Cornerstone Courier - Vol 4, Issue 2.pub 3-11-16
Transcription
Cornerstone Courier - Vol 4, Issue 2.pub 3-11-16
Volume 4, Issue 2 April - June 2016 Submitted by Dr. Francene Brown ristin Walker, a native of North Little Rock, AR traveled to Wilmington, DE to be a missionary through UrbanPromise. She has directed an after-school program and summer camp for the past eight years. One Wednesday night she stopped by Cornerstone Fellowship Baptist Church to attend Bible study where she met Deacon Jesse and Deaconess Vernetta Williams who welcomed her and invited her to return. Loving her job, the families of her students, and her CFBC family she told God, “I’ll be here, until you send me somewhere else.” Last May, while attending the Deacons’ Ordination Service at CFBC she felt a wave of the Holy Spirit and the word “GO!” She knew God was calling her to go back home and take the beautiful vision of UrbanPromise to North Little Rock. She went to Rockwood Park, her favorite place to be alone with God, and sobbed her eyes out. How could she leave her Wilmington family of UrbanPromise behind? Through all of these questions, fears, and tears, she heard the unmistakable voice of God say, "I will be with you, you will not go alone, and I will provide people to partner with you." In June 2015, she traveled to Arkansas to explore God’s calling and she was directed to an infamous area fifteen minutes from her parents' home called, "Baring Cross." Since then, God has provided her with incredible financial resources, a site for summer camp, new friends in the neighborhood who are excited about UrbanPromise, committed volunteers, and the support of the Body of Christ. Kristin’s plan to leave Delaware in May 2016 is a bittersweet time in her life. She realizes she will miss her family here at CFBC and in the Wilmington, DE area; however, she knows God has called her to go back to Arkansas, “Baring Cross.” This is an area similar to urban cities throughout the Country (high drug and crime rates, violence, child hunger, and unemployment). Through UrbanPromise International, Kristin will start a teen job training program, summer camp, and after-school program in order to shine with the Love and Light of Jesus Christ. She will hire four or five teens this summer, have four interns, and run a summer camp for 60 first-fifth graders. Please pray that God will grant her the faith, love, and humility to take the next steps. Kristin loves this quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr..: “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." If you want to stay connected, please email [email protected] to get prayer updates and/or receive a monthly newsletter. Also, feel free to check out urbanpromisearkansas.org. “AND if you're ever in Central Arkansas, holler at your girl!” Cornerstone Courier Volume 4, Issue 2 April - June 2016 Submitted by Sister Anita Gantz-Hood C ornerstone’s focus for 2016 is, “Experiencing 3D Life: Body, Mind, and Spirit. Exactly what is meant by “Experiencing” 3D Life? Experiencing 3D Life is consciously including 3D depth to every experience, by bringing the body in line with the mind; bringing the mind in line with the spirit; and having all three in alignment with the Word and Will of God. In the beginning, our Creator formed the body from the dust of the ground, breathed life into Adam’s nostrils, and he became a “living” soul. God equipped Adam with a mind to observe, analyze, and interpret, as well as a spirit by which Adam could commune with God. Prior to SIN destroying the alignment, Adam exper ienced 3D life at its best. With very few exceptions, most Christians will acknowledge a need for improved 3D alignment (body, mind, and spirit) with the Word and Will of God. If we say we have no sin, or need no improvement in alignment, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us (1 John 1:8). If we seek complete instantaneous 3D alignment, we overwhelm ourselves, and INSIDE THIS ISSUE become discouraged (Acts15:19). It is my earnest desire that we give serious consideration to the insight from Peter who learned and admon- URBAN PROMISE - KRISTIAN WALKER 1 ishes others to Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and 2 Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). Failure to grow in body, mind, and FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK spirit, is inadvertently choosing to become useless (Matthew 5:13). Take personal inventory! What new 3D improvement(s) in body, mind, and/or spirit has the written, preached, taught, and/or living word of God been challenging you to make? Think about it! The Lenten season is a wonderful time for transformation and renewal. However , experiencing 3D life is a long-term undertaking. Pray! Even after the Lenten season, CFBC will continue providing opportunities for growth in body, mind, and spirit, through: praying, studying, worshiping, giving, sharing, serving, leading, following, and supporting the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ. “Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23 2 Rev. Dr. Donald E. Dunnigan, Sr., Pastor DO YOU KNOW: REV. MARK COLLIER? 