Spring 2010 - DuPage AME Church

THE NEWSLETTER
VOLUME XXVI, ISSUE I
SPRING 2010
FROM
DUPAGE
African Methodist
Episcopal Church
4300 Yackley Avenue
Lisle, IL 60532
630-969-9800
630-969-9807 fax
www.DuPageAMEC.org
[email protected]
Rev. Dr. James F. Miller
Senior Pastor
THE
PASTOR’S PEN:
Missionary Day
2010
“Commit your way to the Lord,
trust in God and God will act.”
Psalm 37:5
Two of the most dynamic and renowned preachers of the gospel will bless our
Annual Missionary recognition on Sunday, April 11th. At 7 am Pastor Tracy
Smith Malone of Gary United Methodist Church in Wheaton is guaranteed to
give us a “praise-aerobics’ workout. She is quite simply a
stomp-down gospel preacher.
Rev. Lana Parks Miller
Executive Pastor
Rev. Louis Toney
Presiding Elder
Rt. Rev. John R. Bryant
Presiding Prelate
Rev. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown
At the 8:15 am & 11:15 am
worship services Rev. Dr. Teresa
Fry Brown, Associate Professor at
Candler Theological Seminary,
Emory University (Atlanta, GA)
who teaches preachers how to
preach, will show us how its done
in Jesus’ name.
Rev. Dr. Tracy Smith Malone
Our President Betty Dixon leads our Sarah Allen Missionary Society in a most
progressive program of ministering to youth and persons experiencing some of
life’s misfortunes. Some of the Missionary Societies programs include: High
School Scholarships, YPD Supervision, Thanksgiving Meal/Grocery
Distribution, Christmas Angel Tree, support of local charitable organizations,
and many more.
Our Missionary Society is a
wonderful women’s fellowship for
persons concerned with and
interested in participating in
ministry and youth development.
The Sarah Allen Missionary Society
God bless you now, and see you in church!
Pastor Miller
DUPAGE AME CHURCH NEWSLETTER
VOLUME XXVI, ISSUE I
PAGE 2
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBER S
We welcome the following New Members to our DuPage AME Church family!
May each of you always be open to the ministry of the Lord’s church.
Remember that active Christians make churches that are alive!
Darryl & Denise Parks
Rhonda M. Jones
Aurora
Naperville
Roy & Rodessa Jones
Roy Jr. , Rodessa Jr., Amaree Jones
Estavaughn Gordon
Plainfield
Kathryn McClain
Deidre P. Sunter
Shimika Sidney
Naperville
Naperville
Woodridge
Madeline Steward & Charles Curley
Aaron & Donielle Johnson
Denver, Colorado
Aurora
Michael & Peg Wright
Kristopher, Jordan, Brandon
Carmen Crusoe
Marvin Carter
Portia Washington
Plainfield
Lisle
Lisle
Stuart Warner
Tremaine Moore
Brantley Brown
Naperville
Naperville
Westmont
Michael & Cassandra Montgomery
Carl Moten
Elgin
Darien
Henry & Loretta Johnson
James, Carolyn, Henry III
Sharon Murphy &
Ian Murphy-Crowder
James Posten
Latracey Demiles
Hazel Crest
Addison
Elizabeth Washington & Jada
Kelly McNamara
Amanda Hudson
Warrenville
Aurora
Addison
Oak Park
Robert Truman
Bolingbrook
Oswego
Willowbrook
Kammie & Britt Allen
Bria & Austin
Aurora
THE NEWSLETTER is a publication of DuPage AME Church, 4300 Yackley Avenue, Lisle, IL 60532, 630-969-9800 www.DuPageAMEC.org
Staff —Rev. Lana Parks Miller, Rev. Morgan Dixon, Nicollé McKee 630-969-9800, [email protected]. Editor reserves the right to edit for
content and space. Our aim is to communicate with you, provide an outreach to you, and truly reflect the spirit of the congregation and it’s leadership.
