Issuu

Greater Saint John Cathedral 11425 Old Marlboro Pike Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

301.574.5100

www.saintjohn.net

Bishop Kevin V. Gresham Sr., Senior Pastor

The Jabez Report reserves the right to edit, change or exclude any article or portion thereof that is deemed inappropriate, contrary to the mission of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ, and encouraging or winning souls to the ministry.

Mention of any product or service within this report should not be construed as an endorsement or acknowledgement of the product or the quality of service. Any photos submitted to or taken by The Jabez Staff constitutes an implied authorization for usage in the printed or electronic publication.

Magazine Ministry

Executive Editor

Bishop Kevin V. Gresham Sr.

Editor

Sylvia Tyson

Editorial Board

Bishop Kevin V. Gresham Sr.

Sylvia Tyson

Janice Shields

Pastor Christina Williams

Brother Tony P. D. Williams

Photographs

Photography Ministry

Design/Layout/WEB Designers

Deaconess Wynnice Pointer-Napper

Minister Melissa Monroe

To all readers and advertisement contributors of this newsletter: If you wish to use any portion(s) of this newsletter, articles or photos, you MUST obtain written permission from the managing editor of this newsletter.

All ad contributors, if your ad was redesigned specifically for “The Jabez Report”, you must obtain written permission from the managing editor and designer before using the redesigned ad for your business. The managing editor, writers, contributors and designer of this newsletter, as well as the Greater Saint John Cathedral IS NOT responsible for any information that is given out to the public, especially copy-righted material. Thank you for your cooperation.

Articles for inclusion in the Summer Edition 2026 issue are due by May 31, 2026 . If you have an article to contribute; business advertisement; testimony or have reached a milestone in your life; i.e., retirement; birth of a child; graduations or other accomplishments, please forward this information to: thejabez_report@saintjohn.net

A Message from our Bishop

Bishop Kevin V. Gresham Sr.

Why Christians should l ook ForWard to spring

Spring is not just a change in weather—it is a sermon God preaches every year. If you are paying attention, you will be blessed.

1. It reminds us of resurrection power.

Spring reflects the reality of new life rising from what appeared dead. Scripture declares, “Blessed be the God… who… has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:3, NKJV) Just as the earth comes alive again, as believers we are reminded that through Christ, death never has the final word.

2. It reveals God’s unchanging faithfulness.

The consistency of the seasons testifies to God’s reliability. “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer… shall not cease” (Genesis 8:22, NKJV). If God sustains the rhythm of creation, He will surely sustain His promises to His people.

3. It proclaims the beauty of new beginnings.

Spring declares that God specializes in renewal. “Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth” (Isaiah 43:19, NKJV) No matter the hardship of past seasons, God offers fresh starts, restored hope, and renewed purpose.

4. It teaches the principle of spiritual growth.

Growth requires time, patience, and trust. “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9, NKJV) . Spring reminds believers that planting our hope in faith will eventually produce a harvest.

Spring is visible hope. It reassures Christians that God is always at work—bringing life, renewal, and fulfillment in His perfect season.

Four Ways to WelCome spring

By Sister Sylvia B. Tyson

While I always anticipate the arrival of the warm days of summer and the crisp air of autumn, spring is admittedly a season I am ecstatic about. After going through this past winter’s brutality, spring is a welcomed sight.

In my ongoing quest to stay present and live in the moment, this year welcome spring with open arms, just as I would any other season, except winter of course. Time goes by all too quickly, and I want to enjoy the seasons and everything that comes with each one

Four Ways to Welcome Spring’s Arrival

• Create a spring sounds playlist. While I do not listen to music while I work or read, I do not like sitting in silence either. A playlist made of the sounds of birds chirping and light rain falling is just what I need in the background to brighten my day.

• Plant wildflowers. You can never have enough flowers, especially during spring. I will scatter wildflower seeds in my backyard planters to keep my vases full this season.

• Spring is a wonderful time to go through your home and gather all items you no longer need. Donate those gently used items to charities, have a yard sale, participate in a community yard sale or flea market.

• Enjoy the beautiful weather with family and friends, engage in a variety of outdoor activities, and meet new people, but most importantly, enjoy the blessings of God despite the world’s turmoil. Always remember, He is our footprints in the sand. He will carry us until we can carry ourselves. He is our all and all – Halleluiah to His name.

