8 Volume 16; Issue 6 Rev. Dr. Atu O. White, Pastor November 2014 PRAYER & ACTION for the month of NOVEMBER: "Friends & Family Month" FRIENDS & FAMILY MONTH November is Friends & Family Month here at Mt. Zion. For the first four (4) Sundays during the month, we will celebrate a different segment of our community. We are asking all members to make a special effort, a committed effort, a prayerful effort, to invite at least one person to Church each Sunday. On the 1st Sunday (November 2 ) invite a SENIOR to Church--your parents, grand- parents, neighbors, someone in a nursing home, etc. Let's show appreciation to those who have paved the way for us to follow. On the 2nd Sunday (November 9 ) reach out to a VETERAN and bring him or her to Church with you. Let's show our love to those who have served and sacrificed so that we may enjoy the freedoms we have. On the 3rd Sunday (November 16 ) gather up all of your FRIENDS & FAMILY MEM- BERS and encourage them to attend one of our two Church services. Take no excuses on this day. Let's have a real down-home homecoming service. Finally, the 4th Sunday (November 23 ) is Youth Sunday. Bring children, youth, and young adults as we celebrate the future of the Church--our Youth. A SACRIFICIAL OFFERING To help support the vision of Mt Zion, members are asked to make two (2) sacrificial offerings a year. These are over and beyond our tithes and offerings. The first one was last spring for our Church Anniversary. The second one is now, for Friends & Family Month. All Mt. Zionites are asked to give a sacrificial offering of $100 during the month of No- vember for ministry space. Special envelopes are available from the Ushers. You can pay toward it all month long. INSIDE THIS ISSUE Birthdays & Anniversaries Harvest Day Results A Salute to Veterans "Through Her Eyes" Reports And Much, Much More... VOTE!! Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2014 Exercise your civic responsibility-- VOTE!!!
Transcript
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Volume 16; Issue 6 Rev. Dr. Atu O. White, Pastor November 2014
PRAYER & ACTION for the month of
NOVEMBER:
"Friends & Family
Month"
FRIENDS & FAMILY MONTH
November is Friends & Family Month here at Mt. Zion. For the first four (4) Sundays
during the month, we will celebrate a different segment of our community. We are
asking all members to make a special effort, a committed effort, a prayerful effort, to
invite at least one person to Church each Sunday.
On the 1st Sunday (November 2) invite a SENIOR to Church--your parents, grand-
parents, neighbors, someone in a nursing home, etc. Let's show appreciation to those
who have paved the way for us to follow.
On the 2nd Sunday (November 9) reach out to a VETERAN and bring him or her to
Church with you. Let's show our love to those who have served and sacrificed so that
we may enjoy the freedoms we have.
On the 3rd Sunday (November 16) gather up all of your FRIENDS & FAMILY MEM-
BERS and encourage them to attend one of our two Church services. Take no excuses
on this day. Let's have a real down-home homecoming service.
Finally, the 4th Sunday (November 23) is Youth Sunday. Bring children, youth, and
young adults as we celebrate the future of the Church--our Youth.
A SACRIFICIAL OFFERING
To help support the vision of Mt Zion, members are asked to make two (2) sacrificial
offerings a year. These are over and beyond our tithes and offerings. The first one
was last spring for our Church Anniversary. The second one is now, for Friends &
Family Month.
All Mt. Zionites are asked to give a sacrificial offering of $100 during the month of No-
vember for ministry space. Special envelopes are available from the Ushers. You can
pay toward it all month long.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Harvest Day Results
A Salute to Veterans
"Through Her Eyes" Reports
And Much, Much More...
VOTE!!
Election Day is Tuesday,
November 4, 2014
Exercise your civic
responsibility--
VOTE!!!
HAPPY
NOVEMBER
BIRTHDAYS
Nov. 1----------------------------------Min. Dan Jones
Nov. 23------------------------Dea. Scott Jenkins &
Sis. Regina Tillery-Jenkins
I WEAR THE MASK Written by Sis. Theresa Bryant
I wear the scars of my ancestor's pain
The tears of their suffering hidden by the rain
I wear the mask that many can't see
Hidden from myself dying to break free
Broken and beaten, distressed yet whole
I wear the mask to hide my inadequacies, fear and things unspoken
I wear the mask of a queen and the highly esteem
I wear the mask of the competent chasing a dream
I wear the mask of the college grad, mother and friend
I wear the mask of who I pretend to be, not the one God made for me
I wear the mask of the five year old that banged her head,
The troubled teenager who wished she was dead.
