Say So Now April 2021

HOLDING ON TO

HOPE

Mental Health & Spirituality, Make the Connection

Success

COST of

Tithing and the Economic Potential of the Church

WE CAN’T WAIT TO

WELCOME YOU BACK HOME

TABLE OF CONTENTS 6

Baby Steps To Leaping Into God’s Word

9

Seven Reasons Why EVANGELISM Should Be A Priority Of Your Church

10

Put Your Prayers On Paper On The Benefits Of Writing Down Our Prayers

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Making Moves How To Make Progress During The Pandemic

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CHURCH-Family Matters Why is having a church family so valuable

17

A Woman of Worth Meet First Woman Chair Of Trustees Ministry Corlette Jordan

Pastor Dwight Shawrod & Dr. Jennell Riddick

21 24 27

Women Who Know How To Win Tithing And The Economic Potential of the Church The Mental Health Benefits Of Religion And Spirituality

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Cost of Sucess

30

Holding On To Hope

Published by Final Step Publishing https://www.finalsteppublisher.com/ Meet Our Feature Corlette Jordan

Interested in Writing an Article In The Next Magazine?

Would you Like to Advertise in the Next Say So Now Magazine Contact Us at officemanager@stmarkva.org

Baby Steps to LEAPING INTO

God’s Word

An Easy Step-By-Step Guide to Studying your Bible

By Mary Fairchild

T

here are many ways to study the Bible. This reading through the entire book. Do this more than method is just one to consider. once. As you read, look for themes that may be woven into the chapters.

If you need help getting started, this particular method is great for beginners but can be geared toward any Sometimes you’ll detect a general message in the level of study. As you become more comfortable book. For example, in the book of James, an obvious studying God’s Word, you will begin to develop your theme is “persevering through trials.” Take notes on own techniques and discover favorite resources that the ideas that jump out at you. will make your study very personal and meaningful.

You’ve taken the biggest step by getting started. Now the real adventure begins.

Choose a Book of the Bible With this method, you will study an entire book of the Bible. If you’ve never done this before, start with a small book, preferably from the New Testament.

The book of James, Titus, 1 Peter, or 1 John are all good choices for first-timers. Plan to spend 3-4 weeks studying the book you have chosen.

Begin With Prayer Probably one of the most common reasons Christians don’t study the Bible is based on this complaint, “I just don’t understand it!” Before you start each study session, begin by praying and asking God to open your spiritual understanding.

Because God’s Word is alive, you can study the same passage several times and continue to discover new, relevant applications throughout your walk of faith.

Choose Your Tools For this portion of your study, you will want to consider choosing the right tools to aid in your learning, such as a commentary, lexicon or Bible dictionary. A Bible study guide or perhaps a study Bible will also help you dig deeper. There are also many useful online Bible study resources available if you have access to a computer for your study time.

As you continue to do this type of verse by verse study, there’s no limit to the wealth of understanding and growth that will come from your time spent in God’s Word.

Look also for “life application principles.” An example Be a Doer of the Word of a life application principle in the book of James is: Don’t just study God’s Word for the sake of studying.

“Make sure your faith is more than just a statement Be sure to put the Word into practice in your life.

-- it should result in action.”

Jesus said in Luke 11:28, “But even more blessed are It’s a good practice to try and pull out these themes and applications on your own as you meditate, even before you begin using other study tools. This gives an opportunity for God’s Word to speak to you personally.

Zoom In Now you will slow down and read the book verse by verse, breaking down the text, looking for deeper understanding.

Hebrews 4:12 begins with, “For the word of God is all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” living and active...” (NIV) Are you starting to get (NLT) excited about Bible study? What a powerful statement!

If God speaks to you personally or through life In this step, we’ll see what the text looks like under application principles you find in the text, be sure to a microscope, as we begin breaking it down. Using apply those nuggets to your day-to-day life. a Bible dictionary, look up the meaning of the word Psalm 119:130 tells us, “The unfolding of your words living in the original language. It is the Greek word Set Your Own Pace gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (NIV) ‘Zaõ’ meaning, “not only living but causing to live, Once you’ve finished the first book, choose another vivifying, quickening.” You start to see a deeper one and follow the same steps. You may want to spend Read the Entire Book meaning: “God’s Word causes life to come about; it much more time digging into the Old Testament and Next, you’ll spend some time, perhaps several days, quickens.” some of the longer books of the Bible.

The Bible says in 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” (NIV) So, as you pray, realize that the words you are studying are inspired by God.

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Say So Now | April 2021 |

Seven Reasons Why Evangelism Should Be a Priority of Your Church Thom S. Rainer

Evangelism

is dying in many churches today.

4.Because churches that are not intentional about No, that’s not an overstatement. I am not speaking evangelism typically are weak in evangelism. hyperbolically.

Many pastors and church leaders will affirm this article. They will give mental assent to the priority Evangelism is dying. of evangelism. But they do not practice the priority Look at the data. Measure almost any group of of evangelism in their churches. What are you doing churches today versus thirty years ago. You’ll likely today to make certain evangelism is a priority in find that only one person is being reached with the your church? gospel for every forty to sixty church members.

