The View August 2010 by Mount Pisgah

V O L U M E

I S S U E

A U G U S T ,

g{x YÄÉãxÜ VÄâu

2 0 1 0

V O L U M E

I S S U E

A U G U S T ,

2 0 1 0

Table of Contents A Word from our Pastor July Role Model Award

Cover Story

Tasty Diabetic Meals

Vacation Bible School Ibrahim’s Baptism Days of the Week

Quotable Quotes

Christian Ed Congress 11

Laugh Out Loud

Youth Spotlight

A.M.E. Mission

Church School

Martha’s Desks 16

Celebrating 60 Years Saratoga Chips

Best of the West

Bible Quiz

Black History

Word Games Chicken Soup

31 32

Words To Live By

Reverse Mortgages

Bible Quiz Answers

Poetry Corner

August Birthdays

Christian Crossword

Illustration of Trusting

Family & Friends Day

The Funny Page

Handling It God’s Way

Black Achievers

Divine Movement

Arthritis

CHH Lay Scholarship

Word Power Reigns

WMS

Mother’s Empty Chair

Lay Conference

The View Distribution

Women’s Conference

Do You Know This Man? 13 14

Sanctuary Reverence

Apartment for Rent 35

In Loving Memory Of…

Mt. Pisgah History

Summer Schedule

Meet and Greet

Capital Campaign

An Evening of Elegance

Ushers Seminar

Pastor Jay

Puzzle Solutions

Business Corner

Meetings/Rehearsals

Church Information

West Mainline District

The View Ministry

Visit our website @ http://www.mtpisgahamec.org/newsletter and scroll down to order your free online full color subscription today!!!

V OLUME

ISSUE

A Word From Our Pastor

The Reverend Jay B. Broadnax, Pastor of Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church

Greetings my Beloved! August is typically a month that churches wind down and take a break from the normal hectic pace of the year. Although we all need a pause in the action sometimes so that we can “Do Us”, we should also keep in mind that some of our greatest opportunities for ministry occur when people have a little more time at their disposal. While we at various times head for the shore or to other destinations, the city remains brimming with people in need of the hope and support that the Word of God and the holistic ministry of the church provides. There are too many community issues, too many desperate people, too many stressed out parents, and too many young people with too much time on their hands for the doors of the church to not be open! I do believe that there is much value in the relaxation of our pace, and of certain formalities such as our dress code. However, if we really believe that what we do as the church saves people’s lives, then we will remember that Jesus didn’t take the summer off, nor does the enemy; so neither should the church. I think it makes sense for us to not all be “away from the plow” at the same time. If we plan and coordinate well it’s possible for everyone to get a break and be refreshed without breaking the flow. (We should also remember that our stewardship must remain consistent through the summer as well!) We are well served if we keep in mind the notion of “staggering our stops” so that the ministry can carry on. Here at Mt. Pisgah, August will be an active and exciting month! We will continue our “Come as You Are” Sundays on second through the fifth Sunday, to give people an opportunity to just concentrate on giving God the praise without having to be concerned about appearances. On second Sunday, August 8th, we will feature one of the great preachers of our AME Connection: The Reverend Dr. Samuel Boyd, from Pearl Street AME Church in Jackson MS (the 8th Episcopal District). On Saturday August 14th and Sunday August 15th we are excited to present our annual Women’s Conference, themed She Shall Be Called Woman. This will include a concert of prayer, workshops and a consecration service, all focused on helping women to walk in their callings. August 22 will be the second of two “Family and Friends Day”, to which members will be encouraged to extend an invitations to neighbors and family members. Finally, on August 27th and 28th our adult dance ministry, Divine Movement will host its second annual City Wide Dance Revival and Prophetic Arts Conference. Dance and Mime ministries from throughout the region and beyond have been invited to minister, and to sharpen and hone their gifts as they give God the praise. So I am excited to report that even though most of us will pause at points during August to get some much needed rest, August will still be a kingdom building, God glorifying, people edifying, and devil horrifying month at Mount Pisgah! Let me close by adding that even when we step back from our activity at the church, we should never step back from God. When you leave for the beach, or when you leave your ten months of the year routine for a different pace, don’t leave your spiritual disciplines behind. Stay in the WORD! Stay connected to the body through worship (that means GO TO CHURCH, even if it’s not your HOME church)! Above all, STAY ON YOUR KNEES! We simply cannot afford to relax our focus on God, or ignore our spiritual growth and development, just because we’re physically on vacation. (Even during the summer, the devil is STILL on the prowl, looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). If we stay focused on God, the refreshing of a vacation can be a REAL refreshing; a refreshing for our whole being. Be blessed and be a blessing!! Pastor Jay

P AGE

July Role Model Award

Role Model Columnist Sis. Arthean L. Wicks

Presented by the Youth Drama Ministry

Sis. Sandra Geathers

Sis. Arthean L. Wicks is the Commission Chair for the Ministry of Missions and Welfare.

Sandy has been a member of Mt. Pisgah for twenty-five years.

and a most efficient Church School teacher (Senior Adults Class).

Her Christian training began as a youngster at the Campbell AME Church in Frankford. She loves the Lord and gives Him the praise for what He is to her.

She is truly studying to be an approved worker for Christ. Sandy graduated from the Palmer Theological School in the 2008 Certificate Program for Biblical Studies. She is currently enrolled in the Diploma Program for Biblical Studies at Palmer.

Everyday with her is a day of thanksgiving. Ephesians 4 is a daily scripture for her walk worthy of your identification with Christ by being humble, gentle, patient, loving, and united. The abilities Christ has given you must be put into practice within the church. Sis. Geathers is the Vice Chairperson of the Board of Stewards, a Class Leader, a member of the Praise and Worship Team,

Sandy is a devoted mother to Clayven, Fred II, and Kimberly; a loving grandmother and greatgrandmother. Mt. Pisgah salutes Sis. Sandra Geathers.

V OLUME

ISSUE

P AGE

An Evening of Elegance The Queen’s Coronation Held in Dover, Delaware The Women’s Missionary Society of the First Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and The Royal Highness welcomed all to “An Evening of Elegance”, the annual Queen’s Coronation held at the Sheraton Hotel in Dover, DE. This illustrious affair is presided over by First Episcopal District President, Sister J e w e l D . McAshan; Episcopal District Supervisor, Mother Mary Ann Norris; and of course the Chieftain of the First Episcopal District, the Right Reverend Richard Franklin Norris, Presiding Bishop. The Queen’s Coronation Program was held on Wednesday evening, July 14, 2010 with Sister Carla D. Hinds presiding. The opening selection was Lift Every Voice and Sing,

Special Event Correspondent Sis. Pauline I. Andrews

resenting the PhilaConferdelphia ence. In the final analysis of the contest, Sis Audrey was recognized as the first runner-up with an exceptional report. The Queen of 2010 hails from New Jersey, Queen Frances Lawrence Styles. Be that as it may, Q u e en Audrey Baker Davidson walked away with a sweet spirit of fellowship and love.

led by our own Missionary President, Sis. L. Lynn Rochester. Our illustrious Pastor, Reverend Jay B. Broadnax rendered a duet with the Reverend Juanita Walters. Our Sister Audrey Baker Davidson was the finalist rep-

Sister Au drey started out to make a difference; this she did quite well. Queen Audrey was escorted to the dais by her faithful, loving husband, Mr. Dwayne Davidson. Her Ladies-in-Waiting were Jean Adams and Veronica Saunders. We doff our hats to you Queen Audrey Baker Davidson. May you be continually inspired to keep on keeping on in the name of the One whose we are, and Who loves us all.

V OLUME

ISSUE

P AGE

The August Ministry of the Month We have all read in our bulletins the announcements from the Flower Club regarding the floral tributes on the altar that have been made amid our church family. We have marveled at the beautiful poinsettias that are strategically placed around Mt. Pisgah at Christmastime. We have attended functions adorned with fresh flower centerpieces. While this is a part of their ministry, the Flower Club’s call to serve Mt. Pisgah is far more intricate. The Flower Club serves to enhance a variety of ministries, and focuses on the enhancement of our church home. Often behind the scenes and undetected, this ministry bestows our congregations with tokens of love on a continuous basis. They are little giants tucked away in the background of our church community. The members of this ministry are Sis. Ruth Adams, President; Sis. Vivian H. Gee, Vice President; Sis. Phyllis Covington, Recording Secretary; Sis. Kimberly Yon, Corresponding Secretary; Sis. Lillian Drake, Treasurer; Sis. Daphin

Jackson, Assistant Treasurer; Sis. Audrey P. Washington, Financial Secretary; Bro. Carl E. Wilson, Chaplain; Sis. Clara Robinson, Assistant Chaplain; Sis. Helen William, Benevolent Secretary; Sis. Ida B. Patterson, Sis. Minnie Harris, and Sis. Elizabeth Lavender (on leave) President Ruth Adams has served in this ministry for a total of twenty-three (23) years. She advises us that the mission of the Flower Club is to put fresh flowers on the altar, honor clergy and others with purchase items for the church and to support other ministries. She teaches the members

Featured Ministry Columnist Sis. Deana R. Rivers

to “be concerned about others, [be] dependable, honest, and encouraging.” Her responsibilities as president are to “encourage our members to be faithful and engage new members to become active in church work. Sis. Helen Williams was asked to be a part of the Flower Club nine years ago. She told us that, “Sis. Adams was such a good soliciter, and convinced me there was a need for new members in the ministry”. Sis. Helen finds the best part of being in the ministry is “fulfillment. The togetherness and love among the members shows true stewardship.” Bro. Carl E. Wilson, who has been a member for two (2) years, reflects on rejoining the Mt. Pisgah family as he tell us that, “I thought that joining this ministry would be a quick and easy way to start my spiritual journey with God; but fellowshipping and working with these beautiful faithful saints has taught me so much more. Through our mission of supplying flowers for the altar and for special occasions [it] has

V OLUME

ISSUE

P AGE

The Flower Club helped to teach me so much more about caring and praying for the concerns of others.” He adds that, “it has also served to help prepare [me] to serve in other ministries; they as a whole have helped to build intuitiveness, confidence, self-worth and a better sense of direction for myself in helping others.” Sis. Kimberly Yon, who is the newest member of the ministry, joining a year ago to, “establish new friendships and to help inspire ideas that could grow in the club”. The best part about being in this ministry for her is that, “I saw the value of this club and its compassion for the community and church, and I wanted to be a part of that.” Sis. Phyllis Covington marvels at the fact that, “a group of people can be so cohesive. We work on many activities throughout the year, and our meetings are both informative and entertaining.” Earlier this year, the Flower Club hosted a Fashion Show,

have brought to many with our generosity and support of other ministries; working with our pastors, and presenting noteworthy fund raisers.” Her message to her Mt. Pisgah family is to, “work with each other more; support each other’s projects; and respect each other.

which received great accolades. “Tots to Teens” were on parade, as well as “Men of Distinction.” This event was one of the many affairs to remember hosted by this ministry. An elaborate Appreciation Luncheon for the participants of the Fashion Show was held just a few weeks ago. The Flower Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 11:00 AM. Members interested in joining this ministry need only to advise them of your interest by attending a meeting or approaching a member. Sis. Adams’ fondest memories are, “the pleasures we

V O L U M E

The consensus of this group is compassion. They are driven with a heartfelt desire to enhance the lives of others. They are loyal, not only to each other, but also to the church family that holds a special place in their hearts. They take pride in their mission, and are dedicated to show love from afar. Mt. Pisgah is grateful to the diligence of the Flower Club. We encourage new members as they pray for guidance in an area of service, to take our Flower Club into consideration. We have been blessed by their loyalty, and the beauty that they have brought into our sanctuary. We keep them in our prayers.

I S S U E

P AGE

Vacation Bible School 2010 Best Yet

Special Event Correspondent Sis. Yvonne Anderson

Mt. Pisgah Learns to “Go Green for Jesus” in a Mighty Way

Under the guidance of our Pastor, the Reverend Jay B. Broadnax, our Director, Sis. Carrie Yon used “Let’s Step Up and Go Green for Jesus”, as our theme for this year’s Vacation Bible School. For the first time two week long sessions were held. The first week’s session featured morning classes, and the second week’s session featured evening classes. Our theme scripture reading was Psalms 24:1. “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” Vacation Bible School’s 2010 Mission Statement is as follows: Engage our students in community involvement Raise environmental awareness Promote healthy lifestyles and are of others Teach important lessons

about how to be good stewards of what God has blessed us with To challenge students to give glory to God as the Creator and step up to take care of all of His creation. Our Registrar Sis. Linda Campbell Graham, along with church Secretary Sis. Carolyn Lang kept the paperwork flowing for the entire program. Sis. Barbara Kennedy, and Sis. Yvonne Anderson were the teachers for the Green Leaf Crew Class (ages 2 – 5). The Class Eco Friendly Patrol (ages 6 – 8) teachers were during the first week were Sis. Sandra Crooms and Sis. Cherie Tyans; Sis. Sandra Crooms and Sis. Lisa Younger taught the class during the second week. The Solar Power Squad Class (ages 9 – 12) teachers were Sis. Arthean L. wicks, Sis. June Shorts, and Sis. Angela Ryans. Our teens (ages 13 – 18), made up the Conservation Crew Class,

V O L U M E

and were taught by Rev. Phyllis A. Harris. The adult class, Green Forever, was taught by Sis. Shirley Harris during the first session days; our very own Pastor, Rev. Jay B. Broadnax taught during the second session evenings. Ninety (90) members and guests attended VBS this year, and thirteen (13) children accepted Christ as their Savior. As you see, we were spiritually fed, learning about our God, and all that He has for us to do as stewards. Of course, we couldn’t have survived this with out Sis. Kimberly Yon who provided us with the food for our physical strength. Also, we must not forget Bro. Brian Crooms, Bro. Rick, Sis. Bertha Harmon and Sis. Gloria Stanton, who helped out wherever they were needed. We were there to teach, but this was also a learning experience for me. I hope that God is willing for me to be able to be there again next year.

