Loving Life Magazine

MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR Loving Life Magazine: Fall 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS p. 3

MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR

Reflecting on the Year of Total Recovery p. 4

PASTOR'S CORNER

The Year of Restoration p. 5

WORDS OF INSPIRATION

But God p. 6–7

TOTAL AND PERFECT VICTORY

A Special 17th Anniversary Message p. 8–11

SPOTLIGHT ON YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH

An Interview with LFCC's Youth Mental Health In & Outreach Team Leaders p. 12–15

IT'S TIME TO A.C.T.

Moving Towards a More Inclusive Ministry p. 16–17

HEALTH CORNER

What You Need to Know about Immunizations p. 18–21

DOLLARS & SENSE

Free Money p. 22–23

Reflecting on the Year of Total Recovery

By Dr. Monica Greene-Smalls

Welcome to our Special 17th Anniversary edition of Love Fellowship Christian Center's Loving Life Magazine! 2023, The Year of Total Recovery, has been an amazing year for LFCC. We have experienced both highs and lows, but God was faithful through it all and we are grateful for the many miracles and abundant blessings that He has bestowed upon the LFCC body.

In March 2023, we celebrated Apostle Dr. T. Anthony Thompson, our Awesome and Anointed Pastor, on his 17th Pastoral Anniversary. LFCC then enlarged its territory in April 2023 when Apostle Thompson and a contingent from LFCC traveled to Boston, MA to officially welcome Pastor Traci Jackson and Wellspring Global Fellowship under the covenant and covering of Apostle Thompson and LFCC. In July 2023, our anointed Apostle and Pastor officially ascended to the role of Overseer, marking yet another step in God's perfect plan and purpose for this Amazing Man of God! We were blessed with a wonderful month-long celebration of LFCC's 17th Anniversary in October 2023. We received powerful messages - all based on our theme, The Year of Total Recovery, including a word from our very own Apostle Dr. T. Anthony Thompson. In addition, LFCC's Overflow Prayer Call - which lifts up family, friends, strangers throughout the world - celebrated its 16th Anniversary in October 2023 as well.

As we close out this Year of Total Recovery in 2023, we are preparing to march boldly into 2024, and the Year of Restoration and Renewal! As we transition from Recovery to Restoration and Renewal, we pray that you find the articles in this special Anniversary Issue to be informative, illuminating, and inspiring.

Pastor T closes out 2023 and introduces the theme for 2024 in The Pastor's Corner. Sister Tekia Lampkin reflects on the past year in Total and Perfect Victory: A Special 17th Anniversary Message, and Sister Jacqueline Meadows encourages us in Words of Inspiration: But God. We learn about two of LFCC's important initiatives in: Spotlight on Youth Mental Health: An Interview with LFCC's Youth Mental Health In & Outreach Team Leaders, Elder Tia Turner and Sister Sheri-Ann Little; and It's Time to A.C.T.: Moving Towards a More Inclusive Ministry. As we prepare for a new year, we bring you important information about your health in Health Corner: What You Need to Know about Immunizations; and about your finances in Dollars & Sense: Free Money Giveaway!

Lastly, in A Look Ahead, we present a snapshot of some of the exciting events planned for the remainder of this year and into 2024. The Loving Life Newsletter Ministry thanks you for your ongoing support and prays that you will continue to be abundantly blessed!

In Christ, Monica Greene-Smalls, Ph.D. Editor-in-Chief

A LOOK AHEAD

Announcements & Upcoming Events

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PASTOR'S CORNER

WORDS OF INSPIRATION

The Year of Restoration

BUT GOD

By Jackqueline Meadows

By Apostle Dr. T. Anthony Thompson

Grace and Peace my Beloved LFCC Family, I greet you in Divine Love.

