CENTERED LIVING R E D E M P T I O N, J U S T I C E
AND
EMPOWERMENT
TtM
Let The Light Shine On legendary singer RJ Reynolds speaks on his career, music experience and relationship with god
“I’ve Been Arrested for DUI. Now What?” THE RIGHTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF A DRUNK DRIVER
Trust Again
Dr. Ronn Elmore, Psy.d, speaks on starting over and rebuilding trust in our relationships
The Man The Vision The Mission Center of praise ministries celebrate 20 years of faith, service and committment
TtM
MARCH 2010
Volume 1 / Number 1
Editor in Chief
CONTENTS March 2010 Volume 1 Number 1 THE
RedemptionCENTER
3 The Power Of a Mentor Making a Life Changing Difference for a Child Today
3 The Benefit of a Seminary Education
To Gain Revelation From God Is to Know His Word deeply
4 CL’s Interview with RJ Reynolds The Dramatics baratone vocalist talks about his career, music experience and relationship with God
Features
6 Trust Again Dr. Ronn Elmore, Psy.d, speaks on starting over and rebuilding trust in our relationships
Larishia S. Johnson
Editor in Chief Centered Living Magazine It’s a Sunday evening, and as I sit here at my desk, I can’t help but focus on all of the background noise. The light sounds of my husband sleeping deeply on the sofa, the precious giggles of my little one enjoying his favorite cartoon. There’s also the sound of my keyboard strokes, steady clicking away. Then I begin thinking that maybe all of what we call background noise really isn’t that. Maybe they’re soft reminders that while we sit in our own little private worlds, doing very important things at our desks, in our cars, and in our communities, life still goes on all around us. How then do we begin to appreciate the “background” and forge it with our everyday life, and make it all one centered life? Thus Centered Living Magazine. It’s our hope that Centered Living provides you with the information and inspiration you need to find and live a centered life. A life centered on the principles of God’s word, a life that is balanced, and filled to the overflow with all things good. With that, it is our mission not just to offer your more information but to offer you an opportunity for more action. Our mission is to present to you stories and about life – without interpretation – that empowers YOU to make informed decisions to live your best life. A centered life. We’re on a journey. We’ll have lots a fun along the way. We’ll challenge you along the way. It’s our prayer that you grow along the way. Are you ready? Let’s go…
Centered Living Staff List
Copy Vicki Mongan, Copy Editor, contributing writer
Community Activism & Volunteerism Teresa Holmes, staff writer Daphne Harris, staff writer Health & Wellness Rainy Gordon and Body & Soul staff
Design Rhonda Boglin, Design Editor Louise Pugh, staff designer
Administration Cheryl Jackson – admin. assit staff writer
Photo Tracey Jacobs, staff photographer Judy Rasberry, staff photographer
Contributing Writers Ronn Elmore, Ph.D. Maria Salinas Bycha Buxton Emerson Luke Crystal Roberson Paul Phillips, Attorney
Music, Arts & Entertainment Thurman “T” Watts, staff writer
JusticeCENTER
8 I’ve Been Arrested For a DUI. Now What? The Rights and Consequences of a Drunk Driver
Cover Story 10 Tribute To a Mother Lovelace 11 The Man, The Mission, The Vision Bishop Parnell Lovelace speaks on the journey and future of Center of Praise Ministries
EmpowermentCENTER
THE
14 The Way Out Turning calamity into victory
14 Estate Plainning...It’s Your Legacy
Centered Living
Live Centered !
Editing & Marketing consultant Russell Nichols
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15 Good Eating 15 Body and Soul in Review Live Healthier Lifestyles
THE POWER OF A MENTOR As I reflect
on my childhood, growing up in a home with seven children was emotionally challenging. Individual attention was scarce and its scarcity further emphasized by a lack of outward displays of affection among my household. As a child, and even as a teenager, I spent numerous days contemplating all that I was missing and wishing for things what would provide me a better life. I missed my mother constantly and wished I knew what it was like to have a father. You see, I was not fortunate enough to have a two-parent household. Instead, I was raised by my g r a n d m o t h e r. She tried the best she could but was over extended with the care of me, my four siblings, two of her children who, i n c i d e n t a l l y, were both ill, and an ill husband. Although clearly overwhelmed, she juggled the exhausting responsibilities. She provided, nurtured and taught us the best that she could and ensured we all had a strong spiritual foundation as members of the Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in California. My experience at Galilee Missionary was life altering. The mothers within the church placed significant emphasis on mentoring and coaching up the younger members of the church. My siblings and I spent countless hours under their
wings at seasonal theatre production practice, bi-weekly choir rehearsal and summer vacation Bible school. One mentor who really developed a relationship with me was Mrs. Lillie Fay Gray. Her impact on my life has been tremendous. At a critical point in my life, she invited me into her home and was available to me whenever I needed her. She taught me several life lessons about being a lady and encouraged me to always make good choices. To this day, she continues to be a moral sounding board for me. Had it not been for the dedication of Mrs. Gray, the lady who came to be the main maternal influence at that stage of my life, I do not know where I would be today. As I reflect, I wonder about the numerous young women and young men who are now where I was as a teenager. Right now, there are some that are experiencing the insignificant, disinterested and unwanted feelings that I endured. Who will be their Mrs. Gray? Who will encourage them that they too can make it? Too often, we as adults take for granted how tough it is to be a teenager in today’s world. I encourage you to make a powerful, life-changing difference for a child today. Become a mentor by contacting one of the local mentoring agencies listed below. Reach back and make a difference! For information on finding the need and responding with justice here are a few websites to visit. See how YOU can make a difference!
