O FOR A THOUSAND TONGUES TO SING

O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer's praise, the glories of my God and King, the triumphs of his grace!

My gracious Master and my God, assist me to proclaim, to spread thro' all the earth abroad the honors of your name.

'tis music in the sinner's ears, 'tis life and health and peace.

He breaks the power of cancelled sin, he sets the prisoner free; his blood can make the foulest clean; his blood availed for me.

Jesus! the name that charms our fears, that bids our sorrows cease,

To God all glory, praise, and love be now and ever given, by saints below and saints above, the Church in earth and heaven.

Carefully Listening

“Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand! “ - Matthew 11:15 (NLT)

Do you sometimes hear a speech or a sermon that arouses you? You stand up and clap with others around you. You leave church talking about what a good sermon the pastor preached. You listened and you may be able to recite phrases from the message. But did you understand what the message was saying to you? What is God instructing YOU to do? The message to your minister and your neighbor may not be the same message that God is sending to you.

During this Lenten Season, let’s drown out the noise and listen for the personal message to each of us. It is not just a time to abstain from certain foods and bad habits. It is a time to stop and understand the message that God is sending to YOU. What is He instructing you to do? You are giving up gossip, but what good deeds are being replaced by gossip in your life? You are giving up certain foods and drinks, but have you thought about the message God may be sending to you about feeding those who do not have the luxury of giving up a certain food during Lent?

Prayer: Lord, Thank you for bringing us through the turmoil of the past few years. Help us to refocus our lives to listen to you and heed the call you are placing on our lives.

SISTER ELSIE SCOTT STEWARD EMERITUS

STOP. LISTEN.

“My sheep recognize my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they shall never perish. No one shall snatch them away from me.”

John 10:27-28

The song says, “I’ll be somewhere listening for my name.” Unfortunately, I can get so busy with life, work, church, other organizations, etc. that I sometimes miss my name when He calls. In the busyness of life, I am often not still. I try to multitask. I often find myself in such a whirl that one of my friends will say, “Shut your brain down for a while.”

Following His voice might not always be easy. It requires discipline and a willingness to shut out the problems and cares of this world. However, doing so does give us the peace that we are living and moving in His will. As we move through Lent, I hope those of us who are occupied with “busyness” will be more intentional about making time to sit and “listen for [our] names.”

Prayer: Father forgive us when our busyness keeps us from recognizing your voice. As we move through Lent we will remember the sacrifice you made for us. We pray that we will find you in the stillness. Amen.

STEWARD CELESTE GARCIA SENIOR BOARD OF STEWARDS

“

IF YOU BELIEVE IT - LIVE LIKE IT

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”

James 1:22-25

Once again, our gracious God has allowed us to journey with our Savior through another 40 days of reflection, prayer and repentance to renew and accept the blessing of Easter Sunday.

We live in a fallen world, full of peaks and valleys that sometimes lead to transformative mountain top experiences. In these moments of growth, there is always a lesson that builds our faith and strength in the living God that we serve. Let us remember and hold tight not only to the lessons from those experiences, but also to live as Christ taught and preached while he dwelt on earth:

• Love God with all your heart and soul

• Love your neighbor as you love yourself

• Forgive to be forgiven

• Always choose joy

• Be grateful and give thanks in all seasons

• Extend and practice the grace of God

Prayer: Living and gracious God, we seek you with our whole heart, with your presence to lead and guide us to live as Christ taught that our lives may reflect the heart of our living Savior Amen

SISTER LEILA M. KENDRICK WMS –LIFE MEMBER

Betrayed

“

And while they were eating, he said, “Amen I say to you, one of you will betray me.” Matthew

26:21

Fellowship and communion with family and friends are what many people missed during the pandemic. We enjoy the opportunity to meet, engage in discussions, laugh, and spend quality time gathered around a table over a good meal.

