Issuu

Issue 5

A PERIODIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE MT. PLEASANT COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

BUILT ON THE WORD, CONNECTED TO CHRIST, COMMITTED TO SERVANT-LEADERSHIP IN THE COMMUNITY

Opinion of the Editor>>> This opinion is solely that of the editor and may or not reflect that of the church membership or denomination.

CHAUVIN FOUND GUILTY OF MURDER The headline is one for which many have been hoping, but we cannot let one guilty verdict detract us from the atrocities that are affecting Blacks, Latinos, and Asians. Let me be clear, there is a time and place for deadly force, regardless of race. However, there appears to be a bullseye pinned to the forehead of those who are minorities. Teaching our children how to act in the presence of the police does not always protect them from “hurt, harm, and danger” nor guarantee that they will be treated fairly. What more can we do? Perhaps, we should encourage our young men and women to become policemen, prosecutors, defense attorneys, other members of law enforcement and the legal profession, including run for judge. We must become a force with which to be reckoned with in the establishment. The criminal justice system is comprised of three major areas – law enforcement (such as police officers), the courts (including specialty courts such as those which address issues of substance abuse and addiction, mental health, and veterans), and corrections and rehabilitation (including jails and prisons, half-way houses, and probation/parole). During his administration Donald Trump had the opportunity to appoint 218 (as of September 24, 2020) federal judges. Of that number only 8 African American District Judges were appointed, zero out of 53 to the appellate bench, and zero to the United States Supreme Court 1. To be sure there are a plethora of qualified African American Attorneys. But we are not yet where it counts significantly which is in the prosecutor’s offices, on the benches across America, and in the departments of corrections and rehabilitation. Yes, Black lives and all lives matter, but the disparate treatment of minorities in the legal system has to be curtailed. We must address the root of the problem, not the foliage. From kindergarten we should be encouraging our children to become both defense lawyers as well as prosecutors, US Attorneys, magistrates, judges, members of JAG (the Judge Advocate General) and participate in the practice of both the public and private sectors of the law. If we want to make a difference, then let it begin with the equipping of our children to make conscious decisions about their future. Let us put them on a career path that will place them, not only in the room, but seated at table where the decisions which affect our lives and liberty are at stake. (NOTE: Graphic from Internet: 95% of Prosecutors Are White and They Treat Blacks Worse (thedailybeast.com)

FACT CHECK: Has Donald Trump Appointed Zero Black Federal Judges? | Check Your Fact (12:30 PM 10/02/2020 Elias Atienza | Fact Check Reporter)

LET US GET SERIOUS ABOUT A HIGHER EDUCATION>>>

Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU or PV) is a public historically black landgrant university in Prairie View, Texas. Founded in 1876, it is one of Texas's two land-grant universities and the second oldest public institution of higher learning in the state. [5] It offers baccalaureate degrees in 50 academic majors, 37 master's degrees and four doctoral degree programs through eight colleges and the School of Architecture. PVAMU is a member of the Texas A&M University System and Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Prairie View A&M fields 16 intercollegiate sports team, commonly known by their "Prairie View A&M Panthers" nickname. Prairie View A&M competes in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Prairie View A&M is the only charter member remaining in the conference.2

The Core Curriculum3 The central and essential mission of the Prairie View A&M University Core Curriculum is to develop in each undergraduate student the capability to perform effectively in academic and professional settings. The program stresses communication and critical thinking skills necessary for outstanding performance in a multi-faceted, modern, and changing society. All degree programs include 42 semester hours of course work from approved areas of study recognized as the required general education program. Listed in the right column are the equivalent courses that may be transferred from Texas community and junior colleges as approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Through the Core Curriculum, students will prepare for contemporary challenges by developing and demonstrating the following core objectives: (A) Critical Thinking Skills: to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of information; (B) Communication Skills: to include effective development, interpretation, and expression of ideas through written, oral, and visual communication; (C) Empirical and Quantitative Skills: to include the manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions; (D) Teamwork: to include the ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal; (E) Personal Responsibility: to include the ability to connect choices, actions, and consequences to ethical decision-making; and (F) Social Responsibility: to include intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities. To assist students who transfer to Prairie View A&M University from other public colleges and universities in Texas, the University carefully evaluates course credits presented for acceptance toward fulfillment of degree requirements. “At Prairie View A&M University, students are able to build intellectual capital and cultivate greater personal maturity in a largely residential community. The value of in-class experiences is amply enhanced by a variety of cocurricular experiences, including international study and travel, paid and non-paid internships, civic engagement and leadership, and service learning. Highly qualified faculty and staff invest substantially in creating a learning environment that is responsive, invigorating, and intellectually challenging. Ranked as a “best buy” institution and as one of the top colleges in Texas when both quality and cost are considered, PVAMU is an excellent choice. Though noted for programs that produce highly competitive graduates across the board, the university is especially well known for its preparation of engineers, scientists, nurses, architects, juvenile justice specialists, and business professionals.”3 Ruth J. Simmons, Ph.D. President

