ALL IN THE
JULY/AUGUST 2016 A PUBLICATION OF FIRST UNION MB CHURCH
VOLUME 10, ISSUE 4
News From Around ‘The U’
ON THE COVER
Contents Did you know that we have a lot of family members and extended family members that attend First Union? Well, we do, and we have decided to combine our ’All In The Family’ with our ’Member In The Spotlight’ and we came up with the idea to include the two… just another avenue of letting you get to know a little bit about those you worship with… and, now, their family members, too. Thank you to Deacon Michael Hudgins for the initial concept (even though I’m still waiting on his outline ). So, to get the ball rolling, let’s meet the members “All In The Johnson Family”!
Sister Yvonne Hudgins and granddaughter Candis Hudgins pose for the camera outside of First Union Missionary Baptist Church after the Morning Worship Service on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8, 2016. Photo by Assistant Editor, Jessica Williams
Just Sayin’ .................................................pg 4
Ministry News .........................................pg 18
The Light House & The Don CeSar ...........pg 6
The Rapture Zone....................................pg 20
Membership News .....................................pg 8
A Sunday Fit For A King ........................pg 21
Spirit of Excellence..................................pg 10
Selfie Sunday ..........................................pg 22
All In The ‘Johnson’ Family .....................pg 12
Our Children...........................................pg 24
Water Safety............................................pg 16
Crossword Puzzle ................................ page 26
Let’s Get Down To Business ....................pg 17
Have any suggestions for our next newsletter? If so, please send your ideas to newsletter@firstunionmbc.com. Birthdays, Anniversaries, Congratulations, Ministry Updates, and all other input are due by Sunday, July 31, 2015. All questions and/or concerns should be directed to Connie Williams, Editor or Jessica Williams, Assistant editor at newsletter@firstunionmbc.com.
ALL IN THE
First Union Missionary Baptist Church 3707 E. Chelsea Street | Tampa, FL 33610 | 813-238-1205 (tel) | 813-237-8833 (fax) www.firstunionmbc.com (website)
News From Around ‘The U’
P. O. Box 1223 | Brandon, FL 33509 813-833-7160 (tel) | 813-684-0819 (fax) newsletter@firstunionmbc.com (email) Editor/Publisher CONNIE WILLIAMS conniewilliams@firstunionmbc.com Assistant Editor JESSICA WILLIAMS jessica.williams@firstunionmbc.com Staff Writers CONNIE WILLIAMS JESSICA WILLIAMS Current Issue Contributor(s) REV. B.E. GARMON, SR.
Photographer CONNIE WILLIAMS (except where noted)
Contacts FIRST UNION MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH OFFICERS
CHAIRMAN PASTOR ANTHONY REV. BROWN B.E. GARMON, SR. deaconbrown b.e.garmon
VICE CHAIRman BERNARD REESE deaconreese
DEACON ROBERT L. BARNUM, JR. deaconbarnum@firstunionmbc.com
ELDER ELIJAH HAMILTON elderhamilton@firstunionmbc.com
ANTHONY BROWN deaconbrown@firstunionmbc.com
ELDER EARL MOSLEY eldermosley@firstunionmbc.com
DEACON JOSEPH ECHOLS deaconechols@firstunionmbc.com
Minister-New Member Orientation, Education & After Care REV. WENDELL POPE, SR. revpope@firstunionmbc.com
DEACON MICHAEL A. HUDGINS, SR. deaconhudgins@firstunionmbc.com
BERNARD REESE deaconreese@firstunionmbc.com DEACON WENDELL POPE, JR. deaconpope@firstunionmbc.com DEACON ROBERT SCOTT, JR. deaconscottjr@firstunionmbc.com
The ‘All In The Family’ newsletter is a BI-MONTHLY publication (distribution timeline subject to change by the editor as needed). Please send your submissions for future publications, feedback, comments and/or suggestions to newsletter@firstunionmbc.com. All submissions for the newsletter must be received by the second Sunday in February, April, June, August, October and December. All questions should be directed to the Editor or Assistant Editor via the contact information printed. Copyright © 2016. All Rights Reserved. Not to be reprinted in any form without prior written permission.