You will find that conversions have declined 5. Because churches tend to obsess inwardly when precipitously. And where you find numerical growth, they fail to move outwardly. Where has a lot of your you are more likely to find that the growth is transfer church’s energy been expended lately? Rancorous of Christians from one church to another. That’s not business meetings? Expressions of petty church evangelism. That’s sheep shuffling. preferences? Worship wars? Power struggles?

Those are inward obsessions. Lead your church to Pastors and other leaders must fall on their an evangelistic priority and watch the focus shift for faces before God and ask Him to reignite their the better. congregations with an evangelistic passion. When evangelism dies as a priority in the church, the 6. Because churches become content and church has already begun to die. complacent with transfer growth. Some churches are growing. Others are adding members without So why should evangelism be one of the highest significant numerical growth. But many in both priorities in your church? Though the reasons are categories are growing at the expense of other many, allow me to share seven of them. churches. Some may be reaching unchurched Christians. That’s good, but that’s not evangelism.

1. Because Christ commanded it. We typically We can fool ourselves into thinking we are refer to the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18- evangelistic when we are simply recirculating the 20 as our evangelistic and disciples-making saints. command. But there are many other places in the New Testament where the priority of evangelism is 7. Because evangelistic Christians actually grow clearly evident. Christ commanded it. We must do it. stronger as better discipled Christians. Those who are evangelistic are obedient to Christ. Being 2. Because Christ is the only way of salvation. obedient to Christ means that we are following There is no way around it. Salvation is exclusive. His teachings and becoming a better fruit-bearing There is only one way. Jesus could not have made disciple. it clearer in John 14:6: “Jesus told him, ‘I am the Most churches are busy with activities, programs, way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the and ministries. Few churches are truly sending Father except through Me.’” Jesus had an urgent out their members to evangelize those in their message. He had an exclusive message. We must communities. The Great Commission has fast be conveyors of that narrowly-defined hope. become the Great Omission.

Evangelism is dying.

3. Because Christ died for the world. There is a Churches are dying. reason John 3:16 is the most familiar and most People are going to hell without Christ. quoted verse in the history of humanity. Jesus It is perhaps the greatest tragedy today. died for the world. He is the only way, but He has provided a way for everyone. That is a message that WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO LEAD YOUR CHURCH is urgent and worth telling. Indeed it’s the greatest TO BECOME MORE EVANGELISTIC? message ever.

EVANGELISM STRATEGIES

Try any of these to help lead someone to Jesus Christ.’

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Say So Now | April 2021 |

9

PUT YOUR PRAYERS ON PAPER

On the Benefits of Writing Down Our Prayers

By Anita Mathias

W

e are listening to A Praying Life by Paul Miller, a wonderful book on prayer in the car. (I was, incidentally disciplined by the author for almost five years, as he mentions in the book).

Anyway, Miller tells us that he often prays aloud. Jesus did so in his High Priestly Prayer in John 17, and his anguished prayers at Gethsemane.

(However, Jesus also encourages us to pray in the privacy of our rooms so that our prayers don’t impress people (rather than God)…and thereby lose us the secret reward God gives those who pray.)

“Praying out loud can be helpful because it keeps you from getting lost in your head. It makes your thoughts concrete,” Miller writes.

“When I confess a sin aloud, it feels more real. I’m surprised by how

10 | Say So Now | April 2021

concrete the sin feels. I’ve even thought, ‘Oh I guess that was really wrong.’ On the way to a social event, I will pray aloud in the car that I won’t fall into lust or people pleasing. My prayers become more serious.” *** However, when I find it hard to focus on prayer, what helps me is not praying out loud (I live with two daughters, one husband, one Golden Retriever, and one Labradoodle, and don’t want to startle any of them) but writing out my prayers.

When I pray my thoughts meander in the natural way of thoughts. Writing out my prayers helps me redirect my thoughts to the subject I was praying about so that I can saturate that worry in prayer, make sure I have heard God on it, and am acting in accordance with his directives.

(This is particularly important for unanswered prayers so one senses the story God is writing in our lives).

productivity–lies in the next two: not enough exercise, not enough tidying up!! Yes, indeed!)

I like to put my worries into the petri dish of prayer, so to say, bathing them in prayer, and continuing to “pray until something happens.”

Written prayers help me “worry the bone of a prayer,” until light and clarity emerges as to what God might be doing in the things I am praying about, and what he wants me to do.

*** The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson is another prayer-changing, hoperefilling book on prayer. Just as Jesus does, Batterson encourages us to pray about anything. Wild dreams, wild-goose dreams, dreams we are afraid to vocalize, dreams we can only keep alive because the Creator of the Universe can do and create anything… The dreams that we are embarrassed to say aloud, we can write down. And in the process of writing them down, they feel a little bit more real. “Dreaming is a form of prayer and prayer is a form of dreaming,” as Batterson says.