For the past 17 years, GOD has been faithful to speak to me clearly and succinctly during our church anniversary. We Boldly declare and decree that as we close out 2023 as the YEAR of TOTAL RECOVERY, OUR THEME FOR THE YEAR 2024 is RESTORATION and RENEWAL. 2024 is our YEAR OF RESTORATION!!! The years that you sowed in tears, you shall REAP IN joy (Psalm 126:5). 2024 is going to be the year that all DISAPPOINTMENTS DISAPPEAR. This is the YEAR of RESTORATION!!

In Jesus Name,

Pastor T

Psalm 73:26 " My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Donnie McClurkin has a song entitled, "We Fall Down." In the song, he says we fall down, but we get up. When we try to pursue God's purpose for our lives, we often stumble and fall. We even get distracted. This bible verse lets us know that we can fail, "BUT GOD" is our strength when we are weak. God is the doctor in the sickroom, and God is the lawyer in the courtroom. When we fail, God always steps in. God will win. Romans 8:28 says,"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose." God is always with us. So, when you feel weak and stumble, always remember "But God." Be blessed, Sister Jackie Meadows

Dr. T. Anthony Thompson Overseer Apostle

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TOTAL AND PERFECT VICTORY:

A Special 17th Anniversary Message

By Sister Tekia Lampkin

Despite a global pandemic and the uncertainty that the last few years have brought, LFCC turned seventeen this year, under the anointed leadership of Overseer Apostle Dr. T. Anthony Thompson, whom we respectfully and affectionately call, "Pastor T." In an age where more and more churches are shutting their doors due to finances and people turning away from faith, this is an accomplishment worthy of recognition, celebration, and thankfulness. There is power in the number seventeen, as evidenced by biblical numerology, and there is significance in our church observing this milestone.

Humble Beginnings

Overcoming the Enemy

Walking in Victory

‘For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.’ Matthew 18:20 KJV

‘Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.’ Ephesians 6:11 ESV

LFCC began with Pastor T’s vision and his family as congregants; the church has grown exponentially over the years. From the Elks Lodge to the current space at the Church at Riverside, with a few stops in between, the church has prevailed despite the enemy’s repeated attempts to block what the Lord is leading Pastor to build.

And yet, every attempt at destruction, every setback has been thwarted and the congregation continues to grow and thrive with new life at every turn.

There are numerous examples in the bible of overcoming the enemy in which the number seventeen shows up.

Seventeen represent "the ability to overcome challenges, defeat adversaries, and persuade the disobedient." It also "symbolizes success, the re-establishment of everything, spiritual completeness, and perfect order." Jesus defeated death on the seventeenth day of the first Hebrew month when he was resurrected from the grave. If that is not victory, what is?

Maintaining a church is no small feat. Without the vision that God gave Pastor T, there would be no Love Fellowship Christian Center. He has strategically placed all the church members, families, friends, etc, to move the church forward and overcome all the obstacles that come up against it, no matter what they may be.

It was on the seventeenth day of the second Hebrew month that God flooded the Earth. Noah and his ark came to a rest on the Ararat mountains on the seventeenth day of the seventh month, the day that the Earth was restored.

So we celebrate having seventeen years under our belts with many more to come. If we remember what we have been through and how much we’ve overcome, it’s easy to know without a shadow of a doubt that we are and will continue to be victorious!

“For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”

Deuteronomy 20:4

Joseph’s brothers sold him as a slave when he was seventeen years old, and it was seventeen years before he and his father were reunited, overcoming the evil that was the intent to separate them and keep Joseph from his destiny.

There were seventeen enemies listed in Psalm 83; seven that God destroyed in the past and ten that will come up against Israel in the future to ultimately be vanquished.

In Revelations, the fourth beast of the end times (the Antichrist) had seven heads and ten horns, equaling seventeen. The destruction of the beast will occur when the Lord returns. It is written and we can rest on the Word.

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Sources Jacobs, Shannon. “Number 17 Meaning In The Bible And Its Significance To Us” BibleKeeper.com. 28 October 2022. https://www.biblekeeper.com/number-17-meaning-in-the-bible/Accessed 13 August 2023.

