RESURRECTING LIFE NEW LAYOUT - Unity Fellowship Church

L.I.F.E.
RESURRECTING
LIFE!
Spring Forward
Resurrection & Renewal
Reflections on life
from an elegant elder
L.I.F.E.+ style
Y.O.U. (Youth of Unity)
and
How We Can Care
for Our Prelate!
PLUS: “PRESS + STAND”
A Special Women’s Day Sermon by
Bishop Jacquelyn Holland
Unity
Fellowship
Church
NewArk
Co-Pastors
Rev. Janyce L. Jackson
and Elder Kevin E. Taylor
interview each other about
merging two churches,
building community
and trusting God
in the midst of it all!
LOVE IS FOR EVERYONE!
the social justice national publication of the unity fellowship church movement
THE ARCHBISHOP SPEAKS
“Never can we allow the prices paid by those before us, sometimes
with their lives, to guarantee us the right to vote,
be discounted, revoked or wiped out!!!!
NEVER AGAIN,NEVER AGAIN, NEVER AGAIN!!!!!”
Archbishop Carl Bean
[2] on The Voting Rights Act in 2012)
(speaking
With this new season upon us, we have relaunched L.I.F.E., the social justice
publication of UFCM. We feel that with all of the technology and accessibility
L.I.F.E.TABLE OF CONTENTS
that more people have, this is the time for us to rebirth our LOVE IS FOR
EVERYONE outreach vehicle--L.I.F.E. Magazine!
We hear from voices around
the denomination, from CA to NC, east and south, youth and elders. So get
yourself ready for renewal, resurgence and what it takes to truly restore
your joy.
The cover story with new Co-Pastors Rev. Janyce L. Jackson and
Elder Kevin E. Taylor and how they brought together 2 churches to become
The NewArk is a compelling commentary on how we have to work to build
and rebuild community. Enjoy!
My LIFE
What Resurrection Means to Me
Deacon Achim Howard (DC)
Spring Forward
Sister Joyce Martin (LB)
Living LIFE: Marriage Equality
By Minister Edward Jones-Mack (NC)
Our LIFE:
Unity Fellowship Church NewArk
LIFEstyle (photos from our family)
Tree of LIFE (Words from our elders)
Speaking LIFE (Fundamental Spiritual Principles)
“PRESS + STAND” A Sermon By Bishop Jacquelyn Holland
Giving LIFE: Salvation
By Rev. Maressa Pendermon (ATL)
Y.O.U + LIFE (Youth Perspectives)
The Prelate Care Program and How You Can Help!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Resurrection & Renewal
SPRING 2013
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RESURRECTION
My L.I.F.E.
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Deacon Achim Howard
Unity Fellowship Church of DC
Facebook Quote:
I Know Who I Am And Who And What I Stand For!!
Every time I think of Resurrection--Jesus raising from the dead to give us Salvation--I think of it as another
chance for New Beginnings. I think about a clean slate, about me being forgiven of all of my wrong doings. I
think about my life and is it pleasing to Christ Jesus? Am I acting according to His will and His way? Did He
die and shed His Blood and give His life in vain? I think about everything that Jesus had to go through; from
the violent beatings, the mockery, betrayal, denial, to being stretched wide with hands and feet nailed on the
Cross. And even through this He was praying and forgiving everyone that was doing this to Him. I think
about how he remained the same and didn't change. He didn't get angry. He showed continuous love
through it all. I think about the ultimate price of Him dying, not only for me but for everyone, so that we can
live. It makes me reflect on all that I have to do as a Child of God and servant for our Lord Jesus Christ. It's
a reminder that I have to do better to be the same as Jesus. I have to Love and forgive everyone everyday. I
have to be unchanging in my love, just as Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever more. No matter
what we go through or How we are being treated God wants us to show the same love that Jesus
demonstrated for us.
God Is Love & Love Is For Everyone! Say what…? You don’t believe? It hasn’t sunken in just yet?
Well…let me take a moment to help you get back on track!
Fact: There is absolutely NOTHING you can do about yesterday.
Fact: There is absolutely NOTHING you can do about tomorrow.
My L.I.F.E.
So where do I go from here? God, where are you today? I know God that you sent your son to die, but I still don’t believe
that your love is for me. I take the time to pray and study your Word and on many days I hear and receive your peace but, I
still have trouble believing that your love is for me.