BUT GOD

By Sister Janice Shields

Iam a witness, recipient, and believer in the powerful, life-changing, and transformative impact of the phrase “But God.”

In our everyday lives, we use the word “but” as an adverb, a preposition, and primarily as a conjunction. However, in the Bible, “BUT” serves as a powerful pivot word that introduces contrast, divine intervention, and hope. It often shifts the focus from human failure, misdirection, mistakes, or dire circumstances to God’s redemptive action, mercy, and grace

At this seasoned stage of my life, I cannot imagine where I would be without the countless “But God” moments that have shaped, reshaped, directed, redirected, and prevented unimaginable things, people, and situations from affecting my journey.

“But God” signifies hope where there seems to be little to none. It represents a turning point that reveals God’s power to make the impossible possible—transforming negatives into positives, highlighting our human weaknesses versus God’s strength, and illustrating our limitations versus God’s unlimitedness.

Where would we be in this complex and layered world without GOD?

Where would we be in this complex and layered world without the phrase “But God”?

Stand Firm: Becoming the Man God Is Shaping

By Brother Dishon W. Gresham

1 Corinthians 16:13–14 “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”

Being a man of faith is not about having all the answers or never struggling. It is about showing up, especially when it is hard. God does not call men to perfection; He calls us to faithfulness. Faithfulness in our homes, work, walk with Him, even when no one is watching.

The world often defines strength as dominance, success, or emotional silence. However, Scripture paints a different picture. Biblical strength is rooted in humility, courage, and obedience. Jesus, who is the strongest man to ever walk the earth, served others, spoke truth with love, and surrendered fully to the His Father’s will.

Every man carries weight: responsibilities, expectations, past failures, and unseen battles. Some days you feel confident; other days you feel worn down. However, God meets you in both places. He doesn’t wait for you to get it together. He steps into your mess and says, “My grace is sufficient for you.”

Standing firm means choosing integrity when compromise is easier. It means praying when you would rather distract yourself. It means leading, even imperfectly because passivity costs more than effort ever will. God can work powerfully through a man who is willing to trust Him one step at a time .

Today, remember this: you are not defined by your worst moment or your greatest achievement. You are defined by whose you are. God is shaping you into a man who loves deeply, leads boldly, and walks faithfully. One decision, one prayer, one act of obedience at a time.

God Is Well Able

By Minister Deborah Williams

Genesis 18:14 — Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

As we reflect on the nature of God’s ability, we see His infinite power displayed throughout scripture. People often say that humans cannot fully understand God’s abilities. We gather to marvel at the stories of the Bible, where His power turns the ordinary into extraordinary.

We must remind ourselves that when we face challenges, God is unlimited by our circumstances; instead, He invites us to trust in Him for His power is beyond what we can envision. We can find solace in knowing that God can manage any situation we encounter. His ability is unrestrained. Together, let us anticipate His marvelous works that He can perform in our lives. God’s promises are not mere words; they are rooted in His ability to deliver and sustain us.

The song says God is Able to Do just what He said He will do, He’s gonna fulfill every promise to you, Don’t give up on God because he won’t give up on you - HE’S ABLE. As we read our favorite scriptures, we encounter His unwavering commitment to us. We can take heart in knowing that even in our moments of doubt, God’s assurances provide us with hope and encouragement. When we cling to His promises, we experience a closeness to Him that bolsters our faith and opens our eyes to His mighty work in our lives.

In this verse, we look at the theological significance of His divine omnipotence. The rhetorical question “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” serves as a reminder of God’s limitless power. It challenges human doubt and reassures believers that no situation is beyond God’s ability to change or resolve. God’s capabilities surpass human understanding and limitations. The verse invites us to reflect on our faith in God’s promises. It highlights the importance of trusting in God’s plan, even when circumstances seem impossible. The interaction between God and Sarah illustrates that doubt is common human experience, yet God’s faithfulness remains unwavering.

The promise that God will return “at the appointed time” emphasizes His perfect timing in fulfilling His promises. This aspect encourages us to remain patient and faithful, trusting that God will act according to His divine schedule. Again, this verse is a powerful reminder of God’s omnipotence and the importance of faith, inviting us to trust in His promises and timing, even in the face of doubt or disbelief.

