Religion

Gospel Music Makes Big Impact On-Board the Tom Joyner Cruise, led by Dr. Bobby Jones and Company

GALVESTON- Tom Joyner’s Fantastic Voyage recently set sail from Galveston, with over three thousand passengers. The first music presentation of the evening was the Gospel Service, hosted by Ambassador Bobby Jones and headlined by the great Fr...

Green Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church Celebrates 100th Anniversary

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Green Chapel AME Members
processional march from 618 E. 35th St. to 3318 Link Rd.

The theme of the festive occasion was “One Church-Ministering to the 6th Generation” with concentration on  Ecclesiates 1:4: “One Generation Passes Away, And Another Generation Comes.”

Southern Christian Leadership Conference Commemorates 43rd Anniversary of Dr. King’s Assassination

The Fort Worth Tarrant County Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (Fort Worth SCLC) will host United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) at their Remember the Dream of Dr. King Banquet on March 25, at 7pm at the Greater Sweet Home Baptist Church, 7312 Forest Hill Drive.  

Calvary Missionary Baptist Church celebrates Acres Homes Community Pioneers

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HOUSTON- Who would believe that a small church could bring so many prominent people together in one place at the same time?  
That’s just what Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 2448 Dalview, Houston’s  Acres Homes Community recently celebrated “The Pioneers of Acres Homes”.  

Churches Of Christ City-wide Lectureship

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Gary Smith of Fifth Ward COC

The Churches of Christ City Wide Lectureship

Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church hosts “Showing up and Showing out for God”

BASTROP, TX - Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church Youth Ministry, of Cedar Creek, TX, is sponsoring “Showing Up and Showing Out For God” 2011 Youth Showcase. This event will showcase Youth talents, such as Praise Dancing, Song, and much more. The showcaes will be held Saturday, March 12th, from 4pm – 7pm, at  The Lumber Yard Music Hall at 1109 Main Street in Bastrop.

Protecting Works Created through Ministry Activities

HOUSTON – What do patents, copyrights and trademarks have to do with ministry?  The short answer is that patents, copyrights and trademarks protect creativity.  A major source of creativity is ministry activities in the local church and other religious organizations.

Marvin Sapp: Singing past the pain of a broken heart

Marvin Sapp

A little over a month has passed since gospel sensation Marvin Sapp, 43, lost the love of his life, his bride of 18 years, Dr. Malinda Sapp. She was 43.

“I’ll never find anybody like her, ever,” he said of the woman who had become his best friend. “I absolutely miss her. And without question, I am lonely. But at the same token, I think about the things we’ve done together, I think about who she is and, you know, the same things that make me cry are the things that make me laugh. And that’s what I got to hold on to.”

at HIS feet productions returns with “How ‘Bout That!”

“HOW ‘BOUT THAT!” A COMPELLING FAMILY DRAMEDY PRESENTED FOR EVERY CREED AND CULTURE TO ENJOY! HOUSTON, TEXAS  – (October 14, 2010) – On Saturday, November 13, 2010 at 3:00 pm, AND 7:30 pm, Houston Playwright,...

Civil Rights activists explore race

Inspired by the new book Uncommon Common Ground: Race and America’s Future (written by PolicyLink Founder & CEO Angela Glover Blackwell, USC Professor Manuel Pastor, and Asian-American civil rights leader Stewart Kwoh), the virtual book cl...

Divas of God, Inc. hosts 3rd annual banquet

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Georgia Robinson is the president of Divas of God, Inc.

Photo by Roger Jackson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Divas of God, Inc., presented Fashion for a Cause, HIV/AIDS and Obesity: Prevention and Assistance, using the theme “Spring into the Spirit.” The third annual event was held at Brady’s Landing, 8505 Cypress St.

New Pleasant Green BC celebrates 85th anniversary

Pastor Derick Jones

HOUSTON- The New Pleasant Green BC, 1319 Grove St., hosts its 85th Church Anniversary  on June 27. The celebration will be held at 4p.m. Special guests will be Pastor Thurman West and the Southeast Community Church.  The theme for this year is “Thanking God for the Future.”  Derrick T. Jones, who became pastor of NPG in July 2009, said at that time, “Who knew that God had it in his divine plans for me to shepherd the flock of NPG with its rich history and traditions in one of the most culturally relevant areas of the city of Houston? Yet, with all of what has been done, the future is very bright for New Pleasant Green. God is giving new visions, dreams, and destiny to his people who are eagerly anticipating all that the Lord will do to, through and for the people of this church and community.
For more information, call (713)222-7823.                 