FURTHER INFORMATION: Physical Address: 700 University Drive, Prairie View, Texas 77446 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 519, Prairie View, Texas 77446 (936) 261-3311 2

Prairie View A&M University - Wikipedia University Core Curriculum < Prairie View A & M University (pvamu.edu) 3The President’s Message to Students < Prairie View A & M University (pvamu.edu) 4 Accreditations | PVAMU Home 3

Prairie View A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Prairie View A&M University.4

PAYING FOR A COLLEGE EDUCATION: PREPARING NOW FOR LATER >>> SOURCE: Scholarships - HBCU Tour (hbcu-tour.com) •

David J. Stern Sports Scholarship Program The National Basketball Association has partnered with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to provide a 3year renewable scholarship for accepted students. Awardees will not only receive $10,000 per year but will also have the chance to apply for an internship with the NBA league office. Deadline: Early June Amount: $10,000

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Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology (DFBSST) The Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology provides financial backing for African American STEM majors attending an HBCU. Potential applicants are identified with the assistance of faculty and staff members who have noted academic excellence in their students. Funding can be renewed annually. Deadline: Mid-June Amount: Up to $3,000

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George Washington Carver Scholarship Fund The George Washington Carver Scholarship is awarded to students enrolled at an HBCU who embody a sense of leadership and community service. To apply, students must have completed a minimum of 40 hours of community service, as well as pursuing a degree in one of the approved STEM or business-related fields. Deadline: Late May Amount: Varies

WE GOT OUR EYES ON YOU…KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE >>>> FILM FEATURING REV. DARRIEN FANN PREMIERES AT 45TH CLEVELAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Rev. Darrien Fann of the Patton Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, was featured in a biographical film entitled: “Who Fights for You”. The film was more than two years in the making and debuted at the 45th Cleveland International Film Festival, held virtually April 8 – 20, 2021. “As Reverend Darrien Fann—a young African American man with cerebral palsy—enters adulthood, he questions what independence means to him and how our society views people with disabilities. And he reflects on the obstacles he has had to overcome to fulfill his calling as a preacher.” The director and editor is Maddie Stambler; producers - Paige Pratt, Carla Fann, and Maddie Stambler; Cinematography - John Cummings. The principal cast members are Rev. Darrien Fann and his parents Donald and Carla Fann. The film shows Rev. Fann both at home and church. At home, the devotion and support of his parents since his birth to his becoming all that he could be is well documented and evidences the commitment that they have made to his becoming a well accomplished communicator of the gospel and his many interests. Maddie is to be congratulated for her ability to capture the quintessence of Rev. Fann – his intellect, his dedication to the Christian ministry, and his concern that as a Black man in America that he has strikes against him: (1) he is disabled, (2) male, and (3) Black. He asks the question “When you are alone, who fights for you?” He therefore uses his abilities on any platform presented to him to champion causes which affect the lives of those who are “differentlyabled” and has become their “voice” in the wilderness that is America.

