Summer 2011 - DuPage AME Church

THE NEWSLETTER
VOLUME XXVII, ISSUE II
SUMMER 2011
FROM
THE
PASTOR’S PEN:
WOMEN’S DAY 2011
DUPAGE
African Methodist
Episcopal Church
4300 Yackley Avenue
Lisle, IL 60532
630-969-9800
630-969-9807 fax
www.DuPageAMEC.org
[email protected]
Christian Women
Denying Themselves for
His Name Sake
Executive Pastor
“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother
or children or fields, for My name’s sake,
will receive a hundredfold, and will inherit eternal life.”
Rev. Louis Toney
~Matthew 19:29
Rev. Dr. James F. Miller
Senior Pastor
Rev. Lana Parks Miller
Presiding Elder
On Sunday, June 26th our women, dressed in their Coral
and White, will explode in spiritual praise for Christ Jesus.
Our feminine fellowship of faith will demonstrate our love
for God, our church, and each other. Rev. Dr. Regina C.
Groff, of Washington DC, will preach with power at our
8:15 am & 11:15 am Worship Services. Our Annual
Women’s Day Chorus is sure to be both beautiful in
appearance and plentiful in praise. A banquet feast will
follow the 11:15 am Service.
Rt. Rev. John R. Bryant
Presiding Prelate
This year we are doing a new thing. We are having a Prayer
Luncheon on Saturday, June 18th, 11:30 am at The
Abbington Banquet Hall in Glen Ellyn. We are excited that
so many tables have been sold already. Rev. Myra T. Billips,
Co-Pastor of Shiloh AME Church in Galveston Texas, will
surely preach the roof off the building.
Inside this issue:
New Members
2
Class of 2011
3
Member Spotlights
6-8
Heritage Sunday
10
...and more
Rev. Dr. Regina C. Groff
Rev. Myra T. Billips
Our chairperson Pat Brooks and her committee are
working tirelessly and deserve all of our support. Women,
your $150 pledge will seal the victory as DuPage AME
Church continues its kingdom building work.
God bless you now, and see you in church!
Pastor Miller
DUPAGE AME CHURCH NEWSLETTER
VOLUME XXVII, ISSUE II
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!
De Shawn Ross
Lombard
Ryan Greene
André Taylor
Brandon Davis
Lamar Danley
LeVern Danley ,Jr.
Glen Ellyn
Glen Ellyn
Wheaton
Jamel Jones
Karen Pirtle
Lyons
Warrenville
Stephanie Dillard
Tamara & Joy Diamond Brass
Bartlett
Chicago
Brian Griffin
Naperville
John & Tracy Jones
Taylor-Olivia & Ailey
Nakiesha Pearson
Downers Grove
ANNUAL YOUTH DAY & PROMOTION SUNDAY
WITH THE FATHER … WE’RE NOT AFRAID
“ … fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
II Timothy 1:6-7 NLT
Rev. Conitras Houston
Sunday, June 12th is Annual Youth and Church School Promotion Day! Each year we
celebrate God’s blessings of our children. We are thankful God has entrusted their
training into our hands. Rev. Conitras Houston, Pastor of St. Luke AME Church in
Athens, Georgia, will be our preacher at the 8:15 am & 11:15 am Worship Services. She
is one of the young preachers that her Bishop recommends as a great spiritual example.
All Youth Choirs will sing in their regular places. At the Sunday School Hour students will be examined and
promoted according to their age and teacher’s approval. This is an annual ritual which gives us comfort to
know that the church of the future is well prepared.
Pamela Jones is our Sunday School Superintendent.
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 Booth 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.
