Church News

Bishop Charles Blake Makes Public His Parkinson’s Diagnosis

Elder Charles and Diandra Blake, Bishop Charles and Lady Mae Blake

Arecent revelation from Bishop Charles Blake of West Angeles Church of God in Christ brought to an end speculation about the state of his health. Towards the end of the April 24 Sunday service, Blake announced that for the past ten years he had been battling Parkinson’s Disease.

“As the Senior Pastor of West Angeles Church, I have led and served this great church daily for more than 53 years. However, most recently I am acutely aware that my Parkinson’s diagnosis is impacting my physical stature, and vocal strength. With this in mind, I want to share a few thoughts, with you, my West Angeles Family and my Community,” Blake shared an official statement released a day later.

“Many individuals with Parkinson’s continue to live long, satisfying lives. I will continue to serve my congregation just as I have before my announcement. I will continue to preach the Gospel, rotating as I have with my sons, Co-Pastor Charles E. Blake II and Young Adult Pastor Lawrence C. Blake, and the clergy of West Angeles Church.

“Lady Mae, and our children have been steadfast in supporting me during this time,” he continued. “Although it is obvious that I do not move as fast as I used to, I am still very much excited about the work of God and the future of West Angeles.”

First Lady Mae Blake offered her thanks for the prayers and the love they have been shown. “I’m just so happy that Bishop Blake is still here for us to love on, and learn from,” she added. “I praise God that He’s not done with West Angeles or Bishop, and that God has more work for us to do.”

In November, Blake announced the elevation of his son, Elder Charles Blake II, to co-pastor of the megaministry. Bishop Blake announced that the appointment— a joint collaboration between Bishop Blake, Jurisdictional Bishop Joe Louis Ealy, and the West Angeles Board of Directors would play a critical role in helping to guide the future of West Angeles in the 21st century as the church completes several monumental projects, including its Family Life Center, which is under construction.

Pastor Shep Partners with Councilman Curren Price to Commemorate 1992 Gang Truce

With the goal of commemorating the 1992 Gang Truce–which brought 9 well-known Los Angeles rival gang members together in “South Park” to declare peace–and in an effort to decrease violence, Pastor Shep Crawford of the Experience Christian Ministries (ECM) partnered with 9th District Councilman Curren Price Jr., last month to present “Remembering the 1992 Gang Truce”.

The event, held April 30 at South Park, honored the 9 originators/peacemakers who initiated the truce and also raised awareness to other peacemakers who have joined the ranks over the years. Over 500 attendees took in the awards ceremony while also enjoying refreshments, activities for kids and community resources. In solidarity for the event, more than 40 pastors from the eastside of Los Angeles attended in a show of support. "We will take this opportunity to encourage and empower as we continue to push for peace. It is our goal to turn this moment into a movement of community builders all-over South-Central LA.," says Pastor Shep Crawford.

Pastor Shep, known for his work in the community and specifically with local gangs has been hosting weekly empowerment meetings and peace talks at his church with the goal of helping to restore the gang truce, as well as providing opportunities and resources by building trusting alliances between the residents, gangs, and the faith-based community. Attending the meetings have been reputable gang members both men & women from the Avalon Gangster Crips, Blood Stone Villains, Broadway Gangster Crips, East Coast Crips, Pueblos Bishop Bloods, 43 Gangster Crips, the Kitchen Crips, Swan Bloods, and Rollin 30s Crips.

Crawford gained national recognition as the pastor that eulogized the late rapper Nipsey Hussle. Since then, Pastor Shep has become a trusted ally and peacemaker amongst the gang culture. H

Ever since moving the church from Compton to the gang embattled South Los Angeles neighborhood, Pastor Shep has had his boots on the ground working throughout the community with council members, residents, and rival gang members to promote peace and unity, provide resources, feed the homeless and performing scheduled community clean-ups to help restore pride to the neighborhood. 20

The Baptist Minister’s Conference Receives A $75,000 Grant from Councilman Curren Price

The Baptist Minister’s Conference of Southern California was among the nearly 100 groups in District 9 that were awarded grants from L.A. City Councilmember Curren Price.

Said Price, “The grants will serve as a vehicle for the expansion of crucial services and programs for our most vulnerable neighbors."

“We’re grateful that Curren Price has invested in several faith based organizations throughout his district. The money is designed to benefit families and residents in District 9 and we’re excited to be part of this effort and for the investment in the Baptist Minister’s Conference. This grant reflects the viable partnership between civic government and the faith community to increase services to the residents we serve.”

Other faith organizations receiving grants included Greater New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, Mount Moriah Baptist Church, Love, Peace, and Happiness Christian Fellowship Mt. Salem Missionary Baptist Church, Second Baptist Church, Walker Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Wesley UMC Rakestraw Memorial Community Educational Center.

