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Church News
ECM Ministries Hosts 4th Annual Church in the Park, Bethel AME Breaks Ground on New Housing Development
After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Church at the Park returned bigger & better last month, attracting hundreds to a free concert at South Park hosted by Pastor Shep Crawford and Co-Pastor, Dr. Shalonda "Sunshine" Crawford of the Experience Christian Ministries (ECM) in partnership with AHF (AIDS Healthcare Foundation) and 9th District Councilman Curren Price Jr.
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Grammy award winning singer Faith Evans headlined the event along with Latin singer/actor Frankie J, singer/actor & WeTV personality James Wright Chanel and Bay Area rapper Kamaiyah. The festival style event also featured free food, entertainment, clothing, shoes, essentials, job resources, housing and utility resources, Games and prizes for the kids, a money machine, a dunking booth and more.
With a motto that reads, “Out of the box, but in the world”, Pastors Shep and Shalonda say their goal is to “turn the Holy Scriptures into
a modern day script through drama, music, dance, and most of all, current day language, so that the congregation may understand how each biblical story and lesson applies specifically to their lives.”
“The objective for Church at the park was to get people who don’t normally go to church to have them experience church in a unique setting,” said Pastor Shep. “This is our fourth year. We had just under 1,000 people and we were successful in that the event did exactly what we wanted it to do in bringing together the surrounding communities–particularly Black and Brown. We had the DJ mix soul music and Latin music to intentionally reflect the crowd.”
Crawford says that he church usually sees an increase in attendance after the event, but for the Crawfords, the goal is simply to reach beyond the four walls of the church in spreading the gospel.
L-R: AHF Rep Laura Morales, Shalonda Crawford, Frankie J., Shep Crawford and AHF Rep Brittany Swan
LOGOS Faith Development LLC celebrated the groundbreaking of a permanent supportive housing project at Bethel AME Church which would house 53 single units located on 79th Street and Western Avenue in South Los Angeles.
Those on hand to celebrate the groundbreaking included L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti, Congresswoman Karen Bass, Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson, funders, Bishop Clement W. Fugh, presiding prelate of the AME Church 5th Episcopal District and Presiding Elder Roosevelt Lindsey.
The project grew out of the response to L.A.’s homelessness crisis after being made aware, firsthand, of the number of persons who were homeless and the problems they faced.
“I believe that the public/private model that we have developed in addressing this crisis is one that can be replicated by and beneficial to other churches in addressing community needs as well as providing financial stability and resources for other church ministries,” Calloway said.
“I advise other churches and nonprofits to consider housing developments because homes are the answer to homelessness. Additionally, supportive services of life skills, career guidance, mental health and substance abuse counseling, and case management help persons to remain in permanent housing.”
Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson commended Bethel AME for stepping up while thanking the church for being an anchor in the community.
“It isn’t just a building, it isn’t just a church, or a place where people go,” said Harris-Dawson of Bethel AME. “It’s a place where every single time there’s a big fight, or a big struggle, or a big problem to be solved in the Community, Bethel is the first to raise their hand.”
Duel Celebration for Bishop Blake
It was a duel celebration last month at West Angeles Church of God In Christ for Bishop Charles Blake, who was not only being feted on the occasion of his 82nd birthday, but was formally receiving the medallion signifying his being named as one of eight inaugural nominees for the prestigious “Blessing of the Elders” tribute honoring–past and present–Black pastors who have impacted America with their significant ministries. Seven of the eight awardees–including Bishop T.D. Jakes, Dr. Tony Evans and Dr. A.R. Bernard–rank among America’s most well-known pastors. The remarkable history of the Black Church in America demonstrates a biblical faith under pressure that should inspire people of any generation,” remarked Dr. A.R. Bernard. “We are elated that the indelible mark of our community on the fabric of American society is finally being acknowledged.” An inaugural gala was held in June at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. but Blake was unable to attend, so with the help of Denzel Washington, Bishop Kenneth Ulmer, Museum of the Bible CEO Harry Hargrave (pictured above)and Pastor A.R. Bernard, a special presentation was made last month in Los Angeles in front of his own congregation.
Brooklyn-Based Mega Pastor A.R. Bernard to Build $1.2 Billion Urban Village
Rev. Dr. A.R. Bernard, founder/pastor of the 20,000-plus member strong Christian Cultural Center has announced plans to build a $1.2 billion urban communal living development to help revitalize the area surrounding his 11.5 acre campus.
“If I’ve got land, and it’s valuable, I’m going to leverage that land to partner in its future, not surrender it. … What can we do to better the quality of life?” Bernard told Christianity Today. In what he hopes can be a model to other cities and large congregations, Bernard’s urban development would include affordable housing, a supermarket, 24/7 childcare, senior living facilities, recreational and athletic facilities, and accessible open green spaces.
