Faith to Minister to the Community through its 7 Days of Outreach in August
Sunday, August 8
Monday, August 9
Tuesday, August 10
Wednesday, August 11
Thursday, August 12
Friday, August 13
Saturday, August 14
Men’s Day Pictorial Highlights
Faith celebrated a spirit-filled Men’s Day (July 11) with great singing, powerful preaching, and a delicious Fellowship Meal following the morning worship service. Bro. John Richardson, local preacher at Faith, was the guest speaker for the worship service. Coming from the text, Genesis 4:1-15, Bro. Richardson cautioned his listeners to 1) Watch what we think 2) Watch what we do and 3) Watch what we say. Twelve persons came forward after the sermon to unite with the Faith family! The worship service also included a video presentation of the men’s community service during the previous weeks. The men cut lawns in the community and painted the graffiti-covered wall in front of the church. During service the men sang beautifully with the congregation on their feet and the Fellowship Meal following service was complete with many soul food favorites. What a marvelous day we had in the Lord!
Pictorial Highlights
Healing and Reconciliation Weekend (Pictorial Highlights)
God never fails! Faith was blessed beyond measure by a powerful move of God during the church’s Healing and Reconciliatioin Weekend (June 25-27). The weekend began with a Love Feast of bread and water and meditation by Henrietta Strong on Friday evening; followed on Saturday with a breakfast, a healing & reconciliaton workshop facilitated by Jacinta White (Word Project, Kernersville, NC), and footwashing service with meditation by Pastor Love; and on Sunday, an explosive worship service with guest preacher Rev. Dr. Staccato Powell, pastor of Grace AME Zion Church (Raleigh, NC). Weekend participants are still talking about the healing they received, the reconnections they made with each other, the overflow of love they experienced, and the manifestation of God’s goodness. Here are pictorial highlights of the the weekend:
Weekend Guests:
Jacinta V. White
Healing & Reconciliation Workshop Facilitator
Word Project
Kernersville, NC
Rev. Dr. Staccato Powell
Sunday Morning Worship Service Preacher
Pastor, Grace AME Zion Church
Raleigh, NC
Love Feast
Breakfast, Workshop & Lunch
Morning Worship Service
Faith Travels to St. Louis Area to Minister (Pictorial Highlights)
Members of Faith traveled to the St. Louis area to minister at Samuel Brown Temple AME Zion Church’s Spring Leadership Conference & Retreat. Pastor Love preached and led a workshop, and the mass choir sang. Samuel Brown’s pastor is Dr. Freddie Banks, Jr.
Conference location, Our Lady & The Snows Retreat Center, Belleville, Illinois.
Dr. Freddie Banks, Jr., pastor, Samuel Brown Temple AME Zion Church.
The Call to Worship.
Rev. Sherrie Saunders, minister at Washington Metropolitan AME Zion Church, served as worship leader for evening worship service.
Rev. Henry Tutt, Jr., minister at Samuel Brown, participates in evening service.
Rev. Roseanna Brannon, Assistant to the Pastor at Faith, reads scripture.
Rev. Saunders (far left), Rev. Love (center), and Dr. Banks (far right) in the pulpit.
Faith’s Mass Choir encourages through song.
Richie Williams, Washington AME Zion Church, played the drums during service.
Rev. Love imparts an electifying word from God, entitled, “It’s Not Too Late” (Joel 2:25-27).
Workshop presenters, Rev. Theresa Flag (far left), pastor of Smith Memorial AME Zion Church in Duquoin, IL and Rev. Gwendolyn Lee,minister at Calvary Baptist Church in St. Louis, MO, listen to the message at evening service.
Rev. Anthony Witherspoon, pastor of Washington Metropolitan AME Zion Church, listens to the message at evening service.
Bro. John Richardson, local preacher at Faith, listens to the message.
Faith members pose in front of Retreat Center before mounting the bus to return to Atlanta.
Pictorial Highlights of 2010 Women’s Day
Faith celebrated its Women’s Day, Sunday, April 11, 2010 @ 10 a.m. The women celebrated with the theme “Women of Faith Encouraging One Another”. Our guest speaker was Rev. Sharon Caldwell of Mt. Zion AME Zion Church, Augusta, Georgia. Rev. Caldwell blessed the women with a message from the Book of Ruth.
From left to right: Tammi Love (Women’s Ministry Director) and Deborah White (Women’s Month Coordinator)
Rev. Sharon Caldwell, Sunday Worship Service guest preacher.
Guest soloist, Kathy Brewer, of Shaw Temple AME Zion Church, blesses service with a song.