(Interestingly, though, Miller says prayer should be like human conversation between friends, meandering, free-flowing, playful. So if, in the middle of praying-worrying about how I am writing less than I want to, I start praying-worrying that I am exercising a bit less than I want to, and then that the room I am praying in is a tad messier than I want it to be…Miller would suggest praying about the latest worries that have popped up their groundhog heads instead of dragging prayer back to the first worry. Confess.

Ask for help. Ask for strategy. And who knows? Perhaps the solution to the first worry—disappointing

I have often found that wild-goose dreams I have prayed for have uncannily come to pass. In that way, our prayers can be prophetic, and, in the areas we have saturated in prayer, the transcript of our lives resembles the transcript of our prayers, to quote Batterson again. *** We often don’t know our own hearts

and minds and spirits. That is why people go to therapy!! Expressive writing is a form of therapy. So too is prayer journaling.

In the process of putting it down, in stark black and white, clarity comes about what I really want—which women socialized to be nice and obliging often don’t know!!

The actions and emotions of my own heart that I am less than proud about get unveiled and gradually repented of. The hurts and slights, the slings and arrows of interpersonal relationships which could metastasize into a cancer of unforgiveness if brooded over are released and forgiven…

Write out your confusion and lack of clarity. The areas of your life where you are not sure what God is doing, or the direction in which your life is veering. I often feel I know very little about my own life, the plot God is writing in and through it, the direction in which he is bending it, and what he wants me to do… Prayer helps me to understand the story that God is writing in my life a little better, and written prayer clarifies and focuses my heart-prayer.

MAKING MOVES How to Make Progress During the Pandemic

Since the onset of the pandemic, I have been sharing that, “God is still speaking, still moving, and still taking care of His children.”

That statement has proven true. I have rejoiced in hearing how God has blessed individuals, families, businesses, and congregations.

During an unprecedented time, God has provided and moved in unprecedented ways. It has also been exciting to observe the host of methods our congregation implored to keep ministry moving forward. For example, the Joy in July Project proved to be an impactful initiative to extend the love of God throughout numerous sectors. We were able to spread joy with tangible gifts to our seniors, host a huge outdoor pizza giveaway for our youth, and present gifts of appreciation to local political leaders, community leaders, and spiritual leaders. It demonstrated that while the church doors were closed, ministry was still alive and well. From food giveaways to care package deliveries, it was invigorating to see the Body of Christ represent a comprehensive God who is not confined to a building for a few hours a few days per week.

Recently, there was another opportunity to serve that our Pastor, leaders, and congregation eagerly accepted. While it was asubstantial undertaking to be a host site for the distribution of over 1000 COVID-19 vaccinations with a swift turnaround, we are

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grateful for how the Lord blessed the partnership with church and community. Whether providing dinner to the I.C.Norcom football team or sending cards to celebrate significant moments with congregants, it is evident that God is still moving, and thankfully so are we!

While none of us have all of the answers moving forward, or know the definitive end date of the pandemic, we are connected to a powerful God who loves us more than we may know. God is concerned about, and taking care of, every aspect of who we are mentally, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. As we continue to draw near and prioritize our God-time, we will receive the direction and peace that we yearn for. I remember many people cherishing the moments spent in the presence of God during the initial days of quarantine. Please understand that the world does not have to be shut down, for us to intentionally carve out time to talk with and listen to God. Trust me, you will be better as a result of that time. We must not go back to business as usual, but rather seek to fulfill the business and plans of God. Do not be discouraged when things may not appear as you planned because God is still moving, still speaking, and still taking care of His children!

CHURCH-Family

Matters Why is having a church family so valuable?

By CompellingTruth.org

F

irst, we have to determine why we refer to the church as a family. The Bible explains that “all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” (Romans 8:14). “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ …” (Romans 8:16–17). Becoming a Christian means being adopted into God’s family as a child of God and brother or sister to fellow believers. This understanding explains why we refer to the church as a family. So what is the value of this family?

There are numerous verses in the New Testament that refer to how believers are to interact with “one another.” Looking at some of these verses, we can determine what value a believer gains by belonging to and interacting with the church family.

Jesus Himself calls His disciples to “love one another” in such a way that “all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34–35). So one benefit in having a church family is being loved and loving others in a way that is different from how people in the secular world love. This love is to be sacrificial and unconditional like the love Jesus has shown to us (John 15:12). The other commands about how believers are to interact with “one another” essentially detail how that love plays out practically.

Galatians 6:2 says to “bear one another’s burdens.” In a church family, we can share our struggles and others will help us bear those burdens. Galatians 5:13 says, “… through love serve one another.” So when struggles are brought to the church family, those believers are to respond by serving one another, alleviating the suffering wherever possible. When those struggles cannot be alleviated, James 5:16 says to “pray for one another, that you may be healed.” Similarly, 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says to “encourage one another and build one another up.” Second Corinthians 13:11 commands us to “comfort one another.” So another value to having a church family is that facing our struggles and bearing our burdens becomes easier.

Colossians 3:16 states that believers should be “teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom.” Likewise, Ephesians 4:25 says, “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” So another way a church family’s love for one another plays out is in speaking truth into each other’s lives. Teaching each other what God has revealed in Scripture so “that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Hebrews

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10:24 calls believers “to stir up one another to love and good works.”