CHURCH CLERK DEBRA SMALLS debra.smalls
DEACON BOARD
DEACON TOM MARSHALL
Distribution http://www.firstunionmbc.com/ all-in-the-family.html
TRUSTEE CHAIRMAN CALVIN MARSHALL calvin.marshall
DEACON MARK SHERMAN, SR. deaconsherman@firstunionmbc.com DEACON WILLIE TIM
ASSOCIATE MINISTERS Assistant-New Member Orientation, Education, & After Care MINISTER WILLIAM CLEMONS ministerclemons@firstunionmbc.com Minister of Music ELDER MELVIN DAVIS elderdavis@firstunionmbc.com Minister-Prayer
Youth Department & Sunday School Minister Adviser MINISTER JAMES THOMPKINS ministerthompkins@ firstunionmbc.com Minister of Spiritual Growth MINISTER JEFFREY YOUNG ministeryoung@firstunionmbc.com
GENERAL CHURCH Pastor’s Assistant ZEMETRIOUS GRIFFIN zemetrious.griffin@firstunionmbc.com Assistant Church Clerk DEANDRA RILEY deandra.rily@firstunionmbc.com Bulletin Clerk & Webmaster CONNIE WILLIAMS connie.williams@firstunionmbc.com
Just Sayin’... Jessica Williams, Assistant Editor ‘All In The Family’
Ain’t Nothing Like Family!
fam·i·ly /ˈfam(ə)lē/ noun: a person or people related to one and so to be treated with a special loyalty or intimacy (Miriam Webster Dictionary)
Family is not only people who you share the same gene pool with; family could be anyone that you share a special bond or connection with as well. Family supports you during the good and the bad times. Whether you are financially stable or needing a helping hand, they’re the ones who believe in you when you don’t believe in yourself. Sometimes, close friends are like family! Every year, during the last weekend in August, First Union shows their appreciation by hosting its annual ‘Family and Friends Weekend’. This event includes our annual Church Picnic, held on Saturday, August 27, 2016, and our Family and Friends Day, which will be held on Sunday, August 28, 2016, during our 10 a.m. Morning Worship Service! This is the time where we invite friends, family members, co-workers, etc., to a weekend full of fun, food, and fellowship! We take this time to kick back and relax and not worry about the drama the world brings to us. It’s a time where we enjoy ourselves and invite others to join in on the comradery the weekend brings. We never know when it is the last time we’ll see each other on this side, so we enjoy each other while we can! We look forward to this weekend of love and we thank God for placing the ones in our lives that are near and dear to our hearts, because there ain’t nothing like family (and friends )!
It’s In The Valleys I Grow
I do not always understand, why things happen as they do, But I am very sure of one thing; My Lord will see me through! My little valleys are nothing, when I picture Christ on the cross, He went through the valley of death; His victory was satan’s loss!
Forgive me, Lord, for complaining, when I’m feeling so very low, Just give me a gentle reminder, that it’s in the valleys I grow! Continue to strengthen me, Lord, and use my life each day, To share your love with others, and help them find their way! Thank you for the valleys, Lord, for this one thing I know, The mountain tops are glorious, but it’s in the valleys I grow! Sometimes life seems hard to bear; full of sorrow, trouble, and woe, It’s then I have to remember, that it’s in the valleys I grow! If I always stayed on the mountain top, and never experience pain, I would never appreciate God’s love, and would be living in vain. I have so much to learn, and my growth is very slow, Sometimes I need the mountain tops, but it’s in the valleys I grow.
The Light House & The Don CeSar 14
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 The Words of Jesus in Matthew 5 is commonly referred to by two different names, the “Olivet Discourse”, and even more commonly as the “Sermon On The Mount”. Jesus shared some very key information that all Christians and people everywhere should know if it is truly our desire to make Heaven our Eternal home. Jesus made some very specific references as to how the life of Christians should be characterized, and one of the analogies that He made was in reference to Christians being “light”, and how that light should be used. While vacationing in Aruba a few years ago, my wife and I took a tour to the highest point on the island. Atop this highpoint is a very large and powerful light house that was erected many decades ago and is still in use today. The island of Aruba is positioned at the exact point where the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea meet. The exact meeting point is determined by a great barrier reef where you can see the white foam produced as the waters from each ocean slams repeatedly into this reef. Reefs are very hard, rock like, substance, and back when ships were made of wood, hitting a reef that was large enough and strong enough would certainly sink the ship! Even ships made of steel can be punctured by a reef if it is hard enough and strong enough. This was the case with the great barrier reef off the coast of Aruba. In 1891 a Steamship named “The California” sunk after hitting this reef. Finally, in 1916, the lighthouse was erected on Aruba to guide ships away from the danger and to prevent any more ships from being sunk. In honor of the steamship “California” and the men who died in this tragedy, the lighthouse on Aruba was named, The California Lighthouse. Lighthouses are warning beacons for ships at night. Before the days of sonar, radar, and GPS, travelling at night on a ship was very treacherous because the only guide they had were the stars and a compass. However, these two guides didn’t do anything to warn them of potential dangers in the sea. Many, many ships were lost all over the world due to running into rocks, sand bars, reefs, and other perils in the night ocean. The advent of lighthouses provided warning to the oncoming ship that there