Now picture this scenario where you are dining with your closest friends, people with whom you have bonded and shared your innermost thoughts and feelings, knowing that one of them would be setting you up to be murdered. Could you contain yourself? Could you pass the bread to that person, share a drink from the carafe, continue the conversation around the table, and sit peaceably by? Jesus did; knowing his betrayer and the agony of what lay ahead.

We use a forty day season as a reminder of this episode. We think disdainfully of the betrayer leaving the table to do his dirty deed. As we judge Judas, let us also look at ourselves. How often have we left the table, the “good sermon, ” Bible study, seminars, and friendly church gatherings and turned our backs on the things we know are right and just to do? We forget our witness, spiritual beliefs, moral compasses, and those in need. If we purport to be Christians but our actions do not glorify Jesus, we are guilty of betrayal.

During this season of Lent, let us be mindful of the things we do that cause us to ask the betrayer’s question, “Lord is it I?”

Prayer: Dear Lord, you so openly welcome and accept us with our flaws. Let us remember that what we do to the least of these, we do to You. Amen

STEWARD YVONNE BOLLING SENIOR BOARD OF STEWARDS

Day By Day

“Because of God’s great love we are not consumed, for God’s compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

Our grandson Richard is a theater kid. While he delights in any live theatrical performance, he has a particular affinity for musicals. He loves being in an audience and he also has performed in every musical staged at his high school. As a senior, everything, even his high school musical, has a special shimmer.

This year’s production is “Godspell.” Written in 1973, “Godspell” is comprised of parables found in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus uses song and dance to recruit and teach his followers. I saw “Godspell” in the early 1970’s. Some thought that the musical was sacrilegious. I felt differently. For me, it was a retelling of many parables in a contemporary and relatable way.

I am grateful to have the opportunity to experience “Godspell” anew through Richard’s rehearsals. We have had several wonderful conversations about the play and its lessons. One evening as Richard was sharing the soundtrack with me, he played a favorite song: “Day by Day.”

Day by day Day by day Oh, dear Lord

I will hold dear the memory of swaying with Richard at the kitchen counter singing together slightly off key. As we approach this Lenten season, these simple lyrics also encapsulate my prayer as we move toward the agony of Good Friday to the glory of Easter.

Prayer: Dear Holy Parent - I give you thanks for the beauty of each new day, whatever it may bring. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

STEWARD MARIE C. JOHNS PASTOR’S STEWARD

SPRING HAS SPRUNG – A TIME OF RENEWAL

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presenceor take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Psalms 51:10-12

Sometimes, I find my Christian walk is bright, colorful and full of life. During other seasons of my life, my walk is dull, dormant, and showing minimal signs of life. In order to experience a renewed heart and spirit we may have to prune, clean and fertilize our lives. Here lies the challenge as this process requires work, effort and commitment (Lay Organization mantra at this writing).

Pruning requires that we “cut-off” or let go of dead limbs; allowing the release of resentments and allowing forgiveness to settle in our hearts.

The “cleaning” is removing clutter in my world. Not just the clutter of junk, but the clutter that steals time and joy. I find myself examining how I use my time… am I growing closer to God?

Am I strengthening relationships or selfishly focusing on my needs?

Then there’s the fertilizer…. How do you fertilize your spirit? A commitment to prayer time.

When we have pruned, cleaned and fertilized our hearts and spirits, God allows us to grow, bloom and be renewed. This spring do the “work” necessary to receive the gift of renewal and refreshment from God.