Bernard tentatively plans to break ground next year on the project which he hopes will stem the tide of gentrification and will create a real sense of community given that all the amenities would be in a 1,000-foot walking distance. The housing program focuses on intergenerational income-based affordable housing for income bands ranging from extremely low to moderate income, with approximately 2,050 income-based residences.
Plans also include a brand-new Performing Arts Center for theatre, dance, music, film, lectures and panel discussions reflecting the local community.
Our vision is to enliven the neighborhood’s streetscapes with necessary shops, dining options, and destinations that the community relies on and small-format, walkable, and easily accessible retail.
“When you have lights, activity, shopkeepers, people, you have eyes on the street,” Bernard added. “So, there’s less of a need for strong policing, because you have so many eyes, and so many stakeholders. That’s what community is about.
In addition to permanent job creation, the vision calls for enhanced economic opportunity through education. The Urban Village will offer primary and secondary education, vocational training and career counseling.
Welcome To L.A. Rev. Dr. Charley Hames, the newly appointed presiding prelate of the CME (Christian Methodist Episcopal) Ninth District, was officially welcomed to Los Angeles with his wife, Lady Michelle J. Gaskill-Hames, during a reception at Philips Temple CME last month. The couple, formerly of Oakland–where Hames pastored Beebe Memorial Cathedral, will be making their home in Los Angeles. Lady Michelle serves as Senior Vice President for Hospital and Health Plan Operations with Kaiser Permanente. They are the proud parents of three children.. Agape Church of Los Angeles Worship Center: Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center 4305 Degnan Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008 Corprate Office: 4602 Crenshaw Blvd, Suite 2A, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 295-5571 www.agapela.org Bishop Craig A. Worsham, Founder & Senior Pastor
Sunday School: 10:00am Morning Worship: 11:00am Loving, Lifting & Liberating Humanity Through The Word
Bethesda Temple Apostolic Faith 4909 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 299-2591 • thevoice4904@att.net
Pastor Kyron S. Shorter Sunday Morning Prayer: 9:00am Sunday School: 9:30am Morning Worship: 11:00am Children’s Church: 11:00am Sunday Evening Service: 6:00pm
Brookins-Kirkland Community AME Church 3719 West Slauson Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 296-5610 • www.bkcamechurchla.org Rev. Mary S. Minor, DMin,Pastor Worship virtually: Facebook Live at Brookins-KirklandCommunity AME Church For prayer: Call or email to be added to the prayer list Bible Study Thursdays: 6pm Via Zoom call or email office:bkcamechurchla@gmail.com
God’s Faithful Disciple of Jesus Christ/ Prayer Clinic & Deliverance Ministry P.O. Box 561368, Los Angeles, CA 90056 (323) 293-7566 • www.gfdjc.org •gfdjc@att.net Dr.Ruby I. Cottle, Ph.D., Pastor/Teacher
Bryant Temple AME Church 2525 W. Vernon Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90008 (323) 293-6201 • F: (323) 293-0082 Pastor Dwaine Jackson
Sunday School: 8:15am Morning Worship: 9:15 am Bible Study (Tues): Noon Pastor’s Bible Study( Tues): 6:00pm
Calvary Baptist Church 4911 W. 59th Street,Los Angeles, CA,90056 (323)298-1605•F: (310) 568-8430 • calvarybaptistla.org Rev. Dr. Virgil V. Jones Sunday Prayer: 8:30am Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Worship: 11:00am Wednesday Bible Study: 12:00pm & 7:00pm
We are the Church on the Hill where the Light Shines Bright!
Crenshaw Christian Center 7901 South Vermont, Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 758-3777 • F: (323)565-4231 • www.faithdome.org Pastor Frederick K. Price, Jr.