was danger in the water and it also guided them to safe waters. Jesus has called for the Church, and all Christians to be the same type of warning beacon to a lost world that is wandering in darkness. We are called to be “light” that sits on a hill. The light of the Christian should be a beacon to people that are living lives that are leading them to impending doom! Whenever a person has not accepted the Lord Jesus The Christ as their personal Saviour, they are in darkness, just wandering aimlessly through life. They are headed toward certain destruction; not a reef, but the fires of hell (Revelation 20:15). As Christians, we have a RESPONSIBILITY to guide lost souls from darkness, and into the Marvelous Light of Jesus The Christ! (Romans 2:19) This is the primary function of the Church! In this same passage of Scripture, Jesus also talks about something else that the Church needs to be to a world that is lost and wandering. Every day we learn of something that is changing in this world for the ‘worse’. Every adult knows that the world today is a very different place than it was when they were a child. 20 years from now, our children will be talking about how different the world is from today. With man changing so much and so fast, where does a person go for stability? What can people ‘lean’ on in their time of weakness with assurity that it won’t be something that is going to move tomorrow? As Christians, this is exactly what Jesus intended for the Church to be. If you’ve never been out in the ocean (not a lake), then it may sound strange to you when you hear that you can get lost on the water! But it is very true! As humans, we navigate by reference points. Without even knowing street names we know to turn at the bank on the corner, or at the gas station. Sometimes we use nature as reference points; park by the big tree. And how strange does it look to us when the bank is torn down and now the corner is empty? Or Page -6-
‘All In The Family’ Volume 10-Issue 4
the large tree is cut down? We instinctively and immediately search for a new point of reference. However, out on the water, there are no stable points of reference, you are surrounded by moving water! On occasion, my wife and I enjoy Jet Skiing in the Gulf. We will go over to one of the beaches and rent a Jet Ski and go out on the water for a couple hours or so. Zipping around on the water is a blast, but I have to be careful not to get lost on the water, run out of gas, and then can’t get back to the shore. Therefore, I have adopted a point of reference which always lets me know where I’m at – The Don CeSar Hotel. If you’ve ever been to St. Pete Beach, you’ve seen the Don CeSar and you know that it is a HUGE hotel and it is “PINK”. From several miles out on the water, I can look at the shoreline and see the Don Cesar. All the other hotels tend to blend together and are hard to distinguish; but not so with the Don CeSar.That massive pink structure always lets me know where I’m at, and if I get turned around or confused, it is a reference point to which I can always count on. This is exactly what Jesus intends for the Church to be; in a world that is constantly moving and changing with each passing day. The Church needs to be that solid reference point that people can rely on to always be consistent. The foundational truths and principals of God’s Word never change (Malachi 3:6), and although man continues to change and make laws that change the world; when people are lost and confused about what is right and what is wrong, the Church should be there to give people that assurance and give them direction to lead them down the correct path. Two key elements that should be practiced by all Christian and the Church are outlined in the message of Jesus in Matthew Chapter 5. We should be a warning light to the world to guide people around the tragedies of the world that will lead them to certain death; and we should be able to use our light to guide people from this darkness into the Marvelous Light of the salvation of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, the Church should be that stable landmark that is always in place, never moving, which will make us the moral compass and reference point for people that are trying to find stability in a world that is constantly moving and changing. Man is continually trying to convert the truths of God’s Word into a lie. But the Church has to be that strong bulwark, buried solid and deep on the foundation of God’s Word so when weary souls look around and find themselves lost on the water, they can see a landmark that is not moving (Psalm 1:3). Something stable that will guide them from the sea of destruction and into the ark of salvation. I Remain In “HIS” Service…
Rev. B.E. Garmon, Sr., M.Div. – Pastor July/August 2016 News From Around ‘The U’
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MEMBERSHIP NEWS New Members First Union would like to say ‘Welcome to the Family, Miss Destiny M. Johnson, who came before the Church on Sunday, May 8, 2016, as a ‘Candidate for Baptism’, and was baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit on Sunday, June 5, 2016. Destiny is a member of the Drisdom family.
Birthday Greetings Destiny M. Johnson
‘Happy Birthday and God’s blessings for many happy and healthy birthdays to come’ are extended to our very own... Sister Yvonne Hudgins, who will celebrate her special day on July 2nd; Miss Sinai Pierre-Louis (Sister Hudgins’ great-granddaughter), who turns seven years old August 11th; and to our Editor, Sister Connie Williams, who celebrates another year younger on August 19th!
Happy Anniversary Happy Anniversary to my love. (from Cynthia to Richard)
Yvonne Hudgins
Anniversary Blessings are extended to Richard & Cynthia Hudgins who will celebrate 35 years of wedded bliss on July 27, 1981!