A further benefit of having a church family is that a believer receives teaching and is equipped and stimulated to do the good works God calls him or her to do (Ephesians 2:10).

James 5:16 says to “confess your sins to one another.” Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Bringing sin to one another should be a time of forgiveness, encouragement, and support. Confession brings an opportunity for accountability and forgiveness, both of which are crucially important in the battle to overcome sin.

The value in having a church family is not only in receiving— receiving love, bearing lighter burdens, learning truth that equips, and having help to overcome sin. There is value also in having the opportunity to give in each of these areas to other believers.

Serving—whether by extending love and acceptance; offering to cook, drive, or babysit; teaching children or discipling those younger in the faith; or meeting with someone to provide accountability and encouragement—brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Knowing that God has a role for each believer to play in the lives of other believers gives meaning and direction to our lives.

It is not only the New Testament that recognizes the need for followers of God to be in community with one another. The Old Testament also points out how vitally important community is.

Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 say, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.

But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” These verses point to the reality of how community makes our burdens easier to bear.

Proverbs 27:17 states that, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Being a part of community allows believers to help each other to better understand and live out the truth. Proverbs 27:6 and 9 say, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend… the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.” These verses show that accountability from a friend is a blessing in our lives.

When a church family faithfully lives out these principles of love, God is ultimately glorified. Jesus commanded His disciples to “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). In light of the fact that engaging with our church family glorifies God and given the other benefits of interacting with the church family, let us “not [be found] neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but [let us be] encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25).

W

omen play a

powerful role in God’s story of redemption throughout Scripture. We hear about great women like Esther who becomes a queen that saves her family, Deborah who serves as a judge that wins a war, and Naomi who is so revered that God blesses her with a loyal daughter in law. There are so many others that could be named as well, Hannah, Mary, Elizabeth, Eve, Miriam, Sarah and Rachel.

The God used woman that we highlight in 2021 is indeed a woman who knows how to handle her business and secure the bag for the kingdom. Very much like the woman we learn about in Matthew 26:7, who was wise and wealthy enough to own an alabaster box of sweet smelling expensive perfume, but spiritually discerning and humble enough to bow at the feet of Jesus, we celebrate Corlette Jordan. She too can be found managing the property and items of high value for the Kingdom. As the unnamed woman in Matthew 26:7 was an essential part of the life of Jesus yet served ...

In Honor of Women’s History Month, the world has been taken by storm with new powerful woman voices of influence such as VicePresident Kamala Harris and Senator Stacy Abrams.

We are also celebrating our own hometown heroes.

A behind the scenes interview with Corlette Jordan the First Woman Chair of Trustees.

You are the first woman Chair of Trustees, as a young woman in leadership, how did you get your start in your career?

behind the scenes we find that Corlette, the First woman Chair of Trustees of St Mark Missionary Baptist Church is often serving behind the scenes. Unbeknown to many others the woman in Matthew 26:7 was in God’s will.

Likewise Corlette has stood on the shoulders of others like Trustee Argie Lamb (the first woman trustee of St Mark Church) and lead with excellence. She is our 2021 Woman of Worth. She has been a major contributor to God’s powerful work in our church, community the world and the advancement of his kingdom.

As I advance in leadership in my professional career, my financial and contract management responsibilities increase. My primary function is managing risk and ensuring that the mission of the company is done effectively and efficiently. In the community, I have served or am currently serving as a financial officer in all but one of the organizations where I actively hold membership.The experience of managing and monitoring funds has given me a wealth of experience that easily translates to managing the church funds and financial risk.

Say So Now | April 2021 | 17

While I am the first woman chairperson of the Trustee Ministry, I do recognize efforts of those before me specifically Trustee Argie B Lamb who is the first woman elected to the Trustee Ministry.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey so far?

One of my greatest rewards has been learning “how” an organization works. Once you know how an organization works understand why the organization works the way it does, one can better ascertain the value they can bring to that organization. The greatest joy of my journey besides meeting and working with great people, is the learning and giving back that which God has given me.

As you were growing up and discovering your passions and talents, did you imagine you’d be leading in ministry? Or did this calling catch you by complete surprise?

have me, to best contribute to His kingdom and where my talents could be used best. So I won’t say it was a surprise as much as it was an answer to my question.

While i’ve always known and loved God and been active in church, growing up I would have never seen myself leading a ministry.

Life and its lessons continue to humble me and as good as God has been to me I constantly ask him to use me as He sees fit. I asked God where He would

Corlette of today would tell Corlette of 20 years ago to keep pushing when you’re up against trouble, meet it squarely face to face, stay focused and let God guide you. Whatever you do, do not stop dreaming, don’t stop setting goals, and don’t ever stop executing against those dreams and goals. You can fallback, or slow-down whenever you need to, but NEVER stop. It is so much easier to pick up the pace

What would the Corlette today tell her 20 year old self?

when you are ready to than to convince yourself to start a brand-new race.

community and at the same time lead through a Pandemic?