The hunger to spring forward and to stop fallin’ back is deep in the pit of my soul but, my heart has been wounded and
nothing will satisfy that hunger so that I can let go of the past.
How do I continue to say “yes” without continuing to get slapped? How do I grow in your love to show your love if I still
have doubt, fear and am afraid to let go because I don’t believe?
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and
whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 (NIV).
Are you saying God that I must die to be set free? My soul cries out asking you to help me surrender to thee. Ok, God. I
hear you. I hear you and I’m listening. Again I ask, where do I go from here? Yes Lawd, yes!
The mistakes we’ve all made have left some of us a bit empty and confused but, when we stop and reflect upon everything,
you’ve been there and brought us through. For in these test you said that we should: “[c]onsider it pure joy, my brothers
and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces
perseverance.” James 1:2-3 (NIV).
This is the season of resurrection and a time to start anew. It’s another chance to wake up and get it right. It’s another
chance to make the choice to do all you can to seek the light. Why not resign within yourself to let go of yesterday and all
that you thought you knew so that there will be an empty space for God to jump on in and bring about a spiritual rebirth for
you to tap into. It may take a lifetime to truly understand that God is love and that God’s love is for everyone, yes, even
you. But why rush it? What else do you truly have to do other than accept the responsibility of taking care of the spiritual
soul inside of you? Spring forth, forget about fallin’ back! It’s time to move beyond what you use to do and try something
new. No God. No Hope. Know God! Know Hope!
Spring Forward
Forget About
Fallin’ Back!!!
Ms. Joyce Martin
Unity Fellowship Church of Long Beach
Facebook Quote:
“Action ordinarily speaks louder than words but,
somedays I truly NEED to hear the words too.”
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LIVING L.I.F.E.
MARRIAGE EQUALITY:
social justice...in action!
THE SUPREME COURT SET TO RULE ON THE CONTROVERSIAL SUBJECT...FINALLY!
SUPPORTER
MARCH IN FROM OF
THE
U.S. SUPREME
COURT
Minister Edward Jones-Mack
Unity Fellowship Church of Charlotte (NC)
Dateline:
Thursday, March 28, 2013
As this article was written, the justices of the U.S. Supreme
Court are tackling two cases whose outcome will affect the
rights of same gender loving people throughout this country.
California's Proposition 8, that state's ban on same sex
marriage, and the Defense of Marriage Act, which prohibits
same gender couples from sharing benefits at the federal
level, are both facing constitutional challenges in the
Supreme Court. While the outcome likely will not be known
until sometime in June, those outcomes are of major interest
to same gender loving people throughout the United States.
At issue in both cases is marriage equality, or the lack of it, in
the United States. California's Proposition 8, narrowly
approved by California voters in 2008, stripped the right to
marry from same gender loving couples after it had been
granted by the California Supreme Court.
The Defense of Marriage Act is a federal law that denies
thousands of federal benefits, such as tax filing status and
Social Security benefits, to same gender loving couples. The
case that the Supreme Court is hearing that is the challenge
to the Defense of Marriage Act is Windsor vs. United States,
with plaintiff Edie Windsor suing the United States
government over an unfair estate tax bill in excess of
$350,000. Edie Windsor and Thea Spyer shared their lives
together as a couple in New York City for 44 years. After a 40
year engagement, they were finally married in Canada in
May 2007. Two years later, Thea passed away, after living for
decades with multiple sclerosis, which led to progressive
paralysis.
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When Thea died, the federal
government refused to recognize
their marriage and taxed Edie's
inheritance from Thea as though
At the time of this writing, oral
arguments before the justices have
ended, and reports show that a
majority of t he justices have
they were total strangers. Under
federal tax law, a spouse who dies
can leave her assets, including the
family home, to the other spouse
without incurring estate taxes. Edie
sued, the American Civil Liberties
Union took up the case, and it
eventually wound its way to the
Supreme Court.
problems with marriage inequality,
even with the inequality of states
that have civil union bills as
opposed to allowing same gender
loving couples full benefits of
marriage. One possible outcome
of any Supreme Cour t ruling
invalidating t he Defense of
Marriage Act is that in those states-New Jersey, Colorado, Rhode
In a sign of just how far attitudes of
acceptance have changed since the
Defense of Marriage Act became
law, the current administration
under President Obama refuses to
defend the Defense Of Marriage
Ac t , a l s o b e l i ev i n g i t t o b e
unconstitutional.