Prayer: Father we commit ourselves not to faint or lose heart. With a renewed spiritual attitude, we come to you for your word to revive us and give us life. Amen

SISTER MARIA WALLACE KELLY LAY ORGANIZATION

Worthy Is The Lamb

Thank you for the cross Lord

Thank you for the price You paid

Bearing all my sin and shame

In love You came and gave amazing grace

Thank you for this love Lord

Thank you for the nail pierced hands

Washed me in Your cleansing flow

Now all I know Your forgiveness and embrace

Chorus

Worthy is the Lamb

Seated on the throne

Crown You now with many crowns

You reign victorious

High and lifted up

Jesus, Son of God

The Treasure of Heaven crucified

Worthy is the Lamb

Worthy is the Lamb

Worthy is the Lamb

Worthy is the Lamb

Protect Your Posture In Gethsemane

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus … who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews 12:2

As children, we were often told to maintain good posture as part of our muscular development Maintaining good posture requires concentrated focus and effort As I grow in my relationship with God I’ve realized the necessity of keeping my spiritual posture in moments of Gethsemane. The story of Jesus and his moments in Gethsemane illuminate his humanness that connects us to him. In the Lenten season we must remember to be purposeful in maintaining our spiritual posture. In moments of distress, it’s easy to allow our emotions to control our actions and responses; resulting in frustration and discouragement. Jesus did, as well.

However, spiritual posture requires that we focus and meditate on God’s words in the moment to gain spiritual strength We experience Gethsemane moments for our lives. They challenge us, but the importance lies not in the moment itself, but rather in how we respond to the moment. With the strength of our response, let these instances press us forward to Resurrection Sunday.

Prayer: Father, we are grateful that you came to heal, redeem, and set us free. Let the comfort of your grace and strength align and stretch our posture to reflect your image Amen.

STEWARD GRETA L KENDRICK SENIOR STEWARD BOARD

Being Obedient To The Voice Within You

“But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” Luke 11:28

Years have passed since Richard and I completed our time at Howard University. Along the way, we made mistakes that WE dug ourselves out of. As I look back over those years, I realize that I made a great decision of choosing Richard. In my youth, I knew what I wanted in my life partner. The love for God’s word was at the top of the list. I can remember us calling his mom to discuss scripture. Around that time “Ma”/a.k.a. Nonna/a.k.a. Ms. Donna invited us to Metropolitan.

As we started to grow with each other we wanted to start a family. It didn't happen right away. We started to get discouraged and thought there might be a different idea of a family for us Then, two years later, I was pregnant. I remember going to one of my final doctor's appointments where I was put on bed rest. I didn't have time to say goodbye to my students. I was to stay at home and rest.

Months before my due date, I remember a strong feeling to make plans for the substitute teacher

The plan paid off. I knew my due date and I went to the next appointment with Ash Wednesday on my mind, but I delivered on that day. It is no wonder that Zora will sometimes give you a word. Other times when she is playing with her dolls, she will sing an uplifting or encouraging song.

Prayer: Dear God. Take me back to where you are my first thought; no matter what. You got me. You always have and always will. Thank you for covering my family and friends and keeping me on this theological journey.

SISTER ANNTOINETTE MCENTYRE GIRL SCOUT TROOP LEADER, 3089

FORGIVE THEM FATHER, FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO

“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34

Innocent but, with outcries of demand from the mob, the orders for crucifixion were given, and Jesus was placed upon the cross and lynched. Yet his first words while awaiting death were “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” He called on God to forgive those people who advocated for his death, as well as those who participated in carrying it out.

As Christians, we are called to forgive others as God has forgiven us. ”For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45) Jesus taught, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:43–44)

Yet as I review the history of the world and of this country, I stand witness to and struggle daily with man’s inhumanity to man. I struggle and pray for change that we will one day really treat all our neighbors with the love of God.

Prayer : Lord, I love you and seek in prayer answers for an end to the unnecessary troubles of the world. Humanity has the ability to provide enough food for everyone, restore and share the earth, treat each other with respect, and end needless violence. Help us to see the light that Jesus made available to us. Help us to use it to make changes for the future of humanity. Amen

SISTER LINDA AARONS CHURCH SCHOOL

Everlasting Love

“For God so loved the world, that he gave His only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16

When our loved one passes away, we honor them by having a dignified, solemn funeral service. The deceased is carried to the church service in hearse while immediate family members follow in a limousine. After the songs of thanksgiving, consolation, and a few reflections about the deceased, mourners follow the hearse to the final resting place, then we gather for a repast