“Meaning of Numbers: The Number 17” BibleStudy.com. https://www.biblestudy.org/bibleref/meaning-of-numbers-in-bible/17.htmlAccessed 11 August 2023.

“7 Secrets of Number 17 in the Bible” NumerologyNation.com. https://numerologynation.com/numerology/biblical/number-17/Accessed 11 August 2023.

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SPOTLIGHT ON YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH

An Interview with LFCC's Youth Mental Health In & Outreach Team Leaders Elder Tia Turner & Sister Sheri-Ann Little

By Dr. Monica Greene-Smalls

Tell us about the Youth Mental Health In & Outreach Team. When did this ministry start at LFCC? We started developing and planning in the Fall of 2022 for the ministry to hold our first Youth Mental Health Summit (YHMS) on March 25th, 2023. importantly, study the Word of God to show thyself approved!

Q: What led you to start this ministry?

Sheri-Ann: God! I was attending a Youth Suicide Prevention Conference and as the statistics and conversations weighed on my heart, I heard God ask me, “If it saddens your heart, what are you doing about any of this in your community? How much longer will you use the gifts, education, and skills I have blessed you to have for man and a career while ignoring my people and my Kingdom?”

I immediately texted Elder Tia about the idea and without hesitation she said. “Let’s do it; our youth need it!” I don’t take her for granted because it is a blessing to have leadership that has vision and encourages vision. She could have easily said, “You’re not even on the Youth ministry team yet; serve on that for a year and then maybe we can talk about implementing your idea.”

Tia: Sheri-Ann was the catalyst for the launch, and I am grateful to God that she listened to Hisvoice and decided to walk in obedience.

Ministry is a team effort! It’s all about a collection of God’s people coming together to walk out the assignments HE gives us. With that said, I was excited to hear that Sheri-Ann was willing to lay her gifts and help recruit others to lay their gifts at the altar for this purpose; to be used by God to help launch and support an area of void that existed in our ministry and community.

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What is the ministry's mission and vision?

Our mission is to reduce stigma around mental illness and mental health treatment within the Church; promote that Theology & Therapy is a winning combination! Our vision is for every LFCC youth to know the importance of seeking God as the source and appropriate earthly support as a resource to be fully equipped for success in navigating life.

Thinking about the two Youth Mental Health Summits that you coordinated for LFCC in 2023, when were they held and what were the main themes of each summit?

The first was held on March 25, 2023. The focus was for LFCC youth to learn the warning signs of common mental health conditions (e.g. anxiety, depression), facts and statistics about them, and how to get help for themselves or a friend. Youth also learned there is a Biblical foundation for wellness and wise counsel.

We had Coach’s Corner with Coach Cory, which was a panel with student athletes that discussed themes of adversity or injury, depression, faith, and resilience.

Then the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) conducted their ‘Ending the Silence’ presentation, which included a youth speaker who shared her mental wellness journey.

The Second YHMS was held on September 30, 2023, for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The goal was to educate LFCC youth (primarily middle school and high school students) and their friends/family on the early symptoms of suicidal ideation, suicide prevention. They were also provided tips on how to seek and/or provide support, as well as with the Biblical foundation for mental health treatment and wellness. In the first session, the Harford County Core Service Agency - Harford County Office of Mental Health Suicide Prevention officers provided education on suicide and suicide ideation to the youth. In the second session, we hosted breakout groups for interactive conversation around self-harm, suicide ideation, and prevention. The groups were separated by age and were facilitated by active mental health professionals including psychologists, therapists and social workers. The parents also had their own session facilitated by the guest speakers.

While the youth were in their interactive breakout sessions, the parents were simultaneously engaged in an honest and transparent discussion, which included personal testimonies.