http://californiavolunteers.org http://www.mentoring.ca.gov/ http://www.serve.gov/ Teresa Holmes
The Benefit of a Seminary Education Ever since I became a Christian, I knew I wanted to be in ministry. I often felt, however, that I didn’t have what it took—I didn’t know enough, I’m too young, I didn’t grow up in church. Who would listen to me anyway? The fact is; the most important part of ministry is sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The truth is, as soon as we receive Jesus into our lives, we are completely qualified to preach His Gospel, because as recipients, we have it to give to others. Still, I longed to know and grow more in the things of God, so last fall I enrolled at Fuller Theological Seminary where I have been studying to earn a master’s degree in theology. This experience has richly blessed me in my ministry and in my own spiritual life. As a result, I have been able to relate to the scriptures and to their writers more intimately. One of the best things that we can do if we endeavor to gain great revelation from God is to know His Word deeply, and seminary has helped me do just that. Emerson Luke
The REDEMPTIONCenter
let the Light Shine on Some of us do yet remember the smooth R& B sounds of the vocal ensemble the Dramatics. They thrilled us as they crooned such memorable hits as “In the Rain,” “Hey You! Get Off My Mountain,” “Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get,” “Shake It Well,” “Thank You for Your Love,” “Get Up and Get Down” and “The Devil Is Dope.” That’s the short list. In all, the Dramatics recorded 38 top-ten singles, several of which achieved gold and platinum sales status. Contributing greatly to the success of the group is the rich baritone of Mr. L.J. Reynolds, who sang lead on many of those hits. Of late, L.J. Reynolds has recorded two gospel albums (“Through the Storm,” eight years ago and the recently released “The Message”), returning to the roots from which he sprang. Centered Living tracked down L.J. Reynolds in December as he headed to the studio to record a spot with Vickie Winans: CL: Tell us of the evolution of L.J. Reynolds. L.J.: First of all, hello to all the readers of Centered Living magazine. The evolution of L.J. Reynolds began in Saginaw, Michigan, where I was born in 1952. I sang in the Church of God In Christ and the Baptist church in my hometown. I started tap dancing at the age of four in my sister’s group, The High Steppers. My first professional recording occurred when I was 7 years old in New York City. I eventually signed and recorded for a label by the name of Mainstream Records. That label, incidentally, was the first label of a band named Big Brother and he Holding Company featuring Janis Joplin. You may have heard of her! I recorded several records for Mainstream and another label called Tri-City. I finally moved to New York when I was 17. Incidentally, I thave access to and am compiling all that early stuff and will soon post it on YouTube under the title, L.J. Reynolds: The Early Years.In New York, I joined a group called Chocolate Syrup. We recorded a single entitled “Let One Hurt Do” as L.J. Reynolds & Chocolate Syrup. It sold over 350,000 copies—and the rest is history. Eventually I left Chocolate Syrup for a solo career and by “chance” I met Ron Banks and Willie Ford of the Dramatics backstage at the Apollo Theater. A year later, in about 1973, after I’d signed a production deal as a solo act with the same company that handled them, the Dramatics called and asked me to go on tour with them for a while as a replacement for their lead singer William Howard, who at the time was having problems. I had no intention of joining another group and agreed to tour with them temporarily until they got their business together. As a student of singing, it was easy to emulate the vocals of William Howard. When it came time for the group to go into the studio for “The Devil Is Dope” album, William still hadn’t returned from his hiatus and, of course, they asked me to do the lead in his style. I didn’t want to replace him; I wanted him to come back. Then there were televisions shows and tour appearances in support of the album, and before I knew it, I was entrenched as a Dramatic and couldn’t get
CL: Our research uncovered evidence that you once recorded as Chubby Reynolds. How did that come about? L.J.: Yes, they did call me Chubby. Early on, when I was about 11 years old, Chubby Checker was hot. My manager at the time suggested we try Larry “Chubby” Reynolds. It’s not like I didn’t deserve the name, as I wasn’t hurtin’ for food at the time. I was chubby, probably what you would call fat, so we tried that. I slimmed down though, byhe time I was 15 or16. CL: Can you talk about adverse times or conditions in your career that made you seek a higher relationship with God? L.J.: Yes. The first time it happened I guess was when my sister committed suicide. It made me go a different way but it didn’t really put the light on me. I was in my 20s and had quit the Dramatics. The group had changed its name to Ron Banks & the Dramatics and I, being the