Even former
President Bill Clinton, who originally
signed the Defense of Marriage Act
into law, now believes the act to be
unfair and unconstitutional.
PERSONAL STORY
PERSONAL HISTORY
The pictures above are
The Mack-Jones from their
1994 wedding and today;
and the popular icon that
HRC issued in support of
marriage equality.
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“I brought my case against the
government because I couldn't
believe that our government would
charge me $350,000 just because I
was married to a woman and not to
a man," said Windsor in a taped
interview prior to the Supreme
Court hearings.
Regarding the
Obama administration's position
that the law is unconstitutional,
Windsor added, “I feel ver y
strongly about the teenagers who
are falling in love for the first time
without hope that they could marry.
It is very heartening that our
government is now saying that
there's nothing wrong with our
marriages.”
Island, Delaware, Illinois, Oregon,
California, Nevada, and Hawaii—
all existing civil unions would
automatically convert to legal
marriages under redefined laws.
Another possible outcome of a
court ruling in favor of equality is
that the court will rule that all bans
on same sex marriage violate the
U.S. Constitution, in which case all
laws forbidding same sex marriage
across the nation will fall.
Whatever the outcome, same
gender loving individuals in every
state are waiting and hoping for a
Supreme Court ruling that will put
aside bigotry in favor of equal
rights for all Americans.
Minister Edward Jones-Mack
lives in Charlotte, NC with his
husband of 20 years Deacon
Timothous Jones-Mack, where
they own Mack-Jones
Publishing together and serve
diligently in their local church
and community!
COVER
STORY
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We Will Do A New Thing!(
The (re)Building of NewArk
INSTALLATION WKND
@NewArk
The Co-Pastors speak to the
crowd at their Saturday
evening concert, as the
choir performs. The next
day, pastors from around
UFCM converged on UFCNewArk to show their
support!
“I say it all the time; the reason I first joined Unity Fellowship, was to work in any capacity to help provide a place to our people, that is
safe, open, loving, and spiritually grounded.” --Co Pastor Janyce L. Jackson
In December 2012, Unity Fellowship Church New LGBT community’s effort in the metropolis of Newark, NJ,
Brunswick, which was founded in 2001 by Elder Kevin E. the largest city in the Garden State.
Taylor merged with Liberation in Truth Unity Fellowship
Church, which was born out of the works of Bishop
The following questions were the first 7 questions that
Jacquelyn Holland in 1995 and has been pastored by Rev. came to mind when the pastors sat down to talk about the
Janyce L. Jackson since 2004. The conversations that the shock-and-awe of God bringing them back together and
two pastors had with their churches, their liturgical teams what it means to them personally, pastorally and for the
and themselves brought them all to conversations of journey forward:
healing, reconciliation and the ultimate goal of growing the
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W H AT WA S YO U R F I R S T people, and being able to
THOUGHT WHEN WE TALKED connect with members more
ABOUT A MERGER?
frequently is powerful. Being
able to meet with you (Pastor
Pastor Janyce:
Janyce) and walk through
F i r s t o f a l l , I w a s i n things feels like support AND
Pennsylvania, sitting in my car, connectedness in a new way. It
preparing to go to a baby feels great to have a sister in
shower, and only answered the the ministry who makes me
phone because it was you. slow down, too.
When I hung up from you, I
said out loud, WOW, it is time. PJ: Honestly, and I never told
you this before, it's getting to
Pastor Kevin: I had a meeting really know you better. I
with my Trustees and after we decided a few years ago I
talked about finances and wanted to know you but with
faithfulness, the ver y real our full time ministries, we just
proposition of the merge was couldn't pull it off.
on the table. I was in shock,
first at the sense of “Mission The other part is just being with
Accomplished” of keeping us our members all the time, not
all connected and then at the just during visits to church and
idea that it really was time. events, and meeting people I
did not know and reacquainting
WHAT WAS YOUR SECOND myself with old relationships.
THOUGHT?
And most exciting to me is the
PJ: And then I thought my fact that we have come back
prayers of not being so tired in together, to continue what we
ministry would be answered.
started out to do 11 years ago
with Bishop Holland. We get to
PK: Then I finally got to cry. be transparent about that 11
M y s e c o n d t h o u g h t w a s year jour ney, t he lessons
“WOW, GOD IS ABOUT TO learned, and move forward as
MOVE AT A NEW LEVEL!”
a powerful ministry in Newark. W H A T H A S B E E N T H E WHAT’S YOUR HOPE FOR THE
G R E AT E S T PA R T O F T H E NEWARK MINISTRY?