THE NEWSLETTER is published quarterly.
DUPAGE AME CHURCH YOUTH CONVOCATION 2010
VOLUME XXVI, ISSUE I
DUPAGE AME CHURCH NEWSLETTER
PAGE 3
G O DState
Empire
JE SUS C H R I S T
of
Mind
H
O LY
SPI R I T
Friday, April 23rd— Saturday, April 24th
Friday
April 23rd
CONVOCATION SCHEDULE
Praise Party
7:15 pm
Sunbeam Choir, Inspirational Choir, Voices of Tomorrow,
S.T.O.P., Scouting Ministry, Living Worship Dancers
Romans 12: 1-2 MSG
GUEST PREACHA’ & PRESENTER
GUEST ARTISTS
Rev. Darius L. Thomas
Mind Over Matter
Saturday,
April 24th
Workshops
Greater Allen Cathedral of New York
8:30 am
9 am
12:15 pm
Breakfast
Workshops:
“Me & God in the ’Chat Ro om’”
“Who Ya Wit? Reppin’ In Cyberspace”
“Empire State of Mind”
Lunch & Dismissal
WORKSHOP PRESENTERS
Rev. Sheri Smith Clayborn
Rev. Dr. Patrick Clayborn
Sunday, April 25th
YPD SUNDAY
GUEST PREACHERS
“...take your life… and place it before God as an offering… God brings the best out of you…”
VOLUME XXVI, ISSUE I
PAGE 4
DUPAGE AME CHURCH NEWSLETTER
DUPAGE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
SARAH ALLEN WOMEN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY
presents the
Rebecca Smith
Smith--Andoh Celebration of Talents
Living Worship
FEATURING :
DANCERS FROM THE ALVIN AILEY/FORDHAM
BFA PROGRAM UNDER THE DIRECTION OF PRESTON MILLER
& THE G.O.N.E. BRASS ENSEMBLE OF DUPAGE AME CHURCH
th
Saturday, April 24
6 o’clock
Glenbard South High School Auditorium
23 W 200 Butterfield Road, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Donation: $10 and $25
DONATIONS BENEFIT TH
THE
E DUPAGE AME CHURCH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
“...take your life… and place it before God as an offering…
God brings the best out of you…”
Romans 12:1
12:1--2 MSG
VOLUME XXVI, ISSUE I
DUPAGE AME CHURCH NEWSLETTER
PAGE 5
12TH ANNUAL REBECCA SMITH-ANDOH CELEBRATION OF TALENTS
“...take your life… and place it before God as an offering …God brings the best out of you…”
Romans 12:1-2 MSG
Saturday, April 24th, 6 pm will be a unique performing and worship experience of artist
excellence. This year again, a presentation of modern dance will be featured. “Living
Worship” will incorporate the choreography of our own Preston Miller, along with
others. The dancers are matriculating through Fordham University in New York and
the Alvin Ailey Dance Program and are some of the most promising dance professionals.
Many have already been contracted with Ailey II and seen on So You Think You Can
Preston Miller
Dance. Come and see both liturgical and modern dance at its best! Scholarship
recipients for 2010 will be announced at this program. Your $10 or $25 ticket donation directly supports the
DuPage AMEC Scholarship Program.
The DuPage AME Church Scholarship Program, facilitated through the Sarah Allen Women’s Missionary
Society, was implemented in 1998. From 1998 to 2001, scholarships were awarded on a one-time basis to all
applicants. In 2002 the first four-year scholarship was awarded and named for Andriess Walker, one of our
deceased teens. As a result of corporate support and generous donations from the church membership, we now
offer a four-year award named for Missionary Sister and Founding Church Member, Mary Lou Finley. The
Ferguson Scholarship was established by our member James Ferguson and is also a four-year award.
