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September 2016 1ST QUARTER 2017 LET THE CHURCH SAY “AMEN” By Dr. Icey L. Johnson Lay Leader Greetings my brothers and sisters in Christ! Happy New Year and Happy New You!! God has been good to us and we are eternally grateful for all He has done! This is just the beginning and we all have something to look forward to with much anticipation and hope. Hope for a better year, hope for a better you! These first few weeks of 2017 for some of us have been a good thing, whereas for others of us, it has not been so good. It seems that we are repeating some of the same failures and disappointments from last year, but take heart my brothers and sisters, all is not lost. Do we not see new mercies each and every day? Are we so busy doing mundane things that we overlook the majesty of God’s creation? Do we have faith in God and approach Him confidently? How is our prayer life? Pray for the ministries here at Warren. Pray for each other and know that God has already worked it out for us! In the Book of James, we are told that we do not have because we do not ask. How do we want to ask God to help us in 2017? Is it for good health, finances, stronger faith in God? The list can go on and on, but what do we really want for 2017? God knows our heart and He hears our petitions as well as our praises. Let us first and foremost draw near to God and establish that personal relationship with Him. Once we intentionally hear, accept, and welcome the Word, it will take root within our spirit and save our souls. 2017 has so much in store for us and believe it or not, it is all good! The Word says it best in Jeremiah 29:11-13 “For I know the plans I have for you, When we come to God with an open and honest heart, we says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, are empowered to go to the next level. Praying according to to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you His will puts everything in perspective. When our faith pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you comes under pressure, we should not be moved. Speak will find me.” Well, I don’t know about you Warren, but God’s word boldly and courageously. that is the good news I need for 2017! So, let the church say…. Amen! 2 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Page Pastor’s Message……...………………………………………....3 Rev. GiGi A. Warren Senior Pastor The Lenten Journey……….……………………………………..4 Welcome New Member……………….……...…………...…….4 FOR YOUR INFORMATION Black History…………………………………………...……….5 Sunday School 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Stewardship……………………………………………………..6 Sunday Service 10:30 a.m. UMW Book Review………………………………………..…..7 Aid To South Georgia ………………………………………….7 Church Office Hours 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (M-F) Heart To Heart…………………………...……………………...8 Location Save The Date………………...……………………….…….......8 181 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd., SW Atlanta, GA 30314 Contact Number (404)755-8931 Website www.warrenmemorial.org THE BEACON A newsletter of Warren Memorial United Methodist Church, published quarterly through the Communications Ministry. Our Mission Beacon Staff Making Disciples of Jesus Christ Through Fellowship, Worship and Service Jacqueline Rose, Eloise Sykes, Patricia Kenly Layout Jacqueline Rose Our Vision A Beacon of Hope and Enlightenment Through Spiritual Growth and Christian Values Co-Editors Communications Committee Jacqueline Rose, Chairperson Deborah Anderson Patricia Kenly Bettye Boyd Brenda Moss Sandra Harrell Eloise Sykes Betty Johnson Diana Walker Celestine Jones 2017 Theme Envisioning Our Future TO SUBMIT ARTICLES We welcome your ideas and news items for the BEACON newsletter. You may contact Jacqueline Rose at [email protected] or Patricia Kenly at [email protected]. The Communications Ministry reserves the right to edit news briefs for spacing, clarity, style, and format. 22 From The Pastor’s Pen “IT’S A NEW SEASON, IT’S A NEW DAY” Greetings Warren Memorial Church Family & Friends, Let me begin by saying how blessed I am to be your pastor! I rejoice every time I think about what God’s Word has accomplished in you. God is at work in this place and we get to be a part of it. I believe 2017 to be a pivotal year for Warren. Over the last year we have accomplished much by the power of the Holy Spirit: GIVING Paid 100% Conference apportionment, conference benefits, and district work fund in 2016. 