I S S U E

V OLUME

ISSUE

P AGE

Vacation Bible School and Closing Ceremony

P AGE

Baptism of Bro. Kamara Truly Depicts Jesus’ Joy “But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!” Luke 12:50

On Sunday, July 25, 2010, Mt. Pisgah was truly blessed to share in the baptism of is Bro. Ibrahim Kamara. Bro. Ibrahim profoundly accepted Christ as his Savior on Jan. 31, 2010. He has been diligent in his pursuit of spiritual growth, and submitted himself to be baptized by pouring.

such jubilation. The event was a clear depiction of the joy that only God can provide; the reaction was a marvelous witness.

He choose to have his class leader, Bro. Philip DeVose at his side, which speaks volumes to the role that he has fulfilled. The revitalization that consumed Bro. Ibrahim was appar-

Special Feature Journalist Sis. Sandra E. Crooms

Without

ent, and truly touched the hearts of all who were present. There is something extraordinary and comforting about witnessing one receiving this sacrament with

We encourage Bro. Ibrahim as he continues to mature spiritually, and thank Him for reminding us how exciting it is to choose God, and walk with Him. He is a baby in Christ, who surely has led us to a revelation of love, dedication, and fulfillment. Congratulations Brother, and thank you for ushering the Holy Spirit into our hearts. We share your joy and praise God for you!

From: JustMoms.com August 6, 2007 Open Discussion

GOD, our week would be:

Sinday, Mournday, Tearsday, Wasteday, Thirstday, Fightday and Shatterday. Remember that seven days WITHOUT GOD makes one WEAK!! V O L U M E

I S S U E

V OLUME

ISSUE

P AGE

Christian Education Congress

Special Event Correspondent Rev. Phyllis A. Harris

Mt. Zion A.M.E. in Dover, DE Hosts Conference at Wesley College The Lord blessed Mt. Pisgah to have six (6) teens and three (3) adults attend the Christian Education Congress at Wesley College, in historic Dover, Delaware from July 12 through July 15, 2010. The Wilmington Conference Academy was founded in 1873 to provide a value-centered education to students of all races and faith. The school became Wesley College in 1918. The institution is Delaware's oldest private college. The attending teens were Briana Arrington, Jessica Bowler, D'laina Davidson, Savan Hinton , D'Nae Jackson, and Tyrique Townsend. Our chaperones were Bro. Brian Crooms, Sis Sandra Crooms, and Rev. Phyllis Harris. This was the first time Jessica, Savan and Tyrique attended The Congress. Our First Episcopal District theme for the Congress was "Reach, Reclaim, Engage, Empower. - Luke 10:1." Our Pastor, Rev. Jay B. Broadnax is the Chairman of Christian Education for the

First Episcopal District. As always it's a fast paced, exciting learning experience for all. On Tuesday and Wednesday we started our day with breakfast, followed by Bible Study. Our first core course was Preparation For The Task/Leadership in the Church. Our second core course was Preparation For The Task/ A Look at The Four Gospels. In our Opening Worship and Communion Service on Monday evening Rev. Melvin Wilson, Pastor of St. Luke A.M.E. Church in New York, NY preached on the topic of "Don't Laugh At Me, 2 Kings 2:23-25." He made the sermon relevant for the youth and adults. In our Mid-Day Worship Service on Tuesday, Rev. Cindy Carr, Pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Reading, PA preached on the topic of "Keep It Moving, 1 Samuel 17:20-24, 26-37)." This was another awesome sermon relevant for youth and adults. There was a special presentation "Our History in the Making" which was made on Tuesday afternoon by Rev. Edward Bailey, Pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Lancaster, PA for our youth. The Youth of the Year Presentation Service was held on Tuesday evening. The Youth of the Year for the Philadelphia Conference was Saadia F. Cooper from Bethel Lansdowne (South District). Rev. Robert Jackson, Pastor

of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Bridgeton, New Jersey was the preacher for our Mid-Day Worship Service on Wednesday. The title of his sermon was "It's Just The God In Us, 1 Samuel 17: 32-38, 50." In the evening the youth and chaperones attended the Youth Service at Zion A. M. E Church located two blocks from the campus. It is always an enriching experience to hear our youth display their musical and oratory talents as they worship and praise God. The Queens Contest was held at the same time at the Sheraton Hotel. We're rejoicing that our Sis. Audrey Davidson, representing the Philadelphia Conference came in second place behind the New Jersey Conference. Later in the evening the Congress held a dance for our youth on campus. On Thursday we experienced our Closing and Commissioning Service, where the preacher was Rev. Carlton Gibson, Presiding Elder of the Buffalo-AlbanyRochester District, Western New York Conference. The title of his sermon was "When Do You Say, O Lord, The Storm is Raging (John 1:14)?" Sis. Sandra Crooms was also a Class Assistant, Bro. Brian Crooms also worked as security and Rev. Harris was an instructor. We left the Congress energized to continue our work for the Lord in a more excellent way.

P AGE

Youth Spotlight

Young Peoples Department Featured Columnist Sis. Jada Nicole Reed

I liked Vacation Bible School. I came for two weeks. Ms. Kim served good food for us to eat. Every day we said pledges before we went to class. We prayed before we started. Our teachers are Ms. Shorts and Ms. Arthean. We learned to trust God. Going green for Jesus means to save water, recycle, and keep the earth clean. We had Arts & Crafts in our classes. We made faces with celery, carrots, crackers, and blue cheese. Then we made God’s world with goldfish crackers and animal crackers. I was in a skit about a filthy pond that we could not fish in. They called the Jesus Green Team to clean it up. That was on the last day. Our Bible verse came from Psalms, “All of the valleys are mine and the cattle of a thousand hills.” I got a Certificate of Participation for coming.

August’s Youth Correspondent Jada Nicole Reed is the eleven-year-old granddaughter of Princess Barbara Poindexter. Currently she is a student at Locke Elementary School in West Philadelphia, advancing to the fifth grade in September. She is attending summer camp, and thoroughly enjoying swimming several times per week. She is a very creative child that likes computer science. When not engaged in obligations, she enjoys showing love to her pet, “Puss in Boots”. Jada truly blessed this ministry with her contribution to the magazine, and we are delighted to feature her this month. We are proud of her and support her endeavors. We praise God for placing her with us. Jada is a member of the Little Angels of Praise, the Excelsiorette Choir, the Young Peoples Department, the Youth Drama Ministry, and the Jr. and Young Adult Usher Board.

V OLUME

ISSUE

P AGE

Do You Know This Man?

Special Feature Columnist Sis. Georgie B. LaRue

African American Inventor Impacts Everyday Life You may not have heard of Dr. Mark Dean, and you aren't alone. Nonetheless, almost everything in your life has been affected by his work. Dr. Mark Dean is a PhD. from Stanford University who is in the National Hall of Inventors, and has more than thirty (30) patents pending. He is a Vice President with IBM, and the architect of the modern-day personal computer. Dr. Dean holds three (3) of the original nine (9) patents on the computer that all PCs are based upon. Dr. Mark Dean is an African American. How is it that we can celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the IBM personal computer without reading or hearing a single word about him? Given all of the pressure that mass media is under about negative portrayals of African Americans on television and in print, you would think it would be a slam-dunk to highlight someone like Dr. Dean. Yet somehow, we have managed to miss the shot. History is cruel when it comes to telling the stories of African Americans. Dr. Dean isn’t the first Black inventor to be overlooked. Consider John Stanard, inventor of the refrigerator; George Sampson, creator of the clothes dryer; Alexander Miles and his elevator; and Lewis Latimer and the electric lamp. All of these inventors share two

things: one that they changed the landscape of our society; and two, that society relegated them to the footnotes of history. I hope that Dr. Mark Dean will not go away as quietly as they did. He certainly shouldn't. Dr. Dean helped start a Digital Revolution that created people like Microsoft's Bill Gates and Dell Computer’s Michael Dell. Millions of jobs in information technology can be traced back directly to Dr. Dean. More important, stories like Dr. Mark Dean's should serve as inspiration for African-American children. Already victims of the "Digital Divide" and failing school systems, young, Black kids might embrace technology with more enthusiasm if they knew someone like Dr. Dean already was leading the way. Although technically Dr. Dean can't be credited with creating the

computer (that inventor was Alan Turing, a pioneering 20th century English mathematician widely considered to be the father of modern computer science), Dr. Dean rightly deserves to take a bow for the machine we use today. The computer really wasn't practical for home or small business use until he came along, leading a team that developed the interior architecture (ISA systems bus) that enables multiple devices, such as modems and printers, to be connected to personal computers. In other words, because of Dr. Dean, the personal computer became a part of our daily lives. For most of us, changing the face of society would have been enough, but not for Dr. Dean; still in his early forties, he has a lot of inventing left in him. He recently made history again by leading the design team responsible for creating the first 1-gigahertz processor chip. That’s another huge step in making computers faster and smaller. As the world congratulates itself for the new Digital Age brought on by the personal computer, we need to guarantee that the African-American story is part of the hoopla surrounding the most stunning technological advance the world has ever seen. We cannot afford to let Dr. Mark Dean become a footnote in history; he is well worth his own history book. Ref: “America’s High-Tech Invisible Man”, Tyrone D. Taborn, October 24, 2005, Gobbs Magazine.

V OLUME

ISSUE

P AGE

West/Mainline District Church School Convention If you didn’t know, Mt. Pisgah has a history of strong and active participation with Church School. In the early 1900’s the West District Church School Superintendent was Sis. Blanche Victoria Thompson of Mt. Pisgah. After a summer of “R & R”, the West Main Line District Church Schools Staff, Superintendents, and their assistants convened for the planning of the 114th Church School Convention. The first meeting was held Tuesday, September 7, 2009 at St. Matthew A.M.E. Church. Bro. Irvin Hopewell represents Mt. Pisgah as our superintendent, in his usual cheerful manner, and Bro. Ernest M. Davis is the second half of the “dynamic duo.” Our district is now led by the talented, creative and capable, Sis. Tona Picket, and her trusted side-kick, Sis. Lydia Kelly. Sis. Cheryll MorrisDavis serves as the WMLD Secretary, and Bro. William Lipscomb is the treasurer. When his schedule permits, Elder Charles H. Lett, Jr. attends our district meetings. In November, the convention’s scripture and theme was selected from suggestions given by the Church School superintendents. With this established we are off and running with the various tasks of composing a convention theme song, ‘Best of the West’ covers art submissions and selection, program participants, patrons list for the book scholar-

Christian Education and Christian Fellowship. The winning of the attendance award is another advantage but it is secondary.

The Ministers in Attendance ship fund and everything else in between. The final preparation is held sometime in June, and is known as ‘Kit Stuffing Night or Day’. The host church prepares a meal to behold. Once nourished the task of “kit stuffing” begins. Items purchased are placed in envelopes for distribution for the Saturday convention workshops. There is more of an emphasis on the youth kits than the adults. However, they are not left out of the picture for they are supplied with pens and writing tablets. Mt. Pisgah’s Church School Staff has encouraged their members to attend the two-day Church School Convention. For the first time, modern technology was used by notifying those that have computers with a slide presentation. The presentation was also displayed one Sunday in June on one of the computers located in the Church School Room. Handouts and announcements were also made. Church School Staff’s primary reason for attending the convention is two-fold:

Mt. Pisgah’s convention presence was evident. On Saturday, June 26th, the convention’s registration desk was covered by Bro. Ernest M. Davis and Sis. LaRaine Calhoun, Mt. Zion who greeted the arriving conventioneers. The convention momentum geared up with the roll call of the Churches and their response given by reciting the convention scripture – Job 27:4 – “My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit.” This year’s theme was based on Integrity, etc. There was an enthusiastic contingent of Mt. Pisgahites made evident by their lively response to the roll call. Mt. Pisgah’s participation was again noticeable in Saturday’s mini-worship service: Master Kasheme Coleman, led the prayer, our Pastor, Rev. Jay B. Broadnax , introduced our newly ordained local deacon, Rev. Donna M. Minor. Rev. Minor’s sermon took us to a higher spiritual level. Sis. Dolores Clinton captured some of Rev. Minor’s message – “We Are Somebody in the Body of Christ.” Discord between God and the devil are explained in the story of Job. Don’t lie and be deceitful if you want God’s blessing.

V OLUME

ISSUE

P AGE

Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Devon Hosts Body language will show if you are lying. Lying and evil is in the Bible and is soon revealed (Psalm 34:13). “Tell the truth and glorify God.” Faith in God is telling the truth. Truth will help us to grow in faith. Rev. Minor quoted Romans 8:37 and Philippians 4:13; you can do all things that God has called you to do. Since Jesus came to save us, there is the need for us to tell the truth. When the devil is on your trail, you ought to praise God – sing, dance, clap your hands, stomp your feet. Thank God – He’s a doctor, lawyer, and keeper – Thank God! Tell the truth and glorify God, because He is worthy of all our praise! ! ! Rev. Minor preached us up from our seats and onto our feet, clapping, shouting, rocking, and rolling. The Church School Convention had soared to another level on a spiritual high. The third part of the morning consisted of workshops for the youth, the adults, and the minis-

Special Event Correspondent Sis. Cheryll Morris-Davis

the plate by having a dynamic and fantastic presentation entitled “Faces” written by Sis. Letitia Arrington and acted out by Bro. Wade Fauntleroy. The conventioneers received this with a loud applause.

ters. Mt. Pisgah’s teachers were Sis. Cheryll Morris-Davis and Sis. Barbara A. Kennedy (Beginners Class 5 to 6); Bro. Ernest M. Davis and Bro. Richard R. Minor (Junior Class 11 to 12); and Rev. Jay B. Broadnax (Ministers’ Workshop). The morning convention activities concluded with each class presenting a summary of their lessons. A hearty lunch was served. In the afternoon, some of the Church Schools gave presentations based on the convention theme. Mt. Pisgah stepped up to

V O L U M E

Near the closing of this year’s church school convention, the moment of truth was at hand… The awarding of the Attendance Trophy. Will it be St. Matthew (2009 champions) or Mt. Pisgah (2010 contenders)? Drum roll, if you please. . . This year’s winner is Mt. Pisgah, with an attendance of 45. It must be mentioned, that the youngest attendee for this year’s church school convention was Baby Alese Mae'El Fauntleroy. Bro. Irvin Hopewell, Church School Superintendent, and Staff invite you to join us for the 115th Church School Convention, at Grimes A.M.E., Phoenixville, June 24 and 25, 2011.

