Pastor`s Perspective - New Antioch Church Of God In Christ

The Christian Proclaimer… 2
Elder Jeffrey M. Lewis
Pastor
Editor-in-Chief
Barbara Bryant
Copy Editor
Rosalyn Lee
Photo Editor
Edward Cunningham Sr.
Healthy Food Editor
Evelyn Bruce
Nurture Notes Editor
Honey Butler Bryant
Feature Story Editor
Rhona Jackson
Member Speaks Editor
Ellease Cole
Real Talk Editor
Yolanda Smith
Church News Editor
Rosetta Stringfellow
KidShine Editor
Donnetta Bell
Calendar Editor
Shannon Lewis
Empowerment Moments
Mia Walker
Pastor Perspective
Rodrick Flowers
Poetry Editor
Terry Owens
Staff Writers
Sunsariay Cox
Tamikae Freeman
Yolanda Gibbons
James Kornegay
Vera Lemons Clay
Tracey Lyles
Kenneth Owens
Michelle Pearson
Barbara Soles
Deborah Stephens
Ann Walker
Editor’s Voice
I
n 1976, President Gerald Ford officially
recognized the expanded observance as “Black
History Month”, calling upon Americans to “seize
the opportunity to honor the too often neglected
accomplishments of black Americans in every
area of endeavor throughout our history.” Forty
years later we are still reflecting pensively on the
progress of that movement.
In conjunction with Black History Month, this
quarter’s cover story reflects on where we have
been as a church and celebrates where we are
going. We look back and “wonder how we got
over” for forty-two years. The answer is: Jesus.
Inside This Issue:
This issue is themed “Better” and the poem
penned by Terry and Kenneth Owens reminds
us that we are better because of God.
I personally favor Pastor Jeff’s article because it
reminds us that God is not only credited as
being great, but He is also known for doing great
things.
When it comes to our health, cancer can happen
to anyone regardless of the age group.
Evangelist Evelyn Bruce, a licensed Nurse
Practitioner, provides eight warning signs of this
deadly disease.
Enjoy this quarter’s newsletter. It is always a
joy to deliver this ministry to you.
Barbara Bryant
Editor-in-Chief
The Christian Proclaimer… 3
Pastor’s Perspective
...............................
Pastor Jeffrey M. Lewis, Sr.
“Rejoice always and again I say Rejoice”
(Philippians 4:4)
Greetings Church Family!
Better
Happy New Year! Two-thousand and twelve (2012) has
taken off and many of us already find ourselves
entrenched in the work and responsibilities of ministry
Our theme for this year is “Great God, Great Vision, Great Results.”
God gave me this theme as I was preparing the word I wanted to share
at our New Year’s worship service. I was reading I Kings, Chapter 7
about the four lepers that were sitting by the gate. There was famine
and possible danger on the other side of the gate. One of those lepers
refused to be guilty of having a “do-nothing” spirit, the Bible says. He
persuaded the other lepers to go with him toward the place of possible
danger, and there they found that their great God had already provided.
The vision of one leper believed something better for himself and his
friends was manifested. The end result was so great that all of God’s
people received enough to meet their need.
Saints, as we move through this year, our challenge is to make sure we
don’t fall into the “do-nothing” trap. God has made each of us some
wonderful promises. He’s given us a vision concerning our Kingdom
assignments and He wants to perform great results. Make up your mind
that in 2012, I will not disappoint God. I am finally going to trust Him and
work on that big “scary” project He gave me years ago. I promise you
that when you head toward a place where you expect to find danger,
instead you’re going to find that God already went ahead of you and the
way has already been made.
Also, I want to encourage everyone to support our church this year. God
has given us a wonderful opportunity to make tremendous contributions
both in our communities and in our city. Check out C.A.A.P on our
website.
Finally, it’s celebration time! Some 42 years ago, our great God gave a
great man a great vision and look at the great result! Dad and Mom
Lewis, we are so proud of the legacy you have left us. You labored well
and as a part of the celebration we first and foremost celebrate you.
Saints, I’m looking for each of you at the 42nd Church Anniversary. We
have brought in some of the generals of the faith. Get excited and tell
somebody. Souls are going to be saved and the people of God are going
to be strengthened and encouraged.
God bless you New Antioch. I love you. Remember, we are better
together!
Humbly Submitted,
Pastor Jeff
(Rodrick Flowers, Pastor’s Perspective Editor)
2012 Theme
“Great God, Great
Vision, Great
Results”.
The Christian Proclaimer… 4
I AM BETTER
...............................
By: Kenneth Owens and Terry Owens
Better because I believed that He
died and rose and lives.
Better because His blood was the
ransom and all my sins He forgives.
Better because of the anointing
poured out upon my head that gives
me both the power and the peace to
do just what He said.