talent I thought I was, found it very hard to swallow. Nothing against Ron, mind you, I love him. I just knew it couldn’t last. So again, I chose to pursue my dream as a solo artist. Subsequently, I did a record entitled “Key to the World,” which was the launching point for L.J. Reynolds as a solo artist. That record did and continues to t do very well for me. I’ve done several albums since then including gospel records.I’ve always been into gospel, especially traditional gospel. Before I left the Dramatics, I recorded a song written by the Winans entitled “Bring Back the Days of Yea and Nay.” I also did “Tomorrow” by the Winans after I left the Dramatics. Gospel music has always been a part of me. . My life started to change when Lenny Mayes of the Dramatics and my mother died in quick succession. At that time, I had a monthly champagne bill of $2,800—not to mention the cocaine habit I had going as well. I decided to put my full trust and faith in God. I didn’t consult a psychiatrist for therapy or go to rehab. I asked God to please get me out of this. God removed the cocaine from me prior to Lenny’s death, but my drinking got worse after that. I finally had an alcohol-induced seizure. At the hospital, the doctor told me that another drinking binge could kill me. I didn’t know what a drinking binge was, as I’d been continually drinking three bottles a day. I asked myself, “Well, what is a binge? Can I drink one bottle a day and live?” I thought, “You know what? I’m gonna ask God to deliver me from this.” I got with my good friend Brad Spears who had a gospel record label, Crystal Rose Records. Out of my fellowshipping with him came my latest release, “The Message,” which is doing really well right now. The single from that album, “You Can Make It,” went to #11 on Bobby Jones’ gospel chart and is still getting heavy airplay on Clear Channel, as well as Walt “Baby” Love’s syndicated radio show. Now to further answer your question about my higher relationship with God, I refer you to the second single off the CD entitled “Sunday.” It is truly autobiographical. It talks of the remembrance of not having the Lord in my life and the accompanying troubles. Then the song resolves my spiritual dilemma by describing the change the Lord made in my life. The answer is on that record.
CL: We understand you are working currently with Vickie Winans. L.J.: Yes, recently Vickie Winans, Smokie Norful and I have been on the road together and are headed to Knoxville, Tennessee next. I’m finding that gospel promoters and the record-buying public are becoming more accepting of my efforts in the gospel arena. I’m having much more success with “The Message” than I did with sent to me from God. I didn’t cut this record to make a million dollars. We spent over $70,000 making the. record. It’s a great effort. I’m excited about performing it all over the country
want to do it all. People ask me if I’ll ever stop singing with the Dramatics. I tell them all I know is that I will sing forever! CL: What about your daily spiritual regimen? L.J.: Well, I’m in prayer twice a day. I didn’t do that always. I eat healthily twice a day. I listen to “The Message” every day. I also listen to the music of Vickie Winans every day. CL: Do you have any Northern California dates coming up? L.J.: I’ve got some gospel dates in Southern California that were originally scheduled for January that we’ve had to push back to February and March. The phone has been ringing about Northern California as well.
CL: We don’t want to take up too much more of your time L.J. Can you please clarify your position as an artist? Are you strictly a gospel artist now? Do you still perform with the DramatCL: Finally, what would you say to the person who is reading this ics? and perhaps struggling or feeling like giving up? L.J.: I can never leave the Dramatics totally. I own a portion of that L.J.: I would simply say, I know things might be bad right name. I don’t even have to sing with them and I’m still with them. now, but they won’t always be so bad. Don’t give up. Don’t give in. In early 2010, I’ll be working with the Dramatics, the Four Tops Your victory is at the end. I believe anybody can make it through any and Freda Payne on a Caribbean cruise. After the cruise, I’ve been storm. You don’t want to get caught in one, but if you do, the way out invited to perform in the gospel arena in Florida, in addition to con- and into shelter is through the continual seeking of God’s will. tinuing the Vickie Winans Tour. So I’m staying quite busy. I still
Thurman “T” Watts
Growing Tree Early Education Center We are currently enrolling children ages 18 mos -5 years for our preschool program, and children 5-12 for “before and after” school care. We are located just 3 minutes from Downtown, only seconds away from the Jefferson Blvd. Exit. We provide a warm, safe and loving learning environment; where your child will recieve the best care possible. We also offer a sibiling discount for families wishing to enroll 2 or more children. Our hours are M-F from 7 am to 6pm. Please call today to schedule a tour.