In other local news, upwards of $40,000 was raised last month at the Compassion Service held last month for Mt. Tabor Pastor Ticey Brown to help cover the medical fees Brown is facing as he battles kidney disease and awaits a transplant.

Agape Church of Los Angeles Worship Center: Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center 4305 Degnan Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008 Corprate Office: 4602 Crenshaw Blvd, Suite 2A, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 295-5571 www.agapela.org Bishop Craig A. Worsham, Founder & Senior Pastor Sunday School: 10:00am Morning Worship: 11:00am Loving, Lifting & Liberating Humanity Through The Word Bethel Missionary Baptist Church of South L.A. 10905 S. Compton Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90059 (323) 566.5286

Pastor Alvin Stafford Jr. Sunday School: 9:30am Morning Worship: 10:30am Book by Book Bible Study (Wed.): 6:30pm Sunday service broadcast on Facebook live Sunday school and Book by Book Bible Study services are conducted on Zoom For more information, visit www.bethelsola.com Bethesda Temple Apostolic Faith 4909 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 299-2591 • thevoice4904@att.net

Pastor Kyron S. Shorter Sunday Morning Prayer: 9:00am Sunday School: 9:30am Morning Worship: 11:00am Children’s Church: 11:00am Sunday Evening Service: 6:00pm

Brookins-Kirkland Community AME Church 3719 West Slauson Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90043 (323) 296-5610 • www.bkcamechurchla.org Rev. Mary S. Minor, DMin,Pastor Worship virtually: Facebook Live at Brookins-KirklandCommunity AME Church For prayer: Call or email to be added to the prayer list Bible Study Thursdays: 6pm Via Zoom call or email office:bkcamechurchla@gmail.com

Bryant Temple AME Church 2525 W. Vernon Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90008 (323) 293-6201 • F: (323) 293-0082 Pastor Dwaine Jackson

Sunday School: 8:15am Morning Worship: 9:15 am Bible Study (Tues): Noon Pastor’s Bible Study( Tues): 6:00pm

Calvary Baptist Church 4911 W. 59th Street,Los Angeles, CA,90056 (323)298-1605•F: (310) 568-8430 • calvarybaptistla.org Rev. Dr. Virgil V. Jones Sunday Prayer: 8:30am Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Worship: 11:00am Wednesday Bible Study: 12:00pm & 7:00pm

We are the Church on the Hill where the Light Shines Bright!

Crenshaw Christian Center 7901 South Vermont, Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 758-3777 • F: (323)565-4231 • www.faithdome.org Pastor Frederick K. Price, Jr.

Sunday Service: 9:45am Bible Study (Tue): 11:00am & 7:30pm Tue. Night Children’s Ministry: 7:30pm Tue. Night Bible Study (Teens): 7:30pm Alcohol & Drug Abuse Program (Wed): 7:30pm

Congregational Church of Christian Fellowship 2085 S. Hobart Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 Phone: (323) 731-8869 • F: (323) 731-0851 www.christianfellowshipla.org Pastor James K. McKnight Sunday LiveStream: 10:00am (facebook.com/christianfellowshipla) Sunday Conference Call: 10:00am (310-372-7549 / code: 342408) Tue/Thurs Morning Word & Prayer: 7:00am Wed. Bible Study w/ Elder Stephen Brown (701-802-5001 / code: 825252#

God’s Faithful Disciple of Jesus Christ/ Prayer Clinic & Deliverance Ministry P.O. Box 561368, Los Angeles, CA 90056 (323) 293-7566 • www.gfdjc.org •gfdjc@att.net Dr.Ruby I. Cottle, Ph.D., Pastor/Teacher

Services every Friday: 7:00pm We meeet at: St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church 3901 W. Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, Ca 90018 Watch Dr. Cottle on HBN TV Wed’s 7:30am Channel 886 Dish,Smart TV Local Channel 35.2 Listen to Dr. Cottle Sundays on KJLH at 5:30am Rev. Joshua Daniels, Pastor Morning Worship: 10am (In Service and Online Live Stream Worship) Sunday School: 8:45am

Wed. Bible Study: 7:00pm www.mtzionla.org

Grant AME Church 10435 S. Central Avenue • Los Angeles, CA 90002 (323) 564-1151 • F: (323) 564-5027 Rev. Dr. J. Arthur Rumph, Pastor

Reappointed to Grant AME Church Los Angeles Rev. Dr. James A. Rumph Sunday School: 8am Worship: 9:30am Wed. Bible Study: 11:30am •6pm

Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church 5300 S. Denker Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90062 (323) 759-4996

Rev. DeNon Porter Early Worship: 8am Sunday School: 9:30am Mid-Morning Worship: 11am Radio-KALI 900AM: Sun. 11-Noon, 7-8pm KTYM 1460AM Sundays: 5:30pm Bible Study (Tues, Wed & Thurs): 7pm

Holman United Methodist Church 3320 W. Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 703-5868 • www.holmanumc.com Email: holman@holmanumc.com Rev. Dr. Ken Walden, Senior Pastor Sunday Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Sunday Radio: KJLH 102.3FM at 11am Sunday School: 9:30am (Children/Youth) & 9:45am (Adults) Bible Study: Every Thursday @ Noon We Gather,Grow,Go and Live the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Macedonia LA 1751 East 114th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90059 (323) 569-9561 • www.macedonia-la-org

Senior Pastor Shane B. Scott Sunday Worship Service: 7:30am|10:00am Live MondayBible Study: 7:00pm (Log-in to Zoom Meeting ID: 377-818-648 or Dial In: 346-248-7799)

McCarty Memorial Christian Church 4103 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 731-4131 • www.mccartychurch.org Senior Pastor Edward Anderson Sunday Worship: 10:45am Bible Study: Tues @12:30pm/Wed @6pm Zoom Call: (605) 472-5454 Access:188857 Online Stream Live: Sundays@10:45am to www.mccartychurch.org Give: Text 77977 Instagram@mccartyconnect Mount Moriah Baptist Church of Los Angeles, Inc. 4269 South Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90037 (323) 846-1950 •Fax: (323) 846-1964

Rev. Johnteris Tate-Pastor Sunday Church School: 8:00am Worship Service: 9:15am Baptist Training Union: 7:00am Tues. Bible Study/Prayer: Noon & 7:00pm

Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church 3669 W. 54th St. Los Angeles, CA 90043 • (323) 291-1121 F: (323) 291-1133 • office@sinai.church • www.sinai.church George E. Hurtt, Pastor-Teacher Sunday Worship: 8am,10am,Noon Tuesday Night in the Truth: 7:15pm Radio: KKLA 99.5 FM (Sun): 6:00pm All services stream live on our website, Facebook page and YouTube channel. During the pandemic, pre-registration is requested to attend in-person services.

FIRST LADY FILES

KAREN A. BROWN

Contributor

Myesha Chaney

Antioch Church of Long Beach

Alicensed and ordained minister, Myesha Chaney shares the ministry duties at Antioch Church of Long Beach, with her husband, Wayne Chaney and under their leadership, the congregation has grown to 2,500 people. She was featured along with her husband on Oxygen’s “Preachers of L.A.”

With worship at her core, Chaney ministers both in song and word. The Long Beach native is an accomplished gospel recording artist and worship leader, having shared her music ministry locally, nationally and even in Israel and New Zealand.

Myesha is in charge of “all things women” at Antioch. One of her most gratifying projects is her “Hiding Behind the Lipstick” workshops, created to encourage women to take off the masks they show the world and awaken who they really are. “The sessions create an opportunity to share, and they really open up. It’s powerful,” she says.

“I have redefined the traditional role of First Lady by bending it to complement my natural wiring and talents rather than allowing the preconceived expectations to change me. I am a forward-thinking, business-minded person. I like to lead and follow,” she continues. “I enjoy singing, speaking, and executing events. I want to do whatever God is leading me to do in a particular season. I enjoy evolving and being my best self in whatever I do. I am Myesha who happens to be married to a senior pastor and that is the difference for me.”

The devoted wife and mother of three hopes to have a new record out this year. She is also planning an upcoming “Hiding Behind the Lipstick” popup. For more on both, follow her on Instagram @myeshachaney.

New Antioch Church of God in Christ 7826 So. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90044 (323) 778-7965 • www.newantiochcogic.org Superintendent Jeffrey M. Lewis Sunday Early Worship: 8am Sunday Morning Worship: 11am Sunday School: 9:30am Tuesday Bible Study: 11am Wednesday In The Word: 7pm All services streamed: Facebook and YouTube @New Antioch Church of God In Christ ONE LA Potter’s House Church 614 N. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 (818) 763-4521 • hello@one.online Pastor Touré and Sarah Roberts The ONE Experience Online: Sundays: 7A |9A |11A |1P |6P Thursdays: 5P |8P (PST) @toureroberts @sarahjakesroberts @one.online ONE.ONLINE Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Bible Study Wednesday: Noon & 7:00pm Communion: 1st Sunday at 8:00am & 11:00am

Phillips Temple CME Church 973 East 43rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 233-4783