Guest soloist, Tamekia Milton of The King’s Daughters Ministry, Inc., blessed the service with a beautiful medley of preparation.
Pastor Love commends Deborah White, Women’s Month Coordinator, for a job well done.
Rev. Marion Pierre, shares greetings with the women of Faith.
Oneida Johnson makes morning announcements.
Rev. Sharon Caldwell thanks Marcia Mickens, Faith’s Director of Music Ministry, for her piano solo to “My Soul Has Been Anchored”.
Leslie McCrary, Church Administrator, introduces the Morning Worship Guest preacher.
Men of Faith help to serve at the Fellowship Reception following the morning worship service.
Pastor and Mrs. Love at Fellowship Reception.
Juanita White, mother of Women’s Month Coordinator Deborah White, enjoys herself at Fellowship Reception.
A woman joins Faith at the altar as Mrs. Georgia Adams and Bro. Solomon Missouri look on.
A young man transfers to Faith from a connecting AME Zion Church in the Virginia area.
Pictorial Highlights of Resurrection Day 2010
Faith celebrated Resurrection Day this year with an Egg Hunt, sponsored by the Christian Education Department (Sharon Ingram, Director), and a moving Sunday Worship Service. Sunday’s service was followed by an exhibit of the signs of Easter and their meanings.
Children play games before Easter Egg Hunt.
Children prepare and hunt for eggs.
Children still hunting.
Determined hunters.
Snack time and choir rehearsal.
(Photo on left) Sharon Ingram, Christian Education Director, stands with ministry helpers. (Photo on right) Adult helpers count collected eggs.
Children recite Easter poem during Sunday School.
(Far left) Corey Booker reads scripture in Sunday School program. (Center) Sharon Ingram, Christian Education Director, gives remarks. (Far right) Pastor Love gives remarks.
Resurrection morning!
Youth participate in service. (On left) Children sing under the direction of Akosua and pianist, Leslie McCrary. (on right) Akosua ministers through praise dance.
Mass Choir blessed Morning Worship by singing ”No Greater Love” with hand movements, accompanied by a liturgical dance.
Faith to Celebrate the Lenten Season with a Preaching Series
Faith will celebrate the Lenten Season (February 17 – April 2) with a worship service every Wednesday evening at 7 pm. The services are titled the Seven Churches of Asia Minor Preaching Series. We will also have a Good Friday service (April 2) featuring seven women preachers from the metropolitan Atlanta area. The service, titled A Woman’s Voice: He Walked With Me, will give voice to seven women of the New Testament who had a transformational experience with Jesus during His three year ministry.
The Preaching Series dates, speakers, and topics are listed below. All services will be held at Faith.
February 17 (Ash Wednesday), 7 pm
Rev. Reginald Morton
Pastor, New Vision AME Zion Church
“The Loveless Church”
Wednesday, February 24, 7 pm
Rev. Rosanna Brannon
Faith AME Zion Church
“The Persecuted Church”
Wednesday, March 3, 7 pm
Bro. Solomon Missouri
Faith AME Zion Church
“The Compromising Church”
Wednesday, March 10, 7 pm
Bro. John Richardson
Faith AME Zion Church
“The Corrupt Church”
Wednesday, March 17, 7 pm
Rev. Robin Joseph
Pastor, Greater Light Fellowship AME Zion Church
“The Dead Church”
Wednesday, March 24, 7 pm
Dr. Ndugu G. B. T’Ofori-Atta
Faith AME Zion Church
“Faithful Church”
Wednesday, March 31, 7 pm
Rev. Jeffrey Briggs
Pastor, Carters Temple AME Zion Church
“The Lukewarm Church”
Thursday, April 1, 7 pm (Maundy Thursday)
Rev. Jawwad J. Love
Pastor, Faith AME Zion Church
Friday, April 2, Noon (Good Friday)
Special Good Friday Service
“A Woman’s Voice: He Walked With Me”
Seven Women, Seven Sermonettes
Earn a $10 Gift Certificate by Participating in an Internet Study on African American Women
Study Announcement
Dr. Eun-Ok Im, PhD, MPH, RN, CNS, FAAN, School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin and her colleagues are conducting a study to explore ethnic differences in midlife women’s attitudes toward physical activity.
You are eligible to participate in this study if you are a midlife woman aged 40 to 60 years old who does not have any mobility problems; who can read and write English; who is online; and whose self-reported ethnic identity is Hispanic, non-Hispanic (N-H) White, N-H African American, or N-H Asian.