Without a father

Film transcends cultural, economic, social and racial bounds with a topic that is relevant and real in every country—families without a father.

SAN ANTONIO- The recent fued between Hollywood heavyweights Spike Lee and Tyler Perry went virtually unnoticed by San Antonio film producer Leroy McDonald. Although McDonald is keenly aware of the competitveness in the sometimes brutally cut-throat business of movie-making, as, founder  and CEO of Gordon Pictures Christian Movie Production Ministry, is not dwelling on the money, but rather the message, that the medium affords those with a vision to venture into this field.

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Film producer Leroy McDonald (left) directs Brayden Whisenhunt (young Joshua) as he portrays a young boy mourning the loss of his father and mother. Cynthia Cannon (right) portrays Lucille, his adopted mother.

Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ honored with historical marker

HOUSTON— Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ, Houston’s first and only African- American Congregational Church celebrated 106 years of service to the community with an unveiling and dedication of the official Texas State Historical Marker presented by the Texas Historical Commission and the Harris County Historical Commission, on April 25, 2010. Executive Pastor, Rev. Keith Edwards gave the invocation followed by the presentation of colors by the Buffalo Soldiers. 

Debutantes for Christ

    Recently, 10 young ladies were presented to Houston’s society by Devine Creations, founded by Verna Caddie. This year’s theme, “Debutantes for Christ,” was one to remember. As these young ladies were presente...

In Memory of ...

Evalyn Jan Johnson-Carl was born July 15, 1957 in Houston, Texas to the late Richard and Gloria Johnson. She attended Mabel B. Wesley Elementary and graduated from M.C. Williams High School, class of 1975. She continued her education at DeVry Institu...

Exploring the HIV epidemic and the Black Church

A recent report by LifeWay’s Marketing Research states Black church members are crying out for support from their leadership in dealing with the issue of HIV/AIDS. The report, accuses Black leadership, normally at the forefront of social change of taking a backseat when it comes to the battle against HIV/AIDS, which is said to be ravaging populations of the Black community.

In the report, 92 percent of Black church members surveyed said they wanted their church to provide support to people dealing with socially stigmatized issues (i.e. HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, etc.) with a maximum amount of services (e.g. counseling, clinics, classes, etc.).

Church and counselors address addiction signs

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Fear of judgment has long prevented Christians
grappling with addictions from coming to the church
for help, causing feelings of isolation and shame. But
many churches are feeling the call to take such issues
out of the closet and into the sancuary.

DALLAS— Research shows that Almost two-thirds of all young African-Americans try illicit drugs before they even finish high school and one out of 16 seniors smoke marijuana daily. Blacks comprise approximately 12 percent of the population in the United States, yet in 2006 they accounted for 23 percent of admissions to publicly funded substance abuse treatment facilities.
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Spotlight on Houston native Pastor Floyd Flake of New York


Rev. Floyd Flake

Born in Los Angeles, Calif., Rev. Floyd Flake grew up in Acres Homes, in Houston as one of 15 children of Robert Flake, Sr. and Rosie Lee Johnson-Flake. He entered the ministry at age 16 at Greater Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church.

Laying a foundation: a return to the old style Bible study



Photo: From the left: Leonardo Valle, Ria Bovell,
Raymond Ross, Thomas Reed, Lamar Jackson,
Frank Preston, Kristina Preston, Miriam Bovell,
Gloria Bovell and Ronald Bovell

In the days of the Apostles when the Church was being organized, before there were church houses, it was commonplace to hold worship service or church (ekklesia - called out body) in the home of the disciples. In this spirit, Bro. and Sister Ronald and Gloria Bovell invited the congregation to have an open Bible Class in their NE Houston Home. The class was taught by Bro. Thomas Reed, minister of Darien Loop Church of Christ, 7040 Darien St. Beginning with “The Foundation of Christianity,” the study was well accepted by everyone in attendance who were also treated to refreshments afterwards. The Bovells were married on the island of Trinidad and Tobago on February 3, 1974. Shortly after Ronald Jr. was born. In 1977 their second son Nigel was born and their daughter Ria was born in 1982. In 1990, they moved to the U.S. settling in Houston. They are faithful members of the Church of Christ for at least 32 years.
Many churches are beginning to explore the idea of home Bible studies or cell groups, which are generally intended to personalize Christian fellowship, especially in this age of the mega churches.