I wear the mask of the failed suicide attempt, Mary Magdalene, Black Power
and Afro Sheen
I wear the mask seen and unseen
I wear the mask of the victim, addict, fast talker and ex-boyfriend stalker
I wear the mask of the forgotten; the named and unnamed who longs
to be whole
I wear the mask to conceal the emptiness buried deep down in my soul
I wear the mask of what should have been, could've been, or just might be
I wear the mask of who I pretend to be, not the one God chose for me.
I wear the mask.
NEW STAFF MEMBERS
THE MT. ZION MESSENGER,
THE GOOD NEWSletter an-
nounces the addition of two (2)
new members. Sis. Theresa
Bryant and Sis. Awilda Oxios
joined the staff last month.
Welcome to Both!!
CALLING ALL MINISTRY LEADERS!!
All Ministry Leaders should ad-here to the IMPORTANT dates and deadlines below...
MINISTRY LEADERS MEETING, Monday, November 10:
All Ministry Leaders should attend this meeting at 6:00 p.m.
here at the Church. Business of importance!
2015 BUDGETS Due by Sunday, November 16:
Proposed 2015 Ministry Budgets are due to the Finance Ministry
PLANNED 2015 MINISTRY ACTIVITIES Due by Sunday, November 16:
Proposed dates for Ministry events, activities, or training are also due
REVIEW OF 2014 ACHIEVEMENTS Due by Sunday, November 30:
Please provide... Active membership roster as of
November 2014 2014 ministry highlights Your ministry's impact on the
Church /Community in 2014.
NOTE: All of the above documents should be turned into Sis. Wanda Powell by the specified deadlines
Finally... Ministry Leaders are reminded that they should be scheduling a month-ly meeting with the Pastor. To do so, see Sis. Wanda Powell.
Harvest Day Results
On a beautiful fall Saturday, October 25, 2014, Mt. Zion held its 4th Annual Harvest Day event. This was a day set
aside to share our bounty as a Church family with our community. By the numbers, here's how the 2014 event compared
to those from previous years.
Activity 2014 Person(s)
In Charge
"Thank You" 2014 2013 2012 2011
Attendance: The number of
people who came through our gates. --- 487 389 250 160
Non-Perishable Food Items (boxed and canned goods) collected and
distributed Congregation 1,470 1,230 1,015 600
Bags of Vegetables & Fruits given
away
Headed Drive:
Sis. Johnsie Gibson 184 172 N/A N/A
Refreshments Consumed
Hot Dogs --- 288 376 280 200
Bowls of Soup
Prepared & Donated By:
Sis. Angela Westbrook
Sis. Shirley Jackson
Sis. Alonzetta Gabriel
169 143 N/A N/A
Bowls of Chili Prepared & Donated By:
Sis. Violet Matos 54 50 N/A N/A
Bags of Popcorn Prepared By:
Get Connected Ministry 80 152 N/A N/A
Bags of Cotton Candy Prepared By:
Get Connected Ministry 54 54 N/A N/A
Bags/ Boxes/Suitcases of Clothing.
Shoes and other Accessories for men, women and children
Sorted & Organized By:
Sis. Barbara St. Julien
& Sis. Suzetta Crane 230 156
Count not
taken
Count not
taken
Community Agencies on site Invited & Scheduled By:
Sis. Earlean Caldwell 5 11 12
Seminars
Number of Seminars --- 4 2 N/A N/A
Attendees at Seminars --- 103 43 N/A N/A
Free Haircuts --- 9 12 N/A N/A
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Christine Waller and the National Kidney Foundation for presenting the seminar," Your Kidneys and You."
Anna Wilkinson and the Greater Springfield Senior Services for the seminar, "Issues Affecting Seniors."
Rev. Milton White, Jr. and New England Fit for the seminar on "Situational Awareness."
Author, Carmen Garner, for the seminar on his book, "From That To This."
Calabrese Farms, 257 Feeding Hills Road, Southwick, MA for the donation of vegetables.
