VOLUME XXX, ISSUE III WINTER 2016

DuPage

African Methodist Episcopal Church

4300 Yackley Avenue Lisle, IL 60532 630-969-9800

630-969-9807 fax www.DuPageAMEC.org

www.facebook.com/DuPageAMEC

info@dupageamec.org

Rev. Dr. James F. Miller Senior Pastor

Rev. Lana Parks Miller Executive Pastor

Rev. Albert D. Tyson, III Presiding Elder

Rt. Rev. John R. Bryant Presiding Prelate

New Members 2

Black History 4

Resurrection Easter Sunday

5

Quarterly Calendar

11

...and more

Inside this issue:

FROM THE PASTOR’S PEN:

“The generous soul will be made rich, and he or she who waters will also be watered themselves.”

~Proverbs 11:25

We are a Generosity Generation. We believe in God’s Word and God’s promise of reciprocity. We are therefore taking steps toward intentional spiritual growth and sowing into God’s Kingdom. Together, we are greatly enjoying our journey!

The Sunday testimonies are encouraging. The mailed correspondences are engaging. Our church prayer breakfast was “supernatural!” And the teaching in Bible Study and our financial workshop by our own resident experts, Rev. Dr. Franklin and Kevin Webb, have afforded expertise “par excellence.” God is showering us with spiritual blessings daily.

Did you know that since its inception, through our monthly REACH food distribution to needy families, we have given away approximately one million pounds of food! ONE MILLION! That is a victory for the Kingdom!

Did you know that we had a broadcast television show for five years prior to stopping it when God said to build our extension? While we’re not planning another television show, after over ten years, our media audio/video equipment is out of date. We are going to keep feeding the poor and we are going to communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ in a way that “serves the present age.” Our plan is to update our equipment.

Here is where you can participate. Correspondences will continue. Each one is a spiritual growth opportunity. Make worship attendance a priority for you and your family. Participate in the activities that can make a great spiritual difference in your life. And prayerfully, pledge to support our kingdom efforts.

We are growing in grace together God loves us all very much. Claim your blessings today.

God Bless you now, and see you in church!

Pastor Miller

Pastor James F. Miller & Rev. Lana Parks Miller

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS We welcome the following New Members to our DuPage AME Church family!

May each of you always be open to the ministry of the Lord’s church. Remember that active Christians make churches that are alive!

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THE NEWSLETTER is a publication of DuPage AME Church, 4300 Yackley Avenue, Lisle, IL 60532, 630-969-9800 www.DuPageAMEC.org Editor—Rev. Lana Parks Miller, Staff—Rev. Morgan Dixon, Brooke Denham, 630-969-9800, info@dupageamec.org. Ted McKee, photographer. Editor reserves the right to edit for content and space. Our aim is to communicate with you, provide an outreach to you, and truly reflect the spirit of the congregation and it’s leadership. THE NEWSLETTER is published quarterly.

Jordan King Lisle

Arianah Baylark Downers Grove

Susan, Anna & Ava Martin Naperville

Stephen, Tonja, Kale & Xavier Killinghan

Aurora

Yolanda Jordan Stovall & Kennedy Jordan

Aurora

Candace Westbrook Jai & Taylor Smith

Aurora

Lois Ross Serhan Bolingbrook

Freda Hunt Lombard

Mariam Lee South Holland

Archie L. Hollins Bolingbrook

Mia, David, Jori & Nigel Hardy Wheaton

Leotis & Shirley Gordon Aurora

Tracy, Sherell, Mason & Alexis Fuller Downers Grove

Adepeju Obalerko, Ayaana, Obadiah & Ayomide Cooper

Lisle

Teresa Rankins, Juan & Catalina Garcia

West Chicago

Orlin Nesbitt Broadview

James Wesley Morrissette Bolingbrook

Tre Charles Spencer Aurora

Chaz Clark Aurora

Roslyn Glanville & Joshua Johnson Bolingbrook

Nancy & Bryant Beal Hillside

Jacara Edmund Naperville

George & Denise Brinson Bolingbrook

Nadine H. Rosier Flossmoor

Kiala Brackenridge Wheaton

Patricia Mansfiled Lisle

Michael Nunn Chicago

Kevin, Betina & Khari Johnson Naperville

Rodney & Jeanette Childs Carol Stream

Val Knighton Aurora

Alicia Scott Lisle

Henry Beards Elmhurst

Richard Michael Jr. Glen Ellyn

Brenda Szendori Itasca

Zion Odoh Aurora

Kendall Flournoy Kildeer

Raven Woodard, Alden & Daniel Only LaGrange

Abraham Godson Wheaton

Serena Bailey Wheaton

ANNUAL STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN

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January signals a new year and an opportunity to begin again. God gives us another chance to “worship the Lord in spirit and the truth.” Each January, we start the year with an Annual Stewardship Campaign.

What is stewardship? What is a “stewardship campaign?

First of all, stewardship is defined as, “The Christian management of all that we have and all that we are.” As Christians, we are all stewards and managers of every aspect of our lives. A stewardship campaign is a designated period of time where our church receives preaching, teaching, information and participates in creative worship experiences, all for the purpose of educating and encouraging us to grow and be better stewards. When we follow the Bible’s teaching regarding stewardship, we will live happier and better lives.