History in the Making: Black Methodist: Black Methodist denominations meet for first time in more than 45 years

Rev. Dr. Staccato Powell
RALEIGH, NC– The nation’s three largest Black Methodist denominations, the African Methodist Episcopal (headquarters in Philadelphia, PA), African Methodist Episcopal Zion (headquarters in Charlotte, NC) and Christian Methodist Episcopal (based in Memphis, TN) Churches, with combined memberships of more than 5 million, will convene at a historic gathering next month in Columbia, S. C. The ultimate goal of the gathering is to “address the plight of the African-American male and his critical role in America’s families and communities.”

Under the chairmanship of Rev. Dr. Staccato Powell, pastor of the Grace AME Zion Church in Raleigh, NC, this strategic summit has been titled the “Great Gathering” and will be held March 1-3 at the Carolina Coliseum in Columbia. It is the first meeting of the AME, AME Zion and CME churches in more than 45 years.

According to Bishop John R. Bryant, Senior Bishop for the AME Church, the motivation for the Great Gathering was to “send an image and model of unity. Together, all our denominations represent a people and a community with many ills and problems…but we feel strongly that we can overcome all that might separate our churches so we can all focus collectively on what we can do to make things better for our people.”

Adds Bishop George W.C. Walker, Sr., Senior Bishop for the AME Zion Church, “The African-American male is noticeably absent in the church. He is also absent in the home. If we can find answers to what is happening with the Black male in this country, these solutions will have a positive impact on Black family life in this nation.”

Says Bishop William H. Graves, Senior Bishop for the CME Church, “We have the collective resources within our own denominations to address the problems in our communities…We can’t look for the government or other agencies to do this for us. We can do it ourselves.”

Galveston church recovers from Ike, installs new minister


From the left: Rosemary and Marv A. Thorn and Theaster Maloy Sr.
                                                                                                           Photo by Roger Jackson

GALVESTON- Hurricane Ike ravaged the city of Houston in Sept. 13, 2008, decimating homes, business and churches like the Avenue K Church of Christ in Galveston, Texas. The mayor and city leaders urged a city-wide evacuation. While several remained to weather out the storm, Roy Osbourne, then minister of Avenue K left, choosing not to return. Members who did return reported the condition of the church as being bad and feared they would be unable to bring the building to code.

Realizing the church’s plight Theaster Maloy Sr., minister of Fidelity Church of Christ in Houston, spearheaded the movement to restore the church, raising $55,000 from congregations all over the country. Likewise, men from throughout the Houston/Galveston area pitched in to help the storm torn church.

The church reopened on October 2009, but was left without a minister to lead them. On Jan. 31, Marv A Thorn, formerly of South Union Church of Christ, was installed as the church’s new minister. His bride of one year, Mary Thorn, also participated in the installation. Maloy, who had worked fervently to help the church recover from the storm, presided over the installation.

Floyd Flake to speak at Greater Ward AME



HOUSTON- The Honorable Rev. Dr. Floyd Flake, Senior Pastor of Allen Cathedral AME Church in Jamaica, New York will be the featured speaker at Greater Ward AME on Feb. 21 at 3 p.m. Greater Ward AME, where Eddie Lee Everline, Jr. is the pastor, will celebrate their 96th anniversary at 6822 Arabella Street. Everline was welcomed as pastor of Greater Ward on Aug. 25, 2007.

Houston urged to “Deal with it”

HOUSTON- Everybody has an “it,” says Houston’s very own Donnetta Amos, of At His Feet Productions. There’s something that everyone is struggling with or trying to avoid. But somehow, life has a way of forcing  one to come face to face with their issues, as Amos demonstrates in her second theatrical production, “Deal With It! Before ‘IT’ Deals With You.”