Cecchi Farms, 1131 Springfield, St., Feeding Hills, MA, for the donation of vegetables.
Barber, Weel Evans and Excellent Cuts, 538 Page Blvd., Springfield, MA, for offering free haircuts.
Springfield Public Library for the donations of books.
Please support those who support us!
REMEMBERING OUR
LOVED ONES AT
CHRISTMAS
The Deacon & Deaconess Min-
istries are once again heading
the drive to decorate the sanc-
tuary for Christmas.
Like last year, we will be
building a live poinsettia tree.
Members are asked to pur-
chase a poinsettia plant in
memory or honor of your
loved ones. Plants are $10
each. We need a minimum of
35 plants to fill the tree.
Names of those being hon-
ored, along with your $10 do-
nation, should be given to any
Deacon or Deaconess by Sun-
day, November 30, 2014.
Thanksgiving Basket Assembling
Sunday, November 23, 2014 (Ages: 12 yrs. & Up)
Immediately after church, we will
head over to Martin Luther King
Jr. Family Services (3 Rutland
Street) to donate our time to help-
ing assemble Thanksgiving bas-
kets for our community. This wor-
thy collaborative effort is spon-
sored by Alpha Phi Alpha Frater-
nity. All Youth ages 12 & up,
please sign up in the conference
room A.S.A.P.
Parents,
Since this event is immediately
after church and the van will not
be available, we are asking you to
please drop off and pick up your
children. Pick up time and addi-
tional information is forthcoming.
In the interim, direct all inquiries
to Sis. Lakisha Coppedge.
SOUP KITCHEN’S THANKSGIVING MEAL
The Soup Kitchen will prepare its Annual Thanksgiving Meal on Wednesday, November 19, 2014. The Staff invites everyone to join us between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to enjoy a delicious meal.
Also, the Soup Kitchen Staff is solic-iting names of people who may en-joy a holiday meal but are physically unable to come out to the Church. If you know such individuals, give their names, addresses, and telephone numbers to any member of the Soup Kitchen by Sunday, November 16.
CANCELLATIONS ON NOVEMBER 26, 2014
On Wed., Nov. 26, there will be
NO Soup Kitchen NO 1:15 p.m. Bible Study NO 7:00 p.m. Adult /Youth
Bible Study
All three will resume on Wednesday, December 3.
UBC Annual Missions Day
The United Baptist Convention (UBC) of
MA, RI & NH will hold its Annual Rev. Dr.
Paul A. Fullilove Missions Day on Tues-
day, November 11, 2014. This year, this
all-day session will be held at Christian
Faith Baptist Church, 54 Bowdoin
Street, Springfield.
Rev. Arthur Hilson, Pastor of New Hope
Baptist Church, Portsmouth, NH is the
UBC President, Rev. Samuel Campbell,
Pastor of Joy Missionary Baptist
Church in Brockton, MA, serves as the
1st Vice President; and our Pastor,
Rev. Dr. Atu White, is the UBC's 2nd
Vice President.
NEW MEMBERS
Joining Mt. Zion in October were:
SIS. ISABEL C. CARTAGENA Date Joined: October 18, 2014
Method: Christian Experience
SIS. MARIN M. SHAMAYA Date Joined: October 26, 2014
Method: Candidate for Baptism
SIS. DAPHNE G. MOORE Date Joined: October 26, 2014
Method: Christian Experience
SIS. DOROTHY J. PERKINS Date Joined: October 26, 2014
Method: Christian Experience
BRO. TERRENCE J. POUNCY Date Joined: October 26, 2014
Method: Christian Experience
BRO. ASHLIN D. WALDON Date Joined: October 26, 2014
Method: Christian Experience
Welcome To All!
Baptism Baptism Class for
Baptism Candidates A meeting of all candidates for
baptism will be held at the Church
on Wednesday, November 12,
2014, at 6:00 p.m. with Pastor
White. If you are a baptism candi-
date, please attend this meeting.
Baptism This Month Baptism Service will take place on
the third Sunday of this month,
Sunday, November 16, 2014, at
10:25 a.m. We invite
the congregation to be
present to welcome our
new converts.
Baptism Last Month Baptized on October 19, 2014
were Sis. Helen Burston and Sis.
Tracey Martinez.
