily Bible Readings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 05 Event Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 06 Prayer & Praise/Fellowship Hour Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 08 Evangelism Ministry Article . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 09 Get Connected Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10 Sick & Shut-in and Condolences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 11 Come Home To Family A Monthly Publication of the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church DO YOU HAVE ROOM FOR JESUS? As we enter into this Christmas season it seems as if history is repeating itself. Over two thousand years ago the world was preoccupied with busyness. This was especially true for the small town of Bethlehem. The streets were jam-packed with the descendants of King David. They were not there for a family reunion; they were there for a census ordered by the Roman government. The purpose of this census was to maximize the tax revenue for Rome. I am sure the vendors lined the streets offering the weary travelers their merchandise for a price. Among this throng of people was a young couple, Joseph and Mary. No one really noticed the couple, no one noticed Mary being heavy with child. They had more important things on their minds than a young pregnant woman. They had no idea concerning the significance of the child she was about to deliver. I can imagine Joseph and Mary pressing their way through the crowd, nudging their way to the door of the only inn in town. Once arriving at the door, they receive the disheartening words of the innkeeper: we have no rooms available. What were they to do? As they turned away with great forlornness, the innkeeper offered them his stable where he kept his animals. No room for the holy child Mary was carrying, no room but in a stable. I don’t want to paint the innkeeper as callous and heartless; he was just not expecting Mary and Joseph. He was not expecting what God was about to do. He was too busy taking care of the guest that packed his inn. Have we come full circle to having no room for Jesus? Have we relegated him to the left-over space of our lives? I wonder who made Volume 5 Issue 12 December 2013 continues on Pg. 9 Nehemiah 2:17-18
Come Home To FamilyA Monthly Publication of the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church
DO YOU HAVE ROOM FOR JESUS?
As we enter into this Christmas season it seems as if history is repeating itself. Over two thousand years ago the world was preoccupied with busyness. This was especially true for the small town of Bethlehem. The streets were jam-packed with the descendants of King David. They were not there for a family reunion; they were there for a census ordered by the Roman government. The purpose of this census was to maximize the tax revenue for Rome. I am sure the vendors lined the streets offering the weary travelers their merchandise for a price. Among this throng of people was a young couple, Joseph and Mary. No one really noticed the couple, no one noticed Mary being heavy with child. They had more important things on their minds than a young pregnant woman. They had no idea concerning the significance of the child she was about to deliver. I can imagine Joseph and Mary pressing their way through the crowd, nudging their way to the door of the only inn in town. Once arriving at the door, they receive the disheartening words of the innkeeper: we have no rooms available. What were they to do? As they turned away with great forlornness, the innkeeper offered them his stable where he kept his animals. No room for the holy child Mary was carrying, no room but in a stable. I don’t want to paint the innkeeper as callous and heartless; he was just not expecting Mary and Joseph. He was not expecting what God was about to do. He was too busy taking care of the guest that packed his inn.
Have we come full circle to having no room for Jesus? Have we relegated him to the left-over space of our lives? I wonder who made
Volume 5 Issue 12 December 2013
continues on Pg. 9
Nehemiah 2:17-18
Come Home to Family
PublisherTabernacle Missionary
Baptist Church
Editor-in-ChiefPastor Nathan Johnson
EditorDeacon Jerry Moses
StaffDeacon Robert Clarke
Rev. Kimberly Elyse, Ph.D.Sis. Donna KitchenSis. Tamesha Rouse
It is the mission of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church to: exalt the Savior through worship and praise, expound the scripture through biblical preaching and teaching, embrace the saved through membership and fellowship, equip the saints through Christian education and discipleship for the work of the ministry, encourage the struggling through ministries for the whole person and evangelize the sinner through the sharing of the Good News, all empowered by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, all done to the glory of God.
Come Home to Family is a monthly publication created to inform and encourage Tabernacle friends and family. Material must be submitted before the 15th of the month preceding each issue.