3 MINISTRY REPORT: PRAYER MINISTRY 4 COMMUNITY RELATIONS 5 FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH 6 ...PRESENT WITH THE LORD... 7 FOR YOUR HEALTH 8 NEW MEMBERS’ SPOTLIGHT 9 PUZZLE / LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 10 UPCOMING EVENTS 11 GOVERNING VALUES / STAFF 12 April - June 2016 Volume 4, Issue 2 Cornerstone Courier Rev. Mark Collier is a son of God, husband, minister, teacher, singer and songwriter. He is the youngest of five children born in Chester PA, and raised in Wilmington DE. He matriculated through the Brandywine School District receiving his high school diploma from Brandywine High School. Rev. Collier began studying music at the tender age of seven through private and choral instruction at the Wilmington Music School. He attended the historic Lincoln University on a music scholarship where he received his Bachelors of Arts degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy, minoring in Piano Performance. Rev. Collier was baptized when he was nine years old. He started his official role in ministry at the age of thirteen as a musician directing choirs and leading worship. Since the age of thirteen, through his ministry he has traveled both nationally and internationally. Rev. Collier was commissioned to receive his Pastoral licensing and ordination in August of 2011 and completed his training and licensing process in 2013. As a minister he has served in several capacities, as Minister of Music, National Overseer of Worship and Arts, Assistant Pastor, Youth and Campus Pastor. Singing has been God’s gift to Rev. Collier since the age of six. He performed his first full concert to a standing-room-only crowd at the age of ten. His voice has always been something that arrests atmospheres and uplifts hearts. Despite numerous respiratory health conditions that have plagued him since childhood, Rev. Collier continues to defy medical diagnosis by making a life doing something that doctors said he shouldn't be able to do. This blessing has allowed him several opportunities throughout the world. He has had the distinct honor of sharing the stage with artists like Patti LaBelle, The Temptations, Angela Basset, John P. Kee, Donnie McClurklin, Tasha Cobbs, Marvin Sapp, Tye Tribbett and numerous others. He has been featured on several television network shows like BET’s Sunday Best, The Word Network, TBN and the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. His gift of songwriting has afforded him the ability to record several projects, and has garnered several awards and recognitions. Most recently, his composition entitled, “You Are God Alone” was featured in the Top Twenty most downloaded Gospel songs on The Billboard Music Charts. Currently, Rev. Collier is completing his first full length CD and signed to a production deal under Tye Tribbett Worldwide and a management deal with Stroman Management Group based in Richmond VA. Rev. Collier has been married to his lovely wife, Ashley, since July of 2014. He feels he is in one of his greatest ministry assignments as Minister of Music at Cornerstone. He solicits your prayers and patience as he grows and develops in his assignment. His favorite scripture is Psalms 101. It is his personal mission to empower people to have a rich personal relationship with God. 3 Cornerstone Courier Volume 4, Issue 2 April - June 2016 Submitted by Sister Florence Burton Guiding Scripture: Isaiah 56:7, Matthew 21:13 - For My house shall be called a house of prayer. Mission Statement: Nurturing people in their faith, and helping them in relationships to God and to one another through prayer. In 2009 CFBC Prayer Ministry went through restructuring in order to be transformed from its (then) current functionality into a more integral part of the church’s overall mission which is to make disciples and the Pastor’s vision of a Prayer Saturated Church. Under the umbrella of the Prayer Ministry there are now four divisions: Every Sunday, 9:40 am Prayer and Meditation (Prayer Warriors) Bruce Aiken Gloria Anderson William Bowens Florence Burton, Captain Anita Gantz-Hood Evelyn Ghoulson Carol Gilliam Helen Grayson Sylvia Lewis Gail Pratt Deacon Gerald White, Advisor Top from left - right: Helen Grayson, Evelyn Ghoulson, Bruce Aiken, Florence Burton, Sylvia Lewis & Deacon Jesse Williams Bottom left - right: Anita Gantz-Hood, Carol Gilliam, Gloria