Sunday Service: 9:45am Bible Study (Tue): 11:00am & 7:30pm Tue. Night Children’s Ministry: 7:30pm Tue. Night Bible Study (Teens): 7:30pm Alcohol & Drug Abuse Program (Wed): 7:30pm
Congregational Church of Christian Fellowship 2085 S. Hobart Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 Phone: (323) 731-8869 • F: (323) 731-0851 www.christianfellowshipla.org Pastor James K. McKnight Sunday LiveStream: 10:00am (facebook.com/christianfellowshipla) Sunday Conference Call: 10:00am (310-372-7549 / code: 342408) Tue/Thurs Morning Word & Prayer: 7:00am Wed. Bible Study w/ Elder Stephen Brown (701-802-5001 / code: 825252#
Services every Friday: 7:00pm We meeet at: St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church 3901 W. Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, Ca 90018 Watch Dr. Cottle on HBN TV Wed’s 7:30am Channel 886 Dish,Smart TV Local Channel 35.2 Listen to Dr. Cottle Sundays on KJLH at 5:00am
Rev. Dr. J. Arthur Rumph, Pastor
Reappointed to Grant AME Church Los Angeles Rev. Dr. James A. Rumph Sunday School: 8am Worship: 9:30am Wed. Bible Study: 11:30am •6pm
Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church 5300 S. Denker Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90062 (323) 759-4996
Rev. DeNon Porter Early Worship: 8am Sunday School: 9:30am Mid-Morning Worship: 11am Radio-KALI 900AM: Sun. 11-Noon, 7-8pm KTYM 1460AM Sundays: 5:30pm Bible Study (Tues, Wed & Thurs): 7pm
Holman United Methodist Church 3320 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 703-5868 • www.holmanumc.com Email: holman@holmanumc.com Rev. Dr. Ken Walden, Senior Pastor Sunday Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Sunday Radio: KJLH 102.3FM at 11am Sunday School: 9:30am (Children/Youth) & 9:45am (Adults) Bible Study: Every Thursday @ Noon We Gather,Grow,Go and Live the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Mount Moriah Baptist Church of Los Angeles, Inc. 4269 South Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90037 (323) 846-1950 •Fax: (323) 846-1964
Rev. Johnteris Tate-Pastor Sunday Church School: 8:00am Worship Service: 9:15am Baptist Training Union: 7:00am Tues. Bible Study/Prayer: Noon & 7:00pm
McCarty Memorial Christian Church 4103 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 731-4131 • www.mccartychurch.org Senior Pastor Edward Anderson Sunday Worship: 10:45am Bible Study: Tues @12:30pm/Wed @6pm Zoom Call: (605) 472-5454 Access:188857 Online Stream Live: Sundays@10:45am to www.mccartychurch.org Give: Text 77977 Instagram@mccartyconnect
Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church 3669 W. 54th St. Los Angeles, CA 90043 • (323) 291-1121 F: (323) 291-1133 • office@sinai.church • www.sinai.church George E. Hurtt, Pastor-Teacher Sunday Worship: 8am,10am,Noon Tuesday Night in the Truth: 7:15pm Radio: KKLA 99.5 FM (Sun): 6:00pm All services stream live on our website, Facebook page and YouTube channel. During the pandemic, pre-registration is requested to attend in-person services.
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church 1300 E. 50th Street Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 235-2103 •
Rev. Joshua Daniels, Pastor Morning Worship: 10am (In Service and Online Live Stream Worship) Sunday School: 8:45am
Wed. Bible Study: 7:00pm www.mtzionla.org
New Antioch Church of God in Christ 7826 So. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 778-7965 • www.newantiochcogic.org Superintendent Jeffrey M. Lewis Sunday Early Worship: 8am Sunday Morning Worship: 11am Sunday School: 9:30am Tuesday Bible Study: 11am Wednesday In The Word: 7pm All services streamed: Facebook and YouTube @New Antioch Church of God In Christ ONE LA Potter’s House Church 614 N. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 (818) 763-4521 • hello@one.online Pastor Touré and Sarah Roberts The ONE Experience Online: Sundays: 7A |9A |11A |1P |6P Thursdays: 5P |8P (PST) @toureroberts @sarahjakesroberts @one.online ONE.ONLINE
FIRST LADY FILES
KAREN A. BROWN
Contributor Arianna Daniels
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church
She is the sweet songbird from the South making new strides in the Southland at the historic Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the newly elected leader- ship of her husband, Pastor Joshua M. Daniels.
Lady Arianna Daniels, originally from Beaumont, Texas, has only lived in Los An-gelesfor a short time and yet has found familiarity with her new home. “Texas and L.A. are vastly different, but it has been an easy transition because the people have the same hospitality that we get in Texas,” said Daniels.
This middle child of three to a single mother was destined to be the showstopper. “If you let them tell it, I was the one always craving the most attention, putting up a fuss. I don’t remember it that way,” Lady Arianna laughingly says.
A teacher by profession, Daniels, is multi-gifted and foresees working in the youth ministry at her new church. She is a praise and worship leader and Bible school teacher both ministries she served, in previous years. Beyond all of that, she is a servant. “My mantra is to just love God and love the people”.
Arianna met her husband while they were youth on an outing with their home church in Beaumont, Texas. She was singing with the praise team and he was lead- ing the College Ministry. “He told me, you are going to be my girlfriend. I said, you are funny sir,” said Arianna. And now they have been married for nearly ten years.
