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December 2015
S m a l l C h u r c h
BIG IMPACT
NEWARK NEWS CHRISTMAS CONCERT CELEBRATE HANUKKAH
RELATIONSHIPS 101
GROW YOUR BUSINESS WINTER HEALTH TIPS RELATIONSHIPS 101
REV. DR. GLEN C. MISICK
“The Church That Founded Newark”
NewarkNewsOnline.com
In This Issue The Resident Ministers Alliance Rev. Dr. Glen C. Misick The Church Which Founded Newark Successful Vs. Unsuccessful People Transformation Newark News magazine is a monthly publication focused o the city of Newark, NJ Providing practical information and tips to transform lives. CONTRIBUTORS CURTIS MINCEY
6 Ways to Engage Your Congregation South Ward School Initiative
PUBLISHER Rick Greene A METRO CHRISTIAN MEDIA PUBLICATION 53 Burnet Street Newark, New jersey
13th Amendment Celebration
From Metro Christian Media
ADVERTISERS & CONTRIBUTORS WANTED EMAIL OR CALL FOR DETAILS Admin@MetroChristianMedia.com 862-888--8238
COVER: Rev. Dr. Glen C. Misick
In Every Issue by Pastor Rick
BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION Grow & Build Your Business RELATIONSHIP TRANSFORMATION Relationships 101
Pastor Rick/Publisher
CITY TRANSFORMATION 4 Tips To Make Your City Better LIFE TRANSFORMATION 10 Life Tips MINISTRY TRANSFORMATION Small Church Big Impact
Many have asked, why? Whats the use? Whats the purpose? I simply choose to believe that Newark can be better, Newark should be better, Newark must be better, because their are over 100,000 young lives depending on us to make it better or else they will fall to the streets. Our purpose is to follow God’s leading. Our objective is to publish transformation ideas... Our goal is to change lives!
NewarkNewsOnline.com
“PARTNERING WITH MINISTRIES TO ADVANCE THE KINGDOM”
Planing for the 350th Anniversary of Newark, ReMA has several events and and activities planed throughout the coming year to not only highlight the historical significance of our city but more importantly our spiritual significance and heritage as well. Visit ReMAnewark.org to see all upcoming events and activities. Call us, signup, take part, and let your voice be heard and your presence be felt as we be they prepare for something special in the year to come. NEXT EVENT 13th Amendment Anniversary Commemoration Friday, Dec 18, 2015 Lincoln Memorial Statue Corner of Market St. & Springfield Ave, Newark, NJ 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Friday December 18, 2015 Coffee, Tea and Hot Chocolate served For More Information, contact Reverend Dr. Gloria J. Harris, Co-Chair at: drharris1942@gmail.com or 973 204 1351
s U n Joi
OTHER 2015 EVENTS Churches Raise Christian Flags Thur Dec 31, 2015 Paul Valerius  Watch Night Celebration Thur, Dec 31, 2015 Dr. Bernard Wilks
BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION
You want to grow your business. The simplest way to do that is to get you communities support. Through creative marketing you will not only grow your business but also build your community as well... and reap the profits. Heres some techniques on how to do it. 1. Throw a Party Amway, Tupperware, and MaryKay are known for there home product parties... and there are successful because of it. So what are you waiting for... an invitation? Invite friends, family, current customers, and prospective new customers to your product party. 2. Get Engaged Be know as team players in your community. Do talks, hold workshops, partner in events and participate in local festivals. Don’t forget to participate in charity events through donations and holding fundraisers. 3. Team Up Joint advertising promotions with other small businesses can go on all year round which is a good deal for everyone because your partners will also refer customers to you. Reach out to those who are closest to you, remember people buy from companies and people the know, like, and trust.
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UNLIKE ANY BIBLE STUDY YOU’VE BEEN TO BEFORE!
