44 minute read
Church News The Church of God In Christ Mourns Evangelist Joyce Rodgers;Bishop T.D. Jakes Says Churches Are Needed to Treat Pandemic Trauma
The Church of God In Christ Mourns Evangelist Joyce Rodgers
The Church of God in Christ is mourning the death of famed evangelist, speaker and author Joyce Rodgers, who died last month after battling an undisclosed illness at the age of 65. The announcement comes just days after Rodgers was installed as the supervisor for department of women for the Texas Northeast First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. Prior to taking that post, she served as the chairperson and administrative facilitator for the International Department of Women. Described as a life-strategist, coaching women and young girls on how to achieve success on God’s terms, but Rodgers’ impact was just as profound on the church at large, having published three books–including “Go Big: Believe In God”. COGIC Bishop Charles Blake tweeted: “In loving memory of the incomparable, one and only, faithful woman of God, Supervisor Joyce L. Rodgers. We honor her life and legacy!” In his social media post, Bishop T.D. Jakes thanked Rodgers for "teaching us to slay our giants with the full fervor of faith". Donnie McClurkin, who referred to her as his sister posted: "With a heavy heart that expected a different outcome, it is the will of God...we concede to God's sovereignty and accept His will!"
Advertisement
Bishop T.D. Jakes Says Churches Are Needed to Treat Pandemic Trauma
“The Gospel is needed more than ever before and finding ways that we can minister to the souls of men, the emotions, the mind, memories in a holistic way. If you’re not sleeping right, if you’re not eating right, if you’re having digestive issues … it may be coming from suppressed trauma that may not be showing outwardly but may be eating you up inwardly. Ministry is very helpful,” Jakes maintained. Last month, during a panel called “Finishing the Race: What the Church Needs to Know about COVID-19 Vaccines and Access by the Ad Council, Bishop T.D. Jakes suggested that the Black Church would be needed more than ever to treat what he termed as the residue of trauma left in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I borrowed this from [Bishop] Vashti McKenzie, but it really aptly describes our reality that ‘trouble doesn’t last always, but trauma lasts for a while.’ And I think we have to realize that as the trouble begins to dissipate that does not mean that the trauma is gone,” Jakes said. “And the Church is more needed now than ever before to treat the residue of trauma. We’re seeing it in an escalation of murders. We are seeing it in an escalation of divorce. We’re seeing it in an escalation of spousal abuse. Trauma takes on a lot of forms. And it’s one thing to hear it as a word, but when you see it in the behavior of people, sometimes we don’t really associate their behavior with the isolation that preceded it, the fear and the L.A. Focus/ June 2021 frustration, the loss of jobs that preceded it.” The event–supported by groups including the Black Coalition Against COVID-19, Choose Healthy Life, National African American Clergy Network, and the National Latino Evangelical Coalition– featured a powerful lineup of faith and community leaders for a conversation about vaccine education and access, and promoting vaccine confidence among the faith com16 munity.
New Study Finds 43% of Millenials Don’t Believe God Exists
The American Worldview Inventory 2021, a survey of the philosophy of life on American adults from Arizona Christian University, assessed the worldviews of four generations: millennials (born 1984-2002), Gen X (19651983), boomers (1946-1964) and builders (1927-1945). Among their findings, 43% of millennials stated they either don’t know, don’t care or don’t believe God exists compared to 28% of boomers, and 44% of millennials believe Satan is a real and influential, compared to 64% of boomers. On spiritual matters, Americans younger than 55 are far more likely to distrust the Bible and to believe God is uninvolved in people’s lives. Still, a majority of Americans call themselves Christian, ranging from 57% of millennials to 83% of builders. Researchers warn that the beliefs and behaviors of younger Americans, especially millennials, “threaten to reshape the nation’s religious parameters beyond recognition. In fact, this radical spiritual revolution has created a generation seeking a reimagined world without God, the Bible, or churches,” they wrote. Commenting on the study, George Barna, CRC director of research, said that Gen X and the millennials have “solidified dramatic changes in the nation’s central beliefs and lifestyles,” adding: “The result is a culture in which core institutions, including churches, and basic ways of life are continually being radically redefined.”
Pastor Gailen Reevers Succumbs to Cancer
Following a lengthy battle with cancer, Pastor Gailen Reevers–senior pastor at Lincoln Memorial Congregational UCC–passed away last month. He was 72. Ordained into the United Church of Christ (UCC) in 1983, Reevers was called to be the pastor at Lincoln Memorial Congregational UCC in 1995. During his leadership, Reevers organized and implemented various community outreach programs such as a youth mentoring program, a health and safety ministry, and a SAT Prep camp. The Detroit native also founded the Amistad Development Corporation. In that role he partnered with Retirement Housing Foundation and built Amistad Family Apartments, a 56 unit affordable housing complex in Los Angeles. Amistad was a catalyst for the development of Chesterfield Square, a 250,000 square- foot regional shopping center that became the first major retail development project completed in South Los Angeles in more than a decade. Rev. Reevers also oversaw the financing, development and construction of the Lincoln Family Life Center; a 9,000 square-foot facility dedicated to youth and community service activities. "Lincoln is not about me," he once told L.A. Focus. "It's about the people who are here. My name is not on the bus. You won't see my picture up anywhere in the building, –none of that stuff. In fact, if you came to my church during the day, you might have difficulty deciphering who is the minister. "We are actually in the business of creating disciples of Christ. It's not a new paradigm. It's an old one, but if I do my job, my people will be empowered to do ministry. We're talking about a transformation that becomes a lifestyle. It's a commitment to Christ, not to me."