Tabernacle MissionaryBaptist Church
2080 W. Grand BlvdDetroit, MI 48208
313-898-3325
www.tmbcdetroit.org
(all sermons by Pastor Johnson unless otherwise noted)
November 3 “What’s Your Response” Psalm 116:12-14
November 10 “Experiencing God Differently” John 9:1-11 Rev. Dr. Elliott Cuff
November 17 “Your Invitation from God: Please R.S.V.P. with Evidence” Matthew 11:28-30 Rev. Jerry Rankin
November 24 “Don’t Forget A Single Blessing” Psalm 103:1-5
Pastor’s Preaching Schedule
Sermon Topics
~2~
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2013113th Church Anniversary
New Pilgrim Baptist ChurchBirmingham, AL
Rev. James H. Brooks, Senior Pastor
~~~
SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, 2014 ~ 6:00 PMAnnual Vesper Services
Hartford Memorial Baptist Church18700 James Couzens Fwy
Detroit, Mi. 48235
~~~
SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 2014 ~ 3:30 PMPastor Ryan P. Johnson First Anniversary
First Institutional Baptist Church1701 West Seven Mile RdDetroit, Michigan 48235
“Encouragement for a Faithful Man of God”Hebrews 6:10
~3~
Lesson 3: Communion with God Goal: To learn what true community is and to practice biblical KoinoniaObjective: To experience a Communion with God (experiential relationship) in a personal intimate way through His Son Jesus Christ.Scripture: One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. [Psalms 27:4]
Introduction: Last month, we found that we must be united to Christ by our saving faith before we can have fellowship with Him on a daily basis. As believers, we are already partakers in the common life of Christ through spiritual fellowship with one another. Our goal is to become a church where true community and biblical koinōnia is practiced. Koinōnia is the Greek word in Scripture which is commonly translated fellowship, sharing, partnership, and participation. As we continue our study of what true community is and the biblical practice of koinonia, this month we are addressing the communion aspect with God. We will explore how communion with God leads to greater fellowship with one another.
Many of us know God as our Savior but how many of us know Him in an intimate and personal way? In our quest to know more about God and His Word, we become drawn to others who are “anchored in the Lord” or ‘rooted and grounded’ in His Word. When mature committed believers show evidence of their devoted life to God, others are attracted to them. They begin to desire the same intimacy with God. This enables the ‘devoted’ believers to teach others how to fellowship or commune with God. The Psalmist and the prophet Isaiah understood it perfectly.
My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you. For when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness. [ESV | Is 26:9]
…..when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; {ESV | Ps 63:6]
As believers begin to model for others a committed life of communion with God and teaching others to do the same, the church begins to grow in its fellowship or communion with one another. Not only that, they grow together as a church in their communion with God. Just as David and Isaiah, we should yearn for more continuous communion with God. To do this, it should start first thing in the morning. “Our communion should be more than just having a quiet time in the morning; it should be an all-day-affair.” This early morning time with God lays the foundation for us to tune our hearts to commune with Him for the rest of the day.
O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: My soul thirsteth for thee, My flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; [KJV | Ps 63:1]
Just recently, at Tabernacle’s 93rd Church Anniversary Celebration Banquet, Reverend Dr. Tellis J. Chapman stressed the importance of spending quality time with God. What this does, he said: “It gives you “a praise” and a practice that is no longer private but public which not only influences your character and others around you but even your enemies. It is impossible to spend quality time with God and remain the same.”
As I walk in fellowship with Him,I am given strength to be like Him.
Living our lives continuously in the presence of God boils down to what is the major thrust of our hearts and minds. In doing “all-day-communion” with God, ask ourselves about how we use our discretionary thinking time. Find moments during the day to meditate upon God’s Word and to offer prayers to Him. We cannot grow closer to God and with the Body of Christ or grow spiritually without a serious emphasis on the study of the word of God.
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. [ESV | Col 2:6-7]
Deacon’s Lesson “True Community - The Biblical Practice of Koinonia”
Get the full lesson online from www.tmbcdetroit.org
Flowers Enhancing the Beauty of the Sanctuary
~4~
December 1 December 8
In Loving Memory of
Louis L. Sikes, Jr. A husband, father, and grandfather
Always in our hearts
Placed there by
Wife ~ Dorothy; Children ~ Christopher & Angela SikesGrandchildren ~ Brandon & Cameron Sikes
In Loving Memory of
Ethel Hall ~ MotherOdis Hall ~ Father
Lloyd Hall ~ Brother
Placed there by
Anelda McKenzie, Ada, Elliott, Charles, Seabron, and Zedler Hall
December 15
In Loving Memory of
Grace Hampton-HarrellBeloved Mother/Mother-in-law
Placed there by
Trustee Eddie L. & Georgia Marie Johnson
December 22 December 29
Thank you to everyone who joined theJoys of Christmas Fellowship
A blessed occasion!
