Jan/Feb Newsletter

of Shiloh Baptist Church

Join our jubilant journey at Shiloh Baptist Church Cleveland, marking 175 years of history. As the oldest African American Baptist church in Cleveland, we embody Sankofa's essence, gazing back to move forward. Inspired by Philippians 3:13-14, we celebrate our legacy, standing on the shoulders of our ancestors. This year, we unite our community through 1 Peter 4:10, embracing the path we've traveled while inviting friends and family to share in the joy.

As we tread "The Road to 175," guided by Psalm 145:4, we restore greatness and anticipate our greatest days ahead.

THE PASTOR'S DESK

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Wow! 2024 has taken off with a bang, especially here at Shiloh As we began the year, I challenged the congregation to dare to imagine. In that sermon, I talked about God doing exceeding and abundantly above all we can ask or imagine God will exceed our wildest imagination if only we have the faith to dream it Did not God exceed our imagination as we were one of 31 churches across the nation awarded The Preserving Black Churches Grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation? This grant will allow us to repair our stained-glass dome, making our sanctuary safe for years to come and preserving the historical integrity of our building. But beyond the restoration of the dome, this grant is a vote of confidence in Shiloh’s importance in the history of Cleveland’s Black community and its continued importance today. The receipt of this grant tells other philanthropists that Shiloh is worthy of their support as we approach a more formal capital campaign This grant propelled us into the spotlight locally and nationally - a testament to God’s hand that rests upon this congregation.

The celebration will begin on March 17th with the return of our native son, The Rev. Dr. Alyn Waller.

Additionally, as we entered 2024, we officially entered our 175th anniversary year On August 14, 1849, a few of our brave forefathers and foremothers dared to dream that God could sustain them in their own church. They left First Baptist Church and formed Shiloh as a mission that became Shiloh Baptist Church. It was the beginning of the Black Baptist Church So, as we celebrate our church’s 175th anniversary, we also celebrate the birth of the Black Baptist church in Cleveland. So few churches make it to 175 years. If it had not been for the Lord, who was on our side, where would we be? And God is not finished with us yet We are Alive and Ready to Thrive at 175! We look forward to a year full of

God is doing great things at Shiloh. We have new screens in our sanctuary. We received funding to do exciting youth violence prevention work in our city. Our women’s ministry did incredibly well with their initial fundraiser. Our music ministry continues to blossom. Our deacons are busy serving, our trustees are stewarding our resources, our men are doing great work serving the community, and our social justice ministry is working diligently through Greater Cleveland Congregations to promote justice for all in Cleveland. We are a small church with a big vision and an even bigger heart. The only thing missing is you. We have not seen some of you in a while. Know that you are missed, and that there is a seat in the sanctuary with your name written on it! It’s time to come home to Shiloh where ministry is real, relevant, and redeeming - ministry that matters!

Because of Calvary,

PastorLisa

Welcome

Welcome to the Shiloh Baptist Church family. We are truly blessed and excited to have you join our vibrant community of faith. As you continue on this spiritual journey with us, we look forward to growing together in faith, love, and service. Our church is a place where you can find support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. We are committed to nurturing your spiritual growth and providing opportunities to connect with fellow members through worship, fellowship, and community outreach. Together, let's embrace the path of discipleship, deepen our relationship with God, and make a positive impact in our community and beyond. Welcome!

Sis. Toni Malone Sis. Cassandra Jones

Bro. Jerry Griffin

ALegacyofFaithandCommunity EmpowermentinCleveland

Nestled within the historic heart of Cleveland, Ohio's Central Neighborhood, Shiloh Baptist Church stands as a monument to African American resilience, faith, and community activism. As Black History Month unfolds, it is imperative to spotlight institutions like Shiloh, whose profound contributions to social justice, education, and community service have indelibly shaped the African American experience in Cleveland.

Founded in 1849, Shiloh Baptist Church has been a cornerstone of hope and action for 175 years. Under the guidance of its founding pastor, the church quickly became a hub for abolitionist activities and a sanctuary for those fleeing the shackles of slavery via the Underground Railroad.

Throughout the tumultuous 1960s, Shiloh played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. The church hosted pivotal meetings for the Cleveland Freedom Fighters in the 1960s, organizing peaceful protests and voter registration drives that were instrumental in dismantling segregation laws and practices in the city.

In the late 1970s, Shiloh Baptist Church launched programs designed to educate young African Americans about their rich cultural history and legacy.

Under the current leadership of Pastor Lisa Maxine Goods, Shiloh Baptist Church has expanded its outreach programs significantly. Our monthly food distribution program addresses food insecurity within the Central Neighborhood, providing families with monthly groceries and fresh produce. Also, our inaugural summer program, MOMAS (Mentoring and Music at Shiloh), was a tool our neighbors could use to prepare their children to return to the classroom last summer.