Agape Church of Los Angeles Worship Center Consolidated Plaza: 3725 Don Felipe Drive, 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
Bryant Temple AME Church 2525 W. Vernon Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90008 (323) 293-6201 • F: (323) 293-0082
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
Grace Temple Baptist Church 7017 South Gramercy Place, Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 971-8192
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!
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#
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
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 Ruby Cottle, Ph.D., Pastor & Teacher
Prophetess June Morgan / Assistant Pastor Services Every Friday: 7:00pm-9:30pm
We meet at: St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 3901 West Adams Blvd, LA, CA 90018
Watch Dr. Cottle on HBN TV on Wed’s 7:30am Starting May 2nd: Channel 886 Dish, Smart TV 35.2
Rev. Rodney Howard
Sunday L.I.F.E Group: 8:30am Sunday Worship Service: 9:30am Wednesday Intercessory Prayer: 6:30pm Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00pm
Rev. Dr. J. Arthur Rumph, Senior 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 Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church 1300 E. 50th Street Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 235-2103 • F: (323) 235-3177 • www.mtzionla.org
Dr. Edward V. Hill, II, Pastor
Sunday Intercessory Prayer: 9:15am Morning Worship: 9:30am Children’s Church: 9:30am Sunday School: 11:30am Baptism: 2nd Sun. & Lord’s Supper:
1st Sunday
Tues. Pastor’s Bible Study: 6:30pm Wed. Noon-day Prayer: Noon
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 Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Sunday Radio: KJLH 102.3FM at 11:00am 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!
Israel Missionary Baptist Church - A Holy Spirit Filled Church 4501 South Compton Ave, Los Angeles,CA 90011 Church/Fax: (323) 233-3295 or 3296 Website: www.Israelmbc.com • Email: israelmbc@yahoo.com
Rev. Rodney J. Howard, Sr.
Sunday School: 10:00am Morning Worship: 11:30am Sunset Service: 5:00pm Communion Every First Sunday First Sunday Men In Prayer: 8:30 am Pastor’s Bible Study Tuesdays: 7:30pm
Mount Moriah Baptist Church of Los Angeles, Inc. 4269 South Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90037 (323) 846-1950 •Fax: (323) 846-1964
Life Of Faith Church 8216 S. Hover Street, Los Angeles,CA 90044 Office: (562) 375-1668 Website: www.lofnation.org • Youtube:LifeOfFaithChurchLive • Facebook: LifeOfFaithChurch•IG: LifeOfFaithC
Pastor Anthony Pigee, Jr.
Morning Worship: 10:00am Bible Study: 7:00pm
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 @6:00pm Zoom Call Into: (605) 472-5454/Access:188857
Online Services Stream Live: Sundays@10:45am to www.mccartychurch.org Give: Text 77977 Instagram@mccartyconnect
Reverend Johnteris Tate-Pastor
Sunday Church School: 8:00am Worship Service: 9:15am Baptist Training Union: 7:00am Tues. Bible Study/Prayer:Noon & 7:00pm
FIRST LADY FILES
KAREN A. BROWN
Contributor
Theresa Plesant
Christ Second Baptist Church
Preacher’s kids (PK’s) are born into families that serve God, the church, its congregants and the community in the various ministries of the church often without being asked for their opinion. This reality is well known to, Teresa Pleasant, who grew up singing in the choir, ushering and working in ministry at the Baptist church where her dad served as pastor. Pleasant, the second oldest of six, spent her adolescent years in the Bay Area with her family. She, along with her mother and five siblings helped her father as he pastored the Mount Zion Baptist Church. “My whole family always worked in ministry. My mother was a musician who played the piano and my dad directed the choir, then he preached,” she remembers fondly. In fact, she was in church when she met her husband, Pastor Welton Pleasant who had come to preach an early morning service. “I never go to 8:00am service but I went this particular Sunday,” says Pleasant. It would be the beginning of their courtship. The two were soon married and Pleasant moved to Los Angeles with her new husband where he currently pastors the Christ Second Baptist Church of Long Beach and Teresa Pleasant serves as the music director of the choir, a talent that she has always been drawn to given her love of music. As Pleasant reflects on her favorite scripture she recalls the words in Isaiah 55:8, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts and my ways are not your ways,” with reminds her to align her thoughts with those of God’s. When reflecting on her role as first lady, Pleasant is reminded of the wise words of her late mother, “Your first ministry is to your husband and your children. Let your home be a place of respite.” She also wants to remind women “Don’t stop being who and what God has called you to be.” Pastor Welton and First Lady Teresa Pleasant are the proud parents of two adult sons.