2016 budget year ended in the black. Through Missions & Outreach provided supplies, food, and clothing to our sick & shut in and community. I thank God for your faithfulness, but our work is far from over. As long as God gives us breath: We must continue to witness to the lost Prayerfully intercede for others Grow in our personal relationship with Christ and Serve God’s Kingdom As we begin a new year, my hope for us as the family of God is that we will be like the Apostle Paul. Paul talked about in Philippians the importance of remaining focused on heavenly priorities; that is to say “press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us in Christ Jesus.” May we never become stuck in the past or take God’s past blessings for granted! May we never be content with the status quo, mediocre living, or become distracted by what others are doing. Instead, I pray that each and every one of us will stay focused on that one thing: living out the full Gospel of Jesus Christ without ceasing until we see Him face to face in heaven. In 2017, my plans are to spend some time revitalizing and reprioritizing the vision God has given me both personally and vocationally. I hope that you will do the same; both as individual Christians and as a part of this church family. I prayerfully ask you to consider who and what God is calling you to be and do for yourself, your family, your workplace, our church, and our community in 2017. May we continue to press forward in Jesus Name! HAPPY 2017!!! “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14.) You are loved & appreciated, Pastor G 3 4 The Lenten journey By Diana Walker Worship Ministry Chairperson When I think about seasons I ponder not just the summer, winter and fall, but the seasons of our lives year round. As we are already enjoying the miracles of 2017, I can't help but to be grateful for every season we have experienced in the past years. It's the past that sets us up for a great future. Remembering the sacrifice that Jesus made for forty days reminds us that the journey to the cross paved a way for greater things. Now, as we approach the Lenten season let us set our hearts and minds on sacrifice, expecting a season of rejoicing. Embarking upon this journey will require us to slow down and meditate. There will be companions along the way. When you need to call on someone, welcome the Holy Spirit. When it seems you can't make it, cast your cares on Jesus and take it to the altar. When you feel like giving Welcome New members up, hang in there and remember you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. The journey to the cross was not easy, but intentional. Going on a journey means that at the end you are in a different place than where you started. By now, we all know that Jesus experienced trails, betrayal, crucifixion and resurrection. I wonder what awaits us? Warren Family, as we prepare for the Lenten journey, let us be intentional. We've already experienced ups and downs during the seasons of life over the years, so now, as we stand in 2017, let's intentionally walk into our resurrection. I'm excited about what God has already done in the life of our church! Now, I feel like dancing like David, knowing that the blood still works and we are in an awesome season to activate the powerful spirit that lives within each of us. Cheers to the journey.... “The local church as the body of Christ, is the place where members grow in faith and extend the love of Jesus Christ into the world.” The heart of our local church ministry is continuing Jesus Christ’s ministry and outreaching love. Minister Ray Allen Ms. Bianca Marie Jones Ms. Shanda Yvette Fields ...from The United Methodist Handbook, Let’s Go Fishing 4 Celebrating Black History By Rev. Araminta Lett Black History is a celebration created by Dr. Carter G. Woodson in the year 1926. Dr. Woodson understood completely what we have all learned from the book of Proverbs, chapter 29, verse 18 – “where there is no vision, the people perish…” Dr. Woodson lived during a time when our people were on the cusp of higher ground and he offered a plan that would continue to move us forward with hope. We were always a great and a proud people, but we were also a broken people in many ways. In February of 1926, Dr. Woodson launched Negro History Week, which became a pre-cursor of our current Black History Month. As we began to learn more and more of the great history that was so often hidden as we struggled, we began to become more and more proud of our many accomplishments and of the great people that we are. Black people have excelled in every field and endeavor in this country. Both men and women have done remarkable things against the odds. Black history allows us to continue to tell our children that indeed we stand proudly on the shoulders of our ancestors and because of that we cannot and we will not fail. While we have gone high in every known area, we have also made our mark in the history of the church. From that great orator Harry Hoosier during slavery to the first elected African American female Bishop, Leontine Kelly, American Christianity would not be the same without the Black presence. From slave preachers all way to the iconic Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. our voice has been heard in the past and must continue to be heard during these current chaotic times. KATHERINE JOHNSON Amazingly, while we think we know the story of our people, sometimes we may stumble upon hidden