Congratulations Sis. Burston & Sis Martinez!
Daylight Saving Time
Ends Sunday,
November 2, 2014
.
Celebrating
Thanksgiving
The Mt. Zion Messenger asked
members to share their Thanksgiving
traditions and/or their most memo-
rable Thanksgiving Day. One mem-
ber responded: * * * * *
My Thanksgiving Traditions Written by Sis. Andrea Dixon
We get together as a family, then we circle and express our thanks for bringing us through another year. Everyone says a word or two, even the children. After dinner, we play a game called, "Thanksgiving Bingo," which started about ten years ago. Small gifts are given to the winners. Everyone plays and it's a lot of fun. Thanksgiving for us is always a well-spent blessed day.
My Most Memorable Thanksgiving
Written by Sis. Andrea Dixon
My most memorable Thanksgiving was Thanksgiving Day 2012! My Aunt Virginia in 2011 thought it would be grand to have as many of us to meet for Thanksgiving in 2012. Well, after many calls, e-mails and much planning, it came to be. We met at Mt. Cal-vary Baptist Church in Hartford, CT. Over 100 of us! The members came from Califor-nia, Florida, Alabama, New York, Pennsylva-nia, Maryland, Rhode Island and of course, Connecticut and Massachusetts. We had a blast! (And this gathering wasn't to attend a funeral--praise God!) Just like a good ole church service, we had a program and every-thing.
We prayed for the day to be blessed; then we sang, we had short-story telling (history), poetry reading, game playing, craft-making activities, sharing of family photos and taking more photos and just plain, talking and shar-ing with each other. What a great time we had! And, in between all of that--we were eating! So much food!
It was a lot of work for us, my aunts, my cousins, my sister, my daughter and myself, but it was well worth it! We sat down when the evening was over to discuss the day, and we prayed and cried again.
We were so grateful to God for being in the midst by helping us get together for Thanks-giving to show our gratitude for all He's done for our family. He's truly an awesome God and we're blessed people.
CHRISTMAS PARTY IN DECEMBER
Mark your calendars! We
are excited to bring you Mt.
Zion’s Christmas party! This is an
opportunity for us to come together
as a church family and celebrate the
holidays.
The celebration will be held at:
The Sheraton
(downtown Springfield)
Friday, December 12, 2014
6:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m.
$45.00 pp (all ages)
Deadline to purchase tickets is
Wednesday, December 3, 2014.
We are asking everyone to come
dressed in semi-formal attire. We will
have food and dancing and once
again a wonderful time fellowship-
ping with our Mt Zion family and
friends!
You will have a choice of
three different meals--
Chicken, Beef, or Salm-
on. Tickets are available
to purchase now. Please see a Trus-
tee for more information.
“We Give Thanks” Written by Sis. Alice Koonce
Our Father in Heaven,
We give thanks for the pleasure
of gathering for this occasion.
We give thanks for this food
prepared by loving hands.
We give thanks for life, and the
freedom to enjoy this food.
We pray for health and strength
to carry on and try to live as you
would have us live.
This we ask in the name of
Christ, our Heavenly Father.
Amen
(Just) A Church Steeple Written by Dea. Steve Powell
As I tossed and turned from a lack of sleep, the dawn broke. Boy, you sure don't get much sleep at night in a hospi-tal. There was noise in the hallway from hospital personnel scurrying about, beep-ing of equipment down the hall alerting the nurses to danger or assuring them everything was okay (I'm not sure which), and it seemed like every few minutes a nurse or doctor was in my room testing, prodding or checking something on me to track my progress. I had just had my first ambulance trip to the hospital the day before and was now experiencing my first hospital overnight stay.
There's something about being awake at dawn. Part of my mind "flashed" back imagining what it would be like to be awake at dawn at Calvary. As I turned to my left, I could see the drip, drip, drip of an IV in my arm. But when I turned to my right, out of my window, I could see the silhouette of trees--not yet in their fall glory. Above the trees, as if placed there just for my benefit, I could see a promi-nent white church steeple, which, at dawn, seemed larger than life itself.
Later that day, when I asked visitors what they saw out of the window, one re-marked, "Just a church steeple." And perhaps to some--maybe even most-- it was' just' a church steeple. But to me, it was much more. It was a sign reassur-ing me that God was with me. For the three days that I lay in that hospital room, when I looked out of my window at dawn, I knew God was with me--that he had more for me to do.
