Colossian Baptist Church

Third Quarter Newsletter 2021

We’re BACK!

Drive in – Sanctuary Seating – Or Social Media

Your choice

Sanctuary seating requires masks

Some precautions remain

Table of Contents

1. Request for Your Testimony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2. Sister Bennafield’s Testimony . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

3. Sister Janie Braxton’s Testimony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

4. July and August Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8

5. National Baptist Convention Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

6. CBC Christian Leadership School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14

7. Bamboozables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

8. Ways to Fast. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

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EVERYONE

We all have a testimony. An experience to share that

glorifies God.

Would you share yours?

Each quarterly edition of our newsletter will feature at

least one testimony.

The next (and last 2021) edition will publish on the 1st

Sunday of October.

To meet that schedule, I need to receive your testimony no

later than the 1st

week of September.

Thanks, looking forward to receiving your personal story of

how Our God has brought you through.

Submit to: hazel.harrod@gmail.com

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Let me tell you what the Lord has done

for me… In Sunday School a few weeks ago, we were discussing how God gets the glory out of everything he does. The lesson was about being ‘more than conquerors’, with the scripture text Romans 8:29-39. After going over the less, digesting what was discussed I gave one of my testimonies. It made me think of the goodness of Jesus and how he saved a wretch like me. Yes, I was living in the world, doing what the world does. Living my life like it was golden, or so I thought, without a care in the world. Until that fateful morning of April 17, 2005. I was getting ready to take my girls to the fair that was in town. My son was at his AAU basketball game so it was a girl’s day out. As we were preparing to leave that’s when my life changed forever. My oldest son was a victim of gun violence in the City of Newport News.

I always knew that there was a God but where was he? How could he allow this to happen? God has been there the entire time but my eyes had scales on them and I couldn’t see. He had been trying to get my attention for 3 years. When my then 5-year-old daughter would repeatedly ask me “Mommy,

when are we going to church?” After working a full week, then wanting to ‘chillax’ on the weekend, I didn’t have time for church.

But boy oh boy did that story line change! I told you I was in the world doing what they do. After going through what I pray continuously no mother ever has to go through, I had a different perspective on life.

4 I started seeking something different than what I was doing because it had to be a better way.

I was allowed to funeralize my son at Colossian (with Minister Jeffrey Burrell officiating in Pastor Evans’ absence). I still thank God for Minister Burrell and his family. I joined the church with my children, we were baptized. I tell you when I came up out of the water my body was on fire!

I still was not fully understanding that just like I was in the world, I was in the ‘church’ because I did not know that I needed a personal relationship with

God. I needed a 1-on-1 with God. Still in disbelief and waiting to hear from God, I was introduced to a Purpose Driven Life by Pastor Rick

Warren. In his book (I don’t recall which chapter) he said that we were all born into Christ. God didn’t leave us, we let him and he would do whatever he had to do to get us back into fellowship with him. Whether it takes sickness, death, whatever . . . I took that as God speaking to me about the death of my son. He knew that day would come because God knows everything. He knew when my son would be born (he knew him before he was formed in my womb) and he knew the day he would be taken from me. Truth be told, he didn’t belong to me, I was just the chosen vessel to give birth to him. So, to finalize my testimony…what the enemy meant for bad, God used it for his good. What I mean by that is my son’s death (I call him my sacrificial lamb) saved me and his siblings. It brought us to Christ! Glory HALLELUJAH! There is no doubt God seeks glory for himself. “I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. (John 8:50). So, to him be the glory forever. Amen “For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” (Romans 11:36) Sister Gisele Bennafield

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Let Me Tell You What the

Lord has done for Me! Drugs

At one time my life revolved around drugs. I never sold drugs but I used them for years. I remember being at a friend's house; she had drugs upstairs. I went from one room to another just doing drugs and I knew I had to stop but couldn’t stop on my own. I don’t know why but that night I just prayed and asked God to take the drugs away. I came downstairs and told my friend she could give the drugs away or sell them but I was through. Just like that God took away the desire for drugs. I am now 8 years clean.

Stroke Recovery

We were celebrating Pastor’s anniversary aboard the Spirit of Norfolk. I decided to have a smoke out on the deck, totally alone. After enjoying that smoke, I came back inside when all of a sudden I felt ‘strange and could not move my hand. I was reaching for my purse but my hand wasn’t moving. I tried to talk but my words were not coming out right. First Lady Evans noticed something wasn’t right with me and asked me to stay seated; not to try standing. I remember being transported to the hospital by ambulance. With friends around me I couldn’t figure out why people could not understand me. I thought I was talking but they told me the sounds I was making sounded like “Woo woo woo…” It was very frustrating and scary at the same time. I knew what happened was serious, they told me I had a stroke and needed to go into rehab if I was going to recapture any of my previous life activities

All through rehab I kept praying “Lord, please no wheelchair.” I maxed rehab. Pretty soon I could dress myself, feed myself without assistance and walking WITH NO WHEELCHAIR! God answered my prayer, ``No wheelchair.”