This expectant mother of two (a son and daughter) will be bringing home a newborn baby girl this month to complete her family of five. They have learned to balance their home life and min- istry very well keeping things separate.
Park Windsor Baptist Church 1842 W. 108th St. Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 756-3966 • RevTerrellTaylor@sbcglobal.net Rev. Terrell Taylor
Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Bible Study Wednesday: Noon & 7:00pm Communion: 1st Sunday at 8:00am & 11:00am
Phillips Temple CME Church 973 East 43rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 233-4783
Rev. Dr. Darrell Wesley, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10am Bible Study: Wednesdays at Noon Online: Facebook.com/ PhillipsTempleCME.LosAngeles St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church 5017 S. Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 231-1040 • stmarkmbcofla.org Reverend Dr. Lovely Haynes, Pastor Sunday Worship: 8:30am Sunday classes follow morning service Tues Eve Family Prayer Line: 6:30pm Wednesday Noon: Hour of Power Prayer line Wednesday Bible Study: 6:00pm (Zoom & Facebook) Sunday Exposition of Sunday School Lesson:10am Trinity Baptist Church 2040 W. Jefferson Blvd., L.A., CA 90018 • (323) 735-0044 F: (323) 735-0219• trinitybaptistchurchofla.org Rev. Alvin Tunstill, Jr Sunday Worship Services: 10:30am YouTube: tv.trinitybaptist.cloud Sunday Radio Broadcast KJLH-FM: 9am Wed. Night Virtual Bible Study: 7pm (Meeting ID: 480-271-5449. Or call 1-699-900-6833; give zoom ID Sign-in at 6:55pmrchofla.org
Weller Street Baptist Church 129 S. Gless St, Los Angeles, CA 90033 (323) 261-0949 • F: (323)264-6601 • www.wellerstreetlive.com Pastor K.W. Tulloss
Sunday School: 8:00am Sunday Morning Worship: 9:00am Tues. Bible Study: 6:45pm www.wellerstreetlive.com
West Angeles Church of God In Christ 3600 W. Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016 (323) 733-8300 • www.westa.org Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:30pm Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr., Senior Pastor Charles E. Blake II Co-Pastor Sunday Service: 10:00am Sunday Radio Broadcast: KJLH 102.3 FM: 10:00am
Citizens of Zion Missionary Baptist Church In Compton 12930 No. Lime Ave., Compton, CA 90221 (310) 638-0536 • F: (323) 636-2080 • www.citizensofzion.org
Rev. Bobby Newman, Jr., Senior Pastor; Rev. B.T. Newman, Pastor (Pastor Emeritus)
Service Time: 10:45 Virtual Worship: Youtube
Greater Zion Church Family 2408 North Wilmington Avenue, Compton, CA 90222 (310) 639-5535 • (Tues - Thurs 10am -4pm)
Dr. Michael J. Fisher, Senior Pastor Sunday Worship: 9:00am Online Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00pm FB: GreaterZionChurchFamily IG: GZCFamily www.gzcfamily.com
Holy Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 1016 E. Rosecrans Avenue, Compton, CA 90220 (310) 537-3149 • F: (310) 537-3149 Rev. Dr. George L. Thomas Sunday School: 9:45am & 10:15am Early Morning Worship: 7:30am Mid-Morning Worship: 11:15am New Members’ Class: 9:45am Communion/1st Sunday: 7:30am/11:15am Mid-Week Prayer/Bible Study (Wed)- 7pm Broadcast (KALI 900AM - Sun:2-3:00pm
Love and Unity Christian Fellowship 1840 S. Wilmington Ave, Compton 90220 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5449, Compton, CA 90224
Apostle Ronald C. Hill Sr., Founder/Pastor
Live Stream Sunday Worship:10am/6:30pm Live Stream Bible Studies: Wed 7:30am & 9:00am Live Stream Prayer w /Apostle Hill: Fri: 9am Food For Your Soul TV Ministry Impact TV Network: Mon-Fri PST 6:30am The Word Network Fridays @ 12:30pm
The City of Refuge 14527 S. San Pedro Street, Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 516-1433
Bishop Noel Jones
Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Evening Worship: 6:00pm Bible Study (Wed): Noon & 7:00pm BET/Fresh Oil (Wed): 7:00am
Dr. Beverly “BAM” Crawford
Morning Worship: 9:30am Tues. Bible Study: 7:30pm Wed. Mid-Week Prayer:
5am, Noon & 7:00pm
Wednesday Pathway: 7:00pm Thurs Bible Study: 10:00am
Sat Marriage & Family Prayer: 7:30am Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer, Ph.D. Senior Pastor/Teacher
Sunday Services: 7:00 am & 9:30am Wed. Mid-Week Service: 7:00pm The Tabernacle is located at 321 N. Eucalyptus Ave., Inglewood www.faithfulcentral.com