(pictures submitted)
Richard & Cynthia Hudgins Wedding Day - July 27, 1981 and left in 2016 (picture submitted)
Sinai Pierre-Louis Page -8-
‘All In The Family’ Volume 10-Issue 4
Congratulations! Congratulations are extended to Calvin & Anjetta Marshall’s ‘baby boy’, Myles Marshall, who will be graduating form the University of Central Florida on Saturday, August 6th, at the CFE Arena. Myles will be graduating with a Bachelor's of Science in Political Science w/a minor in Business Administration. After graduation, Myles plans to take some time to study for an upcoming LSAT exam and then begin the application process towards attending law school. We join the Marshall family (Myles is also the grandson of Deacon Tom Marshall; Calvin is his ‘baby boy’!) in celebrating Myles’ academic accomplishments and in asking for God’s favor for much success in his future endeavors.
Myles Marshall
Congratulations to little Helainie Gray on her recent graduation from A Brighter Community Pre-School on Friday, June 3, 2016! Helainie will start Kindergarten in the fall at Temple Terrace Elementary, where she can boast that she can already read, add and subtract! Helainie is the daughter of Rhonda Gray and the granddaughter of Minnie Riggins. (picture submitted)
Helainie Gray
Look Out, High School… Here She Comes! Shaniya Hicks looked lovely as she attended one of the last functions she would participate in as an eighth-grader at Walker Middle Magnet School (International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme); the 8th Grade Banquet/Dance held on Friday, May 20, 2016! Shaniya has left the comfort of Walker and is heading off into a new adventure in the fall when she will enter Jefferson Magnet HIgh School (Centre for International College Preparatory Academies) as a freshman, and continue her studies and academic growth. Shaniya has expressed interest in the Culinary Arts arena and Jefferson has a program that will fit her to a tee! Shaniya, an active member of First Union’s Youth Department, sings in the Youth Choir and currently serves as the Youth Vice President. She is the daughter of Candis Hudgins, granddaughter of Richard & Cynthia Hudgins, and great-granddaughter of Yvonne Hudgins. (pictures submitted)
July/August 2016 News From Around ‘The U’
We look forward to your many accomplishments at Jefferson, Shaniya! God has great things planned for you. Go get ‘em! Page -9-
The
The 2015-2016 academic year has come to a close and our youth met the year with determination and the willingness to succeed! And succeed they did! We had three graduates (Shawn Calloway, Rodney McCall and Jacquez Reese-Bolden [all of whom were featured in our last issue]), and a host of Honor Roll and High Achievers! Congratulations to all of our young people on their commitment to being the best that God has called and destined them to be! (Please note that these Honor Roll recipients represent the 1st, 2nd and 3rd quarters of the 2015-2016 school year only.)
Alexis Wheatley
High Honor Roll, Honor Roll Age: 16
FAMILY TIES Miranda Wheatley, Mother Margaret Butler, Grandmother Marjorie Parham, Great-Grandmother ACADEMIC School: Tampa Bay Tech High School Grade during 2015-16: 10th Grade Favorite Subject(s): Math and ALL Dual Enrollment Classes for College Prep SIGNIFICANT ACOMPLISHMENTS 1st place winner for Academic Excellence Award sponsored by the Tampa Police Department Black History Committee 2016. TBT JROTC 2016-Received awards for Outstanding Aptitude, Exemplary Personal Appearance, Outstanding Conduct, and Honor Roll Cadet. CHURCH ACTIVITY Active Church Ministries Youth Choir Anointed Sisters of Praise Drama Position(s) / Offices Currently serving as Youth Department President Favorite Church Activity Praise Dance FAVORITE PASTIME ACTIVITIES Cheerleading SUMMER PLANS Alexis has been selected to participate in The B.E.S.T. Summer Academy Program 2016 at the Florida Hospital. (B.E.S.T. stands for Brain Expansion Scholastic Training). This program helps students prepare for a career as a Future Health Professional. She will participate in this summer program for 4 weeks, Monday- Friday from 8:00am- 5pm and will receive community service hours as well. Also, she’s been given the opportunity to participate in the Youth Career and College Project on Saturday’s from 9am- 1pm, which is sponsored by the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. picture submitted
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‘All In The Family’ Volume 10-Issue 4
KARLEI ANDERSON Principal’s Honor Roll, High Honor Roll VANDI ANDERSON High Honor Roll, Honor Roll AARON CLEMONS High Honor Roll SANTANA CRAWLEY High Honor Roll AMIRACLE GRIFFIN High Honor Roll
MARQUEZ HARRIS High Honor Roll picture submitted
SHANIAH HARRIS Principal’s Honor Roll, High Honor Roll, Honor Roll BRIANNA HUDGINS High Honor Roll (2) ZAMARIAH JONES High Honor Roll
picture submitted
MYRIAH KING High Honor Roll ZARIAH McDANIEL High Honor Roll (2) DERRICK McDANIELS High Honor Roll picture submitted