Job 42:2 says, “I know that You can do all things; no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.”

Luke 1:37 says, “For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Romans 4:21 says, “Being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”

Isaiah 43:2 says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.”

continue on page 7

Is He Able to heal; yes, He is. Matthew 9:35 says, “Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.”

Psalms 103:2-3 says, Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases.

Is He Able to save; yes, He is. Romans 1:16 says, For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

Is He Able to comfort; yes, He is. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

Is He Able to guide? Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: In all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your paths.”

No matter what you go through, GOD IS WELL ABLE!

A Shared Shield

By Pastor Christina Williams

Genesis 2:15-17 — “Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat,’ for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

Afew months ago, I was driving in my car listening to The Willie Moore Jr. Show. It was on a Wednesday afternoon during the segment of the show called “Relationship Wednesday”. For those unfamiliar, Relationship Wednesdays are conversations about relationships - especially marriages.

During the show, there was discussion on the importance of communication in marriage. Willie Moore Jr.’s cohost, Dwight Stone, said something that made me think. He said: “You must share with your spouse what God has told you because you do not know which one of you will be tested. How would you feel if you could have prepared your spouse for a test—but they failed because you decided not to share what God told you?”

Those words stayed with me. As I reflected on them, the Lord took me to the Garden of Eden.

In Genesis 2:15–17, God placed Adam in the garden and gave him a clear command. God told Adam: “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”

God clearly communicated His expectations to Adam. The boundary God set was loving and protective, meant to preserve the life that Adam and Eve were about to build together . One important detail we cannot overlook: God had not created Eve.

When God created Eve, she never heard directly from God the command, instructions, or boundary that God had drawn. That meant the responsibility for relaying the word shifted to Adam. Adam must share the word with his wife.

We all know how the story unfolds and my focus is not on their disobedience. Instead, my focus is on the expectation that God places on us to share what he tells us with our spouses

In Genesis 2, Adam receives the command and then God created Eve shortly thereafter. By Genesis 3, the serpent was questioning Eve. It happened just that quickly. Adam had the revelation, but Eve received the first test from the enemy.

That is how tests usually come. They rarely announce themselves, and they do not always confront the person who heard the word first. If Adam failed to communicate the boundary, and the reason behind it, Eve would be unprepared, vulnerable, and exposed.

This same dynamic shows up in marriages today.

We tend to treat our spiritual lives like private journals . We think, “This is just between me and God,” or “I do not want to sound preachy, nagging or controlling.” However, the Garden teaches us something vital; it teaches us that God often gives a word to one spouse so it can become protection or a shield for the other.

When you share what God is showing you in prayer or in Scripture, you are not being overly spiritual, you are being faithful. You are being a watchman, a helpmate. a protector, and a shield.

If Adam had treated God’s command as a private revelation, their marriage would have had a dangerous

continue on page 9

blind spot. When we keep God’s word to ourselves, our marriages can develop the same vulnerability.

You see blind spots form when God’s insight that is meant for is sharing is not. Sharing what God is teaching you does not control your spouse, it covers them. It turns individual discernment into a shared defense and transforms marriage into a united front.

Sometimes we do not share because we assume what God is stirring in our spirits would not matter to our spouse . Consider this, your spouse might be the one facing the serpent today. The insight God gave you this morning could be the very protection they need this afternoon.

God often speaks a warning, promise, or encouragement to one spouse to prepare the couple for a test that could hit either one. Sharing what God tells you is not small talk; it is spiritual preparation.

When a couple shares revelations, they develop a common language, one the enemy cannot easily confuse or dismantle . 1 Peter 5:8 calls this being “sober and alert”.

When we withhold what God is telling us, we leave gaps in the armor of our marriage. Individually and as a couple, we must put on the whole amor of God to be able to stand against the whiles of the devil. When we share, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder wearing secured armor prepared for battle. So, no matter who the enemy tries to engage, both hearts must be in the same truth .

Marriage makes us “one flesh.” We share more than a home; we share a spiritual connection with God at the center.

So, when God’s spirit connects and speaks to one spouse, that spouse carries the responsibility to share what God said. Remember, God gave Adam the revelation and it was his responsibility to share it with Eve.