The play, which will be held at Harvest Theatre House, 17770 Imperial Valley Drive, is a continuation of the stage play,“How ‘Bout That,” Amos’ first production. The gospel stage performance starts at 7 p.m., Feb. 13. Doors open at 6 p.m. Call 866-261-7911 or visit athisfeetproductions.net for more information.

Will the True Christian Stand Up

Some Christian leaders have played into the hands of the Republican demagogues. Demagogy refers to a political strategy for gaining political power by appealing to the popular prejudices, emotions, fears and expectation via propaganda and rhetoric. H.L. Mencken defined a demagogue "as one who will preach doctrines he knows to be untrue to men he knows to be idiots." In these critical times we cannot afford to be one among the masses nor idiots. Wisdom and discernment is what we need, not other men's fears.

Stop Being god for God

Religious accusations about President Barack Obama are not our weapons. We are designed to be overcomers by the definition of the Cross. The Word of God teaches us to become a visible force in the deep trenches of world problems and for every member to present themselves as the light on the hill.

The power of sincerity

Every child is born in a state of sincerity. Every time he or she cries, smiles or throws a tantrum it is sincere. At some point in a child’s development it learns how to  manipulate situations and circumstances to achieve short term goals. The hope, then, becomes that a child will grow out of its manipulative ways when it becomes an adult; more spiritually mature.

Sometimes it gets worse before it gets better. Hence, the difficulty in finding sincere people in today’s world. I contend that you can find sincere people and the first place you should look is in the mirror. If you don’t see him or her, fret not.

The insincere man or woman in the mirror is the human being that you have the ability to change. The best way to inject sincerity into an insincere society is through self improvement. I’m on my way to the mirror right now.

Pastor calls Haitians devil worshippers

Pat Robertson calls the recent earthquake in Haiti a blessing in disguise.
AUSTIN– Pat Robertson has put his foot in his mouth with yet another post-disaster remark—this time regarding the hard-hit country of Haiti. While hosting “The 700 Club” on the Christian Broadcasting Network, Robertson said the 7.0-magnitude quake that struck Haiti was the consequence of the curse that had befallen the country’s people after its founding fathers made a “pact to the devil” in exchange for Haiti’s independence from France.
“[E]ver since they have been cursed by one thing after the other, desperately poor,” Robertson said. He noted how Haiti shares the Island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic and how the latter is “prosperous, healthy, full of resorts” while Haiti is “in desperate poverty.” “Same island,” he emphasized. Robertson’s latest remark— coming as television screens are filled with images of bloody survivors and dead bodies stacked on streets—hit a sensitive nerve with secular commentators as well as conservative evangelical leaders.
Pastor Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Church of Dallas called Robertson arrogant during an interview on ABC’s “Good Morning America” “It is absolute arrogance to try to interpret any of God’s actions as a judgment against this person or that person,” the Southern Baptist minister said. “Our duty as Christians is to try to help these people, pray for these people and to help them.”
Similarly, Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr., president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, responded to Robertson’s “embarrassing” remarks by highlighting the “Theological arrogance matched to ignorance.”
“[T]he earthquake reminds us that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only real message of hope. The cross of Christ declares that Jesus loves Haiti—and the Haitian people are the objects of his love,” Mohler concluded.
“Christ would have us show the Haitian nation his love, and share his Gospel. In the midst of this unspeakable tragedy, Christ would have us rush to aid the suffering people of Haiti, and rush to tell the Haitian people of his love, his cross, and salvation in his name alone.”  —The Christian Post

It’s a family affair

FORT WORTH – In line with self-improvement, the basis for community development, the Faculty of Muhammad Mosque No. 52’s Saturday School will host a “Family Literacy Event.”

On March 13, the mosque will present a day of literacy for the community.  The event will begin at 2 p.m. at the Southside Community Center, 959 E. Rosedale, Fort Worth, TX 76104. It will feature presentation by multiple presenters.

Admission to the Family Literacy Event is free, and it is open to all students and their parents. Participants may take part in the interactive project which will include snacks, drawings, free books and activities, prizes, multiple presentations, as well as information on community services from business owners and service providers.
For more information call (682)557-8418 or (817)902-7972.

Global Efforts to Save Haiti

Amid the recent earthquake and devastation in Haiti, the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, we have witnessed the global effort of 30 nations coming to rescue the lives of our brothers and sisters in Haiti. The 7.0 earthquake so far has caused much damage and a death toll of 50,000 precious lives. The death toll rises as each day passes.