Cigarette addiction erased

Momma lives to see God in my life

Doctors gave momma only a couple of days to live. I refused to accept that and told the doctors, nurses and technicians to stop saying that because my momma is going to live as long as God says. She lived 2 years and 3 months longer than any of them said. She lived long enough to see the changes God made in my life. She was a witness to God’s saving power in my life.

Submitted by Sister Janie Braxton

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Events and Engagements

JULY TPBA Youth Explosion – Sunday, July 11 Time 5:00 P.M.

TPBA Annual Session July 12 - 14

New Beech Grove Baptist Church

Our Pastor is the current TPBA Moderator

~~

July 18 @ 2PM Pastor & CBC with Pastor Sivell

For his 25th Pastoral Anniversary

Observed at Mt Nebo, Portsmouth, VA

~~

July 24 11AM until 3PM CBC Missionary Annual Fish Fry

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July 25 10AM ~ CBC Deacons Ordination

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AUGUST

7th CBC Church Picnic

8th CBC Homecoming/Family & Friend’s Day

10th – 12th CBC Revival

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21st 12PM ~ Brother Greg Smith Memorial Service (Tentative)

29th Missionary Sunday

~~

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SEPTEMBER

140th Annual Session

September 14-16, 2020| Virtual Convention Dr. Jerry Young, President

VIRTUAL

Convention Theme “Envisioning the Future Exceptionally through Christ Centered Evangelism” Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV) Acts 1:8

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (NIV) The thematic areas of emphasis are selected by the President of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.

Please see Dean Arleen Montgomery, CBC Director of Christian Education

For future class offerings and registration details.

Class offerings for every church ministry and for EVERYONE!

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Announcing …

Colossian Baptist Church

Christian Leadership School

Fall 2021 – Spring 2022

Under the auspices of The Division of Christian Education Accreditation and Credentials,

The Sunday School Publishing Board and Virginia Baptist State Convention

VIRTUAL

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First Class: Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts

Instructor - Dr. Carolyn C. Walker

State Director of Christian Education, State of Illinois

This instructor/class will empower the student to determine what special anointing God has given you to work in His Kingdom.

Class dates: September 15 - October 13, 2021

Second Class: Member Orientation Instructor - Rev. Hazel Harrod

This instructor/class will empower the student to see their mission placement within the body of Christ; gifts matched to ministry.

Class Dates: October 20 - Nov 17, 2021 Future Classes:

Baptist Doctrine – Rev. Kenyatta Galiote – Jan 12 – Feb 9, 2022

Effective Bible Reading - Dr. Veronica Haynes - Feb 16 – Mar 16, 2022

Spiritual Formation – Rev. Jocelyn Blount – Mar 23 - Apr 20, 2022

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First 2 Classes are FREE - You do NOT have to be a CBC member to attend.

Students completing all FIVE CLASSES will receive special recognition during the

2022 Christian Education Day.

Class Hours: 6:30PM - 8:30PM

Classes meet on Wednesday evenings

All classes meet in a virtual setting

~~Registration will be online - Zoom Link provided at time of registration~~

www.colossianbaptistchurch.org

or email: hazel.harrod@gmail.com

Enrollment opens July 12, 2021

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Colossian Baptist Church

Christian Leadership School

Registration Form

Your Name: ________________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________

Email: _____________________________________________________________________

Best Contact Phone: _____________________Alternate Phone: _____________________

Class: Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts

Instructor: Dr. Carolyn C. White

Class Dates/Time: Sep 15 – Oct 13, 2021~ 6:30 – 8:30PM

Contact hours – students must be an active participant during class time. Static icons, signage and/or photos are not acceptable. Students must display an active image at all times.

Student must meet all class dates – total 10 contact hours – to receive the course card as prescribed by: The Christian Leadership Manual, The Division of Christian Education Accreditation and Credentials, Sunday School Publishing Board, Nashville, TN.

Rev. Hazel Harrod, Dean, Christian Leadership School

Dean Arleen Montgomery, Director, Christian Education

Rev. Dr. Peter A. Evans, Senior Pastor, Colossian Baptist Church

www.colossianbaptistchurch.org

or email: hazel.harrod@gmail.com

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Colossian Baptist Church

Christian Leadership School

Registration Form

Your Name: ________________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________

Email: _____________________________________________________________________

Best Contact Phone: _____________________Alternate Phone: _____________________

Class: Member Orientation

Instructor: Rev. Hazel Harrod

Class Dates/Time: Oct 20– Nov 17, 2021~ 6:30 – 8:30PM

Contact hours – students must be an active participant during class time. Static icons, signage and/or photos are not acceptable. Students must display an active image at all times.

Student must meet all class dates – total 10 contact hours – to receive the course card as prescribed by: The Christian Leadership Manual, The Division of Christian Education Accreditation and Credentials, Sunday School Publishing Board, Nashville, TN.

Rev. Hazel Harrod, Dean, Christian Leadership School

Dean Arleen Montgomery, Director, Christian Education

Rev. Dr. Peter A. Evans, Senior Pastor, Colossian Baptist Church

www.colossianbaptistchurch.org

or email: hazel.harrod@gmail.com

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