Data will be collected through an internet survey among 500 midlife women in the U.S. starting Feb. 1, 2008 and ending May 21, 2011. Your involvement will consist of about 30 minutes to complete the Internet survey questionnaire. You will be reimbursed with a $10.00 gift certificate for filling out the Internet survey.
For more information and to begin the survey, please visit our project website http://mapa.nur.utexas.edu/MAPA/ and/or contact us.
Contact Information:
Chelsea McPeek, Research Assistant
School of Nursing, University of Texas at Austin
1700 Red River, Austin, TX 78701
E-mail: cgmcpeek@mail.utexas.edu
Eun-Ok Im, PhD, MPH, RN, CNS, FAAN, Professor
School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin
1700 Red River, Austin, TX, 78701
E-mail: eim@mail.utexas.edu
Project Website: http://mapa.nur.utexas.edu/MAPA/
The following is the background information on the study:
eMAPA is a NIH/NINR funded study (1R01NR010568-01) entitled “Ethnic Specific Midlife Women’s Attitudes Toward Physical Activity”.
The changing racial and ethnic makeup of the U.S. will require health professionals to practice with cultural competence in areas such as promotion of physical activity, where cultural beliefs may mediate health promotion behaviors. Although the benefits of physical activity are now widely accepted, midlife women, especially ethnic minority women, have low participation rates in physical activity, and prevalence rates of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, and all-cause mortality among ethnic minority women (that can be effectively reduced by increasing physical activity) have been reported to be much higher than those of White midlife women. A plausible reason for the low participation rate is that the women’s ethnic-specific attitudes toward physical activity have rarely been incorporated into relevant interventions.
The purpose of this study is to explore attitudes of midlife women from four ethnic groups [Hispanic, Non-Hispanic (N-H) White, N-H African Americans, and N-H Asians] toward physical activity while considering the relationships between their attitudes and their actual participation in physical activity within the ethnic-specific contexts of their daily lives. Data will be gathered via Internet survey and ethnic- specific online forums to allow for a national sample.
Faith to Recognize Good Friday With Special Service
“Talitha Cumi”
Rev. Dr. Carolyn Huff (Shaw Temple)
“Woman With Issue of Blood”
Sis. Connie Gross (Spring Hill)
“Crippled Woman”
Rev. Anita Coud (Hemphill)
“Syrophenician Woman”
Rev. Pamela Spears (Greater Light Fellowship)
“Woman at the Well”
Sis. Angela Branch (Shaw)
“Mary Magdelene”
Rev. Rhonda Johnson (St. James)
“Mary, Mother of Jesus”
Faith Member Publishes Historical Children’s Book Using Nation’s First Lady to Inspire
Faith member, Taryl Nugent, president of Tumaini Publishing, recently released the company’s first children’s book, I Am Michelle Obama: The First Lady, a hardback, full color, 24-page children’s book that captures the life of Michelle Obama through the eyes of a young girl who aspires to be like her. The historical book is a first-of-its-kind, teaching children ages 3 to 12 years, there is more to the nation’s first African American First Lady than her outward appearance.
First-time children’s author, Margina Graham Parker, shares, “This book started out as a poem. I was on my way to work one morning when the words hit me. I was so overwhelmed I had to pull the car over to write the words down. Each stanza is a glimpse of the accomplished life of our First Lady, presented in a rhythm that keeps the attention of a child.” Margina adds, “First Lady Michelle Obama has broken the mold of doing it all – she started with humble beginnings; excelled in her education; and shines as a wife, mother, and career woman. She has done it all well. I had to tell that part of her story.”
Taryl Nugent, president of Tumaini Publishing, states, “The book is an encouraging message that if she (First Lady Michelle Obama) can do it, I can do it. The book highlights Obama’s accomplishments from a young girl to being a young woman, to becoming a wife, then a mother, and ultimately becoming the First Lady of the United States of America.” Taryl adds, “The book is an excellent example of our company’s commitment to telling the stories of African-American heroes and history-makers. It is a must-have for your children’s library and for the coffee table.” This is the company’s first published children’s book.
Margina Graham Parker, author of I Am Michelle Obama: The First Lady, resides in Romulus, Michigan. She graduated with an Art degree from Jackson State University. Margina is an eighth grade paraprofessional and a mother of three. She is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education with an anticipated graduation of May 2010. Margina is looking forward to writing her second children’s book.
Marco Birge, illustrator, resides in Como, Mississippi. He graduated with a Visual Arts degree from Jackson State University.
