with spiritual gifts forservice

Transcription

Empowering Disciples Magazine | Volume 04
from the
BISHOP’S PEN
By: Bishop Walter S. Thomas, Sr., Pastor
2015 is here, and we are off to a great start in
ministry. The weather has been challenging
but we are grateful to be alive and able to
do God’s work. I want to commend all of you
that took on the challenge at the beginning
of the year to attend service every Sunday
in January, and commit to learning the five
assurances. God is strengthening us in this
season to empower others. Already this year
we have learned the importance of Making
the Connection and the principles to help us
in Spiritual Warfare. We are in a fight, but we
know that with God we have the victory.
This year, we are making the connection in church ministry with our church family,
and in our daily lives. I encourage you, as you read through this magazine, to see
where you can connect to ministry at this church. It’s not enough to attend on
Sunday. You need to be connected to a ministry and to others that are working to
live a better life just like you. New Psalmist has plenty of areas where you can get
involved and use your God-given talents to make life better for others.
I am excited about celebrating my 40th pastoral anniversary in April 2015. God
has blessed our union of pastor and people. Each year, we do great things for the
kingdom of God. Thank you for allowing me to be your pastor and serving God
with you.
God Bless,
Bishop Walter S. Thomas Sr., Pastor
NewPsalmist.org
from the
EDITOR
By: Joi Thomas
New Psalmist is such a wonderful church to
be a member of. Everyday there is something
going on. If you are looking to get involved in
ministry, this is the place to be. This edition
of the magazine encourages every member
to Make the Connection and join ministry. It
is so important to become connected to your
church family. Your connection to God and
your church grows stronger as you become
involved in ministry.
Before reading through the pages, ask God to
speak to you through what you read and show
you where you can more freely contribute to
Kingdom work. God will show you how to connect with a ministry that feeds your
passion and helps you get closer to your purpose. Don’t shy away from becoming
involved. Embrace it and watch God do even greater things in your life.
As a church family we are gearing up for the Lenten season and celebrating our
Pastor’s 40th anniversary. So many exciting things are happening at the church.
You don’t want to miss any of it. Stay connected through the website and social
media to find out updates. You can always call the church office with any questions
or to get more information.
Thank you again for supporting the work of the Empowering Disciple
Magazine Ministry.
Be Blessed,
Joi Thomas
NEW PSALMIST BAPTIST CHURCH
6020 Marian Drive
Baltimore, MD 21215
(410) 945-3000
www.newpsalmist.org
PUBLISHER
Bishop Walter S. Thomas, Sr., Pastor
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Joi Thomas
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Gayle Watkins
WRITERS
Teresa Hall
Elliott Jenkins
Dellare McLaughlin
Daryn Ramsey
Deborah Ramsey
Emma Sellers
Theresa Smith
Gayle Watkins
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jerome Coates
Eugene Daniel
Gary Lee
Tracy Ross
Greg Stansbury
Daryl Taylor
Quadre Veney
Ray Winston
GRAPHIC DESIGN
The Church Online
www.thechurchonline.com
PRINTING
New Psalmist Baptist Church
A Quarterly Publication
CONTENTS
MAKING THE CONNECTION
2 Connecting With Spiritual Gifts For Service
4 Connections Through Prayer
6 Discipleship: The Bond
9 Personal Life Connections
10 Fellowship and Hospitality
13 Physical and Mental Health
14 Ministers of the Month
1
NewPsalmist.org
CONNECTING
WITH SPIRITUAL GIFTS FOR SERVICE
By: Gayle Watkins
REPRISE – Sing in your best gospel voice: “Glad to Be in the Service, Glad to Be in the Service, Glad to Be
in the Service (One More Time),” – the old gospel song we remember from back in the day, and sang often
during collection time or at an ushers anniversary, where they marched to the choir’s harmonizing voice types,
and to the final round of melody by each vocal section: (One More Time) bass; (One More Time) baritones;
(One More Time) tenors; and (One More Time) altos and sopranos.
We are all gifted for service in the kingdom. “Each one has received a spiritual gift to serve others, faithfully