Trust Again Ronn Elmore Psy.d
“Can a relationship rebound from such severe breaches? The answer is a resounding yes, but only with a sincere commitment by both parties to rebuild what has been damaged.” —Dr. Ronn Elmore
No saying is more on point than the one that goes, “Trust takes years to build and only a moment to destroy.” Life is unpredictable and we all want to know with some degree of certainty that the ones we love can be depended upon. When a significant other engages in behaviors that destroy the faith you’ve placed in them— including selfishness, broken promises, chronic irresponsibility, deception or infidelity—trust erodes.
Steps to Restore Trust
Can a relationship rebound from such severe breaches? The answer is a resounding yes, but only with a sincere commitment by both parties to rebuild what has been damaged.
I. Admission and Acknowledgment...The offending party has to own up to his or her transgression and sincerely apologize for the harm caused by it: “I am guilty of this, and from here on I am committed to doing the opposite of that.” Warning: Don’t insist on a play-by-play retelling of the events with all the gory details. The condensed version of the offense will be more than enough. II. Assessment…It’s crucial that neither of you become so focused on the erring partner’s crime that you never get around to an honest look at what factors may have led to it. Certainly the selfishness and lack of discipline of the one who messed up play a part—that’s seldom the whole story. Both of you will have to explore all the possible ways in which the behaviors that led up to the incident—inattentiveness, unavailability, poor communication and conflict-resolution skills, misplaced priorities, inadequate checks and balances—may have contributed to the fallout. III. Assistance…Enlist some supportive help as early in the trust rebuilding process as possible. Seek the support of qualified counseling professionals, your spiritual leaders overcome by your urge to punish or your mate’s urge to rebel. and one or two trusted friends who can remain objective. Compassionate third parties can help the two of you stay focused on your goal of reconciliation and not become overcome by your urge to punish or your mate’s urge to rebel. IV. Accountability…When it comes to establishing trust, talk is cheap unless it results in action. Start by spelling out your expectations. For example, insist that he cease all visits to X-rated websites, that she cut off all contact with the other man, that she enter rehab, or that he make no credit card purchases over $50 without mutual agreement. You, too, should be held accountable, by making clear the behaviors your mate should expect of you during the reconciliation process and beyond it. For example, “I will faithfully and honestly participate in our counseling process for the next six months, unless I find that you have re-offended.” Mutual accountability reinforces your commitment to developing a stable future together—in spite of the rotten thing that happened. Making Up and Moving On…Moving on means accepting that neither of you can go back and change the past. It also means that you and your mate refuse to be permanently shackled to what happened. In the end, it’s important to take your and your mate’s entire history into account—before their big failure and after it; not merely one single dark chapter in your story. Ronn Elmore, Psy.d © For information about his relationship enrichment products, private counseling practice for individual and couples call (916) 760-0401 or visit www.DrRonn.com
I’ve Been Arrested for DUI. Now What? Paul Phillips, Attorney Centered Living magazine and the Center of Praise Ministries do not in any way condone nor support the use and abuse of alcohol. Neither do we condone or support the illegal and dangerous activity of driving while under the influence. We hold firmly to the principles that we are to be responsible and obey the laws of the land. However, we do understand that in life one may find themselves and/or a family member in the painful and often times embarrassing situation of being arrested for a DUI. The information contained in this article is not legal advice, but it is presented to our readers in an effort to bring awareness to a situation we pray you never find yourself in.
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he negative consequences of drunk driving are too serious to ignore. In 2008, an estimated 11,773 people died in alcoholimpaired traffic crashes according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). For that reason alone, police officers and judges will be largely indifferent to whether you are an otherwise good person who had too much to drink at a get together and unwisely chose to drive home. In California, even a momentary misuse of alcohol (or illegal drugs or the misuse of legal, prescription drugs) may result in a serious negative consequence—a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI). If you ever find yourself in a traffic stop where you may be accused or arrested for DUI, I hope the following sheds light on what to do and the consequences you may be facing.
“What is a California stop for DUI typically like?” A DUI stop never consists of a slap on the wrist and an escort home. Penalties for a DUI in California can be more severe than for many felonies. The officer may request that you take a breath test with a handheld device. The officer may ask (or demand) that you take a series of field sobriety tests— physical exercises that many sober people have trouble passing. The field breath and sobriety tests are not required by law. Once arrested, however, you must undergo an evidentiary chemical test, usually at the police station. You must choose either a breath test, administered using some version of a breathalyzer, or a blood test. If you refuse to submit to testing, the law imposes an automatic one-year license suspension and an extended jail sentence. If the breath test result is over .08%, your driver’s license will be suspended immediately. If a blood sample is taken for later analysis, or you refuse chemical testing, the officer will confiscate your driver’s license and issue a pink “Notice of Suspension” form, which also serves as a 30-day temporary license. Following a DUI booking and eventual release, you have to deal with two separate proceedings. First is the administrative DMV license suspension hearing. The second is criminal court prosecution. “What are the penalties in California for a DUI?” Under current California DUI law, a first offense is punishable by jail from a four-day minimum to a six-month maximum. There is also a fine, which along with mandatory assessments and depending upon the jurisdiction, amounts to more than $1500. You must attend a state-approved DUI school for at least three months; the judge may require more in the event of high blood-alcohol levels. If “enhancements” are proven or admitted— such as having a child under 14 in the car, refusing to submit to chemical
testing, or having one or more prior convictions within the previous ten years the law requires more severe minimum penalties. suspended for one year and there is no possibility of obtaining a work-restricted license. One or two prior convictions carry increased jail sentences and longer license suspensions; three or more priors changes the offense to a felony, punishable by state prison sentence. For a first offense, the license suspension imposed by the Department of Motor Vehicles may be reduced to 30 days followed by five months of work-restriction if you submit proof of insurance and enrollment in an approved DUI school.