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DUPAGE AME CHURCH NEWSLETTER
PAGE 3
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2011
KINDERGARTEN GRADUATES
Shelby Lee
8th GRADE GRADUATES
Ashley Green
Imani Baker
Francis Bettis
Deborah Blount
Anisa Brazier
Kayla Denwood
Bennita Drain
Jared Fitz
Kenya Fullilove
Lyndsey Franklin
Oshla Gray
Lucas Harrington
Jada Haynes
Jade Haynes
Asa Ivory-Ellis
Maya Levy
Sydney Mann
Angela Mason
Carter Rayburn
AJ Render
Sierra Wilburn
Anisa Brazier
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
Oshla Gray
David Blount
Maya Brooks
Christine Brown
Termayne Harper
Grant Hudson
Eryn Jackson
Keith Taylor
André Mayo
Justin Parker
Garrett Payne
Trevion Stanback
Keith Taylor
Antoinette Williams
COLLEGE GRADUATES
Eddie Lega
Marketo Griffin
Patrick Franklin
Ashley Green
Marketo Christine Griffin
Patricia Wilson Baker
Thurston Booth
Brittani Cornelius
Eddie Lega
ADVANCED & OTHER DEGREE GRADUATES
Brittani Cornelius
Crystal Harris Blount, PhD.
Monica Ferguson, DPT
LaToya Giles, AA
Thurston Booth
We, your church family, honor you for your academic accomplishments and for your contribution
to the life of the church. We pray God’s continued blessings for your future.
Dr. Crystal Blount
Going forward
Ready to
Accept God’s Will
Determined to
Understand God’s Word
Alert to
Temptations,
Interest in
Others,
Never forgetting that Christ is my helper!
Dr. Monica Ferguson
VOLUME XXVII, ISSUE II
DUPAGE AME CHURCH NEWSLETTER
PAGE 4
3 John 2
VOLUME XXVII, ISSUE II
DUPAGE AME CHURCH NEWSLETTER
PAGE 5
HOSPITALITY DAY
“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people
have entertained angels without knowing it. “
~Hebrews 13:2
On Sunday, July 10th our Hospitality
Ministry, whose members greet us at the
door each week, will be celebrated. What a
blessing it is to be welcomed into the
A few members of the Hospitality Ministry
Sanctuary with warm and sincere caring.
This is a wonderful ministry for any person who wishes to give service. Susan W. Hodge
is the ministry President.
We will remember our faithful member Ira L. Davis who recently went home to be with
the Lord. We thank God for Ira’s faithful service!
Ira L. Davis
August 23, 1932—May 7, 2011
ANNUAL LAY DAY
On Sunday, July 31st the Louis A. Garland, Jr. Lay
Organization of DuPage AME Church will be celebrated!
The Lay Organization of each local church in the AME
denomination ensures lay participation on all levels of
church government. If you enjoy attending conferences
and traveling, this group goes throughout the Midwest and
sometimes nationally, fellowshipping and participating in church legislation. Angela
T. Pettis is our able President who represents us well.
Our speaker will be Dr. Peter Groff, the President and
CEO, National Alliance for Public Charter Schools in
Washington DC. Dr. Groff is a highly sought after
speaker both nationally and internationally and we are
blessed to have his friendship. This Summer celebration
promises a special blessing for our congregation.
Dr. Peter Groff
DUPAGE AME CHURCH NEWSLETTER
VOLUME XXVII, ISSUE II
PAGE 6
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT :
MAVIS HAWKES, Stewardess Board Coordinator
SUBMITTED BY THE CLASS LEADER’S COUNCIL
Mavis first came to DuPage AMEC because she was running late one
Sunday morning and this church was close to her home. She was
greeted by such charming people---one of whom was the late Thelma
Audley---that she quickly volunteered to help with the Sarah Allen
Women's Missionary Society Tutoring Program for Grades 1-12. She
gradually became more involved with the church and was impressed
with the leadership, the members, and the general spirit of the
church. In 1999, she officially joined.
Mavis & her daughter Laura
Her experience at DuPage AMEC has been great! She is very happy that she calls this her church
home. She feels fortunate to witness the spiritual and physical growth of the church and do
understand that we must all continue to grow in the name of our Lord and Savior.
Mavis sees her role as the Coordinator of the Stewardess Board as an opportunity to give back to the
Lord a small portion of the many blessings He has given her. It is a very humble and rewarding
experience of service and she is
delighted to do it. Amongst
other duties, the Stewardesses
prepare for and assist with the
Holy
sacraments
of
Communion and Baptism, and
as such they help to create an
uplifting
atmosphere
for
The Stewardess Board of DuPage AME Church
genuine spiritual worship and
growth under the direction of Pastor Miller and our ministerial liaison, Rev Lana. They are on duty
every Sunday and special occasions. Their work requires discipline, faith and Christian love and she
feels fortunate to be a part of it along with 37 other wonderful ladies.