PREVAILING WORD MINISTRIES BIBLE STUDY @ THE HALL! Duffy Hall At Seton Hall University 2nd & 4th Fridays 6:30pm Bible Teacher Pastor Rick
THE CHURCH WHICH “FOUNDED” NEWARK
Old First Church
Located in downtown Newark, Old First is the oldest registered church in the Garden State. It was founded in 1666. This appointment sets a long awaited precedent as Dr Misick is the first black pastor of the church, whose long line of spiritual leaders includes early Princeton University scholars like the father of the third US vice president, Aaron Burr Sr. and trustee Alexander MacWhorter. Old First Church has a rich treasure of authentic records, which declares that it is “the Church that founded Newark.” Dr Misick is aware of the history and leadership of “Old First Church,” once a thriving church of great prominence and influence, having established churches and colleges, such as Princeton University. The church was once the seat of government for Newark, producing pastors that served as the first presidents o f P r i n c e t o n , H a r v a r d a n d Ya l e universities. It was historically used as a regular stop on the “Underground Railroad,” which passageways through the church’s cellar are still accessible. The Church’s architectural interior design is noted as “breathtaking” and is listed amongst the archives in the Library of Congress in Washington, DC.
The Rev. Dr. Glen C. Misick is the Senior Minister of the First Presbyterian Church in Newark, New Jersey. Also known as Old First Church, this church is registered as the oldest church in New Jersey. Upon accepting a call to this ministry, Dr. Misick made history by becoming the first Black pastor of this "steeple" church, known for having famous pastors, three of whom went on to become presidents of Princeton, Yale and Harvard universities. Prior to this appointment, Rev. Misick was the Interim Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Forest Hills, New York. For twelve years, he was an executive with the oldest Protestant denomination in North America, the Reformed Church in America (RCA). Before taking on that position, he was the Senior Minister of the historic Church of the Master of New York City.
Dr. Misick has also worked as interim pastor with the Siloam Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn, and the Lutheran Church of the Abiding Presence, Bronx, NY. Further, he has served as pastor of churches in Florida, California and Arkansas.
In his position with the RCA, Dr. Misick developed an ambitious plan for evangelism and church growth for more than thirty of its churches. As director for their African/ Black Ministries, his recruitment and training of new pastors was phenomenal. He was also a member of the RCA's Revitalization and Church M u l t i p l i c a t i o n Te a m s , M i s s i o n Investment Committee, as well as other boards and commissions, serving all of its more than 900 churches.
Dr. Misick grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Brooklyn College of the City University of New York (CUNY). He attended Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, New Jersey, receiving his Master of Divinity degree in 1979. He earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Drew University, Madison, New Jersey, in 1995.
Rev. Misick made great progress during his tenure at Church of the Master. The church experienced considerable growth, both spiritually and numerically. He implemented a
Friday Night Youth and Young Adult
pastorate, he instituted an After-
College (CUNY); a former member of the Board of the Council of Churches of the City of New York; co-founder and former board member of Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement; and past president of the Harlem Valley Churches and the Harlem Christian Men's Network.
School Enrichment Center and an
Â
Adopt-a-School Mentoring Program.
Rev. Misick has had extensive training in church growth and health techniques. He has also received training in conflict management. He conducts leadership workshops around the country for churches and organizations, helping them to focus on their mission and vision.
program in memory of Chopin Morse, a thirteen- year-old Sunday School student who was shot and killed in Harlem by stray bullets from gang vi o l e n ce . D u ri n g R e v. Mi si ck's
Further, he developed a Bible Institute for all ages, various choirs, a liturgical dance ministry, and a mime ministry. He was also successful in raising more than $500,000 for the renovation of the "Old Church" building, which had been closed for more than twentyfive years. Dr. Misick believes in a holistic approach to ministry. Consequently, his outreach to the broader community has been extensive. He is the founder and President of Harlem Empowerment for Living Program, Inc.; one of the Chairpersons of the New York City-Wide African American Clergy Council (The organization partly responsible for electing NYC's first Black Mayor, David Dinkins); a member of the Dean's Advisory Board of the School of Education, City
Dr. Misick has been an advisor to political and civic leaders, including the Mayor and Police Commissioner of New York City. In addition, he has been invited to the White House under the administrations of several presidents. Rev. Misick has served as Adjunct Professor at Auburn Seminary, New York City and Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona Beach, Florida. He is the author of the book, An Outrage Up In Harlem (A Shooting Sparks the Revitalization of An Urban Ministry). He has been the host of
several television shows and has appeared on "CBS This Morning," "The Charles Grodin Show" (NBC), "The Savion Glover Special" (ABC), just to name a few. Dr. Misick has also served as Goodwill Ambassador for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and is a member of One Hundred Black Men of America, Inc. and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He is married to Jennifer Engram Misick, Ph.D., a professor with the City University of New York.