How do you prioritize family life and self care while leading a ministry like St Mark with so many onsite worshippers and countless virtual attendees? How are you able to not get overwhelmed by your work life?

My inner circle keeps me grounded. The organizations I belong to are service oriented organizations, so I am surrounded by others who also work hard for our community and our churches.

We support, we lean on, and we learn from each other.

When it comes to my priorities it is God first. Next is my mom and my fourteen year old son who is absolutely my “WHY”. As for ministry leadership, the pandemic has presented challenges that have required adjustments and flexibility, but the goal of the Trustee Ministry remains the same. That combined with the leadership of a forward- thinking pastor and the tremendous support from the dedicated

..............................

Corlette, Connie and Jordan members of the trustee ministry help to ensure we continue to provide support to the Kingdom. It is a delicate balance, but all of it contributes to who I am.

How do you stay connected to the mission of service to the local church and

Connie Jordan

Women

Who Know How To WIN!

Thriving in the pandemic insights from the Victorious Sisters of St Mark.

While many people have decided that 2020 and 2021 have already taken the wind out of their sails, there are God fearing women who have decided that they will WIN even while navigating life storms. Here are some of the women of St Mark who answered a simple question:

What advice do you have for winning during a pandemic?

Andrea Brown Burford, Deaconess

Connie Taylor, Deaconess Retired University Facilities Administrator St. Mark Deaconess Ministry

Press through the Pandemic and don’t allow DISTANCE to mentally DISCONNECT you from the agape love of Christ, Family, and Friends!

Pray daily and wait for God’s instruction to you. Know that we all are going through this pandemic together and its affects us all differently. We must just remember that bad things in the world or in your life do not change the goodness of God. We must stay focused on the goodness of God.

Family and Community Partnerships Manager/QMHP-A/C St. Mark’s Shepherd’s Council Servant Leader

Aurelia Williams

Vice Provost Norfolk State University St. Mark’s Media Ministry Team Lead Ground yourself daily in prayer and take one day at a time to do the best you can do.

Chaunta Chalmers, Deaconess

Quality Control Auditor St. Mark’s Vice President for Deaconess Ministry and CoChair for Couples Ministry With all the responsibility in taking care of others don’t forget to take care of yourself (spiritually, physically and mentally). Leave room for you.

Clementine Cone, Deaconess Retired University Administrator Shepherd’s Council Servant Leader Stay focused on your faith. Use the wonders of technology to stay connected and to be actively involved with your family, friends and the faith community.

Cynthia Madkins Retired Social Work Supervisor / Consultant St. Mark United Voices Disconnect from electronic devices at least an hour before going to bed to help you sleep better. Keep in contact with family and elderly church members via phone or text, especially if they live alone. Trust GOD! He’s the greatest coach on this Keep Winning team.

Evelina Johnson Buendia St Mark’s Graphic Artist

Even in the midst of a Pandemic, God will bring to life dormant dreams & endless possibilities...if you maximize on the grand opportunity of being “Still” 🙌🏽

Evelyn L. Edmonds

Retired Educator, Portsmouth Public School System St. Mark Christian Academy Administrator Stay connected to the Kingdom; remain in constant communication with GOD through prayer, daily devotionals, and meditating on the Word. Follow all of the CDC guidelines for yourself and loved ones.

Get vaccinated and encourage others to do likewise. Keep a listening ear and an open, loving heart to help those in need and who have suffered losses.

Argie Lamb

First Woman Elected Trustee of St Mark I was appointed in September 1994 as the first female trustee at an unprecedented time, not only for St. Mark, but for most churches in the area. Needless to say, I was somewhat uncomfortable initially but my mantra was, “God has a purpose” for me to serve as a trustee and my goal was to work to fulfill whatever that purpose was.

The pandemic was new to all of us. The ONLY thing that I could do was to put my trust TOTALLY in God!

Say So Now | April 2021 | 21

We WILL KEEP WINNING “…because everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith.

Who then overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” - 1 John 5:4-5

Jasmine Smith

Envison Media Producer St Mark Video Content Creator Life is precious, don’t waste it getting overwhelmed by fear.Take it moment by moment, one day at a time, and always keep hope alive!

Dr. Jennell Riddick

Founder Walk In It Inc Executive Pastor at St Mark Church You can and will make it through these turbulent time because God is involved with everything that has anything to do with you. Focus forward and WALK IN YOUR PURPOSE!

Joi Boone, Deaconess

Elementary Assistant Principal Trust God with the process and invite him to participate in every area of your life. Allow Him to take the reigns and lead as you follow knowing that you are in the best care because you are in His hands.

Lisa L. Lucas-Burke

Executive Director / Councilwoman Prior to and during Women’s History Month, the world got an opportunity to see record numbers of women rise to the occassion as healthcare providers caring for their families and millions of others across our nation. In order to keep winning during this pandemic, I urge you and your families to become fully vaccinated, follow all of the protocols for safe social distancing and continue to wear a masks when gathering around large groups of people.