Placed there by
Group 29 ~ The Injoyables
In Loving Memory of
Deceased Members of theTabernacle Men’s Choir
Placed there by the
Tabernacle Men’s Choir
MARY SINGS HER PRAISELesson 2 December 8Devotional Reading: Psalm 111Background Scripture: Luke 1:46-56Print Passage: Luke 1:46-56Key Verse: Luke 1:46,472 “My Heart Exults in the Lord” (1 Samuel 2:1-10)3 “O Magnify the Lord with Me” (Psalm 34:1-8)4 “Give Thanks to the Lord” (Psalm 100) 5 “Bless the Compassionate Lord” (Psalm 103:13-22)6 “Praise the Gracious and Merciful Lord” (Psalm 111)7 “The Lord Reigns for All Generations” (Psalm 146)8 “God Has Done Great Things” (Luke 1:46-56)ZACHARIAS PROPHESIES ABOUT HIS SON, JOHNLesson 3 December 15Devotional Reading: Luke 1:59-66Background Scripture: Luke 1:57-80Print Passage: Luke 1:57,58,67-79Key Verse: Luke 1:76,779 “What Will This Child Become” (Luke 1:59-66)10 “John’s Call to Repentance” (Luke 3:1-6)11 “What Then Should We Do?” (Luke 3:7-14)12 “One More Powerful than John” (Luke 3:15-20)13 “The Baptizer of Jesus” (Matthew 3:13-17)14 “A Prophet and More” (Luke 7:18-27)15 “A Prophet of the Most High” (Luke 1:57,58,67-79)JESUS IS BORNLesson 4 December 22Devotional Reading: Galatians 4:1-7Background Scripture: Luke 2:1-20Print Passage: Luke 2:1-17Key Verse: Luke 2:716 “A Child Dedicated to the Lord” (1 Samuel 1:21-28)17 “Blessing the Children of Israel” (Numbers 6:22-27)18 “Hope for the Coming One” (Isaiah 9:1-5)19 “A Ruler from Bethlehem and Judah” (Micah 5:1-5)20 “God’s Blessings on David’s Descendants” (Psalm 18:46-50)21 “The Fullness of Time” (Galatians 4:1-7)22 “The Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem” (Luke 2:1-17)JESUS IS PRESENTED IN THE TEMPLELesson 5 December 29Devotional Reading: Isaiah 49:8-13Background Scripture: Luke 2:21-40Print Passage: Luke 2:21,22,25-38Key Verse: Luke 2:30,3123 “Parents Committed to the Law” (Luke 2:21-24)24 “Circumcising on the Eighth Day” (Leviticus 12:1-5)25 “Offering a Sacrifice to the Lord” (Leviticus 12:6-8)26 “Consolation for Israel” (Isaiah 40:1-5)27 “The Lord’s Comfort and Compassion” (Isaiah 49:8-13)28 “A Light to the Nations” (Isaiah 42:1-7)29 “Jesus’ Presentation in the Temple” (Luke 2:25-38)
HONORING THE SABBATHLesson 6 January 5Devotional Reading: John 5:2-17Background Scripture: Luke 6:1-11Print Passage: Luke 6:1-11Key Verse: Luke 6:930 “God is Still Working” (John 5:2-17)31 “A Day of Thanksgiving” (Psalm 92:1-8)1 “A Day of Rest” (Exodus 16:22-30)2 “A Day of Remembrance” (Deuteronomy 5:11-15)3 “A Holy Convocation” (Leviticus 23:1-8)4 “A Holy Day” (Jeremiah 17:19-27)5 “Lord of the Sabbath” (Luke 6:1-11)
December1 Ezekiel 45,46 2 Peter 32 Ezekiel 47,48 1 John 13 Daniel 1,2 1 John 24 Daniel 3,4 1 John 35 Daniel 5,6 1 John 46 Daniel 7,8 1 John 57 Daniel 9,10 2 John8 Daniel 11,12 3 John9 Hosea 1,2,3,4 Jude10 Hosea 5,6,7,8 Revelation 111 Hosea 9,10,11 Revelation 212 Hosea 12,13,14 Revelation 313 Joel 1,2,3 Revelation 414 Amos 1,2,3 Revelation 515 Amos 4,5,6 Revelation 616 Amos 7,8,9 Revelation 717 Obadiah Revelation 818 Jonah 1,2,3,4 Revelation 919 Micah 1,2,3 Revelation 1020 Micah 4,5 Revelation 1121 Micah 6,7 Revelation 1222 Nahum 1,2,3 Revelation 1323 Habakkuk 1,2,3 Revelation 1424 Zephaniah 1,2,3 Revelation 1525 Haggai 1,2 Revelation 1626 Zechariah 1,2,3 Revelation 1727 Zechariah 4,5,6 Revelation 1828 Zechariah 7,8,9 Revelation 1929 Zechariah 10,11,12 Revelation 2030 Zechariah 13,14 Revelation 2131 Malachi 1,2,3,4 Revelation 22
January1 Genesis 1, 2 Matthew 12 Genesis 3, 4, 5 Matthew 23 Genesis 6, 7, 8 Matthew 34 Genesis 9, 10, 11 Matthew 45 Genesis 12, 13, 14 Matthew 5:1-26