administering the grace of God in all its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV). Even if your spiritual gift is in an area
that you do not want to claim (at first) – if it is God’s will for you, He will prepare you for service in that area.
In the spiritual journey, it is only a matter of time before “it” clicks. “It,” is the thing God pre-planned for you
to do in His kingdom. Doors will open for you where you must trust God completely and take a leap of faith in
His assignment for your life. Acceptance is key. Accept what He has for you to do. Do not waiver. Follow Him.
2
Are you walking in your spiritual gift?
Have you recognized who you are in Christ?
Have you begun glorifying Him through service?
Service is hard work – not like you might think
your testimony, spread the Good News and make life
though; not the tasks, duties and responsibilities part
better for someone else.
of it all, but the psychological strain of embracing
new territory on a spiritual level, how you handle
Make the connection with your spiritual gift for
things, how you handle people, how people respond
service. Ask God to reveal your spiritual gift. Maybe
to you, and your interpretation of the internal culture
you already know what it is. God will empower you
and external public images. Understand that walking
to do His will; accept the assignment, be confident,
in your spiritual gift is a blessing but it is also a test
do it well and know that He is with you every step
of your faith. It is imperative to stay connected to the
of the way.
Holy Spirit so He can protect and lead you in your
spiritual service quests.
What is the takeaway of this article?
When you are aware of your spiritual gift but choose
Make the connection with a ministry at NPBC
not to use it for the uplifting of the Body of Christ,
and expect great spiritual growth as well as
you miss the opportunity to minister to others, share
personal fulfillment in service to others, in the
church and in life.
Ask God to reveal your spiritual gift.
3
NewPsalmist.org
connections
THROUGH
By: Daryn Ramsey
PRAYER
As we all try to navigate the various landscapes in
prayers according to our needs as they relate to
life, the opportunity is ripe and the ground is fertile
God’s will.
to capitalize on one of the most intimate and purest
ways to communicate with God, and that is through
Make the connection through prayer! Whether
prayer. You see, we can go to God in prayer about
the type of prayer is faith, agreement, request,
anything. In fact, it is because of our intimate and
thanksgiving, worship, consecration, intercession
personal relationship with God that we can liberate
or in the spirit, something special happens when
all of our hopes, dreams, needs and desires.
we pray. Praying is one of the most wholesome
Christian experiences. When God is in the midst of
When we commune and dialogue with God in
prayer, we can’t lose! The more you grow in your
prayer, we establish the connection to disclose our
prayer life, the more you will have a natural desire
innermost thoughts and concerns for situations and
to converse with God. Prayer changes things!
circumstances in which we seek deliverance. If we
listen closely, the Holy Spirit will guide us in our
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all
circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
4
5
NewPsalmist.org
DISCIPLESHIP CONNECTIONS:
THE BOND
By: Elliott Jenkins
The Discipleship Program at NPBC
is a three-year spiritual journey
where small groups of believers
are assigned to a class. Weekly
classes are led by one or two
facilitators on a specific day for
about an hour and a half. The
purpose of Discipleship class
is to strengthen and grow your
relationships are cultivated with
with each other, mourn with
personal relationship with Christ,
people in the same age group
each other and support each
and prepare you for leadership
who share similar experiences
other through triumphs, failures,
and service in the kingdom. This
and deeply personal, confidential,
accomplishments, weaknesses,
is accomplished by self-analyzing
painful and intimate thoughts,
victories and fears.
your walk with Jesus and applying
opinions and confessions with
to your own life what the Bible
complete transparency.
class; it is about the relationship