• If God tells you to guard your heart against bitterness, it may not only be for you.

• If God gave you a word about patience, your spouse might need this reminder before a stressful meeting.

• If God nudges you about your finances, it might be the protection your spouse needs against impulsive purchases

• If God whispers words of encouragement, it might be the strength your spouse needs to survive a grueling day.

So, when God gives you a word, a warning, or even a gentle whisper of encouragement, share it. Pass it across the dinner table Share it during date night Share it whenever the opportunity presents itself. Sharing is not just idle conversation; it is fortifying your home and spirit.

I encourage you to make it a goal to share with your spouse one thing God has shared with you each day, no matter how small it feels. Then watch how God uses that shared word to help you navigate your next test.

So do not hoard the word, share the word.

You may not know which of you will be tested, but you can rest assured that you will both be ready, protected, and standing behind a shared shield

God bless you!

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the way You speak to us individually and as a couple. Forgive us for the times we have kept Your whispers to ourselves. We want our home to be a place where truth and protection is mutual. Give us the courage to share what You are teaching us—not to control one another, but to cover one another. Amen

THE TESTIMONY OF A CAREGIVER Life As A Caregiver/Provider

By Brother Malcolm H. Submitted By Minister Karla Austin

One of Minister Austin’s patients requested that she submit this testimony on his behalf.

Being a 38-year-old single father of three is already a life defined by responsibility, sacrifice, and constant motion. Add to that the weight of end-stage kidney disease which requires dialysis, and primary caregiver to my mother who is battling cancer; life becomes something far deeper than busy—it becomes a daily test of endurance, love, and quiet resilience.

Each day begins before the sun rises, not out of preference but necessity. There is a rhythm to survival: medications to take, symptoms to assess, and energy to measure before even getting out of bed. Dialysis days shape everything. Time is no longer flexible. Treatment schedules must be adhered to. Sitting through hours of dialysis is physically draining, often leaving my body exhausted, sometimes nauseous, and always aware of its own fragility. However, there is no luxury of rest afterwards, not really. Waiting at home are three loving, beautiful and smart children who I must prepare meals for, nurture, help with schoolwork, guide, discipline, and most importantly loved.

Fatherhood in this situation carries unique emotional weight There is a constant internal battle between wanting to be fully present and feeling physically limited. Simple things—playing outside, helping them with homework late at night, attending school events—can require more energy than my body can always give. Yet, the motivation to show up never fades. My children become both my responsibility and purpose. Their laughter can momentarily drown out fear, and their needs provide a reason to keep pushing through fatigue and pain.

At the same time, there is another layer of caregiving— tending to a mother fighting cancer. This role reverses what it once was. The person who provided me comfort and stability now needs my help. Managing appointments, medications, emotional support, and the unpredictability of cancer treatments add constant mental strain. There

are moments of helplessness, watching someone you love endure pain you cannot take away. Yet, there is also a deep sense of duty and love that makes it impossible to step back

Emotionally, the weight feels extremely overwhelming. Especially when you have no one to make sure that you are ok or if you need any help. Then there is the fear of my health declining further, thus me not being there for my children, and the fear of losing a parent. At times I feel guilty for not being able to do more, be more, or give more. However, intertwined with that is a quiet strength. A kind of resilience that is not loud or visible, but steady and persistent. It shows up in getting out of bed on the hardest days, making sure that my children’s needs are met, sitting beside my mother during her weakest moments, while trying to be her strongest asset.

There are very few breaks. Life becomes a cycle of giving energy, time, care, and love—often without enough time to recover. Within this cycle, there are small, meaningful moments that make it worthwhile: my children’s hugs, a shared laugh with my mother, a moment of peace after a long day, or simply knowing that despite everything, my family is still together.

Living this life requires an everlasting faithfulness in God and redefining strength. It is no longer about physical capability or independence, but about trusting God’s will and resilience. It is about continuing forward even when my body is tired and mind is heavy. It is about choosing to care, show up, and to love deeply, even in the face of illness and uncertainty.

In the end, my life is a life shaped by hardship, but also by purpose. It is not easy, and it is not fair. It is real, and within it exists a powerful testament to what it means to endure, love, and to keep going no matter how heavy the load becomes. Without God, not one moment of it could be possible

Let Us Pray!

