EXALT - March 2018 by Eastern Star Church

“I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever.” Psalm 145:1 NLT

A Message From Our Senior Pastor

March 2018

This year’s theme, Born Identity (Mark 10:13-16 MSG), highlights the ever-increasing need for our youth to know their identity as a child of God. To ensure a purposeful focus centered around our children and teens, at each campus, the third Sunday of the month will be designated as Youth Sunday. Elements have been added throughout the service to engage children and teens including youth serving during worship service, artists that appeal to youth, videos that highlight individuals and organizations working with youth, and much more! I encourage you to get the family involved in ministry and invite youth who are unchurched and unsaved to church. As a church family, we are participating in our 40-day fast through Psalm Sunday, March 25. We are using this time to meditate on God’s Word, hear God’s voice, and pray for God to reveal Himself to us and for us to be transformed. I look forward to hearing how God moved in your life and how the fast spiritually changed you. Stay connected with us during the fast by visiting our website to view inspirational messages, reflections, recipes, and sample menus. Resurrection Sunday is fast approaching. For the last few years our congregation was encouraged not to buy Easter outfits, but instead, save money by wearing an affordable Eastern Star Church themed t-shirt. We will continue the tradition this year by wearing the Born Identity t-shirts on Resurrection Sunday, April 1. To purchase t-shirts, visit our website or app and click on the Born Identity T-shirt tab. Deadline to purchase t-shirts is March 18. Let’s all be in prayer for this ministry, our members, family, youth, community, and country. Matthew 7:7-8 states, “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” Blessings,

Jeffrey A. Johnson, Sr. Senior Pastor

THE ROCK INITIATIVE UPDATES!

• The waiting list for one and two-bedroom apartments at Sunstone at Arlington Woods is now open. The apartments will become available in mid-2018. If you are interested in adding your name to the wait list, email communitydevelopment@easternstarchurch.org. • A conceptual design is currently being planned for a coworking space (shared space) at Sunstone at Arlington Woods. The space is designed for community organizations and small businesses in need of short-term, cost effective office, or meeting space. • Students at Arlington Woods Elementary School 99 sent “Thank You” letters regarding the donations of laptops during the holidays. • Lastly, to ensure The ROCK Initiative continues to bring a sense of community for the 46218 community, various mentorship organizations participated in January’s ESC Youth Sunday and the Mentorship Consortium held at the Main Campus.

A FAMILY THAT FASTS TOGETHER, PRAYS TOGETHER W R I T TEN BY PH YLLIS KE ND ALL

For those of you whose New Year resolution is to spend more time with family, consider participating in Eastern Star Church’s 40 Day Fast from February 14 through March 25. Typically, we think of fasting as an individual affair, but it can become a time of family bonding. This year, the emphasis of our devotional time is to gain a better understanding of what it means to be in the family of Christ and to meditate and pray for our children, youth, and families. Dr. Kim McElroy-Jones, Director of Ministries at Eastern Star Church, explained the importance of making fasting a family event, “It is important to first of all support one another as a family unit. Parents can begin to share with their children what the spiritual discipline of praying and fasting is and then demonstrate obedience to Christ in their household. The only way we can ensure that our children understand what fasting and praying is, is to raise our children up in a manner that would put them on the path to honoring God through this spiritual discipline.” Depending on their ages and circumstances, some children, teens, and college students can participate in our regular fast, primarily only eating fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains. However, not everyone can safely participate. Therefore, it is important to consult your physician before starting a fast. Dr. McElroy-Jones suggests starting young children and pre-teens on a partial fast in which they give up a favorite food and/or things like television and video games. Reducing television viewing and other activities can make it easier to spend more family time together in prayer and Bible Study, both at home and at church. Remember, the purpose of fasting is to grow

closer to Christ by removing something from your routine that will prompt you to lean on Christ. When asked why we promote fasting as a church activity, Dr. McElroy-Jones responded, “In addition to being obedient, by coming together and fasting as a corporate body, it builds a sense of community. As a community of believers, we, the members of Eastern Star Church, should come together during this time of fasting for 40 days to learn to fight spiritual battles with spiritual weapons. As a corporate body, we will always be stronger when we do things together and in unity.” Dr. McElroy-Jones also cautioned that we should be careful not to expect God to move during a specific period just because we are fasting. Only God knows the time when a response will be given as a result of fasting and praying.