What were some of the main takeaways that participants learned at each YMHS? One key area of focus for both summits was that we provided them with information on coping skills and how to access resources should they experience any mental health challenge or crisis. They were provided with specific resources from numbers they could call or text in times of difficulty to a Bible Emotions Wheel with corresponding scriptures to wisely guide them in how to respond to the emotion.

It’s important for them to understand they are not alone and that there are people available to provide support when life gets tough for them. This thread was woven throughout both sessions.

Another key item was to ensure that they had an opportunity to interact and engage. It’s important that we hear from them so they know their voices are being heard, that we value what they have to say, and they have the opportunity to support and learn from each other.

What are some of the ongoing activities in which you are engaged with the youth around mental health issues?

We will continue to hold Youth Mental Health Summits in the Spring and the Fall, but plan to add smaller events on a quarterly basis to provide youth with the opportunity to come together over dinner to talk about the challenges they face and learn coping skills. Our first Friday night event tackled communication. Youth learned the difference between passive, aggressive, and assertive communication styles, and how to use I-Statements to effectively express their feelings, thoughts, and experiences to advocate for themselves. We plan to tackle subjects like the impact of social media, teen dating violence and healthy boundaries, and financial and spiritual wellness. There is so much to talk about.

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SPOTLIGHT ON YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH (CONTINUED)

An Interview with LFCC's Youth Mental Health In & Outreach Team Leaders Elder Tia Turner & Sister Sheri-Ann Little

By Dr. Monica Greene-Smalls

What strengths have you observed among the youth at LFCC? Our LFCC youth are very intelligent, self-aware, honest and transparent, empathetic, compassionate, resilient and articulate.

What are some of the mental health challenges facing our LFCC youth in particular?

There are a wide range of challenges including, but not limited to: self-harm, suicidal ideation, anxiety, depression, acceptance, comparison, verbal and emotional abuse, and addictions.

Please tell us about some of the exciting plans for the Youth Mental Health In & Outreach Team in 2024?

The next event will take place in the Spring, March 2024. The focus topic will be Trauma and Healing from Trauma. This is an important topic for our youth as we understand many adults still haven’t healed from traumatic experiences in their youth. Dealing with past trauma is important to recovering and healing both mentally and emotionally. For anyone who has experienced any sort of trauma — such as abuse, assault, the death of a loved one, illness, or anything else — and they’re having a difficult time healing, this summit may be a tremendous help to them.

In what ways can the LFCC body assist and support our youth in dealing with these challenges?

Share! Continually share the event information with friends, family, classmates, neighbors, and coworkers.

Invite them. Attend with them. The mental health of our youth is crucial; it does not exist in a bubble. If the enemy can distort or corrupt their minds, he can achieve massive damage that impacts us all - them, their families, our communities, and the Body of Christ. When we show up for them, it shows how much we love them and care about all facets of their well-being.

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IT'S TIME TO A.C.T.

Moving Towards a More Inclusive Ministry

By Dr. Monica Greene-Smalls

Abounding Love (Phil 1:9) | Compassionate Care (Luke 6:35) | Transcending Limits (Luke 4:18)

In the Spring 2023 issue of Loving Life Ministry, we included an article highlighting LFCC’s A.C.T. Accessibility Ministry, led by Sister Verangela Christy. The A.C.T. Accessibility Ministry aims to raise awareness and meet the needs of all of our members and visitors.

In 2023, the A.C.T. Ministry sponsored two educational sessions for LFCC Leaders. The first session featured an expert in reviewing buildings for accessibility and focused ways in which we could increase accessibility both inside and outside of our current building. We have been able to make some minor changes and additional suggestions are currently under review. The second session focused on disability awareness and inclusion and was facilitated by Sister Eva Queen, who has an extensive background in working not only with individuals with disabilities, but also with faith-based organizations to help them become more inclusive environments.

Both sessions were part of LFCC's commitment to ensure that all members and visitors feel that they are not only welcomed into the building, but are included in all LFCC services, events, and activities - regardless of ability and especially as LFCC prepares for expansion.