“Do I need an attorney?”
That depends. The laws covering first offenses require judges to impose specific punishments, no matter who you are or how well you behave normally. If this is your first DUI and you know you’re guilty or the evidentiary test at the police station shows that your blood-alcoho l level is well above .08%, there is little an attorney can do to help. If, however, you truly believe you are innocent or the test results are borderline, an attorney might be able to help defend you against an unjustified conviction. You should definitely consider hiring an attorney if you’ve been convicted of a DUI within the last ten years. Under current California DUI law, a second, third or greater offense within 10 years is punishable by higher fines and longer jail or prison terms, license suspensions or revocations, and attendance at a state-approved DUI school. With such severe potential penalties, hiring an attorney could help protect your rights.
“Should I seek help?”
All kinds of people get arrestedfor DUIs. Often people simply have too much to drink at get-togethers and are seriously shaken by their arrests— enough that they are never again arrested. However, recent studies show that profiles of repeat DUI offenders share many common characteristics: 90 percent are men, 87 percent have an income less than $30,000 per year, 79 percent are white, 67 percent are unmarried or separated from their spouses. Although the rate for reoffending after a first DUI is low, 80 percent of those convicted for a second DUI will go on to a third incident. This leads to recommending that repeat offenders prayerfully consider treatment before the consequences of drinking and driving lead to more dire statistics. A first DUI arrest may represent nothing more than a momentary lapse of judgment—an ice cube—or it may be the incident that forces you to admit it is the tip of an iceberg. Only you and God know which it is, but a DUI arrest is costly, inconvenient and embarrassing enough to warrant sincere prayer and candid discussion with a minister.
The JUSTICECenter
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Tribute to a
Mother
Eara E. Lovelace, Our Original Church Mother By Vicki Mongan
Sometimes a first impression captures the essence of a person so clearly that it writes itself on your soul. The first time Yvette Mosley met Mother Lovelace was one of those times. Yvette and her daughter visited Center of Praise for the first time in 1991, when the church was located in its smaller Rancho Cordova home. As they walked through the doors, an older woman came up, introduced herself as the pastor’s mother and announced that she was going to take Yvette and her “baby doll” to lunch after church. The food at Chun King that day was forgettable, but Mother Lovelace’s spirit-filled warmth and the clear-spoken message her son delivered from the pulpit drew Yvette right into the family. That welcoming warmth may be one of the most precious legacies Eara Lovelace left behind when she went home to be with the Lord in 2002. She made that welcoming spirit such a strong part of COP’s foundation that people still comment on how they feel it when they walk through the cathedral doors for the first time. And Pastor carries it forward every time he reminds us that the first time you come to COP, you’re a visitor, after that you…are… family. Mother Lovelace knew a lot about family and the struggles we all go through. She raised five boys alone during the turbulent 60s, keeping her family together when the country was coming apart and equal rights was still a dream. She came to motherhood after serving as one of the first African-American women to join the Air Force, training she no doubt used to keep five boys flying straight. Instead of moving away from mothering when her boys were grown, she expanded her role by becoming the founding church mother and gathering more children into her brood. Yvette was one of Mother Lovelace’s spiritual daughters, but she’s the first to say she was one of many. There was never a doubt about who helped Mother Lovelace raise Pastor and his four brothers. She was a faith-walking woman who believed prayer could move mountains and went about proving it, even in the least likely places. Yvette recalls a time several women returned to their cars to find that one of them had left on her headlights. The woman tried to start the car, but the battery was completely drained. While the other women scrambled to find the number to call for a jump start, Mother laid hands on the car’s hood and quietly prayed. When she was done, she signaled the woman to start the car and wasn’t even a little surprised when it revved to life. Her faith and experience of bringing up boys shaped Mother into a direct, straight-talking woman with a sense of humor all her own. Among her friends and church family, she was known for delivering big ideas in short sayings, and in a way that managed to make a point without offending. Some contained strong truths: “Stop right now and start praying,” “The Lord will be all that you need Him to be,” “Just stand still and watch God move,” and “Go in the room, shut the door and write a letter to Jesus.” Some built people up: “You think you’re cute, but that’s okay, because I think you’re cute, too.” And some were funny scoldings: “”The church needs to offer some classes to teach these young ladies how to dress—and the old ones, too!” Her sense of humor and joy passed down to her son, the man she always referred to as “Pastor” out of respect. As our founding church mother, she gave something to each of us, even those who’ve come to COP recently and only know her through Pastor’s stories. We can all thank her for helping set a tone of joyful, grateful praise and demonstrating how to open our arms in welcome, with faith that we never lose, only gain, by expanding our family.