I S S U E

V OLUME

ISSUE

P AGE

Mt. Pisgah Women’s Conference The Women’s Conference Workshops will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2010. Read Luke 1:5-56. Even before He was born, Jesus was changing the lives of women. While He was on earth, Jesus’ ministry profoundly challenged society’s restrictions upon women’s roll in the religious sphere. Even the preparation for His birth brought about a change in the way that women looked at themselves.

She Shall Be Called Woman The conference workshops will be led by these anointed women of God: Rev. Dr. Marsha Brown Woodard First Baptist Church Wayne PA Bishop Mary Floyd Palmer Agape Christian Chapel Philadelphia, PA Rev. Lorraine Dennis Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ Philadelphia, PA Evangelist Karen Hatcher Holy Ghost Headquarters Revival Center at the Met Philadelphia, PA We as women of the church will share the method that God has given us from the Bible; the

Special Event Correspondent Sis. Arthean L. Wicks

method of praying on one accord in small groups. How is this achieved? Simply by praying about only one subject at a time, with one person praying aloud while the others in the group are praying silently (on the same subject). The Concert of Prayer will take place on Sunday, Aug 15, 2010 at 3:00 PM. The guest preacher is Rev. Dr. Janet Sturdivant, Pastor of Asbury AME Church in Chester PA. The message from this chosen vessel will enable us to press closer to the Father, and experience a deeper and more intimate relationship in the process of purification on the threshing floor. Get rid of your burdens and bondage and learn to hear the voice of God like never before. We sincerely invite all of our sisters to be a part of this conference. You will rise above your natural circumstances, and tap in to supernatural realm where you will find love, peace, contentment and the solution to every problem that you face. We hope that this conference and concert of prayer service will inspire you to make Him the center of your life. We believe you will draw strength form you fellow sisters in Christ and become more confident in your gifts and abilities. We are certain that you will feel a great sense of accomplishment fulfilling what God has enabled you to do. To God be the Glory!!!

Wilsons Celebrate 60th Anniversary On August 26, 1950, the Rev. Isaac N. Patterson, III united Mabel Louise Jones and James Jerome Wilson in Holy Matrimony. Their 60th anniversary is forthcoming. In the citation issued to the couple by the PA House of Representatives, it declares that they are “always proud to recognize its citizens whose commitment to the sanctity of marriage and family values contributes to the strength and unity of this great Commonwealth”. They add, “Their happy union has

enhanced the lives of others and has been blessed by four children (Jeanice, Darryl, James and Joel) and nine grandchildren.” Congressman Chaka Fattah states in his Proclamation from Congress that the couple has “displayed extraordinary devotion for each other, has stressed the importance of family commitment, and are exemplary members of [their] community. He includes his “congratulations to the both of [them] on this auspicious occa-

Special Event Correspondents The Wilson Family

sion.” The Wilsons are faithful members of Mt. Pisgah. Bro. James is a former Trustee. Sis. Mabel is one of the original members of the Hostess Club (now the Hospitality Ministry) founded by former First Lady Octavia Dandridge. We praise God for your blessings and unison. Many happy returns and love always to the illustrious couple.

V OLUME

ISSUE

P AGE

George Crum and the Potato Chip

Special Feature Journalist Sis. Cheryll Morris-Davis

According to the history books, the potato chip was invented on August 24, 1853, at the Moon Lake Lodge in Saratoga Springs, New York. It all began when one of the patrons of the restaurant sent back his food because his French fries were cut too thick. The restaurant's chef, George Crum, sliced the fries for the patron even more thinly, but became irritated when the diner once again sent back his dish. In a fit of frustration, Crum sliced the potatoes into slivers and fried them. The chef hoped to rile the diner by giving him chips that were too thin and crispy to eat with a fork. It was a shock to the chef when the patron decided he loved these crispy little snacks. Crum's potato chips became a featured item on the Moon Lake Lodge menu and in 1860 the chef opened his own restaurant using the profit he had made from the chips. However, the man who made the first batch OriginalSaratogaChips.com of potato chips didn't have the political power to profit even more from his creation. George Crum, who was both African-American and Native American, lived from 1822 to 1914. “In those days, people of color were not allowed to take out patents on their inventions,” says Gant-Britton, author of the textbook Holt African American History. If you visit Saratoga Springs, NY you will find boxes of "Saratoga Chips" still being sold today! Sounds like George got a "crummy deal"! Ref: They Could Have Been Billionairs@WalletPop.com © 2010, AOL Inc.

Word Power Reigns

Special Feature Columnist Sis. Linda Campbell Graham

AISE (1)

IDY (2)

CEUAR (3)

ABE (2)

OIPOP (3)

HIBIY (4)

(2)

IEGA (3)

OBOY (4)

AMA (2)

OYAY (3)

VOEYBA (4)

IAC

The letter L has disappeared from the words above. By restoring the number of L’s in ( ) can you identify the original word? The answers can be found on page 45.

Taken from Reader’s Digest, December 2009/January 2010

We praise God for His influence in the hearts of our children. We are proud of the paths that they have chosen and encourage them with all that is in us.

Best of the West Church 2010 School Convention Submission by Kahseme Coleman

Women’s Missionary Society

Florida Grant WMS Columnist Sis. Pauline I. Andrews

194th Session of the Philadelphia Annual Conference Philadelphia Annual Conference Women’s Missionary Society Annual Day 8:00 AM Noon Worship Service 12:00 PM The Reverend Carlos Bounds, Missionary Sermon Afternoon Service 3:00 – 5:30 PM Election of Officers et al Remarks were delivered by Conference Missionary President, Sister Florence I. Smith; Episcopal District Missionary President Jewel D. McAshan; Episcopal District Supervisor, Mother Mary Ann Norris.

Delegates from Florida Grant Missionary Society to the celebration in Lancaster, PA were Sisters Marlene Winfield and Darlene B. Foreman. Florida Grant Missionary Members and other Mt. Pisgahites were Sisters Elizabeth Hopkins, Elsie M. Galloway, Bertha L. Harmon, Australia F. Weaver, Vivian Gee, Helen Williams, Verna Cox, Arthean L. Wicks, Eula L. Clark, Dolores Clinton, Diane E. Pope and our illustrious Pastor and wife, Rev. Jay and Sis. Ingrid Broadnax. To say the least, this year’s celebration was another not to forget wonderful experience. The Bethel A.M.E. Church of Lancaster, PA was the entertaining

church for the 194th Session presided over by the illustrious Bishop Franklin Norris. Sister Florence I. Smith, Philadelphia Conference Branch President, and L. Lynn Rochester, the First Episcopal District Director of the Young People’s Department and local church President of the Florida Grant W.M.S. spearheaded the proceedings. The Marriot Hotel and Conference Facility was where much of the deliberations appertaining to the Conference were held. We now look ahead to 2011 when the Conference activities will be held at our neighboring church, St. Matthew A.M.E..

V OLUME

ISSUE

P AGE

Handling It God’s Way The Power of Hope - Psalms 71:5

Inspirational Columnists Sis. Kelli A. Criss-Joyner & Sis. Lisa Younger

"You are my hope, O Lord God;

dangerous path in the Judean wil-

you are my trust from my

derness. Its name is Wadi Kelt.

youth"

However, it is known as the valley

(Psalm 71:5)

of the shadow. This is the location that inspired David’s 23rd Psalm. This place offered little reason to write such a hopeful poem.

The

valley was bleak, barren, and dangerously steep. It was a place where thieves and murderers hid. When David wrote, “Yea, though I

The Word of God is filled with many scriptures of Hope.

walk through the valley of the

our Heavenly Father, the One

shadow of death, I will fear no

Who has the right to promise

evil” (v.4), he was in a place

hope and the power to keep the

where evil was an ever-present

promise. When we proclaim that God is our HOPE, we can let go of

Romans 5:2 states "And let us

the past and move into the future

rejoice and exult in our hope of

with hope, faith, and trust in God.

experiencing and enjoying the glory of God."

We can let go of despair, depres-

Luke 2:52 re-

sion, and discouragement, and

minds us that all of God's prom-

believe that God is ...a shield for

ises are activated by faith. We

me, my glory, and the lifter of my

can believe that we are anointed

head (Psalm 3:3)

(Ephesians 4:24), that we are blessed

with

every

blessing

(Ephesians

spiritual 1:3)

Hope comes not from our

and

that we are more than conquer-

own strength, intelligence, or fareality. However, he refused to give in to fear. Not only did David

ors (Romans 8:37).

vorable circumstances, but from the Lord.

express hope that he would pass Psalmist

through the valley safely; he also

writes that God not only gives us

Psalms,

expressed faith that the very pres-

hope, but He is our HOPE. "You

ence of God would give him the

are my hope, O Lord God; You

confidence to pass through without

a re

fear of being deserted by Him.

the

trust

fr o m

youth." (Psalm 71:5) Like David, when our hope is in The ancient road from Jeru-

God, we can claim it with cer-

salem to Jericho was a narrow,

tainty, because its basis is of God,

Ref: “Our Daily Bread” RBC Ministries July 19, 2010 Sis. Kelli A. Criss-Joyner and Sis. Lisa Younger are the Commission Chairs for the Ministry of Membership

P AGE

This Month in Black History August 1, 1996 – At the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Michael Johnson becomes the first man to win gold medals in both the 200- and 400-meter runs, breaking his own world record in the 200.

August 9, 1936 – Jesse Owens wins four gold medals in track and field events at the Berlin Olympics. August 9, 1939 – The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund was organized. August 10, 1965 – Thurgood Marshall was named solicitor general.

August 4, 1961 – President Barack Obama was born in Honolulu. August 5, 1962 – Nelson Mandela was imprisoned and remained there for 37 years.

August 10, 1989 – General Colin Powell is nominated as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

ISSUE

August 19, 1989 – Desmond Tutu defies apartheid law by walking alone on a South African beach. August 22, 1945 – Adam Clayton Powell was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

August 28, 1963 – A quarter million demonstrators take place in the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. August 30, 1983 – Lt. Col. Guion Bluford became the first Black astronaut in space.

August 17, 1945 – Ebony Magazine is founded by John H. Johnson.

Special Feature Journalist Sis. Cheryl Hammond Hopewell

August 23, 1796 – The A.M.E. Church was incorporated.

August 6, 1939 – Singer Marian Anderson performs at the Lincoln Memorial before an audience of 75,000.

V OLUME

ISSUE

P AGE

Lady Ushers Present NUCUAA Seminar The Board of Ladies Ushers of Mt. Pisgah (Denise HumbertWillis, president) have collaborated with Sis. Gloria Johnson, the Recording Secretary of the Church Ushers Association of Philadelphia, Inc., to present a Question and Answer Seminar on Saturday August 21, 2010 at 11:30 AM at our church home. We encourage everyone that has been called to usher to take advantage of this free educational and inspirational colloquium. The symposium will teach us about the Association, and introduce the significance of our affiliation with the group. We will additionally learn about the dif-

Special Event Correspondent Sis. Denise Humbert-Willis

ferent ministries within the Philadelphia and National Usher Board. We will establish a clear understanding of what it is to be an usher, and the pride associated with this discipleship. We will also discuss different types of uniforms. Several members of the Board of Lady Ushers will be attending classes beginning in September sponsored by the local chapter. The course of instruction, and benefits of attendance will be featured during the seminar in order to facilitate registration for interested ushers.

ushers of Mt. Pisgah and the guest usher boards that will be in attendance. All who are curious about, or interested in becoming an usher are welcome as well.

We look forward to sharing this invaluable seminar with all of the

Refreshments will be served immediately following.

Capital Campaign: Think BIG & Fulfill Our Mission The Trustee’s Annual Day instilled in all of those that attended a renewed appreciation of the meticulous effort that it takes to sustain our church home. It takes a constant effort, all day every day to stay on top of the various aspects of maintenance this building requires. Their service and dedication is an invaluable blessing. You can relate to the upkeep and maintenance of your home, so please be mindful that our temple requires the same attention on a far more grand scale. Our church desperately needs brick pointing and a new roof for starters.. Our giving must be sacrificial, and above our regular tithes. We must pray about this and do our

best. While we have calculated guidelines for this seed, you know what God enables you to do. We need one hundred (100) people to give a total of $1,000 by the end of the year 2010 in order to raise a total of $100,000 for our campaign. This amounts to less than $7.25 per day (movie money), and less than $50.00 per week. We need one hundred people to give a total of $750 by the end of the year 2010 in order to raise a total of $75,000 for our campaign. This amounts to less than $5.50 per day (lunch money), and less than $38.00 per week. We need one hundred people to give a total of $500 by the end of the year 2010 in order to raise

a total of $50,000 for our campaign. This amounts to less than $4.40 per day (snack money), and less than $32.00 per week. By making these commitments, we can easily reach our goal of $225,000 with no other fundraising activities. We are “Believing In God’s Greater Glory”, and trusting him to secure these proceeds. If you haven’t completed your Covenant Card please do so today. We pray that God will place it in your heart to remain faithful to your commitment. We thank you for your faithfulness, and God for His favor. We ask Him to continue to bless us, and His holy temple which is our family home.

P AGE

Tasty Diabetic Meal

Recipe taken from:

Health Correspondent Sis. Linda Campbell Graham

Cranberry Chicken

Summertime at Mt. Pisgah Pleased be advised that

the

summertime

Ingredients:

agenda will begin on Sunday, July 4, 2010. Morning service 9:45

Worship

will

begin

AM.

School 8:30

1 tablespoon olive oil

Church

will

begin

AM.

P.U.S.H.

(Pray until something happens) will be second

Sunday

7:30

¼ cup onion, chopped 2 lbs. of boneless, skinless chicken breasts ½ cup ketchup 1 teaspoon dry mustard 16 oz can of whole berry cranberry sauce ⅓ cup Splenda brown sugar blend 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

AM. Attire for the summer

services

casual.

will

Please

be be

mindful that this refers

Preparation: Preheat oil in a large skillet

to business casual, as

Add onion and sauté until clear.

opposed to beachwear.