Anderson, William Bowens, & Deacon Gerald White - Not Shown: Deacon Theresa Williams, Gail Pratt, and Deaconess Vernetta Williams 11:30 am Prayer Service every Wednesday in the Sanctuary 7:00 pm Prayer every Wednesday by “Dial In” Deacon Jesse and Deaconess Vernetta Williams (am) Brother Bruce Aikens, Chairperson (pm) Monthly 24 hour Prayer Vigil (The last Friday of every month) Sister Gail Pratt 7 pm Prayer Conference Call (Second Monday of every month) Deacon Theresa Williamson Prayer is not an option; it is a necessity which enables many parts to become one body. Continued on Page 7 4 April - June 2016 Volume 4, Issue 2 Cornerstone Courier In need of Food? CFBC Hunger Relief ministry is available to Church members and the community. Contact: Deaconess Trudy Boardley (302) 762-9681 if you are in need. "Encourage one another with these words.” 1Thessalonians 4:18 Sessions are held every Thursday at 6:30 pm in the Youth Room For more information regarding Companion Bereavement Ministry; Please call (302) 762-9601 or email: [email protected]. St. Patrick’s Center Submitted by Deacon Gregory Chambers St. Patrick's Center provides emergency food, meals, respite for the homeless, clothing, transportation, and recreational activities for people in need on Wilmington's east side. Their services are provided in a welcoming, dignified, respectful, and caring environment. They recognize that people require more than just basic needs. A person's desire to be respected and accepted is not diminished because they are poor and that desire does not fade as they become elderly. The staff and volunteers of St. Patrick's Center, in the most profound but humble Christian tradition, demonstrate love, value, and respect toward each person and family they serve, inclusive of all cultures, faiths, and beliefs. One person who recently received service from St. Patrick's Center said " I thank God for St. Patrick's Center because of the help I have received. St. Patrick's is a wonderful place." Deborah Kitt 5 Cornerstone Courier Volume 4, Issue 2 April - June 2016 Submitted by Sister Helen Powell 2016 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Communication Contest An Opportunity for Youth to be Heard Demetria Anthony is a Cor ner stone Fellowship Baptist Chur ch youth member and a sophomor e at Alexis I. duPont High School. She participated in the first annual Martin Luther King Communication Contest held in Wilmington at the Baby Grand on Monday, January 18, 2016. Demetria said she was nervous about presenting before such a large audience, but is thankful she was given the opportunity for the experience. She was one of seven out of 20 semi-finalists to present at the Baby Grand. Even though she did not place among the top three winners, she says, "The experience was priceless and taught me a lot about myself." The title of the speech that she wrote and presented was "Martin Luther King and I." Demetria also believes that although she was not one of the winners, this experience inspires her to become even more determined to continue to participate in events like this. Opportunities like this help her to become more knowledgeable and confident about public speaking. Her participation in this communication contest has taught her that "stepping up to new challenges and experiences can be rewarding whether you win or lose." "I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality…I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word." – Martin Luther King, Jr. (Printed on the back of the Martin Luther King Jr. Communication Contest program). 6 April - June 2016 Volume 4, Issue 2 Cornerstone Courier ContinuedfromPage4-PrayerMinistry PRAYER HeavenlyFather,thankYoufornever givinguponusbutforredeeming usforYourselfandYourpurpose throughJesusChrist WeaskYoutocountusworthy ofourcallingandtoenableustofulill Yourpurposes,throughgrace,faith, andtheauthoritywehaveinJesusChrist. WepraythesethingsinthenameofJesus, ourRedeemerandKing. 2Thess.1:11 … Present with the Lord … Clarence Lucas September 29, 1931 - February 13, 2016 Louise D. (Parson) Murray May 7, 1964 - February 16, 2016 James Melvin Coley July 28, 1945 - February 27, 2016 ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN OUR QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER CONTACT SISTER ANITA GANTZ-HOOD AT 302-376-9494 OR gantzhood7910 @msn.com 7 Cornerstone Courier Volume 4, Issue 2 April - June 2016 Sister Dennise Washington, APRN (Advance Practice RN “What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God , and ye are not your own?” 1 Cor 6:19 ♥Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. African Americans are at an even higher risk. ♥A stroke is a medical emergency!!! ♥Call 9-1-1 immediately if you or someone