JOURNEY
OF
RECONCILIATION?
PK: Newark is the largest city in
NJ, but we have no LGBT
PK: For me, the greatest part of center and that’ s a long time
this is feeling a lot more coming.
Plus, I hope that it
present. Being able to work at affords us the space of grace to
the Social Justice Center during build a community that includes
the work, just being their with ALL OF US--men and women
and young and old and gay
and straight...ALL!
PJ: I hope that the church will
be representative of the whole
spectrum of our community and
that our work will be visible in
the community as co-laborers
wit h God, and it will be
sustained beyond my lifetime
and more.
WHAT’S YOUR CONCERN AS
IT RELATES TO THE WAYS
THAT OUR COMMUNITIES
STILL STRUGGLE WITH THEIR
SPIRITUAL PATH?
PJ: Getting people to let go of
the traditional/old ways of
thinking about God, Jesus,
worship, and praise. So many
oppressive ways of thinking
about God have been brought
with us into our freedom. It is
time to let them go. My
concern is that we as leaders,
do not get tired and revert
back to what is comfortable in
ministry, but continue to work
in ways that will encourage
people to see Jesus and God
anew.
PK: I get concerned that our
people only want their parents’
church with different faces. We
picked “WE WILL DO A NEW
THING” as a motto because it’s
about the work we have to do
inside and outside of the UFCM
family to heal and go higher in
our spirituality and practices.
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YO U A R E G E T T I N G M A R R I E D o p e n , l o v i n g , a n d s p i r i t u a l l y
SOON, SO HOW DOES IT HELP TO grounded. Every time I see a new
HAVE SUPPORT AT THIS LEVEL?
face in church, or at the Social Justice
Center, I get excited all over again
(Pastor Janyce will be married to her and know I am in the right place.
partner Valerie Jones on April 27, Every time I look at the people, like
2013):
me, who have grown and developed
in ways that give back to our
PJ: Well it is certainly helpful to have community, I am excited. PK: I feel
a Co-Pastor who will sustain the work the same way. I am moved to tears
in church, LOL...while I take my time when someone who would barely
to plan and coordinate and not be move out of t heir seat dur ing
stressed about how church is going. It Welcome one week comes to the altar
has been a blessing to know that for prayer or joins weeks later. This
more help is available.
work is about helping people to see,
hear and believe in a new way.
PK: Glad to be here to help. Pray for When that happens, I just feel a tingle
my future husband’s safe arrival to me in my soul. Seeing young people and
and then you can really pay me back! s t r a i g h t c o u p l e s a n d c r o s s generational worship is also a
WHAT STILL EXCITES YOU ABOUT powerful beautiful thing that keeps my
MINISTRY?
hands happy with joy-clapping!!!
I say it all the time; the reason I first
joined Unity Fellowship, was to work
in any capacity to help provide a
place to our people, that is safe,
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Palm Sunday; Worship at The
NewArk: The OutsideBrothers
Men’s Mnistry serving their
sisters for Fellowship Sunday;
Praises going up and
blessings coming down at
UFC-NewArk!
Brothers Chris Brown and Tywan Bynum of
UFC-NewArk getting ready to rock
L.I.F.E.style
Deacon Paulette Hall and former
trustee Kelly Clark being beautiful
in UFC-Rochester!
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Deacon Iseha McConnell and her
gifted son Jeremiah Bobbit
(UFC-Charlotte) after he blesses us with
a powerful word at UFCM Holy
Convocation 2012!
Minister Dani Calderon
rocking for la raza in his
own unique way!
Sister Danette Adams
of UFC-NewArk being
Type to enter text
dapper!
The liturgical team of
UFC-Philadelphia looking
pulpit sharp!!!
Bishop Tonyia Rawls
and Sr. Bishop Zachary
Jones styling at UFCNYC 20th Anniversary
(2012)
Men of UFC-NYC
stylin’ on a Sunday
afternoon
Pastor Dorothy Harris
UFC Columbia, MD
suited up for service!
Minister
Rwanda Gross
of UFC-NewArk
in her finery,
looking
blessed!
Minister Sean Robinson and Minister Carla Johnson of UFC-Baltimore, looking
sharp during church anniversary celebration, with their special guest!