gems (or figures) that startle and surprise us as they bring forward new achievements that might not have been known. Such is the story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn and MARY JACKSON Mary Jackson, three women who worked for NASA during the time that our country’s space program first began to soar. All three women were mathematicians. Mrs. Johnson was literally a human computer; Mrs. Vaughn became the first black female supervisor and Mrs. Jackson became the first black female engineer with NASA, where she continued to work for thirty – four years. How many young girls might these women have inspired if only their story had been known. Thusly the movie ‘Hidden Figures’ provides for us yet another glimpse into the great history that we share in this country. During the month of February we have a responsibility to learn and then share all that we can so that those who rise behind us might continue to reach for higher ground. DOROTHY VAUGHN 5 6 Leave a Legacy to Warren By Eloise Sykes and Ray McClendon Stewardship Co-Chairpersons The Warren Memorial Permanent Endowment and Planned Giving Ministry Committee of the Church also known as the Legacy Ministry Committee was established with the responsibility and authority for directing the administration of an Endowment Fund in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Discipline and as further defined in a 2015 Charge Conference Resolution. The Fund and its administration conforms to all applicable Georgia laws and regulations, any applicable Federal laws and regulations including the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and the current Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, particularly pertaining to Paragraph 2534. Contributing to the endowment fund is a way to be a sound financial steward of God’s gifts because, in so doing, you give a portion of what you have back to God and provide legacy by helping to ensure Warren’s future. What is an Endowment? An Endowment Fund is a permanent fund or source of income for our church that contributes to the fulfillment of Warren’s vision. The funds that are contributed to the Endowment Fund are invested in perpetuity. The proceeds of the fund are used to fund ministry for the church. Why have an Endowment Fund? An Endowment Fund says that Warren: Believes in its future and is prepared to invest in the vision Wishes to be guided in stewardship by the belief that all we have is from God Wants to build a sense of permanence Desires as a church family to be good stewards even as we expect each member to be a good steward Wishes to go the extra mile in providing new services and programs Wants to create a legacy for future generations Where may I give? You may designate your legacy gift to the following funds: General Endowment Fund Music Ministry Endowment Fund Capital Improvements and Unbudgeted Property Maintenance Endowment Fund Youth Endowment Fund Children’s Ministries Named fund: This may be set up in memory or honor of someone and/or for a specific purpose with a minimum contribution of $20,000. How can you give to the Endowment Fund? Gifts Given Today Cash Stocks and Bonds Real Estate Life Insurance Savings Bonds Gifts Given After Passing Cash Bequests Charitable Trusts and Annuities Savings Bonds Stocks and Bonds Real Estate Who Administers and Distributes the Funds? The Warren Memorial United Methodist Legacy Ministry Committee administers these funds on an ongoing basis and distributions are made based on church endowment policies with the approval of church leadership. A financial report is presented to the Charge Conference each year and is included in the annual audit of church funds. Who Manages the Investments? The investments are professionally managed through the Georgia United Methodist Foundation in Peachtree Corners, Georgia (www.gumf.org). For more information contact Raymond McClendon 6 United Methodist Women of Warren Explore Mass Incarceration Issues By Patricia A Kenly President, Warren United Methodist Women “The Jim Crow Laws were statutes enacted by Southern states, beginning in the in the late 1870's and early 1880s, that legalized segregation between African Americans and whites. The Jim Crow laws restricted the rights of African Americans to use public facilities, schools, to vote, to find decent employment, basically excluding African Americans from exercising their rights as citizens of the United States.” By the mid-1950’s the repeal of such laws ended Jim Crow as we knew it; however… Are there parallels between mass incarceration and Jim Crow? Why is mass incarceration increasingly referred to as the new Jim Crow? How important is it to have a movement to end mass incarceration? What role can individuals who serve as helpers, advocates, organizers and rebels contribute to putting an end to this social issue? What immediate action opportunities exist to effect meaningful change? Our UMW February 2017 Book Review thoroughly