We should remember during this time of prayer and fasting that sometimes God is looking to change us instead of our situations. Through fasting and praying, our hearts can become more open to receiving what God wants to do in our lives. Visit our website to find out more information about the 40 Day Fast and view sample menus and recipes to assist you and your family on your journey!

TEEN FINANCIAL FREEDOM INSTITUTE: A Guiding Light W RI T T EN BY ELLIS A O Y E WO

“I could see the light bulb coming on when we discussed how individuals that they thought were well-off and set for life were experiencing a financial crisis. For teens in FFI, the implementation of their budget and using their income and expenses as benchmarks helped the students to see how to the savings process works.”

Empowering the future generation by teaching spiritual principles is a gift that Christians can share to mold the minds, actions, and destiny of our teens. Constantly being bombarded with media, peer pressure, and insecurities, planting and nurturing the seed of wisdom into teens allows them to flourish into their purpose by giving them a guiding light. Eastern Star Church’s Teen Financial Freedom Institute (FFI) was designed to speak to teens about putting God first in all areas of life, including money management. It teaches that even though God blesses us, it is our responsibility to handle each blessing with care to bless others. Brother Henry Maye uses his gift to teach the Teen FFI classes. He stated, “I believe that teens relate to the practical life examples that FFI gives them. The students are given a financial plan to follow. They learn how to practice saving money. That’s a lesson that many adults need today. Teens are blessed to be able to exercise that knowledge before they leave for college, start their career path, or whatever God has in store for them. Seeing the results of actually saving money and having a plan for your life is a positive stimulus for these young adults.” Today, social and mainstream media play a vital role in shaping our youth. Sharing the financial struggles of the celebrities they admire became an eye-opener for the students. Bro. Maye mentioned, 4

Learning how to prioritize and manifest the correct attitude is vital when developing a positive relationship with finances. The initial class teaches that everything belongs to God and that prioritization of spending habits opens closed doors. Bro. Maye explained, “Part of learning to prioritize is to have set goals. This is where the 10-10-80 rule comes in. Our first goal is for our students to learn to give 10 percent of their gross earnings to God, 10 percent of their earnings to savings, and 80 percent for bills, food, rent/mortgage and other necessities of life. If our young people can start practicing these goals early, they will have a very bright financial future.” Understanding these spiritual principles motivates the next generation of leaders to live a proactive life to create their financial environment rather than their financial environment creating them. Keeping their focus on God will give them the power to slice through worldly distractions while reaching for their destiny. To get more information about Teen Financial Freedom Institute at Eastern Star Church, visit our website and click on the FINANCIAL FREEDOM INSTITUTE tab.

MONEY TIP: Steps to Achieving Financial Goals in 2018! BY A L ISA ALLEN

Could you use extra money in 2018? Do you have a plan in place to save extra money? Below find four steps to help you meet your financial goals.

1.Identify the Goal(s) “Write the vision and make it plain…” Habakkuk 2:2. The goal can be whatever you need it to be, but keep it reasonable and attainable. Make your goal your “WHY”! Your “WHY” is what drives you. It is your purpose that inspires you to keep going even when you don’t feel like it or think you can. For example, I will save $1300 to buy a new bed, new eyeglasses, and money for emergencies that may arise. Find a picture of your bed, eyeglasses, money in the bank and post the pictures on your refrigerator or bathroom mirror, someplace you see every day.

2. Make a Plan “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail! Example, I will save $25 per week for 52 weeks.

3. Pray and believe “My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19. Example, I will not miss the $25 in my checking account because my God shall supply all my needs! Pray and say this scripture every time you make a deposit!