The Liberty Church 4725 S. Gramercy Place, Gardena, CA 90249 (310) 715-8400
Pastor David W. Cross
Morning Worship/Livestream:10:00 am Hispanic Ministry Worship/Livestream:12Noon Word Power Wednesday/Livestream: 7:00pm The CROSSWORD with Pastor Cross: YouTube Jacob’s Ladder Community Fellowship, inc. 1152 E. Hyde Park Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90302 (866) 330-1702 • F: (310) 674-0760
Blessed Family Covenant Church 325 North Hillcrest Blvd, Inglewood, CA, 90301 (310)-674-0303 • F: (310)-674-0303
Pastor Wendy Howlett
Sunday Morning Worship & Word: 9:30am Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study: 7:00pm View Sunday Worship: www.youtube.com (Under Blessed Family Covenant Church)
www.blessedfamilycovenant.org
Atherton Baptist Church 2627 W. 116th Street Hawthorne,CA 90250 (323) 757-3113 • www.athertonbc.org F: 323-757-8772 • athertonbaptist@sbcglobal.net In Hawthorne
Pastor Larry Weaver
Sunday Morning Worship: 8:00 & 11:00 am Sunday Bible Enrichment Class: 9:45am Mon.-Thurs. Bible Study: 7:00pm Wednesday Bible Study: 12:30pm & 7:00pm Center of Hope LA 9550 Crenshaw Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90305 #centerofhope•#cohla•Info@GO2HOPE.com Give: Text COHLA to (833) 246-7144
Pastor Geremy L. Dixon
Service Times: 8:00am & 10:00am Watch Via: Facebook|YouTube|Live Stream Closer To People...Closer To God!
www.GO2Hope.com True Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 7901 South Van Ness Ave. Inglewood, CA 90305 (323) 750-7304 Rev. James A. Perkins
Pastor Profile: Todd Clease
Watchman/Shepherd Dr. Robert T. Douglas Sr.
Sunday Fresh Start & Prayer 9:00am Sunday School: 10:00am Morning Services: 11:45am Evening Service: 7:00pm Wed. Lock & Load Prayer: 7:00pm Wed. Bible Study: 7:30pm 3rd Friday Youth Night: 7:30pm www.jacobladderschurch.com
Sunday School: 9:30am Early Worship: 8am Morning Worship: 10:45am Bible Adventure Hour (Tues): 6pm Bible Study (Tues): 7pm Bible Study (Thurs): Noon
Church: New Life LA How Long at church: 5 years (20 years in service) Hometown: Los Angeles Family: Wife Michelle, two adult children
Where were your roots in ministry? Our roots were at Crenshaw Christian Center with Apostle Fred Price. I started going with my mom when I was in high school, but my real church experience began with [the late] Billy Ingram at Maranatha. I graduated high school in ‘80 and right around ‘81, I started pursuing the Lord with purpose and seeking getting filled with the spirit. Billy had a ton of young people and it was very dynamic. There were a lot of people getting filled with the spirit and a lot of enthusiasm around the Lord and the word, and that just drew us in. I got filled with the spirit and that's when I got called into ministry. I heard the voice of the Lord in my spirit and I knew I was called, even though it was going to be years before I would actually pastor. How did you come to be at New Life LA? Bishop McClendon was leaving Church of the Harvest and my good friend, Pastor Lamont took over in 2000. My wife and I left Crenshaw to come and support Pastor Leonard. That was really the beginning of our ministry experience in Foursquare and we did everything. Counted the offerings. Ushered. Served on the church council. We just served everywhere the Lord had us to serve. Within five or six years I became one of Pastor Leonard’s assistant pastors and served him until 2010 and continued on as an assistant with Pastor Keith Jenkins. We served with him for seven years and ended up taking over in 2017. Was there anything you felt you needed to change about yourself before taking over as pastor? I knew I needed to grow up into this thing, but I didn't doubt I had the goods because I looked more at God's ability in me than in my own ability. What were you doing at the time? Getting married so early, I had to look at a career to feed my family and I ended up on the LAPD. I remember having a conversation with Apostle Price, because I had struggle in my heart about if I should leave law enforcement to do ministry earlier than I did and Pastor Price said, "Well, why don't you finish your years, secure your pension and do it after find a place to serve and that's what I did.