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First Lady Gwendolyn W. Rawls,
marching for MLK Day in
Charlotte, still making social
justice look good!
Rev. Gerald Green, Pastor, and two of the
brother-members of UFC-San Diego,
presenting in African authentic attire!
Lenten Reflection
As the season of Lent ends, the time for personal reflection continues.
Can we remember the things we gave up for Lent and can we continue
to do without them? Many of us will probably pick those things that we
gave up for the period we call Lent back up again. What one gives up
for lent is intended to be a permanent letting go; a realization that there
are some things that we can and should do without.
Reflections of a Black Gay Man
Rev. Don Ransom
The past six weeks have given me time to reflect back on my life as a
black gay man. What does one do or say when there seems to be a
series of continuous struggles, yet we survive. The past thirty years as a
person living with HIV has allowed me to be an advocate for my entire
community. I see many HIV organizations that today are in danger of
closing. Our community needs to come together under one large
umbrella and be about wellness for our lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, queer, questioning, inter-sexed as well as our heterosexual
brothers and sisters. Communities coming together to support one
another is an important survival strategy. Just as participating the past
22 years as a member of Narcotics Anonymous has allowed me to live
alcohol and drug free. This Fellowship helps me to continue to survive.
Good Friday Reflection
TREE of L.I.F.E.
words of wisdom from our elders
I also reflect on Good Friday. A day when bad turned to good! On this
Good Friday, March 29, 2013 I will undergo Gamma Knife Radiation
for a brain tumor that was surgically removed two years ago. Through
the power of prayer and meditation, this too shall pass. With the
unconditional help and support of friends and family we can face any
challenge in today’s complicated and troublesome world.
Reflections on Giving Thanks
In everything give thanks! Each and every day I continue to give Thanks
to a loving and kind higher power that I call Christ Jesus; each and
every day I give thanks to family and friends too numerous to mention.
Each and every day I give Thanks for all of the young men that call me
Poppa Don and to their mothers for allowing me to be ever present in
their lives. Each and every day I practice humility. I honor each day
those that are in my life because God has placed them there. As each
new day arises, let me continue just to say Thank You God for all that
you do. Thank you for all the struggles and sacrifices that I have been
through. As the song says, “I never could have made without you.” For
these and all things that you do for me every day , I keep on trusting,
for your WORD is still true, You have already done for me what you
said you would do.
Ashe
Rev. Don Ransom is Asst. Pastor of UFC-NewArk and
celebrates his life by proudly speaking about his journey
to the young men he mentors and the groups and
churches where he is called to speak.
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L.I.F.E.
Affirmation
Composed by
Deacon Robin Jewell
UFC-NewArk
Because we are created by God with a divine purpose, live your life looking up. You are by no means a
mistake. Know "God created me just as I am." Let me encourage you to know..."greater is he that is in me
than he that is in the world." The race is long and the course will take you over many mountains and
through many valleys. You may wonder, If I stumble will I fall? Yes, you might, but get up, look up and
know you were created with a divine purpose by God. Get up, look up, close your eyes and remind
yourself this is my journey. This is my story and No one can replace me unless I let them. As long as I live,
Peace, Power and Joy are mine...No can replace me unless I let them. I am one with God who created me.
I rebell against vanity and am obedient to the cause I strive for and No one can replace me unless I let
them! Before I can communicate I must pray. Prayer is the foundation that I've been built on. When my
problems are before me, frustrated and disappointed I say to myself, No one can replace me unless I let
them! My heart is on fire, my mind not so clear, but the one thing I know for sure is that No one can
replace me unless I let them! Imperfections assure me I am the best thing that ever happened to me. God
created me as I am. God loves me as I am. God is with me always just as I am; and No one can replace
me unless I let them!....Ashe
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Everyone wants security. We have a
sense of security in many things in life.
We are secure when we feel we have a
reliable source of remuneration or
employment. We are secure when we
are in a solid relationship. We feel
secure when we feel loved by friends
and family. These things though they
may give us a momentary sense of
security are not truly guaranteed. Jobs
can be lost. Relationships break up.
Friends and sometimes family leave or
turn away from us. Life is fleeting
because death inevitably comes our
way. The only true security we have is in
God.