THE BEGINNING The First Presbyterian Church is the oldest church in Newark. It was originally a Congregational Church. The change to Presbyterian occurred in 1720. The original settlers in Newark, from Branford and Milford Connecticut, came to Newark because they opposed the absorption of their communities by the Colony of Connecticut. Newark was founded with its laws based on the Scripture and with full citizenship granted to only church members. This organization was the last attempt in the United States to establish a theocracy. The pay for the first minister, Rev. Abraham Pierson, was Eighty pounds per year. He came from Branford Connecticut and his ministry began on October 1, 1667. The first church building had the following dimensions: "Four or Six and Twenty Foot wide, and thirty Foot Long and Ten Foot Between Joints,
THE 1600‘S The first reverend, Abraham Pierson, was born in Yorkshire, England. He graduated in 1632 from Cambridge University. He arrived in Boston in 1639 and resided in Lynn. He had at least four sons and found daughters, Abraham, Thomas, Theophilus, Isaac, Abigail, Grace, Mary, and Rebecca. In 1640 he moved to Southampton, Long Island to have more freedom to be more conservative. In 1644 he moved to Branford, in the New Haven community, when Southampton was annexed to Connecticut. In the fall of 1666 the Branford people moved to Newark, Abraham Pierson followed them in 1667. On March 4, 1772 Abraham Pierson Jr. joined his father in a co-pastorate. The elder Pierson died on August 9, 1678 and was buried in an unknown plot in Newark. Speculation is that he was buried "on the third small hill behind the church, possibly beyond the present Halsey Street." Abraham Pierson Jr. became the sole reverend with the death of his father and remained there until the spring of 1692.He was born in Lynn, Massachusetts in 1641, graduated from Harvard College in 1668, and came to Newark in 1669. It was during his pastorate that many of the original settlers of Newark, "one by one, crept silently to
which for the Better Carrying it to an end, the Town hath made choice of Five Men, Viz: Deacon Ward, Sarj. Harrison and his Son John, Sarg. Obdh. (Edward) Rigs and Michael Thompkins." The church was Newark's first public building. It stood, on Broad Street, opposite the present First Presbyterian Church. In the back of the church was the graveyard which became known as "The Old Burying Ground". It was named that to distinguish it from the graveyard which was behind the present First Presbyterian Church. For the next forty years all affairs of the town were held in the church. On August 28, 1675, flankers were built at two of the corners of the church. Soldiers were positioned in them to guard against possible Indian attacks. For the first forty years of Newark, this meeting-house was the scene of worship, town-meetings and military proceedings. After its completion, young Joseph Johnson beat the drum to call families to worship.
rest". Their places were filed by their children and by new settlers from abroad. It was these new settlers that were inclined to be less rigid in church politics and favored Presbyterian government. Reverend Pierson also leaned toward Presbyterianism. It was this controversy that is assumed to have caused the removal of the Reverend. After his resignation he sold his house and lands and moved back to Connecticut. In 1694 he became the pastor of the Killingworth church and soon after the first rector of Yale College. The College was temporarily moved to Killingworth when the church would not release him from his duties there. He held both offices until his death on March 5, 1707. The third reverend was John Prudden. His pastorate began on August 23, 1692. His salary was 50 pounds a year and firewood. John Prudden was born in Milford on November 9, 1645. He graduated Harvard in 1668 and in the spring of 1670 he began preaching in Jamaica, Long Island. During his pastorate the church was repaired with new shingles and the church lands of 200 acres were confirmed through a deed. He resigned on June 9, 1699 and lived in Newark until his death on December 11, 1725.