4. Track your progress “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11. Open a separate savings account and make the $25 deposit every Friday. Select an account that will not be easily accessible and is a completely different bank than where your main income is deposited. Watch your money grow as you trust God to prosper you! At the end of year celebrate the accomplishment of achieving your goal! You can do it if you follow the steps. To view monthly money tips, visit our website and click on the FINANCIAL FREEDOM INSTITUTE tab then MONEY TIP.

Why verify membership? It is essential for everyone to verify their membership so that the Church staff can identify those who have made a commitment to Eastern Star Church and be able to equip the member better for the work of the ministry.

Am I a member of Eastern Star Church? You are a member of Eastern Star Church if you: • Have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and; • Have completed New Member’s Orientation. Even if you attend church regularly, give consistently, and responded to the invitation to discipleship, you are not a member until you complete New Member’s Orientation. The orientation gives information about the Body of Christ and how believers are to operate in the Body of Christ. It also reviews pertinent information about Eastern Star Church, such as history, current operations, and the many ministries a member can join to use their spiritual gifts.

How to verify membership? Visit our website and click on the FOR MEMBERS tab. Under ‘Member Forms,’ click on ‘Member Information Update’ and you’ll be directed to a page to make changes to your address, phone number, email, etc. Membership Verification forms are also available at the Ushers Stations at each campus.

THE FLOWER AND THE RAIN B Y I N DALAY

Did you hear about the flower That everyone said was dead Its petals were all wilted its leaves were like bowed heads And then one day it began to rain And the petals began to cry And the leaves no longer wilted But pointed to the skyâ&#x20AC;Ś So they gave their praise to God And washed all their tears away And listened to what God said ...Give glory unto Me... And everyone shall be fed... The flower and the rain No joy without some pain... No food without sacrificeâ&#x20AC;Ś No God ... No Glory in life...

MEMBER BIRTHDAYS Monica Acoff Brandon Alexander Bridget Alexander Anika Allen Julie Griffith Allen Jason Anderson Nancy Anderson Mason Archie II VaNette Ash Helen Avila Journee Avila Mosun Ayan-Oshodi Jamal Bailey Brenda Baker Tia Barker Keiara Barnes Stephan Bates Beverly Batie Sherri Beck Khelin Bills Jeff Bingham Jr Breona Bloch Royetta Blow Stephen Bones Jr Ellen Rose Bouler Jeremiah Boyd Morris Bradley Jr Allen Bridgeforth Angela Bridges Tylin Broaders Ayreiona Brookins DeAndre Brooks Lee Brooks Jr Allison Brown Charles Brown Jada Brown Joshua Brown Melvin Brown Tiffany Brown Doris Brummer Roshonne Burnett Kim Burress Ashley Bush Sherry Butler Brittani Caddell Jasmin Calvin Darleana Campbell Carol Carter Yolanda Carter-Taylor Janet Chambers Julia Cheatham-Kimble Tawanna Childs Mark Cole Colette Coleman Jenee Collier Kristin Corbitt Wesley Crowe Marsha Cumberlander Deborah Davis Leon Dean Jr Carrie Dixon

Jaelen Dobbins Jamel Dobbs Cheryl Dodson Cherilynn Dollison Lance Dollison Larry Dollison Jr Ingrid Douglas Caeser Doyle Aaron Duncan William Dupree Margaret Durham Morgan Eberhardt Andre Edwards Ryan Ervin JonDubois Estime Dionne Evans Joseph Fields Carmen Files Braylin Finney Weston Fletcher Henry Flowers Shelby Ford Desirree France Frederick Gaddis Rosietta Gadson-Jennings Adrian Garnett Marcus Gates Amariah Gilbert Nikita Gilbert Sidney Gillum James Gillum III Alyssa Glenn Angela Glenn Quincy Goggans Ciera Goodlow Marsha Gowens Deidre Gray Bridget Greagor Christopher Greer Kathy Griffin Larry Gross Kristian Hamilton James Hannon Jr Anita Harden Bradley Hargrave Thiwasha Harper C.J. Harrington Emmanuel Harris Linda Hartsfield Toni Henderson Carmen Hester Joyce Ann Higgins Eva Hillman Britney Holder Alexis Holmes Charmaine Hopson Alicia Hoskins Katherine Houston Jeffrey Howard Roberta Hudson Kimberly Hughes