Benefitting those who have lost hope

Rev. Robert M. Gilmore Sr. has a plan to give hope to 1 million individuals.
HOUSTON- Each and every day hundreds, thousands, no millions of individuals lose hope. They may be a family member, a neighbor, a friend or a spouse.
And the reality is some people never find hope.

What is hope? A feeling that what is wanted is likely to happen; desire accompanied by expectation.
Hope is the belief that something good may happen.

It can also be the source or cause of such a belief. Hope can be given or even taken away due to academic achievement, through politics, through one’s economic status and yet each and every individual needs hope in order to survive. Rev. Robert McKinley Gilmore, Sr., understands the need to offer hope to those in need and the impact such hope can have when determining success or failure.

Homegoing Services for Deacon Menick Jones

Menick Jones was born on Feb. 29, 1932. He was the fifth child of ten children, born to Wilmer and Sementher P. Jones, in Cypress, Louisiana, where he attended school. He was employed as a driver. On Aug. 29, 1954, he united in holy matrimony with Dorothy Mae Hubert. To this union, five boys were born: Donald, Michael, Ronnie, Garry and Derrick.

Jones worked for 34 years at Hydrill Tool Company before finding employment with the North Forest ISD, where he worked for 10 years.
In Feb. 1964, Jones united with the Little Union Missionary Baptist Church, where he was baptized by the late Rev. A.G. Robertson. Deacon Jones served the church in the following capacities: Superintendent of the Sunday School, teacher of the Brotherhood, BTU and Vacation Bible School; President of Senior Choir, member of the Male Chorus, patron for the drill team, and member of the Deacon Board.

Dominican Spirituality Center presents “The Quest for Holiness in our Present World”

Dr. Greer Gordon, director of Evangelization for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, will speak on “The Quest for Holiness in our Present World,” at the Dominican Sisters of Houston’s Spirituality Center. The two-day event begins with an evening presentation and free reception at 7-10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8, 2010 and continues from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010.

The Color of Religion

Dr. Martin Luther King during the Civil Right era made a very true statement that many churches in America on Sundays are the most segregated places in America. This still hold true to day. Time's Magazine article on How Mega-churches are helping bridge America's Racial divide using as it example, Willow Creek Community Church, located in the Northern part of Illinois, and pastored by Bill Hybels. The statistical results and Hybels' ten year efforts do not reflect a true picture of integration as the article suggested.

The True Meaning of Christmas

The Hip Hop Generation in many respect challenge those who claim to be Christians to prove their life-style. This young generation is a generation of "show me." What we say as believers in Christ must be put into our daily actions. Authenticity of Christianity is what this generation demands.

Everyday People: Inspirational Concert First Christian Fellowship BC


The congregation and friends, had a hand clapping good time at the First Christian Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, 3920 New Orleans Street, in The Fifth Ward, Revered Q.R. Smith, Senior Pastor and Reverend Michael G. Simmons, Associate Pastor. This inspirational Concert was underwritten by, Deacon James Little who generously does much benevolence for the Church.
Psalm 96: 1-4: “Sing to the Lord a new song, sing to the Lord, all the earth, Sing to the Lord, Praise His name, for great is the Lord and most worth of praise”. This program was dedicated in loving memory to Mrs. Tina Marie McGee.
Happy Birthday To: James Little, Winifred Marble, Delois Smith, Lauren Hooks, and Steven Rose.
Photos:
1. Deacons: Charles Carter, Ronald Guy, James Little, and Arthur Hurd
2. Rev. A. Wayne Pollard, Rev. Michael G. Simmons, Rev. Quinton R. Smith and Rev. Robert McGee
3. First Lady Delois Smith
4. Tiffany Woodley, Vinnesha Jones, Rodnecia Roberts, James Marble, Rachelle McGee and Makayla Green
5. Finnessa White, Lillie B. Davis, Sarah E. Brown and Martha Adams
6. Delois Smith and Lauren Hooks
7. Sis. Winifred Marble and Sis. Johnnie Mae Guy
8. Regina Green and Mary Baskin
9. David Bell
10. Pamela Pollard

New year's Eve party

Houston- The Knights & Ladies of St. Peter Claver, Council & Court #151 host their Annual New Year’s Eve Dance featuring Marcus Ardoin and the Zydeco Legends, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009 9:30 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. The event will be held at the St. Monica Church Parish Hall, 8421 West Montgomery Road, Houston, Texas.
For more information  contact Knight Clarence Deville at  (281)507-5393 or Lady Deborah Tyson at (281)859-1012.