Weekly Sunday School Lessons (and Daily Bible Readings)
Reading thru the Bible in a Year
Sunday – December 1 Sunday – December 88:15 Dawn Seeker’s Class (Wilcoxson)9:30 Sunday Church School11:00 Morning Worship (Lord’s Supper)11:00 Children’s Ministry (1st & 3rd Sundays)1:30 Cherub Choir Rehearsal (1st Sunday, Morris) 1:30 Group #7 (1st Sunday, Wilcoxson)1:30 Group #26/28 (1st Sunday, Deaconess Room)3:00 PRIVATE EVENT (Morris) 6:00 A.A. (Alcoholics Anonymous) (Beechwood Campus)
8:15 Dawn Seeker’s Class (Wilcoxson)9:30 Sunday Church School
YOUTH DIVISION (MORRIS ROOM)11:00 Morning Worship (Baptism) 1:30 Group #15 (2nd Sunday, Room 2173)1:30 Group #19 (2nd Sunday, Wilcoxson)1:30 Group #2/16 (2nd Sunday, Morris Room)6:00 A.A. (Alcoholics Anonymous) (Beechwood Campus)
Monday – December 2 Monday – December 94:30 Prayer Partners (Mondays, Quiet Room)6:00 Troop #97 Boy Scout Meeting (Mondays, Room 2152)6:00 Monday Night Bible Class (Mondays, Room 2156) 6:00 Writer’s Ministry (Mondays, Room 2159) 6:00 Super Saturday Women & Girls’ Committee Meeting
(Monday after 1st & 3rd Sundays, Room 2159)
10:00 AARP Chapter 4803 (2nd Monday/1st Tuesday, Morris)4:30 Prayer Partners (Quiet Room)6:00 Troop #97 Boy Scout Meeting (Room 2152)6:00 Monday Night Bible Class (Mondays, Room 2156) 6:00 Writer’s Ministry (Mondays, Room 2159) 6:00 Teen Girls’ Retreat Meeting (Monday after 2nd Sunday,
Room 2159)
Tuesday – December 3 Tuesday – December 109:15 Staff Meeting10:00 AARP Chapter 4803 (2nd Monday/1st Tuesday, Morris) 5:30 Women & Girls’ Choir Rehearsal (Tuesdays, Chapel) 6:00 A.A. (Alcoholics Anonymous) (Beechwood Campus)6:30 Family Bible Study
Wednesday – December 4 Wednesday – December 1112:00 Wednesday Noon Bible Study (Wednesdays, Morris Room)6:00 Teacher’s Bible Study (Wednesdays, Room 2156)7:00 Prayer & Praise Service (Wednesdays, Chapel)
12:00 Wednesday Noon Bible Study (Wednesdays, Morris Room)6:00 Teacher’s Bible Study (Wednesdays, Room 2156)7:00 Prayer & Praise Service (Wednesdays, Chapel)
Thursday – December 5 Thursday – December 125:00 Male Choir Rehearsal (Thursdays, Choir Room)5:30 Thursday Night Bible Class (Thursdays, Room 2156)6:00 Silent Ministry (Thursdays, Room 2164)6:30 Tabernacle Choir Rehearsal (Thursdays, Choir Room)
5:00 Male Choir Rehearsal (Thursdays, Choir Room)5:30 Thursday Night Bible Class (Wednesdays, Room 2156)6:00 Northwestern Alumni Association (Thursday after 2nd
Sunday – December 298:15 Dawn Seeker’s Class (Wilcoxson) 9:30 Sunday Church School 11:00 Morning Worship1:30 Group #19 (4th Sunday, Wilcoxson)1:30 Group #20/24 (4th Sunday, Morris)1:30 Group #6/23 (4th Sunday, Room 2151)6:00 A.A. (Alcoholics Anonymous) (Beechwood Campus)
Monday – December 304:30 Prayer Partners (Mondays, Quiet Room)6:00 Troop #97 Boy Scout Meeting (Mondays, Room 2152 )6:00 Monday Night Bible Class (Mondays, Room 2156) 6:00 Writer’s Ministry (Mondays, Room 2159)
Tuesday – December 31
Offices Closed
10:00 WATCH NIGHT WORSHIP CELEBRATION
Wednesday – January 1
Happy New Year!Offices Closed
Thursday – January 25:00 Male Choir Rehearsal (Thursdays, Choir Room)5:30 Thursday Night Bible Class (Thursdays, Room 2156)6:00 Silent Ministry (Thursdays, Room 2164)6:30 Tabernacle Choir Rehearsal (Thursdays, Choir Room)
Friday – January 36:00 Friday Night Bible Study (Fridays, Room 2156)
Saturday – January 412:00 Quilting, Crocheting, and Knitting Class (Saturdays, Room