Add chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side.

This is a great opportunity to invite your family and friends to

In a medium size bowl, combine ketchup, dry mustard, whole berry cranberry sauce, brown sugar and vinegar. Stir until mixed and pour into skillet. Cover and cook on medium heat for 15-20 minutes.

church in a more comfortable

environment.

So bring church

a guest to experience

the Spirit that lives in Mount Pisgah.

Can serve with rice and green beans Use chicken thighs or legs if you like dark meat chicken.

P AGE

In Loving Memory Of...

Death Notice Columnist Sis. Alma Robinson

Sister Gail Maxine Holmes Harris Sis. Harris was memorialized on Thursday, July 8, 2010 at eleven o’clock AM. She was a lifelong member of Mt. Pisgah. Over the years she was active in many church sponsored programs: Girl Scouts, Junior Ushers, Choirs (Excelsior, Attributes, Chancel), and of course Church School in both youth and adult classes.

Sanctuary Reverence

She was also a member of the Florida Grant Women’s Missionary Society until her illness prevented her from attending meetings.

Editor’s Note: This is the premier of a reappearing column sponsored by the Ministry of Seasoned Saints, reflective of our members who have been called home.

Quotable Quotes Put your trust in God and just go calmly on your way. - Norman Vincent Peale

When you reach the end of your life, do you want to be one of the people who are glad they did or one of the people who wish they had?. – Positivepress.com

God is the great physician. His specialty is heart transplants. – Church Sign in Eden, Georgia

There is no such thing as a bad day-only bad moments in a good day. – Dr. Mitchell E. Davis, Washington, DC

Sis. Alma Robinson is the Commission Chair for the Ministry of Seasoned Saints

Special Feature Journalist Bro David D. Rivers A sense of humor is one of the most important things we possess. I equate it with faith, love or happiness; you can’t see any of these things either, but we all know they exist and we all know they’re good. - Gabriel Lang, Author

Spirit of Love, I ask to wake each day of this year with fresh eyes, that I may see Your light shining through all my loved ones. - Marilyn Morgan King

Of all the forces that make for a better world, none is so powerful as hope. With hope, one can think, one can work, one can dream. If you have hope, you have everything. - Unknown

Please remember to observe reverence in the Sanctuary during Worship Service. Remember that we are in God’s house and respect our Pastor. Please be mindful most especially during the organ prelude, devotions, and the postlude. Refrain from moving about during the scripture reading and especially the sermon. Please keep your cell phones in prayer mode (vibrate), and avoid texting during the service. We appreciate your cooperation, and so does God.

P AGE

Laugh Out Loud Some of us took our friend, an older woman, out to lunch to celebrate her birthday. When the waitress came to take our order, one of the women told her, “This is a special occasion, Elsie is 92 today.” The waitress made seven instant enemies and one friend by asking, “Which one is Elsie?

Attention Group Leaders Beginn in g month

and

th is

from

this

point forward a copy of the

View

from

Mt.

Pisgah will be placed in the

box

every

organization. If your organization is involved in outreach outside

the

I was on my way out of the house to meet with a cantankerous client, and I was dreading it. The look on my face must have given me away, because my four-year-old daughter asked what was wrong. “I’m going to meet a woman who always yells at Daddy,” I told her. “Oh” she said. “Say hi to Mom.” William Key, Feared Meeting. More Laughs: Family Jokes. Readers Digest © 2010 The Reader's Digest Association, Inc

church

home and you require additional

copies

dis tribu tio n , contact

Sis.

for

pleas e Deana

Rivers to meet this need.

A teller at our credit union was assisting a member with a loan application. “Do you have references?”

Entertainment Columnist Sis. Linda Campbell Graham she asked. The member replied, “Do they have to be living?” Moleta McCarter, Good References. Customer Service Jokes, Jokes & Fun. Readers Digest © 2010 The Reader's Digest Association, Inc

A new pastor was visiting in the homes of his parishioners. At one house it seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his repeated knoc ks at the door. Therefore, he took out a business card and wrote 'Revelation 3:20' on the back of it and stuck it in the door When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his card had been returned. Added to it was this cryptic message, 'Genesis 3:10..' Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales of laughter. Revelation 3:20 begins 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock.' Genesis 3:10 reads, 'I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid for I was naked.' Joe Albero, May 27, 2009 Salisbury News @ www.sbynews.com Special Poetry Feature Correspondent Comunist Sis. Sis.Muriel MurielDawson Dawson

The Mission and Purpose of the Church The Mission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is to minister to the spiritual, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs of all people by spreading Christ’s liberating gospel through word and deed. Each local congregation of the African Methodist Episcopal Church shall engage in carrying out the spirit of the original Free African Society, out of which the A.M.E. Church evolved.

P AGE

Martha Cothren’s Desks Wow! It’s August already and children will be planning to return to school in September. This is for our students... We must give thanks to teachers and veterans. Back in September of 2005, on the first day of school, Martha Cothren, a social studies schoolteacher at Robinson High School in Little Rock, Arkansas did something that is not to be forgotten. On the first day of school, with the permission of the school superintendent, the principal, and the building supervisor, she removed all of the desks out of her classroom. When the first period students entered the room, they discovered that there were no desks. Looking around confused, they asked, “Ms. Cothren, where are our desks?” She replied, “You can’t have a desk until you tell me what you have done to earn the right to sit at a desk.” They thought, “Well, maybe it’s our grades.” “No,” she replied. “Maybe it’s our behavior.” She told them, “No, it’s not even your behavior.” Students came and went, the first period, the second period, the third period and on. There were still no desks in the classroom. By early afternoon, television news crews had started gathering in Ms. Cothren’s classroom to report about this crazy teacher who had taken all the desks out of her classroom. The final period of the day came, and as the puzzled students found seats on the floor of the deskless classroom. Martha Cothren said, “Throughout the day no one has been able to tell me just what he or she has done to earn the right to sit at the desks that are ordinarily found in the classroom. Now, I am going to tell you.” At this point, Martha Cothren went over to the door and opened it. Twentyseven United States Veterans, all in uniforms, walked into that classroom, each carrying a school desk. The Veterans

Special Feature Journalist Sis. Cheryll Morris-Davis

began placing the school desks in rows, and then they walked over and stood alongside the wall. By the time the last soldier had set the final desk in place the students started to understand, perhaps for the first time in their lives. Just to have the right to sit at those desks were earned. Martha said, “You didn’t earn the right to sit at those desks. These heroes did it for you. They placed the desks here for you. Now, it is up to you to sit in them. It is your responsibility to learn, to be good students, and to be good citizens. They paid the price so that you could have the freedom to get an education. Don’t ever forget it. This daughter of a World War II POW regularly has veterans visit her classroom. Her class doesn’t yet have a textbook (she is busy writing one), so she uses less typical methods of imparting knowledge about those events to her students. In May 2005, she and her class organized a Vietnam Veterans Recognition Week, including an official “Thank You Ceremony” held in the Joe T. Rob inson H ig h School auditorium. In 2006, the Veterans of Foreign Wars named Martha Cothren their “Teacher of the Year.” Thoughts to ponder

Family/Friends Day gust 22, 2010 we will

holding

our

Family

and

Friends Day during Morning Worship. While

are

in a more casual frame of worship, this is an excellent to

opportunity instigate

lowship

To all (youth and adults): We all are students as long as you live. We all have a responsibility to continue to learn and to instruct.

neighbors,

Jesus paid the price for your salvation by dying on the cross. He should be the number one hero in your life.

abundant

Your ancestors sacrificed and died for the freedom and rights that you have today.

with

Au-

Sunday,

felwith and

family. You will find an joy

sharing the Word those

that

you care about.

P AGE

A Salute to Black Achievers

Heritage Columnist Sis. Linda Campbell Graham

John Jones (1837 - 1913)

John Jones was born in Greene County, North Carolina on November 3, 1816. His mother was a free Black woman, and his father was German. Fearing that his father would sell him into slavery, John’s mother apprenticed him to a man named Sheppard, who taught John the tailoring business. Sheppard later took John to Tennessee, and hired him out to another tailor. John believed he needed proof of his free status, so he petitioned the Tennessee courts for permission to return to his birthplace to obtain proof. Once there, he got the evidence he needed and persuaded Judge VD Barry to release him from the apprenticeship. John went to Memphis and worked there until 1841. He then moved to Alton, Illinois, where he married Mary Richardson. Seeking to better his position, John moved to Chicago with his wife and their only daughter, Lavania. When the Jones family arrived, John could not read nor write, and his entire savings was $3.50. However, he established a tailor shop where he had a flourishing business that catered to the aristocracy of Chicago’s “Gold Coast.” By the time he was 30 years old, John had built a four-story building to house his business, and he was a wealthy, influential Chicagoan. In the meantime, he still found time to teach himself to read and write proficiently. Join also found time to con-

tinue civil rights activities, which he began in Alton. The Jones home was an Underground Railroad station. They hosted several Abolitionists including Frederick Douglass, John Brown, and Allan Pinkerton. In addition to aiding fugitive slaves, John led a 12-year campaign to repel the Illinois Black Laws. These laws denied free Blacks full citizenship, required Blacks to carry documentation of their free status, and a bond card saying they were well behaved. They prohibited Blacks from testifying in court against whites, and they denied Blacks the right to vote. From 1853 to 1865, John used various methods to get the laws repealed. In 1856, he went to the state capital to petition for Black’s rights. He took to the streets asking anyone he met to support his fight for full civil rights. In 1864, he published a 16page pamphlet ‘The Black Laws of Illinois and A Few Reasons Why They Should Be Repealed’. He made speeches, wrote articles, and lobbied tirelessly until 1865, when the Black Laws were repealed. John was instrumental in lobbying for Illinois’ passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. He also entered Illinois politics, and became the first Black in Chicago to hold an elective office, when he

served on the Cook County Board of Commissioners from 1871 to 1875. Before the devastating 1871 Chicago fire, John was worth one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), a nice fortune in that day. When John died on May 21, 1879, he was eulogized by the Chicago Tribune as the most prominent colored citizen in Chicago. With little more than his own energy and sense of duty to his people, John Jones rose from obscurity to national acclaim as a businessman, politician, and civil rights leader.

Ref: A Salute to Black Abolitionists, Empak Publishing Co., 1988

V OLUME

ISSUE

P AGE

Lay Organization Awards Scholarship On Thursday, May 27, 2010, during Lay Night at the Philadelphia Annual Conference, a newly created scholarship was awarded. The scholarship was named in honor of Philadelphia Conference Lay President, Sister Cheryl Hammond Hopewell and was created to encourage our youth to reach for higher heights of study beyond high school.

from Pottstown High School and plans to attend Newmann University will she will pursue the field of Oncology. Kendra was very grateful when she received her scholarship. In her remarks, she graciously thanked the Philadelphia Conference Lay Organization and shared with us that she had previously applied for another scholarship, but she was disappointed because she did not receive it. She was so happy to receive this one. A van of persons came from Bethel in Pottstown in support of Sister Kendra including her mother, her Pastor, and her Lay President. Recently when Pastor Jay preached at Bethel, Pottstown for their Ushers Anniversary, we found out that Sister Kendra was crowned the Pottstown Homecoming Queen on July 4th. Congratulations Kendra for a job well done!

Congratulations to Sister Kendra Barkasi of Bethel AME Church in Pottstown, PA, the first recipient of the Cheryl Hammond Hopewell Lay Scholarship. Sister Kendra received $500 and it was presented by the education chairperson for the Philadelphia Conference Lay Organization, Sister Marian SpiveySudler.Sister. Sister Kendra is the daughter of Sister Lee Ann and Brother John Barkasi. She is an active youth member of Bethel AME Church where Rev. Dr. Vernon Ross is the Pastor and Brother Carl Glover is the Lay President. Kendra just graduated

Special Event Correspondent Sis. Cheryl Hammond Hopewell

To apply for the Cheryl Hammond Hopewell Lay scholarship, the applicant must be a senior in high school and must be attending a school of higher education. The applicant must also submit a detailed written essay on a subject selected by the committee. The Cheryl Hammond Hopewell Lay Scholarship will be awarded each year at Lay Night and we encourage those of you are interested in helping us be a blessing to other young people to please be supportive in this effort. Donations are being accepted and should be made payable to the Philadelphia Conference Lay Organization. A huge thank you to those of you who supported this effort and gave donations for the scholarship awarded in May. Thanks for helping us bless that young person. We look forward to being a blessing to others in the future.

P AGE

The Funny Page

Entertainment Columnist Sis. Sandra E. Crooms A little boy was waiting for his mother to come out of the grocery Store. As he waited, he was approached by a man who asked, "Son, Can You tell me where the Post Office is?" The little boy replied, "Sure! Just go straight down this street a coupla blocks and turn to your right." The man thanked the boy kindly and said, "I'm the new pastor in town. I'd like for you to come to church on Sunday. I'll show you how to get To Heaven." The little boy replied with a chuckle. "Awww, come on... You don't even know the way to the Post Office."