Mark your calendars, and let’s all “get in the way of God’s blessings for 2016!”

TIMELINE _ Sunday, January 3rd —Formal Kick Off

_ Saturday, January 9th —PRAYER BREAKFAST

_ Sunday, January 24th —COMMITMENT SUNDAY

_ Tuesday, February 2nd- Friday, February 17th—CONGREGATIONAL CANVAS

_ Sunday, February 28th —FINANCIAL FREEDOM ALTAR CALL

_ Saturday, March 5th —6 HOUR PRAYER VIGIL

_ Sunday, March 6th —FIRST FRUITS SUNDAY

_ Sunday, April 3rd —VICTORY DAY

REACH Food Pantry—NEW LOCATION

REACH Food Pantry OLD LOCATION

Media upgrades in the Sanctuary!

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH: EMBRACING THE VILLAGE

“After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with Him.” ~Luke 8:1

The scriptures are saturated with verses encouraging the honoring of our ancestors. The bible teaches us to celebrate our history and to honor our elders. This year, our Black History Month celebration will accomplish this beyond measure. We’re going to trace our family genealogy, see a historical skit by the DuPage Theatre Group, host a social justice forum and a Black Greek Letter Organizations event for our youth. As we sing the spirituals and revisit the journey, lets prepare our hearts and spirits to also receive a great blessing.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2016 EVENTS

Saturday, February 6th Genealogy Workshop—Exploring Our Roots

Sunday, February 14th DuPage Theatre Group presents: “Hold On”

Sunday, February 21st Social Action Day

Sunday, February 28th Pan-Hellenic Council Day

This year our denominational founder is honored with an US postage stamp. This year also

marks the 200th Anniversary of the incorporation of the AME Church. All of our signature

gathering paid off and we all can celebrate this victory together.

Photos shown here were taken at Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia during the official

stamp unveiling. Descendants of Bishop Richard Allen are

pictured below.

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GOOD FRIDAY — 7 LAST WORDS of CHRIST Friday, March 25th — 7:15 pm

_ Luke 23:34 Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.

_ Luke 23:43 Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in paradise.

_ John 19:26–27 Woman, behold your son. Behold your mother.

_ Matthew 27:46 My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?

_ John 19:28 I thirst.

_ Luke 23:46 Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.

_ John 19:30 It is finished.

ASH WEDNESDAY: FEBRUARY 10th

“Prepare ye the way of the Lord. Make His path straight.” ~John 1:23

Lent is the 40 days preceding Easter, not counting Sundays. Lent is a time of holy preparation to properly celebrate Christ’s resurrection. Lent is usually observed through the spiritual disciplines of fasting and self denial. God honors our sacrifice with Holy Ghost power, breakthroughs and blessings. When they become a way of life, these holy efforts and observances throughout the year, are a sure prescription for experiencing the presence of God and genuine joy.

Ash Wednesday Service is February 10th at 7:15 pm. Our guest will be Rev. Darius Curtis Thomas, Pastor of Brown Chapel AME Church in Joliet. Ashes will be administered.

Rev. Darius Curtis Thomas

FAMILY & FRIENDS DAY—RESURRECTION EASTER SUNDAY !

“He has risen, as He said He would!” ~Matthew 28:6

On Sunday, March 27th we will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ! It’s also our FAMILY AND FRIENDS DAY. Annually we take this opportunity to invite our loved ones and acquaintances to come to church with us. It’s also Youth Sunday and all our youth choirs will be singing.

At the 11:15 am Worship Service, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate of the 12th Episcopal District (Texas) in the AME Church will join us again. We look forward to hearing a word from the Lord from Bishop McKenzie.

Come to church on Easter! Invite your family and friends to join you! Come and be blessed!

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie

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IRON MEN “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”~ Proverbs 27:17

Our annual Men’s Day effort is now underway! The annual men’s day chorus, the “Singing 100” are gathering. Men of God, if God gave you a voice, God calls you now to “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!” We have great fellowship in the chorus rehearsals and on Men’s Day, the experience quite frankly is awesome. A CONCERT commemorating this year’s effort will be presented on Saturday, February 27th.

Our annual MEN’S PRAYER BREAKFAST will be held at the church on Saturday, March 5th. Our guest speaker will be Rev. George “Joe” Mitchell, Co-Pastor of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in DeKalb.

MEN’S DAY will be on Sunday, March 13th. Our guest preacher is the Rev. Ellis I. Washington, Pastor of the historic St. Paul AME Church, Cambridge, Massachusetts. We have a great time as members of DuPage, but we don’t just want to have a good time. We always want every effort to result in some tangible benefit to the Kingdom.

We are asking all men to do their best to keep our ministry “high and lifted up.” Everyone is encouraged to make sure you are a regular, sacrificial supporter of God’s kingdom, and then add your $150 Men’s Day pledge. We know the whole church will have a glorious time in the Lord that day!

Come on men of God! Let’s rise up and be “present and accounted for.” The Lord’s name be praised!