picture submitted
SINAI PIERRE-LOUIS High Honor Roll, Honor Roll (2)
DAISIA RILEY High Honor Roll TAMIAH SINGLETARY Honor Roll picture submitted
picture submitted
ZUNAREAI SINGLETARY High Honor Roll JESSIE STEPHENS Honor Roll
picture submitted
July/August 2016 News From Around ‘The U’
MAKAYLA WILLIAMS Honor Roll Page -11-
ALL IN THE
Shalanda Johnson
Shaniah Harris Annie Johnson
Bernard Boone
Marquez Harris
ALL IN THE
Bernard Boone
Member of First Union MB since 1976 Favorite Hymn is ‘Amazing Grace’ Favorite Scripture is Ephesians 4
SISTER ANNIE Johnson
has been a staple around First Union for as long as some of us can remember. You pretty much know that when you crossed the threshold of the Sanctuary doors, you are going to see her standing at her post; either handing out programs or giving direction to those in need. Born in Marianna, FL, Annie Lee Boone was born to the late Paralee and Clarence Boone on November 4, 1943. Of her twelve siblings, there are five living; four sisters: Mary Stallworth, Hattie Houseman, twins Adell Halls and Verdell Travis, and one brother: Clarence Boone, Jr. She received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age, and was baptized at the age of thirteen at Popular Springs Missionary Baptist Church. Annie Lee Boone first came to Tampa in 1970 with her husband and joined First Union Missionary Baptist Church around 1978, under the leadership of Rev. Thompson, and this was the Church that her sisters attended. She’s been a member of the Usher Board for about 30 years. Now that’s impressive! When asked why she feels God called her to this ministry, she humbly said ‘because I like serving’! Now that’s a servant attitude! She stills Ushers but now instead of fellowshipping with her sisters, she worships with her children and grandchildren; son Bernard, daughter, Shalanda, and Shalanda’s two children; son, Marquez and daughter, Shaniah. Sister Johnson retired in 2009 from National Sea Product after 18 years of service, so in her spare time, Sister Johnson likes to work puzzles and read her favorite book of all time. That’s right… you guessed it.. It’s the Bible! We proudly present Sister Annie Lee Boone Johnson and her offspring, Bernard Boone, Shalanda Johnson, Maruqez Harris, and Shaniah Harris, as this month’s S P O T L I G H T F A M I L Y . We pray God’s continued blessings upon them all, and look forward to seeing them and fellowshipping with them at ‘The U’!
MATRIARCH
SON
DAUGHTER
Annie Lee Johnson Usher
Virgil Bernard Boone
ALL IN THE
GRANDSON
Marquez Dewayne Harris YMD (President) Youth Usher
July/August 2016 News From Around ‘The U’
Shalanda Denise Johnson
Culinary ‘Faith In Motion’ Special Chorus Ushers
GRANDDAUGHTER
Shaniah Denise Harris Youth Choir ‘Reflections of God’s Love’
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WATER SAFETY! It’s summertime in Florida, and you know what that means... It’s hot! Very hot! And what better way to cool off than to find a swimming pool and dive in. But before you do, do you know how to be safe in and around the water? The following water safety tips are a reprint from a publication distributed by Florida Hospital.
NEVER GO SWIMMING ALONE!
SUPERVISE YOUNG CHILDREN AT ALL TIMES NEAR THE POOL OR AT THE BEACH! Young children should remain at an arm’s length from an adult.
Even a strong swimmer needs a “buddy” - just in case. If you’re taking medication, check with your doctor if it’s safe to go swimming.
Even for older children who are good swimmers, an adult should be within calling distance. Learn more at aap.org.
KEEP RESUCE EQUPENT AND A PORTABLE TELEPHONE NEAR THE POOL! Choose a shepherd’s hook, for example, that is made of fiberglass or other materials that do not conduct electricity.
WEAR LIFE JACKETS WHEN IN OR ON THE WATER! Remember that devices such as water wings that go on the arms do not protect adequately.
FENCE OFF INFLATABLE POOLS! They can be a hazard to kids, who may fall in if they lean against the soft side.
DON’T GET STUCK! The suction of swimming-pool drains can snag a swimsuit and trap a swimmer underwater. Visit poolsafely.gov for more info about pool safety. Page -16-
‘All In The Family’ Volume 10-Issue 4
LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS! DISCLAIMER: These listings are provided merely as information. By offering this information, First Union Missionary Baptist Church and/or its staff, in no way implies endorsement of any of the products and/or services offered. NOTARIAL SERVICES
Connie Williams
Acknowledgments
NOTARY PUBLIC
Jurats Certified Copy
C&J Notary Service, LLC
Taking Inventory of a Safe-Deposit Box Oaths & Affirmations
813-833-7160 (tel) | 813-643-0819 (fax) connie.williams@cjnotaryservice.com www.cjnotaryservice.com
VIN Verification Wills
cj
School Athletic Forms
(Ask for a Price List)
I AM NOT A LICENSED ATTORNEY AND MAY NOT GIVE LEGAL ADVICE OR ACCEPT FEES FOR LEGAL ADVICE.