addressed these questions and other troubling issues surrounding mass incarceration, culminating in an immediate call to action. As a professional skilled facilitator, Pamela Perkins Carn (ICM Coordinator, Interfaith Children’s Movement) led the lively discussion of the book Building a Movement to End the New Jim Crow by Daniel Hunter. This book review was one of our largest and most diverse discussion groups with approximately 41 individuals in attendance. Joining the United Methodist Women of Warren Memorial, other book review attendees included the St. Timothy UMC Senior Pastor; Kings Memorial UMC Assistant Pastor; church members from The Church of the Incarnation (Episcopal Church) and Ousley UMC; representative from the Atlanta Friends Meeting (Religious Society of Friends Quaker Meeting); UMW North Georgia Conference and Atlanta College Park District (ACPK) Officers; United Methodist Women from several ACPK District churches as well as representation from the Atlanta-Decatur-Oxford District; and a guest (who is a member of First African Presbyterian Church) from End “New Jim Crow” Action Group - an Atlanta area group working with formerly incarcerated people to advocate for administrative and legal changes. Specific recommendations in the movement to stop mass incarceration challenged the group to become advocates by immediately getting involved with on-going efforts. As an example, to support children and youth in the juvenile justice system, our faith community was invited to attend and actively participate in the Interfaith Children’s Movement February 15th Day at the Capitol where Juvenile Justice Reform is on ICM’s 2017 Advocacy Platform. Networking opportunities are available through “Healing Community Networks” (at Central UMC) and End “New Jim Crow” Action Group meetings. Making contacts with legislators has always been and continues to be an effective strategy. Our Book Review Facilitator, Pamela Perkins Carn, reminded us that our unified advocacy voices make a difference! Aid to South Georgia Tornado Victims By Celestine Jones Thanks to an appeal by Luci Harrington, Warren responded with a huge effort to aid South Georgia tornado victims. Members donated over 23 boxes of personal care items needed for immediate distribution. The efforts were coordinated through churches in Tifton, Albany and Adel, GA. Warren sent approximately 200 bath towels, 30 blankets, 75 sheet sets, 200 pairs of socks, 27 ready made personal care boxes for men and 42 for women, 20 book bags filled with school supplies, over 150 toothbrushes and toothpaste for children, bottled water, baby bags and donations of women's clothing ready for pick-up. continued on page 8 7 8 By Luci Harrington Health and Welfare From my heart to your heart we all want to experience more of life's precious moments. So let's go heart healthy. Our heart is one of our most precious jewel. February is national heart month that's the heart of the matter. Living a longer and fuller life by maintaining and monitoring your health you can become heart healthy. Know your risk of heart disease: smoking diabetes high blood pressure obesity physical inactivity stress alcohol Eat an overall healthy dietary pattern that emphasizes: a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains low fat dairy products skinless poultry and fish nuts and legumes non-tropical vegetable oils All of these factors play a important part in becoming heart healthy. Now that you are in the know to a healthier heart let's get started keeping your precious jewel in mint condition. Let's go Red for February straight to the heart. Upcoming Events . . . FEBRUARY –BLACK HISTORY MONTH 11 Leadership Training 25 UMW Mission Study 26 Heritage Sunday MARCH—WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH 1 Ash Wednesday 2 World Day of Prayer 5 First Day of Lent 11 Community Dinner 26 Women of Warren – Doing Greater Works APRIL 8 Community Dinner 9 Palm Sunday 10-15 Holy Week 16 Easter Sunday 22 UMW Book Review 28-29 UMW Spiritual Growth/Social Action Activity Be Connected . . . MARCH 19-25 Conference-Wide Week of Prayer 20 ACPK UMW Lenten Service Aid To South Georgia continued With assistance from Dorothy Knox, Bobbie Wing, Glennie Sykes and Annie R. Amos these items were sorted, packed and made ready for pick-up. In less than one week after the initial request for help members of the South Georgia congregations arrived to pick-up the much needed supplies. Luci would like to extend an heartwarming THANK YOU to everyone for their donations of time, financial gifts and relief items. NOTICE. Please take note of the bulletin board on the right side of the narthex as you enter the front door of the church. The board often contains information pertinent to church life and activities. The beautiful and eye catching displays are carefully crafted and created by Communications Ministry member Deborah Anderson. We thank Deborah for her commitment to keeping us informed and enlightened. 8