African American Living Legend: Rev. William Lawson

HOUSTON- Rev. William Alexander Lawson is the founding Pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Established in March 1962 with 13 members, the congregation has grown in excess of 3,500 members. Lawson did his undergraduate work at Tennessee A&I State University, Nashville, Tennessee where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree.

Bishop Rufus Kyles Celebrates 23rd Pastoral Year



Bishop and Sis. Rufus Kyles recently celebrated the 23rd pastoral
annversary at Evangelist Temple Church of God in Christ, 11603 Martin Luther King Blvd. Bishop Kyles is prelate of Texas Southeast No. 1
Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction COGIC.
                                                                                             Photo by Roger Jackson

Living Word Christian Academy Celebrate Christmas Holidays

On Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009 a  Christmas Musical, “Christmas Hang-ups” will be presented at Living Word Christian Academy Chapel at  6:30 p.m. The Academy is located at 6601 Antoine Dr., Houston TX 77091 and lies within the boundaries of Aldine Independent School District. 
For more information or to become a partner in education, please contact Mrs. Venora Goodie or Mrs. Belinda Alba at (713) 686-5538.

Finding God After Someone You Loves Dies

 DALLAS- In her compelling new book, “Blessed:Therapy,” Jennifer C.D. Wilford shares her experience of losing both her mother and her father within ten months of each other and candidly discusses how it changed her attitude and beliefs. Up until 2008, Jennifer had lived what she refers to as an “alternative lifestyle,” battling with her sexuality. Wilford, a native of Baton Rouge, La., currently resides in Dallas, TX, and is the owner of Je’ Designs. She is a member of the Friendship West Baptist Church, under the leadership of Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III. This is her first book and she is currently at work on a second, Back from the Closet.
For more information visit: www.BlessedTherapy.com.

Imani Church Presents Men’s Bible Study

AUSTIN- Join the men of Imani Community Church every 4th Saturday at 10a.m. as they explore and discuss the biblical proof of God’s miraculous work in our lives as men encouraging men to discover different paths available to achieve a life of significance. They will look beyond the standard metrics of success such as a degree, job title or income and instead focus on paths characterized by attitudes, ambitions, and allegiances that are all too rare, but uncommonly rewarding.
Meetings take place at Davis Elementary School Auditorium, 5214 Duval Rd. For more information, call (512)343 9300.

Fresh Fire Evangelist

KYLE- A Fresh Fire Revival featuring Evangelist Debbie Jones of Seattle, Washington will be held Friday, Dec. 4 2009 at 7:30p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009 at 11:00a.m. at the Word of Life Christian Faith Center, 400 Old Post Road. James Jacobs is the senior pastor. For more information call (512)268-0700.

Thanksgiving Love

HOUSTON- James Casey, Sr. & Mattie Jewel Casey will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009.  They are members of True Vine Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of one of their seven sons, Pastor Matthew Casey.  They are the proud parents of 14 children (2 deceased, 12 living).  Their children are listed here in age order from the youngest to the oldest: Deacon James, Jr.; Pastor Matthew; David (deceased); Ella; Mona; Evelyn; Allen; Barbara; Jerry; Joseph (deceased); Rev. John; Kenneth; Elizabeth; and Dr. William, PharmD. James, Sr. and Mattie also have 22 grand children and 36 great-grand children.

Living Word Christian Academy Hosts 1st Annual Gala With Dr. Tony Evans of Dallas

HOUSTON– Celebrating 36 years of Academic Excellence, local Christian School, Living Word Christian Academy, hosted their 1st Annual Gala: Securing the Dream last month.  The event was a great success thanks to all who participated and volunteered their time. 
Proceeds from the gala will directly benefit the student scholarship fund and special programming.  Two hundred people attended the gala dinner at the Crowne Plaza- Downtown, which featured Dr. Tony Evans of the Urban Alternative as the keynote speaker. 