I shall never forget the image of that church steeple. Put God first!
On Veteran's Day, schools and many businesses are closed; most, if not all of us get the day off from work. Some may take advantage of this day off by catching up on chores or other day-to-day activ-ities. However, have any of us ever stopped to acknowledge the sacrifice, commitment and dedica-tion given by each Veteran?
Please take a moment and say “Thank You” to our Mt. Zion Veterans!
Ernest J. Lawson U.S. Air Force Private 1st Class 1951-1961
Jesse McKnight U.S. Army
E/7 Sgt.1st Class 1967-1969
Sammie Smith U.S. Army E-4 1968-1970
Vietnam
Richard Scroggins, Jr. U.S. Army
Sgt. 1st Class/E-7 1971-1985
Served in Vietnam
Lois Bass-Peterson U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sgt/E7 1972-1985
Delores Culp U.S. Army
Sp. 4 1976-1979
Janet Bass-Eddington U.S. Army Reserve Specialist E6 1972-1985 "My sister, Lois Peterson and I were the 'first'
sisters to enlist at the same time. An article was
noted in the daily newspaper! How exciting."
Walker L. Bryant U.S. Air Force
Sgt. 1969-1976
Vietnam Era
"I was in Airbase Defense Law Enforcement
Nucleus Weapon Security"
Lavonda Marshall U.S. Army E2 2011-present (Will be 3 years in January)
"I am “active” in the Army National Guard."
Ivrie Thompson U.S. Army
Corporal 1950-1953
"I trained in Germany."
A Salute to Our Veterans
Youth Ministry Happenings! Written By Sis. Lakisha Coppedge
Scripture: Psalms 51:10-11-Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.
Do not banish me from your presence and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. (NLT )
Mt. Zion Parents' Meeting & HBCU Fair Information Session Wednesday, November 12, 2014
6:00 p.m. All Parents/Guardians of children and youth please join the Youth Ministry Leaders to discuss the direction of
the Ministry, ask your questions, and offer your suggestions and assistance as we move forward. MLK-HBCU
Fair: All parents of those youth going on the trip must be in attendance to receive final information related to the
Mt. Zion Youth and Young-Adult ladies gathered in the parking lot, looking very professional and excit-
ed to begin their empowerment journey. After prayer, we boarded the van and set out for the MassMutual Cen-
ter. Upon arrival, we checked in and mingled with people such as: Annemarie Frisby Thomas, Director of the
School for Human Services at Springfield College and LaToya Bosworth of K.Y.D.S., one of the workshop
leaders for the day.
Many of them engaged with people around them and drew a crowd as the photographer for the day took
interest in our large group. Due to that interest, one of the presenters of the day brought the Channel -22 news
anchor over to our table and asked if one of us wanted to do an interview. Deja Ware graciously accepted and
did an amazing job! The piece was aired that evening and can be viewed on MassLive.
As we gathered together for breakfast, lunch and workshops, I felt a new bond form. It was a glorious
sight to see Mt. Zion young ladies seeking each other out to work the room, get additional snacks or simply con-
sult as to the next steps.
M. C. Lyte was exactly that--the “Light” of the day! Short of stealing the shine from the Mt. Zion young
ladies written testimonials; I want to note some of M. C. Lyte’s words of wisdom, empowerment and life’s jour-
ney instructions she shared with us:
Dream Big!
Power of Our Thoughts…What we think we will become, so Keep Your Thoughts Positive!
Don’t make this journey about you…Change Your Attitude to be able to Inspire and Empower!
Thank you Mt. Zion Family, for your financial and prayerful support of this conference!