Are you a member with a business you’d like to share? If so, send an email and/or your Business Card to newsletter@firstunionmbc.com. Each month we will ‘highlight’ one of our member-owned businesses; yours could be highlighted soon!
SIMPLYElegant
'Creating Beautiful Beginnings'
From the invitations and wedding accessories to the church and reception decorations, Simply Elegant is dedicated to making your wedding day an affair to remember.
Debra Smalls Sharon Smalls-Tolbert Wedding/Design Coordinators Phone: 813-967-1315 Fax: 813-385-3301 E-Mail: djsmalls00@aol.com
W & W ROOFING, INC. OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Floyd Watkins, Owner
1265 Sandlake Circle, Tampa FL 33613 813-382-3867 (tel) 813-972-2697 (fax)
Robert Scott Jr., Owner 3809 River Hills Drive Office: 813-690-6840 Fax: 813-985-0914
Email: scotttravel@tampabay.rr.com web: goscotttravel.com
July/August 2016 News From Around ‘The U’
Specializing in All Types of Repairs, Inspections, and Re-Roofs Licensed & Insured Lic. No. CCC 1326135 Member of the BBB
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MINISTRY NEWS
New Member Orientation, Education and After Care, under the leadership of Rev. Wendell Pope, Sr. (revpope@ firstunionmbc.com), would like to congratulate the graduates of Class No. 14: Sandra Hill (top left) Jacqueline Taylor (top right)
and the graduates of Class No. 15:
William Clary (left) Cynthia Hall (right) Chandra Lynch (not pictured) Jessie Stephens (not pictured)
on completing the Orientation and Education portion of this ministry and becoming active in the After Care portion. Congratulations!
‘Job Well Done’ to the Men of First Union in hosting the annual Mother’s Dinner on Friday, May 6, 2016. Congratulations to ‘Faith In Motion’ who celebrated their Anniversary on Sunday, May 22, 2016. Ministry Leader: April Jones ‘Job Well Done’ to the Ladies of First Union in hosting the annual Father’s Dinner on Friday, June 17, 2016. Congratulations to the Youth Department on their annual Youth Graduation & Recognition held on Friday, June 24th, 2016. Ministry Leader: Kim Williams Adult Ushers Ministry Members
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Congratulations to the Adult Ushers who celebrated their anniversary on Sunday, June 26, 2016. Ministry Leader: Michael Riley ‘All In The Family’ Volume 10-Issue 4
“The Mission Ministry went out and fed the homeless on Saturday, May 21, 2016, and it was and overwhelming success. We ran out of food. There are so many homeless people in Tampa, Florida, and every time we go out the numbers increase. We passed out food to feed 150 and there were more we could not give food to because we ran out of food. Special thanks to Sister Minnie Riggins for her monetary donation along with a case of water, the Drisdom Family and many other First Union members who donated water. We also thank Deacon Reese who is always there to help. He has never missed from coming out to lend a helping hand from the beginning of the Mission feeding the hungry. He gives 100% support to the Mission and we claim him as a member because truly he is part of the Mission and works freely from his heart to support us. The Mission welcomes the new members listed below and thank God for them joining:
Sister Annie Adams Sister Cynthia Hudgins Brother Richard Hudgins Sister Frediths Marshall Sister Gloria Newton
We may have a new member joining soon which will be a surprise to everyone!! “ Sister Carolyn Young Mission Ministry Leader
July/August 2016 News From Around ‘The U’
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The Rapture Zone!!! Part IV by Rev. B.E. Garmon, Sr., M.Div.
“Then
we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17) So the Rapture has occurred. We have been “caught up” and have met our Lord and Saviour Jesus The Christ… ...now what?
WHERE WILL WE GO AFTER THE RAPTURE? To answer this question let’s look at John 14:1-3 “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also”. In the above verses several facts can be clearly pointed out: 1. In My Fathers house are many mansions. Where is His Fathers house? Heaven of course! There are many mansions, or dwellings, there. Picture in your mind the temple that once existed in Jerusalem. In the center was the glory of God and around that there were dwellings for the Levites, the priests of the temple. In Heaven ALL will dwell around the glory of God! We will be close and intimate with God as that is what He desires. We will literally be in the very house of God!