teaches about God’s assurances
Classmates minister to each
between God, us and our fellow
other during life events such as
man as brothers and sisters in
Talk to any Discipleship student or
births, marriages, deaths, health
Christ. The encouragement given
graduate and they will eventually
challenges, family relationship
from facilitators and students to
talk about the class bond. It is
issues and job issues as they
press through life and grow in
in Discipleship class that new
happen. Classmates rejoice
Christ is a bond like no other. And
and principles for living.
6
Trust is developed in Discipleship
what is shared in Discipleship class
Christmas outreach projects, and
friends forever. They will express
stays in Discipleship class!
collaborating time, talents and
personal fulfillment in learning
resources to provide items for the
God’s will for their lives and finding
Discipleship classmates also
homeless and other less fortunate
joy in service to others. They will
bond through studying scripture
groups.
tell of friendships lasting years
after completing the program. And
together and quizzing one another
for Discipleship tests called Sword
Ask any Discipleship student or
they will tell you not only did they
Drills. Service to others is another
graduate how Discipleship class
grow closer to Christ together but
way classmates bond, such as
has impacted their life and they
together they are bonded in Christ,
participating in Thanksgiving and
will say that they have bonded with
which is the strongest bond of all.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the
first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself. All the
Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV)
7
NewPsalmist.org
When fellowship takes place, the spirit of hospitality is felt
by ALL sons and daughters of Christ.
8
WORSHIP
CONNECTIONS:
FELLOWSHIP AND HOSPITALITY
By: Emma Sellers
There are two ingredients that are important
When fellowship takes place, the spirit of
to the worship experience: The spirit of
hospitality is felt by all sons and daughters
fellowship and the spirit of hospitality.
of Christ. The projection of love and positive
Together, fellowship and hospitality prepare
energy is what pleases God. When hospitality
parishioners to hear the Word of God with
is witnessed, it is a gentle reminder that one
anticipation and excitement.
should joyfully communicate and willingly
share genuine smiles with each other.
Two scriptures in the Bible that address
the connection between fellowship and
Are you making the connection by smiling
hospitality echoing the positive message of
at one another in the narthex, bookstore,
oneness are:
café, sanctuary, and parking lots? Being
• May the God who gives endurance
and encouragement give you the same
attitude of mind toward each other that
Christ Jesus had.
- Romans 15:5 (NIV)
• Be devoted to one another in love.
kind to one another and sincerely sharing
brotherly love among saints is an awesome
witness for Christ. We have authority to
praise and worship in everything we say
and do, in the Name of Jesus. Connections
through worship are meaningful; make your
fellowship and hospitality matter!
Honor one another above yourselves.
- Romans 12:10 (NIV)
9
NewPsalmist.org
PERSONAL LIFE
connections
By: Deborah Ramsey
Reflect on your life and recall the
for your gain but for God’s glory.
do with some of your personal
instances where you met certain
Maybe there is a co-worker in
life connections. The One who
people in a certain place at a
need of an encouraging word,
comforts, heals, strengthens and
certain time. Most often, those
a friend who has withdrawn for
provides peace that surpasses our
personal life connections are
reasons unknown, or one of more
understanding had everything to
driven and directed by God not
than 90 ministries at NPBC calling
do with some of your personal life
sought after on your own volition.
on your spiritual gift or desire to
connections!
God sometimes pre-arranges
serve. At best, making personal
personal life connections with
connections adds value to your life
The thing believers have in
co-workers, friends and people in
and the life of others, while God
common is eternal life. While
church for His purposes.
gets the glory for blessing what He
we are on earth, your personal
already connected long ago for His
