To My Ebenezer Family!
To God be the glory, for the great things He hath done!
We are halfway through the year of 2015. It’s hot, sticky, and without air conditioning, quite uncomfortable! In spite of it all, God is still moving. Thank you all for your approval of me to be the Interim Pastor of such a great church filled with Christ honoring people. Honestly, I never saw this coming!
I also must add, I truly don’t understand all the implications of the interim role. My aim—goal—remains to be what it always has been, to please God in whatever assignment He gives me. I humbly admit that I need Him in every task which I need to partake of to reach each goal.
It’s my prayer for us, both individually and collectively, with each challenge, whether we see it as a goal or obstacle, whatever the circumstances, that we would seek God by faith to show us what we should do and how we should do it. I must say, after being in meetings, and learning of pressing decisions that must be made, I am also confident that the leadership of this body has nothing but the utmost respect for God and the local body we serve. I am also confident that whenever God leads us, we are well able to rise to the challenge and act on behalf of our Great God, to bring to fruition all of His purposes for the Ebenezer Baptist Church. To all of our body who are going through in the present season, know that we are not only praying for you, but submit ourselves to your healing and well-being. We endeavor to comfort you, with the same comfort we receive from God (2Cor.14). To our new family members, we look forward to growing with you, in great anticipation of your maturing into the full measure of the stature of Christ! To our young adults, keep your hands in God’s hand, laying aside every weight of sin which will weigh you down. To our seniors, continue to fight the good fight of faith, knowing that your labor is not in vain! Together, let us continue to hold up our banner for the Lord, proclaiming to the world “If any man be in Christ, He is a new Creature! Old things have passed away, Behold, all things have become new!” May the grace of God bless you all as we seek to make Him known in every life He created!
For His glory,
Elder Eric, Cameira and Family
T
THE
Ebenezer CONNECTION
A Message from the Elder
Youth Report – Lott Carey By: Samantha Gillyard
Upon arriving at Lott Carey Youth Seminar, I had chosen to be a Family Group Leader for 14 & 15 year old youth. I was filled with excitement on arrival to the campus where the seminar would be held. It was day 2 of leading the youth that I had reached my breaking point.
I had come in with a big heart and open arms, and felt hurt because I didn’t feel my love was being accepted. Though I had lead youth of this age group before, this was different. I realized that I was so stuck on trying to be the coolest leader at Lott Carey that I forgot that I was supposed to be leading and helping the youth advance in their learning about God.
Later that night, I asked God to guide me throughout the process because I was at leadership. The remainder of the trip was amazing. I met so many youth that hungered for knowledge and searching for someone to speak to about their spiritual journey. This was a very pivotal moment of the trip because as much I wanted to lead, I too was like them; hungry for knowledge and searching for someone to share my journey with.
When I was getting ready to leave, it was bittersweet. I realized that I had come to Lott Carey with a different path in mind, but was given greater insight into my life. I realized that the love I was trying to give out on day 2 was received, it was received by all the youth that I came in contact with, all the youth that shared their stories with me and it made the trip so meaningful.
The YEAR of THE WORD!
Church Wide Picnic
Ebenezer will host its annual church picnic on August 29th at Druid Hill Park. There will be good food and games for all to enjoy. This event is for everyone to enjoy. Ebenezer families and all interested persons should contact Trustee Ardelia Lokeman or Deacon Ransom to register in order for them to plan for the interested persons and families.
Congratulations to our own Elder Taylor as
he has been voted in as interim Pastor of Ebenezer. This is a well-deserved
nomination and his dedication and support have been duly noticed by all. We give our
support and love as he continues to give his best to build, teach and deliver God’s Word to His people. Again, our hearts and prayers
are with you.
Ministry Highlight
Children’s Church The Children’s Church is held the 3rd and 4th Sunday of each month in the lower sanctuary, overseen by Cameira Taylor. This is an opportunity for our youth to learn of God’s love for them thru His Word, as well as participate in activities that will help them to identify with lessons learned. It also gives parents the opportunity to concentrate on and absorb themselves in the sermon.
Surfing the Web Effective with this issue you will now be able to
get the Newsletter on the Web. We are excited to bring to all members with access to
the internet The Connection via this media which is so convenient and much more cost effective. This is due to the expertise of Brother LeVar Williams who has agreed as one of the newest members to our Newsletter Committee to offer this service to our congregation. Thanks Brother LeVar. The Ebenezer Website address is: www.visitebenezer.org
BUILD CONFIDENCE Where It’s Lacking
Do you need courage to stand up for someone who’s being bullied or taken advantage of? Do you need wisdom to know how to share your faith with someone who’s facing a crisis? Do you need perceptiveness to deal with criticism that’s been leveled at you?
When you actively seek to deepen your relationship with Jesus through prayer and reading the Scriptures, you will gain the wisdom and perception necessary to boldly speak the truth and act in love. Jesus will supply everything you need to serve Him effectively.