Riddle: How did Mark legally marry three women in Michigan without divorcing any of them, becoming legally separated, or any of them dying? (answer on page 45)

Bible Quiz: The Kingdom of God Comes to the 1.) The "Kingdom of God" or "Kingdom of Heaven" is at the very core of the teachings of both John the Baptist and Jesus, especially in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Jesus only hinted at the nature of the Kingdom in parables, so the details are shrouded in mystery (and in theological controversy.) In essence, it is a spiritual kingdom populated by the body of people who, through faith and obedience, have found favor with God and made God sovereign over their lives. In this context, those people who have entered the Kingdom are the same ones who will inherit the eternal life promised in other books of the New Testament. Which one of these things did Jesus compare the value of the Kingdom to? A.) A rich gold mine B.) A treasure hidden in a field C.) The altar of the temple D.) A majestic sailing ship 2.) Which of these did Jesus compare the earthly nature of the Kingdom to? A.) A field of wheat and weeds B.) A basket of loaves and fishes C.) A field of rocks and diamonds D.) A field of corn and barley 3.) In the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant, Matthew 18:23-35, Jesus told of a servant who owed his king more money than he was able to pay. The king took pity on him and cancelled the debt. However, when another man owed this servant a debt, the servant had him thrown in prison. What is the moral of this parable. A.) We cannot enter the Kingdom of God unless we cancel all debts we are owed. B.) We should never loan money to anyone. C.) God is merciful, but men are not. D.) We cannot belong to the Kingdom of God unless we truly forgive those who have sinned against us. 4.) True or false? According to Jesus, most people will be able to enter the Kingdom and be saved. A.) True B.) False ÂŠ 2000, Cliff Leitch. Just a Closer Walk With Thee, and Seek Thee the Kingdom of God Solution on page 39

P AGE

Christian Crossword

Christian Cryptogram . . . KY P W FI S C P C P KBP P Z GP X ZS KY PP ,

X ZS C P KB P P Z G T LPP S X ZS KY T L P P S

A FI P J PI .

X ZS YP X IF LP X ZS S P OXI KP S :

X ZS QF ZX KY X Z BP ZK U ZKF KYP HU KT .

P AGE

Word Jumble: More Men in the Bible Raises fog Roman wreck

Hey, dog! Run!

Clouts

Arctic coke

Wig plan

Iron cops

Search hole

Old pear

Is torch

Solutions on page 45

P AGE

Wanted: Photographers This

ministry

would blessed

truly

have

a d d i t i o n a l photographers. If you plan to attend an event and take pictures,

please

drop us an ee-mail share them with this ministry. If

have

announcement or your ministry has or

having

ev en t, make you

p l eas e sure

that

prepare

report

for

a the

View. View. EE-mail us in advance

need your

you event

photographed. The purpose of this ministry is to represent

Mt.

Pisgah in a unified body.

are

mindful

that

are one family and one church, bound by faith and love.

Chicken Soup for the Soul Carl was a quiet man. He didn't talk much. He would always greet you with a big smile and a firm handshake. Even after living in our neighborhood for over 50 years, no one could really say they knew him very well. Before his retirement, he took the bus to work each morning. The lone sight of him walking down the street often worried us. He had a slight limp from a bullet wound received in WWII. Watching him, we worried that although he had survived WWII, he may not make it through our changing uptown neighborhood with its ever-increasing random violence, gangs, and drug activity. When he saw the flyer at our local church asking for volunteers for caring for the gardens behind the minister's residence, he responded in his characteristically unassuming manner. Without fanfare, he just signed up. He was well into his 87th year when the very thing we had always feared finally happened. He was just finishing his watering for the day when three gang members approached him. Ignoring their attempt to intimidate him, he simply asked, "Would you like a drink from the hose?" The tallest and toughest-looking of the three said, "Yeah, sure," with a malevolent little smile. As Carl offered the hose to him, the other two grabbed Carl's arm, throwing him down. As the hose snaked crazily over the ground, dousing everything in its way, Carl's assailants stole his retirement watch and his wallet, and then fled. Carl tried to get himself up, but he had been thrown down on his bad leg. He lay there trying to gather himself as the minister came running to help him. Although the minister had witnessed the attack from his window, he couldn't get there fast enough to stop it. "Carl, are you okay? Are you hurt?" the minister kept asking as he helped Carl to

Special Feature Journalist Sis. Margaret Miller

his feet. Carl just passed a hand over his brow and sighed, shaking his head. "Just some punk kids, I hope they'll wise-up someday." His wet clothes clung to his slight frame as he bent to pick up the hose. He adjusted the nozzle again and started to water. Confused and a little concerned, the minister asked, "Carl, what are you doing?â&#x20AC;? "I've got to finish my watering. It's been very dry lately," came the calm reply. Satisfying himself that Carl really was all right, the minister could only marvel. Carl was a man from a different time and place. A few weeks later the three returned.. Just as before their threat was unchallenged. Carl again offered them a drink from his hose. This time they didn't rob him. They wrenched the hose from his hand and drenched him head to foot in the icy water. When they had finished their humiliation of him, they sauntered off down the street, throwing catcalls and curses, falling over one another laughing at the hilarity of what they had just done. Carl just watched them. Then he turned toward the warmth giving sun, picked up his hose, and went on with his watering. The summer was quickly fading into Poetry Correspondent fall. Carl was doing some tilling when he Sis. Muriel was startled by the suddenDawson approach of someone behind him. He stumbled and fell into some evergreen branches. As he struggled to regain his footing, he turned to see the tall leader of his summer tormentors reaching down for him. He braced himself for the expected attack. "Don't worry old man, I'm not gonna hurt you this time.â&#x20AC;? The young man spoke softly, still offering the tattooed and scarred hand to Carl. As he helped Carl get up, the man pulled a crumpled bag from his pocket and handed it to Carl.

P AGE

The Story of Carl "What's this?" Carl asked. "It's your stuff," the man explained. "It's your stuff back. Even the money in your wallet." "I don't understand," Carl said.. "Why would you help me now?" The man shifted his feet, seeming embarrassed and ill at ease. "I learned something from you," he said. "I ran with that gang and hurt people like you we picked you because you were old and we knew we could do it But every time we came and did something to you, instead of yelling and fighting back, you tried to give us a drink. You didn't hate us for hating you. You kept showing love against our hate." He stopped for a moment. "I couldn't sleep after we stole your stuff, so here it is back." He paused for another awkward moment, not knowing what more there was to say. "That bag's my way of saying thanks for straightening me out, I guess.â&#x20AC;? And with that, he walked off down the street. Carl looked down at the sack in his hands and gingerly opened it. He took out his retirement watch and put it back on his wrist. Opening his wallet, he checked for his wedding photo. He gazed for a moment at the young bride that still smiled back at him from all those years ago. He died one cold day after Christmas that winter. Many people attended his funeral in spite of the weather. In particular, the minister noticed a tall young man that he didn't know sitting quietly in a distant corner of the church. The minister spoke of Carl's garden as a lesson in life. In a voice made thick with unshed tears, he said, "Do your best and make your garden as beautiful as you can. We will never forget Carl and his garden." The

continued following spring another flyer went up. It read: "Person needed to care for Carl's garden." The flyer went unnoticed by the busy parishioners until one day when a knock was heard at the minister's office door. Opening the door, the minister saw a pair of scarred and tattooed hands holding the flyer. "I believe this is my job, if you'll have me," the young man said. The minister recognized him as the same young man who had returned the stolen watch and wallet to Carl. He knew that Carl's kindness had turned this man's life around. As the minister handed him the keys to the garden shed, he said, "Yes, go take care of Carl's garden and honor him." The man went to work and, over the next several years, he tended the flowers and vegetables just as Carl had done. During that time, he went to college, got married, and became a prominent member of the community. But he never forgot his promise to Carl's memory and kept the garden as beautiful as he thought Carl would have kept it. One day he approached the new minister and told him that he couldn't care for the garden any longer. He explained with a shy and happy smile, "My wife just had a baby boy last night, and she's bringing him home on Saturday." "Well, congratulations!" said the minister, as he was handed the garden shed keys. "That's wonderful! What's the baby's name?" "Carl," he replied. Ref: http://www.thelordsprayer.net/ carl.html

Meet & Greet Please come and meet and greet our new members in the Church School Room, after Morning Worship Service on Sunday, August 29, 2010. (fifth Sunday) We have had quite a few members join us during the last month and we praise God for them. Let us show how full of Christian love and family that we really are.

P AGE

The History of Mt. Pisgah: Part II PREFACE The Lay of the Land “Old” Mt. Pisgah members probably found the area of their church unique. There were still some large plots of land owned by Clarence H. Clark. Mr. Clark was a land speculator and developer, buying and assembling plots of land. In 1876, he opened a new West Philadelphia Bank called the Centennial National Bank. Located within a five block radius of Mt. Pisgah was the Philadelphia City Passenger Railway Depot, Rosa Burial Ground, Berean Baptist Church and The Harmonia Society.

C r e d i t must be given to S i s . Rachael A. Thomas, Mt. Pisg a h ’ s C h u r c h Historian during the 1940s. She recorded what was told to her by an earlier member, Sis. C. Amelia Boyer. Our church was organized by a group of Local Elders in the home of the late Richard Berry in 1833. Historical records show that the Church was incorporated on April 10, 1847, and this instrument was recorded in Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, November 4, 1847, fourteen years after its establishment. The Trustees and signers of the incorporation documents were John Henry *, Aaron Randolph *, Emanuel Davis, Curtis Kane *, Nicholas McGruder, Michael John-

Historical Columnist Sis. Cheryll Morris-Davis

son (Board President), Charles Lednum, Benjamin Harper, William Harris, Perry Miller, and David Disberry *, James Kane *, Robert Beatle, Benjamin Leeds and Isaac Bouser. Many of the signers on the original document were limited scholastically and their names were typed and annotated with “X” as their signature. The names of the men that are asterisked were involved with the purchase of additional land that appears in the Document of Description of Property, Plan Book, No. 20, page 12 in the late 1800’s. Real Estate information also reflects that Mt. Pisgah Church acquired a third section of property August 14, 1925 from Grace Verna Laws. A name that appears in the annals of infancy stages of Mt. Pisgah’s history is Richard Berry. According to Centennial Encyclopedia of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 1816 to 1916, by Richard R. Wright, Jr., Rev. Richard Berry was born in Conowingo Cecil County, Maryland December 9, 1815. He was the son of John and Charlotte Berry, and was one of twelve children. They were all born free. He converted when a boy. His father and uncle belonged to the Underground Railroad and through them, many slaves escaped to Canada. In 1837 Rev. Berry married Miss Ann Simpson of Port Deposit, Maryland. They had three daughters. He moved to West Philadelphia, which at that time was called Hamilton Village. He obtained his letter and joined Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church,

then in its infancy. He was ordained Deacon, and filled every office in the church. He was a Class Leader, Steward, Exhorter, Preacher, Deacon, and Elder. He was instrumental in assisting to erect the present Mt. Pisgah, and at one time placed his home and interest at stake to save the church from creditors. He brought many to the fold of Christ, and did much for the up building of God’s kingdom. Some of the churches he assisted in raising were Horntown, Darby, Paschal, Cape May, Murphy Chapel, Disney, Ward and Morris Brown. He died May 25, 1887 at the age of 82.

Ref: Centennial Encyclopedia of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 1816 to 1916, by Richard R. Wright, Jr., A.M., B.D., PhD, page 267; The First Episcopal District Historical Review of 200 Years of African Methodism, page 170, Murphy Chapel was renamed Greater Mt. Olive; West Philadelphia, Part of 27th Ward, Vol. 22, pg. 13; Mt. Pisgah One Hundred Fifteenth Anniversary Celebration and Rededication Journal

P AGE

A Mother’s Empty Chair A woman's daughter had asked the local minister to come and pray with her mother. When the minister arrived, he found the woman lying in bed with her head propped up on two pillows. An empty chair sat beside her bed. The minister assumed that the woman had been informed of his visit. 'I guess you were expecting me’, he said. 'No, who are you?' said the mother. The minister told her his name and then remarked, 'I saw the empty chair and I figured you knew I was going to show up.' 'Oh yeah, the chair,' said the bedridden woman. 'Would you mind closing the door?' Puzzled, the minister shut the door. 'I have never told anyone this, not even my daughter,' said the woman. 'But all of my life I have never known how to pray. At church I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer, but it went right over my head.' I abandoned any attempt at prayer,' the old woman continued, 'until one day four years ago, my best friend said to me, 'Prayer is just a simple matter of having a conversation with Jesus. Here is what I suggest. 'Sit down in a chair; place an empty chair in front of you, and in faith see Jesus on the chair. It's not spooky because he promised, 'I will be with you always'. ‘Then just speak to him in the same way you're doing with me right now.' 'So, I tried it and I've liked it so much that I do it a couple of hours every day. I'm careful though. If

Apartment for Rent

Special Feature Journalist Sis. June Y. Hayes my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair, she'd either have a nervous breakdown or send me off to the funny farm.' The minister was deeply moved by the story, and encouraged the old woman to continue on the journey. Then he prayed with her, anointed her with oil, and returned to the church. Two nights later the daughter called to tell the minister that her mama had died that afternoon. ‘Did she die in peace?' he asked. ‘Yes, when I left the house about two o'clock, she called me over to her bedside, told me she loved me and kissed me on the cheek. When I got back from the store an hour later, I found her, but there was something strange about her death. Apparently, just before Mom died, she leaned over and rested her head on the chair beside the bed. What do you make of that?' The minister wiped a tear from his eye and said, 'I wish we could all go like that.'