connections are important enough
pre-destined purposes.
to be sensitive to the people,
Pray and ask God to show you how
places and things around you.
He wants you to make connections
10
in your personal life. Consider that
It is amazing how much sense this
How does God want you to make
personal life connections are not
really makes. You had nothing to
personal connections?
11
NewPsalmist.org
12
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL
HEALTH CONNECTIONS
By: Leroy McKenzie, Jr.
Face it. A good many of us are physically and mentally challenged. So let us make physical fitness and
mental health a priority in our lives today. A good many of us experience physical and mental challenges.
We all know that achieving your personal best is easier said than done in most cases but when there is a
will, there is a way. This article does not attempt to tell you what to do about your health or how to achieve
your personal best. It is simply to encourage you to do whatever it takes for YOU to connect your physical
and mental well-being so that you can live the quality of life God intends for you to live.
We all yearn for the benefits of physical and mental fitness: weight loss, improvement of health conditions
and diseases, improvement of mood, boosts energy, promotes better sleep, increases self-confidence,
esteem and mental clarity to connect with God’s will for your life; and walk in authority, discern God’s word,
empower you for service and kingdom connections.
Did you know that NPBC has a Fitness Ministry?
Make the connection! Visit the member services desk in
the narthex for more information.
13
spotlight
NewPsalmist.org
Minister Ethel Lawson
MINISTER YOLANDA BETHEA
1. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU DON’T HAVE ON
YOUR MINISTERIAL COLLAR?
When I do not have on my collar I love spending time with
family and friends, game night or movie night with my crew
is sure to bring lots of laughter and spirited competition. In
my quiet time I love to read, being pampered at the spa and
shopping.
2. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE GOING INTO
THE MINISTRY?
Spend some time discovering when and where God speaks to
you most. Cultivate that time and space and guard it against
everything that competes for that sacred moment.
3. WHAT IS YOUR “PASSION” IN MINISTRY? WHY?
My passion in ministry is caring of the soul through spiritual
formation. I’m blessed with the spiritual gifts of teaching,
shepherding, and exhortation and through these gifts I love
serving others and guiding believers in the discoveries of
God’s active presence in our lives.
4. WHAT MOTIVATES YOU FOR MINISTRY?
Luke 15: 20b…But while he was a long way off, his father saw
him and was filled with compassion for him… This scripture
has continuously been a motivator for me in ministry. It excites
me to know that while we are not where we should be, God
sees us where we are, loves us, and He is always positioned
and ready to help us become all He intended.
5. WHAT HAVE YOU ENJOYED MOST ABOUT MINISTRY?
There are so many things that I enjoy about ministry, watching
others experience and grow in God, I’ve enjoyed my personal
journey and growth, particularly the art of crafting a sermon.
Experiencing how God takes what Dr. H. Grady Davis calls,
“the anatomy of an idea” and transform it into a word that
provokes salvation, comforts the down trodden, encourages
hopes, and nurtures dreams through private conversations
with me is humbling and absolutely mind blowing.
14
MINISTER GARRY THANIEL
MINISTER CHARLIE TAYLOR
I like spend time with family and friends. I am a big movie
buff and I also like to work out. I recently signed up for the
Baltimore half-marathon on October, so that is taking up some
of my time. I also volunteer regularly and work few non-profits,
which keeps me pretty busy.
Well, I like spending time with my wife and grandchildren. I
enjoy cooking, attending social events and movie dates with
my daughter. Right now, I am making my second read of Van
Moody “The People Factor”.
THE MINISTRY?
My advice would be to understand that the call to ministry is a
call to serve. To serve the Lord, God’s people, and the Church.
Ministry is true Servant Leadership and we are blessed to
have been called to serve.
THE MINISTRY?
I believe one should stay connected to God and should often