READ: JOHN 15:1-8
(Excerpt from 50 Ways the GOSPELS Can Change Your Life - Magazine).
Camp Ebenezer will begin its 2015 edition on Tuesday, June 23rd. This Camp gives its participants many activities that will keep them busy during their summer break. The tuition for the entire summer is just $300.00 and includes lunch and snacks. The Camp is open to children ages 5 yrs. to 13 yrs., and will get youth from the Baltimore YouthWorks Program to assist with the Camp program as they earn money during the summer. Anyone interested in the Camp should see Elder Taylor, Deacon Ransom or Trustee Connie Ross.
Jesus’ promise in John 15:7 is a game changer for His followers. “Stay joined to me and let My teachings become part of you. Then you can pray for whatever you want, and your prayer will be answered.” (CEV-Contemporary English Version).
Let’s Honor our Graduates
Graduates of Ebenezer Baptist Church
1. Eli Emmanuel Taylor Pre K to Elementary School
2. Nialah Williams Kindergarten to First Grade
3. Aniya Duvall Kindergarten to First Grade
4. Tremell C. Bethea Elementary to Middle School
5. Erica T. Taylor Middle School to High School
6. Rodney Vice Jr. Middle School to High School
7. William Saffore, Jr. High School to College
8. Kyon Harris Friendship Academy to College
ETERNAL LIFE Michael Harris, Writer Some people are repulsed by the idea of eternal life because their lives are miserable. But eternal life is not an extension of a person’s miserable, mortal life; eternal life is God’s life embodied in Christ given to all believers now as a guarantee that they will live forever. In eternal life there is no death, sickness, enemy, evil, or sin. When we don’t know Christ, we make choices as though this life is all we have. In reality, this life is just the introduction to eternity. Receive this new life by faith and begin to evaluate all that happens from an eternal perspective. To believe is more than intellectual agreement that Jesus is God. It means to put our trust and confidence in Him that He alone can save us. It is to put Christ in charge of our present plans and eternal destiny. Believing is both trusting His Word is reliable and relying on Him for Senior Day Honoree SSPC Senior Day was held on Sunday, May 29, 2015. The Honoree this year was Deaconess Augustus Lewis. Mrs. Lewis is a long-standing member of Ebenezer and was celebrated by family, friends and disciples of Ebenezer.
the power to change. If you have never trusted Christ, let this promise of everlasting life be yours and believe.
She was well deserving of this honor and was awarded with a money tree and the first honoree on the SSPC Senior Day Plaque. We love you, Deaconess Lewis.
The Super Sixty Plus C0mmittee (SSPC) will be hosting its annual trip to the Sight & Sound Theatre on Tuesday, October 13th to see the live play Joseph. Included in price of the ticket is a trip to Shady Maple Restaurant and shopping at a local outlet in Pennsylvania. The cost of this highly
popular trip is $104.00 with a $50.00 non-refundable deposit due immediately with the balance due before September 8th. See any SSPC member for tickets. Your support of this activity is greatly appreciated. SSPC Members: Michael Harris, Rosalyn Hall, Bernadette W. Oliver, Priscilla Kess, Evelyn Taylor, Ardelia Lokeman, Hope Lyle, Evelena Frisby, Shirley Foster, and Yvonne Howard.
SSPC ANNUAL EVENT
Submitted By: Missionary Kathi Reid
EBENEZER ‘S FOOD PANTRY MINISTRY
Please support the Ebenezer Food Pantry, which is an outreach of the Missionary Ministry. Below is a recent interview conducted with Patricia Gardner and June Lawson.
How long has the Food Pantry been in existence? The official Food Pantry used at the 309 bldg. was set up in September 2014. Thanks to the Mimes Ministry anniversary in 2013 and 2014 proceeds being earmarked for local missions specifically for the food pantry has allowed us to stock the shelves for the official kick off. Food was purchased
in October and our first recipient came to us in need November 2014.
I know this has been your dream and passion for a long-‐time. Why do you feel EBC needed a Food Pantry? Given the needs in the neighborhood and some of our church members, we have to do more to assist them. This is outreach, we have been dropping the ball and this is a start to make a difference no matter how small it is.
What kinds of food will be available? For now, we can only handle non-‐perishables. We are still trying to stock the shelves. At some point, we will assess the process to see if perishable food will be incorporated, therefore at the present time do specific non-‐perishable food.
Is there a packing list of foods you distribute? There are specific food we provide to cover each meal breakfast, lunch and dinner. Otherwise, we are just providing as needed.
How are you promoting the Food Pantry in the Ebenezer and in the Barclay Community? We have a ongoing notice in the bulletin and we also have signs posted throughout the church with contact persons and church office phone. Mrs. Parker calls me with person in need. We service people no matter the address throughout Baltimore area. By the way it's not a requirement to belong to Ebenezer Baptist Church. We will continue to pass out flyers and will look for ways to engage the community to get them to support and use the Ebenezer Food Pantry.