man vision mission
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reflecting on A 20 year journey
CL: Did you always see yourself becoming a Pastor? And is what you are doing now the same or different that what you saw for yourself when you were younger? Yes, I did always see myself becoming a Pastor; I did not know that I would be a church planter. I thought that possibly I would pastor a church I was raised or grew up in, or maybe even pastor a church I was called to. I would say that by the time I was in college, I had really began to forge ahead towards being a Christian counselor or psychologist, and by the time I was in my junior year I had switched my major to social work. That was primarily due to the influence of my mother, she was a social worker. The integration of my career as a social worker and then going back and recapturing my call of being a pastor, really began to form my ideology of pastoring. The ministry not only had to meet the spiritual needs of the individual, but it also had to interface with the social and economic needs of people as well. So, I think that is what has been a stabilizing force for me – and even for Center of Praise (COP). We’re not just one-sided into the theological perspective but we also bring in the whole person - the holistic concept of ministry. For me, that was not – per se – modeled before me. That was something I believe was very unique with God developing that in my own life, in ministry here.
CL: Describe for us what you believe about your upbringing has prepared you for the life as a pastor? First of all, being raised by a single mother – my mother raised 4 boys. That taught me the appreciation of the hard-core reality of life. Things were not handed to me. Everything that I have been able to accomplish has come by the setting of goals, believing that there’s a vision, and following through with that. And then, appreciating the support that I have in my life, through mentors. These would be educational mentors, career mentors, and “ I said ‘yes’ to God.. certainly spiritual mentors. All of their input has really set the foundation for the course of my God takes that yes.. life. I make no bones about it, I tell people all the time that I stand on the shoulders of many. As a He captures it, matter of fact, the stained-glass windows in our Cathedral are dedicated to people or in honor of people who have played a vital role in my life, from my parents to many affluent leaders within and facilitates our community. Then there are others who were not so much affluent in the public eye, but they His plan through our were certainly influential in my life. Many people may never know who they were, but they lives.” stand in heaven today receiving their reward because of their impartation into me. CL: Switching gears, just a little bit, share with us, how you met your wife and how you knew she was the one? We were actually introduced by phone by some mutual friends of ours that were apart of COP. Prior to our being introduced personally I was walking in the Arden Fair Mall and happen to see a box for a computer software product that was being displayed and while looking at the front of the box, I made a comment to a gentleman with me, “wow, that is a beautiful young lady”. Didn’t think anything more about it, but shortly after meeting this voice over the phone, I invited her out from the Bay Area to visit the church. She came to church and when I noticed her walking down the aisle, the same outfit that was on the young lady on the box, was on this young lady. I thought to myself, “now that’s interesting,” and lo and behold it was the exact same person that was on the box, was walking down the aisle. We had a year of courtship, then decided to marry, and we’ve been married now for about 15 years. CL: How do you balance being a husband and father within the ministry? I’m still working on balancing it. I think what makes it a challenge for me is the fact that we have a successful ministry that God has called us to that requires lots of interface, but for me, I’m finding out that I have to prioritize. I have to set priory and very honestly, I’m still learning how to set priority. The Lord has helped me in this by reminding me that He has paid the price for His bride, His church there is nothing else that needs to be paid. That gives me the understanding that I can rest in what God has done. Certainly put in the required time that I need to, but at the same time enjoy being able to go home and enjoy my wife and children. Ultimately, when it’s all said and done God will hold me first and foremost accountable for my family. CL: Explain the vision for COP? How does this parallel with your personal vision? The vision of COP is captured within 3 words, redemption, justice and empowerment for all people. That vision was developed out of our transition from Rancho Cordova into the urban mid-town area. When we came to this very eclectic diverse area, we were introduced to what I call a real “raw” ministry – not a pretty ministry – but one that called us to reach outside of our four walls, thus the term redemption. Secondly, justice. We find more scriptures in the Bible that deal with the terminology of justice. The understanding that legally, we have been reconciled back to God. Thirdly, empowerment. We reach out to those who feel that they are disconnect, disenfranchised, and empowering them to reach the potential that God has called them to. For me personally, that is reflected through a personal conviction that I have that I know I have been redeemed, justified and empowered by Christ to be a man of God with goals, and aspiration, and also model that before other. CL: What keeps you focused on the vision? The fact that I said “yes” to God, and seeing the potential of my “yes Lord.” The potential of my “yes Lord” is not simply mouthing the words, it is a full conviction that when I speak yes to God, that is something that resonates in heaven, in the eternal sphere. God takes that yes and in receiving that yes, He captures it, and facilitates His plan through our lives.