Prayer is one of the best gifts we receive! Ref: hiswill.worldpress.com

Classified Ad Submitted By: Sis. Gwendolyn Burnett

Located in Darby, PA Large Two (2) Bedroom Duplex Large Yard Newly Renovated Convenient Access to Public Transportation and Shopping Only $750 Per Month Plus Utilities Deposit Required Two (2) Months Security/First Month Rent Credit Check

Call for Information 610.284.2139

P AGE

Dance Revival & Prophetic Arts Conference The Divine Movement Dance Ministry presents its annual Prophetic Arts Conference on August 27 and 28, 2010. The theme is “FREE”. The Word of God states in 2 Cor. 3:17, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (NIV). Too many of God's people are bound by chains. Chains of fear, depression, abuse, hurt, lack... to name just a few. Though trials will come, we don't have to bow to being bound. It's the Spirit of the Living God that makes us FREE. On Friday, August 27, 2010 at 7:00 PM, the City Wide Dance Revival will feature praise dance and mime ministries from across the region in an Illustrated Sermon presented in dance and the spoken word. Donations will be accepted through a freewill offering. The participating ministries are:

Yada Dance Ministry Bethel AME Church-Copiague, NY

First Lady Tirzah Fontell Calvary Christian Church

Canaan Performing Arts Ministry Canaan Baptist Church

Women of Grace Cathedral of Faith

‘Words To Live By’ Linda Campbell Graham

Consecration Ministries Greater Deep Tabernacle of Faith, Apex, NC

Shabach Ministry THE TASK AHEAD OF US IS NEVER AS GREAT AS THE POWER BEHIND US

Eagles Nest Church

Spirit of David Dance Ministry Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church

Ralph Emerson

Expressions of Praise Grace Baptist Church of Germantown

Special Event Correspondent Sis. Ingrid Broadnax

Divine Movement Dance Ministry Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church

A Time To Dance St. Matthew AME Church

Tenth Memorial Baptist Praise Dancers Tenth Memorial Baptist Church

Triumph Praise Dance Ministry Triumph Baptist Church

Unity Temple Look & Live Creative Arts Ministry Unity Temple Worship Center

On Saturday, August 28, 2010 from 7:30 AM until 4:30 PM, the Prophetic Arts Conference will be presented for teen and adult dance and mime ministries. Workshop sessions will be facilitated by Prophet L. Donnell Goss Sr., Senior Pastor, and First Lady JeNise Goss, Pastors of Greater Deep Tabernacle of Faith in Apex, North Carolina. Prophetess Ruth D. Pressley, Founder of Shabach Ministry will facilitate the workshops for teens. WorkPoetry Correspondent shops include: Principles of Prophetic Sis. Muriel Dawson Dance; The Ground on Which You Stand; Leap From Bended Knees; Movement in the Fragile Places; and Choreography: Receive, Apply, Deliver, Believe. There will be a special lunchtime session, Leading With Excellence, specifically for those in positions of leadership. These events will be held at Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church. Please contact Sis. Ingrid Broadnax at divinemovement@mtpisgahamec.org or 215.386.6171 for more information, registration or room reservations.

P AGE

Reverse Mortgages: The Basics Who’s eligible? Reverse mortgages are loans secured by the home that do not need to be repaid until the borrower dies, sells the home or moves out permanently. To get a reverse mortgage, you must be at least 62 years old and own your home, which must be your primary residence. There are no income restrictions. It’s OK to have an existing mortgage, but you must be able to get enough from the reverse mortgage to pay it off. You remain responsible for home maintenance, taxes and insurance. What’s the process? You need an appraisal and inspection, just as you do for a traditional mortgage. Counseling is mandated for government loans. It’s important to completely understand how the loan is structured. What are the loan options? There are two basic types of loans: the HECM, which accounts for 90 percent of the market, and private reverse mortgages without federal mortgage insurance. HECM loans are insured by the U.S. government. With a private loan the lenders assume the risk. You can never owe more than the value of the home when it’s eventually sold. If the value declines, the shortfall is covered. The main drawback of a HEMC is that the Federal Housing Authority caps the appraisal, which affects the loan amount. Borrowers with more expensive houses sometimes turn to private loans, even though the costs may be higher. How much can you get? That depends on the home’s value, location, interest rates and the age of the younger borrower, if there are co-owners. You won’t get anywhere near the appraised value of your house; expect between 50 and 70 percent. What’s more, appraisal and legal fees, origination fees, mortgage insurance premiums and monthly service fees come off the top. The loan can be taken in a lump sum, as monthly payments, as a line of credit or as a combination of these options. Untapped funds in a line of credit generally increase, allowing homeowners to borrow more money over time. What’s the downside? Reverse mortgages may be tempting, but there’s no such thing as free money. The loans are expensive and the amount you owe grows larger every month. The fees normally run between 8 and 10 percent of the home’s value, which is the main reason why many potential buyers decide against a reverse mortgage. Reverse mortgages can be very expensive. For comprehensive information on reverse mortgages, including a reverse mortgage calculator, go to www.aarp.org/money/revmort/. For more information, call the AARP at 1-800-209-8085.

Information obtained from the January-February 2008, AARP Bulletin.

This article is submitted by Sister Cheryl Hammond Hopewell, who is Mt. Pisgah’s Director of Stewardship

P AGE

1st District Lay Annual Meeting Five persons from the Mt. Pisgah Lay Organization traveled to Dover, DE for the First District Lay Annual Meeting held at the Sheraton Hotel on July 23 and 24, 2010. The laypersons from Mt. Pisgah in attendance were Mt. Pisgah Lay President, Sister Shirley Moore-Harris, First Vice President, Sister Margaret Miller, Second Vice President, Sister Patricia Layne, Financial Secretary, Sister Gwendolyn Burnett and Philadelphia Conference Lay President, Sister Cheryl Hammond Hopewell. Sister Cheryl is also First Vice President of the First District Lay Organization. The official meetings actually started on Friday, July 23, but the Conference Presidents, and other Board Members for the First District Frank Cummings Scholarship Fund had an Annual Meeting on Thursday, July 22, 2010.

Highlights Thursday, July 22, 2010 Frank Cummings Scholarship Board Meeting 9:00 PM Cheryl was elected to another three years on the Board of Directors. It was a good meeting but ended up being a long evening. Friday, July 23, 2010 Devotions and Bible Study 9:30 AM Devotions were led by Brother Robert Brown, the Chaplain for

the First District Lay Organization. Bible Study was conducted by Brother Juan Roach from Bethel

AME Church in Wilmington, DE. The Business Session started after Bible Study, and the meeting was called to order by First District Lay President, Sister Mary Mootoo. After roll call, the minutes were presented from the Mid-Year Meeting in LaGuardia, NY in February 2010, and the minutes from the Executive Board Meeting in June that was held at the Planning Meeting in Philadelphia. We were then welcomed by the Delaware Conference Lay President, Sister Edna Sharp. Sister Mootoo stressed that we were going into Committee Meetings from 11 AM until 1 PM, and that she wanted everyone on a committee. Mt. Pisgah lay members went into committees as follows: Sister Shirley to the Con-

Special Event Correspondent Sis. Cheryl Hammond Hopewell stitution and By-laws Committee, Sister Margaret to the Social Action Committee, Sister Patty to the Membership Committee and Sister Gwen to the Budget Committee Meeting. All of the Conference Presidents were required to be part of the budget process. As the First Vice President that oversees the Finance Committee, the Budget Committee, and the Audit, Cheryl was required to be there. The Budget Committee consists of the First District Financial Secretary, the Treasurer, the First Vice President, and the Finance Chairperson. A representative is suggested from each of the Conferences. Sister Betty Camper represented the Delaware Conference, Sister Gwen Burnett represented the Philadelphia Conference, and Brother Alvin Daniels represented the Bermuda Conference. Since this is the Committee that I was a part of, it is the premise of my report. Putting the budget together was a tedious process. When lunchtime came, we were not yet finished; therefore, we had to work through lunch. The District President sent out for lunch for those of us who had to continue working. We even worked through part of the afternoon Business Session, but as officers and conference presidents, we needed to get back to the meeting, so Sister Gwen stayed behind and finished working with the Budget Chairperson. We had fin-

P AGE

Mt. Pisgah Well Represented and Working Hard ished putting the budget together, but since we had changed many of the categories and brought more clarity to the budget, they were still working on gathering the actual numbers and categorizing them as we had done for the new budget. During the afternoon Business Session, the First District Lay Elected Officers began their annual reports and called on the committees that they oversee for their reports. The afternoon session lasted until 5:15; then we had to break to get ready for the evening Worship Service. Friday, July 23, 2010 Worship and Communion Service 7:00 PM The Annual Worship Service was a great service. There were one or two participants from each of the Conference Lay Organizations. The person representing the Philadelphia Conference Lay Organization was Sister Patricia Layne. Sister Patty lined the Hymn of Praise, The Laymen’s Hymn. She did a great job and we were very proud of her. The preacher for the evening was Bishop Richard Franklin Norris. Bishop Norris took his text from St. Matthew 5:14-16, and preached on the subject “The Blessings and Challenges of a High City”. Bishop Norris told us that people should see the light in us, and that we are the light of the world. The world is looking to see something in us. He also stated that we are not only the light of the world, but a city on a hill.

Since we are on a hill, people are looking up to us. We have to be proud of who we are and what God has done for us. We have to be sure to let our lights shine, and be sure to not let the winds of the world blow our candles out.

Walter Jeffers from Philadelphia. The workshop was on, “Lay Leadership: The Pieces to the Puzzle”. Walter did a great job and gave some very helpful information.

After the sermon, we had Communion. It was a lovely evening. After the service, the Finance Committee had to count the money, and then the First District President called an Executive Committee Meeting, so it was another long evening for me. Saturday, July 24, 2010 Business Session (continued) 9:00 AM On Saturday, the elected officers and the committees that had not yet presented their reported did so. This included Cheryl’s First Vice President report, and the Committees that come under her direction. Cheryl led in the budget discussion. After some discussion, the budget was passed. The budget chairperson thanked the committee and Sister Cheryl, but gave special thanks to Sister Gwen, who was truly a blessing to the Committee. The annual audit was presented and accepted. The Conference Presidents gave their annual reports during this session. The Philadelphia Conference Lay President was the last one to report. I was told it went well, so to God be the Glory. Cheryl as First Vice President presented Sister Mary Mootoo for her annual report. Her report was received with accommodations. After the reports, we had a workshop presented by Brother

After the business was completed, we had the Memorial Service to honor deceased Lay members from the various conferences. The final order of business was the closing circle and count-off. We ended with 180 persons. Unfortunately, some folks had left by that time because according to the Registration Committee, 259 persons attended. It was a good weekend, but as usual, not a lot of rest. God granted us travel mercies and for that we are grateful. Hopefully, the other lay members who went to the First District Lay Annual Meeting will share information on the workshop and committees in future issues

P AGE

Arthritis Information Arthritis (from Greek arthro-,joint + itis, inflammation; plural: arthritides) is a group of conditions involving damage to the joints of the body.

This column is submitted on behalf of the Nursing Ministry. Bro. Fred S. Geathers is the Commission Chair for the Ministry of Health

Tell Us What You Think In

the

(September) edition of the

View

Pisgah

from

Mt.

will

placing a survey sheet inside. The survey will allow you to give us your

opinion

evo lu t io n

the

our

that

you

ministry. We take

ask

moment

c o m p l e t e

t h e

questionnaire and place it in our box in the Sanctuary lobby. The purpose of the survey is to assist us in the direction that we should take. We thank you in advance for your consideration.

There are over 100 different forms of arthritis. The most common form, osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) is a result of trauma to the joint, infection of the joint, or age. Other arthritis forms are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and autoimmune diseases in which the body attacks itself. Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection. The major complaint by individuals who have arthritis is pain. Pain is often constant and daily feature of the disease. The pain may be localized to the back, neck, hip, knee, or feet. The pain from arthritis occurs due to inflammation that occurs around the joint, damage to the joint from disease, daily wear and tear of joint, muscles strains caused by forceful movement against stiff, painful joint and fatigue. The most important

Nursing Ministry Columnist Bro. Fred S. Geathers

factor is treatment is to understand the disorder and find ways to overcome the obstacles which prevent physical exercise.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis is a disorder where, for some unknown reason, the body's own immune system starts to attack body tissues, The attack is not only directed at the joint but to many parts of the body. In rheumatoid arthritis, most damage occurs to the joint lining and cartilage which eventually results in erosion of two opposing bones. Rheumatoid arthritis affects joints in the fingers, wrists, knees and elbows. The disease is symmetrical and leads to severe deformity in a few in a few years. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs mostly in people aged 20 and above. In children, the disorder can present with a skin rash, fever, pain, disability, and limitations in daily activities. No one knows why rheumatoid arthritis

V OLUME

ISSUE

range from corticosteroids to monoclonal antibodies given intravenously. The latest drug like Remicade can significantly improve quality of life in the short term. In rare cases, surgery may be required to replace joints but there is no cure for the illness. Rheumatic fever has now seen resurgence in America primarily because of mass immigration of people from developing countries. The disorder can present with a migratory nature of arthritis with many features like heart problems, skin rash, gait abnormality and skin nodules.

Osteoarthritis Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis can affect both the larger and the smaller joints of the body, including the hands, feet, back, hip or knee. The disease is essentially one acquired from daily wear and tear of the joint. Osteoarthritis begins in the cartilage and eventually leads to the two opposing bones eroding into each other. Initially, the condition starts with minor pain while walking but soon the pain can be continuous and even occur at night. The pain can be debilitating and prevent one from doing any type of activity. Osteoarthritis typically affects the weight bearing joints like the back, spine and pelvis. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis is a disease of the elderly. More than 30 percent of females have some degree of osteoarthritis by age 65.

Risk factors for osteoarthritis:

Prior joint trauma

Obesity

Repetitive joint use

Sedentary life style

Osteoarthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, cannot be cured but one can pre-

P AGE

vent the condition from worsening. Weight loss is the key to improving symptoms and preventing progression. Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and joints is very helpful. Pain medications are widely required by individuals with osteoarthritis. When the disease is far advanced and the pain is continuous, surgery may be an option. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, joint replacement does help many individual with osteoarthritis.

Lupus This is a common collagen vascular disorder that can present with severe arthritis. Other features of lupus include a skin rash, extreme photosensitivity, hair loss, kidney problems, emotional instability lung fibrosis and constant joint pain.

Gout It is caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint, causing inflammation. There is also an uncommon form of gout caused by the formation of rhomboid crystals of calcium pyrophosphate. This gout is known as pseudo gout. In the early stages, the gouty arthritis usually occur in one joint, but with tine, it can occur in many joints and be quite crippling. The joints in gout can often become swollen and lost function. Ref: Wilkpedia

V OLUME

ISSUE

5 P AGE

Bible Quiz Answers: The Kingdom of God 1.) b: A treasure hidden in a field. Matthew 13:44-46. Jesus compared the Kingdom of Heaven to a treasure hidden in a field and a pearl of great value. In both cases, a man was overjoyed to find the item and sold everything he had to buy it. Thus, the Kingdom is worth more than any earthly treasure. 2.) a: A field of wheat and weeds. The Parable of the Weeds, Matthew 13:24-30, 38-43, Mark 4:26-29. Evil people (the weeds) will be allowed to coexist with people of the Kingdom (the wheat) until the final judgment (the harvest). Then the good will be separated from the bad. The Parable of the Net, Matthew 13:47-50, is similar. 3.) b: A fig tree. The Parable of the Sower, Matthew 13:24-30, 38-43, Mark 4:26-29. The Kingdom is like a "seed,” sown by God in every man and woman. In a receptive host, it will produce a fruitful harvest; in an evil person, it will wither and die. The Parable of the Mustard Seed, Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-31, Luke 13:18-19. The Kingdom is like a tiny mustard seed. In a receptive person (the field), it can grow to be large and wonderful. The Parable of the Yeast, Matthew 13:33, Luke 13:21. The Kingdom is like a tiny amount of yeast that can grow in a person (the dough), until it has worked its way all through and changed the whole person.