Her spiritual journey has taught her both patience and optimism. She is learning to draw out the best
in people and situations. It can be difficult at times but she is prayerful and always hopeful because she
believes that God is the Master of all things great and small. There is a divine plan and outcome for
each of us if we only let God take control of all that matters.
One of Mavis's favorite scriptures is Jeremiah 29:11 - “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the
Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
She also lives by Galatians 6:9 - “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will
reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Her faith has gotten her through the low point of her personal life when her husband suddenly passed
away when they were together on an overseas trip. Her faith has also helped in her professional career
because she knows that she never walks alone, so she receives added assurance and strength to take on
complex and difficult issues.
VOLUME XXVII, ISSUE II
DUPAGE AME CHURCH NEWSLETTER
PAGE 7
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT :
EDDIE LEGA, DuPage AMEC Facility Manager
SUBMITTED BY THE CLASS LEADER’S COUNCIL
Eddie remembers the day he joined DuPage AME Church like it was
yesterday. After moving from Milwaukee, WI for his wife’s promotion,
Eddie’s mother-in-law came to visit and asked that they find a church
home. After a recommendation from his previous AME Pastor, Eddie
and his wife, Kaye visited DuPage AME Church for the first time on
August 11, 1996. They became members on that very same day.
His experience at DuPage AMEC has been a blessing for them. At the
time, his sons were 16, 12, and 9. The church has a heavy focus on the
youth, so they got involved with the choirs, boy scouts, etc.
Eddie Lega
Eddie's true spirit was enhanced when he became more involved at DuPage AME Church. Previously,
he was a “Pew Member,” but his involvement helped him along on his journey. He became involved
with the Media Ministry, YPD Ministry, and the Parking Lot Ministry. If he missed a service, he felt
like he was missing something; his week just didn’t go right. While his spiritual growth is still
continuing to grow, DuPage is home for him and it wouldn’t feel right any other way.
Spiritual Quotes and Thoughts that he lives by:
2 Corinthians 5:7 “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
He remembers God is always going to be there for him
and He has been there all this time. God has helped his
wife, his sons, his family, and people in general. Eddie
says, “It is just good to have Him in your life. When He
reaches down and touches your soul, you believe
everything you see and hear. It’s unbelievable.”
Robert, Kaye, Eddie, & Cedric Lega
In Feb. 2009, he was told his company was closing the
facility he was managing. “God had another plan for me
and I was blessed with a role at the church,” Lega states.
His faith has brought him through...On March 20th, Eddie had
a mild stroke. He believes that he only made it through
because of God. That Sunday he was sitting at home with his
entire family. Many Sundays, he is sitting at home by himself,
so it was unusual to have his family there. His wife noticed
that something was wrong. His wife has been with him for 27
years. Eddie says he is blessed to have his wife and three
sons. He thanks God for the smallest things to the largest
things.
Roy L. Miller MAN OF THE YEAR 2011
VOLUME XXVII, ISSUE II
DUPAGE AME CHURCH NEWSLETTER
PAGE 8
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT :
GRANT HUDSON, Graduating Senior & Gold Medal Winner!
SUBMITTED BY THE CLASS LEADER’S COUNCIL
Grant's earliest memory of being involved with the church is 1st grade. He remembers
helping his mom with Thanksgiving baskets and the Angel tree. After a short time he
joined the Boy Scouts. As a senior in high school, he is still engaged in all three
activities. Recently the Boy Scouts helped clean up around the church grounds.
Grant has been involved with the NAACP ACT-SO program in the category of
Architecture since his sophomore year in high school. He has won silver and gold
medals at the National level. He will be participating again this year at Nationals in
Los Angeles. Grant really likes to draw and is also very interested in construction - he
likes being outside.
This past year, he started his first job working at an after school kid's zone program.
Grant really enjoys his responsibilities and working with the kids. He was able to
purchase his first car and also his insurance. A major accomplishment for a young person!