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 on Facebook and You Tube @New Antioch Church of God In Christ
Park Windsor Baptist Church 1842 W. 108th St. Los Angeles, CA 90047 (323) 756-3966 • RevTerrellTaylor@sbcglobal.net
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: 8:00am, 11:30am Discipleship Groups (Sun): 9:45am Noonday Bible Study(Tue): 12:00pm Tuesday Night in the Truth: 7:15pm Radio: KKLA 99.5 FM (Sat): 9:00pm Our Goal: To glorify God by winning more Christians and developing better Christians (Matt. 28:18-20)
Rev. Terrell Taylor
Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Bible Study Wednesday: Noon & 7:00pm Communion: 1st Sunday at 8:00am &
11:00am
Pastor Roshod Sundays: Morning Worship:
8:00am & 11:00am
Wednesday Bible Study & Mid Week Worship:
Noon & 7:00pm
Prayer Meeting: 6:30pm
St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church 5017 S. Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011 (323) 231-1040 • stmarkmbcofla.org
Reverend Dr. Lovely Haynes, Pastor
Sunday Morning 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
The Potter’s House at One LA 614 N. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036 (818) 763-4521 • www.tphla.org
Sr. Pastor Toure’ Roberts
Sunday Worship: 9:00am, 11:15am & 1:00pm Thursday Midweek Service: 8pm
Watch Live: http://tphla.org/watch-live/
Trinity Baptist Church 2040 West Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018 (323) 735-0044 • F: (323) 735-0219
Rev. Alvin Tunstill, Jr
Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 am YouTube channel: tv.trinitybaptist.cloud Facebook/Website:trinitybaptistchurchofla.org SundayRadio Broadcast KJLH FM: 9:00am Zoom Wed. Night Virtual Bible Study: 7:00pm Sign in to zoom.us click on “join in a meeting” enter meeting ID: 480-271-5449. By phone 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
“We have not walked this way before” Joshua 3:1-6
West Angeles Church of God In Christ 3045 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016 (323) 733-8300
Bishop Charles E. Blake
Sunday School: 8:00am & 10:30am Early Worship: 8:00am Morning Worship: 11:00am Evening Worship (North Campus): 7:00pm Wed. Mid-Week Worship: 7:00pm Sun. Radio Broadcast KJLH 102.3FM: 10am www.westa.tv
Citizens of Zion Missionary Baptist Church 12930 No. Lime Ave., Compton, CA 90221 (310) 638-0536 • F: (323) 636-2080 • www.citizensofzion.org
In Compton
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: 8:00am|10:45am| 5:00pm Wednesday Bible Study: 12pm|7:00pm
FB: GreaterZion IG: GZCFamily
www.gzcf.us
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 Holy-Communion (1st Sunday): 7:30 & 11:15am Mid-Week Prayer & Bible Study (Wed)- 7:00pm Broadcast (KALI 900AM - Sunday): 2:00pm-
3:00pm
Love and Unity Christian Fellowship 1840 S. Wilmington Ave, (P.O. Box 5449), Compton 90224 (310) 604-5900, www.loveandunity.org • info@loveandunity.org
Apostle Ronald C. Hill, Sr. Founder and Pastor
Live Stream Sunday Worship:10am & 6:30pm Live Stream Bible Studies:Wed.7:30pm&Sat 9am Live Stream Prayer w Apostle: Fri: 9am
Food For Your Soul TV Ministry Impact Televison Network: Mon-Fri @6:30amPST KJLH 102.3 Sundays 9:00pm
Pastor Larry Weaver
Sunday Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00
am
Sunday Bible Enrichment Class: 9:45am Mon.-Thurs. Bible Study: 7:00pm Wednesday Bible Study: 12:30pm & 7:00pm
Bible Enrichment Fellowship International 400 E. Kelso, Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-4700 • www.bamcm.org
Dr. Beverly “BAM” Crawford
In Inglewood
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
Morning Worship: 8:00am & 11:00am Wed. Mid-Week Service: Noon Wed. Teaching Ministry: 7:00pm 1st Sunday Communion 5th Sunday Baptism
Faithful Central Bible Church 321 N. Eucalyptus Ave. Inglewood, CA 90301 (310) 330-8000 • F: (310) 330-8035
Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer, Ph.D. Senior Pastor/Teacher
Sunday Services: 7:00am, 9:30am & 11:45am Wed. Mid-Week Service: 7:00pm 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 • blessedfamilycovenant.org
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)
Pastor Profile: Anthony Pigee Jr.
Church: Life of Faith Church How Long at Church: One year Hometown: Los Angeles Family: Wife Tineisha, one daughter, Alaysha
How did you come to be in ministry?
There are four generations of preachers in my family. My mom’s water broke with me in church, so some say I was born in church. I’ve served as a youth director, armor bearer, musician, drummer….