Marie Prioleau

Register Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) Health Ministry Chairperson EAT UP - Enhance your immune system by eating a balanced diet with a lot of fruits, vegetables, and water.

STAY ACTIVE - Adults - should get at least 150 minutes physical activity each week and children an hour or more daily.

Marilyn D. Grant

Kisha M. McDaniel

Founder, Purposed Pursuit St. Mark Director of Administration Learn how to disconnect from the noise and take time to reflect on past victories and future goals. Record them as a witness to God’s continual provision.

Patient Experience Representative St. Mark Health Ministry Have FAITH, that we will get through these times. Continue to lean on each other for support and realize that God is still our covering, in the midst of a Pandemic!!

Nichole Brown, Deaconess

Kelli Sweat

St. Mark Membership Manager Rosewood Garden Inc, Founder Don’t get caught in the chaos and lose sight of the bigger picture. Get good, God rest when you need a break.

Dr. Latosha Burch, Deaconess

Business Change Manager & Adjunct Professor St. Mark COVID-19 Safety Taskforce Chair Take time for self-care so that you are mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially fit to interact with others. Seize opportunities to strengthen personal relationships, and resume work on your goals until you get them done.

Lelia Davis Melton

Retired Assistant Director at Effingham Street YMCA as director of Child Care Services Coordinator for the Seniors, G.A.P. ministry

CEO, Portsmouth Schools Federal Credit Union I had to get out of my own head. I began to journal my thoughts and partner them with scripture.

Shirley Wilborn, Deaconess Registered Nurse Director Praise Dance Ministry

Winning during a pandemic: Stay prayed up, wise up by studying so you are informed. Remember we are our brother’s and sister’s keeper. Always keep that “God has equipped me to weather this storm” attitude. So So if we do all we can to take care of ourselves and each other the battle is ready won. Praise God!

Women

In order to win, one must first face reality, and accept what is. Instead of complaining, draw closer to God; Get connected with Him, because God is trying to tell us something.

Thriving in the pandemic insights from the Victorious Sisters of St Mark.

Who Know How To WIN!

Self-proclaimed “tithe hacker” Mike Holmes has a helpful piece at RELEVANT Magazine on how tithing could “change the world.”

(Jordan Ballor offers some additional insights here.)

Holmes begins by observing that “tithers make up only 10-25 percent of a normal congregation” and that “Christians are only giving at 2.5 percent per capita,” proceeding to ponder what might be accomplished if the church were to increase its giving to the typical 10 percent.

His projections are as follows:

•$25 billion could relieve global hunger,

starvation and deaths from preventable diseases in five years.

•$12 billion could eliminate illiteracy in five years.

•$15 billion could solve the world’s water and sanitation issues, specifically at places in the world where 1 billion people live on less than $1 per day.

•$1 billion could fully fund all overseas mission work.

•$100 – $110 billion would still be left over for additional ministry expansion.

Such broad hypothesizing can be helpful in offering a small glimpse into what we might call the economic potential of the church.

But, in addition to noting the more obvious questions about whether $25 billion (or any amount) can actually “relieve global hunger” (etc.), I would simply emphasize that such estimates are small glimpses indeed. The divine impact of the tithe stretches well beyond the material, even as it pertains to the material.

Holmes rightly concludes that “giving is a heart issue, not a money issue.” But when the heart is transformed, so is the economic horizon. The impacts of increased giving on human needs and economic orders will not

Tithing and the Economic Potential of the Church -BY JOSEPH SUNDE be likely to correspond according to our more accountant-driven assumptions and expectations. If one withdraws $25 billion from Generic Investment Pool Y and drops it into “solving world hunger,” that’s one thing.

But if that $25 billion originates as a natural byproduct of obedient sacrifice among God’s people, that’s quite different.

There’s something about honoring the Lord with our wealth that leads to unforeseeable multiplication and abundance. Once we

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embrace the mystery of that, realizing that sacrifice unto the Lord opens doors to new levels of stewardship that transcend our preconceived material constraints, the bullet list gets a lot more interesting.

For before and beyond the basic allocation of this dollar to that need, the routine act of tithing has a unique way of putting our hearts in order and, in turn, uniting God’s people.

As Ballor put it, “Giving can really mean the world to the recipient, and it is a significant

spiritual exercise and discipline for the giver as well.” Generosity is a powerful thing. How much more when it is propelled primarily by the church?

Where lives are changed and relationships are redeemed, where the work of the church is empowered and God’s people are transformed and set free by the power of generosity, social and economic orders will correspond accordingly.

COMING SOON

Get WINNING STRATEGIES,

Financial Advice and Money Tips From “Mandy” Ward.

Coming soon at www.stmarkva.org/ financialfreedom

The Mental Health Benefits of RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY LUNA GREENSTEIN

Religion and spirituality are both rooted in trying to understand the meaning of life and, in some cases, how a relationship with a higher power may influence that meaning.

While religion and spirituality are similar in foundation, they are very different in practice.

Religion is an organized, community-based system of beliefs, while spirituality resides within the individual and what they personally believe. “The idea of religion and spirituality is like a rectangle versus a square. Within religion there is spirituality, but if you have spirituality, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have religion,” says someone who practices both religion and spirituality.