Scripture records that Jesus was wrongly accused, betrayed and rejected; beaten and mocked. He was tried and sentenced to die for our sins. Even as He was enduring the pain, Jesus continued to ask God to forgive us. Jesus never stopped loving us. There are no similarities between how we cherish our loved ones when they die and what happened when Jesus died. Unlike us riding in a limo, Jesus carried his cross to Calvary. Unlike us honoring our deceased with a coffin and fine clothing, Jesus’ body was dropped on the ground until the disciples came to retrieve the body, cleanse and bury according to tradition.

It’s truly amazing that while suffering excruciating pain, Jesus continued to show His compassion by asking God to forgive us. As we recall Jesus’ death and resurrection, let’s remember the ultimate price He paid for our sins and His love for us.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your son, Jesus Christ and all He did to save us from our sins. We thank God for using His only begotten son to show us how we should love one another unconditionally. Amen.

TRUSTEE PIUS BOLA AKINOLA FINANCE OFFICE TEAM UNITED VOICES CHOIR

The Symbolism Of The Cross

“The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross [and you are responsible].” Act 5:30 - The Amplified Bible

The Lenten season offers several symbols of suffering, promise and hope. Among the most common are handmade crosses made of dried palm leaves placed in windows, automobiles, bibles, and various places.

For many decades I’ve been fascinated with and collected artifacts of crosses of various shapes and sizes -variations with doves in the center, jewels, crowns, motifs of Jesus and my favorite -a two-foot mosaic of mirrored glass. The latter of which are 40 pieces of jagged glass glued together and affixed upon a piece of driftwood. This specific cross represents several significant symbolisms of Lent:

• Forty days of inner reflection during this penitential season

• Mirrors as a reminder to look at ourselves squarely and our relationship with the Holy One without judgment

• The wood frame representing the crucifixion of Christ hanging from the tree for our salvation

• Broken glass indicating the state of the world in which we dwell

• Glue symbolizing Jesus as the light of the world holding us together through our faith

• The shorter horizontal wood juxtaposed against the elongated vertical frame representing the open arms of Jesus saying, ‘come to me Beloved and rest safely in my loving arms.’

Prayer: Thank you Holy Spirit for the precious love of Thee and your ultimate sacrifice for humanity, we your children. Amen

SISTER JACQUELINE COLEMAN MORNING MEDITATIONS TEAM SARAH ALLEN MISSIONARY SOCIETY SECOND BOARD OF STEWARDS

Crucifixion Of Jesus Christ

“And they Crucified Him, and divided up His garments among themselves, casting lots for them to decide what each man should take.” Mark 15: 24.

It pains my heart to think about Jesus Christ being crucified on the cross. He was nailed to the cross through his hands and pierced in his sides. He was abused and suffered so much pain and cruelty. Godless men forced him to carry his cross unassisted, but Jesus never fought them physically or verbally. He had faith that God the Father would get Him through this agony, pain, and suffering.

God is faithful to us and his Son. Jesus arose from the dead and ascended into Heaven to sit on the right hand of God, the FatherAlmighty. His sacrifices save us from our sins so we may live and have everlasting life through Him.

Jesus’sacrifices are examples of faith, obedience, trust, hope, and strength. During this Lenten season when I am faced with tough situations, I want to reflect on Jesus and how He was able to navigate difficulties. Jesus wants us to follow and believe in Him. He has shielded me from the pandemic, storms, sickness, and financial difficulties Through His crucifixion our sins are forgiven and we gain abundant life I live by faith in the Son of God who loves me and died for me. I am grateful beyond words to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord, no matter how difficult the challenges may be, help me to trust and believe in You; that You were crucified to save me from sin so that I may have everlasting life.

SISTER BETTY J.D. SMOOT CHURCH SCHOOL

O’ER ALL THE WAY

1 O'er all the way green palms and blossoms gay

Are strewn this day in festive preparation, Where Jesus comes, to wipe our tears away, E'en now the throng to welcome Him prepare.

