November/ December Newsletter

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER

2023

SHILOH NEWS Newsletter of Shiloh Baptist Church 5500 Scovill Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44104

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.

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THE PASTOR'S DESK

THE ROAD TO 175 Praise God from whom all blessings flow. : Embracing the Joy of Christmas Together Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

As we gather in the warmth of this Christmas season, I am filled with gratitude and joy to be celebrating another Christmas with each one of you. As we come

In the spirit of Christmas, I urge you to reach out to

together as a community, I want to extend my heartfelt

those who may have drifted away from our lives. A

wishes for a season filled with love, laughter, and the

simple hello or a heartfelt message can rekindle

boundless blessings that the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, brings into our lives.

Christmas is not just a time of festivities; it is a sacred opportunity for us to connect with our loved ones, both near and far. Amid the busyness that often accompanies this season, I encourage each of you to carve out moments to spend with family and friends. Let us cherish these times, creating lasting memories that reflect the love and joy that Christ has bestowed upon us.

As we exchange gifts and tokens of affection, let us not forget that the greatest gift of all is the birth of Jesus Christ. His arrival brings hope, salvation, and a promise of everlasting love. Amidst the glittering lights and festive decorations, let the light of Christ shine brightly in our hearts, illuminating the path of kindness, compassion, and understanding.

connections and bridge the gaps that time may have created. Let us be instruments of love, spreading the warmth of the season to all, especially those who may be spending their first Christmas without a beloved family member or friend. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers, offering comfort and support during this tender time.

This Christmas, let us embody the true essence of the season—selflessness, gratitude, and unwavering faith. May the love of Christ permeate our homes and hearts, creating an atmosphere of peace that extends beyond the holiday season.

Wishing you and your families a Christmas filled with love, laughter, and the joy that comes from knowing the true reason for the season.

With love and blessings, Pastor Lisa Because of Calvary,

Pastor Lisa 2

The power of gratitude.

WRITTEN BY

SANDRA MONTAZ

S

ince I became a christian in 2017, Philippians 4: 6-7 has been a special scripture for me. The scripture reads, “6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Until recently, the parts I focused on from this scripture were the words “do not be anxious” and “the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus”.

But this year, my sixth year of following Jesus, the Holy Spirit showed me an aspect of this scripture that I repeatedly overlooked: “with thanksgiving”.

In August of this year I moved to Columbus, not particularly because I wanted to but because God was calling me out of my comfort zone, away from family, and into an environment that would allow me to experience Him in new ways and become dependent on Him again.

I should've been happy and excited to move but I was not.

Instead I was filled with anger, grief, sadness, bitterness, and disdain for the miracles God worked to get me to Columbus. I was ungrateful.

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t the end of September I went to a women's conference in Pittsburgh and for two days the speaker emphasized the importance of gratitude.

During the conference I thought intentionally about my move to Columbus. As I thought I realized how God had opened doors for me that were previously shut and how he had provided financially for me in super natural ways to ensure a smooth transition. I realized that God had sent me off with love and joy from my community even though I had anticipated anger and bitterness. I realized how he miraculously removed me from an unfit apartment complex in Columbus and placed me in a beautiful and safe luxury apartment complex in downtown Columbus by means above my comprehension. I realized that I really had nothing to grieve over, I had nothing to be sad about, I had nothing to mourn or fear. God was with me. God really had sent me to Columbus. God deserved my gratitude.

As I began to say “thank you” my mind began to reform and reframe itself. I left the conference an entirely different person. The fear and anxiety I felt about leaving my home and moving to Columbus left my body. I felt peace.

Joy and peace covered me and established themselves as my new identity.

With this experience I understand Philippians 4:6-7 so much more.

Gratitude devours anxiety. Gratitude makes space for the peace of God that surpasses all understanding to guard our hearts in Christ Jesus.

Gratitude is one of the greatest tools God has given us to overcome the darkness of the world and experience heaven on earth.

As we approach this holiday season, my prayer is that we would give thanks not because it is polite or customary but because we are convicted of the power behind our gratitude. I pray we give thanks because we acknowledge God for all he has been and all he has done. I pray we give thanks because we know that he deserves our gratitude and praise forever and always.

God, thank you for every moment of life.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

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ARE YOU CONNECTED? GET INVOLVED AND HELP SHILOH SHINE!

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

Didn't see a friend in church today? Reach out. Let them know they were missed!

SHILOH UPCOMING EVENTS

DEC

9: Shiloh Christmas Party 17: Adopt a Family & Food Give Away 24: Christmas Eve Worship 25: Christmas 31: Watch Night

The Road to 175!

FOR WHERE TWO OR THREE GATHER IN MY NAME, THERE AM I WITH THEM. MATTHEW 18:20 Sankofa is a word and symbol from the Akan people of Ghana, West Africa. It embodies the idea of "learning from the past to move forward." The Sankofa bird, often depicted looking backward while moving forward, symbolizes the importance of remembering one's roots, history, and culture as a way to guide and shape the future. It's a powerful concept that encourages embracing one's heritage to build a better tomorrow.

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COMMUNITY RESOURCES

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.

Bernice DuBose Patsy Cowan Virgil Smith Brenda McCutcheon Lee McCutcheon Glinda Dames Fincher Josephine Phillips Vernon Henderson Gwen Johnson Pauline Dixon Janice Harrell Helen Hooks Tiffany Gardner and family 

Sydnie Jefferson and family Charlise Evans Rose Stewart Ivan & Rhonda Willis Tommy Smith Trustee Maxine and Johnny Johnson Melvin Johnson, Jr Michael Williams Rosalyn Goods 

"Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord." James 5:14 9

SUNDAY SCHOOL SUNDAYS 9:00 AM FREECONFERENCECALL

DIAL-IN: (267)807-9601 PASSCODE: 745 962 070 For more information visit shilohbaptistchurchcle.org or call (216) 881-7337

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Zelle

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