Mt. Zion's Attendees shown with M. C. Lyte (in the middle)
"THROUGH HER EYES" REPORTS FROM THE ATTENDEES
Kawanza Bearden At the conference I learned that Brenda's Child wrote her life down in a diary as she grew up and made a book about it Ms. Latoya D. Bosworth subject was Defining Me. We both connected in so many ways and she gave the girls under the age of 18 a journal like hers to write down our feelings. Ms. Bosworth had taught a lesson on compliments and insults. She asked us to write down insults that we have gotten called. I wrote down bossy, not smart enough, not pretty enough, lazy, and weak. Then she had us to change the insults into com-pliments. I said I'm not bossy I'm just in control of my life. I also said I'll prove that I can do whatever someone else can do. I've said what's on the inside is what makes a person not on the outside. I've said that just be-
cause I'm not a fast runner that I'm capable of accomplishing things. I've gotten called weak because I don't like fighting and I'm too nice. I also learned that adolescent girls are more afraid of gaining weight than getting cancer, losing their parents or nuclear war. This conference was a wonderful experience for me to find the true me and be the person God created me to be.
Jedda Coppedge I really enjoyed myself at the "through her eyes" conference. One of my favorite moments was meeting the great MC Lyte and hearing her speak encouraging words. One of the main things that stood out to me while she spoke was the word POWER, she let us know that each and everyone of us has POWER and that when we let our light shine we are able to do amazing things, as long as we put God first all of our hopes and dreams will come true. One of the workshops that I attended was titled "defining me" lead by Brenda's Child, as we entered she had negative labels on her body and asked us if we have been called any of them or could identify with any of them? I noticed a few that I can't mention in church. She had us think about ways we could come overcome
those negative stereotypes with positive comebacks. Another very important thing that I loved about the conference, was the opportunity to fellowship with all of the young ladies of the church. I learned a lot from each and everyone of them and even got encouraging words from sister Ebony! I Just want to thank the youth leader (my mom) for putting this together and getting us all together for something so positive and uplifting and I want to thank the pastor for allowing this to take place. I hope we can do more things like this in the future and more Young women are able to come out! Because #girlscan !!!
Shanice Coppedge
There is so much I can say about the amazing conference that we were blessed to attend, but I will attempt to shorten it. It was more then just people talking and teaching but inspiring and encouraging. The guess speaker the Legendary MC Lyte blessed us with a speech on being yourself and following the dreams and goals you have in life; to also understand that it takes hard work and dedication to accomplish them. The conference also taught me that we are strong enough to do anything we put our mind too. After her amaz-ing speech we went to our a.m. class taught by the lovely Brenda's Child who taught us that even when people call you names and try to bring your spirit down, you must have a good come back and stand your
ground. Brenda’s Child went on to say, be strong and know that no one is perfect and you are beautiful and can overcome anything. After that class we went to our p.m. class taught by Isa who taught us about loving ourselves and the skin were in. We are all beauti-ful from the inside out and we have to understand that everyone is different but still beautiful in their own way. To also believe in our-selves and know that if we don’t love ourselves who will…pretty much it starts with us. In the end I learned to love myself and all my flaws and curves more. Also to never give up on myself or my dreams!
Sharna Grayson On Thursday October 23 I went to the through her eyes conference and I am very thankful for going. First, M.C. Lyte was talking to us about following her dreams. When I went to the conference I was very insecure about myself until she started talking about this movie and it said water was unstoppable, so I started thinking I am un-stoppable I can do anything if I put my mind to it. The workshop I went to was held by Brenda's child. When we got there she had labels all over her body and they were really rude. I have had some people call me them. I started to get really emotional. The next workshop we went to was held by this lady names Isa and it really spoke to me. She was telling us how when she was talking about how growing up she really hated herself but now she actually loves herself. I actually got some words of wisdom from my cousin shay and I'm very thankful. We actu-
ally did an activity where we talked about what we liked about ourselves. I thought I wasn't going to like anything about myself, but I thought wrong I actually liked a lot about myself. I even shared what I liked. What I learned about this conference is to always follow your dreams and I learned if you don't like something then change it. I actually loved this conference and I hope I could keep attend another one. It very much inspired me and I loved every second of it. Thank you!
"THROUGH HER EYES" REPORTS FROM THE ATTENDEES (continued)
Ebony Jordan Through Her Eyes conference was an amazing experience for me and all that was involved. I got to listen to some amazing women speak about their struggles with body images and how they were basically bullied, called names and how they felt about themselves. I loved how all of these females made it out of their strug-gles and accomplished what was to come next. I was once bullied in school and called names and I thought I couldn't come out with my head held high, but I did and like many of those women I grew from those downfalls and I asked God to see me through and like always he did just that. So the best part of the conference for me was just listening to everyone's stories and hearing how they made a better life for themselves. I loved it and
would love to be able to attend another one.