MEN’S DAY

Rev. George “Joe” Mitchell

* Monday, February 8th 7pm

* Thursday, February 18th 7pm

* Tuesday, February 23rd 7pm

* Saturday, February 27th 4pm

* Saturday, March 12th 4pm

Rev. Ellis I. Washington

The Brotherhood Singing 100 Choir Rehearsals

TIME IN THE GARDEN

“Step out of the traffic. Take a long, loving look at your High God, above politics, above everything.” ~Psalm 46:10

MEDITATION is a spiritual discipline that helps to strengthen our relationship with God. It is a training of the mind that also benefits the body and the spirit! Meditation seeks to quiet the mind and thus deepening our spiritual connection with God.

The Garden theme came about because Jesus often pulled away and went to the Garden; so too, we must pull away. Living in a fast-paced world, accustomed to quick results, pulls us away from the peace that is within. Therefore a set time and place to experience pulling away from the rigors of everyday life and commune with God was established.

Over the last four sessions we have exposed ourselves to different themes: the sacred breath, listening, scriptures and using a mantra. During the winter break, our prayer is that you continue to develop your meditation practice. It works best when a regular time and space is set aside.

Join us during Holy Week in The Borrowed Tomb!

Monday, March 21st—Thursday, March 24th

7 pm nightly

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Sweet Hour of Prayer

Intercessory Prayer Ministry:

We welcome church members to attend our regular prayer time on Tuesday nights at 7 pm for 1 hour of prayer and quiet time during this Lenten season.

We will slow down from the busyness of our week and provide a space of quietness, stillness and prayer during lent.

Come and join us as we have “a moment of silence”, centering ourselves and focusing on God to hear God’s voice.

February 16th through March 22nd

THE PRODIGAL STEWARD BY PATRICIA WILSON BAKER

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“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want”~ Psalm 23:1

I’ll never forget the day years ago when I had finally memorized Psalm 23. I was a new Christian. I was so excited and I couldn’t wait to share this with somebody. I had taken the time to memorize it and was able to repeat it over and over again to myself by memory. To me, it is one of the most beautiful verses in the Bible.

Psalm 23 is very poetic. The word pictures are beautiful. You can almost smell the sheep and by the end you’re languishing on the words as you rest in the goodness and the mercy that is following you all the days of your life! It’s an awesome feeling! This Psalm talks about the care the Lord provides for us. The sheep are totally dependent on the shepherd. In fact, the word shepherd means, one who tends or one who provides care.

This is also how the Lord tends to us in our affairs. How often do we think and thank God for the provisions afforded us? God is the loving shepherd. God makes us lie down in green pastures; God leads us beside still waters. God restores souls. God leads us in the paths of righteousness. And even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we don’t have to be afraid. God is with us!

Obtaining the covering of the Lord our Shepherd, requires obedience. We have to accept that the Lord’s provision is best. When God instructs us in Malachi 3:10 to bring our tithes into the storehouse, we are promised a blessing that there will not be room enough to receive. We are challenged to have faith and trust God’s promise!

The Lord is our Shepherd. The Lord prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies. God anoints our head with oil, and our cups are running over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives, and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

BREATHE AGAIN: AN ESSENTIAL OIL

During the Winter months Breathe Again is a great oil to have on hand. It supports a healthy immune and respiratory system. Breathe Again contains four Eucalyptus Oils, which have been studied for their potential to support healthy lung function. It also contains Coconut Oil , Blue Cyprus Oil, Myrtle Oil as well as Peppermint Oil.

Apply Breathe Again to the head, neck, chest or under your nose. You can find Breathe Again along with Peppermint, Lavender, RC, and Thieves in our church store.

To learn more about Essential Oils, please see Rev. Lana or Connie Brown in the Treasures of Faith Bookstore.

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R.E.A.C.H. FOOD PANTRY

We thank all the many volunteers who have assisted with the Food Bank. We are able to provide food to hundreds of families each month. Opportunities to serve are every 2nd Friday & Saturday. Those available on Friday mornings are needed to prepare boxes for distribution on Saturdays.

10 am —12 Noon Saturday, February 13th

Saturday, March 12th

Saturday, April 9th

Make a contribution of your service!

Your continued assistance is greatly appreciated! To volunteer please contact Dr. Sweet through the church office or visit:

www.reachcommunityservices.com

“When I was hungry you fed Me …” ~Matthew 25:35

DATES TO REMEMBER

FEBRUARY – BLACK HISTORY MONTH 6 Genealogy Workshop

7 Founder’s Day

10 Ash Wednesday 14 DTG presents: “Hold On” Bishop Richard Allen’s Birthday

21 Social Action Day

27 Men’s Day Prayer Breakfast

28 PanHellenic Council Day

MARCH 5 Men’s Day Concert

10-12 4th District Mid Year Conference Sheraton Lisle

13 Men’s Day

20 Palm Sunday 25 Good Friday —7 Last Words Service 27 Easter Sunday and Family & Friends Day

Sandra A. Bland Diversity Institute 2016

DuPage AME Church 4300 Yackley Avenue

Lisle, IL 60532 w w w . D u P a g e A M E C . o r g

“Blessed To Be A Blessing”