Both religion and spirituality can have a positive impact on mental health. In some ways, they provide the same impact.

For example: Both religion and spirituality can help a person tolerate stress by generating peace, purpose and forgiveness.

But benefits generally vary between the two due to their different nature.

MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF RELIGION Religion gives people something to believe in, provides a sense of structure and typically offers a group of people to connect with over similar beliefs. These facets can have a large positive impact on mental health—research suggests that religiosity reduces suicide rates, alcoholism and drug use. Here are some of religion’s main mental health benefits.

MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF SPIRITUALITY Spirituality is a sense of connection to something bigger than ourselves—it helps a person look within and understand themselves while also figuring out the greater answer of how they fit in to the rest of the world. In other words: It helps people understand their interpretation of the meaning of life.

Spirituality also incorporates healthy practices for the mind and body, which positively influences mental health and emotional wellbeing. Here are some of those benefits: INDIVIDUALITY •Enhances a person’s sense of self and empowerment through the choice to decide what their practice looks like •Focuses on an individual’s connection to what they believe in and their own personal growth •Accepts any person, whether they are part of a religion or not MINDFULNESS •Encourages meditation and self-reflection •Leads to a meaningful life philosophy (i.e. feeling connected to others, nature or art)

COMMUNITY

•Prompts expression in any form such as art, poetry, myth or religious practice

•Initiates social connections with other members

UNITY WITH SURROUNDINGS

•Creates a sense of belonging to a group

•Renews a sense of belonging in the world

•Offers trustworthy and safe social engagement

•Inspires appreciation and awareness of a person’s interaction with the physical environment

RITUAL

These mental health benefits are not limited to their respective categories—individuality isn’t exclusive to religion, just like spirituality can include a sense of community in some instances. The takeaway is that: If presented in a supportive way, religion and spirituality can help people improve their mental health and promote recovery.

•Helps people to cope with difficult life situations (i.e. a ceremony for the loss of a loved one) •Provides structure, regularity and predictability •Allows for time to rest as well as holidays and other special times of the year TEACHINGS •Provides guidelines to live by (i.e. the importance of doing the right thing) •Teaches compassion, forgiveness and gratitude •Identifies life lessons, even from challenging situations

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COST OF

Success

By Dr. Jennell Riddick (Excerpt From Chapter 5 of “Getting It Done Without Becoming Undone”) They don’t just take the day as it comes, they plan it. They often only deviate from the plan if it is absolutely necessary.

C

an you handle success? Will you endure the costs? Yes, victory will cost. Everyone won’t understand why you make some of the choices you make. “You get up at what time?” some may inquire. Some may scoff, “You don’t prepare a home-cooked meal every night?” In this quest called life, you have to be able to move forward amid the questions, comments, and critiques of others.

I remember when the elegant and classy Michelle Obama trended sleeveless dresses. There was a lot of discussion about whether this was appropriate apparel for the First Lady of the United States. When reports of her daily schedule were leaked,including a 4:30am workout routine, some of those comments were hushed. I am not saying that we all must get up at 4:30am to exercise, though it is not a bad idea. I am suggesting that any level of success comes at a cost, sometimes agreat cost. Not only did Mrs. Obama look incredible in those sleeveless dresses due in part to a disciplined diet and workout routine, but she weathered the storm of opinions and will arguably be forever noted for her elegance and style.

Will you change who you are to appease others? Will you downplay your genius to make others comfortable? Will you starve your creativity to be accepted by the masses or will you, unapologetically be you? Being you may come at a cost, but the world desperately needs individuals who will not shy away from the value of success, butwill instead choose to invest in the well-being of our communities. Think about the greats in history and in our present day: Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman. Make it personal; think of the people who have made a difference in your life. Their selfless service remains imprinted on your mind.

Success will cost you time. How do you manage your time?

We all get the same 24 hours in a day. Successful people have habits or routines with their time. I have discovered that they usually get up at the same time each day. They have structure.

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There are so many time-absorbers in life. What has been robbing your time and leaving you with nothing to show for it? Did that phone call that was supposed to be ten minutes end up being an hour? Were you on social media, not realizing how many hours had passed? Harmless things can be time consumers, so we must be mindful. Your time is valuable, and your investment of time will be an invaluable tool. Successful people have certain habits and disciplines. They don’t just wake up and hope to succeed, they have intentional practices. Success is going to cost you the investment of time. Time to study and learn, time to connect with mentors and people who can pour into you.

Everyone won’t understand why you do what you do. They may mistake your drive for being overly ambitious. They don’t know what God has purposed in your heart, so it is easier to sit on the sideline and be a commentator.

Success takes work. We live in a time when“work” seems to be a bad word. But the truth of the matter is, work is necessary.

Faith without works is dead. You will have to put forth some effort. When you see a person whom you respect or admire, please know that they did not just blink and become the leader, entrepreneur, parent, athlete, mentor, or person they are.

Through intentional effort and work they have achieved their goals.