Tashia Jordan
My experience at the "Through Her Eyes" conference was amazing. I would have to say the most beneficial part for me was hearing McLyte speak of course. It was just amazing to hear about her life and the struggle that she went through while trying to become an up and coming artist, she made me feel like I could accomplish anything if I have faith and never give up. One of my favorite quotes that was said during the conference was "Have commitment don't let anything or anyone get in your way." This quote will always stick with me, the reason I say that is because I've let a lot of things and people stop me from accomplishing my dreams and reaching my goals in life, but listening to
McLyte made me realize you can't go through life putting your dreams on hold you will only regret not allowing the vision God had
planned out for you.
Hi my Name is Deja Ware
I had the great pleasure of attending the CHD “Through Her Eyes” conference. The Entire day for me was a pleas-ure from getting to hear the amazing and legendary MC Lyte, to the self empowering workshops. But for me the most influential part of the conference was our second workshop. Where we heard from a woman named Isa, she started the class off by showing us pictures of her as she grew up. She went on to tell us that in her family there was a strong line of food addicts and that she too as a young child developed this addiction. For me this really showed how a person can be so strongly influenced as a child by the people and environment around them. That help me realize the reason why we as girls, young ladies, and women go through out their lives with some type of
complex or self image issue is because we always are comparing ourselves to the next person or accepting the standard of living people expect us to have instead of looking deep within us and finding all the beauty and unique qualities that we have. This gave me clarity because I am not perfect and I was having an issue with who I was and always thinking in a way of having an issue with who I was and always thinking in a way of comparison to others around me. Until speaking with a few of the other Mt. Zion Girls and finding that I wasn't the only one who was dealing with this but I really took away from what sister Ebony said about the way she dealt with it by saying she had to make herself happy and not worry about what other people though of her. By her saying that it made me realize that I was the only person that could make me happy and could make me feel beautiful. I am so very grateful to the Mt. Zion church family to helped us all attend the conference and sister Lakisha it was a day I will never forget thank you!
Destiny Ware
Through Her Eyes conference was a phenomenal experience! M.C Lyte was a great speaker I endured a lot she had spoke upon. Her speech was about "Plans to get a goal". One quote that stuck with me was "If you can look up you can get up " To me this meant YOU ARE CAPABLE to be anything you dream to be. We don't have to be defined, we can write your own definition. We have the power to be unstoppable. I also was inspired when M.C Lyte said " If you have the vision god has the right path. Love and pray " Self love, all things are possible! Len (Madea over money) was another speaker, she spoke about money. "More money doesn't solve a money problem". She gave us 3 principles 1. Live by the 10 30 50 the first 10% tithe 2. 10% you save 3. 30% cash in your pocket the remaining 50% save for your bills. Acknowledge God and He will
direct you in the right path to take. She made me feel like anything is possible. If you don't think so Len had said "pray and ask God to allow me to be use for the purpose I was made".
"THROUGH HER EYES" REPORTS FROM THE ATTENDEES (continued)
Brianna Woodard “Through Her Eyes”—I was very fortunate to attend this conference. It taught me a lot about myself and how I view my self can effect every part of my life. The workshop that I really connected with was the “Body Image” workshop. Having been through some life altering changes in my body due to medicine, surgery and weight gain it changed my life. It changed the way I see myself. I realized that how I see myself affects the way my little cousins also see me. This is what was brought out during the workshop. I decided at that moment I will no longer focus on my appearance, but the whole me. I will be what God intended me to be a talented, bright, goal-oriented, college attending student.
Dorianna Rennis
Dorianna gave an oral report on her "Through Her Eyes" experience on Sunday, October 26, 2014 at the 8:45 a.m. service.
"THROUGH HER EYES" PHOTOS
A scripture for not only the young women who attended the "Through Her Eyes" conference,
but for all of our youth and young adults...