Refrain:

Join all and sing His name declare, Let ev'ry voice resound with acclamation, Hosanna! Praised be the Lord!

Bless Him, who cometh to bring us salvation!

2 His word goes forth, and people by its might

Once more their freedom gain from degradation,

Humanity doth give to each his right, While those in darkness find restored the light.

Join all and sing His name declare, Let ev'ry voice resound with acclamation, Hosanna! Praised be the Lord!

Bless Him, who cometh to bring us salvation!

3 Sing and rejoice, O blest Jerusalem, Of all thy sons sing the emancipation, Thro’ boundless love, the Christ of Bethlehem Brings faith the hope to thee forevermore.

Join all and sing His name declare, Let ev'ry voice resound with acclamation, Hosanna! Praised be the Lord!

Bless Him, who cometh to bring us salvation!

Source: Uplifted Voices: a 20th century hymn book for sunday-schools and devotional meetings #84

What Easter Means To Me

“He is not here; he has risen!….” Luke 24:6

What Easter means to me Is down in my heart The story all about Jesus It’s told from the start

How He rose that great morning And rolled away the stone He did it for us all And did it all alone

Showing all His love When He got up that great day As He promised that He would He’d have it no other way

So there we have it my friends Because we all are set free And everyone surely knows What Easter means to me.

Thomas Swist, Jr.

© 2011 Poetry Soup by Thomas Swist, Jr.

Prayer: Praise God and thank You Jesus for saving my life. Amen

SISTER BARBARA ROBINSON SECOND BOARD OF STEWARDS CHURCH SCHOOL

SACRIFICE: NO GREATER LOVE

“ But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ” Romans 5: 8

We have often heard a parent, grandparent or other loving person say, “if only I could take this illness or hardship from my child or loved one, I would gladly do it” . It is in the nature of great love to wish to shield those we care for from pain, illness or tragedy. We would gladly sacrifice our well-being in order to protect them and keep the rough patches of life away. Unfortunately, we can’t eliminate their suffering just by wishing it away.

If we are to emulate God’s demonstration of love and sacrifice, however, we must move beyond our personal circles and offer love to those we may not know and endure sacrifices for their wellbeing as well. We can do this through ministries at the church, involvement in our communities and by extending ourselves to those whom we see are in need. There are so many young people who need guidance, encouragement and a belief that someone cares about their lives. Young mothers who shoulder great responsibilities could use a free evening for themselves and a senior who spends days alone would love dinner with a family. We have so much to share that we rarely think to offer. God’s love is all encompassing and freely given. We can never equal the sacrifice of his Son for our sins but we can be better stewards of the gifts He has given us by sharing them with our fellow man.

Prayer: Father, thank you for the mercy you ’ ve shown us by sending Christ to lay down His life on our behalf. By your Spirit, help us share this sacrifice with others. In Jesus ’ name we pray. Amen.

PROPHECY: RESURRECTION AND ASCENSION

“Arise, shine; for thy light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light and kings to the brightness of thy rising.” Isa. 60:1, 3. “He (Jesus) will swallow up death in victory.. .;” Isa 25:8.

Jesus became human and took the judgement on himself so that we as sinners could go free. Our sins were placed on Jesus' head. It was in His blood that our debt was paid in full. But if the same Spirit that raised up Jesus from the dead is the same spirit that dwells in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in us. Rom. 8:11.

Therefore, we bless your name Jehovah-Tsidkenu, Our righteousness. Thank you for becoming sin for us through the shedding of your blood that we might become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. The Lord exalted His Name and His Word above all names. The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and His Name is Jesus.