Rev. Dr. Darrell Wesley, Pastor Sunday Worship: 10am Bible Study: Wednesdays at Noon Online: Facebook.com/ PhillipsTempleCME.LosAngeles

St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church 5017 S. Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 231-1040 • stmarkmbcofla.org Reverend Dr. Lovely Haynes, Pastor Sunday Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Sunday School: 9:30am Mon-Wed Corporate Prayer: 6:00 - 6:55 pm Monday Night Bible Study: 7:00pm Wednesday Noon Prayer: 12 Noon Wed. Exposition of Sunday School Lesson: 7:00pm

Trinity Baptist Church 2040 W. Jefferson Blvd., L.A., CA 90018 • (323) 735-0044 F: (323) 735-0219• trinitybaptistchurchofla.org Rev. Alvin Tunstill, Jr Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 am YouTube: tv.trinitybaptist.cloud Sunday Radio Broadcast KJLH-FM: 9am Wed. Night Virtual Bible Study: 7pm (Log into zoom.us,click“join in a meeting” enter meeting ID: 480-271-5449. Or call 1-699-900-6833; give zoom ID Sign-in at 6:55pmrchofla.org

Weller Street Baptist Church 129 S. Gless St, Los Angeles, CA 90033 (323) 261-0949 • F: (323)264-6601 • www.wellerstreetlive.com Pastor K.W. Tulloss

Sunday School: 8:00am Sunday Morning Worship: 9:00am Tues. Bible Study: 6:45pm www.wellerstreetlive.com

West Angeles Church of God In Christ 3600 W. Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016 (323) 733-8300 • www.westa.org Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:30pm Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr., Senior Pastor Charles E. Blake II Co-Pastor Sunday Service: 10:00am Sunday Radio Broadcast: KJLH 102.3 FM: 10:00am

Citizens of Zion Missionary Baptist Church In Compton12930 No. Lime Ave., Compton, CA 90221 (310) 638-0536 • F: (323) 636-2080 • www.citizensofzion.org

Rev. Bobby Newman, Jr., Senior Pastor; Rev. B.T. Newman, Pastor (Pastor Emeritus)

Service Time: 10:45 Virtual Worship: Youtube

Greater Zion Church Family 2408 North Wilmington Avenue, Compton, CA 90222 (310) 639-5535 • (Tues - Thurs 10am -4pm)

Dr. Michael J. Fisher, Senior Pastor Sunday Worship: 9:00am Online Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00pm FB: GreaterZionChurchFamily IG: GZCFamily www.gzcfamily.com

Rev. Dr. George L. Thomas Sunday School: 9:45am & 10:15am Early Morning Worship: 7:30am Mid-Morning Worship: 11:15am New Members’ Class: 9:45am Communion (1st Sunday): 7:30 & 11:15am Mid-Week Prayer & Bible Study (Wed)- 7pm Broadcast (KALI 900AM - Sunday): 2pm-

3:00pm

Love and Unity Christian Fellowship 1840 S. Wilmington Ave, Compton 90220 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5449, Compton, CA 90224

Apostle Ronald C. Hill, Sr. Founder and Pastor

Live Stream Sunday Worship:10am/6:30pm Live Stream Bible Studies: Wed 7:30am & 9:00am Live Stream Prayer w /Apostle Hill: Fri: 9:00am

Food For Your Soul TV Ministry Impact Televison Network: Mon-Fri PST 6:30am The Word Network EVERY FRIDAY @ 12:30pm Atherton Baptist Church 2627 W. 116th Street Hawthorne,CA 90250 (323) 757-3113 • www.athertonbc.org F: 323-757-8772 • athertonbaptist@sbcglobal.net Pastor Larry Weaver

Sunday Morning Worship: 8:00 & 11:00 am Sunday Bible Enrichment Class: 9:45am Mon.-Thurs. Bible Study: 7:00pm Wednesday Bible Study: 12:30pm & 7:00pm

Pastor Geremy L. Dixon

Service Times: 8:00am & 10:00am Watch Via: Facebook|YouTube|Live Stream Closer To People...Closer To God!

www.GO2Hope.com

Bible Enrichment Fellowship International 400 E. Kelso, Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-4700 • www.bamcm.org

Dr. Beverly “BAM” Crawford

In Inglewood Faithful Central Bible Church 333 W. Florence Ave. Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-8000 • F: (310) 330-8035

Morning Worship: 9:30am Tues. Bible Study: 7:30pm Wed. Mid-Week Prayer:

5am, Noon & 7:00pm

Wednesday Pathway: 7:00pm Thurs Bible Study: 10:00am

Sat Marriage & Family Prayer: 7:30am Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer, Ph.D. Senior Pastor/Teacher