In celebration of womyn’s herstory
month, I would like to highlight a few
women in our history. These are a few
of the unsung Sheroes that are not often
talked about or remembered. They were
born in times where they exhibited both
courage and determination to do what
God had called them to do. Each
woman was pulled to do things that
were not easily accepted in their time.
Each woman had to press their way and
stand in the inner confidence that they
possessed.
The first woman Maria Stewart was the
first African American woman to speak
in public to a mixed audience. During
her time, the bible was used to support
the prohibition of women speaking in
public. Her first speech was to a group
of African American women. Ironically
she used the bible to defend her right to
speak in public. She spoke about
religion, justice and advocated for
equal rights of black people.
Interestingly enough, Maria Stewart
was known to deliver only four public
lectures. She went on to teach in a few
institutions. She was born in 1803.
Maria Stewart was orphaned at an
early age and was adopted by a clergy
man. She educated herself by reading Did not Mary first preach the risen
the books in his library.
savior and is not the doctrine of the
r e s u r r e c t i o n t h e ve r y c l i m a x o f
Jerena Lee is the second woman that I Christianity?
would like to highlight. She was the first
women to be allowed to preach in the I believe Jarena Lee was called during
African American Episcopal Church. her time at such a time as this to break
Her journal tells the amazing story of ground historically. She had to press
how she came to be accepted by through an incredible barrier to do what
Richard Allen. It reads: “The text he God called her to do.
took is in Jonah 2nd Chapter and 9th
verse…” Salvation is of the Lord” But as Jarena Lee waited eight years to
he proceeded to explain, he seemed to actualize her calling. Many of us cannot
have lost the spirit when in the same wait eight months after God has called
instant, I sprang as by altogether us to do something. We often run ahead
supernatural impulse, to my feet, when I of the plan of God. Sometimes we need
was aided from above to give an to just sit with the information for a
exhortation on the very text which my while. Yes we have been given the gift,
brother William had taken. I told them I but do we know when and how to use
was like Jonah; for it had been nearly it. It is like going into battle with your
eight years since the Lord called me to armor on backwards or your shoes
untied. You may need training on how
preach his gospel.
to arm yourselves before you run out
I now sat down scarcely knowing what I and try to fight the war.
had done, being frightened I imagined
that for this indecorum as I feared it When you are the first anything it
might be called, I should be expelled requires a lot of courage and humility.
from the church. but instead of this the Being the first woman Bishop is not easy
Bishop rose up in the assembly and even in a denomination that is open and
related that I had called upon him eight affirming. Women have not been in the
years before, asking to be permitted to Executive leadership tier of t his
preach and that he had put me off. But movement ever. There are people who
that now as he believed that I was still feel it is strange to have a woman at
called to that work as any of the the top. Yet when God says it is time,
you must step into your destiny. You
preachers present.”
must Press and Stand.
An excerpt from her sermon speaks to
the God given right of women to Our text for today speaks of another
preach. “O how careful ought we to be woman who was courageous during her
lest through our by-laws of church time. The book of Esther opens with
government and discipline we bring into Queen Vashti refusing to obey an order
disrepute even the word of life. For as from her husband, King Xeres. She was
unseemly as it may appear now days then banished from the kingdom and the
for a woman to preach it should be call went out that the King was looking
remembered that nothing is impossible for a new Queen. A Young beautiful
with God. And why should it be thought Jewish woman named Esther won the
impossible heterodox or improper for a kings heart with her beauty.
woman to preach? Seeing the savior
died for the woman as well as the man.
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SPEAKING L.I.F.E. “PRESS & STAND: For Such a Time As This!”
Esther was a queen who had beauty
and a winning personality. She won
over the heart of the king which placed
her in a position of honor. Yet even
Esther knew if she went into the King’s
court without his summoning her, she
could be put to death. Her courage and
determination won the king over and
eventually saved the lives of her people.
Modecai was Esther’s cousin. They were
both Jews. He raised Esther once her
parents died. Mordecai angered Haman
by not bowing down to him. Therefore
Haman put out a decree that all of the
Jews (Mordecai’s people) should be
killed. Mordecai reaches out to Esther
to speak on behalf of the Jews.
A time when a new choir is being
drafted.
has it all in control. God’s got you and
what you are challenged with.
A time when new leadership is being
developed.
Sharach Meshac and aAbendego were
delivered while they were in the midst of
the fire. Sometimes God will deliver you
while you are going through. Sometimes
you have to go through something to
get to, something.
