Faith Joins Denomination in Giving Relief to Haiti
Faith AME Zion Church is responding to the recent tragedy in Haiti by joining with AME Zion churches worldwide in giving financial contributions to the denomination’s Haiti Crisis Relief Fund. Faith will dedicate its Ministry of Kindness offerings for the next 30 days to the Fund. To learn more about this giving opportunity and to join us in our efforts online please visit the link here.
Faith’s contribution efforts to Haiti extend also through its Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society (WHOMS). The WHOMS will host a week long drive to support emergency relief and recovery efforts to help those people affected by the earthquake in Haiti. Please bring DISINFECTANT WIPES, WET BODY WIPES, WET WIPES and PAPER GOODS to the church Sunday, January 17 – Sunday, January 24. Items will be delivered to Hosea Feed the Hungry to be included in their shipment to Haiti.
(Associated Press photo)
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.
Family & Friends Day – May 31, 2009
You are cordially invited to attend Family and Friends Day 2009 on Sunday, May 31, 2009. Sis. Jacqueline Herndon is the chair for this spirit-filled event.
Pictorial Highlights of the Georgia Conference 2nd Check Up Meeting
The Georgia Conference of the AME Zion Church is made up of three (3) Districts – Atlanta, Augusta, and Conyers-Winder. All three districts come together quarterly for a Check-Up Meeting to report their ministry work to the members of the Conference. Bishop Kenneth Monroe presides over each Check-Up Meeting. A worship service precedes the meeting. Faith AME Zion Church hosted the 2nd Check Up Meeting, held April 25th. The following are pictorial highlights.
Photos from the worship service:
Bishop Kenneth Monroe, Presiding Bishop, South Atlantic Episcopal District, AME Zion Church
Missionaries meet with their Missionary Supervisor, Mrs. Sheila Monroe:
Mrs. Sheila W. Monroe, Missionary Supervisor, South Atlantic Episcopal District, AME Zion Church
Photos from the Check-Up Meeting:
Faith provided both breakfast and lunch for all Check-Up Meeting attendees:
Highlights from Women’s Day 2009
The women of Faith had a glorious and soul-searching experience during their celebration of Women’s Day in March. The Theme was “Making God’s Mission Our Mission”. Here are a few pictures highlighting the celebration.
Toni Reid (left), chair of Women's Day and Deborah White (right), co-chair of Women's Day.
Rev. Lula G. Williams, the Sunday morning service guest preacher, shared a powerful word from the Lord to the women of Faith.
Rev. Roseanna Brannon served as worship leader for Sunday morning service.
Rev. Jennifer Allen gives the offering appeal during Sunday morning service.
Special Women's Day Ensemble sing praises to God during Sunday Morning Service.
Sunday morning worshippers join in song during service.
Joan Polite enters the church ready to serve on Women's Day.
Mrs. Bertha Green (second from left) presents a plaque to Jacqueline Gilbert (far right) for selling the most ads for the Women's Day Journal. Rev. Jawwad J. Love and Toni Reid (Women's Day chair) look on.
Mrs. Tammi Love introduces the Sunday morning guest preacher, Rev. Lula G. Williams.
Rev. Jawwad Love, local preachers Bro. Reginald Morton and Bro. Solomon Missouri, members and Women's Day guests participate during a moment of Sunday morning high praise.
Rev. Gloria Wright (far left) and guest and Michele Morton (right) respond to the move of the Holy Spirit during Sunday morning worship service.
Rev. Williams called for the women of the church to come to the altar to surrender themselves to God as the first step to Making God's Mission their Mission.
Men of Faith served as hosts and servers during the Fellowship meal after Sunday service.
Members fellowship during the meal served after Sunday morning service.
Rev. Williams (center) with the first family.
The women of Faith.
Christian Education Department Celebrated Resurrection Day by Focusing on the Children
The Christian Education Department celebrated Resurrection Day with children as its focus. The Department held a Egg Hunt Saturday, April 11 on the church grounds and an Easter Program on Resurrection Sunday, April 12. The Christian Ed Department director is Victoria Meredith. Here are a few pictures that recaptured the weekend.
Precaria McGrady recites an Easter speech entitled, 'That's Happiness'.
Paris McGrady recites her Easter speech and releases balloons during the Sunday School Easter Program.
Lexi Love recites her Easter speech during the Sunday School Easter program.
Princeton McGrady delivers his Easter speech during Sunday School.
Youth act out a short skit during the Sunday School Easter Program.
Delores Johnson, Director of Children, worked with the children on their Easter speeches.
Children hunted for eggs on the church grounds the day before Easter.
Jasmine and Christopher show their excitement after hunting for eggs.
FREE USDA FOOD DISTRIBUTION – April 25, 2009
The Fulton Atlanta Community Action Authority, Inc. (FACAA) and the Department of Human Resources/Food Nutrition Programs in partnership with faith and community organizations will distribute commodity food from the US Department of Agriculture TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) commodities to Low Income Residents in the City of Atlanta and Fulton County Only. Food will be distributed to residents Saturday April 25, 2009 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Proof of residence is required. This program is available to all eligible recipients regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.
Resurrection Day Activities
The Easter Egg Hunt/Children’s Tea Party will be held Saturday, April 11, 2009 at 1:00 PM.
The Christian Education Department Annual Resurrection Program will be held Sunday, April 12th during the Sunday School hour. Breakfast will be served from 8:00AM-8:45PM and the program will be from 8:45-9:45AM.
Happy Resurrection Sunday
Join us for Worship Service on Resurrection Sunday, April 12 @ 10 am as we continue to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