Sunday Services: 7am, 9:30am & 11:45am Wed. Mid-Week Service: 7pm The Tabernacle is located at 321 N. Eucalyptus Ave., Inglewood www.faithfulcentral.com

The City of Refuge 14527 S. San Pedro Street, Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 516-1433

Bishop Noel Jones

In Gardena

Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Evening Worship: 6:00pm Bible Study (Wed): Noon & 7:00pm BET/Fresh Oil (Wed): 7:00am Blessed Family Covenant Church 325 North Hillcrest Blvd, Inglewood, CA, 90301 (310)-674-0303 • F: (310)-674-0303

Pastor Wendy Howlett

Sunday Morning Worship & Word: 9:30am Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study: 7:00pm View Sunday Worship: www.youtube.com (Under Blessed Family Covenant Church)

www.blessedfamilycovenant.org

Pastor Profile: Ryan Small

Church: Greater New Jerusalem Baptist Church How Long at church: Six years Hometown: Los Angeles Family: Wife Bridgette, four children

Tell me about your path to ministry… Ministry has been a part of my entire life from a kid, not necessarily preaching, but music, singing in the choir and ministry. There’s just never been a time I've not known church. I knew I was going to be called into the ministry at some point, I just didn't know when it was going to happen and when it did happen, I ran from it for many years. Why? Some of my other friends at church had been called into the ministry and I knew what their life was like as teens and I just wanted to do teenage things. So, I figured if I didn't talk to God about it, if I didn't pray about it, He couldn't hold me to it. I purposely did not pray for a long time specifically about going into the ministry because I didn't want to hear what God had to say. What framed your thinking about being a pastor? Growing up in church, I knew the dedication and the devotion of pastoral leadership. At the same time, it was like you can't beat God. If He wants you to do something, you're going to do it.

What was the turning point for you? God just wouldn't leave me alone. He kept sending people towards me. Opportuni ties kept coming. Speaking engage ments kept coming. I knew it was God. Everything I did in church wasn't enough for me. He just kept on tugging at my heart. How did you get to Greater Jerusalem? The first pastor, Lewis White, retired at the end of 2016 after 54 years and I went in on January 1, 2017. So, in September of 2016, I was the youth pastor at True Friendship with Dr. James Perkins, and my wife got a call from the chairman of the board at Greater New Jerusalem wanting me to call him. I called him and he says, ‘Are you able to preach for us on the second Sunday of September?’ It just so happened I was out of town and I told him I wasn’t available. And he says, “Well, can you preach another Sunday in September?” I said, ‘Sure, but what's this for?’ He says, ‘We just want you to come preach.’ That didn’t really sit well with me and I eventually called the guy back and he said, ‘someone recommended you to be a candidate for pastor and we want to hear you preach. We'd also love for you to put in an application.’ This is part of God not leaving me alone, so I put my application in the first week of October and December 16th, they had a vote and I was voted in. Ironically, I grew up seven blocks away from that church, but knew nothing about them. What condition did Pastor White leave the church in? They had and still have a very rich legacy–an active of congregation of 100 congregants. There's probably another 400 or 500 people over the last five years I’ve met who still say that I'm a member of Greater New Jerusalem. So, there was a very solid foundation for me to build on.

Seems it’s been relatively smooth sailing for you? I've had a really great life. I spent 32 years in law enforcement and just retired from my nine to five as a police lieutenant with Manhattan Beach Police Department. Now I'm a full-time pastor. I've got a wonderful wife, I've got adult children who have graduated from college and a 15-year-old in high school. We're blessed.

In law enforcement, you must have seen a lot of things that would leave most a little jaded? Yeah. I've seen and lived both sides. That's another part of ministry. Again, even before accepting my calling to ministry, I was pastoring people and I'm talking about an affluent community in Manhattan Beach with people

Jacob’s Ladder Community Fellowship, inc. 1152 E. Hyde Park Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90302 (866) 330-1702 • F: (310) 674-0760

Watchman/Shepherd Dr. Robert T. Douglas Sr.