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2. I go to prepare a place for you. That is what the Lord Jesus said. One of the things that He is doing when He returned to Heaven was to embark on a building project for His beloved Church 3. I will come again. All the proof or evidence that any person needs that Jesus “is” coming back! 4. And receive you unto Myself. The Rapture. Here we have the pre tribulation rapture as the Lord Jesus receives His Church unto Himself. 5. That where I am, there ye may be also. It is clear to see that at the Rapture, Christians are going to His Father’s house in Heaven There are two phases of the return(s) of the Lord Jesus The Christ. First, He comes for His Church, the Rapture. Christians are transformed and taken to Heaven (to His Father's house) (John 14:2). Jesus does not return to earth, but rather meets His Church in the clouds (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Later on during another separate event the Lord Jesus will return to earth at the battle of Armageddon (Revelation 19:19). At this time, every eye will see him as His coming will not be secret like it was in the rapture (Revelation 1:7). It’s important to note that 1 Thessalonians 4:17 makes it plain that once we meet the Lord Jesus in the air, we will ’never’ be away from Him again! From that point forward and for all of eternity; where ever Jesus go… we go! Oh what a wonderful thought to meditate on and to optimistically comfort oneself for the
future!
Immediately after the Rapture, Christians will be taken to Heaven where we will remain with the Lord for the entire 7-year Tribulation period. During the 7 years of turmoil on earth, Christians will be in Heaven being “prepared” for the things to come. The first step of this preparation will be judgment! Yes, Christians must appear before the Throne of Christ to be judged for the works performed in their bodies while on earth (2 Corinthians 5:10). The only difference in this judgment is, no one will be sentenced to hell (1 Corinthians 3:14-15). Other ‘preparedness’ includes, rewards, crowns, and preparation to judge the sinner world! (1 Corinthians 6:23) Scripture makes it very clear ‘where’ Christians will be going after the Rapture, but Scripture doesn’t give a lot of information on ‘what’ we will be doing. Regardless of that, as long as it’s in the presence of our Lord and Saviour Jesus The Christ for all of eternity, nothing else really matters! Maranatha!
‘All In The Family’ Volume 10-Issue 4
Sometimes we just can’t get enough of a good thing, and such was the case for the men of First Union as THEY decided to continue their celebration of being treated like a King from their annual Father’s Dinner held on Friday June 17, 2016, through to the Father’s Day Morning Worship Service on Sunday, June 19, 2016. Unbeknownst to the congregation, the men had decided to make themselves ‘King For The Day’ and not only wore the appropriate headpiece for the event, but also entered the Sanctuary as royalty as their names were called.
I’m not sure, but I do believe that this was a surprise to the Minister’s Wives and Deaconesses, as they were called to preside over the Devotional Service. But they were ready!!! Johnnie Nell Reese (Deacon Bernard Reese) led the Devotional Hymn, followed by Carolyn Young (Minister Jeffrey Young) who gave a sent up a powerful Prayer. Sarah Barnum (Deacon Robert Barnum, Jr.) lead the ‘Call To Worship’, and Dorothy Hudgins (Deacon Michael Hudgins, Sr.) followed her with the ‘Call To Praise’. The ‘Responsive Reading’ was lead by Cookie Thompkins (Minister James Thompkins), while Michelle Pope (Deacon Wendell Pope, Jr.) directed and lead the congregation in the ‘Song of Praise’. Closing with the Scripture Reading was Carla Garmon (Rev. B.E. Garmon, Sr.), followed by Alice Pope who led the congregation in a soul-stirring Altar Prayer (Rev. Wendell Pope, Sr.). Brenda Reese-Brown ushered in the Spirit with the Sermonic Solo. Well done, Ladies. ‘Be Ye Also Ready’… and you were! Thank you to all who did their part; from Debra Smalls (for the introductions), to the Male Chorus and the Drama Ministry and especially to the Minister’s Wives and Deaconesses, who didn’t hesitate to come forward when called upon.
#SelfieSunday
Debra Smalls
Edna Everett
w/the Assistant Editor, Jessica Williams (jessica.williams@firstunionmbc.cm)
Latricia Bent
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Zemetrious Griffin
Tyler Ford
Minnie Riggins
Miranda Wheatley
‘All In The Family’ Volume 10-Issue 4
Pavonne’ Scott
Sinai Pierre-Louis
Pastor Garmon
Eleanor Austin
Jennifer Dukes
Kayla Cayasso
Carla R. Garmon
July/August 2016 News From Around ‘The U’
Daimeiona Wiley
Marquez Harris
Jacqueline Taylor
Shaniya Hicks
Min. James Thompkins
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Recently, while cleaning out my garage, I came across some of my old Report Cards from school. Some of them dated back to 1968 when I was in 1st Grade! Of course finding something like this causes you to pause and reflect.
How different was school in those days. How different was life in those days. How different was the world in those days!