Were you kind of officer who gave out second chances? I spent most of my 32 years in Southwest division and went to the rank of senior lead officer. A lead officer is the community guy. That means I'm the liaison between citizens and the police. I’d go to the block club meetings, meet with citizens, find out what their concerns were and connect them to resources for whatever they needed to solve their problems. How did that experience impact your ministry? It was like training because some of the positions I held were problem solving positions. And we've been able to impact lives in that way at New Life, just being with people, problem solving, sharing the love of God and watching God impact lives. Our greatest success with ministry is seeing marriages get put back together and individuals put their lives back together. Most people know little about the Foursquare Church, which New Life LA is part of. What are the differences? One of the big differences is that Foursquare was started by a woman–Aimee Semple McPherson. She was a pioneer on fire for the Lord evangelizing up and down the east and west coast and when the Lord had her settle in Los Angeles, she built Angeles Temple, probably one of the largest religious facilities in the country at that time. She was the first to have a radio station and the Lord gave her the vision of Foursquare–Jesus the healer, Jesus, the baptizer with the Holy Spirit, Jesus the soon coming king and Jesus, the savior. That is what the Foursquare Gospel was established on and the churches grew out of that vision. Now it's in over 150 countries. They own $4 billion worth of property and there are a couple of million believers worldwide–all started from a woman. What God is done through Aimee might point to how God likes to use women as much as men.
What were the challenges in taking over at New Life LA? Pastor Keith had done a great job with laying down foundation and systems. I think the hardest part for me was getting out of my own insecurities and figuring out that it really wasn't about me, but about the leadership God would do through me to help others find their position in the body of Christ. Once I got that understanding, COVID hit and people stopped going to church. It was wild. You're on social media affecting lives in ways you're just not comfortable with. So, it's been a growth process, more of learning just to trust the Lord along the way. What do you think drives folk to your church and keeps them there? A lot of time when you talk about church growth, it’s not necessarily new converts, but people leaving one church for another? I don't really consider that to be church growth. Our vision is connecting people to God, so we really want to go into the community so that we can introduce people to God. That's real church growth. That's why we're partnering with the Department of Children and Family Services. We help the kids who are timing out of that situation so that they can have resources for housing, books, and food. And our vision for New Life is family. So that you can come and connect to the family wherever you are,–whether you're fresh out of high school and need a place or an older widower in need comfort and support and desire to grow in the body of Christ. That's what we want for New Life LA.
What’s the best advice you received? I left the police department and worked for Apostle Price for two years. He was preaching a series called “Race, Religion and Racism” and there were some threats on his life. So I worked for him full-time, protecting his life, and we were just part of that ministry in that way. When he’d meet with other ministers, they’d always wanted to hear how he was so successful and he always told them the same thing: ‘Find out what
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and a holy sacrifice–the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
“Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don't think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourself by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.”
“So, if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.”–Romans 12:1-11
With this profound teaching about what God has given believers, Paul now charges them with what they need to give God. See, the key to spiritual victory and true happiness is not trying to get all you can from God, but in giving all you have and all you are to Him.
Thousands of people flock to churches and conferences daily with the hope of changing their lives. What they fail to understand is that this is the very opposite of what Paul teaches in this compassionate exhortation.
What the text reveals is that the key to a productive, satisfied, sanctified life is not getting more, but in giving all. Too many believers have their mind locked in receiving position and have forgotten that there is also a serving and giving position. They have great expectations of God, but think God has no expectations of them. They come to church looking for a blessing. What about being
Pastor Profile continued from page 14 God has called you to do and be faithful to that’. That's what my wife and I are trying to be. When we compare ourselves to others, we do ourselves a disservice, because God broke the mold when He made each one of us. What role do you think pastors should play in a greater society–going beyond the four walls of the church? Well, we should definitely be in the community because Christ was in the community. Jesus was right there with the rankest sinners. He was at parties people didn't think he should be at with tax collectors and people who weren't thought well of. And we are the light of the world so we should be affecting outside centers for righteousness. But I think where pastors lose sight in this day and age is getting too caught up and losing sight of what Christ called us to do. The first thing we've been called to do is to love people and introduce them to Christ. What is your unique strength or talent in ministry? Learning to build relationships in ministry that change lives. There's a lot of pastors that give great words, but many times they fall on deaf ears because people don't trust the pastor. The pastor didn’t have any equity or value with those people. God is giving me equity and value because I'm a part of their lives. I'm walking out with them for promotions, emotions, divorces, all that kind of thing. So, you're showing up… Yeah. Being there for them gives me permission to give them a word of faith–to give them encouragement. So being the kind of pastor you can touch– being accessible and in our heart, just loving and caring for the people a blessing?
Every one of us has a call on our life.
Throughout Romans, Paul has emphasized the world's need for God's righteousness. It's a desperate need. Paul says, ‘I plead with you give your bodies to God.’
In calling them brothers and sisters, Paul is saying I'm connected with you in more ways than one and I'm concerned about your life and service.