you know should have one or more of these signs. “Time is Brain” ♥Signs of a stroke: ♥Sudden onset of weakness/numbness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body ♥Sudden onset of confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding ♥Sudden difficulty seeing in one or both eyes ♥Sudden difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination ♥Sudden severe headache without known cause ♥Immediate treatment may decrease long term effects and prevent death ♥Risk factors for stroke includes, high blood pressure, smoking, physical inactivity, irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation) ♥Two types of stroke: ♥Ischemic – obstruction of blood vessel that supplies the brain ♥Hemorrhagic – weakened blood vessel ruptures causing blood to go into brain tissue ♥TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack), or “mini stroke”- blood clot blocks artery for a short time; precursor to a stroke ♥Treatment depends on type of stroke; “clot buster” medication for ischemic; may need surgical intervention for hemorrhagic ♥Remember: F – Facial droop Coming Soon Next Issue: A – Arm weakness S – Speech difficult, slurred speech “Silver Lining” T – Time to call 911 for immediate medical assistance featuring the exciting life of the Senior Members of CFBC For more information, log on to www.strokeassociation.org February 2016 8 April - June 2016 Volume 4, Issue 2 Cornerstone Courier Brother Ronnie Williams, Sr. Interview by Wanda Moore Brother Ronnie Williams joined Cornerstone Fellowship Baptist Church on January 4, 2015. His Fellowship Friend was Brother Warren Dungee. Brother Ronnie began visiting Cornerstone after noticing how welcoming the church building looked as he drove by. There always seemed to be activity going on inside. He began to attend worship services on Sundays and felt the warmth of the people. Pastor Dunnigan's sermons were filled with knowledge, wisdom, and humor. The Pastor's announcements about Wednesday Prayer Meetings and Bible Studies led him to also attend on Wednesday evenings in his search for additional spiritual nurturing. "God’s Holy Spirit is at Cornerstone," says Brother Ronnie, and he has no doubt that the Holy Spirit led him to become a member here. His prayer is that God will help him to share his gifts and talents and that he will be able to serve within the church. FAMILY: Br other Ronnie was bor n in Neptune, NJ . He r elocated to Wilmington, DE in 1999 after living several years in Philadelphia, PA. He is the eldest of three siblings: one brother and one sister. He is the father of three adult children: two sons and one daughter. EDUCATION/CAREER: Br other Ronnie gr aduated fr om Rutger s Univer sity in New J er sey. His major was Accounting with a Specialization in Taxation and Audits. His minor was in Mortuary Science. He chose this interesting combination because he felt that with either educational background, he would have no problem finding employment. He humorously says that "There are only two things that we must all do at some point in our lives -- pay taxes and die. I was confident that I could be of service on both ends." In addition, anatomy of the human body was always of high interest to him, and his dream was to become a physician. Instead, he decided that a career in Mortuary Science was a good alternative that would satisfy his interest in the human anatomy. After high school and before attending college, Brother Ronnie worked in the tax business owned by his family -- R. E. Williams - Tax Accountants Inc. located on Silverside Road in Wilmington, DE. Currently, he is the Senior Tax Accountant in the business. In addition to his tax business, Brother Ronnie is currently completing his studies in Mortuary Science, and is enrolled at the Academy of Mortuary Science in East Windsor, NJ. He is the proprietor of Williams Funeral Home in Wilmington, DE and is interning under an experienced Funeral Director serving the families in the tristate area at this time. The official Grand Opening and celebration of the Williams Funeral Home will be announced during 2016. HOBBIES/INTERESTS: Br other Ronnie loves r eading about Afr ican Amer ican Histor y, Amer ican History, and Politics. He believes in the importance of exercising; therefore, he commits to walking every day for this purpose. Continued on Page 11 9 Cornerstone Courier 1 Volume 4, Issue 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 9 11 12 13 14 15 ACROSS 1 Jesus 5 Doubting ______ 6 Jesus rode a ____ into Jerusalem 7 Disciple who denied knowing Jesus 10 Easter season 11 Colored Easter _____ 13 ______ of Gethsemane 16 Easter celebrates the ______ of Jesus 17 Sunday before Easter 16 17 April - June 2016 DOWN 2 After 40 days, Jesus ascended to _______ 