Prayer: Father I believe in my heart that you raised Jesus from the dead and I thank you that He died for all our sins. That through His death old things will have passed away and all things become new. Amen

SISTER DOROTHY PAYNE BRYAN, Ph.D CIRCLE OF TWELVE

GOD, I EXTEND MY HANDS TO YOU

“She extends her hand to the poor, and she stretches out her hand to the needy” Proverbs 31:20

I constantly pray to God to guide my heart to be more charitable and less selfish, to guide me in the path of a good steward; and to order my steps so that I may walk, talk, stand, and act in a manner that is pleasing in His sight. Each time I pray for these things the Holy Spirit directs me to recite and reflect on my favorite scripture:

Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable; it keeps no record of wrongs .Love never fails.

During this Lenten season, we are reminded of our salvation through the grace of God helping us to deny ourselves for a period of prayer and fasting. Through the gift of God, we are saved by grace through faith, which gives us courage to resist temptation.

I am so humbly thankful for the many blessings the Lord has bestowed upon me. I am thankful for the Lord’s grace and mercy. I am thankful for the Lord showing my sons and me favor. I am the Lord’s vessel. I am the Lord’s instrument; humble and willing to serve in the precious name of Jesus.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord.

TRUSTEE LINDA HOLLAND JEFFERSON SARAH ALLEN MISSIONARY SOCIETY

Alas And Did My Savior Bleed

1. Alas! and did my Savior bleed And did my Sov’reign die? Would He devote that sacred head For such a worm as I?

2. Was it for crimes that I had done He groaned upon the tree? Amazing pity! grace unknown! And love beyond degree!

3. Well might the sun in darkness hide And shut his glories in, When Christ, the mighty Maker died, For man the creature’s sin.

4. Thus might I hide my blushing face While His dear cross appears, Dissolve my heart in thankfulness, And melt my eyes to tears.

5. But drops of grief can ne’er repay The debt of love I owe:

Good Friday

April 7, 2023 o Refrain (Hudson): At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light, And the burden of my heart rolled away, It was there by faith I received my sight, And now I am happy all the day! o Refrain (Campmeeting): I do believe, I do believe That Jesus died for me; And through His blood, His precious blood I am from sin set free.

Here, Lord, I give myself away, ’Tis all that I can do.

- Isaac Watts & Ralph E. Hudson

HE LIVES ACCORDING TO PURPOSE!

“5. Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6.He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7. “The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.” 8. Then they remembered his words.” Luke 24:5-8 (NIV)

The women who came looking for Jesus in the tomb were surprised when He was not there. They were met by two angels, who proclaimed the resurrection of Christ. Jesus the Christ, the Almighty One who lives to bring healing to the nations, restoring of sight to the blind, and cleansing of soul to the lost, still lives in accordance with divinely ordered purpose and in accordance with God’s plan. What’s so amazing about Jesus the Christ is that He is faithful to His goal. He seeks to model the way of righteousness and communion with the Father for those who seek to know God. “Jesus [says], I am the way and the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father, except through me.” John 14:6 (NIV)

Jesus responds to the world’s rejection of His presence and purpose by granting more love, forgiveness, and healing.

Responding to one’s purpose is a life-time journey of goal-fulfillment which can be realized with Christ.

Prayer: Father, help us to live completely, in accordance with purpose.

EASTER SUNDAY: A CALL AND RESPONSE

The Call: Let us rejoice and sing, “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”, Alleluia!

The Response: As we sing, we hear and receive Your Word, Lord, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days” (John 2:19 NIV).

The Call: Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!

The Response: “I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of your wonders, I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High” (Psalm 9:1-2 NIV).

The Call: Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!

The Response: “Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one” (Acts 4:12 The Message Bible).

The Call: Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!

The Response: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV).

The Call: Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!

The Response: And I say, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest” (Psalm 55:6 ESV).

The Call: Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia! Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!

The Response: “Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious! (Psalm 66:1-2 NIV).

Hymn: “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” Words: Charles Wesley, 1739. Music: Lyra Davidica 1708 AN ADAPTATION BY REV. DR. MARIE M. PHILLIPS BRAXTON

Aaron, Linda

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