Room) 2:00 Blessed Hearts Rehearsal (Saturdays, Choir Room)2:00 PRIVATE EVENT (Wilcoxson/Story)6:00 VESPER SERVICE AT HARTFORD MEMORIAL BAPTIST
CHURCH (1st Sunday in January)
Event Schedule
No Room! conclusion
Matt 13:45,46
The Gift: The Pearl of Great Price
There are three questions we should ponder during this holiday season: 1. Have you examined your vision lately? 2. Do you value the same things that Jesus values? 3. Are you living victoriously?
Vision: We must see a person the way Jesus sees them, as having the potential to accept salvation. Not deterred by what we see happening around us, but seeing them standing in heaven; redeemed, reconciled, and rewarded, receiving the crown of life. We must have a vision of every creed, every tribe, every nation, every denomination, every race, and every person who calls on the name of Jesus, standing in Heaven.
Value: While people are eternally lost apart from Christ, these same people are of tremendous worth in God’s eyes. Amazingly, God chooses us to be involved in redemptive relationships in such a way that we represent Him fully on this earth. Each human being on this earth has value. Christ laid His life down for the entire human race. That is hard to believe or conceive when we see people around us worshiping idols and believing in false doctrine. Nevertheless, Christ died for all of us. We must return to valuing people the way Christ values His creation. We all are worth it. He paid a great price for the pearl.
Victory: We should look to 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 for an exact description of victory. When we embrace the vision, of our Lord, when we place value on people, when we believe that God raised Jesus from the dead, we become victorious. Victory is not something we gain because of what we have done; victory can only be obtained by what Christ has done for us. God has made it possible for us to have the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. If we are in Christ, we have victory over death, hell and the grave. We have the victory and we are victorious.
During this season of love, let us remember the vision, value, and victory our Lord has provided for us to share with others.
up the guest book of the inn that left the innkeeper with no option but to put out the “No Vacancy” sign. Of course we have no clue who was there. However, when we look around today we have a good idea what has occupied the rooms of society and left no room for Jesus. In our society we have allowed certain “isms” to cause us to put the “No Vacancy” sign in the window of our lives. Like the innkeeper, many people have merely filled the registry of their lives with “isms” that have left no room for Christ at Christmas. The “isms” of pluralism, sentimentalism, hedonism, secularism, and commercialism are among those that have taken the rooms of the hearts of many at Christmas. Pluralism has caused us to include other religions in our celebrations that diminish the unique place of Christ. Sentimentalism has led us to replace faith in the One who came to save us with warm fleeting temporary feelings of familial goodwill. Hedonism has moved us to turn this season into a season of self-indulgence: journeying from one party to another. Secularism has robbed us of the simple but profound phrase “Merry Christmas,” only to replace it with the more politically correct phrase “Happy Holidays!” And finally, there is the ism of commercialism that causes us to camp out for “Black Friday” sales and not be wise enough to seek Him who was born King of the Jews.