CL: Training, sending, multiplying…has this always been the mission of COP? Can it change? The mission of the church has remained consistent during the 20 years that I have served here. It certainly has had some modification in regards to terminology, but it keeps returning back to simply phraseology that states we train, send and multiply. That is drawn directly from Matthew 28:19, the Great Commission. Our attempt is to do the mission and do it well. It is the mission that in essence supports and brings about the vision. It’s answering the question, how do we manifest or present redemption, justice and empowerment. That’s a large conceptualization, but the mission puts feet to the vision. Here at COP we also pull in our church motto, and that is, “Doing Church as a Team.” If we’re going to do church as a team, there has to be an understanding that we must multiply ourselves and we must understand that to whom much is given, much is required. This is a big vision, but we serve a big God with a big message that doesn’t stop with one person, or end within one season of time. We have to multiply ourselves to keep getting His message, His gospel out. Big God, big vision, big people. CL: How do you keep the people committed to the mission while believing in the vision? By simply allowing ministry to be accessible. Allowing people to see the open door of ministry is not for the preacher or pastor, but for all of us because we are all called to be ministers. The world becomes our pulpit, we are all called to minister somewhere. After the door is open, allowing people to begin the journey of discipline and growth. It is my objective at this church to see every person that walks though the door be encouraged in their ministry and gifts and that they would feel competent in those things and go out as they are trained and empower others. CL: COP is in its 20th year of ministry – where do you see COP going in the next 20 years? I believe that COP will be a church that will look very different in the next 20 years. Our community and lives will have evolved, by then I will be close to 60 years old, and it is my desire, my goal, to develop an individual who will succeed. One of the mistakes that many ministries make, and that pastors in particular make is that they do not develop a successor. I see myself personally serving under a pastor, and letting him or her pastor and being a support to the new leadership that God would have at that time. I am the foundation layer, I realize that. I believe we will see more church planting in the future. I believe we will see more utilization of resources that have not been widely used before, such as the social networking component, and with avenues as what you have here with Centered Living. I believe that these types of programs and activities will take the church into a totally different realm of reaching people. I also believe that we’ll minister in such a way that as we grow, we stay small, using home groups to help answer the question, how does a mega church, stay a small church. This is our priority, to continue to be a church that embraces all cultures, all backgrounds. Our Spanish speaking service is an example of that, Centro de Alabanza, which is Center of Praise in Spanish. CL: What keeps you centered? I would say that the concept that keeps me centered is that, I’m not overly impressed with myself, nor am I impressed with our church. I pray God is. I think that ideology has helped me to understand that life is about constant growth. I want the Lord to be pleased and honor, and I’m not focused on what others picture as success. My ultimate goal is to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” By Larishia Johnson All photos by Tracey Jacobs
THE WAY
There was once a man who, while walking along a path, fell into a hole and could not get out. The harder he tried the deeper the hole got. A doctor came along the path and the man said, “Help me! I fell into this hole and I can’t get out.” The doctor wrote out a prescription with some advice and threw it down into the hole and continued along the path. A priest came along and the man said “Please help me, I’m stuck in this hole.” The priest said some words and wrote out a prayer and threw it down into the hole and continued on. Finally a friend came along the path and the man said “Please help me! I’ve fallen in this hole and I can’t get out no matter how hard I try!” The friend immediately jumped down in the hole with him. The man said, “Are you crazy? Now we are both in this hole together!” But the friend said, “Yes, but I’ve been here before and I know the way out.” Knowing the way out is a path learned through experience. Sometimes we feel as though no one can understand what we are going through, has seen troubles like ours or been hurt like us. We often ask ourselve s “why is this happening to me?” Well I’ve been told the best way to help yourself is to find someone else and help them. Who better to help a soul with a broken spirit than one whose spirit has been broken before? Now we all know that tired cliché “misery loves company” and there is much truth in that; but maybe your time of trial and tribulation is not to deprive you of your gift or block you from your blessing but to empower you for the good of someone else. Case and point, sometime ago I found myself in a small town, n a cold and lonely place called depression just outside of Hades. My life had been turned upside down; I lost my business, been separated from my children and was on the verge of losing my mind. Then my brother called and came to my rescue only to have me move from the suburbs of Hades to the central
OUT