In essence, God already has our soul and He's given us salvation. Therefore, we need to use what God saved us for. To present our body to Him as a living and holy sacrifice for His service.
God already has our inner man, but he wants our outer man. He has your spirit, but he wants your hands, your feet–He wants some work. It's not about lip service, it’s about life service.
Why? Because of all He has done for you. Think about every situation He's brought you through–every time He's made a way when it seemed like no way and everybody else turned their back on you.
We're in positions God has put us in and it's only because of His grace. With that in mind, Paul calls them to rededicate their lives to worship and making God a priority.
With all God has done for you, what are you doing for God?
Paul commands these believers to give God his rightful place in their lives. It is a challenge to reprioritize their time, restructure their plans, readjust their attitude, reposition their commitment and totally rededicate themselves unto God.
So, who's on your schedule? Why are you rushing out of church today? You need all the Jesus you can get with the condition the world is in and the battles you’re fighting every day.
However, the text not only reveals God's servant, but there's a call that we walk in the character God has endowed us with. He’s poured His spirit into us.
In order to serve the Lord properly, we must think like the Lord and not like the world. The implication of a believer's offering of their life to God as a living sacrifice represents a complete lifestyle change. We can no longer live according to the lifestyle of this present evil age. The servant’s character must line up with the servant's call. This means we cannot be shaped by worldly standards, but instead be shaped and molded by Godly character.
It's easy for folks when they get to church. You got all your Godly paraphernalia and your holy vocabulary. But what about when somebody cuts in front of you in the grocery line? Do you move from consecration to cursing? Are you the one when a car cuts you off, you chasing them down with “God is my Lord” on your license plate.
You’ve got to be what God says you are wherever you’re at.
Romans 12:2 not only reveals what godly servants are not to copy, but also what we are to characterize. Paul said, “Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”
We ought to be growing daily into the likeness of Jesus Christ. See, I'm not what I used to be.
Make no mistake, the key to a changed life is godly service, and because the mind and heart are the control center of one's thoughts, feelings and action, change must begin there. As one's mind and heart is changed by the spiritual input of God's word, prayer and fellowship of the saints, one's lifestyle, character, actions, and attitude also begin to change. Some of us have to change who we hang out with. Some people don't curse, but they get around people that curse and they say oh it just slipped out. No, it didn't. You’re trying to fit in. We don't fit, folks! Some people have moved from a fifth to a pint–from the bottle to the Bible. And you ought to be glad of God's change. It’s at this point we discover the will of God–that which is good, perfect and acceptable. But only by being renewed spiritually can we determine, decide and dedicate ourselves
Pastor Larry Weaver Continued to page 27
Antioch Church of Long Beach 350 Pine Ave. ,Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 591-8778 •www.antiochlb.com Senior Pastor Wayne Chaney, Jr. Online Services Stream live: Sun 10:00am at antiochlb.com Give: text antiochib to 77977 Social Media: facebook.com/antiochlb instagram.com/antiochlb youtube.com/antiochlongbeach
In Long Beach
Christ Second Baptist Church 1471 Martin Luther King, Jr., Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 (562) 599-3421 • Fax: (562) 599-6175 • www.csbclb.org Rev. Welton Pleasant II, Senior Pastor
Sunday School: 8:30am Sunday Worship Service : 9:40am Wed. Bible Study: 7:00pm Wed Youth & Young Adult Ministry: 7pm
Grant AME Church of Long Beach 1129 Alamitos Av. Long Beach, CA 90813 • (562) 437-1567 grantamelb@aol.com Rev. Dr. Michael W. Eagle, Sr. Sunday Worship: 10:45am Wednesday Food Bank: 9:00am-Noon Mothers of Murdered Youth/Children: Thurs by Appt.; (B.U.S) Blankets, Underwear, Shoes: Thursdays Facebook Live•YouTube•Free Conf Call Walking In The Spirit Ministries In Norwalk Double Tree (Sonoma Grill) 12623 Norwalk Blvd, Norwalk CA 90650 (213) 248-6343 P.O Box 1597 Norwalk CA,90651 Tim & Leshia Brooks Morning Worship: 11:00am Services Held Every 2nd & 4th Sunday and Free Breakfast Is Served Bible Study: 8:30am (Every 5th Friday)
Arise Christian Center 6949 La Tijera Blvd. Suite C,Westchester, CA,90045 (310)568-8445•F: (310) 568-8430 • Arisechristiancenter.com Pastor Ron Taylor Morning Worship: 9:00am & 11:15am Bible Study Wednesday: 7:00pm Intercessory Prayer Tuesday : 7:00pm Intercessory Prayer Sunday: 8am - 8:45am Thursday:11:30am-12:30pm In Westchester
mentum -- and since legal authority doesn't seem to matter -- let's tackle forgiving credit card debt, car loans, rent, cellphone and cable TV payments, health insurance premiums, vision and dental payments, utility bills, private and parochial K-12 tuition, tattoos and nose rings. Will O.J. Simpson write a letter to Biden requesting that his administration forgive the $96 million, which includes interest, that Simpson owes the Browns and the Goldmans for murdering their loved ones? Thinking outside the box here. Finally, a quick question. If one's mortgage "identifies" as student debt, will Biden forgive it? Asking for a friend. Larry Elder is a best-selling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. To find out more about Larry Elder, or become an "Elderado," visit www.LarryElder.com. Follow Larry on Twitter @larryelder.