The problem with this kind of cramped lifestyle is that we miss the wonder of the Christmas. When we have no room for Jesus, we are doomed to live in darkness and miss the light of His presence. To have no room for Jesus is to cheat yourself of the peace that only He provides. No room for Jesus means no deliverance from our sins which hold us captive in a life of desperation. When we have no room for Jesus we miss the real message of Christmas. The real message of Christmas is about the greatness of God’s love for us. God’s love for us is the remedy for all that is wrong with us. Christmas is about God entering our dilemma to deliver us from the consequences of our sins and reconcile us to himself. Make room for Jesus this Christmas and experience all that God has for you In Christ! Jesus is the reason for the season!
12/7/13 Group #29 Joy of Christmas Fellowship, 3 pm
12/8/13 Sunday Church School Youth Division Christmas Program, 9:30 am
12/14/13 Angel Tree Fellowship, 12 pm12/14/13 Youth Ministry Christmas
Fellowship, 6 pm12/20/13 Children’s Ministry Movie
Night, 6 pm12/21/13 Super Saturday, 9 am12/22/13 Sunday Church School
Children’s Division Christmas Program, 9 am
12/23/13 Collegiate Christmas Fellowship, 7 pm
12/28/13 Love & Respect Fellowship, 10 am
12/31/13 Watch Night Celebration, 10 pm
~~JANUARY 2014~SAVE THE DATE~~1/5/14 Church Outing: Hartford
Memorial Baptist Church Vesper Services, 6 pm
1/10/14 Parent & Teen Date Night, 6 pm1/11/14 MEDCCE, 8:45 am1/12/14 Church Outing: First
Institutional Baptist Church, 3:30 pm
1/18/14 Evangelism Workshop, 10 am
--------------------------------------------
MINISTRYOPPORTUNITIES
~~~Calling all youth ages 13-18!
You have been invited to participate in the morning worship celebration as a Giving Reflection Reader. Please see Sis. Sherrhonda Denice or call the church office to sign up.
--------------------------------------------
IMPORTANTANNOUNCEMENTS
~~~The Comfort and Care Ministry of Tabernacle will host a Precious Memories Service on Saturday, December 7, 2013 at 1 pm in the Chapel for those who have lost loved ones this year. An inspirational service is planned to commemorate the lives of your loved ones in a warm and spiritually supportive setting. A light repast will follow. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Sister Beatrice Wright by calling the church at (313) 898-3325 by Monday, December 2, 2013.
~~~
Group 29 sponsors the annual Joy of Christmas Fellowship, Saturday, December 7, 2013 at 3pm. See any member of Group 29 to reserve your space.
~~~Annual Christmas Poinsettia Project: Honor and memorialize our loved ones; add to the beauty of the lives of our sick and shut in and our members in nursing homes; and to beautify our sanctuary. See Sis. Dorothy Smith for more information. Submit your donations to cloakroom.
~~~SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, January 19, 2014 from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. Winter Evangelism Workshop, “Each One Reach” See Rev. Will Hawk for more information or call the church office to RSVP.
~~~Join Rev. Dr. Joy Davis and the team on a ministry trip to Greece March 27-April 3, 2013. For more information on the ‘In the Footsteps of Paul Missionary Trip” contact Rev. Dr. Joy Davis. Registration is happening now. Reserve your space for this interactive trip.
~~~SAVE THE DATE: January 25, 2014 - 10:00 am-4:00 pm - Women & Girls’ Ministry Brunch with Pastor. More information to come!