Gold Medal Winner!
Grant has had a wonderful experience at DuPage. As he puts it, "the church
is really cool, everyone knows what you're doing and is helpful." He is
affectionately knows as "the architecture boy,” and gets encouragement
from many people around the church. They give him advice for what to do
after high school. He is always learning when he goes to church - he likes
that.
Alvin, Grant, & Willettta Hudson
Grant is planning to attend Jackson State in the fall. In addition to his
studies, he plans to play football and join ROTC.
NAACP ACT-SO National Competition 2010
DuPage County ACT-SO National Competition 2011
VOLUME XXVII, ISSUE II
DUPAGE AME CHURCH NEWSLETTER
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Monday, August 8th— Friday, August 12th
6-9 pm nightly
Dinner served each evening
Classes for ALL AGES!
For more information concerning this “mission,”
see your Sunday School Teacher!
“ … but with God, ALL things are possible!”
~Matthew 19:26
PAGE 9
VOLUME XXVII, ISSUE II
DUPAGE AME CHURCH NEWSLETTER
PAGE 10
From DuPage Theatre Group, an original stage play extravaganza,
“It’s Not Too Late (until it’s too late)”
Friday, August 19th
Saturday, August 20th
Sunday, August 21st
This heartwarming story tells the dilemma of a family in
trouble. Will infidelity destroy all that is sacred in marriage?
What would you do if the child you’d raised wasn't yours?
Will faith and forgiveness be enough to see them through?
It's not too late to plan to see this fantastic stage production
because if you miss it, it WILL be too late!
BGSJDBO!IFSJUBHF!EBZ!
Sunday, August 21st is African Heritage Day!
Would you like to hear our morning prayer in both English and an African
language? Would you like to experience a “taste of Africa” enjoying many ethnic
delicacies? Would you like to celebrate with our members whose immediate
home is on the Mother continent? This day will afford us this joyous
opportunity!
Kade Holiday and her committee are asking everyone to dress in African Garb if
you have it and join in the festive spirit of Mother Africa.
Eleanor & Ruby
Erin, Robert,
Kennedy, & Lauren
Ayanna & Edna
Archie, Felecia, Jonathan
Pastor Miller & Rev. Lana
VOLUME XXVII, ISSUE II
DUPAGE AME CHURCH NEWSLETTER
DATES TO REMEMBER
R.E.A.C.H. FOOD BANK
We thank all the many volunteers who have assisted
with the Food Bank. We are now concluding our
fourth year of service to over 4000 families by
distributing over 400,000 lbs. of food. Upcoming
dates include:
10 am —12 Noon
Saturday, June 11th
Saturday, July 9th
Saturday, August 13th
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
PAGE 11
JUNE
11
REACH Food Pantry
12
Promotion Sunday / Annual Youth Day
18
Women's Prayer Luncheon
19
Father’s Day
26
Women’s Day
JULY
6-9 4th District Christian Education Congress
9
REACH Food Pantry
10
Hospitality Day
30
Golf For Christ Scramble Tournament
31
Annual Lay Day
AUGUST
8-12 Vacation Bible School
19-21 DuPage Theatre Group Production
21
African Heritage Day
28
Scout Sunday
ANNUAL SCOUT SUNDAY
On Sunday, August 28th we will acknowledge the
work of our DuPage AME Church Scouting
Ministries. Scouting is a great opportunity for
young people to develop their character, leadership
and service to humankind. Scouting exposes our
young people to nature, and challenges them to
apply their knowledge to real life experiences.
We have award-winning Girls and Boy Scout
Troops and they do a great job year round. Make
sure you are a witness to support and prayerfully
encourage both our Scouts and their dedicated
Troop Leaders.
FALL EDITION:
nd
32 Church Anniversary
The deadline for submissions to the
Fall Edition NEWSLETTER is
August 30th. We want to hear from
you and your ministry in the
church.
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!”
The Women’s Day Choir is looking for you to join them in praise!
Come on out and join us! It’s not too late!
Monday, June 6th
7 pm
Friday, June 17th
7 pm
Tuesday, June 21st
7 pm
Saturday, June 25th
4 pm