THE 1700‘S Newark's next pastor was Jabez Wakeman, son of Rev. Samuel Wakeman of Fairfield, Connecticut. He was born around 1678 and graduated from Harvard in 1697. His pastorate began on April 15, 1700. Rev. Wakeman was only 21 years old at the time and he lasted less than five years. He died from dysentery on October 8, 1704. His only child, Samuel, had died of the same illness nine days before. The "retired" Rev. John Prudden supplied the pulpit until a minister could be found. On October 1, 1705, Mr. Samuel Sherman was invited as the next reverend but unsatisfactory information about him was received and the offer was withdrawn on February 19, 1706. During the negotiations with Samuel Sherman the church thought that it would be wise to apply to Lord Edward Cornbury, who was the Governor of New York and New Jersey, for permission to hire a minister. Lord Cornbury ordered that no one should be allowed to preach without either a certificate from the Bishop of London or a license from himself. This obviously meant that the minister had to be an Episcopalian but Cornbury then extended it to the Presbyterian and Congregational churches. Mr. Samuel Whittlesey had a trial as minister on May 17, 1706 and was offered the job as the next minister on March 31, 1707 but he declined. The fifth pastor of the church then became Nathaniel Bowers. He arrived by ship on June 16, 1709 and on June 22, 1709 he became the pastor. Nothing is known about his early years, except that he came from New England. He died on August 4, 1716. During this time the seeds of Presbyterianism where being sown. Also the second church was built. It was made of Stone and measured 44 feet in both length and width. A bell was introduced in the steeple. After 1791 it served as a Court House. The building stood on the west side of Broad Street and to the south of the first church building. It was also during this time the "Mountain Society" was formed which later became the second church of Newark and then the First Presbyterian Church of Orange. October 22, 1719 brought Newark its sixth pastor, Joseph Webb. He remained for eighteen years and was dismissed by the Presbytery of East Jersey in November, 1736. It was during this time the Congregational Church became a Presbyterian Church. The first representative of the church at the
Synod of Philadelphia was Caleb Ward (in 1725). It remained in the Synod of Philadelphia until 1733 when it became part of the new Presbytery of East Jersey. In 1733 a prominent member of the church, Colonel Josiah Ogden, harvested his crops on a Sunday. This outrage led to a long bitter argument and his leaving the church. Colonel Ogden and his followers then started the First Episcopal Church (Trinity Church). The seventh pastor of the church was the Rev. Aaron Burr. His tenure lasted from December, 1736 until the fall of 1755. Aaron Burr was the son of Daniel Burr and was born in Fairfield Connecticut on January 4, 1716. He graduated from Yale College in 1735 and preached his first sermon at Greenfield, Massachusetts. It was during his tenure in Newark that the Great Schism in the Presbyterian Church of America occurred. The result was the Old Side and the New Side parties. The New Brunswick Presbytery was ejected and the division became localized with the Presbytery of Philadelphia standing with the Old Side and the Presbytery of New York with the New Side. In 1745 the Presbytery of New York and the Presbytery of New Brunswick formed the new Synod of New York. This split stayed until 1758. The Great Schism produced the New Jersey College, which is now Princeton University. To continue to provide education after the split, the Synod of New York granted a charted to the College on October 22, 1746. The original site of the College was Elizabethtown (Elizabeth) and after four months it moved to Newark under the care of Rev. Aaron Burr. The College was reorganized in September of 1748 under a new charter secured from Governor Belcher. Rev. Burr resigned his pastorate in 1755 but retained the presidency of the college. It moved to Princeton in 1756. He died on September 24, 1757 and was buried in Princeton. 1758 brought the end of the Great Schism and the First Presbyterian church fell under the wing of the new Synod of New York and Philadelphia. Immediately after the resignation of Rev. Burr, the Rev. John Brained began to preach. He stayed until May of 1759, at which time he requested to leave
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the church and resume his missionary work with the Indians. The Rev. Alexander MacWhorter succeeded the Rev. John Brained in the summer of 1759. He was born at New Castle, Delaware on July 15, 1734 and graduated from the College of New Jersey in 1757. He served in Newark for forth-six years until his death on July 20, 1807. During his pastorate he became a chaplain in the patriot army and the third church building was completed. It was opened for worship on January 1, 1791. Free stone for the church was quarried on Bloomfield Avenue and the mortar made from clam shells left by the Indians along the banks of Newark Bay gave the building it's Georgian Colonial appearance. This church was nicknamed "Old First Church". On January 1, 1801 Rev MacWhorter preached his well known "Century Sermon".