How I started preaching? I was on the organ one Sunday and my father, Bishop Anthony Pigee Sr. looked over at me and announced, “Y'all got to come back to church tonight,” and everybody was like, “What's going on?” And he said, “My son is preaching his first sermon.” I’d never preached a sermon a day in my life. Never thought about pastoring.
I preached “99 problems, but a praise ain't one”. It was one of the most important days of my life. I was 20.
Most PK’s try to get away from the church for a minute?
That was me for sure. For a little background, my mom's side of the family was heavily invested in the streets. My dad's side was church, so I came home to both worlds. I loved the amenities at church. We had this church mother who used to make fried baloney sandwiches and I looked forward to church for those sandwiches. On the flip side, I had my fair share of being in the streets and out there I didn’t show no signs of being a preacher at all. I was a gang member. that point I realized I can't play both sides anymore, because that blood is literally on my hands. That's when I began the transformation process.
How did you get away with being a gang member and a church boy at the same time?
Throughout the week, I was in the streets and on Sundays I was at church. What happened was one particular Sunday, a guy came up to receive salvation and my father asks him, “What made you make this decision?” The young man told my father, “Well, I see your son and he's serving and if he can do it, I can do it.” Come that Saturday, we had what we used to call back in the day, a hood meeting, 0 2021 at a particular park and lo and behold, the guy that just received salvation was at that park. So L.A. Focus/ June when I saw him, I tried to hide behind trees. He saw me and said, “Aren't you the pastor’s son?” I said, “Yeah, bro, you got me.” And he said, “What are you doing here?” And I said, “Well, what are you doing here?” And he said, ‘Man, I just got saved, but you've been in church your whole life.’ 18 Since that day, he was like, I can't do church and he became an atheist. It wasn't until
Did your father know you were a gangbanger?
Absolutely. There was nothing I ever did that God did not reveal to that man. My car was marked because of something I did, and my father found out about it. I remember we were going to take our last family picture before my mom passed, and he says, ‘Son, your brothers and sisters can ride in the car with you. The Lord showed me some stuff …your car is marked.’
What attracted you to the street life?
Wanting to belong…Growing up in church, you have this stereotype that men in church are soft so I didn't want to be a church boy. Plus, I loved the money…and what I thought was power.
So, what do you say to those women in churches and single mothers with sons out in the streets that they're trying to pray back into church? Never give up on your child. The majority of the time it's just a season – a phase they're going through. Sometimes, as parents, we have to learn how to reach our children where they are, opposed to you just shoving down what you think they should be doing. Sometimes you have to let them know, “Hey, I love you. I'm here for you and what can we do together to turn this corner?” Instead of “You’re just like your daddy”, “I knew you were going to be nothing” or “You got demons in you.” That type of stuff that does nothing but push people further into that lifestyle. The Bible tells us, ‘by love and kindness have I drawn thee’. In my context, I was like, ‘Dad, you just want to get me off the streets, because you want me to preach or be there for the church.’ And I didn't want to be part of any of that.
Has that experience served you as a preacher? Absolutely. A young man at our church was recently pulled over by the cops and there was a firearm in the vehicle he was completely unaware of and he had to go to jail. I told his parents to bring him to the church after they released him and I was able to minister to him and say, ‘Hey man, I've been in your shoes. I want to let you know I love you. You're a good person. You made a bad decision. I've been there.’
Had I not experienced that I would have been like, you had no business in the car.
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
Your father, who was the pastor of the church, passed away last year to COVID, was it a given that you would take over the church and how difficult was that process?
It was a given because he made sure everybody knew publicly that if something happened to him, I was to be the pastor. It was and still is one of the most difficult times of my life, because not only did he pass away, but he passed away at the beginning of the pandemic.
We couldn't have a service for him. The church was grieving. The family is grieving. We couldn’t fellowship with each other. I had no pastor I could call and say, “Hey, how do you pastor during a pandemic, because nobody had a point of reference. So, when I wanted to talk to my father about the loss of my pastor, I couldn’t, and when I wanted to talk to my pastor about how to deal with the loss of my father, I couldn't.
What was biggest lesson you learned from your father that you draw on today?
Perseverance. I watched my father take care of my mother, lose my mother and then preach that Sunday. I’ve seen him deal with loss and church politics and my father always persevered and that's literally in my DNA.
What are your thoughts on losing your father to COVID?
It damaged me because I'm like, Lord, my father was faithful. He prayed for people and I’ve seen them recover. He was living right. And to be honest, it was other people that I'm like, they ain't even saved. They’re doing everything wrong and I said, ‘God, why did you take him?’
Monday through Friday, you serve as a school counselor?
I've been working for Paramount School District for the past 11 years as a behavior specialist/ counselor. Basically, I kind of redirect kids in how they rationalize and internalize their thoughts, redirecting their behavior, whether it stems from home issues, bullying, poverty or whatever the case. It is my job is to make sure that their behavior is not in direct conflict with their academics, but to make sure we prepare them with the tools and the resources so they can be successful.
What have you had to personally overcome ?