Pamela Humes Irene Hunter Darrell Hutchison Jr Philip Jackson Sherelle Jackson Aaliyah Johnson Lynnette Johnson Maxine Johnson Osceana Johnson Terrell Johnson Jeffrey Johnson II Adele Jones Brittany Jones Glendal Jones Karen Jones Kristy Jones Kya-May Jones Marci Jones Stephan Jones Ebony Jorman Deborah Kirkpatrick Nia Kyle Karlin Ladd Tamara Lemon MacKenzi Lester Darnell Levi III Hazel Lewis Kharisa Ligon Charlene Logan Theresa Lott Heaven Love Anthony Lovett Kathy Lowe Cameron Lowery Karen Lyles Cynthia Martin Miles Mason Holly Mathews Trudi McCloud Walter McGee TaNeika McGuire Dane Middlebrook II Clifford Middleton Earlene Miller Renee Mitchell Melvin Montgomery Deborah Morris Carolyn Morrow Chelsea Murdock Cynthia Murdock Latrece Murdock Jonathan Nderitu Debra Norris Holly Ortiz Jaclyn Parran Lisa Patrick Chiffon Payton Ricky Pennybaker Christopher Perkins Jr Sylvia Pierson Cassandra Porter

Dante’ Pounds Yolanda Powell Dale Pritchet Melanie Proctor Harmony Questelles Melody Questelles Kimacka Randle Nikia Randolph Cortney Richards Nic Ridley Alan Roach Marrion Robertson Pamela Robertson Beverly Robinson Monica Robinson Stacey Robinson Sheldon Roseburgh II Joann Ross-Radford Patricia Session Marsehah Shannon William Shrewsberry Gregory Simmons Jeffery Simonton Barbara Smith Bernette Smith Camille Smith Constance Smith Frank Smith Sarah Smith John Smith Jr Deja Speikes Gregory Stowers Jr Carylon Strouse Brandon Sturdivant Tyler Sturdivant Charlene Thomas Desare’ Thomas Kyle Todd William Toler III Doris Townsend Alexys Tracy Raymond Turner Sr Darice Upchurch Gertrude Utley Tyrielle Vaulx-Gissara Braylen Venable LaMonya Visor Tee’Aira Ward Gwen Warren Rashida Washington Danell Watkins Allison Watson Rachel Watson Constance Weaver Cheryl Webb Deborah Weeden Edward Wells Ciera Wheeler Christina Williams David Williams Jermell Williams

FEBRUARY Justice Williams Shakara Williams Meshia Williams Jada Willis Markese Willis Josiah Wilson Michael Wilson Kaylia Woods Sidney Woods Valerie Wortham Virgil Wright Jr Karyn Wynne Laura Yahya

MEMBER BIRTHDAYS Raven Abrams Martin Achille Vicky Adams K’Lynn Ambrose Quay Anderson Joy Araujo Karen Arnett Crystal Baker Regina Baker Sydney Baker Dewayne Ballance Jeffrey Barker Jamila Barney Kenneth Beache Erica Beard Lori Beasley Brittany Bellamy Jabrea Bennett Saundra Guidry Bettis Nina Bingham Ellen Black Trevor Black Joanna Bledsoe James Bogan Jr George Bowman Michael Brackett Cheryl Bray Richard Bray Marissa Brewer Jasmine Britton Tommy Brooks Lee Brooks Sr Judy Brown Kelley Brown Michaela Brown Phyllis Brown Diane Browne Marcia Burch Alfreda Burhannon Lisa Byers Ceciley Cage Patricia Calvin Jade Campbell Robin Carpenter Derrick Casson Monay Cavazos Cheryl Chambers Carl Cheers Lisa Clark Tracey Clark Alice Clay Cassandra Coleman Gail Coleman Virginia Combs Daune Conwell LaShanna Conwell Reilly Conwell Dominic Cornett Dominique Cornett Dennis Cox