FINANCIAL LITERACY IS MONEY SENSE >>>

FIVE FINANCIAL LITERACY FACTORS 5 1. Build Your Budget Looking at a bank account statement isn’t the highlight of most peoples’ month. Although, it’s important to see where your money is coming in and going out. This insight will help you know where you can cut back. Companies love recurring charges since many customers forget to cancel them. Checking your statements can uncover old recurring payments and also double charges. You can correct the double charges by calling your credit card company. Learning about your expenses and how to budget is vital to improving your finances. Taking a little time each month to plan has a huge impact on your financial health. 2. Destroy Your Debt Albert Einstein is noted for saying that compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it … he who doesn’t … pays it. Interest is a powerful concept and when you take on debt, you end up spending more. So, it’s usually best to avoid borrowing money. You’ve likely heard “more money, more problems.” But this doesn’t have to be the case. Instead, the phrase should be, “more debt, more problems.” 3. Supercharge Your Savings Once you’ve paid off your debt, you can stash more cash. Although, this seems to be a foreign concept to many people. Americans in all income brackets find ways to spend everything they earn. They have the opportunity to save, but they don’t plan for the future. To put things in perspective, the personal savings rate in China is 25%. But in the U.S., the personal savings rate is only 6%. That’s a huge gap, and it shows that most Americans can get by on spending less. You have to learn how to save money to build sustainable wealth. Many people ask… what is the most important thing to do when planning for retirement? Two good answers are to make more money and improve investment returns. But the most vital factor is… improve your savings rate. You’ll be better prepared for retirement if you save a larger percentage of your income. 4. Invest for Income Stuffing your savings under a mattress is a misguided action. That money loses spending power due to inflation. A better plan is to make your savings work for you. To earn a little interest, you can put your money to work in a bank. To generate more income, you can invest in bonds, real estate, and stocks. One of our favorite ways to invest for income is through dividend stocks. Building a portfolio of dividend-paying stocks can produce a steady stream of cash. 5. Lower Your Taxes There’s a big difference between tax avoidance and tax evasion. Tax evasion is illegal. It’s not paying taxes you owe. On the other hand, tax avoidance is a way to legally lower your taxes. No one should pay Uncle Sam more than they are legally required to pay. One of the most popular ways to lower taxes is by contributing to IRAs and 401(k)s. Most people should take advantage of these great retirement planning accounts. Although, the tax system is complex, so it’s good to consult a tax professional. Learning the five factors above are vital for financial literacy. At any stage in your life, you can take steps to reaching financial freedom. You work hard for your paycheck… so don’t you want to make your money work for you? Financial planning can help you achieve a steady stream of passive income. That’s one key to reaching a wealthy retirement. 5

5 Factors for Financial Literacy: How to Improve Your Financial Health (wealthyretirement.com)

Welcome to The Patton Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Our Mission is to be "Built on the Word, Connected to Christ, Committed to Servant-Leadership in the Community". The Pastor is Rev. Dr. Lydia Evelyn Spragin. Our physical location and mailing address are 3547 E 142nd Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44120. During this Covid-19 season and beyond you may: Dial our free conference call number(s): (425) 436-6380 or Backup (alternate) numbers: (520) 420-9085 or (209) 399-9095, then dial the Access Code: 581058# to reach the: Sunday Morning Worship Experience Welcome Fellowship - Introduce yourself begins at 11:05 a.m. Sunday Service Broadcast Begins at 11:25 a.m. Communion Every First Sunday Sunday School is held on every THURSDAY afternoon at 1:30 p.m. - Taught by Rev. Erline H. Williams Saturday Morning Breakfast Bible Study with Pastor Lydia Evelyn Spragin Facebook Live (Lydia Spragin FB page) at 10:00 a.m. (EST) - (TO RE-VIEW ALL BIBLE STUDIES visit the Patton Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church or the Patton Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Group Bible Study Facebook pages or Rev. Dr. Lydia Evelyn Spragin Channel on YouTube, Pinterest, Twitter, and LinkedIn).

Brother Wallace Lindsay INVITES YOU TO JOIN THE Saturday Morning Breakfast Bible Study on Facebook Live Every Saturday at 10:00 a.m.

DONATIONS TO THE PATTON MEMORICAL CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH RECEIVED ON THE GIVELIFY APP. THE PATTON VOICE is now available on Facebook, via mail/e-mail (upon request), drop off to businesses in the Mt. Pleasant Community, and on Issuu.com. Always bring your Bible! We look forward to your presence with us! Invite a friend! If you get a busy signal, please keep trying until connected. We want to welcome you. We want to be the church that sits in the community and in which the community sits. Remember God really does love you and so do we. Thank you in advance for any consideration that you may give to us as your church home.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT >>>

CONGRATULATIONS TO REV. ERLINE HENRIETTA WILLIAMS HONORED FOR 56 YEARS AS A MUSICIAN On behalf of the Patton Church and Extended Family CONGRATULATIONS to REV. ERLINE HENRIETTA WILLIAMS for 56 YEARS OF SERVICE as a MUSICIAN for the Patton Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Cleveland, Ohio, as recognized by The Second Episcopal District Spring Gathering, Presiding Prelate Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas, Sr., Presiding Elder Bruce B. Gibson, and Pastor Lydia Evelyn Spragin. Thank you for your service to God's people in God's house at the local and community churches, the Cleveland Pittsburgh District, and the Ohio Central Indiana Region. For all you do we thank and appreciate you.