Rev. Johnnie Green, II, Assistant To The PastorRev. Terry Robinson, Minister of Discipleship And Kingdom Expansion
Deacon Isaac Washington, Chairman, Deacons’ Ministry Trustee Kerry H. Caliman, Chairman, Trustees’ MinistryDeacon James McDonald III, Interim Church Treasurer Deacon Jerry Moses, Church ClerkRev. Manuel Peace, Young Adult Ministry Rev. Kimberly Elyse, Ph.D., Church Office SecretaryRev. Dennis Kitchen, Youth Ministry Rev. Miller Adams, Evangelism MinistryRev. Will Hawk, Children’s Ministry Rev. Samuel E. Spruill, Jail & Prison Ministry
Family Bible Study • Every Tuesday (6:30 pm) Midweek Prayer & Praise Service • Every Wednesday (7:00 pm)
Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church2080 W. Grand BlvdDetroit, MI 48208
NON-PROFITU.S. POSTAGE
PAIDDETROIT, MIPERMIT NO.
701
Tabernacle teenagers poured out talent and creativity to thank God -- and praise Him – during the church’s annual Thanksgiving General Assembly. Each year, the assembly is presented by the Secondary Division of the Church Sunday School, under the direction of Sis. Theresa Doss Wahls.
Nine students recited Bible verses, most of them focusing on gratitude. Those reciting verses included Victoria Blakey, Cheyenne Nickel berry, Lauren Holloway, Gabriel Johnson, Gary Green, Markyiah Taylor, Randy Nesbitt, Maya Taylor, and Isaiah Hawk.
Hannah Blakey (violin) and Alicia Rice (vocal) provided stellar musical worship. Mitchell Tillman gave a special Thanksgiving Offertory Prayer. Logan Tillman and Bradley Wise led responsive readings. Twins Kayla and Kyla Smith were co-moderators.
It was a freezing fourth Sunday, but moving testimonies and Thanksgiving reflections warmed those gathered for the assembly. The Thanks-fest also featured the annual presentation of canned and dry goods to be delivered to needy individuals and families in the Detroit area.
The following are excerpts of testimonies and reflections presented by Secondary Division students.
Troy Banks, 11th gradeHi, my name is Troy Banks,
and there are many things that I’m thankful for. But the one thing that I’m most thankful for is being able to wake up every morning and see another day and
know that the Lord has his arms of protection around me. Although I come face to face with deadly situations on a daily basis, I keep my faith, and I pray that the Lord will see me through.
I’m also thankful for a loving family that supports me in everything that I do. And I’m also thankful for being able to spend time with them and have dinner with them every night.
like to thank God for my family, who is always there to support me and guide me through my life. I’m also thankful that God has provided me with the opportunity to go to school and get a great education in an
environment that is conducive to learning. Lastly, I’m thankful for living in America. It is a huge privilege, and we take many rights and privileges for granted…such as clean water and food.
Kenneth Lawson, 12th grade Good morning. I’m Kenneth
Lawson, the third child – as many of you know – of Sister Sara Lawson. I’m very thankful for the Lord Himself and for my mother because I wouldn’t be here without them.
To my church family, I thank God for every one of you and for letting me stand up here today. I’ve been blessed
Just What are Tab’s Teenagers Thankful For? (They’re Glad You Asked)
Tabernacle teens lead inspirational Thanksgiving assembly
Pastor’s Note: It is of great importance that we instill in our children a sense of thankfulness, and I am grateful to the Secondary Division of our Sunday Church School for being one of the areas where we afford our young people an opportunity to develop and express their gratitude. The article you will read is a recap of some of the highlights of our Secondary Division of the Sunday Church Sunday School’s Annual Thanksgiving General Assembly. I hope that you will be moved, as I was moved, by our young people’s profound expressions of thanksgiving. We are blessed to have young people such as these. – Pastor Nathan Johnson
with athletic ability and academic success and friends I haven’t forgotten about. My mentor, Rev. Hawk, I thank God for you, too. Three months ago, I found myself in trouble, and I saw no way out. I prayed for better days, and I’m blessed and thankful to see them.
I will graduate this year in June with my fellow classmates of 2014. Adrian College and the University of Cincinnati are two colleges that have accepted me to play college football. God, I thank you for showing me the way, when I thought there wasn’t one. Thank you, Tabernacle church family, for having me give my testimony here today.
Dwight Blakey, 10th gradeGood morning. My name is Dwight
Blakey, and I’ll be reciting a poem.
Why should you be thankful? You should be thankful because you
woke up this morningBecause you came to church today. And because there are those who cannot.