A Prayer for Unity

By Deacon Eric Glaze

God, we pray for unity in our church our spiritual family, children, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Lord, please bless parents to be living examples for our children in actions, thoughts, words, and deeds. Bless our children to clearly receive the love we attempt to display as parents, sometimes wrapped in discipline or strict rules, to direct their steps in a way that reflects the guidance and direction that Your Word does for us. Help both parents and children to get and remain in a right relationship with You so that the Holy Spirit speaks clearly to us as we grow united as a family.

LORD, please give grandparents, aunts and uncles the tools needed to be supportive to the grandchildren, nieces, and nephews to help them grow in the knowledge of truth of your Word, in a way that echoes what the parents are trying to instill in their children. Also, please correct our actions, thoughts, or words we as parents may not have articulated or demonstrated correctly in a way our children understand so that they may take the path You would like them to take to get where You have predestined for them.

Finally, allow our parents, who raised us, to live out our lives in the way they taught us. Now, they will not receive the advice they gave us while we were growing up. Our parents, now seasoned, are set in their ways and do not have an ear to hear the very words they instilled in us. Lord, we ask that You allow our families and friends to unite in actions, thoughts, and deeds to be one united front.

Lord, each day, guide GREATER to remain humble and work outside of the church walls to spread Your Word and be servants to those in need. We must let them know that You direct our paths and control our future. They must first connect with You and unite with other believers for their good and Your Glory.

Father, for those new in the ministry, please give them an ear to hear and a heart to follow, not only Your Word, but the leaders You have in place, to help take us to higher ground. Please bless the seasoned saints who have been in the ministry, and their leaders to hear from new disciples who felt led to this house of worship, and each ministry they serve. May a new direction allow freedom of thought amongst them, thus resulting in collaboration. This will happen when spiritually led groups of believers are on one accord and constantly seek Your guidance, adhering to Your Word and reaching heights unseen by generations that came before us.

LORD we are asking for unity in our families at home, church, and in our community. We must be a united front that is impenetrable by the enemy who would like to distract us. We ask that You allow us to keep our head to the hills from which cometh our help. Let our light not dim when the enemy comes to attack. Illuminate our path so others can clearly follow as we continue to grow not just in numbers but in strength, knowledge of Your Word. You lead and guide us to share what thus sayeth Your Word as it pertains to whatever situation we face.

Lord, spiritually connect family (both blood and church families), friends and coworkers who help build and sustain our Christian values and principles .

Let our abilities and creativity lead to us having a home, a church, and work environment that is God-centered and focused on doing Your will. A healthy and safe environment to live and work spiritually free from ridicule does something good for the soul of the believer. It also shines light for nonbelievers.

Let us be that light wherever we show up. May our brightest of lights illuminate just how good God is. May our worldly thoughts, words and actions decrease, and You increase in our spiritual actions, thoughts, words, and deeds each day. As we become more like Your Son Jesus, and move as a unit, showing unity in and outside of the church’s walls, take us to Higher Ground!

In the marvelous, mighty, matchless, and magnificent name of Your Son Jesus Christ, Amen.

Prayer for the Gresham Family, GSJC Leaders and Disciples

By Deacon Russell Taylor Senior’s Hour of Power

Lord God, we exalt You and lift Your name on high. Your Word says that if “I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto Me.” Lord, You are our Savior, deliverer, provider, healer, and keeper.

We pray that You will forgive us for all unrighteousness and that You may not disregard our prayers. Lord, strengthen us in our weakness so that we may not sin against You.

We pray that You will bless Bishop Kevin V. Gresham, Sr., 1st Lady Denise Gresham; Senior Pastor-elect Kevin V. Gresham II, and the entire Gresham family. Bless them indeed and enlarge their territory that Your hand will be with them and keep them from evil so they may not cause pain.

Lord, please anoint them afresh so that they may guide your people and speak life into dead situations. Help them to walk in the divine destiny that You have set before them.

We pray that You bless the Greater Saint John Cathedral leaders and Disciples, and that Your Spirit will order our steps in Your Word. Let us not be hearers only of Your Word but let us be doers of Your Word.

For thine is the Kingdom, and the Power and the Glory forever and ever.

In the name of our Saviour Jesus the Christ we pray and say Amen.