Sunday Fresh Start & Prayer 9:00am Sunday School: 10:00am Morning Services: 11:45am Evening Service: 7:00pm Wed. Lock & Load Prayer: 7:00pm Wed. Bible Study: 7:30pm 3rd Friday Youth Night: 7:30pm www.jacobladderschurch.com

that didn't look like me. People in the community would come up to me and say, ‘Hey, where's your church. I want to come to your church.’ At the time, I didn't have a church, but people were uplifted by the things I did or had to say. How did they know you were in ministry–were you witnessing to folks as you arrested them? When the opportunity came up–and it was appropriate to do so–I didn’t stray from it. Can you think of one example where you did and what happened as a result of it? Yeah. So, I was also a crisis and hostage negotiator, and in one incident there was a young lady who was going to commit suicide and jump off of the train bridge. I was trying to figure out a way to reach her emotionally and she said something that opened the window. She said, ‘Everybody's mad at me. My parents are mad at me. My friends are mad at me. God is mad at me.’ She created that opening and it became appropriate for me to minister to her. She did not jump. So, you were known as the preacher around the station? As much as I thought a lot of the officers and supervisors would shy away from me, I found that they would come to me more for those spiritual things. They’d say, ‘Will you pray for my mother? Pray for my father. Will you officiate a wedding?’ I eventually became the department chaplain as well. What are your plans for Greater New Jerusalem? I did not walk in with a five-year plan. I had to figure that out real quick and in one of my first leadership meetings, I said this is going to be our statement: ‘We're the Greater New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church and we are a church doing it God's way.’ How are we going to do that? Well, we have to be a biblically-based church fellowship. We've got to believe that faith, if we're trying to get other people to see that, we've got to believe it first.

How has the church served the community? This church is very much community oriented. They had a pastor for 54 years who loved the community, and the community loved him. So, we fed the community as best as we can through COVID. People come for prayer, for clothing and people within the community will look out for me just because of the church I serve. Pastor continued to page 24

Mt. Sinai Baptist Church (Guest Preacher George Parks Jr.) “Thank You For Being a Friend”—Philippines 2:19-30

Thank you for being a friend. Traveled down a road and back again. Your heart is true; you're a pal and a confidant. And if you threw a party,invited everyone you knew, Well, you would see the biggest gift would be from me, and the card attached would say... Thank you for being a friend.

Those are the words of Andrew Gold now immortalized as the opening theme song for The Golden Girls sitcom. The show depicted a group of ladies exiled because of sexism and ageism, yet they managed to find profound partnership among each other. The lyrics–coupled with melody– describe Paul’s sentiments in our text today.

There is a question I want to raise for your consideration. What would have become of Paul’s ministry absent of gospel partnership?

We lift Paul up as a model leader for the church. We study Paul’s theological concepts. We attempt to read his missives to his churches producing paradigms for church ministry and discipline. However, too often, we read and admire Paul as a lone figure. I contend we need to take a closer look to see who stood with and behind Paul.

The church at Philippi would not have been nurtured or reached its potential absent of Pastor Paul’s friends. Living life in isolation, increases our anxiety and prevents us from experiencing genuine community. The question is, in this hyper-individualistic, competitive ministry landscape and save a little for me culture, who is your friend? Not your mere colleague or your professional connection for increased notoriety or pseudo manager.

A friend comes to your aid, sees you at worst, but knows and believes in your potential. When we study people of especially our culture, we come from a tradition of divine partnership. We are the beneficiaries of character shaping partnerships.

Gardner Taylor had Vernon Jordan. Martin Luther King Jr. had Wyatt Tee Walker. Aretha Frankin had James Cleveland. A friend understands your past, believes in your future, but accepts you for who you are right now.

English scholar John Donne was right: “No Man is an Island unto himself.”

Friendship is indeed “medicine for the soul.”

This text is different from Paul’s typical correspondence. Paul is not correcting behavior nor addressing congregational disruption. Paul is nearly eight hundred miles from the church he organized in Philippi sitting under guard awaiting trial.

While giving his hopeful itinerary he offers us to take a look at his two friends, Timothy and Epaphroditus. They are stellar examples of Philippians 1:27, “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Timothy and Epaphroditus were gospel partners who offered Paul joy when the outcome of his life was uncertain. We, too, find ourselves like Paul– jailed by our circumstances, incarcerated by our own inconsistencies and detained by life’s difficulties…in need of relationship when life is unpleasantly real.

Paul had a larger-than-life mission. He was serious about this church’s sustained growth. Paul did not conflate the expansion of the church with his ego. Paul did not allow his limitations to be imposed on the church.

What a reminder for us never to allow any project, organization or our families suffer because of our limitations. Paul refuses to be a stumbling block and as a result of his desire not to bring the church down to his level, Paul invited Timothy to come alongside to ensure the ministry would continue. Paul glaringly speaks of Timothy, saying there was no one close to him like Timothy. Paul highlights Timothy as one who will care, and the first element of the genuine relationship is caring for others.

Timothy was known for caring in such a significant manner that he would put his thoughts and desires behind. We should note these are not words of introduction, instead these are words of proven testimony about Timothy.

What makes life and ministry endurable is when you have someone walking with you who’s not afraid of you succeeding and desires to be an intricate part of your success without being in a starring role. Stardom, self-aggrandizement and competition is a deadly virus to partnerships. Develop relationships where competition is not allowed but complimenting is the norm.