We live in a society of convenience. If we are honest, we have gotten spoiled. We have washing machines that will wash and dry our clothes in one swoop. There are refrigerators that can tell you what you are out of and order it for you. Groceries can be delivered to your front door. A robot can vacuum your floors. We don’t have to talk to people we can ask Alexa, sip coffee with Siri, or gab with Google. If you are in your home and decide you want something to eat and you don’t feel like going to get it, there are companiesthat will bring it to you. You can read a book, or have it read to you.

I appreciate these modern conveniences, but we can’t apply this “have it my way, right away” mentality to everything in our lives. Our faith walk is not about what’s convenient. God shouldn’t have to take a number to get an appointment with us. He should not have to check with our secretaries to pencil Him in. Some things just don’t go out of style, and work is one of them.

In addition to work we need to focus. In a time when people don’t stay committed to anything for long periods of time, know that focus takes intentional effort. Not being distracted by every hot or new thing takes discipline. It can be tempting to temporarily shelve your assignment or task in pursuit of a hypothetical endeavor. Stay the course. Stay in your lane. Be true to your assignment. Engage in the work of focusing in.

Focusing is an art. It’s so easy to see someone operating in their assignment, making it look easy and then think to yourself, “I could do that.” Sure, you could do it, but again are you called to it? Here the discipline and art of focus must kick in. You can’t be lured from your assignment by the enticement of others. To take it a little further, you should not be taken off-track by the suggestion of others.

Sometimes people have good intentions and say things like, “You should…” or “I could see you….” Whether their intentions are good or not, the impact could be problematic. Remember people don’t always recognize or know your assignment. Recognize your assignment and focus in. Don’t be moved!

Success may cost you your comfort zone or your status quo living.

Success will push you. As you forge ahead into greatness, you won’t be content with what everyone else is doing. Success will open your eyes to possibilities you never knew existed.

Have you ever asked God, after He called you to a particular task, “Who, me?” Yes, He is talking to you! He knows everything about you, including those things that you may not see in yourself. He sees the treasure in the earthen vessel that is you. Success may have you walking through doors that you didn’t even know existed.

As you continue to go further and further, you won’t necessarily have all the answers, which leads me to my next suggestion on success.

Success is trusting God. I firmly believe that you cannot be obedient to God and fail. Trust God. Trust His promise. Success is doing God’s will, God’s way.

Many people want a general form of a success but are uncertain how to arrive at it. As we grow, we get a glimpse of the promises of God and then we try to go it our way. You can’t achieve a God-size assignment without God. You can’tdesire His will but employyour own practices. Wanting God’s will, but trying to do it your way, is like using foreign currency. You must have your frame of mind converted so that success becomes your lot.

In summary, count the cost. Going to the next level comes at a cost.

HOLDING ON TO

HOPE

By Pastor Dwight Shawrod Riddick, II

Through It All…. We hold on to hope.

Desmond Tutu once said, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” I think we can all agree that the last year or so has presented some forms of darkness. I must admit that Sunday, March 15th, 2020 was not the brightest of days. Though I knew we were not gathering as a congregation as a result of the unprecedented scenario that disallowed large group gatherings, I sat in the empty sanctuary attempting to hear God and then be able to convey a message to our congregation. I have always loved gathering with the church family in the House of God, and the thought of that soul stirring fellowship ceasing brought about a myriad of difficult thoughts. A year later, I can say that God is and has been faithful. Not only has life transforming ministry continued, but our congregation and community have stepped up in tremendous ways. Ministries challenges gave birth to creative and St Mark family rallied together to check-in on those in need. Impactful ministry to our congregation and in our community never stopped and for that, I am grateful.

God in His infinite wisdom led us to acquire new media equipment prior to the onset of the pandemic. We were ready to move as needed even though we did not know what God was getting ready for. He supplied both equipment to stream and anointed and equipped personnel willing to sacrifice time to keep it all working.

Preaching to the souls but only seeing cameras has been different, but I am thankful for the testimonies received and how God has expanded our reach to further share the Gospel.

Our most recent sermon

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series, “Being a Goal Getter”, prayerfully has reminded each of us that there is still much that God has set before us and called us to do. May each of you acknowledge the winner in you and go after every God-given goal in your heart. I am also excited about our new sermon series, “Holding On to Hope”. It is no secret that the pandemic has left every sphere of our lives forever changed. From the economy, to the educational system, to the Christian community, how we fulfill our mandates has changed. The message of Jesus Christ, and my desire to help others see Jesus, has not changed, but our methods have had to stretch to be relevant. My prayer is that as we are discovering new norms for our lives moving forward, that we will hold on to our hope in Christ. For every uncertain moment that you may have, please insert your faith and hope in a God who can do the impossible.

I thank God for all that He has done, and for all that is still on the way!I am thankful for the faith filled team of leaders, worshippers and community agencies that have synergized to impact the Kingdom and support our community. Remember that God has caused us to overcome last year and since you made it to 2021 we declare that you have WON! Now know that God has affirmed that you are to keep winning in every area of your life.

May each of you acknowledge the winner in you and go after every God-given goal in your heart.