A Jabez Prayer

By Deaconess Coann Glaze

Father and our God, we humbly come before You in total praise. We thank You for being everything to us. We thank You for the continual blessings over our lives, our health and strength in mind, body, and soul. Lord, You are our provider and protector. You are the Great I am. We thank you in advance for our healing, for things seen and unseen. You know what we stand in need of before we know to ask.

You are the author of our lives and as we continue to walk this journey, we pray to You for our continued covering for our families. Lord, God, we need You more than ever to cover the generations, those that have come before us, and the generations to come .

We ask that You give us wisdom and faith of a mustard seed to stand strong in all our ways and never waiver. As we enter a new season, I ask that You strengthen families who are dealing with loss. Lord, we ask that You focus our attention on the memories of our loved ones and allow us to reflect on the impact they have had on our lives. Our hearts are hurting and we cry out to You seeking refuge. Please continue to comfort and give us strength. Heal our broken hearts and soothe our souls, as we know they are absent from this world, but present with You.

We pray for the souls of our dear departed and are thankful for the time we spent with them. We find comfort in Your promises and as we deal with the days of grief, we ask that you fill our hearts with hope in our brokenness. God, we know that we cannot do this without You nor would we want to. We cry out to You oh Lord! We thank You; we honor You and we give You all the praise.

In the name of Jesus, we pray and say Amen.

Prayers for the Family

By Minister Minnie Rascoe Senior’s Hour of Power

Dear Heavenly Father, we come to You praying for family. Not just the family of Greater Saint John Cathedral, but families all over the world. We pray for the biological families and those connected in other ways. We pray that husbands and wives will become one. We pray that they respect their parents and teach their children to respect them. We pray that husbands and wives will remember the covenant they made with each other and with You God. We pray that the family members love each other as You love them, because love covers a multiplicity of sin.

We pray that the family practice Psalm 1 – they will not seek ungodly counseling, they will not stand with sinners, they will not sit with the scornful, their delight will be in Your law, they will meditate day and night, they will become like a tree planted by the rivers of waters, who brings forth it’s fruit in its season, and what they touch shall prosper. Dear God, help the families to remember that they are wonderfully and beautifully made. They are not a mistake. Heavenly Father, I pray that the words of their mouth and the meditation of their hearts be acceptable in Your sight Oh Lord. You are their strength and redeemer

Dear Heavenly God, remind them that with You all things are possible. Father God, fill the head of the household with wisdom, discernment, and revelation. Have the families put You first in all they do - decisions that must be made concerning themselves and their families. Father God, have them not to lean to on their own understanding, but in all their ways, acknowledge You, knowing that You will direct their path. Create in their family, a clean heart, and not sin against You Heavenly Father. When they are weak, show them how to work on that string and pull them up when they get into the dark places of their mind.

Father God, we declare and decree right now that no weapon formed against our families shall prosper because Greater is He who is in us and the family than he who is in the world. Bless the families, dear God, give them the peace that surpasses all understanding that can only come from You.

Heavenly Father, have families stay strong, which will help the Church stay strong, and the community will benefit from the strength of the families and the church. Dear God, Yahweh, Jehovah, and Elohim, we ask these things in the name of Jesus the Christ.

In the marvelous, mighty, matchless, and magnificent name of Your Son Jesus Christ, Amen.

A Prayer—What is Marriage

By Theresa Fairweather Senior’s Hour of Power

Genesis 2:18: And the LORD God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”

Matthew 19:4-5: “4And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female,’ 5and said, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”

Ephesians 5:22-29: “Paul states that the love between husband and wife is symbolic of Christ’s love for the church.” God instituted the marriage between Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

Father, marriage is valuable to You and to the building of Your Kingdom. Since the beginning, God established marriage as a system and institution of love, submission, and obedience to Your Word. We thank You for marriages that are so important to the next generation. We thank You for those who have stood up for marriages in our dispensation.

We pray for the negative happenings of today that may affect marriages. We pray that unity between husband and wife will continue and they recognize that matrimony is holy unto You. We pray that You strengthen marriages in our world today and heal spouses in their weak areas.

We pray for military spouses separated for commitments; that You will protect them from harm and danger and bring them back home safely to love and worship You. We pray for the peace of God to be on marriages because of Your foundational statement in Genesis 2:18 .