Timothy was young, but he was fully connected to the cause of Christ. The danger is you can't trust a person to be loyal to you if they have no authentic loyalty to Christ. Paul adds another element beyond Timothy’s trusted selflessness. Timothy displayed unapologeticsubmission, describing Timothy’s obedience with proud paternal speech. He says he’s been a good son. So, Timothy was an exceptional protege who graduated to being an essential partner–present at critical junctures in Paul’s ministry. Timothy was with Paul in Philippi. Timothy was with Paul when he wrote at least five of his correspondences to churches. Anytime Paul needed someone to report what was going on in one of his churches or stand in on his behalf, he could count on Timothy.

There will be times we will need intel and someone to go for us, and everyone can’t be trusted with such a task.

One of the most excellent references for friendship is how loyal one has been to another. When a person has submitted to someone else, you can trust that they will stand with you. For those who have learned submission, supporting others comes more naturally.

As we move up the levels of success navigating life and becoming more acquainted with one another, I challenge us to move from the surface to the more substantive. Move beyond the favorite designer, how much money you make… who's your Boo. Maybe we should ask one another who are your friends, who did you serve or who have you been standing with lately.

I recall the story of a little girl who stayed out longer than she was supposed to. When she arrived home her mother was infuriated and asked where have you been all that time. The little girl said one of her friends had broken her doll and she stopped to help her fix it. The mother responded, ‘How could you spend all that time fixing a doll?’

The little girl says, ‘I couldn’t’t fix the doll, so I sat down and helped her cry.’

Even in those times we can't change circumstances, misfortune or erase the pressure, we can simply be there. When we see beyond ourselves, we can meet the

Pastor Quentin T. Oden Continued to page 24

True Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 7901 South Van Ness Ave. Inglewood, CA 90305 (323) 750-7304 Rev. James A. Perkins

Sunday School: 9:30am Early Worship: 8am Morning Worship: 10:45am Bible Adventure Hour (Tues): 6pm Bible Study (Tues): 7pm Bible Study (Thurs): Noon

Christ Second Baptist Church 1471 Martin Luther King, Jr., Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 (562) 599-3421 • Fax: (562) 599-6175 • www.csbclb.org Rev. Welton Pleasant II, Senior Pastor Sunday School: 8:30am Sunday Worship Service : 9:40am Wed. Bible Study: 7:00pm Wed Youth & Young Adult Ministry: 7pm Grant AME Church of Long Beach 1129 Alamitos Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 • (562) 437-1567 grantamelb@aol.com • www.grantamelb.org Rev. Dr. Michael W. Eagle, Sr. Sunday Worship: 10:45am Wednesday Food Bank: 9:00am-Noon Mothers of Murdered Youth/Children: Thurs by Appt.; (B.U.S) Blankets, Underware, Shoes: Thursdays Facebook Live•YouTube•Free Conf Call Arise Christian Center 6949 La Tijera Blvd. Suite C,Westchester, CA,90045 (310)568-8445•F: (310) 568-8430 • Arisechristiancenter.com Pastor Ron Taylor Morning Worship: 9:00am & 11:15am Bible Study Wednesday: 7:00pm Intercessory Prayer Tuesday : 7:00pm Intercessory Prayer Sunday: 8am - 8:45am Thursday:11:30am-12:30pm In Westchester

Antioch Church of Long Beach 350 Pine Ave. ,Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 591-8778 •www.antiochlb.com Senior Pastor Wayne Chaney, Jr. Online Services Stream live: Sun 10:00am at antiochlb.com Give: text antiochib to 77977 Social Media: facebook.com/antiochlb instagram.com/antiochlb youtube.com/antiochlongbeach

In Long Beach

Greater Emmanuel Temple 3740 E. Imperial Highway, Lynwood, CA 90262 (424) 296-0400 •www.greateremmanuel.org

Pastor Nissan Stewart Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00am Wednesday Prayer: 6:30pm Mid-Week Refuel/Bible Study: 7:00pm (Wednesday) Follow us: @GETFamilyNow

The Greater Emmanuel Temple App Available in App Store In Lynwood

Walking In The Spirit Ministries In Norwalk Double Tree (Sonoma Grill) 12623 Norwalk Blvd, Norwalk CA 90650 (213) 248-6343 P.O Box 1597 Norwalk CA,90651 Tim & Leshia Brooks Morning Worship: 11:00am Services Held Every 2nd & 4th Sunday and Free Breakfast Is Served Bible Study: 8:30am (Every 5th Friday)

Money Matters continued from page 9 service. If consumers want to speak to a live operator to make their payment, they will be charged $17.50.