3 An angel rolled away the ______ covering the tomb 4 People greeted Jesus with ________ branches 6 Where Jesus died 8 Mary _______ discovered Jesus had risen 9 _____ sentenced Jesus to die 12 Season before Easter 14 _____ betrayed Jesus 15 Easter animal? Answers on Page 11 CFBC Host 2016 Leadership Conference Submitted by Dr. Francene Brown Approximately two hundred and fifty individuals were scheduled to attend the Leadership Conference on Saturday, January 23, 2016. Because of inclement weather, the Conference was rescheduled for January 30, 2016. The weather may have temporarily haltered the conference; but, did not stop the Spirit-filled Leadership for collective learning. After a wholesome breakfast prepared by the CFBC Koinonia Ministry the attendees were directed to the sanctuary for Praise and Worship. The Praise and Worship Team set the stage for several hours of collective leadership learning experiences. The first presenter was Rev. Dr. Marsha Brown Woodard, a native of St. Louis, MO and currently serves as Academic Advisor and Lecturer in Christian Ministry at Palmer Theological Seminary. Concentrating on biblical characters Priscilla and Aquila, she emphasized that faithful leaders have multiple leadership styles and that leaders are called to grow and change their styles, which allows them to identify their primary and secondary leadership styles. Rev. Albert L. Morgan, Senior Pastor of Union Baptist Temple in Bridgton, NJ; focused on the biblical character Peter to remind us that falling short does not prevent God from restoring us. Rev. Dr. Tokunbo Richard Adelekan is senior Pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church, Dayton, OH and an Associate Professor of Theology and Ethics at Palmer Theological Seminary in Wynnewood, PA.; he expounded on leadership as a partnership. Thanks to Sister Regina Dunnigan, CFBC First Lady for spearheading the entire event and to her support staff that helped to make the conference a huge success. 10 April - June 2016 Volume 4, Issue 2 Cornerstone Courier New Members’ Spotlight - Continued from Page 9 MINISTRY/COMMUNITY SERVICE: At the appr opr iate time, Br other Ronnie would like to be considered to serve on the CFBC Trustee Board. Currently, he enjoys assisting Trustee Fred O'Neal on the community based, Leander Morris Scholarship Foundation. He also said he assists Trustee Sam Pratcher. LIFE-CHANGING EVENT: Br other Ronnie's testimony is that as a kidney tr ansplant r ecipient, he believes strongly that it was only through the Grace of God that he made it through this life-changing event. This experience was a humbling one for him, and he continuously gives all the glory to God. He is thankful that God allowed him a second chance in life. FAVORITE SCRIPTURE: The book of Proverbs is Br other Ronnie's favor ite scr iptur es -- he reads a chapter in Proverbs every day. Proverbs gives him direction and confirmation that guide his footsteps throughout his life. Being a part of the Cornerstone church family also provides spiritual growth in his daily life. CFBC Church Meeting - Saturday, April 23, 2016 New Members Recognition - Sunday, April 24, 2016 Pastor’s Anniversary - Sunday, May 15, 2016 Family & Friends’ Day - Sunday, June 26, 2016 Answers to Bible Quiz on Page 10 ACROSS: 1. Christ, 5. Thomas 6. Colt 7. Peter 10 Spring 11 Eggs 13 Garden 16 Resurrection 17 Palm Sunday DOWN: 2. Heaven 3. Stone 4. Palm 6. Cross 8. Magdalene 9. Pilate 12. Lent 14. Judas 15. Bunny 11 Cornerstone Courier Volume 4, Issue 2 April - June 2016 CFBC GOVERNING VALUES CORNERSTONE COURIER STAFF Mission To Make Disciples Vision Holistic Ministry EDITORS KENNETH BIGELOW VALERIE FITZGERALD ANITA NICHOLSON RHONDA GRAY Theme God’s Kingdom Come, God’s Will Be Done On Earth PUBLISHERS KENNETH BIGELOW GREGORY DALE, JR. ANITA GANTZ-HOOD Focus 1992 – 2016 Experiencing 3D Life Mind, Body & Spirit Motto We Love, We Care, We Share, It’s A Family Affair PHOTOGRAPHERS KENNETH BIGELOW DEACON JOHN MOORE ANITA GANTZ-HOOD Covenant Our Commitment to God and each other WRITERS/REPORTERS DR. FRANCENE BROWN FLORENCE BURTON ANITA GANTZ-HOOD RHONDA GRAY WANDA MOORE BRIANA POWELL DONCHEL POWELL HELEN POWELL GLORIA RIVERS DENNISE WASHINGTON CHAPLAIN FLORENCE BURTON Cornerstone Fellowship Bapst Church CORNERSTONE FELLOWSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH 20 W. LEA BOULEVARD WILMINGTON, DE 19802 PHONE: (302) 762-9601 FAX (302) 762-9535 WWW.CORNERSTONEFBC.ORG REV. DR. DONALD E. DUNNIGAN, SR., PASTOR 9:40 am: Prayer and Meditation: Every Sunday 11:30 am: Prayer service every Wednesday in the Sanctuary 7 pm: Prayer every Wednesday by “Dial In” 7 pm: Prayer Conference Call (Second Monday of every month) Monthly 24 hour Prayer Vigil (Last Friday of every month) 12