The A.C.T. Ministry is planning to educate and inform the LFCC body about several different disabilities throughout 2024, in addition to offering continued training sessions for LFCC Ministry Leaders.

What is an inclusive ministry?

An inclusive ministry is one which enables, empowers, and engages all persons within the worshipping community, regardless of ability. This stems from a belief that God has created us as equally valued people in His image. “Let us create man in OUR Image” (Gen 1:26). The image of God is best reflected in community.

Together we live out the mandate of Luke 4:18-21, proclaiming “the year of the Lord’s favor” to everyone.

An inclusive ministry is not a program. It is not about creating a special class or a separate ministry or even identifying ‘the disabled’ as an object of ministry. It may be summarized in the motto “ministry by and with people with disabilities,” in contrast to ministry for people with disabilities. It is opening the doors of the church to include those with disabilities to fully participate in the life of the Body of Christ. As Paul expresses in 1 Corinthians 12:22 (NLT), the “parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary.” All of us are looking for a place to belong, to be valued, to know and be known.

All of us are looking for a place to belong, to be valued, to know and be known. We all long to be part of a community that brings meaning, purpose, and opportunities to contribute as well as to receive. We are seeking a place that provides for a corporate expression of our faith in Christ that communicates “I am not alone in my journey.”

One of the potential challenges for churches is the wide range of physical and cognitive abilities that exist. A ministry approach that is principally based on inclusion will be much more effective than a program-oriented one. Principles of inclusive ministries are not restricted to a Sunday school class or specialized programs but are formative to all functions and ministries of the church.

We do not want to create a ‘program’ that deals with disabilities, but a ministry that is accessible to all people loved and valued by God (p.s. that’s everyone).

As we kickoff our educational campaign, please read the excerpts below from the article entitled, ”What is an inclusive ministry?” published

by The Disability and Faith Forum.

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IT'S TIME TO A.C.T. (CONTINUED)

Moving Towards a More Inclusive Ministry

By Dr. Monica Greene-Smalls

Barriers to Inclusive Ministry

Overcoming barriers

Barrier 1: Misunderstandings

Barrier 2: Age-Appropriate Ministry

A significant barrier to building inclusive ministries is misunderstandings and misconceptions regarding disabilities. Outdated notions, fears, misinformation, and the discomfort of congregants may prevent people with disabilities from being meaningfully and holistically engaged in the life of the local church. This is compounded by the fact that each disability diagnosis brings its own unique challenges and strategies. For example, some disabilities are physical, others are cognitive, or there may be a complex combination of various disabilities, both physical and cognitive. How a person appears, sounds, or acts, may “put people off” or cause others to remain at a distance. Close friendships and committed relationships are one of the greatest needs for many people with disabilities. Indeed, these are the deepest needs of most of us, yet many people don’t face the same number of obstacles in establishing or maintaining these relationships as those with disabilities.

Another barrier, especially for people with cognitive disabilities, is that often they are stigmatized as ‘angels’ or perpetual children. Therefore, teaching materials and approaches are often patronizing and not ageappropriate. We must remember that regardless of the severity of someone’s disability, people have the right and the need to be responded to and treated according to who they are, not according to who they are perceived to be. It means that we ensure that our tones are not condescending. We must be mindful of the ‘voice’, phrases, and words that we tend to use when talking to small children. It means that we seek to include persons with disabilities in conversations and welcome their experiences as expressions of the full Body of Christ.

The key to overcoming misunderstandings and the establishment of God’s intention for inclusive ministries is through the study of scripture, education, prayer and perhaps most of all, simply building friendships with people with various abilities. There is no effective one-size-fitsall approach, whether the person has a disability or not.

Being a community that makes room for people of all abilities requires an intentional and informed response.