Jermish Cox Kennedy Crowe Lorraine Curry-Richardson Joi Daniels Cloteal Davidson Austin Davis Jonathon Davis Julie Davis Tiffany Davis Yolanda Dawson Grace Decker Devon DeJournett Alexaundria Dillon Catrina Dilworth Valerie Doggan Damion Douglas Adam Douglass Jr Theresa Downing Marcus Duke Jr Dainyell Dur Corey Ealy Jr Thereasa Eggerly Sheila Ellis Susan Ellis Tiffany Ellis Twana Ellis Terrence Epperson Shawnna Ervin Dianna Ferguson-Mosley Jayde Fincher Destiny Flemmonds Sierra Flowers Tanya Ford Stephanie Gardner Tracey Garrett Dorthera Gaskew Donovan Gilbert AJ Glover Jerome Goff Courtney Gordon Betty Grady Rose Graham Tatyana Gray Sara Green Tyrone Greer Marietta Gurnell Michelle Hall Patrice Hamilton Frank Hanley II Kennedy Hardister Terran Hardy Damarion Harris Pamela Hatcher Charlotte Haywood Betty Henry Tonya Henry Marvetta Hester Annie Hicks Beverly Hollins William Hosey Jr

LaToya Howard Willie Humphrey Noah Hurd Michael Jenkins Sheila Jeter Eugenia Johnson Tiffany Johnson Toni Johnson Larry Johnson III Channelle Jones Jeremiah Jones Kaye Jones Lark Jones Linda Jones Lyric Jones Rickie Jones Yancey Jones Leslie Kerr Louise Kimble Coretta King Jaleesa Kinslow Jodie Kirby Paul Lamberg Djuan Lambert Mechelle Lapsley Terence Lawson A’Jayla Lee Renee Lee Dennis Lewis Leslie Lewis Derrick Lewis Jr Ranesha Ligon Angelia Lockett Faye Long Nefritiri Lovett Stacey Luckett Clarence Lyles III Denyce Malone Vera Mangrum Michelle Martin Anthony Mason Daryl Mathews Jennifer McDade Thomas McDaniel Cassandra McDuffey Tommie McGhee Ashlyn McNeal-Hopkins Robert McNeil Jr Kimberly Middleton Aaliyah Miller Angela Miller Gregory Mingee Charity Mitchell Demetre Mitchell Joseph Mitchell Lanette Montgomery Anthony Moore Stacey Moore Wayne Moore Wilma Moore

Ursula Morman Byron Morris Ceairra Morris Ellawease Morris Ashle’ Morrow Jacqueline Morson Tyreke Mosley Ernest Moss Dennisha Murff Rose Marie Murphy John Murry II Jerrie Newton Olayanju Niyi Sandra Oglesby Kim Owens Michael Parran Brianna Patterson Tonya Patterson Dion Payne Jr Allison Pearson Chris Perkins Arthur Peterson Stephanie Peterson Donovan Pitts Patrice Powell Rhonda Powell Vickie Presley Virgie Price Abrielle Puckett Bryan Rand Dorothy Randall Donna Rapier-Bryant Lauren Rasor Stewart Rasor Darrien Ray ShanDreaha Redd Maurice Reeves Shawnnae Rice Julian Richards Jr Mable Richardson Michael Richardson Carla Richey Sharon Rimmer Stefana Rimmer Nichol Robbins Asha Roberson Aniyah Robinson Brian Robinson Carol Robinson Clifford Robinson Damon Robinson John Robinson Lauren Rochelle Michael Rogers Jeffrey Rowe Camille Rowley Brenda Royal Kathy Russell Jason Rutledge Jaida Sanders