I had a problem delegating authority. That's one of the traits I learned immediately. Number two, is having a heart of compassion. My father was very stern and disciplined. That's in my DNA and sometimes it can be misinterpreted as a lack of compassion, so I'm learning how to Pastor profile continued to page 24
Father's Day blessings to each and every one of you–fathers, mentors, and father figures who stepped into individual's lives– who stood in the gap. To every father out there who mentored child that wasn't yours, who stepped in and stepped up to the plate not as a stepfather, but as a father.
On May 25th, 2020, we all saw the vicious and savage murder of George Floyd, and the protests rising up amidst the outward displays of racism and a pandemic that has been around far too long. In the midst of that, George Floyd's daughter, Gianna says something profound and it’s the title of today's message: ‘Daddy changed the world’.
In Ephesians 6:1-4, Paul writes, Children obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. Honor your father and your mother. This is the first commandment with a promise. If you honor your father and mother things will go well for you and you will have a long life on the earth.
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, by the way you treat them, rather bring them up in the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.
The entire book of Ephesians to the church at Ephesus is a powerful treatise to the body of Christ. In chapter one, we learn that we sit in heavenly places. In chapter two, we are saved by grace as a gift of God, not through works. In chapter three, we learn there's power in our prayers when we lean in our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Chapter four helps us to understand that we are bond servants of Christ. Also, we learn in Ephesians 4-6, that we are equipped to do the work of ministry and we are to do it until we all mature into the stature even under Christ.
Chapter five helps us to understand the relationship of the believer to the church; how to submit to one another; for husbands to love your wives and wives respect your husbands.
Then it opens in Chapter 6 to continue this dialogue around a sanctified, separated, and anointed family of God, with what it looks like in particular for children to honor their fathers and their mothers as the first commandment with a promise, but also most certainly what it means for a father to become a daddy who changes the world.
I don't care what stature you hold in the community; you and I have an opportunity to be a change agent in the world, particularly during this dark time in this dark season.
There's something about a man in a child's life. I've experienced it in my own life, watching my own two daughters and now my transgender daughter still be able to succeed in life because they had a father who invested in them not only intellectually, emotionally and psychologically in a way that helps them to understand the world around them, but sharply investing in their lives spiritually.
We teach our sons how to tie bow ties, to shine their shoes. We teach our daughters how to be respected and not allow a man to treat them any old kind of way based on how we treat their mothers or the women around them. But God is calling you and I–as daddies who change the world–to help us understand that after teaching all the things of the world –including what it is to survive when being pulled over by the police or how to respond in situations that may be adverse because of who you are–we must also teach them how to put their trust in God.
Yes, we must teach them how to build on their relationship through the instruction and the discipline that comes from the Lord.
The first thing we must understand is that daddies will change the world when we prophetically prepare our children and not provoke them as directed in Ephesians 6:4.
This is very instructive because when we prophetically speak into the lives of our children, what we are doing is speaking into their lives in such a way that causes them to have the proper analysis of their present condition while also having hope in spite of what they're going through and what they must go through.
When we speak prophetically into their lives, through the discipline and instruction of God's word, we help them to understand they have a future and hope in spite of their present condition. That when you and I project in them the discipline of God's word, as well as the instruction that comes from God's word, we help them to understand that they are more than their condition; more than what the family they've been raised in; more than what the world would try to get them to believe about themselves.
They are more than even having a knee on their neck in spite of it being a reality in their lives.
We prophetically speak into their lives to help them understand there's an anointing on their life. That they are able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that they can ever ask God to do according to a power that is prophetically operating in their lives.
Fathers, we have been called to be world changers, but it must start at home, which means do all that you can on your knees to prophetically pray and speak into your child's life.
One of the things I've had to learn is that they do have minds of their own and we want them to be critical thinkers. We want them to have courageous conversation. Here's a news flash, daddy, let them start those courageous conversations with you.
One of the most powerful conversations I'm having with my daughters is about their experience growing up in my home. As much as I thought I've been a change agent in their lives, the reality is there are some ways and sometimes I failed them, but praise be unto God that He's able to recover, restore and heal.
I know it's hard to be a father. We're working through some of our own stuff but let me encourage you that you are a world changer because you are a daddy who changes the world when you speak prophetically. And part of that prophetically speaking to their lives is our time in prayer when the Lord begins to prophetically download into our lives what our children are to become.
Here is the third thing daddies do to change the world. We actively serve and obey Christ.
Matthew 16:24-26 says, “Then Jesus said to his disciples, if any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way.”
We follow the Lakers. We follow Golden State. We follow the Rams. We know more stats about individuals in the world than we do about the word of God.
We must learn to obey Christ by picking up the cross, not His cross, but your cross to be a daddy that changes the world. Your cross to be a daddy that stands up, a Daddy who disciplines himself through the word of God so that we can actively instruct and discipline our children through the word of God.
The reality is if we're going to change the world, we've got to be obedient. We've got to follow and serve Christ in spite of how it feels; in spite of the challenges, you have in your life; in spite of your not even having a father in your own life. You've got to serve…obey. The fourth thing we need to do is to model faithfulness and the three ways we model faithfulness is– to God first, to our families second, and then to our communities and here’s how: We do justice.