This year we are adding the Powell-Ware UNCF Scholarship which was made possible by the generous
donation of David & Leatha Ware and family. It will be a one time award to a graduating senior who will be
attending one of the 39 UNCF member schools.
All graduating high school seniors who are members of DuPage were encouraged to apply for scholarships and
had the opportunity to do so before the end of March. Every member who is a graduating senior and applies will
be granted some type of financial assistance toward your continued education—all that was required was the
completed application! Applications are being reviewed and scholarships will be awarded based on financial
need and academic achievement. Additional community scholarship applications can be found outside the
church offices and are open to all graduating seniors.
The Rebecca Smith-Andoh Celebration of Talents directly benefits the Scholarship Program and serves as its
annual fundraiser.
VOLUME XXVI, ISSUE I
DUPAGE AME CHURCH NEWSLETTER
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
SUBMITTED BY THE CLASS LEADER’S COUNCIL
Eugene & Kourtney Madison
Eugene Madison and his daughter Kourtney
Madison were our Honorees at the North District
Church School Annual Roy L Miller Scholarship
Banquet.
Eugene Madison retired from Lucent Technologies
after 28 years of service. At Lucent, Eugene served as Physical Designer of Telephone equipment
and subject matter expert across three different technologies. In addition Eugene was a lead
Engineer on the Wireless product line and holds a Wireless product feature patent as a CoInventor. He holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Benedictine University, an Associates Degree
in Electrical Engineering Technology from DeVry University, and an E-Business Certification
from Lewis University. Eugene is married to Glennis W. Madison and they have 3 daughters
Kamaran Alexis (Educator), Kristen Ariel (College Student), and Kourtney Alexander. They have
resided in Naperville for 26 years. Since joining DuPage AME Church about 4 years ago, Eugene
and Kourtney have both been active members of the Sunday School. Eugene serves as a teacher for
the Vacation Bible Study. He is a member of the Brotherhood, Intercessory Prayer Ministry, and
Usher Board where he also serves as Chaplain.
Eugene has a passion for the Bible Study. He regularly attends weekly Bible Study and also
completed a two year Bible study program at Ambassador Bible College to gain a deeper
understanding of the Word. Before attending DuPage AME, the Madisons were members of The
First Baptist Congregational Church in Chicago for 33 years. After retiring Eugene felt they needed
a Church home in their community so the family could be more active. Eventually the Lord led the
Madisons to DuPage. Eugene is a strong supporter and active participant in various youth
outreach programs such as High School Career Days, and recruiting and mentoring to inner city
youth. The Madison family believes in putting God first and leading by example. In Eugene's own
words "I believe in demonstrating and not dictating."
Kourtney Madison is a freshman at Naperville Central High School. She has served in various
capacities at DuPage AME Church including assisting with Angel Church, singing with the
Inspirational and Voices of Tomorrow Choirs, and serving on the Hospitality Committee. She
regularly attends Teen Sunday School and has even taught her class on occasion. Kourtney was a
member of the 2nd Place Bible Bowl Team. Kourtney is a long time member of the Girl Scouts
starting as a Brownie and advancing to a Junior Cadet. She has earned a Bronze Award and is
working to achieve her Silver Award. Kourtney is a member of the Naperville Central H.S.
Concert Choir and plays clarinet. She has won the Blue Ribbons from the District 203 Music
festival in 2008 and 2009. Kourtney also volunteers as a "reading buddy" for the primary students
at Naperville Public Library.
PAGE 6
VOLUME XXVI, ISSUE I
DUPAGE AME CHURCH NEWSLETTER
PAGE 7
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
SUBMITTED BY THE CLASS LEADER’S COUNCIL
Pam Jones
DuPage AME Church Sunday School Superintendent
Pam Jones has been a member of DuPage AME since its days at the
little white church in Wheaton. Originally from Detroit, Michigan Pam
moved to the Chicago-land area 25 years ago, where she met and
married her husband Lynn Jones. Both Pam and Lynn are both very
active with DuPage AME. As the Superintendent of our Sunday School
program, you can find Pam leading the Sunday School between the 8:15 and 11:15
services. When she’s not working as a Human Resources Manager for Fifth Third Bank,
Pam enjoys cooking, reading the Bible, and entertaining family and friends.