Fake Christian Group Perpetrating Christians For Better Government

HOUSTON- Christians For Better Government (CFBG) is a nonpartisan political corporation comprised of Pentecostal-Charismatic pastors and members. After CFBG released its slate of endorsement a bogus, fake group surfaced using the same name, with a fake address, and a fake e-mail address.
The fake group fraudulently sent out an e-mail using CFBG’s name and was most critical of mayoral candidate Annise Parker while endorsing candidate Gene Locke. While most political organizations appear to be mainly interested in collecting money from candidates, CFBG is mainly interested in good government and does not accept money either directly or indirectly from candidates/officeholders for endorsements.

University of St. Thomas Presents St. Martin de Porres Society Fest Celebration

St. Martin de Porres Society will celebrate its Patron Saint’s Feast Day at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009 at the University of St. Thomas. Mass will be  held at 5 p.m in the Chapel of St. Basal. A caribbean-themed reception will follow Mass from 6 to 9 p.m. in Malloy Hall.  St. Martin de Porres Society is UST’s African-American alumni society. The Society aims to support the recruitment, retention, development and graduation of UST’s current and prospective African-American students in the surrounding Houston community.
This event is free. For more information call  (713)525-2147 or visit jacksork@stthom.edu.

Avenue K Church of Christ Revived From Ike’s Ravagings

GALVESTON- Hurricane Ike made its final landfall over the area as a strong category 2 Hurricane, with category 4 equivalent storm surges, on Sept. 13, 2008. The mayor and leaders of the city called for a total evacuation. Avenue K. Church of Christ, 5501 Avenue K, the only predominantly Black C.O.C in Galveston, was ravaged by the storm.

31st Annual Prayer Vigil

SAN ANTONIO- The Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, 3062 Martin Luther King Drive will celebrate its 31st Annual Daily Prayer Vigil. The Church initiated the daily prayer vigil on Nov.r 7, 1978 and is committed to continue daily prayer until Jesus returns.

This year’s celebration will commence on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009 with a prayer vigil service at 9:30 p.m. The hallmark event will start with a candlelight procession and continue with an old fashioned prayer meeting from 9:45p.m. - 1:00 a.m. The prayer vigil service will resume at 10 a.m. on Saturday Nov. 7.

The Prayer Vigil Breakfast Service will be the one onset of the church’s dedication of memorial for the late Reverend John A. Hall, who served honorably as pastor of Trinity Missionary Baptist Church for 50 years. He was the vessel chosen by God to initiate the daily prayer vigil. Rev. Julius L. Sheppard, pastor, will provide the leadership for the program.

The public is invited to join their prayer “vigilantes’” as they pray, praise, sing fellowship, celebrate and have a spritual good time in the Lord! For more information, call Carol Thompson at (210)859-6010 or Fannie M. Ellision at (210)333-5475.

St. James MBC Honors Pastor Smith for 42 Years of Service

HOUSTON- Saint James Missionary Baptist Church’s Anniversary Celebration for Pastor Melvin and Mrs. Estella Smith was held last month. The celebration commemorated 42 years of servitude to the community as well as service to the Lord.

Shepherd’s Appreciation

AUSTIN- The Fresh Oil Family Fellowship Ministries is pleased to announce their 12th Annual Shepherd’s Appreciation Celebration for their anointed leader, Bishop Nathan Thomas. The theme is entitled “The Gift That Keeps On Giving.” The Appreciation Celebration will be held October 21-25, Fresh Oil Family Fellowship Ministries is located at 8120 Research Blvd Ste 101.  For more information, call (512) 314-8283.

Women’s Day Conference 2009

Marilyn Giles
AUSTIN- David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church presents Women’s Day Conference, on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 2211 East MLK Blvd. The program theme is: “Christian Women Strengthening the Church by Building Cross-Generational Bonds.” The conference speaker is Rev. Marilyn Giles.
Giles is the owner of a Christian-based business, Christ and Common Sense, a Christian Activities Consulting Service, which specializes in women’s seminars, marriage and single seminars, prayer and parenting workshops, and also conferences for both male and female audiences.
The deadline for registration is Oct. 24 and the cost is $25 per person. For more information, call (512)472-9748.