We do justice in our families when we prophetically speak into our children's lives and not provoke them; when we build altars of prayer as priests and we do justice when we actively serve Christ and obey him. And we model this faithfulness not only by doing justice, but by showing loving kindness and mercy. We've
Pastor Sam
Casey 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 Christian’s Community Center of Los Angeles 3960 E. Gilman Street, Long Beach, CA 90815 (562) 597-3252
Senior Pastor Thom Washington
Live Stream Sunday Service: 11:00am Wednesday Night Prayer: 6:00pm Sunday Bible Class: 9:30am Sunday Afternoon Services: 4:00pm (2nd & 4th Sunday) Wednesday Prayer: 6:00pm Bible Study Wednesday 7pm
Rev. Dr. Michael W. Eagle, Sr.
Sun. Worship Experience: 10:45am 3rd Sun. Healing & Anointing: 10:45am Wed. Bible Study: Noon & 6pm Mothers of Murdered Youth & Children
Where all receive a little attention, affection and love.
Antioch Church of Long Beach 350 Pine Ave. ,Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 591-8778 •www.antiochlb.com In Long Beach
Senior Pastor Wayne Chaney, Jr. Online Services
Stream live: Sunday 10:00 am at antiochlb.com Give: text antiochib to 77977
Social Media:
facebook.com/antiochlb instagram.com/antiochlb youtube.com/antiochlongbeach Family of Faith Christian Center 345 E. Carson Street, Long Beach, CA 90807 (562) 595-1222 • F: (562) 595-1444
Bishop Sherman A. Gordon, E.D. Min
Sunday School: 8:00 am Morning Worship: 9:00 am
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: 7:00pm Gospel Memorial Church of God In Christ 1480 Atlantic Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 (562) 599-7389 • F: 562-599-5779 • gospelmemorial@aol.com
Bishop Joe L. Ealy
Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Worship: 11:00am Evening Worship: 6:30pm Wed. Intercessory Prayer: 7:00pm Wed. Pastoral teaching adults: 7:30pm Wed. Youth Ministry Boot-Camp; Youth Bible Study: 7:00pm & Choir Rehearsal: 7:30pm Grant AME Church of Long Beach 1129 Alamitos Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 • (562) 437-1567 grantamelb@aol.com • www.grantamelb.org
First United Methodist ChurchCompton 1025 S. Long Beach Blvd •Compton, CA 90221 (310)639-0775•F: (310) 639-1161
Dr. Arnetha E. Inge, Pastor
Sunday School: 8:30am - 9:30am Sunday Morning Worship: 10:00-11:45am TONGAN Worship:1:00pm(2nd&3rd Sundays) Wed. Prayer & Bible Study: 7:30am & 6:30pm
Greater Emmanuel Temple 3740 E. Imperial Highway, Lynwood, CA 90262 (424) 296-0400 •www.greateremmanuel.org In Lynwood
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
Morning Worship: 11:00am Services Held Every 2nd & 4th Sunday and Free Breakfast Is Served Bible Study: 8:30am (Every 5th Friday)
Arise Christian Center In Westchester 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
Jim Clyburn continued from page 8 address racial inequities by taking steps that are necessary to repair the faults of our past. Working together, with informed acknowledgements and our eyes wide open, we can make significant strides in our “pursuit of a more perfect union.” Compton continued from page 6 against the Los Angeles county Sheriff's department.” “Essentially what the allegation is that the county is paid $20+ millions to patrol the streets of compton to make sure the streets are safe, and the residents are safe,” said Jamon Hicks, whose firm has been retained on behalf of the city of Compton. “However, in actuality, what is happening is fraudulent billing - what that mean is we have deputies say they are at location they are not at.” Michelle Chambers called for transparency. “We asked for justice instead we get excessive force. Constantly harassment. And now a total blatant misuse of our funds, the residents of compton deserve better.” “Lastly, we hope Compton is paving the way for other contract cities to take action and protect their residents and tax dollars by holding the Sheriff's department accountable.” Pastor continued from page 22 soften my love. What will set your church apart? I believe God called me to be a pastor to the unchurched. Lots of churches cater to churchgoers, but I tell people, don't bring anybody from another church, then we're just recycling church members. Bring somebody that doesn't know God, who doesn’t go to church of has been hurt by church. Not to say we'll be the only church doing that, but it is something we're striving for at Life of Faith, and that our church can be a beacon light to those in need 24/7 and I'm praying that God will give us the resources to do so. Pulpit continued from page 23 got to learn how to be merciful and to model loving kindness. Peace is not the absence of conflict, it's you choosing to model faithfulness unto God, to your family, to the community, to do justice, to walk in a merciful way and pray.