While pictures, songs, and activities are needed and may be appropriate, we simply need to make sure they are honoring and respectful of a person’s age and communication ability. Setting people up as perpetual ‘infants’ is another way of saying that we have little or nothing to learn from them. In doing so, we may be closing ourselves off to the ways that God is looking to teach us about who He is and His love for us.

When working with children with disabilities, one of the best sources of information for education and help in developing strategies are the parents themselves. Frequently, parents are just waiting to be asked the best way to support them or their children. Parents can be a tremendous source of information on how to effectively create an inclusive ministry. This can be an important contact for both the church and the family. Too often, parents feel isolated, misunderstood and at worst, abandoned by the church when they have a child with special needs.

The conversation itself can be a vehicle to reconnect and not only support the children but the entire family.

In the case of an adult with disabilities, often the person in question is able to give insight and guidance if we just take the time to ask, listen, and watch. A motto that is helpful for any church to apply while building inclusive ministries is “Nothing about me without me,” This simply means the person with the disability must be included in the circle of communication and planning, regardless of ability. This will help keep the church ‘person-centered’ as it seeks to minister to the person with a disability. The challenges are that although a ministry can be well intentioned, to attempt to make ministry accessible without the input of people impacted by these changes often just furthers the separation of the person and their community.

The entire article can be found at: https://disabilityandfaith.org/inclusive-ministries.

For more information about the A.C.T. ministry, contact Sister Verangela Christy, Sister Pam South, Sister Tonja Dews, or Dr. Monica Greene-Smalls.

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HEALTH CORNER

What You Need to Know about Immunizations

By Sister Kim Floyd

Immunizations to Protect Against Flu, COVID 19 and RSV For the first time ever, immunizations are available this fall and winter in the United States that can help protect against three major respiratory diseases: COVID-19, flu (Influenza), and RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus). Immunization against these viruses remains the best protection for reducing the risk of serious illness, hospitalizations, long-term health impacts, and death.

Please refer to the following chart and talk with your primary care provider about your next steps regarding these vaccines as well as other vaccines recommended based on your age and health status.

DISEASE

WHAT PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE?

Flu

Updated flu vaccines for 20232024 are available, including flu shots and a nasal spray flu vaccine.

Everyone six months and older should get an updated flu vaccine. People 65 and older should get a high-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccine, if available.

Flu vaccines reduce the risk of flu illness, severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

Updated COVID-19 vaccines are available for 2023-2024.

Everyone six months and older should get an updated vaccine. Some groups may need additional doses to stay up to date.

COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting people from serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19; they also reduce the risk of Long COVID.

RSV Vaccine

Adults aged 60 and older

Vaccination against RSV can help prevent severe RSV illness, hospitalization, and death.

RSV Vaccine

People who are 32-36 weeks pregnant during RSV season

Vaccination against RSV while pregnant can help protect babies from severe RSV illness, hospitalization, and death.

RSV Immunization

Infants entering or born during RSV season

Immunization against RSV from monoclonal antibodies can help prevent severe RSV illness, hospitalization, and death.

COVID-19

RSV

16 Source: CDC, October 2023

WHO SHOULD USE THESE?

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

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DOLLARS & SENSE

FREE MONEY GIVEAWAY!

By Deacon Jason Goods

Fans of Comedy Central’s Chappelle’s Show will recall a sketch where Tyrone Biggums, a popular show staple, was lured into an intervention under the auspice of a “FREE GIVEWAY." Unlike the episode, there will be no such intervention today, however the claims of “FREE MONEY” are 105% real. I am hopeful the catchy title and Chappelle’s Show reference will pique your interest in reading further.

From the cost of a dozen eggs skyrocketing to upwards of $5 per dozen earlier this year, to the rising costs to fill up your gas tank, few have been immune to the effects of the post-pandemic higher inflation. The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates a staggering eleven times since March 2022 from the pandemic lows of 0.25% to 5.5% as of September 2023 in attempts to tame the out-of-control inflation. The expectation is that there will be at least one more rate hike before the end of 2023.