Matthew 7:13-14, Luke 13:22-28. Most will spend their lives "drifting" along the worldly path and never truly seek God.

4.) b: False.

An Illustration of Trusting

Special Interest Correspondent Sis. Cheryll Morris-Davis

A sick man turned to his doctor, as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, “Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side.” Very quietly, the doctor said, “I don’t know.” The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on the other side of which came a sound of scratching and whining, as he opened the door, a cat ran into the room and began to rub his legs with an eager show of gladness. Turning to the patient, the doctor said, “Did you notice my cat? She’s never been in this room before. She didn’t know what was inside. She knew nothing except that her master was here, and when the door opened, she ran in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing . . . I know my Master is there and that’s enough for me.”

David Burchett, April 22, 2010 @ Crosswalk.com (author unknown)

P AGE

Poetry Corner A minister passing through his church In the middle of the day, Decided to pause by the altar And see who had come to pray. Just then the back door opened, A man came down the aisle, The minister frowned as he saw The man hadn't shaved in a while. His shirt was kinda shabby And his coat was worn and frayed, The man knelt, he bowed his head, Then rose and walked away. In the days that followed, Each noon time came this chap, Each time he knelt just for a moment, A lunch pail in his lap. Well, the minister's suspicions grew, With robbery a main fear, He decided to stop the man and ask him, 'What are you doing here?' The old man said, he worked down the road. Lunch was half an hour. Lunchtime was his prayer time, For finding strength and power. 'I stay only moments, see, Because the factory is so far away; As I kneel here talking to the Lord, This is kinda . . .what I say: 'I just came again to tell you, Lord, how happy Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been, Since we found each others friendship And you took away my sin. Don't know much of how to pray, But I think about you everyday. So, Jesus, this is Jim Checking in today. The minister feeling foolish, Told Jim, that was fine. He told the man he was welcome To come and pray just anytime Time to go, Jim smiled, said 'Thanks.' He hurried to the door. The minister knelt at the altar, He'd never done it before. His cold heart melted, warmed with love, And met with Jesus there. As the tears flowed, in his heart, He repeated old Jim's prayer:

Special Feature Journalist Sis. Sandra E. Crooms 'I just came again to tell you, Lord, how happy Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been, Since we found each others friendship And you took away my sin. I don't know much of how to pray, But I think about you everyday. So, Jesus, this is me Checking in today. Past noon one day, the minister noticed That old Jim hadn't come. As more days passed without Jim, He began to worry some. At the factory, he asked about him, Learning he was ill. The hospital staff was worried, But he'd given them a thrill. The week that Jim was with them, Brought changes in the ward. His smiles, a joy contagious. Changed people, were his reward. The head nurse couldn't understand Why Jim was so glad, When no flowers, calls or cards came, Not a visitor he had. The minister stayed by his bed, He voiced the nurse's concern: No friends came to show they cared. He had nowhere to turn. Looking surprised, old Jim spoke Up and with a winsome smile; 'the nurse is wrong, she couldn't know, That he's in here all the while. Everyday at noon He's here, A dear friend of mine, you see, He sits right down, takes my hand, Leans over and says to me: 'I just came again to tell you, Jim, how happy i have been, since we found this friendship, And I took away your sin. Always love to hear you pray, I think about you each day, And so Jim, this is Jesus Checking in today.'

By - Wooden Knickle

V OLUME

ISSUE

P AGE

August Birthdays

Birthstone: Peridot Flower: Gladiolus

(1)

Sis. Lillian Drake is a Steward Emeritus. She is a member of the Lay Organization, and the Flower Club.

(2)

The Reverend Jay B. Broadnax, Mighty Mt. Pisgah’s beloved Pastor Jay! Educator, Preacher, Lecturer, Mentor, Shepherd, Director, Confidant, Attendant, Motivator, Evangelist, Guide, Friend and Truly Anointed Singer and Dancer. He is the husband of Sis. Ingrid Broadnax, and father of Dara Broadnax. He is the A.M.E. First Episcopal District Chairman of Christian Education, and the Second Vice President of the Philadelphia and Vicinity Black Clergy. He is the Chairman of the Steward Board, and the Chairman of the Trustee Board.

(4)

In loving memory of Sis. Minnie Bray who was funeralized on July 23, 2009

(8)

Bro. Khalil Taylor is the son of Gwendolyn Burnett.

(11) Bro. Burch Cunningham is the Coordinator for the Men’s Fellowship. He is a member if the Men’s Choir. (17) Bro. Rick Davis is a member of the Chancel Choir and the Lay Organization. (21) Sis. Pamela Faulkner is a member of the Excelsior Choir. (23) Sis. Shirley W. Burnett is the Vice President of Hospitality Ministry. (25) Sis. Darlene Foreman is wife of Bro. Leroy Foreman. She is the Vice President of the Chancel Choir, and 1st Vice President of the Florida Grant Women’s Missionary Society. (25) Sis. Gloria Geathers is the wife of Bro. Fred Geathers. She is a member of the Excelsior Choir, the Praise and Worship Team and the Drama Ministry. (27) Jailyn D. Anderson is the daughter of Sis. Leslie D. Anderson. She is a member of the Prayer in Motion Mime Ministry, the Angels of Praise Dance Ministry, the Excelsiorette Choir, the Youth Drama Ministry, the Junior and Young Adult Usher Board, the YPD and Church School. (27) In loving memory of Reverend Betty J. Postell who was funeralized June 19, 2009. (27) In loving memory of Sis. Anna Birscoe Lockman former Steward Vice Chairperson. (29) Bro. Eric Joyner – is the husband of Sis. Kelli Criss-Joyner, and father of Christopher and Justin. He is a sound technician for the Ministry of Public Relations. May God Grant You Always… A sunbeam to warm you, a moonbeam to charm you. A sheltering angel so nothing can harm you. Laughter to cheer you, faithful friends near you And whenever you pray, Heaven to hear you. An Irish Blessing submitted by: Bro. David D.Rivers

Puzzle Solutions ...The LORD be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city. 1 Samuel 20:42 - NIV

Cankerworm

Lapwing

Cockatrice

Leopard

Horseleach

Locust

Ossifrage

Scorpion

Greyhound

Ostrich

Riddle: It was his job, he was a Justice of the Peace.

Word Power Reigns Answers AISLE LABEL LILAC LLAMA IDYLL LOLLIPOP ILLEGAL LOYALLY CELLULAR HILLBILLY LOBLOLLY VOLLEYBALL

V OLUME

ISSUE

P AGE

Mount Pisgah Business Corner Editors Note: The Mount Pisgah Business Corner is a public service for our church family. This is a blessing for you and the congregation. Members, please place your business card in the The View box in the sanctuary lobby, or e-mail your information to: theview@mtpisgahamec.org.

Party & More “The Party Store” Denise Willis 800-0 Denow Road Pennington, NJ 08534 (609) 737-5130 JCW Computers Joel Wilson, Sr. 7478 Rhoads Street, Suite B Philadelphia, PA 19151 (215) 879-6701 (215) 879-6702 fax

Dean’s Designz

Inspired Communications Deana R Rivers, Notary Public

40 N. Felton Street Philadelphia, PA 19139 (215) 472-4221 (215) 868-6543 Professional Marketing/Consulting

Young and Fabulous Beaded Jewelry Fleece Scarves & Pillows

Dara Broadnax (610) 626-7194

Just Like Home Child Care

“Just Sparklin’ Cleanin’” Letitia Arrington (215) 476-4555 office (215) 877-3909 fax www.justsparklincleanin.com sparklincleanin@aol.com

Davis Associates Electrical Contractor Licensed In Chester, Philly, PA & NJ 447 N. Farson Street Philadelphia, Pa. 19139 (215) 409-5623

Take A Travel Break

Bernadine Devose-Walls

Pamela Hammond

Creative Crafting (856) 986-9337

401 S. 57th Street Philadelphia, PA 19139 (215) 472-9648

Certified Travel Agent (610) 626-3670

Soul Purpose Natural Beauty/Wellness Products

King Tu, Inc Windows/ Doors Bradford King

Ingrid Broadnax (610) 626-7194

4817 Woodland Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19143

Rick Davis, Realtor 6550 Lansdowne Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19151 (215) 473-7140 (215) 531-3744 cell

Ashley’s Beaded Creations Ashley Brown “Where Women Show Their Style”

www.ashleysbeadedcreations.vpweb.com

“The Hat Boutique” Mrs. Lydia Mike 59th and Vine Streets Philadelphia, PA 19139 (215) 471-6911

Davis Electrical Training Betty Hammond Printing 1207 Robbins Street Philadelphia, Pa. 19111 (215) 289-0723

PA Certified Instruction Classes and Supplemental Ernest M. Davis (215) 409-5623

Pamela Faulkner

Creations By Varnay Veronica Sloan Robinson (267) 242-3732 Creationsbyvarnay13@yahoo.com

FGG Consulting Grant Writing Program Planning, and Training

Ingrid Broadnax (610) 626-7194

Official Board Meeting

Stewardship and Finance

Fourth Tuesday @ 7:00 PM

Third Monday @ 7:00 PM

Steward Board Meeting

Trustee Board Meeting

First Tuesday @ 7:00 PM

Second Tuesday @ 7:00 PM

Youth Ministry Meetings and Rehearsals Angels of Praise

Excelsiorette Choir

Junior and Young Adult Ushers

Saturday @ 10:00 AM

Saturday @ 1:00 PM

Fourth Sunday @ 1:30 PM

Prayer in Motion (Mime)

Youth Drama Ministry

Young People’s Department Y.P.D.

Friday @ 6:00 PM

Saturday @ 2:00 PM

Second Saturday @ 12:00 PM

Adult Ministry Meetings and Rehearsals Adult Drama Ministry

Chancel Choir

Church School

Called Meetings

Thursday @ 6:30 PM

Second Saturday @ 2:00 PM

Dept of Visitation & Assistance D.V.A.

Divine Movement

Florida Grant Missionary Society W.M.S.

First Saturday @ 10:30 AM Flower Club Second Tuesday @

Thursday @ 6:30 PM Gaskins Hopkins Pride Scholarship Called Meetings

Third Saturday @ 12:00 PM Historical Committee Second Thursday @ 1:00 PM

Hospitality

Ladies Auxiliary Ushers

The Lady Ushers

Third Saturday @ 10:00 AM

Called Meetings

First Sunday @ 1:30 PM

Lay Organization

Men’s Auxiliary

Men’s Choir

Fourth Monday @ 7:00 PM

Third Tuesday @ 7:00

First & Third Saturday @ 5:30 PM

The Men Ushers

Christian Education

Praise & Worship Team

Second Sunday @ 1:30 PM

Second Saturday @ 3:00 PM

Second and Forth Saturday @ 12:00

Couples Ministry

Women of Faith

Young Adult Ministry

To Be Announced

Fifth Saturday @ 3:00 PM

Called Meetings

Class Leaders

Youth Planning Committee

Mass Choir & Musicians

First Saturday @ 12:00 PM

Third Monday @7:00 PM

Aug. 20 & Dec 16 @ 6:30 PM

Stewardess Board

Excelsior Choir

El Shaddai Greater Works

Called Meetings

Fridays @ 6:30 PM

Called Meetings

The Lord Jesus Christ, Savior and Lord of the Church The Right Reverend Richard F. Norris, Sr. Presiding Bishop The Reverend Charles H. Lett, Jr. Presiding Elder The Reverend Jay B. Broadnax, Pastor

428 N. 41st Street Philadelphia, PA 19104-2236 Church Office Phone: 215.386.6181

Church Fax: 215.386.3341

Church e-mail: mtpisgahamec@verizon.net

P.U.S.H. (Pray Until Something Happens): Second Sunday @ 8:30 - 9:30 AM Church School: Sunday @ 9:30 AM

Worship Service: Sunday @ 10:45 AM

Children’s Church: Sunday @ 12:00 PM Membership Class: Tuesday @ 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM Hour of Power Bible Study Wednesday @ 12:00 PM

Prayer Meeting & Bible Study: Wednesday @ 6:00 PM

Men’s Fellowship: Monday @ 6:00 PM El Shaddai Greater Works Feeding Ministry: Saturday @ 12:00 PM Kidz Klub (ages 8 - 11): Second Friday @ 7:00 PM

Fun Night (ages 6 - 11) Fourth Friday @ 7:00 PM

Horizon Educational Enrichment Program: Resumes in September Tuesday and Thursday @ 5:15 - 6:45 PM G.E.D. Test Preparation Classes: Resumes in September Tuesday and Wednesday @ 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM National Electrical Code Classes: Thursday @ 7:00 - 8:00 PM

Board of Stewards Rev. Jay B. Broadnax, Pastor/Chairman

Sis. Sandra Geathers, Vice Chairman

Bro. Kim Jordan, Treasurer Bro. Keith W. Arrington, Sr., Assistant Treasurer/Organization Accounts Sis. Bertha L. Harmon, Chaplain/ Secretary

Ministry of Christian Education Sis. Shirley Harris, Commission Chair Rev. Rev. Phyllis A. Harris, Director Ministry of Worship Bro. Kim Jordan, Commission Chair Sis. Barbara A. Kennedy, Liturgical Arts Coordinator Ministry of Seasoned Saints Sis. Alma Robinson, Commission Chair Ministry of Missions & Welfare Sis. Arthean L. Wicks, Commission Chair Ministry of Evangelism Bro. Wade Fauntleroy, Commission Chair Sis Angela Ryans, Commission Chair