Better because I surrendered and my
life is no longer my own. And my
relationship with Him has steadily
and faithfully grown.
Better because His Word abides and
tearing the veil puts it all together.
And because of His grace and my
faith, from death to life, to so much
Better
HEALTHY
MESSAGE
.......................
By: Evelyn Bruce
Better Health in 2012
Cancer strikes individuals of all ages,
even if no one in your family has had
it. The great news is that the chances
of surviving cancer are better today
than ever before. When cancer is
found early, it is more likely to be
treated successfully.
Cancer is a disease in which cells
become abnormal and keep dividing
and forming more cells without order
or control, if left untreated, cancer
cells can damage nearby tissues and
organs and spread to other parts of
the body. Thus, early treatment means
better outcome. You can help
(Con’t on page 6)
NEW ANTIOCH CELEBRATES
AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY
MONTH
...............................
By: Barbara Bryant
 VELI WISI ERAT DE SIT ERA
To highlight the
importance of celebrating
ENIM ERAT ELITDOLORE SIT
and recognizingAMET
African-American
ERAT TE BNDIT DIUS
ALISED PLURIOS
............
2
achievements, New
Antioch
Church
of God
in Christ will culminate African-American
History Month, Sunday, February 26th at
the 11 a.m. worship service.
This annual celebration is a day to raise
awareness of our African-American history
and recognize individuals whose excellence in leadership is
making a significant impact in the church and community. To
honor these individuals, the African-American Achievement Award
was created. This award will be presented to individuals in the
following categories: entrepreneurship, social work, the medical
field, the education field, the music and
audio industry and ministry.
The 2012 recipients - Leslie Bean, Vera
Lemons-Clay, Margaret Ferguson, Rodrick
Flowers, Barbara Heard and Tracy
Windley are expressions of a vibrant
culture in which African American’s
continue to play an important role in the
strength of the church, family and
community.
“We are grateful for the sacrifices African
Americans have played in our success.
This celebration service will publicly honor
Remember AfricanAmerican History
some of their courageous contributions to African-American
History. In addition, we will celebrate leaders at our local church
who serve as role models for all to emulate,” says Superintendent
Jeffrey Lewis, Senior Pastor.
The keynote address will be delivered by Elder James Smith,
Chief Operating Officer of the Church of God in Christ, who
utilizes his leadership skills to help individuals make an informed
choice for positive change.
We invite the entire community to attend what will be one of the
most amazing African-American’s Celebration Worship Service.
The coordinator for this event is Mrs. Eddye Rambo.
The Christian Proclaimer…5
.
Cover Story: New Antioch
Church of God in Christ
CHRISTIAN PROCLAIMER
Celebrates its 42nd Church Anniversary
...............................
By: Honey Butler Bryant
The New Antioch Church of God in Christ will celebrate its 42nd Church Anniversary
during the month of February. The church was organized in the home of Founding
Pastor, Dr. James A. Lewis and his wife, Dr. Barbara McCoo Lewis with five other saints
in early January 1970. The first service was on Sunday, February 1, 1970.
New Antioch is a thriving and progressive congregation that meets the needs of its
members and the surrounding community through in-reach, spirit-filled services,
educational opportunities, and outreach.
In January 2006, Superintendent Jeffrey M. Lewis was appointed Senior Pastor of New
Antioch. He and his wife, First Lady Floetta Lewis continue to carry the legacy and the
commitment of serving the community through ministry and the passion for soul-winning.
Dr. James & Dr.
Barbara McCoo Lewis
Founders
The celebrated theme for this year’s anniversary service is “Great God, Great Vision, Great Results”, II Kings
7:1-9. Invited Keynote Speakers that will grace the pulpit beginning Sunday afternoon, February 12th at
3:30 p.m. are Pastor Avery Austin of Total Deliverance Church, Lancaster, CA ; Pastor E.V. Hill, II of Calvary
Temple Pentecostal Holiness Church, North Hollywood, CA on Wednesday, February 15th at 7:30 p.m.;
Bishop Darrell Hines of Christian Faith Fellowship Church, Milwaukee, WI on Wednesday, February 22nd at
7:30 p.m.; and Pastor Maria Gardner, B.M. Oakley Memorial Temple Church of God in Christ, Philadelphia,
PA on Wednesday, February 29th at 7:30 p.m.
Special musical guests and psalmists includes: Ms. Shonne Bereal, Mr. Jamelle Jones & F.R.E.E.D, Mr.
David Daughtry, and Ms. Kesha Ealy. The dynamic New Antioch Mass Choir and Praise & Worship Team
will also minister in song at all services.
Everyone is invited to fellowship with us during these services as we reflect on the heritage of New Antioch
and celebrate the legacy as it continues move forward.