A recent highlight of the church's legacy was securing a $150,000 grant in 2024 to restore its iconic dome, symbolizing its spiritual and community resilience. This achievement underscores the church's ongoing commitment to preservation and progress.

As Shiloh Baptist Church commemorates its 175th anniversary, it stands as a custodian of history and a vibrant, active force for good in Cleveland. The church's enduring legacy is a clarion call to action, urging current and future generations to engage in community service, social justice, and cultural preservation.

I am sure that everyone reading this newsletter knows all of this and more, but as we start celebrating our 175th year together, now is a good time to refresh our memories of the great things we have shown we can achieve and then run forward toward greater.

This will be a great year, full of opportunity, and we should all be excited about the great things we will witness.

Church Calendar

MARCH

16th(SAT)WOMEN’SMINISTRYCHILICOOK-OFFANDGAMEDAY

17TH(SUN)-SUNDAYMORNINGREVIVALREV.DR.ALYNWALLER,GUESTPREACHER

23rd(SAT)-FOODDISTRIBUTION-12-2pm

24th(SUN)-PALMSUNDAYPANCAKEBREAKFAST(Ed.Board)

29th(FRI)-GOODFRIDAY

PastorLisasharinginthe7LastWordsatNewSardis

31ST(SUN)-EASTERSUNDAY

APRIL

21st(SUN)-WOMEN’SDAY

27th(SAT)-FOODDISTRIBUTION

MAY

11th(SAT)-WOMENSMINISTRYLINEDANCING 12th(SUN)-MOTHER'SDAY

25th(SAT)-FOODDISTRIBUTION-12-2pm

JUNE

9th(SUN)-SCHOLARSHIPSUNDAY

16th(SAT)-FATHER’SDAY

19th(WED)-JUNETEENTHBBQ(Outreach))

22nd(SAT)-FOODDISTRIBUTION-12-2pm

JULY

9th-11th(TUES-THURS)-VACATIONBIBLESCHOOL

13TH(SAT)WOMEN’SMINISTRYLINEDANCING

AUGUST

5th - 9th (MON-FRI) - MAMA’S (MUSICAL ARTS MINISTRY AT SHILOH)

SUMMER CAMP - 9 AM - 1 PM

10th (SAT) - BACK 2 SCHOOL FESTIVAL/FILL THE TRUCK (FOOD DISTRIBUTION)

SEPTEMBER

14TH (SAT) WOMEN’S MINISTRY LINE DANCING

18th (WD) PASTOR LISA AT REVIVAL AT ANTIOCH BAPTIST CHURCH

28th (SAT) - FOOD DISTRIBUTION - 12-2 pm

29th (SUN) - PASTOR'S ANNIVERSARY REV. COURTNEY CLAYTON-JENKINS, GUEST PREACHER

OCTOBER

9th (WED) -175th ANNIVERSARY REVIVAL - 6:30 pm

16th (WED) -175th ANNIVERSARY REVIVAL - 6:30 pm

23rd (WED) -175th ANNIVERSARY REVIVAL - 6:30 pm

25th (FRI) - 175th ANNIVERSARY REUNION CONCERT -

26TH (SAT)- FOOD DISTRIBUTION

27th (SUN) -175th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION -10:30 am / GALA - 3:00 pm

NOVEMBER

9TH (SAT) - WOMEN’S MINISTRY LINE DANCING

23rd (SAT) - THANKSGIVING COMMUNITY MEAL - 2-4 pm

DECEMBER

11th (WED) - JOINT CHRISTMAS WORSHIP- 6:30 am

21ST (SAT) - COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS PARTY - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

22nd (SUN) - LESSONS & CAROLS WORSHIP - 10:30 am

31st (TUE) - Virtual WATCH NIGHT SERVICE - 6:30 pm

Coming Events

Please invite former members and friends to come welcome Rev. Dr. Waller home.

Sick & Shut In

"Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray overthemandanointthemwithoilinthenameoftheLord."

James5:14

Joannie Webb

Ivan & Rhonda Willis

Tiffany Gardner & Family

Sydnee Jefferson & Family

Lady Belva Waller

Helen Hooks

Bernice DuBose

Johnny Smith

Michael Williams

Frank Drake

Barry Riley

Anna Bracey

Pasty Cowan

Pauline Dixon

Glinda Dames - Fincher

Lucille Fielder

Janice Harell

Marie Cheatham

Vernon Henderson

Steven Flowe & Family

Duane Evans Jr & Family

Eric Atkins & Family

Gwendolyn Johnson

Johnny & Maxine Johnson

Lee & Brenda McCutcheon

Josephine Phillips

Louise Sanders

Virgil Smith

Rose Stewart

Please pray for our bereaved, sick and shut in.

Praise the Lord, oh my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

January

Tressie Gardner

David Henderson

Maxine Johnson

Patricia Ellis

February

Glinda Dames Fincher

Royal Gardner

Sherrae Flowe

Revonne Drake

Delores Henderson

Martha Womack

Rudene Abshaw