Based out of New Jersey, the mortgage company that provides this service calls the process “SpeedPay,” which is one of the “one-time payment options” that a borrower may use to make his or her monthly mortgage payment, as stated on the company’s website.

Bonta agrees, adding that the payments are “one example of junk fees charged to consumers in a multitude of financial products and services” offered by some banks, credit card companies, pre-paid debit card providers and others.

“For struggling homeowners trying to make their monthly mortgage payment, ‘pay to pay’ fees only rub salt in the wound,” said the California Attorney General. Pastor continued from page 22 Are you satisfied with the way things are going? I'm satisfied because we haven't slowed down even though the physical doors were closed for a while. I have been able to bring some things to a congregation that they had never done before. For instance, even though they videotaped a lot of their services, there was no internet. They didn't believe in people reading the Bible from their phone or app, or kids coming in there with phones and tablets. I had to help to adjust the culture to a 21st century perspective that would reach more people. Now we're on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter. What is your biggest challenge today in doing ministry? Getting out of God’s way. Just listening to him and doing what He tells me to do. Knowing it's not about me, but about me being faithful to what He wants me to do. Dodgers continued from page 7 that, but the offering has to exist— and that's our intention, especially as it relates to the black community.”

“We're certifying coaches to be able to not only coach kids with baseball and softball, but mentor them and be there for them, given what they may be going back home to,” says Whitman.

Whitman says LADF’s commitment to bringing baseball to underserved communities is only a jumping off point for bringing families in and helping them gain access to all the resources their partners provide.

“Once people dive deeper, they gain a better sense of all of the offerings that we can assist with, like education resources— whether that's financial literacy, college access and success literacy. When we're talking about health and wellness, we're talking about dental vision and health screenings with our partners, as well as fitness and nutrition clinics. We're talking about mental health. We have a parent workshop series, and so we're very adamant about parents.”

For more details, visit www.mlb.com/dodgers/community/foundation/impact/dreamteam. Sermon continued from page 23 needs of others. In verses 25-30, Paul commends to the Philippians his companion Epaphroditus. Epaphroditus is one of the lesser known personalities of the New Testament. A Gentile, with no religious royal blood line, he was the trusted carrier of the gift to Paul on behalf of the First Church at Philippi. Paul describes Epaphroditus in glowing terms: brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier. Paul informs the church that Epaphroditus will soon come to them. Epaphroditus had become ill–precisely what the illness we don’t know. We do know Bro E was so sick he almost kissed death and only recovered by divine grace. A closer reading is he stayed alive only because God had a hand in the matter. Paul shares a more vulnerable side and says if he had died, he would have sorrow that would be almost unbearable. Epaphroditus was a friend because he brought gifts, but more impressively he risked his life while performing a good deed. It is easy to come to someone's rescue when it is convenient. It is something weightier and more significant when your own life has been placed in jeopardy. Paul speaks of Epaphroditus tenderly because he knows he’s the real deal. There’s nothing like having a companion that has been touched by pain. It’s one thing to have success on top of success. It’s something else to shake hands with pain, dance with despair and travel with tears. Pain is a certificate of well-rounded life. Gold does not reach its strongest levels until it has been through fire.

We spend all of our lives and Christian experiences in search of success stories, however actual ministry effectiveness is often learned in painful moments. C. S. Lewis said, "God whispers to us in pleasures, but he shouts to us in pain.”

A friend who has been touched by pain will have sensitivity to your struggle.

Epaphroditus understood his assignment. He was aware that when he assisted Paul, he was equally promoting Christ. What if more people viewed the Christian life through helping and going above talking and praying?

Even the most excellent bodybuilders know they need a spotter when they are lifting. Well, we all need spiritual spotters that will see the weight we are attempting to carry and come to help us raise it to levels never imagined.

We all need friends that know how to help carry the weight of life. Let me take time for personal testimony. When I survey 24 years of attempting to preach and 13 years trying to shepherd, I don't know what would have become of my ministry if it wasn't for gospel partnerships I have had–friends who were faithful and true. I have had my share of frustrations, ups, downs and profound missteps, but I stand where I stand, and you stand where you stand because of the rich soil of character shaping friendships.

Jesus had friends. He climbed the Mount of Transfiguration with James and John. He architected the church with Peter. He relied on John to take care of his mother. He hosted dinner parties with Mary and Martha, and he had deep conversations With Lazarus.

When life is uncertain and it seems like you have no immediate help, remember Jesus is indeed a friend. And oh, what a friend we have in Jesus. All our sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer. Oh, what peace we often forfeit. Oh, what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!

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