1 Timothy 4:12 (KJV)
"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers,
in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Toward the Cure! On Sunday, October 19 more than 20,000
people took steps toward the cure of breast cancer. Participants stepped off in both
Springfield and Greenfield in a sea of pink for the 2, 3 or 5-mile routes along the Walk &
Run. Presented by Health New England, Rays of Hope celebrated 21 years of support-
ing breast health in western Massachusetts this year. At the end of the day, $650,000
was raised, and since 1994, Rays of Hope has raised over $12 million, all of which has re-mained local, helping the people in our com-
munities throughout Western Massachusetts. http://foundation.baystatehealth.org/netcommunity/page.aspx?pid=341
Mt. Zion supported this wonderful cause, with
a financial donation. In addition several Mt. Zionites walked "toward the cure" on the
19th. For those who are survivors, for any-one who has been touched by caner, and for those who are currently battling breast can-
cer, our prayers continue to be with you. Because of events like this, there is hope for
cure someday for this disease that has af-flicted so many women and men.
Community News Bethlehem Baptist Opens
Soup Kitchen
Last month, members of the Mt. Zion Soup Kitchen Staff went to Holyoke to be a part of the inaugural Soup Kitchen meal at Bethle-hem Community Baptist Church. After months of planning and preparing, Bethle-hem successfully opened its first Soup Kitch-en on Thursday, October 30, 2014, to feed those in need in their community.
When the Mt. Zion contin-gency arrived, they were warmly greeted by a desig-nated Soup Kitchen Greeter. Along with a number of community residents, the group enjoyed a delicious lunch of sandwiches and hot, homemade soup served by a very friendly and well-organized staff.
During Bethlehem's planning stages, at the invitation of Mt. Zion, Bethlehem visited Mt. Zion's Soup Kitchen and met and consulted with the staff. Mt. Zion shared information, suggestions and experiences regarding our Soup Kitchen Ministry.
Those showing their support from the Mt. Zion Soup Kitchen (left to right in the picture below) were Sis. Arlene Garner, Sis. An-drea Dixon, Sis. Shirley Walker, Sis. Lu-cille Hogan, & Sis. Celestine Taylor.
Not shown was Soup Kitchen Staff member, Dea. Steve Powell, and non-Soup Kitchen member, Sis. Wanda Powell
Soup Kitchen Staff of Bethlehem Community Baptist Church
THANK YOU NOTES
FRONT: To Thank You
PRINTED INSIDE: Your special ways and generous heart make a beautiful difference. Thank you so
much.
PERSONAL NOTE: Dear Pastor White and Congregation,
Thank you for your cards, plants, encouragement and prayers. I thank God for all of you. I pray
that you all gain strength in God, and continue to give God His praise. May your ministry go on in
Christ Jesus. God is a wonder to my soul.
I pray for your family and your Youth and Missionary Ministry. Thank the Sisters of the Church.
Also the Nurses of the Church. God Bless and Keep You All.
Sis. Drena Barnett & Family
FRONT: It is Good to Give Thanks; Give Thanks to the Lord; Psalm 92:1
PRINTED INSIDE: Because of you, there's someone who is thanking God today,
Someone who appreciates your warm and caring way,
Someone who's remembering the speical things you do
And wishing you His blessings every day the whole year through.
PERSONAL NOTE: Pastor White & Mt. Zion,
There are no words to express the joy it was to meet and fellowhip with you all. We felt so
welcome from the moment we walked in. We miss and love you all. We will never forget the
friendships we made the short time we were there.
Continue to follow your very gifted, anointed Pastor White. He is a great leader. Again, we miss, love, and cherish you
all. Thanks for the love gift. God Bless You.
Curtis & Tammi (White)
FRONT: Pansies Stand for Thoughts. Pansies remind us how important little acts of caring are in
today's busy world.
PRINTED INSIDE: Thank you for your thoughtfulness.
PERSONAL NOTE: I wish to convey sincerest appreciation for your prayers and support during my
father's passing.
Cassandra (Miller) & Family
FRONT: Thank You
PRINTED INSIDE: Hope you know how much your special thoughfulness is appreciated.
PERSONAL NOTE: Thank you for your prayers, cards, hospital visits and phone calls during my
recent illness. Oh yes, one person sent me some edible fruit flowers.
Love, Dea. Steve Powell
This Thanksgiving Holiday and all Year long
Be Thankful!
Psalm 100 (KJV)
1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. 2
Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his
presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the LORD he
is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we our-
selves; we are his people, and the sheep of his
pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,
and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto
him, and bless his name. 5 For the LORD is good;
his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to