When asked what she likes most about being a member of DuPage AME, Pam explains
that she loves how God has used her connection with the church to bring her closer to
Him. Pam credits her relationship with God as the constant blessing that has helped her
manage life’s ups and downs. As her connection to her church family grew so did her
connection to God.
Over the 20 years that she’s been a member, Pam has participated in several different
ministries. However it was leading others in Sunday school that matched her interests and
talents most. Her first experience was as a parent. Pam volunteered to help manage the
Children’s Church when her daughters were at that age. Initially, her goal was to expose
the children to a solid religious foundation. As she expanded her role with the church
however, Pam found that her faith and connection to God grew in the process.
Pam has 3 pieces of advice for new members: 1) Attend Sunday School. It will help you to
see God’s word in ways that will benefit you personally. 2) Get actively involved in
something the church is doing. You will get out of your church experience what you put
in. 3) If you volunteer in one place and it doesn’t fit as well as you’d like, don’t get
discouraged. There are many different opportunities to volunteer from singing in the choir
to helping with the church family’s youth. Try different things until you find something
that fit’s your gifts. The Class Leaders Council hosts an activity called “Tour DuPage.” It’s
an excellent opportunity for new members to get exposure to the different ministries in the
church.
So the next time you are in church, think about coming to Sunday School. When you get
there, tell them that Pam sent you.
DUPAGE AME CHURCH NEWSLETTER
VOLUME XXVI, ISSUE I
PAGE 8
LORD SEND A REVIVAL & LET IT BEGIN WITH ME!
Wednesday, May 12th—Friday, May 14th
7:15 pm nightly
Beginning Wednesday, May 12th, we will be in our Annual SPRING REVIVAL. This
year, we are happy to welcome back, Rev. Matthew L. Watley, Executive Minister at Reid
Temple AME Church in Glenn Dale, Maryland. Rev. Watley is no stranger here at DuPage
and we are excited to share in revival with him in this new season of expansion and growth.
Our choirs will sing nightly as we praise God together and give thanks. We encourage all to
come, give thanks, and hear Rev. Watley invoke the spirit of the Lord to help revive us again!
Rev. Matthew L. Watley
Revival Choir Schedule:
♪
Wednesday—A Cappella Ensemble & Gospel Choir
♪
Thursday—Chancel Choir & Voices of Praise
♪
Friday—Sunbeam Choir, Inspirational Choir, Voices of Tomorrow, S.T.O.P.
THE INTERCESSORY PRAYER MINISTRY INTRODUCES
“PRAYER EXPERIENCE”
Experience God in a new way through prayer! Come out and have a
“Prayer Experience” with us on Tuesday May 18th in the fellowship hall
and Tuesday, May 25th in the sanctuary. On both evenings from 6:30
pm to 9:00 pm, the Intercessory Prayer ministry will provide
participatory small group chapels to enrich your prayer life. We will
cover topics such as journaling your prayers, praying the names of God
and dancing your prayers. Learn how to confess God’s will over an issue
by praying the scriptures. Do you want to your enhance your prayer life? Come and
learn how to combine scriptures with photographs to assemble a prayer scrapbook.
Some chapels are designed to encourage group participation with a learn-by-doing
method. Others such as Abiding in His presence and Prayer & Communion are more
meditative for a private introspective time of understanding.
Does it seem as if you are praying the same prayer over and over again? Then please come
out and experience God through prayer in a fresh new way. We welcome everyone
(adults and our youth) to participate in this experience for spiritual growth and
nourishment. We especially invite each auxiliary chaplain and all altar prayer leaders to
attend. We look forward to seeing you and we are always praying for you!