I don't care what you've gone through, you are a world changer. You matter, daddy. And you may not be celebrated much, but I want to tell you by the spirit of God today, that you are a world changer. Keep building altars. Keep prophetically speaking. Keep actively serving. Keep modeling faithfulness. announced the closure of Ralphs on Pico Boulevard as well as a Food 4 Less on Sunset. Kroger’s decision to close the Ralphs on Slauson presents a different set of issues for a community that is already lacking access to many healthy food options outside. “Within a four-mile radius we operate seven Ralphs and Food 4 Less locations. The reason that store closed is because it was experiencing losses year after year,”
Votava continued. The closure is just one of many blows to a community facing rampant gentrification. As new developments spring up, concerns continue to grow about longtime residents who continue to be pushed out or left behind. All hope is not lost however, as community groups work on ways to fill the void. Olympia Auset, the founder of SUPRMARKT, is among these groups. “The closure is disappointing and leaves an already under resourced area with even less resources. It also puts more burdens on under resourced non-profits to increase health food access, but we are up for the challenge,” said the food activist who has been doing pop-up grocery stores in Leimert Park since 2016, providing fresh fruits and vegetables. She has helped to provide over 100,000 pounds of produce that can even be purchased with EBT for lower income residents. “We are pulling together with other food fighters to provide thousands of free organic food bags to area residents and look forward to releasing details in the coming weeks.
Joe Randall doesn’t like when people refer to Black chefs as “Soul Food” because as he stated in an interview with PBS, “You think [an African American chef is] limited in his skills and that's not necessarily the case.” It certainly isn’t the case with Randall, known as “the Dean of Southern Cuisine” and a trailblazer among Black chefs. His ascension from Air Force flight line kitchens to executive chef positions–including that of the award winning Cloister Restaurant–to owning a own cooking school for more than a decade that made him an expert on food quality and Southern cuisine. His specialty is low country/Gullah cuisine forged from the West African slave descendants and based on rice, simmered vegetables and fresh seafood. His cookbook “A Taste of Heritage: the New AfricanAmerican Cuisine” is on permanent display at the Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of African-American History and Culture and he has been seen on HGTV, the Food Network (“The Best of Ethnic Eateries” and Best of Prix Fixe). Born in Harrisburg, Pa, Randall’s career began in 1964 after leaving the Air Force where he was a cook, and taking a 90 cents an hour apprenticeship at a local restaurant. His father had been a doctor and a chef and his uncle was a caterer and restauranteur in Pittsburgh. Upon retiring after a 53-year career in culinary arts, Randall has made it his mission to preserve and protect Southern cuisine and its heritage in black kitchens. 1 lb black-eyed peas. soaked 2 quarts water 1 ham hock, split 1 sprig fresh parsley 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup clarified butter 1 small onion, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup all purpose flour 2 egg yolks 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper Salt and pepper to taste Ingredients:
Directions: •Drain black eyed peas and place in large saucepan with water, ham hock, parsley and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cook 1 1/2-2 hours or until tender. Drain and allow to cool. Discard parsley and refrigerate ham hock for other use. • In a skillet heat two tbsps of butter over medium heat and cook onion and garlic 1-2 min. Season with salt and pepper, add two tablespoons of flour and cook, stirring 3-4 min. Do not brown. Remove from heat. Set aside. •Puree half of the peas in a food processor/blender until roughly smooth. Mash the remaining half of the peas on the side of a large bowl. Add pureed peas. Stir in onion mixture and egg yolks. Season with sage and cayenne pepper. Mix well. •Using a 1/4 cup measure, form cakes and place on a parchment-lined baking pan. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 1/2 hours. •In a large skillet, heat remaining butter over medium heat and lightly dust cakes in remaining flour. •Cook 2-3 minutes on each side or until brown and heated through.
SavingGrace
It makes total sense that #RolandMartinUnfiltered would be the name of Roland Martin’s current daily digital show which broadcasts several social media platforms including YouTube. Candid, forthright and honest, Martin is an award-winning journalist whose natural gift for speaking truth without compromise has landed him in highly regarded spaces and fervent conversations.
Martin’s unfiltered way with words is in-part rooted in his childhood upbringing, where family conversations were always inclusive of both adult and younger generations. “There were lots of debates that took place about present day issues,” he reflects. “As a kid you had to hold your own with grown folks. So, my ability to debate on television was long honed from those fiery and spirited conversations with my relatives.”
A native of Houston, Texas, Martin knew as a youth he would pursue a career in journalism. After graduating from Jack Yates High School-Magnet School of Communications—where he returns annually to award $1,000 scholarships to seniors—he went on to earn a BS degree in journalism from Texas A&M University.
While in college interning at KBTX (CBS affiliate) radio station, Martin applied for a weekend sports anchor position that had become available. “Everybody at the station said, ‘this is a no-brainer, that job is Roland’s,’” he recalls.
The station’s news director, Jeff Braun, who was responsible for filling the position, had a different opinion. A colleague confided in Martin that ten years prior, Mr. Braun had an altercation with a Black man that he has never forgotten about. Because Martin was of the same race, the sports anchor job was given to another candidate.
“I was pissed!” quips Martin. “[He’s] not going to hire this black guy because of whatever the hell happened a decade ago? I left the station.”