The Christian Proclaimer…6
Better Health in 2012 con’t
.......................
By: Evelyn Bruce
safeguard your health by learning
the warning signs of cancer and
getting regular physical
examinations.
Some warning signs to keep in
mind:
1. Changes in bowel or bladder
habits
2. A sore that does not heal
3. Unusual bleeding or discharge
4. Thickening or lump in the
breast or any other part of the
body
5. Indigestion or difficulty in
swallowing
6. Obvious change in a wart or
mole
7. Nagging cough or hoarseness
8. Unexplained changes in your
weight
Do not wait to feel pain! Most
cancers in their earliest, most
treatable stages do not cause any
symptoms or pain. Cancer screening
tests are the key to early detection.
Calendar/Events
FEBRUARY -42nd CHURCH ANNIVERSARY “CELEBRATION MONTH”
Sunday, 5th – Missy Circle Grow & Glow Session – 1:30pm
Sunday, 12th – Pastor Avery Austin – 3:30pm
Wednesday, 15th – Rev EV Hill II – 7:30pm
Friday, 17th – Single’s vs. Married Bowling – 7:00pm
Saturday, 18th – Monthly Women’s Fellowship – 10:00am
Wednesday, 22nd – Bishop Darryl Hines – 7:30pm
Saturday, 25th – Door to Door Ministry – 10:30am-12:00pm
Saturday, 25th – Men’s Fellowship – Bowling – 2:00pm
Wednesday, 29th – Pastor Maria Gardner – 7:30pm
MARCH
Friday, 2nd – Youth Department (Ages 5-12) Movie Night – 6:00pm
Saturday, 3rd – Married Couples Fun at the Park – 1:00pm-6:00pm
Sunday, 4th – Young Women in Ministry (YWIM) – 4:00pm
Friday, 9th – Youth Department (Ages 12-17) – Mulligan’s – 7:00pm
Saturday, 10th - Praise Team II “Worship Experience” – 6:00pm
Sunday, 11th – Annual Senior’s Day – 11:00am
Thursday, 15th-Saturday, 17th – Annual Women’s Retreat
Saturday, 17th – Men’s Fellowship – 12:00pm-5:00pm
Sunday, 18th – Young Adult Day – 11:00am
Friday, 23rd (9:00pm) – Saturday, 24th (5:00am) – Shut-In
Friday, 30th – Youth Department Resurrection Rehearsal – 7:00pm
APRIL
Friday, 6th – Youth Department Resurrection Rehearsal – 7:00pm
Saturday, 7th – Resurrection Walk – 10:00am
Sunday, 8th – Resurrection Sunday
Sunday, 8th – Youth Department Resurrection Presentation – 10:00am
Saturday, 14th – Women’s Transition Ministry Prayer – 10am-1:00pm
Friday, 20th – Single’s Ministry Bowling - 7:00pm
Saturday, 21st – Monthly Women’s Fellowship – 10:00 am
Saturday, 28th – District Prayer Breakfast – 9:00am-12:00pm
Saturday, 28th – Door to Door Ministry – 10:30am-12:00pm
New Antioch Church of God in Christ Launches a New
Assistance Action Project (CAAP)
Initiative:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Community
................
By: Barbara Bryant
Pastor Jeffrey M. Lewis and the New Antioch
Church of God in Christ, 7826 S. Vermont
Avenue, Los Angeles, is very pleased to
announce the vision of “Making God’s Love
Visible” through a new initiative called the
Community Assistance Action Project (CAAP).
New Antioch is positioned around an economically
challenged area. CAAP will create a learning and
spiritual presence as well as meet the common needs of
the community through this program.
“We are pleased to be expanding our community
outreach beyond its already established Computer
Training Program, Tutoring Program, Food Program and
CAAP is a ministry outreach program intended to other seasonal initiatives,” says Pastor Lewis. The
offer referrals and services to address needs
CAAP program will provide another avenue of service to
within the church membership, neighborhood and God’s people in need throughout Los Angeles. Our goal
community. Programs offered are:
is to help in rebuilding families and communities that
 Shelter Placement Referrals
have been impacted by the recession. CAAP is a simple
 Legal Aid
but powerful way to meet that need.”
 Medical Services and Screening
 Senior Care
Linda Cox, CAAP Director is excited to offer these new
 Domestic Violence Shelters
opportunities to the community. “The program partners
 At Risk Team Assistance
with professionals within the New Antioch membership
 Children Services
and allows them to use their talents and expertise for the
 Job Referral/Placement
benefit of the Church,” says Mrs. Cox.
 Foster Care
The Christian Proclaimer…7
Congratulations
Pastor Jeffrey M. Lewis
on your appointment as
Superintendent of the New Antioch District
Friday, January 13, 2012
Photos courtesy of Minister Edward Cunningham