Stacy Brown continued from page 11 “My house provides shelter. The White House provides shade.”
Singer and actress Malynda Hale tweeted, “The @WhiteHouse putting Republicans on blast that had PPP loans forgiven is the kind of petty I want to see more of. Drag them. DRAG. THEM.”
Rep. Eric Swalwell of California chimed in: “Dear GOP colleagues, before you offer your hot takes on student debt relief, please make sure you or your colleagues didn’t have one of your government loans forgiven. Otherwise, I will absolutely scorch you.”
Biden also offered his own hot take. “To those Republicans in Congress who believe student debt shouldn’t be forgiven: I will never apologize for helping America’s middle class — especially not to the same folks who voted for a $2 trillion tax cut for the wealthy and giant corporations that racked up the deficit,” Biden wrote. Stacy Brown is the senior national correspondent of the National Newspaper Publishers Association with more than 25 years of experience as a journalist. He is the author of “Celebrity Trials: Legacies Lost, Lives Shattered, So What’s the Real Truth.” Pulpit continued from page 19 to do the will of God.
The text not only gives the servant's call and character, but reveals the servant's contribution. The church is likened to a body of many believers who perform different services. Therefore, we must recognize our partnership with each other. God gives every believer a gift, so he or she can build up His church. The success of the church depends on that.
Everybody's not going to be the quarterback. God has us working different ministries with different gifts. We may not see the results of our ministry, but God does, and it is He who blesses our contributions. Church, hear me: it is our role to be faithful in serving others with our gifts and it is God's part to empower us to use them.
Don't think you're so smart that you can get accomplish what you want to accomplish in life by yourself? That you have so many degrees you think you can leave God out of the equation? God saved us to serve in some capacity. No honorary positions here.
A Lifeway study revealed that just 45% of church members actually attend church on a regular basis and a smaller percentage serve.
Do you realize that God's gifts are given so that grace may be expressed?
Every act of kindness, generosity, mercy and loving leadership is a demonstration of God's grace!
Paul lists all these gifts and in describing them, he stresses one main purpose and that is whatever your gift, use it well, use it faithfully, use it responsibly, use it gladly, and most of all, use it to the glory of God.
Using God's gifts to serve others is a privilege. It is an honor for me to serve you. He could have gone down on Crenshaw, got a drunk and cleaned him up to preach me up under the pew. God can use whoever he wants.
Paul closes the text –after moving us from the servant’s call and character to the servant’s contribution–with the servant's commitment.”
Paul says, “Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.”
This is a picture of dedicated service. Don't be a parttime Christian. You need to be all in. I'm trying to call you from sitting to serving. To tell you there's a contribution in you that nobody can give except you, because God has uniquely equipped and designed you in a way that nobody else can do what He wants you to do. Money Matters continued from page 14 worst debt levels in the country, so that students registering for the next academic year can steer clear of programs with poor outcomes.
“Today’s announcement opens the door for a long overdue conversation about building wealth,” said Ebonie Riley, Senior Vice President of Policy & Strategic Partnerships at the National Action Network. “Canceling student debt is a cornerstone of a comprehensive vision that helps everyone. Not acting would have kept another generation from reaching their full potential because of the crushing debt they took on in hopes of greater opportunity.”
The U.S. Department of Education (Department) announced that it has approved more than $10 billion in debt relief for over 175,000 borrowers in 10 months through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
“For far too long, teachers, nurses, veterans, government employees, and countless others dedicated to serving our country found Public Service Loan Forgiveness to be nothing more than an empty promise, and before President Biden took office, only 7,000 borrowers ever managed to qualify,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “We’re committed to helping borrowers who choose to pursue careers in education, public health, social work, law enforcement, and other critical fields receive the benefits to which they’re entitled for leading lives of service.”
The Department is encouraging individuals to take action before the October 31 deadline. Federal student loan borrowers who are eligible can receive credit for payments that would otherwise not qualify for the program.