Oh this is a great time church are you
ready to be a part of the now.
Yesterday is gone, the now is what is
being called for.
You were placed here for such a time as
this, now what are you going to do
about it? How long will you waste time
questioning whether this is where you
are suppose to be?
Know that you are called for such a
time as this. Your silence will not protect
you. You may think it is safe to hide or
stay quietly in the background but when
God calls you out, it is to witness with a
loud voice to the goodness and
graciousness of God.
What gets in the way?
Paul says I don’t claim to have attained
Verse 13,14: Mordecai sent this reply to Your fear that maybe, just maybe you it all but this one thing I do, I press
Esther: Don’t think for a moment that will succeed. You are afraid that things toward the mark that is the high calling
in Christ Jesus.
because you’re in the palace you will just might work out.
escape when all other Jews are killed. If
You must press your way. Press through Church let us press and stand. Press
you keep quiet at a time like this
all of the negativity. Press through all of through all of the crap and stand in the
deliverance and relief for the Jews will the doubt and fear. Press through freedom that God has given you. When
arise from some other place, but you everything all those tapes that say you you have done all that you can to stand,
and your relative will die. Who knows if can’t when God is telling you that you just keep on standing.
perhaps you were made queen for just can.
such a time as this?”
I have heard it said that God does not
Esther knew the problem at hand may give you more than you can bear yet
Mordecai was simply saying don’t think cost her life, yet she pressed on any there are moments that I wish God did
because you are royalty you will get a way. Her love for her people was not think I could bear so much.
pass. When they come for the Jews they greater than her fear of death.
Sometimes you want to say, God why
will come for you as well.
do you trust me so much. Trust that I can
Verse 15,16 Then Esther sent this reply handle more than I think I can handle.
Who knows perhaps you are called to to Mordecai: Go gather together all the
be in that job for such a time as this. Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat The optimum phrase is “more than you
Perhaps you are called to be in this or drink for three days. My maids and I think you can handle.” God knows all of
church for such a time as this. God calls will do the same. And then though it is who you are and is right next to you
us and places us in situations that we against the law, I will go to see the king. waiting for you to hand things over to
God.
m a y s t o p an d s h ake o u r h e ads If I must die, I must die.”
wondering why we are there, yet, I
Yes family in this time we need to hold
come to tell you that perhaps you are Esther was determined and courageous. on to God’s unchanging hand.
here at this moment, at this time in this We must have courage to weather the
place for such a time as this.
storms that come before us. Get in the Yes you must know that it is time to
now time. Waiting for the future keeps Press, and Stand.
A time when a new work is being
you from experiencing the now. Yes it
crafted.
may be hard at times. Yes you may feel
confused sometimes, but know that God
A Special Woman’s Day Sermon by
Bishop Jacquelyn Holland
SALVATION:
What it means to be saved!
I was sitting in a Thursday night revival
meeting at my grandmother’s Baptist church and
the revivalist “opened the doors of the church”
by saying: “Whosoever will, let him come, for
God loves you and wants to save you if you
would come and give me your hand and give
God your heart.” I was twelve years old and the
unspoken rule in my family is that by the time
one is twelve, she/he should officially become a
member of the church, and implicitly, become a
Christian. I sat there wanting to go down and
do as the revivalist had requested, give him my
hand and God my heart, but I was frozen in my
seat.
GIVING L.I.F.E.
(insight)
By Rev. Maressa Pendermon
Unity Fellowship Church
Atlanta, GA
Was I included in the “whosoever” that
the revivalist invited to come? I didn’t know.
And, what did it mean to be saved? The word
“whosoever” seemed to mean everyone, but he
had also said let him come, which specifically
excluded me. In addition, I had no idea what it
meant to “give God your heart” and since I had
discovered my love of girls the summer before,
did God even want my heart? Still, I was twelve
and would be thirteen in two months and so that
night I joined the church with all my questions.
Those questions would haunt me for years, but
each time they resurfaced.
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During this Easter Season
when the Christian world
celebrates a resurrected savior
while so many continue to live in
the graveyards of their own minds,
I wanted to intentionally focus on
restoring life to our spiritual
selves. While you are engaging in
spring cleaning, buying the latest
spring fashions, planting gardens
and adding more appointments to
what seems to be longer days; I
want to just suggest that we all
STOP for a moment and answer
for ourselves the age old question:
“what must I do to be saved? For
salvation is not just free, it’s
personal!
permission to really study
the religion of Jesus rather
than just adopting the
Christian beliefs I was
taught in Sunday school
and Baptist Training
Union.