TIPS FOR HEALTHY EATING… COOKING WITH GLORIA By Gloria Murdock TRIBUTE TO MOTHER’S PAST AND PRESENT

HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT EATING HEALTHY? (excerpt from Quiz: How much do you know about healthy eating? - Healthy Food Guide)

1. True or false? Half a can of baked beans has more fiber than an apple. 2. Which of the following is considered a starchy vegetable? (a) Broccoli (b) Capsicum (c) Corn (d) Spinach. 3. In which foods would you find the energyboosting mineral, iron? (a) Steak (b) Spinach (c) Wholegrain bread (d) Kidney beans. On Mother's Day we give and honor the Mother and or Mothers in our lives. We would like to wish all the Mothers of The Patton Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church “A Happy Mother's Day.” We also honor our Mothers in Heaven. To all Mothers we Thank You for all the love, encouragement, guidance, and prayers. Wishing you all the love and happiness you so richly deserve. Mother's Day is truly for all women who loves with a Mother's heart. Giving birth isn't required. HAPPY MOTHERS’ DAY

“Your body is your biggest asset it's your responsibility to take care of it.” Odeta Stuikys Rose

4. What’s the best way to get enough vitamin D for healthy bones?

Answers 1. True. Half a 420g can of baked beans is bursting with around10g of fiber, four to five times that of an apple. For quick, summer meals keep baked beans in the pantry, along with their high-fiber cousins chickpeas, lentils, and kidney beans. 2. Corn. All vegetables are good for us, but some contain more carbohydrates than others. Corn, potato, yams and kumara are considered starchy vegetables, so include them in the carb quarter of your dinner plate. Non-starchy vegetables are low in carbs and kilojoules — think lettuce, cucumber, tomato, cauliflower, Asian greens, and carrots. Fill at least half your plate with this type of vegetable. 3. All of them! Iron is found in both animal and plant sources, but our bodies are better able to absorb the iron found in red meat. You can increase your iron absorption from plant foods by pairing them with vitamin-C rich foods. Try adding red capsicum to your next stir-fry, or orange segments to a spinach salad. 4. Adequate intakes of vitamin D are hard to achieve through diet alone. Between September and April a daily walk or another outdoor activity with some skin exposed to the sun in the early morning or late afternoon is recommended. Between May and August getting that activity in the hours around noon when UVB levels are highest, is best for vitamin D production. Vitamin D is found in small quantities in a few foods such as fatty fish (salmon, herring, and mackerel). Liver, eggs, and fortified foods such as margarine and some low-fat dairy products (milk and yogurt) also contain very small amounts of vitamin D.

EXCERPT FROM THECMECHURCH.ORG WEBPAGE…. The mission of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is to be disciples of Jesus the Christ by serving individuals, communities and the world as the representative, loving presence of God and as witnesses to God’s salvation and grace. The vision of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is to be a transforming church for Jesus the Christ within a changing world.

Historical African American Collins Chapel Connectional Hospital Reopens to Serve the Homeless Memphis, TN – The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church under the leadership of Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr. has partnered with the Room In The Inn Homeless Ministry with Executive Director, Reverend Lisa Anderson of Memphis. This historic hospital has undergone a multi-million-dollar renovation (exterior and interior) to serve the needs of the homeless. The Historic Collins Chapel Connectional Hospital was founded in 1910 by the Collins Chapel CME Church, the oldest CME Church in Memphis (678 Washington Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105), serving the African American Community in segregated times. This hospital facility was built in 1954 by the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. We are grateful that we have had the help of churches, businesses, political and community leaders to achieve this much needed healthcare facility. Now, we are proud of the fact that in the past seven years, Bishop Henry Williamson Sr. and the 180 churches of the First Episcopal District, Arkansas, and Tennessee, have been able to totally renovate this historic African American hospital to serve the homeless of the Memphis and Shelby County area.

THE PATTON MEMORIAL CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

3547 E. 142ND STREET CLEVELAND, OHIO 44120

WHAT IS THE PASTOR READING NOW?

You don't need to tell pastors that the majority of churches in America are in a state of stagnation or decline. Most of them are ministering in such a church. Now two pastors who turned their churches around show leaders how they can help usher in a new season of health, faithfulness, growth, and vision in their churches. The U-Turn Church walks readers through the roadblocks of tradition, lack of vision or leadership, structural problems, and concerns about denominational distinctives to forge a new way forward into a hope-filled future. Through the stories of two churches that have experienced healthy transformation, readers will see that there is not just one right way to reverse decline. They will receive practical help and wisdom born of experience as they begin their own U-Turn journey. The U-Turn Church | Baker Publishing Group