business district of Hell. He had made some risky investments and subsequently lost his thirteen income properties and was hold up in has last and greatest piece of real estate the one called home. So here we were me, big brother and the county sheriffs surrounding the house, his 48hrs to vacate the premises since the eviction notification had expired. A U-haul truck the size of an 18-wheeler parked in the driveway sat half empty, his home, which my brother had custom built, sat half full with 20 years of life needing to come through the front door and on to that truck in 15 minutes according to the booming voice blaring through the bullhorn. My poor brother overwhelmed by the disparity of this ca lamity, sat helplessly deflated like a used balloon from a grand party of the night before. Well because I had been primed for loss, pain and heartache I could see the task at hand clearly; lets get what we can, as fast as we can because wherever we go we’re gonna need this stuff to live and the bank don’t own that too. So I put him on my back and his things too, just like the month prior when he had helped me out of the hole I was in. This is empowerment, the process of increasing the capacity of individuals to make choices and to transform those choices into desired actions and outcomes. As we both look back through the rear view mirror of life, everything now seems so clear, living has returned to normal and we both know that it doesn’t take an expert to help you out of the hole you find yourself in. What it takes someone who has been there before and knows the way out. Bycha Buxton
E s t a t e P l a n n i n g... It’s Yo u r L e g a c y God’s word on our finances
Crystal Roberson
It is important that you plan not only for the present financial state of your family but also the future; even beyond your lifetime. You should have a will, or some kind of estate plan. One of the greatest gifts you can leave your family is a well organized estate plan so they can take care of the needs that will arise when you die. A popular option is creating a revocable living trust. It is wise to consult with some legal counsel and maybe even a tax professional when planning your estate and choosing the best plan that will work for you and your loved A great workbook to assist you in your planning is “Set your house in order” which can be ordered through the Crown Financial Ministry Web site at www.crown.org You will also want to make sure your loved ones are aware of your funeral preferences. What else should we prepare for? (Eternity!) “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36). Read the following scriptures to get you thinking about the future: (1 Chronicles 29:15 ; Philippians 3:20 ; 1 Peter 2:11 ; 2 Peter 3:10-13) How should these scriptures impact your time and the way you invest and spend money? The reality of our eternal future should determine the character of our present life and the use of our money and possessions. This current life is short, while eternity with the Lord is forever. When we think about this life and society’s ideals of chasing wealth and possessions we must keep in mind that our daily choices will determine what will happen in the future. What we do in this life is of eternal importance.
TheEMPOWERMENTCenter
Body and Soul In Review By Yvonne Evans
In 2008, the Center of Praise Ministries (COP) Health Team implemented Body and Soul, a faith-based program sponsored by a grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The emphasis of Body and Soul is to encourage church congregants to live healthier lifestyles by consuming more fruits and vegetables in their diets and increasing their physical activity. It’s an observation that our society is malnourished by the ever-increasing obesity rates, and the church has not exactly been a shining example in this area. The Health Team is very concerned about the physical health of all people and we want to do whatever we can to provide information and education on nutrition, physical activity, and an overall healthy lifestyle. Body and Soul operates on four pillars:
1. 2. 3. 4.
Pastoral Support Church Activities Church Environment/policy Peer Counseling
After consulting with Pastor Lovelace and after the results of a health survey conducted in July 2008, Body and Soul has accomplished the following:
•Peer Counselor training (January 2009) •Healthy Lifestyle Class Series (February-March 2009) •COP Ministry Luncheon (June 2009) •COP Ministry Health Challenge (June-November 2009) •COP Ministry Breakfast (November 2009)
One of the main challenges we faced was low participation due to a lack of convenient, centralized location. The Health Team currently operates out of the Oak Park satellite location of Birth and Beyond, and we will continue to serve the needs of COP and the community in whatever ways possible. For more information, suggestions, comments, or to help lead COP into a healthy future, please contact us at cophealthteam@yahoo.com.
Good Eating Salmon Croquettes a la bleu (a bleu twist on an old favorite)
In the south (where I have spent a considerable amount of time) Salmon Patties (as they are called) are a tradition. Upscale restaurants are known for these unique patties. I’m from the Alice Waters school of thought; that is when preparing food to use the local products and produce as much as possible. Know one can say who created this curious croquette; they have appeared on the dinner and breakfast tables for over a generation. I grew up in Northern California (the Bay Area), not too fond of Salmon Croquettes; but very fond of fresh Salmon. I put this (croquette) off as a lazy meal, but fun to eat that’s about it. I suggest creamy smashed potatoes and a basic garden salad, but any combination of starch and green ruffage will do to round out this quick and easy meal…keep it simple. Here is the recipe for the main course (if you’re not a vegetarian) enjoy! INGREDIENTS: 1 can (15oz) wild pink salmon, drain, reserve juice 1 egg 1/2 cup sifted grits pepper, to taste 1/2 cup chopped onions 1 1/2 ounces creamy blue cheese dressing 1/4 cup juice from drained salmon pinch of cayenne pepper (optional) dash of red pepper flakes (optional) oil for deep frying PREPARATION: Pour oil in a heavy skillet (about 3/4 to 1 inch deep). Mix salmon with the egg; stir in the sifted grits. Add pepper/spices, onions, juice from drained salmon and blue cheese dressing. Form into silver dollar sized patties about 1/2 -3/4 inch thick. Fry in medium high heat until golden brown delicately turning over once. Place on paper towel to drain.