You really don’t realize just how much the world has changed until you take the time to reflect. 1968 was 48 years ago, but my memories of that time are still very vivid! The milk and graham crackers were always a welcomed highlight of the day, but not so much the putting your head on the desk for nap time. However, the 15-minute recess in the morning and afternoon made up for it. Lunch time was always greatly anticipated, what did mom put in the brown bag today… tuna fish? peanut butter & jelly? or maybe bologna! After school, while I wait to walk home with my sisters, I wonder if Karen (my younger sister) is going to have her light-skinned friend walk with us again. I think her name is Carla. In those days, the boys used the boy’s rest room and the girls used the girl’s restroom (imagine that!). Every teacher had a paddle on the wall for any student that got out of line; and the Principal had the biggest paddle of them all. However, the worst punishment, or threat of punishment, was for a teacher or the principal to ‘say’, “I am going to call your parents”! That would invoke IMMEDIATE behavior change in ANY child in the class! There were no buses, everyone walked to and from school, and in Michigan, from October/November – March/April, that meant you were walking in cold and snow! As we walked to and from school, we would pass by the houses of so many neighbors, all of whom knew our parents. Even if you got out of line while walking home from school, your parents would know about it before you even came in the house! After school it was change from “school clothes” to “play clothes”, do your homework, and then get outside and play until “the street light comes on”. At dinner – watch this – the entire family sat down at the table at ate dinner together! Of course there is much more, but it doesn’t take much more to realize that the world is a very different place today. Romans 1:25 reminds us that we live in a time where man has changed the truths of God’s Word into a lie. Even the very basic aspects of life, man is now turning completely opposite of God’s Word. As a result, we have children today that are growing up with skewed views of how life should be! Things that used to be accepted as foundational without question, are now being challenged as legitimate concerns! When I consider all that our children are facing these days, and I compare to what I remember from 1 st Grade; I just can’t even image what the world is going to be like 48 years from now. My heart is pressed to ‘plead’ with every parent to PLEASE do not withhold the instruction of God’s Word from your children! The Bible is the only basis of stability that remains in this world today; and if we lose the stability of the Word, we will lose the stability of the Word! Page -24-
‘All In The Family’ Volume 10-Issue 4
48 years from now, who will be able to stand up and proclaim the truths of God’s Word to a sin corrupt world that has passed its own laws declaring the behaviors that God called SIN to be legal and acceptable? Jesus has warned in Matthew 24 that the degradation of our society would continue to the point that He must shorten the days and come quickly, because if He doesn’t, even the Christians would be deceived and no flesh would be saved! (Matthew 24:22-24) Because God’s Word is true and sure and will never fail (Matthew 5:18), means that we cannot stop these truths from coming to pass. But we can give God’s Word to our children so that even in this crazy mixed up world, they will not be part of the multitudes that will be deceived and go to hell.
The salvation of our children needs to be our paramount concern! This does not mean that you need to drag your child down the center aisle on Sunday morning to be baptized. But what this does mean is that every parent, every grandparent, every great-grandparent, needs to be diligent in guiding our children to the truths of God’s Word and a personal relationship with Jesus The Christ! You don’t need to drag them down the aisle; when the Holy Spirit is ready, “HE” will touch their heart and then they will be prepared to do what Romans 10:10 has called for everyone to do in order to receive salvation (Romans 10:10). It won’t happen at the same age for all children; some will be earlier, and some will be later; but the fact of the matter is, Jesus has assured us that if we guide our children to the truth, it WILL happen eventually! (Romans 10:13) Our children need to know that just because everyone is doing it does not make it right; and just because the government or even the President of the United States says that it’s ok, God’s Word says that it is not. Thus they will develop statutes and principals that are rooted in God’s Word and they will stand for those principals, even in the face of adversity! It’s not 1968 anymore; those days are long gone and will never return again. The world is a much different place today and things will never return to how they were when I was in 1st Grade. But we do have many children all around us that are attending 1st Grade and they are doing it in a very different world; nevertheless, although the world has changed, God’s Word has not. And the same Word of God that parents used to guide their children and their homes in 1968, is still good enough to guide children and homes in 2016!
I Remain In “HIS” Service.
Rev. B.E. Garmon, Sr., M.Div. - Pastor July/August 2016 News From Around ‘The U’
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First Union Missionary Baptist Church Rev. B.E. Garmon, Sr., M.Div - Pastor Deacon Anthony Brown, Chairman 3707 E. Chelsea Street Tampa, FL 33610 813.238.1205 (tel) 813.237-8833 (fax) info@firstunionmbc.com (email) www.firstunionmbc.com (website) Deacon Bernard Reese, Vice-Chairman Deacon Robert. L. Barnum, Jr. Deacon Joseph Echols Deacon Michael A. Hudgins, Sr. Deacon Tom D. Marshall Deacon Wendell Pope, Jr. Deacon Robert R. Scott, Jr. Deacon Mark Sherman, Sr. Deacon Willie Tim
Operation Education: “Catch The Vision”