Source: Forbes.com

These higher interest rates impact credit cards, auto loans and mortgages. While the higher interest rates have successfully tamed inflation, it has inherently made all major purchases more expensive!

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If you’re still reading, here is where the “FREE MONEY” details begin! The “Higher for Longer” gloom. After decades of earning next to nothing (0.10%) on savings account balances, savers are now able to reap the benefits of these higher interest rates.

Some financial institutions are enticing customers with 5% or more interest income on their savings, money market and certificate of deposits (CD) balances.

Assuming a 5% annual interest rate, your $5,000 balance (without any additional contributions or effort) would grow to approximately $5,256 with the interest earned over 12 months. Even if you don’t have $5,000 in your savings account, a $1,000 balance would still grow to approximately $1,051 over the same 12-month period.

Still “Free Money!"

While you should always perform your own due diligence, here is a link I used to evaluate my options: 2023 Best Savings Accounts - Compare rates at Bankrate.com CIT Bank – (NOTE: Requires Minimum Balance of $5,000 for 5.05% rate) https://www.cit.com/cit-bank/bank/savings/platinum-savings-account

The financial term for this “FREE MONEY” is referred to as passive income. Passive income includes income from interest and dividends, typically requires minimal effort to obtain, and has been one of the secrets to generational wealth building for many of the world’s most affluent individuals. Basically, it’s getting paid while you sleep!

As always, there are some strings attached to obtaining these higher yields. Unless you are sitting on stacks and racks of cash, most brick-and-mortar financial institutions like M&T and your local credit union are not going to offer yields anywhere close to 5%. You will likely have to open an account with a reliable internet-based financial institution.

If you choose an FDIC insured bank, your balances up to $250,000 are guaranteed, so there is absolutely no risk in transitioning to an online bank!

CFG Bank – ADDED BENEFITS Fells Point and Lutherville Local Branches and Only Requires Minimum Balance of $1,000 for 5.25% rate https://www.cfg.bank/personal-banking/personal-deposit-rates/

Earlier this year, I moved our savings from a credit union to an internet bank and online brokerage and have been extremely pleased with the smoother than expected transition. The first month’s interest income amount was more than we received over the past three years combined from the credit union!

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DOLLARS & SENSE (CONTINUED)

FREE MONEY GIVEAWAY!

By Deacon Jason Goods

Online Broker and Money Market Recommendation: Fidelity Investments- BONUS: Deposit $50 or More and Get a $100 Bonus https://fidelity.app.link/e/GomcOxEi5Db

Nothing lasts forever, so I encourage you to take advantage of this “FREE MONEY," while it lasts!

Interest rates will likely begin to fall sometime next year, and these financial incentives will follow suit.

I am not a financial advisor, so none of this should be considered as investment advice.

However, my family members are happy CIT Bank and Fidelity Investments clients and hope you will consider one of these options in your wealth-building journey.

Youth Accounts (13 to 17 Years Old) BONUS: Open an Account, Download the App and Get a $50 Bonus https://www.fidelity.com/go/youth-account/overview

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Please email me @ Jason.Goods@gmail.com with any questions you may have.

Deacon Jason Goods

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A LOOK AHEAD

Upcoming Events

2023

DECEMBER 8TH

Marriage Ministry Snowflake Soiree 2023

DECEMBER 16TH

SOAR Youth Ministry Jingle Elf Rock Christmas Party 2023

DECEMBER 24TH

Christmas Eve Service 2023

DECEMBER 31

NYE Service

2024

MARCH

18th Pastoral Anniversary

2024

OCTOBER

18 Church Anniversary th

PLEASE READ the Weekly Announcements for details on these and all upcoming LFCC Events!!!

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5 Church Creek Road, Belcamp, MD 21017 410.306.6677 | www.lovefcc.org