Ministry of Health Bro. Fred Geathers, Commission Chair Sis. Clara Robinson, Coordinator Ministry of Membership Sis. Kelli A. Criss-Joyner, Commission Chair Sis. Lisa Younger, Commission Chair Ministry of Social Action Bro. Robert E. Taylor, Sr., Commission Chair Ministry of Hospitality & Food Service Bro. Irvin Hopewell, Commission Chair Ministry of Public Relations Bro. Keith W. Arrington, Sr., Commission Chair

The Reverend Dr. Marguerite E. Handy, Associate Minister The Reverend Phyllis A. Harris, Associate Minister The Reverend Donna M. Minor, Associate Minister Sis. Cheryl Hammond Hopewell, Finance Manager Sis. Carolyn Lang, Office Manager

Ministerial Associates Office: 215.386.1606 Board of Trustees Rev. Jay B. Broadnax, Pastor/Chairman

Sis. Cherie Q. Ryans, Vice Chairman

Sis. Carrie W. Yon, Treasurer

Bro. Alfred Potter, Secretary Bro. Richard R. Minor Assistant Treasurer Bro. Reginald Claxton, Chaplain

Facility Use Church Calendar

Physical Plant Bro. Richard R. Minor

Sis. Delores Clinton

Bus Usage/Contracts Tax Exemptions

Grounds Bro. William Cash Deeds & Documents

Security

Bro. Alfred Potter

Bro. Reginald Claxton Bro. Brian K. Crooms

Vehicle Maintenance Bro. Clarence Weeks

Sis. Rochelle Y. Jordon

The Official Board Ministry of Christian Education

Ministry of Worship

Church School Lay Organization Children’s Church G.H.P Scholarship Committee H.E.E.P G.E.D. Preparation Classes Vacation Bible School

Prayer in Motion Mimes

Ministry of Membership

Adult Drama Ministry

Men’s Fellowship Men’s Auxiliary Women of Faith Married Couples Fellowship Young Adult Ministry Youth Ministry Planning Team Class Leaders

Youth Drama Ministry

Chancel Choir Excelsior Choir

Ministry of Missions & Welfare

Men’s Choir

Florida Grant WMS

Excelsiorette Choir

Dept. of Visitation & Assistance

Divine Movement Angels of Praise

Ministry of Public Relations The View from Mt. Pisgah

Ministry of Hospitality

El Shaddai Greater Works Young People’s Department Flower Club

Lady Ushers

Ministry of Health

Men Ushers

Historical Committee

Ladies Auxiliary Ushers Junior & Young Adult Ushers

Ministry of Social Action

Ministry of Evangelism

The Board of Trustees

Ministry of Seasoned Saints

The Stewardess Board

The Stewardess Board Sis. Gwendolyn Burnett, President Sis. Diane A. Cash Sis. Eula Clarke Sis. Sandra E. Crooms Sis. Myrtlene Edwards Sis. Tiffany Fauntleroy Sis. Luida M. Fowler Sis. Elsie M. Galloway Sis. Deidre Greggs Sis. Charlene Hamilton Sis. Barbara J. Harris Sis. Geraldine Harris

Sis. Alyce Copeland, Emeritus Sis. Minnie L. Harris Sis. Elizabeth Hopkins Sis. Catherine Inman Sis. Delores T. Jones Sis. Rochelle Y. Jordon Sis. Roberta W. King Sis. Dannie M. Lipscomb Sis. Gwendolyn Lofton-Davis Sis. Madeline E. Logan Sis. Delores M. Mosley Sis. Alice B. Nicholson

Sis. Maria Oliver Sis. Melvina Owens Sis. Artletha D. Pierce Sis. Diane E. Pope Sis Cherie Q. Ryans Sis. Henrietta J. Stukes Sis Bernadine Devose-Walls Sis. Australia B. Weaver Sis L. Diane Wilson Sis. Louise Wingate Sis. Annie Young

The Officers of Mt. Pisgah Rev. Phyllis A. Harris, Christian Education Director Bro. Irvin Hopewell, Church School Superintendant Sis. Shirley Harris, Lay Organization President Sis. Alma Robinson, G.E.D. Program Coordinator Sis. Shirley Harris, H.E.E.. Program Coordinator Rev. Phyllis A. Harris, Tax Program Site Coordinator Sis. Lisa Younger, Children’s Church Coordinator Sis. Alma Robinson, G.H.P. Scholarship President Sis. Barbara A. Kennedy, Liturgical Arts Coordinator Sis. Barbara A. Kennedy, Chancel Choir Director Sis. Barbara A. Kennedy, Chancel Choir President Sis. Deidre Greggs, Excelsior Choir Director Sis. Aleta Hall, Excelsior Choir President Sis. Barbara A. Kennedy, Excelsiorette Choir Director Bro. Brandon Winfield, Excelsiorette Choir President Rev. Jay B. Broadnax, Men’s Choir Director Bro. William Cash, Men’s Choir President Rev. Donna M. Minor, Praise/Worship Team Coordinator Sis. Ingrid Broadnax, Divine Movement Director Sis. Dolores Clinton, Prayer in Motion Mimes Director Sis. Sis. Sis. Sis.

Leia Rochester, Teen Choir Director Diane E. Pope, Angels of Praise Director Janelle Bowler, Angels of Praise President Letitia Arrington, Drama Ministries Director

Sis. Denise J. Humbert-Willis, Lady Ushers President Bro. Leroy Foreman, Men Ushers President Sis. Helen V. Smith, Ladies Auxiliary Ushers President

Sis. Joyce A. Criss, Jr./Young Adult Usher Coordinator Sis. Janelle Bowler, Jr/Young Adult Usher President Sis. Clara Robinson, Nurses Unit Coordinator Sis. Beatrice B. Johnson, Historical Society President Bro Bruce Cunningham, Men’s Fellowship Coordinator Bro. Christopher Skipwith, Men’s Auxiliary President Rev. Phyllis A. Harris, Women of Faith President Bro. Timothy Walls, Married Couples Fellowship Sis. Bernadine Walls, Married Couples Fellowship Sis. Tiffany Fauntleroy, Young Adult Ministry President Sis. Ingrid Broadnax, Youth Ministry Planning Team Sis. Alma Robinson, Seasoned Saints Coordinator Bro. Wade Fauntleroy, Evangelism Coordinator Sis. Lynn Rochester, Florida Grant WMS President Sis. Elaine W. Gleaves, D.V.A. President Sis. Barbara A. Kennedy, Greater Works President Sis. Leslie D. Anderson, Y.P.D. Director Sis. Briana Arrington, Y.P.D. President Sis. Ruth Adams, Flower Club President Bro. Robert E. Taylor, Social Action Ministry Coordinator Bro. Irvin Hopewell, Kitchen Committee Coordinator Sis. June Shorts, Hospitality Ministry President Bro. Keith W. Arrington, Sr., The View Editor-in-Chief Bro. Christopher Skipwith, Church Webmaster Bro. Brian K. Crooms, Sound Technician Bro. Christopher Skipwith, Photographer Sis. Ke’Anna Brown, Photographer

Sis. Cheryl Hammond Hopewell, Finance Manager / Director of Stewardship

The Class Leaders Sis. Joyce A. Criss, Coordinator Class Class Class Class Class Class Class Class Class Class Class Class Class

#01.) #02.) #03.) #04.) #05.) #06.) #07.) #08.) #09.) #10.) #11.) #12.) #13.)

Sis. Gwendolyn Davis Bro. Fred Geathers Jr. Sis. Muriel Dawson Sis. Bertha I. Harmon Sis. Barbara J. Harris Bro. Phillip DeVose Sis. Catherine Stewart Sis. Phyllis Covington Sis. Kelli A. Criss-Joyner Sis. Darlene Foreman Sis. Carrie W. Yon Bro. Richard R. Minor Sis. Arthean Wicks

Class Class Class Class Class Class Class Class Class Class Class Class Class

#14.) #15.) #16.) #17.) #18.) #19.) #20.) #21.) #22.) #23.) #24.) #25.) #26.)

Sis. Barbara A. Kennedy Sis. Minnie Harris Sis. Joyce A. Criss Sis. Yvonne Anderson Sis. Lisa Younger Bro. Douglas W. Clark Sis. Angela Ryans Sis. Verna Cox Sis. Tara M. Ryans Sis. Betty Hammond Bro. Joseph M. Cubbage Sis. Sandra E. Crooms Sis. Sandra Geathers

The First Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Philadelphia Annual Conference West Mainline District St. Matthew A.M.E. Church 215 N. 57th Street Philadelphia, PA 19139 215.472.4784

First A.M.E. Church 1201 Hook Road Sharon Hill, PA 19079 610.461.6577

Allen Oxford A.M.E. Church 788 Market Street Oxford, PA 19363 610.932.5063

Jones Tabernacle 2021 W. Diamond Street Philadelphia, PA 19121 215.236.3028

Emmanuel A.M.E. Church 5917 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19139 215.747.3227

St John A.M.E. Church 203 Highland Avenue Wayne, PA 1987 610.688.9608

Ward A.M.E. Church 728 N. 43rd Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 215.222.7992

New Bethel A.M.E. Church 1646 Prospect Avenue Willow Grove, PA 19090 215.659.5184

St. John A.M.E. Church 8th Avenue & Harry Street Conshohocken, PA 19428 610.825.6089

Bethel A.M.E. Church 163 Sheldon Lane Ardmore, PA 19003 610.642.8966

Bethel A.M.E. Church 221 Prospect Avenue Downingtown, PA 19335 610.269.1415

Bethel A.M.E. Church 301 W. Linden Street Kenneth Square, PA 19348 610.444.2974

Bethel A.M.E. Church 50 S. Merion Avenue Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 610.527.8391

St. Paul A.M.E. Church 2nd and Church Streets Malvern, PA 19355 610.647.7418

Ebenezer A.M.E. Church Academy & Cook Avenues Glenolden, PA 19036 914.428.4296

Grimes A.M.E. Church 338 Morris Street Phoenixville, PA 19460 610.935.7430

Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church 380 N. Fairfield Road Devon, PA 19333 610.230.5027

Josie D. Heard 4321 Tower Street Philadelphia, PA 19127 215.483.0689

The Fabric of the View from Mt. Pisgah Ministry Ministry Director

Correspondents

Special Features

God, our Almighty Father

Sis. Pauline I. Andrews

Sis. Leslie D. Anderson

Sis. Sandra E. Crooms

Sis. Yvonne Anderson

Bro. Ernest M. Davis

Sis. Jennell M. Bowler

Sis. Muriel Dawson

Bro. Keith W. Arrington, Sr., Editor-in-Chief Sis. Deana R. Rivers, Managing Editor Pastor Jay B. Broadnax, Mentor

Sis. Ingrid Broadnax

Sis Linda Campbell Graham

Feature Column Sponsors

Sis. Gwendolyn Burnett

Sis. Cheryl Hammond Hopewell

Florida Grant Women’s Missionary Society

Sis. Joyce A. Criss

Sis. June Y. Hayes

Mt. Pisgah Church School

Bro. Bruce Cunningham

Sis. Denise J. Humbert-Willis

Sis. Bernadine Devose-Walls

Bro. Christopher Joyner

Sis. Audrey Davidson

Sis. Georgie B. LaRue

Bro. Ernest M. Davis

Sis. Patricia Layne

The Angels of Praise Ministry The Campaign for Working Families The Chancel Choir

Bro. Wade Fauntleroy

Sis. Margaret Miller

The Christian Education Department

Sis. Tiffany Fauntleroy

Sis. Cheryll I. Morris-Davis

The Couples Ministry

Sis. Darlene Foreman

Sis. Melvina Owens

The Department of Liturgical Arts

Sis. Elaine W. Gleaves

Bro. David D. Rivers

The Department of Visitation and Assistance

Sis. Kelli A. Criss-Joyner

Sis Deana R. Rivers

The Divine Movement Dance Ministry

Rev. Phyllis A. Harris

Sis. Cherie Q. Ryans

The Flower Club

Sis. Cheryl Hammond Hopewell

Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler

The Junior and Young Adult Usher Board

Sis. Barbara A. Kennedy

Sis. Marlene Winfield

The Ladies Auxiliary Usher Board

Sis. Patricia Layne

Sis. Helen Williams

The Lady Ushers Board

Sis. Margaret Miller

The Lay Organization The Men’s Fellowship The Ministry of Evangelism The Ministry of Finance

Rev. Donna M. Minor

Sis. Diane E. Pope Bro. Christopher Skipwith Jada Nicole Reed

Sis. Arthean L. Wicks Columnists Pastor Jay B. Broadnax Sis. Kelli A. Criss-Joyner Sis. Sandra E. Crooms

Sis. Deana R. Rivers

The Ministry of Health

Bro. Fred S. Geathers

Sis. Tara Ryans

Sis. Gloria Geathers

The Ministry of Membership

Sis. L. Diane Wilson

Sis. Linda Campbell Graham

The Ministry of Missions and Welfare

Bro. Brandon M. Winfield

Sis. Cheryl Hammond Hopewell

The Ministry of Public Relations

Sis. Carrie W. Yon

Bro. Christopher Joyner

The Nurses Ministry

Sis. Kimberly A. Yon

The Parenting Ministry The Seasoned Saints The Youth Drama Ministry

Sis. Deana R. Rivers Photographers/Videographers

Sis. Tara Ryans

Bro. Keith W. Arrington, Sr.

Sis. Arthean L. Wicks

Sis. Ke’Anna Brown

The Youth Planning Committee

Bro. Brian Crooms

The Young Peoples Department

Sis. Cheryl Hammond Hopewell

Copy Editors Sis. Gloria Geathers Sis. Barbara A. Kennedy Sis. Tara Ryans

Bro. David D. Rivers

Bro. Richard R. Minor Sis. Cheryll Morris-Davis Rev. Edith J. Patterson-Payne Sis. Deana R. Rivers Bro. Christopher Skipwith Bro. Carl E. Wilson

Sis. Lisa Younger Website Bro. Christopher Skipwith Technology Sis. Ke’Anna Brown Sis. Deana R. Rivers Bro. Christopher Skipwith