VOLUME XXVI, ISSUE I
DUPAGE AME CHURCH NEWSLETTER
PAGE 9
ANNUAL CLASS LEADER DAY
On Sunday, May 16th our guest preacher will be Rev. Dr. Regina C. Groff, a former pastor
in Denver, Colorado, now living in Washington, D.C. as we celebrate the service of the
Class Leader Council.
The Class Leader Council is a group of over 65 members appointed by the pastor to
facilitate communication between pastor and the membership as officers. The Council
meets monthly and is organized into 7 committees: Pastoral Partners, Church Interaction,
Tour DuPage, Membership/Council Care, New Members & Visitors’ Outreach, Member
Integration, and Membership Promotion. Charles Baker is our current Class Leader
Council Coordinator.
Rev. Dr. Regina C. Groff
The Class Leader Council is a wonderful place to serve the Lord and grow in Christ. You
may contact the Pastor, Executive Pastor, or Charles Baker, Council’s Coordinator if you have an interest in
serving as a Class Leader.
Some of the members of the Class Leader Council
CHURCH DIRECTORY PHOTOS – NOW through May
Ted McKee, our Church Photographer, and The Media Ministry will be
taking family photos to be included in our Church Directory. Come down to
the Fellowship Hall after services on Sunday through May and have your
photo taken TODAY. There is no charge to have your photo taken and is a
great way for us to get to know one another. The completed Church
Directory will be completed and distributed in September in conjunction with
our 31st Church Anniversary. Please plan to take your family photo! 
VOLUME XXVI, ISSUE I
DUPAGE AME CHURCH NEWSLETTER
PAGE 10
To God Be The Glory!
Brotherhood Singing 100 on Men’s Day 2010
For additional images and video clips from Men’s Day and up-to-date progress on
the Expansion Project, please visit the DuPage AME Church FAN PAGE
on FACEBOOK! Become a fan today!
MOBILE FOOD BANK (R.E.A.C.H.)
We thank all the many volunteers who have
assisted with the Food Bank. We are now in
our third year of service to over 2500 families
by distributing over 200,000 lbs of food.
Upcoming dates include:
Saturday, April 17th
3 —5 pm
Saturday, May 8th
10 am —12 Noon
Make a contribution of your service!
To volunteer please contact Dr. Sweet through the church office. Your assistance is greatly appreciated!
“When I was hungry you fed Me …”
Matthew 25:35
DUPAGE AME CHURCH NEWSLETTER
VOLUME XXVI, ISSUE I
PAGE 11
DATES TO REMEMBER
It is not too early. It is not too late.
APRIL
2
Good Friday Worship Service
4
Resurrection Easter Sunday
Cloud of Witness Victory Sunday
10
Inspirational Choir Concert
11
Missionary Day
Women’s Day Kick-Off Meeting
17
REACH Food Pantry
Now is the time
For me to test out my wings,
To try out my voice,
To give birth to unborn parts of my self.
I have been waiting for this moment all my life, even
23-24 Youth Convocation
24
Rebecca Smith-Andoh Celebration of Talents
25
YPD Day
On one level I have never been here before.
On another level I have been rehearsing for this
MAY
8
REACH Food Pantry
9
moment all my life.
Mother’s Day
Teach me what I do not know, Lord.
12-14 Spring Revival
16
before I knew myself.
Class Leader Day
I am ready
from within.
Let us begin, God.
The
deadline
for
submissions to the Summer
Edition NEWSLETTER
is April 30th. We want to
hear from you and your
ministry in the church.
By Renita J. Weems
From Showing Mary, 2002
Next Edition: Women’s Day 2010
WOMEN WORKING FOR THE LORD
Colossians 3:23–24
D U PAGE AME C HURCH
4300 YACKLEY AVENUE
LISLE, IL 60532
W W W .D U P A GE AMEC. O R G
“Small Enough To Care, Large Enough To Share!”