820 Broad Street Newark, New Jersey 07102
Free parking available in the VIP parking garage located on Lafayette St. Just mention that you are visiting the church.Â
973 - 642 - 0260 Old1stnewark@gmail.com THE 1800‘S The Rev. Edward Dorr Griffin was installed as a colleague pastor with Rev. MacWhorter on October 20, 1801 and succeeded him in the pastorate when the Rev. MacWhorter died. Rev Griffin was born at East Haddam, Connecticut on January 6, 1770 and graduated Yale in 1790. During his pastorate a parsonage was built for him on the west side of Mulberry Street. His pastorate ended on April 27, 1809 when he accepted a professorship at Andover Seminary. He returned to Newark as pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church in 1815. In 1821 he became president of Williams College. He died in Newark on November 8, 1837 and is buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery. The Rev. James Richards became pastor upon Rev. Griffin's resignation, he had previously preached in Morristown. He was born at New Canaan, Connecticut on October 29, 1767 and entered Yale in 1789 but was unable to finish. A degree in Mater of Arts was awarded him in 1794. Rev. Richards remained until the fall of 1823 when he became a professor of theology in Auburn Seminary, New York. During his pastorate the first Sunday School in Newark was started (1814). July 27, 1824 brought the installation of the Rev. William T. Hamilton, who was an Englishman by birth. His pastorate lasted 10 years to October 22,
1834 when he moved to a Southern Climate for his health. A division over his hiring brought about the Third Presbyterian Church. In 1824 the Presbytery of Newark was formed from the Presbytery of Jersey. The Fourth Presbyterian Church, now extinct, was formed on April 14, 1831. The Plane Street Presbyterian (African) Church was organized in October of 1831. The Rev. Ansel D. Eddy began his pastorate on August 11, 1835. He was a graduate of Union College (1817). He resigned on February 22, 1848 and became the pastor of the Fifth Presbyterian Church (Park). A Bedford, Massachusetts born, Rev. Jonathan P. Stearns, was installed as pastor on December 13, 1849. A graduate of Harvard in 1830, he then studied theology at Andover. He remained pastor until February 21, 1883 when he was made pastor emeritus. The Rev. David R. Frazer was installed on February 21, 1883. He preached until June 16, 1909. He was a graduate of Princeton University and Union Theological Seminary. It was during his pastorate that the First Presbyterian Church took a prominent part in the development of church extension work, giving liberally and establishing missions.
THE 1900‘S This was an era of education and evangelism. During this time the church renewed their Christian Covenant and conducted outreach to the community and the Tristate area. It's motto became, Type to enter text "Many members. One Body...Christ the head". It supported World War I and II. War -Time Noon-day services were held to support our troops during this time of strife; and sermons condemning Hitler were abundant. The Charter that established the church was presented to the Synod of New Jersey in 1903. Musical concerts were held in tribute to the Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy in the 60's. Revival mass meetings were held on a regular basis and a 250-year celebration was held. Trustee Gilbert Brown known for his compassion for others forged a bond of friendship with St. James AME Church and the growing "colored� population in Newark. First Presbyterian Church in Newark sponsored interracial Day, joined the Urban League and the NAACP. They even sponsored a forum on " The Negro in America". In 1967, after the riots in Newark there was a tremendous decline in the church's membership as the population of the city began to change. A small number of faithful members remained at the church in order to continue to proclaim the Gospel.
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THE BROTHER’S KEEPER’S Monthly Meeting Every 3rd Tuesday @ 7pm @THE TRANSFORMATION CENTER 628 GROVE STREET IRVINGTON NJ (Side Entrance) Where a man can come to talk about and get help in Building your faith ;Strengthening your family; Increasing your finances; Enhancing your ministry And growing closer to the females in your life.
HEALTH TRANSFORMATION
As the winter comes in, sometimes we forget simple items and techniques which could save us a lot of pain later on. Frostbite, Shoveling snow, head trauma due to Falls and Staying dry are but just a few very important issues. While there are many more safety tips to keep in mind as the winter approaches, we suggest you start with these and you will be well prepared.