...to be saved
I finally gave
myself to study the
religion of Jesus outside of
the framework of
Christianity when during
convocation 2011,
Archbishop Bean
repeated the sentiments of
Howard Thurman when
responding to the
question: “Who was the first
“I think the religion of
Christian Liberator?, he said: “The
Jesus in its true genius offers me a first liberator of Christian life
promising way to work through
would have to be Jesus as a
the conflicts of a disordered world. matter of fact I think the problem
I make a careful distinction
with Christendom is they don’t
between Christianity and the
teach Jesus, they teach the
religion of Jesus…” These are the
organize churches mind set and
powerful and prophetic words of
representation of Jesus…” In that
Howard Thurman in his signature
moment I knew that my personal
work, Jesus and the Disinherited.
experience of salvation could no
Here Thurman makes a distinction longer be private.
between the principles that Jesus
My study of the religion of
the Christ lived and the Christianity
Jesus concerning salvation has
that became an imperial and
thus far taught me that there is no
world religion.
“one size fits all” answer to the
I remember the first day I
question: What must I do to be
read those words. The words
saved? If there were then Jesus’
leaped off the page and into my
response to the rich young ruler’s
heart, freeing me from the guilt
question concerning inheriting
and confusion I had felt for years
eternal life as recorded in the
about claiming the title Christian
synoptic gospels would have been
while simultaneously feeling like
the same as his response to
Christianity hates so much of who I Nicodemus, who was asking
am; Black, woman, lesbian. But
essentially the same question, as
as free as I felt on the inside, I
recorded in the gospel of John.
didn’t recognize that freedom as
Yet Jesus told the rich young ruler
salvation until I gave myself
to; 1) keep the commandments
and 2) to get rid of all his
possessions and follow Him.
However, he told Nicodemus,
“You must be born again,” and
explained that the spirit must give
birth to spirit.
These two answers of Jesus
indicate that salvation/eternal life
is freedom, and freedom is the
release from whatever denies you
access to your entire being, thus
denying you access to the
kingdom of God within you. The
salvation process is less like a one
size fits all formula and more like
a personal identification number
(PIN). If you use the wrong PIN to
access your personal information
then your access will be denied.
Likewise, you cannot access God’s
Kingdom until you identify that
personal thing that denies you
access to the God within you and
your neighbor. What must you do
to be saved?
19
Y.O.U. +L.I.F.E.
YOUTH OF
UNITY
SPEAK
What Resurrection Means to Me
Brandon Irby
The Resurrection of Jesus is the Christian belief that Jesus Christ
miraculously returned to life on the Sunday following the Friday on
which he was executed by crucifixion. The term resurrection generally
means: The raising to life after death.
Resurrection, however, does not simply mean the resuscitation of a
corpse such as the raising of Lazarus, or Jairus' daughter by Jesus
Christ as recorded in the bible; as these people eventually
experienced a natural, permanent death. Resurrection also means
reviving the spirit into an existence that is eternal. Jesus'
resurrection was both a return to life in the body and a revival of an,
all powerful, eternal spirit. It is an example to all believers that
there is life after physical and spiritual death. Jesus has died and
has risen, so we know that our lives can resemble His. We can
experience death in our bodies, our minds, our souls, our
relationships, and our churches and still we can rise again!
We live in a society, and indeed a world, in which justice is often
perverted and neglected. We look at things that happen and say,
“How can that be? How could that happen?” The Resurrection
reminds us, that God’s justice will ultimately prevail. Jesus’ death
was unjust but His resurrection was justice having the last word! The
resurrection of Christ gives us confidence that we have the power to
live the Christian life. We do so not by our own power but by the
power of the Spirit. You can die to old, painful things and be
resurrected as a brand new spiritual being. “Old things have passed
away . . . all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
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Brandon Irby is a youth leader at UFC-NewArk,
who is also co-chair of the Usher Board and cochair of The Outside Brothers, the men’s
ministry. He works at ProjectLOL in Jersey City,
NJ and is a new proud uncle!
Spring shows what
God can do with a
drab and dirty
world.
Virgil Kraft
CONVOCATION 2013
REVIVAL!
The Queen Mary Hotel
Long Beach, CA
October 9 - 14, 2013