We pray for Your grace and mercy upon spouses because Your grace and mercy endure forever.

We pray that the joy from You will be for the good of spouses.

Father, we pray for others who may have become widows and widowers and finished their tour of duty in marriage that You will continue to have compassion, care, love, prosperity, and success on their behalf. When tearful moments arise, we pray that they are still in Your presence and that You care for them.

In the marvelous, mighty, matchless, and magnificent name of Your Son Jesus Christ, Amen.

Prayers for First Responders

By Deaconess Brenda Taylor Senior’s Hour of Power

Father, we come into Your presence with thanksgiving in our hearts. We thank You Lord for Your loving kindness and great grace. We love You and thank You for keeping us from day-to-day. Also, thank You for keeping us safe throughout the snow and icy weather this winter.

Today, Lord, I am praying for our First Responders. We lift our Firefighters who often run into burning buildings to rescue people, the Emergency Medical Technicians who help in all types of situations, and the Police Officers who risk their lives daily for others. These are some of the first responders who work on our behalf daily. I pray for all of them. I pray for their safety, protection, mental health, faith and their families. I pray that they will not grow weary, and that they remember they are God’s workmanship created for good works in Jesus Name. I pray we all keep our first responders lifted in prayer.

I pray blessings for the Greater Nation. As seniors, thank You for keeping us and giving us longevity. Help us to continue to represent You in this season of our lives that You will receive all the glory and honor that You so richly deserve.

In the name of Jesus, we pray and say Amen.

Let's Eat NO-BAKE EASTER CHEESECAKE

This no-bake Easter cheesecake is the perfect dessert for adding little springtime magic to your celebration. Imagine a buttery coconut-graham cracker crust, a creamy filling speckled with crushed chocolate eggs, and the most adorable chocolate-coconut nests perched on top. It’s just as pretty as it is delicious. The best part? No oven required! That means you can save precious space for your glazed ham and Easter side dishes while this beauty chills out and sets up in the fridge. Even better, you can make this cheesecake a day or two in advance, leaving you with one less thing to worry about on the big day.

3. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Transfer the graham cracker mixture to the pan. Using a measuring cup, press the mixture into the bottom and about 1 1/2 inches up the sides of the pan. Freeze for 20 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

2 cups sweetened shredded coconut

12 sheets graham crackers

10 Tbsp. salted butter, melted

Nonstick cooking spray

For the Filling:

3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup unsweetened coconut cream, whisked

3/4 tsp. coconut extract

8 oz. (64 pieces) candy-coated chocolate eggs (such as Cadbury Mini Eggs), crushed (a heaping cup)

1 1/4 cups heavy cream

For the Nests:

1/2 cup milk chocolate chips (3 ounces)

3 oz. (24 pieces) candy-coated chocolate eggs (such as Cadbury Mini Eggs)

Directions

1. For the crust: In a large skillet, toast the coconut over mediumlow heat, stirring frequently, until golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl to cool, then place half in an airtight container and reserve for the topping.

2. In a food processor, process the graham crackers until finely ground, about 1 minute. Add the remaining 1 cup toasted coconut and pulse 8 to 10 times until coarsely ground. Transfer the mixture back to the large bowl and stir in the melted butter .

4. For the filling: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until softened and smooth, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the powdered sugar, coconut cream, and coconut extract. Beat until very smooth, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed, 2 to 3 minutes. Fold in the crushed candy eggs. Transfer to a large bowl.

5. Fit the stand mixer with the whisk attachment and add the heavy cream to the bowl (no need to wipe it out). Mix on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 4 minutes. Add one-third of the whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture and gently fold in with a rubber spatula until thoroughly combined. Add the remaining whipped cream and continue to gently fold until thoroughly combined.

6. Spoon the filling into the frozen crust. Gently spread it in an even layer; use the back of a spoon or offset spatula to smooth the top. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours and up to 2 days.

7 . For the nests: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper . Place the reserved 1 cup toasted coconut in a medium bowl

8. Microwave the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe measuring cup in 15-second intervals at 50% power, stirring between each, until melted, about 1 minute. Pour the melted chocolate over the coconut, folding until well combined. Drop 12 (1-tablespoon) mounds onto the prepared baking sheet. Use the back of a small round spoon (such as a ¼ teaspoon measure) to make an indentation in the center of each mound. Fill each nest with 2 candy eggs. Allow to set completely, about 1 hour.