ask God to show them how he wants his will completed in
their lives. I would also suggest that they would definitely
inquire about his wisdom so they can see how it can best be
applied to their ministry.
My passion is to bring more people to Christ, to see lives
changed and communities changed. The Lord finds a new
way to blow my mind every day and I am passionate about
bringing others to Christ so that I can help make life better for
another.
My passion in ministry is supporting/ serving all of God’s
people. I do enjoy helping folks see how the hand of God can
change or even improve their situation even when they can’t
see it happening at the time.
Life motivates me for ministry. One of the best ways to
minister to others is by the way you live this precious life that
God has given us. I know that God has put me in position to
be a blessing to others, so the fact that He wakes me up each
day is my motivation.
The fact that God has given me so much grace and has been
so merciful, I am directly motivated to serve his people in
any capacity or where he needs me. I am grateful for the
opportunity to serve at home, at church, in prison, in my office
or on our city streets. I like the way the song writer sums it all
up “ There is none like you !!”.
I have enjoyed growing in Christ and having so many great
people to grow with. There are a group of us that grew up
together and several of us are serving in the ministry, in on
capacity or another. It has been amazing to see how God is
using up and the talents that he has given each of us to be a
blessing to the Kingdom. Walter Jr. is one of my best friends in
the world and I have enjoyed seeing how God has blessed his
ministry and I am excited about what the future holds for my
brother and his family.
I have enjoyed watching people grow spiritually here at NPBC
the most, myself included. I really love and appreciate how
the hand of God has moved in everyone of his children’s lives.
I appreciate the way God reveals himself in every situation
which gives me a better understanding of who our GOD is.
15
NewPsalmist.org
16
17
NewPsalmist.org
UPCOMING EVENTS
MARCH 2015
3/5/15, Thur
6:45pm
Holy Communion
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Odell Dickerson, Jr.
[email protected]
3/8/15, Sun
X-Youth Day
3/29/15, Sun
Palm Sunday
3/31/15, Tues
Worship with Sharon Baptist Church
DIRECTOR OF MINISTRY
ext-3029
Worship with Sharon Baptist Church
MINISTER OF MUSIC
Bro. J.D. Alston
ext-3023 | [email protected]
APRIL 2015
4/1/15, Wed
4/2/15, Thur
6:45pm
4/3/15, Fri
Holy Communion
Good Friday (church office closed)
4/3/15, Fri
7:00pm
Good Friday Service
4/4/15, Sat
12:00pm - 2:00pm
Kingdom Kidz Easter Hunt
4/5/15, Sun
Easter Sunday
4/19/15, Sun
Bishop Thomas’s 40th Pastoral Anniversary
4/26/15, Sun
4:00pm
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE OFFICE OF THE BISHOP
Deaconess Renita Fulton
Ushers 115th Anniversary
MINSTER OF CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Rev. James Green
5/7/15, Thur
6:45pm
Holy Communion
5/16/15, Sat
8:30am
Discipleship Prayer Breakfast
5/17/15, Sun
5/20/15, Wed
Young Adult Day
6:30pm
5/24/15, Sun
MEDIA RELATIONS AND PROMOTIONS
Sis. Joi Thomas
Worship with Sweet Hope Baptist Church
MAY 2015
5/3/15, Sun
MINISTER OF OUTREACH
Rev. Alfred Bailey
Barnabas Celebration of Life
Pentecost Sunday
5/28/15, Thur
6:30pm
Discipleship Commencement
5/30/15, Sat
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Business Owners Fair
MINISTER OF DISCIPLESHIP
Min. Monique Lemmon
ext-3043 |[email protected]
EVENT ADMINISTRATOR
Deaconess Linda Harris
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR
Janine Hawes
MINISTER OF WORSHIP ARTS
Bro. Tamba Giles
MINISTER OF FAMILY WHOLENESS
Dr. Dianne Roberts
PASTORAL COUNSELING
Sis. Angela Smith
MINISTER OF AUDIO, VIDEO AND MEDIA
Min. Joshua Thomas
FOOD SERVICES
Holly Archer
18
19

with spiritual gifts forservice

Transcription

Similar documents

Ministry of Sound and its worldwide evolution to the present

Student Leadership Application

Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top

Permission and Medical Release Form FBC JAX Youth Ministry

WOMEN`S LEADERSHIP UNIVERSITY

For more information contact Marilou Braswell at

MINISTRY INISTRY MENTORS®

2-14-2016

Information and mail-in registration

GREETINGS IN THE NAME OF OUR LORD AND