RELATIONSHIP TRANSFORMATION
Relationships 101 For years people have been asking me for copies of my notes, lectures, and sermons. And normally what I would do, to their surprise, is just give them the pages that I had just preached or taught from. I loved to see their looks... like they had just received a prize. I thank God that he would use me to be a help to other. That is truly a gift to me. Also for years people have been saying, as friend, Ministry Curtis Mincey says, “write the book.” So with more time due to reducing the quantity of my ministry workload to focus on the quality ministry (thats something I’ve written about in past issues and will continue to write about in future issues) I have written “the book”. This book is the first in a series of books focused on helping people to make correct relationships decisions and repairing the breach amongst families so that with healing and reconciliation can take place and our children and our society will ultimately be the biggest beneficiaries. There are dozens and dozens of tips and insights that will help you to better relate to your partner, help you to understand your partner, to help you choose the right partner, and strengthen your troubled marriage or relationship. The book was written for both men and woman in mind and gives insights and tips from both perspectives. To find out more, see a preview, or to order visit amazon.com
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CITY TRANSFORMATION
4 Tips To Make Your City Better 1. Be a kind neighbor, be a friendly face.
everyone you meet your full attention - eyes up,
With this one we don’t mean you absolutely must
ears on. Everyone from your barista to your best
bring a dozen freshly-baked cookies to any new
friend deserves to feel like their words and their
neighbor who moves in (although it couldn’t hurt).
actions matter. Make a conscious effort not to
What we really mean is treat others the way they
consistently have your eyes and hands on your
would like to be treated. Yep, that’s right, do away
smartphone - it never feels good to come second to
with assuming and get to know the individual before
a shiny mobile device.
you build up an image in your mind. Geez, for all you know, they may loathe cookies!
If someone takes a harsh spill - ask if they’re okay or need help! Life’s full of enough mayhem and
Do the simple things. Just like momma taught you, say “please,” “excuse me” and “thank you.” Give
embarrassment, why not make someone’s day?
2. Volunteer your time.
Making art is, in itself, a great way to reduce stress
You’re busy enough as it is - we know, but any
for adults and children alike - everyone should get
spare time you can ring out of your schedule could
involved! Also, why not beautify your city just a little
make a massive difference for your city. Whether
more? It will only do you and others some good.
you choose to help out at an animal shelter, get in the mix at the local food bank, or take part in a
4. Take advantage of your community garden, or
mentorship program - you’ll be doing a whole lot of
get one started.
good. Places like these need all the help they can
Community gardens provide all sorts of excellent
get when it comes to staff, so your smiling, willing
benefits to those who utilize them, from better eating
face will be a welcome addition to the team. Don’t
habits to improved health and lower food costs.
forget - doing good will make you feel good too, so
Community gardens offer up plots of land for
everybody wins.
participants to rent out and grow delicious food. In larger cities especially, residents do not often have
3. Support and create local art.
access to soil for growing their own food, so the
Every city exudes a different attitude, a different
community garden becomes their opportunity to
scene, and one great way to get to the heart of a
literally get their hands dirty cultivating what will later
community is to take in it’s art. Artists can tell the
go on their plate. Sure, we’re all encouraged to buy
story of a city’s many facets in a way that is both
locally, but why not grow locally too and learn some
critical and beautiful. Don’t let the art scene in your
great habits along the way.
city fade out - be sure to take in local museums, musical performances, art shows, etc. and ensure its survival!
LIFE TRANSFORMATION
10 1. Wrap tools in adhesive tape to get a better grip on the handle. 2. Clean your coffeemaker by dropping 4 alka-seltzer in the water chamber and brew. 3. Catch ice cream cone drips by wrapping the bottom of the cone in aluminum foil. 4. Brighten up white shoes by rubbing them with a cloth dipped in half ammonia – half water. 5. Keep cake fresh twice as long by storing it with half an apple. 6. Dry up pimples by by crushing 1 aspirin and moistening with a bit of water. Apply to pimple for 2 minutes and rinse. 7. Reduce the gas properties of baked beans by adding a pinch of baking soda. 8. Brighten up house plants by wiping off their leaves with the inside of a banana peel. It’ll remove the gunk and bring back shine. 9. Soften up tough meat with beer. Just pour a can over it for an hour before cooking. 10.Kill those pesky weeds in walkways by pouring a bit of bleach over them. Easily pull them out a day later.