9. Loosen the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer to a serving platter. Arrange the coconut nests on top of the cake in a ring around the edge .

Recipe by: The Pioneer Woman

April

3rd Seven Last Words

4th Family Fun Day

5th Resurrection Sunday Worship Service

25th Church-Wide Bowling

june May 10th Mothers’ Day

7th Bishop Gresham’s Pastoral Anniversary

14th Academic Sunday

21st Fathers’ Day

Think on This:

“You cannot change what you refuse to confront.”

Ephesians 4:22–24 – “Put off your old self... and be renewed in the spirit of your minds.”

“God’s call comes before your qualifications.”

2 Timothy 1:9 – “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.”

“No matter how many mistakes you make or how slow you progress, you are still way ahead of everyone who isn’t trying.” Philippians 3:13-14 – “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

“Making one person smile can change the world – maybe not the whole world, but their world.”

Proverbs 16:24 – “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

MOVING SOON?

Moving Made Easy. Let us do the heavy lifting for you!

Are you planning a move? Look no further than K O Logistics LLC! Whether it’s furniture, cars, or motorcycles, we’ve got you covered.

Comprehensive Moving Services: We handle everything from heavy furniture to your beloved vehicles.

Reliable and Professional: Our experienced team ensures your belongings are transported safely and efficiently.

Customer Satisfaction: Your peace of mind is our priority. We treat your items with the utmost care.

K O Logistics LLC

Services We Offer:

Furniture Moving: From single items to entire households, we make it easy and stress-free.

Vehicle Transportation: Safely transport your car or motorcycle to your new location.

The Greater Christian Community Daycare is now enrolling for our 2025 - 2026 School Year. Spaces are available in our 2, 3 and 4 year old classrooms. Tours are scheduled daily. Please call the Daycare on 301-574-0935 to schedule a tour or check us out at gccdc@saintjohn.net.

Hours of operation: Monday ~ Friday 6:00am to 6:00pm

BEFORE AND AFTER CARE PROVIDED

The A.C.T. Ministry (Attacking Cancer Together) is continuing to intercede on behalf of those suffering from cancer; cancer survivors; caregivers; family members of cancer patients and those who support them. If you would like to be included on the prayer list, please use the link shown to complete the form. Information is on our website at saintjohn.net. This prayer opportunity is open to everyone. Please ensure the office has contact information for anyone on the prayer list who wants to receive personal prayer and wellness checks.

Prayer, Praise and Study

On Tuesdays @ 7pm via YouTube.

Don’t forget to subscribe and Hit the Like Button .

We are excited to introduce the Care Connection Network, a new ministry dedicated to providing support for individuals facing mental health concerns. In today’s challenging times, it’s more important than ever to prioritize our mental well-being, and we are here to offer assistance and guidance. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, or any other mental health issue, the Care Connection Network is here to help. Our compassionate team is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where you can seek guidance, resources, and encouragement. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at careconnection@saintjohn.net or visit us at bit.ly/careconnectionnetwork.

Senior Connection

Calling All

Seniors (young at heart) are invited to join us on Thursdays at 12 noon for prayers, testimonies, and a sermonette.

The call-in number is 712-432-0190 access code 274522# .

Women’s Prayer Call

Join us for our

The D.I.V.I.N.E. Women’s Ministry wants to pray with you on their Thursday Prayer Call at 6 a .m . The call-in number is 712-432-0190 access code 274522# .

Join us on Fridays at 6am for the Men’s Prayer Call. Please use your phone to scan the QR code or click on the following link to join our Google Classroom to get Connected!

The Share Team is in need of many “Angels” to help our church’s disciples and community. The Share basic packages are $25 each month. Also, we gladly accept can or dry goods for the baskets as a welcome addition to the nutritious food that will go on the table for many families in our community! All orders are on a first come first served basis until we run out. You may purchase as many packages as you want! Place your order by email at: share@saintjohn.net. We thank you in advance!

Greater Saint John Cathedral Bishop Kevin V. Gresham Sr., Senior Pastor