In 1991, the Birmingham News declined to hire Martin (even though all sixteen news editors at the publication wanted him on staff) because of his then credit score. Turns out, Alabama state law permitted employers to deny jobs to people whose credit ratings were unattractive no matter how well qualified they were for the position.
“Could my career have gone differently had I gotten that job? I don’t know,” he reasons. “But I will always use it as fuel to prove what has to be done.”
Martins’ get-it-done attitude is how he’s been able to share countless media platforms with multiple U.S. presidents, A-list athletes and entertainers, political pundits, and community activists.
For six years Martin served as a contributor to CNN, appearing on numerous shows and earning accolades for his explicit honesty, conviction, and perspective on current issues. In 2005, he began contributing commentaries on TV One, where he’d later be named host and managing editor of Washington Watch, a Sunday morning show.
Between 2013 to 2017, Martin was host and managing editor of NewsOneNow, the first daily morning news show in television history targeting African Americans. In all, he spent 13 years at TV One and played a significant role in helping to build and sustain the Black owned network.
“I believe the commitment that Martin has had all these years to keep the global community informed about what goes on in this country in relationship to African Americans and people in need of a voice has been very well placed,” said legendary actor and activist Harry Belafonte, on the evening Martin was named Journalist of the Year by The National Association of Black Journalist (NABJ) in 2013. “I think anybody that gets into that space and can reveal the truth about what’s going on becomes an important player.”
Advocating passionately on behalf of the Black community and illuminating perspectives that are easily covered up is a sweet spot for Martin — whose voice has reached beyond the US into Canada, Australia, Columbia, Italy, South Africa, and the UK.
While Jet Magazine readers voted him “King of the Hill” (2012) in terms of who they turn to on issues that concern African Americans, Martin would argue that his perspectives on culture, social and life values span across racial and ethnic lines. He has recognized what people in general need to hear and learn and doesn’t limit his ability to debate and articulate to one group of people.
“[One of the] things that bring me joy is touching people, informing people, delivering news and information that is life-changing,” says Martin, a four-time NAACP Image Award recipient. “I’ve had a lot of people over the course of my career come to me and say how what I have said or what I’ve reported has impacted and changed their lives.”
As a matter of fact, Martin who was raised a devout catholic, has encountered others so inspired by his words and influence, that they’ve accused of missing God’s call to ministry.
“I’ve also had people come up to me [and say] ‘you’re running from your calling’… And I said, no I’m not,” h e insists. “There’s this assumption, that in order for you to spread the Good News, or to operate in God’s will that you have to be in a pulpit. When in fact, God said to me, ‘I need folks just where they are.’ So, when I’m on television, when I’m on the radio, and when I’m writing columns, I have literally touched and spoken words of faith to far more people than most pastors will ever preach to in their lifetime.”
Martin, who attended Louisiana Baptist University earning a master’s degree in Christian Communications, admits to never being shy about practicing and sharing his belief in God. The first show he hosted on CNN was called, “What Would Jesus Do?” As an author of three books and a fourth on the way, the title of his first publication, Listening to the Spirit Within: 50 Perspectives on Faith, is a collection of columns he wrote in which the context was centered around faith.
“There’s some who see their faith as part of who they are, and then there are those who see faith as the essence of who they are,” notes Martin, whose wife, Rev. Jacquie Hood Martin, is an ordained minister. “It’s not like it’s private for me, I have always infused it into my work.”
Martin’s career has garnered him more than thirty honors and awards including being named four times by Ebony Magazine as one of the 150 Most Influential African Americans in the United States. In addition, he received the 2008 President’s Award by the NABJ for his work in multiple media platforms.
“The joy for me comes in practicing and doing what I went to Jack Yates High School for,” affirms Martin. “There’s a fascination with just doing the work and then getting better, and making it more interesting, and the new discoveries you experience just going through the process…It’s that constant pursuit of excellence.”
To say that Martin is far from slowing down would be stating the obvious. This year, the media mogul is premiering “Roland S. Martin Presents We Got Next: An Intergeneration Dialogue” on Facebook Watch. Each episode brings together with the fire and vigor of the young, with the wisdom and knowledge of elders involved in social justice activism for a series of engaging and informative conversations with no set agenda. On top of that he’s penned a new book, White Fear, in which he argues that the election of Trump in 2016 was largely driven by backlash from white Americans who feel threatened by the inevitable transition to a majority non-white country. White Fear is slated for release in early 2022.
As the CEO and owner of Nu Vision Media, Inc. a full-service media firm that produces and distributes his daily digital show, Martin likens his work ethic to his love for the game of golf. “A golfer is in pursuit of the perfect round, and the reality is there is no perfect round,” observes Martin. “If you shoot a 59, a golfer will say that’s amazing. But I could have shot a 58! Meaning you can have 59 amazing swings, but you’re
Roland Martin
There’s this assumption, that in order to spread the Good News or operate in God’s will, that you have to be in a pulpit. When, in fact, God said to me, ‘I need folks just where they are.’ So, when I’m on TV, the radio, and when I’m writing columns, I have literally touched and spoken words of faith to far more people than most pastors will ever preach to in their lifetime.