You should be thankful for the clothes you have onFor there are those who don’t have any…or have very
little clothingYou should be thankful for the warm food you eatFor there are those who don’t have any foodAnd wish they could have one, nice meal.
You should be thankful for the place you live inFor there are those with no home.
Genevive Meeks, 12th gradeHi. My name is Genevive Meeks,
and I will be reciting a poem that I wrote called:
I Am So Thankful That It’s Hard to Describe
If it wasn’t for you, where would I be? The love, the hope, the trust you gave, The blessings beyond measure are hard to compare.
So Lord, often it seems another day When we sit down to our meal and pray, We hurry along and make fast the blessing, Thanks. Amen. Now please pass the dressing.
We are slave to the olfactory overloadWe must rush our prayers before the food gets cold.
But Lord, I would just like to take a few minutes moreTo really stop. And tell you what I am thankful for My family, my health, a nice soft bed, My friends, my freedom and a roof over my head. The provisions you make for me, If it weren’t for you where would I be?
I am so thankful right now! To be surrounded by those Whose lives touch me more than they’ll ever know! Amen.
Kahlil Meeks, 12th gradeHello, Tabernacle, my name
is Kahlil, as most of you know, and I want to talk about what I’m thankful for. I’m thankful for my family. They’re the ones that are
there for me when all other people aren’t. They provide for me and give me things and show me what to aspire to…while being loving and supportive at the same time.
And I’m also thankful for this church because everybody here has always been supportive of me and whatever I wanted to do. You have always had kind, Christian words or some sort of enlightening influence on me, and I just want to thank all of you, first, before I do anything.
Kahlil then recited portions of a gospel song and verses he wrote.
I’m thankful for everything that you are. With you, I’m going far
To a level above the stars…Man, I’m trying to be somebody who can see from
every angleFamily, food, shelter, peace…I’m so thankful.
Thankful…I give praise to the most highPraise to the name, never vain, never ghost rideMost like to paraphrase words that they don’t knowI think that we should learn what we’re talking
about… before we make a Judgment Call.
Kahlil also sang/recited portions of the song he wrote entitled When God Knocks. The excerpts below advise:
When God’s knocking, doors should be openInstead, y’all locking, doors steadily closing
When God knocks, I’ll open the doorWhen God knocks, I’ll open the doorHey, when God knocks, I’ll open the door
You could pray to God all day to get the dividendsBut then you hide from Him, like you hide from
Jehovah’s WitnessesTurning down blinds, then you turn all the lights offBlaming God for everything, even all your light
problems…
When God knocks, doors should be openInstead, y’all locking, doors steadily closing. When God knocks, I’ll open the door.
Now we (were) born into sin with a shadow of lightNo clue of where heaven is, but you know what it’s
likeYou say you’re battling with SatanBut it’s only a fightHe’s steadily rattling your cagesIt’s a test of you, right?
What would you do if you knew that tonight was your night?
Scream “YOLO” (translation: You Only Live Once) and re-sin at the end your life?
Or would you give your life unto Him and repent on that night?
So when He’s knocking, let Him in So you can learn what He’s like…
Just remember, when God’s knocking, doors should be opened
Instead y’all locking, doors steadily closing.
When God knocks, I’ll open the door
Téra Nesbitt, 12th gradeHello. My name is Téra, and
I’m going to be giving my testimony. Today is November 24th…four months since my mother hasn’t been here. Even though she is no longer here, I thank God for His
many blessings. He has blessed me with a loving family. He has blessed me with a loving church family. And each and every day he has blessed me, I am thankful. I thank God for today and the people that He placed in my life…to help my sister, my brother and I…because tomorrow is not promised to any one of us. To God be the glory, and to God be the praise. Thank you.
Sis. Doss Wahls thanked Secondary Division workers, including Sis. Valerie Lockridge, who not only sang solos for the assembly but also played a major role in the preparation leading up to the annual Thanksgiving Assembly. Sis. Doss Wahls also thanked Sis. Opal Hodge who was the accompanist for the program.
Dr. Byron Douglas, a Secondary Division teacher, said the young people did an excellent job of sharing with the congregation.
“The program was definitely a testament to their creativity and their commitment to the Sunday School,” said Dr. Douglas.