If someone in EBC or Community has a need for food, who should they contact? Missionaries: Connie Ross, June Lawson, or Robin Harris; Security Ministry: Jane Honeycutt; or any of the Deacons or Trustees.
Where is the Food Pantry located and what hours will the Food Pantry be open or available to receive donations? The location is 309 E. 23rd Street, across the street in the Sunday School Building. There will be a big tub or trash can in the back of the church for donations.
What about donations from the Maryland Food Bank, have you approached them yet? Not yet, but we plan to visit to see have we can partners for food donations. Figure 1: EBC Food Pantry
Ebenezer is a very giving congregation; how can we help and what are your needs? Ebenezer can help by donating non-‐perishable foods and supplies. I would suggest people to shop at dollar stores that have $1 or supermarkets that have 10 for $10 bargains.
Please provide new food only, not ready to expire we have to inspect all received items. We only feed the homeless once a month at the present time: fried chicken sandwich, soup (cold months), fruit, chips, cookies and water. We have to consider people could be diabetic or have peanut allergies. The people we feed are able to eat breakfast at Our Daily Bread and other organizations or individuals come and feed the homeless. The homeless look forward to Ebenezer Baptist Church to come and give the fried chicken and they love Gail's soup. You don't have to tell them to lineup for the meal. We have a great group of Ebenezer disciples that have a way to speak to the homeless individuals reach them for Christ as well as addressing a meal for the body. What precautions are you taking for safe food collections and storage? We are requesting donations of can, bag and box that are in good condition (no rust, dents, tears, cracks and not expired or near expiration). We are looking into safe food practices to collect and maintain the food supplies as well as storage such as air-‐tight sealable bins for boxed and bagged goods. We are also looking for certified electronic insect and vermin repellents.
What are your long-‐term plans? Once we grow and find there is a demand for our Food Pantry, we are hoping expand to perishable goods. The trustees have shown interest in support perishables as a long-‐term goal.
There are several grant programs to support building a Food Pantry, will the Missionary Ministry consider grants to fund the building and growth of EBC Food Pantry? Considering these items can also be used for kids summer feeding and afterschool feeding programs. There are several food pantries in close proximity to our church and Maryland Food Bank was not accepting new applications. Since we
already have a summer camp that is open to the neighborhood, we aren't having summer feeding program. We don't want to conflict with the camp program that was
established years ago. After school program wouldn't be feasible at this time.
Figure 2: EBC Food Pantry
Kid’s Page ``Deuteronomy 4-6
Y B I V Q I E E D R O L W N Q
L F Y V S D X O M P V Z Y X O
T I S J N L U N B A X D Z H K
J K S Q A Z W R N Z C H K T L
E C O M M A N D M E N T S G G
S Z Q Q Y G R F Q G E V T N N
U L I Y Z F B Q T O Z I B E R
S Q C J M L D Q F D N B I R H
S E I L I M A F O Z S G B T O
R S W S P D J G R L R L L S L
X U I T J N X P M T U O E A Y
T U A L U I L L B K S V G F S
N G G V A M Z W P S G E I L O
Z W W P B X Z V U T R A E H U
X G C N H H L J C W V E H G L
BIBLE HEART LOVE
COMMANDMENTS HOLY MIND
FAMILIES JESUS SOUL
GOD LORD STRENGTH
July
Zelda Cheaton 7/3 Thomas Berry 7/4 Sterling Reid 7/4 Leonard Barber 7/6 Paul Hicks, Jr. 7/6 Vanessa Thompson 7/7 Robin Harris 7/9 Kyon Harris 7/10 Juanita Brownley 7/11 Stephanie (Debbie) Frasier 7/12 Yvonne Patterson 7/12 Dashawn Washington 7/28 Aaron Harris II 7/29 August Barry Rideout 8/1 Gaylord Wilson 8/6 Steven Washington 8/10 Joelle Matthews 8/15 Ireatha Chenault 8/15 Jayquann Johnson 8/20 Maxine Dudley 8/21 Bernice Boss 8/27 Christopher Williams 8/29 Grace Hamm 8/30 Paul Hicks, Sr. 8/31
September .Addie Wilson 9/2 David Sinclair, Jr. 9/3 Tremell Bethea 9/4 Andre Gardner 9/7 Kayla Jeter 9/9 Bayard Newkirk 9/9 Matthew Wills, Jr 9/14 Karen Adams-‐Jeter 9/19 George Streeter, Sr. 9/19 Lashawn Bowers-‐Booze 9/20 Hariles Hamm, Jr. 9/25 Gladys Jones 9/25 Denise Miller 9/27 Diane Vice 9/27 Priscilla Kess 9/29 Bertha Barber 9/30 Birthday Oops! Brother Randy Peaker celebrated his birthday in May. Date unknown. Please inform Sisters Margaret Harris or Shelley Wheeler to make sure your birthday is included in the Newsletter. Thank you.