MARCH Shenell Sanders Charles Satcher Darnae Scales Tyra Shepherd Jeff Sigman Palma Simmons Elizabeth Simpson Josephine Simpson Theodore Simpson Jordan Sloan Devon Smith La Cresha Sparks Mildred Sprinkles Howard Stevenson Torian Stinnette Kenneth Strickland Anthony Strong Crystal Strong Natalie Jo Summers-Henson Devan Taylor Yolanda Taylor Jayla Thomas Raqueiya Thomas Tiffany Thomas David Thomas III Michael Thompson Lloyd Turner Wanda Tyler Marriam Umar Janine VanCleave Jazlyn Visor Barbara Walker Charles Walker Melissa Walker Sharon Walker-Watkins Elijah Washington Ebony Watkins Marcele Webster Nison Wells Peggy Wesson Valeri Westbrooks Kyla Wheeler Derek White Elijah White Russell White Doug Williams Mary Williams Jermell Williams Jr James Willis Dashawn Wilson Caitlin Winfrey Yumi Woodfork Donald Woods Loretta Woods Beverly Wright Keziah Wright Odile Yarbough Rodney Yates

CALENDAR Important Dates for All Members Visit our website calendar to view updates and registration details for the following:

40 Day Fast LiveStream/Facebook LIVE Prayer: February 28 Join the midpoint LiveStream/Facebook LIVE Prayer on February 28 at 12:45 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.To participate, tune in to Facebook Live or Watch Noon Day Bible Study by visiting our website and click on the WATCH LIVE tab, then MAIN CAMPUS.

Every Child Symposium: March 10 Eastern Star Church has partnered with and will host the Every Child Symposium on March 10 at the Main Campus. The one-day lineup includes remarks from Pastor Johnson and special guest speakers, exhibitors, and breakout sessions focusing on child services with a spotlight on families and more. Learn how you can step into this role and serve Every Child in Indiana. Event and registration details are on our website and app.

Baptism Date: March 11 (all campuses) Baptismal services will be held on March 11 at all three campuses. Registration is required and must be completed by March 7. Registration is available on our website by clicking the ABOUT US tab, then MEMBERSHIP or by calling (317) 591-5050 ext. 221.

Youth Sunday: March 18 Join us for Youth Sunday at each campus featuring appealing youth artists, videos that highlight individuals and organizations working with youth, and much more!

Spiritual Gifts Class: March 19 The next Spiritual Gifts Class is March 19 at the Main Campus, J306 from 6:30–8:30 p.m. You must register online and complete the free Spiritual Gifts Assessment by visiting our website and click on the calendar tab. For more information, call (317) 591-5050 ext. 212.

40 Day Fast Prayer Call: March 21 Join the final prayer call on March 21 at 6:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. To participate dial 712-775-7031 and enter access code 363-540#.

Servants in Action Meeting: March 22 The next Servants in Action Ministry meeting is on March 22 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Main Campus, Room J306. Servants in Action help serve and assist other ministries with volunteer support for church events and community partners. For more information, call (317) 591-5050 ext. 115 or email servants@easternstarchurch.org.

The C.R.E.W. Life Class: Managing the Madness with Dr. Mark Johnson: March 23 Join The C.R.E.W. for a Life Class: Managing the Madness featuring Dr. Mark Johnson on March 23 starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Main Campus as we will be discussing how to handle the chaos in life. For more information, email thecrew@easternstarchurch.org.

New Member’s Orientation: March 24 New Member’s Orientation will be held on March 24 at the Fishers Campus from 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Registration is required and must be completed by March 21 to participate. New Member’s Orientation is offered to children, teens, and adults. Registration is available on our website by clicking the ABOUT US tab, then MEMBERSHIP AND MEMBERSHIP SERVICES. For additional information, call (317) 591-5050 ext. 256.

Teen Church: March 25 Teen Church will be held on March 25 at 9:15 a.m. at the Fishers Campus, 10:45 a.m. at Cooper Road Campus, and 12:15 p.m. at Main Campus.

EA S T E R/ RESU RRE C T ION SUNDAY, APRIL 1