The Queens Ministry January 2016

An Expansion Ministry of the Hollywood Full Gospel Baptist Cathedral

Monthly Newsletter

January 2016

Martin Luther King Awards Breakfast Join us on Monday, January 18, 2016, as two members of our ministry, Deacon James Boyd and Sister Elsie Reaves, are honored at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Leadership Awards Breakfast. This event, one of only two such events in our area, will take place at one of Long Island’s premier catering houses: Crest

Hollow Country Club, in Woodbury NY, at 8 am. The leadership awards breakfast seeks to recognize leaders that exemplify hard work, dedication and commitment, in their church, workplace or community. We feel so very blessed to have two of our members honored at this prestigious occasion.

New Web Design!

In an effort to remain relevant and updated on current trends in ministry and media – we are happy to announce that we have totally reconstructed and revamped our official website. The new website features Worship Highlights, online Bible Studies, Audio Sermons, Bible Breakfast Fellowship Lessons and more. We invite you to visit and check us out at queensministryonline.com, and explore the new features.

How Shall They Hear Without a Preacher, First Sermon of Tiara Hawkins The Queens Ministry thanks God for making us the birthplace of a new ministry. On Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at 7 pm, Sister Tiara-Kerrin Hawkins will preach her first sermon. Sister Hawkins is a founding member of our church and has served faithfully in many areas; Psalmist, Praise Team Leader, and Director of Youth activities are just a few. We are excited as she goes forth to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel. We invite you all to be a part of this historic experience.

From the Desk of Bishop Lewter Grace and Peace Be Unto You!

As we approach this new season, I pray that it will be one of promise and prosperity.

We thank God for preserving us another year.

The sudden death of Natalie Cole, just hours before the new year, is a reminder that we cannot take our lives for granted. May 2016 prove to be one of your best years ever!

I encourage you to keep Jesus at the center of your joy and at the top of your list of priorities. Do Have a Happy New Year!

MINISTRY HEADQUARTERS: 157 11 ROCKAWAY, JAMAICA, NY 11434 • (631) 842-7091

Bible Breakfast Fellowship Get Ready! New Bible Study is set to begin at the Bible Breakfast Fellowship. Come join us and share in an indepth study of the greatest book of all times – The Bible; God’s Word to us.

Start a new habit for the New Year – become part of the Bible Breakfast Fellowship!

(Lessons also available online at Queensministryonline.com)

Verse of the Month

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, says the Lord; who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Revelation 1:8

Happy New Year Readers, Ring in the New Year with no holiday debt blues.

With some early planning you can do more with less spending. To enjoy the holidays more and save a few dollars, listed below some simple ideas.

Ideas before making a List. How’s your debt? Do you have an emergency fund or any saving account in place? Plan the holiday season by getting a grip on your on your debt and what you are spending day by day. Then plan a holiday budget as early as possible that allows you to spend wisely.

See what is necessary. If finances is limited, it is worth foregoing giving gifts altogether too adult friends and family members.

Reduce your everyday expense. Want to afford the holidays? Consider evaluating some expense habits. Try reducing the amount spent on a night out. Cook at home and brown your lunches. Use public transportation when possible. Compare rates for your homeowners and car insurance. Install a smart thermostat, reduce magazine subscriptions and look at other budgeted items. You will discover that savings will build quickly.

Browse before you buy. Create a gift budget and make your gift list tight by tracking what you can afford to pay for each gift. Negotiate, must have gifts or shop early. Also, don’t forget to budget holiday entertainment which can be very costly. Plan ahead and stick to the plan.

Create a holiday saving fund. An online money market or saving account can allow you to set aside a small amount throughout the year for your holiday expense.

Most banks offer poor rates on Holiday Club saving accounts.

Gas and Shipping Cost. Smart shoppers weight the value of store shopping versus online shopping. Also, keep an eye out for advertised online and shipping discounts. Sign up for special deals and coupons. Consolidate trips to stores and review return policies at online and bricks and mortar stores before making a purchase. Paying return fees or missing a window to return a gift can cost big money.

Keep records. Track your finances on paper or on a computer to develop a practice that allows you to match your holiday list to what you spend every year. Tracking also prevent you from duplication gifts or overspending year to year.

The holidays are what you make it, you may consider the needs of the homeless and the aging in your community during the holidays.

Humbly Submitted, James Boyd

An Encouraging Word!

By Elder Mary Ellis

Remember the Works of the Lord!

“And I said, ‘This is my anguish;’ But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.” I will remember the works of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your works, and talk of Your deeds. Ps. 77:10-12 The end of the year sometimes causes one to sit and reflect over life set-backs and accomplishments. We wonder if we’ve succeeded in fulfilling our dreams and goals. We stop and think – have I done what I set out to do? Have I done enough? Our musings can sometimes cause anguish and distress.

But can we, as the writer of this Psalms has shown, turn our time of thinking of ourselves to a time of meditating on His goodness. Many of us have been through a challenging and difficult year – but the good news is that we made it! By the grace and mercy of God He has kept us. Scripture points out that the memories of God’s miracles and faithfulness sustained the nation of Israel in their darkest times; they learnt that God was able, capable and trustworthy to deliver. Consider in your time of reflection, how good the Lord has been to you.

Yes – there have been hard times, and difficulties to overcome, some defeats and successes, and work still to accomplish- but think on His goodness and remember all He has done and where He has brought you from, and grab hold to the memories of His power, protection and love in your life and give Him thanks and praise. Allow your time of meditation and prayer to shift your focus from you to Him- to help cast aside your doubts and distress!

These words to a very familiar song ring true: “As I look back over my life, and I think things over, I can truly say that I’ve been blessed – I’ve got a testimony!” God is good!

Be encouraged, the Lord loves and cares for you – as you review past trials and when you will face new ones, remember how God has blessed you, how good He has been, “remember the works of the Lord” and this will strengthen your faith.