The word tumaini in Tumaini Publishing is derived from the Swahili word for “hope”. The company’s purpose is to help increase the literacy rate of African Americans, bring families together through reading, and to instill hope in their customers by making a positive impact in and among the African American community. Tumaini’s published work includes a 2010 Barack Obama Presidential Calendar. It highlights some never before seen pictures of President Obama, along with important historic dates. The calendar is available at www.tumainipublishing.com.
I Am Michelle Obama: The First Lady is available at http://tumainipublishing.com, www.amazon.com, and bookstores across the country.
Faith Celebrates A Decade of Faith, A Lifetime of Promise (Pictorial Highlights)
On a beautiful Fall day, Faith celebrated its 10th Anniversary and Homecoming Service on Sunday, November 8, 2009. The theme was “A Decade of Faith; A Lifetime of Promise”. Bishop Kenneth Monroe, Presiding Prelate of the South Atlantic Episcopal District, delivered a moving message encouraging Faith to stay spiritually connected to God. Retired Bishop Clarence Carr also attended the special service. A Fellowship Program and Dinner followed the morning worship service. Portraits of Faith’s former pastors were revealed at the Dinner. Rev. Jawwad J. Love also presented a resolution to Dr. Ndugu T Ofori-Atta, announcing the creation of the church’s Children’s Summer Program, the T’ Ofori-Atta Heritage Academy. The resolution was met with roaring applause. Kudos to Ms. Doris Jones, Anniversary Committee chairperson, and all those who worked diligently to make the Anniversary a wonderful success.
Ms. Doris Jones, Anniversary Committee Chairperson
Ms. Betty Stephens offers prayer at Fellowship Dinner.
Mrs. Gladys Reid gave highlights of Faith’s history to date at the Fellowship Dinner.
Mrs. Bertha Green rendered a poem at the Fellowship Dinner.
The head table at the Fellowship Dinner. Framed portraits of former pastors in background.
Dr. Ndugu T’ Ofori- Atta, Faith’s first pastor in 1999, gave remarks after being presented a resolution for the creation of Faith’s Summer Children’s Program, the T’ Ofori-Atta Heritage Academy.
Mr. Cecil Gordon received a standing applause after being wheeled into Sunday morning worship service. Mr. Gordon had been ill for a lengthy period of time but had the strength to make it to the Anniversary service.
Faith’s Gospel Choir sang glorious praises to God during the morning worship service.
Ms. Georgia Adams, Faith’s oldest member (98 years old), poses with Bishop Monroe (far left) and Rev. Jawwad J. Love (far right).
Bishop Kenneth Monroe (far left) poses with Rev. Jawwad J. Love and family.
Faith Touched Lives During its 7 Days of Power Tent Revival (Photo Highlights)
As parts of Atlanta was hit with turmoil and strife during the historic Flood of 2009, Faith was positioned in prayer and praise on its parking lot to accept all who would come seeking God’s power during its 7 Days of Power Tent Revival, held September 20-26. Rev. Dr. Staccato Powell, pastor of Grace AME Zion Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, was our guest revivalist. He delivered phenomenal words from God each night, focusing on the power of God’s Word and the will of God for our lives. Lives were changed. Faith began its Revival journey with prayers, sacrifice, and a goal to touch 300 lives. We did not reach all 300 during the Revival but we will continue towards that goal in all of our continued outreach efforts, lifting up the name of Jesus. God is able and we trust Him at His Word! The 7 Days of Power Tent Revival will return on our parking lot next year! Don’t miss it!
Two Trial Sermons Set Faith on Fire!
Laquinnya Missouri and John Richardson delivered firey trial sermons to a sanctuary full of family and friends at Faith on Sunday, August 23, 2009, 5 pm. Laquinnya spoke on “The Holy Ghost” and John delivered “The Second Invitation”. Faith is still talking about the memorable evening.
Faith Claims to Empower 300 Souls During Tent Revival
Faith is praying and fasting for 300 souls to be saved during its 7 Days of Power Tent Revival, to be held September 20-26, 2009. Come and be transformed! Rev. Dr. Staccato Powell, pastor, Grace AME Zion Church (Raleigh, NC) will be the guest revivalist.
A native of North Carolina, Staccato Powell is an accomplished preacher and teacher. He began his trek in the ministry while a senior in high school. Powell served as a pastor while simultaneously completing his formal education – receiving Bachelors from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a Master of Divinity degree from Duke University and the Doctorate of Jurisprudence degree from North Carolina Central University. He is also the recipient of an honorary Doctorate of Divinity degree from Livingstone College in his home state.
Dr. Powell serves as the pastor of the Grace AME Zion Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. He is also the Chief Executive Officer of Grace in the City, Community Development Corporation an entity dedicated to the redevelopment of the College Park neighborhood.