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MINISTRY TRANSFORMATION
HOW CAN YOU SMALL CHURCH HAVE A BIG IMPACT? STRUCTURE. Rick Warren says in an article about church organization, “Structure doesn’t cause growth; the structure of your church determines how fast you’ll grow and the size to which you’ll grow. There is no clear organizational structure in the New Testament, and I think God did that intentionally so the Church can adapt to different stages, ages, and cultures. God gives us broad principles and not narrow rules. There is no perfect structure.” Our purpose and our giftedness should determine our structure. You will notice that scripture does not give a specific organization rules for the church. God understands that each congregation is different, made up of different believers, has different gifts, and has different callings (purposes). Therefore Purpose and giftedness determine how you should organize your church.
some advantages of this are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
You will focus on the work of the ministry, not who’s in-charge of what You will make better use of gifts, not just moving forward according position. You will have fun and a healthy morale when people operate in the gifts. You pave the way for spontaneous growth, whoever has the gift runs with the ball. You will promote growth by allowing other’s creativity to used in making decisions Your decision making with be more efficient because of less bureaucracy
Don’t run your church/ministry on the organization structures of others, find your own structure that works for your group. Know that if it is based around the gifts of your members and anchored in the calling of God’s purpose for your ministry if will have a healthier atmosphere and it will run smoother and grow faster than you might have imagined and have a big impact on your community.
Newark News
Newark Celebrates the 13th amendment at The Essex County Courthouse’s Abraham Lincoln Statue The 13th Amendment to the Constitution declared that "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction." Formally abolishing slavery in the United States, the 13th Amendment was passed by the Congress on January 31, 1865, and ratified by the states on December 6, 1865.
December 18th 11:30am
The Minister’s corner
6 Ways To Engage Your Congregation Let’s just be honest modern technology has enabled us mere mortals to stay engaged with a particular activity for shorter and shorter periods of time. We live in a world where we are able to receive information and be entertained at a fast pace. We have become accustomed to thirty minute sit-com’s, three minute music video’s, and sixty second news sound bites. The truth is if we find something we are really interested in we may be able to sit still for a whole hour. But when it comes to sitting in church on a Sunday morning listening to a preacher preach for more than twenty or thirty minutes, that’s when we have a problem. So what is a preacher to do to keep the attention of his congregation? Good question, here are a few suggestions. 1. Pray: Pray that God would anoint you and speak through you. Pray that the Holy Spirit would move through the hearts and minds of the people listening. That he would compel every individual there to stay alert and focused on the word of God as it is being taught. 2. Use Updated Illustrations: Remember your congregation may be filled with a variety of people of all different age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds. Use illustrations that will connect with your audience, such as
current events or popular culture. Know your audience, know your congregation. 3. Be Authentic: In other words be real. Understand that in God’s house there is no need to fake it until you make it. Be real, be yourself. You don’t have to pretend that you have it all together. There is nothing wrong with letting people know about your own struggles without going into to much detail. 4. Don’t Be Afraid To Move: That’s right step away from the podium and move around. Things that are motionless get ignored. But our brains tend to focus on movement. Use your hands if you can, use your whole body if you can. Be animated and draw people into your sermon with motion. 5. Remember Your Talking To People: That’s right, you are talking to real live human beings with issues from the past, present and future. Talk to your congregation through your sermon and address some of the issues real people may be going through. 6. Use Words Everybody Understands: I know the temptation to use twenty dollar words and theological terminology is there. But for the sake of your audience use as few as possible. Communicate your message so that everyone will understand what you are saying without having to search a dictionary.
Newark News “SOUTH WARD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS INITIATIVE”
Program will create and support Community Schools to offer comprehensive services and programs to empower vulnerable students; Health social services and family programs will also be offered Newark, NJ– Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Newark Municipal Council Members, Chief Education Officer Dr. Lauren Wells, Newark Public Schools Superintendent Christopher Cerf, and other dignitaries will launch the “South Ward Community Schools Initiative” on Tuesday, December 1, at 10 a.m., in a City Hall First Floor Rotunda press conference. City Hall is located at 920 Broad Street in Newark’s Downtown. The initiative is designed to create and support K-12 Community Schools in the South Ward vulnerable students, school success, and positive youth development. The schools will have a vigorous curriculum and core instructional program, high standards and expectations, and an integrated focus on academics and family support. These schools will offer before-and after-school programs, health and social services, and enrichment programs for families will also be offered. The schools will also operate weekend and summer programs. The program is the beginning of the commitment to community schools as a solution to the challenges facing Newark public schools. The program model will also incorporate efforts to address socio-economic barriers facing student populations.