From the Pastor’s Pen – Week of September 23, 2018

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7 NIV

Equipping God’s People (Education)

Speak the Dream. Live the Dream. Lead the Dream Genesis 37:4-10; 50:20. This past Sunday, I was blessed to preach for Calvary’s 123 Anniversary. I preached from the narrative of Joseph, the dreamer, in Genesis. Their theme was Dreaming God-Sized Dreams. I was lead to preach that we have to move beyond just dreaming the dream but that we must Speak the Dream, Live the Dream and Lead the Dream. This is a call to all of God’s church. The dream/vision is from the Lord. We must speak, live and lead in the spaces the Lord call us.

• Speak the Dream

• Live the Dream

• Lead the Dream

In reflecting on the Joseph narrative and his journey, I saw three important threads for God’s call on our lives.

Call to Leadership. Joseph had a call to leadership from God. And, God is calling us in this season to be active in stepping forward and leading in the spaces that he calls us. Embrace your call.

Count the Cost of the Dream. We are disciples of Christ. The Bible lets us know that we will persecuted for his name sake. It let’s us know that darkness hates the light. Be alert and aware—and strive to not get weary. Joseph, like Jesus, went through some pain as be carried the dream. He endured hatred, jealousy, lies, and being forgotten. But throughout, the Bible lets us know that God is always with him and God is ways with us.

Cultivating the Gifts. Cultivate your gifts, talents and abilities. Even though Joseph suffered, was lied upon, forgotten and was incarcerated, he didn’t hold back on using his gifts. And, his gifts made a way for him. Don’t let obstacles or hard times or disappointment stop you from doing what God has called you to do. Your gifts will make a way, they will bless others and they will glorify God.

Stride Towards Freedom, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.| This discussion group beginning 9/25/18 (every other Tuesday from 5:30-6:30 pm). We are reading Dr. King’s book about the Montgomery Bus Boycotts. It is very timely in the current social and political environment.

Ephesians Bible Study, Chapter 2:11-22 (Wednesdays 12:00 and 6:45 pm). We continue in Ephesians discussing individual purposes and the purposes of the church. (https://www.dropbox.com/s/0cy76nklghqjag3/Ephesians%202%3A11-22%20Reconciliation%20and%20Unity.pdf?dl=0)

Expanding Pastoral Care. I will be meeting with the Deacon and Deaconess ministry this Saturday at 11:30 to continue a discussion and training on expanding the pastoral care function. Effectively sharing the pastoral care load is actually one of the most important tasks for healthy church and healthy church growth.

Sunday School. Join Sunday school every Sunday from 9:00-9:45 am. This week’s lesson entitled Passing the Buck, comes from Genesis 3:8-17, 20-24 and lifts the following three aims;

• Discern how the events in Genesis 3 reflect the universal human experience of temptation and sin.

• Regret the fractured relationships with God and others that our sins bring about.

• Plan strategies for mending relationships that have been damaged by sin.

Building God’s Church (Work in the Progressive Community)

Church Cleanup. Thanks to Deaconess Karen Shorter who led a team of 10-15 who did a great job of cleaning God house on 9/22/18.

Mens Coffee and Conversation with Pastor9/28/18 (8:00 am Rise and Grind Cafe, 2737 N. MLK Drive)

Prayer, Healing and Testimony Service, Wednesday October 3 at 12:00 and 6:45 pm). Our quarterly Prayer, Healing and Testimony service is next week. Let us gather and pray together! Also, always remember to join us for prayer on Sundays from 8:30-9:00 for weekly prayer.

Advancing God’s Kingdom (Work in Community)

Volunteer Opportunities. If your ministry has opportunities for people to volunteer and serve, please let me know. We are working on process to better communicate and recruit for service opportunities.

Milwaukee Inner City Congregations Allied for Hope (MICAH). I currently serve as the chair of MICAH’s Religious Leaders Caucus. MICAH is engaged in social justice work with upcoming opportunities in voter engagement, increasing accountability in MPS and community organizing and power. Contact me or the office if you want more information or want to participate.

• RLC Monthly Meeting: 9/26 at Progressive 12 pm

• MPS and Racial Equity: Community Meeting October 2nd

• Organizing for Power: 5 Thursdays beginning October 4th

• MICAH Public Meeting: 10/25

Civic/Voter Engagement. There are a variety of efforts and opportunities throughout the city to engage in improving voter education, engagement and registration.

Breast Cancer Awareness. Join the Health and Wellness Ministry on October 6 at 9:00 am at Estabrook Park for Sista Strut. For more details, reach out to Annette Levy or Patrice Brown.

Fatherhood. The Milwaukee Fatherhood Summit will be held this year on October 5th and 6th. If you are interested or no someone who is interested in volunteering or attending, let me know.

Board Service. We have strong connectivity to the following boards and organizations that always have opportunities for service.

• Milwaukee Health Services, Inc. (Community Health)

• Milwaukee Community Justice Council (Community Justice)

• Milwaukee Mental Health Board (Mental Health)

• Milwaukee Area Technical College (Community Education)

• Boys and Men of Color

◦ Campaign for Black Male Achievement (https://www.blackmaleachievement.org)

◦ My Brother’s Keeper (https://city.milwaukee.gov/MBKDRAFT)

• American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin (has positions available in areas like camping, ministers council, officers positions. The Annual Gathering is also in Milwaukee on October 12-13 at Pilgrim Rest. We currently have about 5 attendees. Sis. Jayme Montgomery will be presenting a praise dance. I will be presenting on mental health. https://www.abcofwi.org/2018/07/17/ag2018/

Let me know if you have questions, comments or follow up.  In the future, this information will become available on social media and on our webpage.

In love,

Pastor

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