Powell’s career exhibits his abiding commitment and dedication to human service. He has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Opportunities Industrialization Centers (OIC) of America and as Deputy General Secretary of the National Council of Churches. He also founded and is current president of SP4 and Associates a consulting firm which focuses on assisting organizations in establishing and achieving clear, cogent and concrete objectives.
Some of the clients Powell has consulted are, The Annie E. Casey Foundation, the British Methodist Church, Lincoln University and the Board of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. He is in dialogue with the Great Lake Region Countries of Africa to assist them in addressing issues pertaining to health care in the region.
Dr. Powell shares his knowledge, wisdom and experience with people in keynotes, seminars, workshops and forums nationally and internationally. Audiences experiencing “The Staccato Effect” receive clear, crisp, cogent and concrete directions for navigating the capricious channels of corporate and personal life. In topics such as When the Truth is Not Self Evident, Conquering Your Comfort Zone, Consequences of an Incomplete Conquest, The Opportunities of Opposition, The Anatomy of a Leader and others. Powell’s dynamic delivery and anecdotal quips are fascinating and life-changing
Powell serves on the Board of Directors for the United States Conference of the World Council of Churches, he is a former member of the national Board of the Interfaith Alliance,; a former member of the Balm in Gilead Religious Advisory Board; a former member of the National Conference of Community and Justice), and a former member of the World Methodist Council. He also has served many pastorates in the A.M.E. Zion Church and has served on the boards of several interdenominational organizations.
Saundra M. Burt Chancel Choir Rededicated
The Saundra M. Burt Chancel Choir was rededicated in a special ceremony during Sunday morning worship service, August 2, 2009. The choir is named in honor of the late Saundra M. Burt, former minister of music for Faith. Rev. Love led the ceremony and dedicated the choir stoles bearing her name. Mr. Bobby Burt, husband of Saundra Burt, gave moving comments to conclude the ceremony.
New Bible Study Series
Join us on Wednesday evenings @ 7 pm, as we begin our new Bible Study series, “Is Your Ghost Holy?”.
Free African Dance Class
Join us Thursdays at 7 pm for Free African Dance Class. Call (404) 691-4075 for more information.
Free USDA Food Distribution – June 27, 2009
On April 25 Faith, in partnership with The Fulton Atlanta Community Action Authority, Inc. (FACAA) and the Department of Human Resources/Food Nutrition Programs and other community organizations, distributed 100 boxes of commodity food from the US Department of Agriculture TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) to low income residents in the City of Atlanta and Fulton County. Our next distribution day is Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 10AM.
Leslie McCrary prepares for residents who will come to receive boxes of food.
Residents sit in line to receive food.
Dr. Crystal Young (left) and Laquinya Missouri work to complete necessary paperwork as residents come to get food.
John Richardson (left) and Otis Johnson stand ready to pass out boxes of food.
Bridgette Rhodes (left) and Toni Reid served as helpers during the food distribution.
Men’s Day – June 28, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 10 a.m, Faith Celebrated Men’s Day living in the theme, “Men of Faith Maximizing our Role: Reach One. Teach One. Save Many.” The theme was accentuated by a relevant word preached by Rev. Scot Moore, Pastor of Judah Temple AME Zion Church in Baltimore, MD. In addition to challenging men to solidify their place as leader, he encouraged them to rely on women to help them succeed in doing the will of God. Co-Chairpersons, John Richardson and Isaac Gates along with Men’s Ministry Coordinator, Bro. Reginald Morton ensured that Faith’s men participated in every area of service from ushering to spirit filled song from our Men’s Chorus.
Highlights of that special day included surprise presentations to Dr. N’dugu G.B. T’Ofori-Atta in honor and recognition of his service as our church patriarch and Mrs. Georgia Adams Brown, celebrating her 92nd birthday. Each humbly reflected on their special recognitions before the congregation.
Activities leading up to Men’s Day included, the Concerned Black Clergy’s Annual Salute to Black Fathers on June 19 and the Men’s Prayer Breakfast on June 27, where Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Lartey, of the United Ghana Christian Church, served as the morning speaker. Following the morning worship service, visitors and friends gathered in the fellowship hall for a meal.
Children’s Conference – June 13 & 14
The I’m A Transformer Children’s Conference, led by Victoria Meredith, Director of Christian Education, was held June 13-14, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, at the church. Our theme was “Transforming Children to Children of God”, Romans 12:2. The conference was for children ages 4 to 11 years old. Teachings and activities centered around The Lord’s Prayer, the Ten Commandments, 23rd Psalm, and dance and song.
