MT. ZION MISSION STATEMENT
The Mt. Zion Baptist Church is a Word-centered ministry, designed to evangelize the lost at any cost, equip and empower the people of God, and provide holistic ministry to our community as well as the world. Seeking to minister to the total person, we are a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural ministry impacting the world in which we live with the uncompromising message of Jesus Christ.
Committed to the Spirit of Excellence, we are striving to become an oasis of hope within the Nashville community by promoting and providing education, awareness, as well as financial independence.
We believe that God must be worshipped in Spirit and in truth. We embrace freedom in worship because the Word says, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”
Our foundation is the Word of God, and we believe It in Its entirety. We believe we can do what It says we can do, be who It says we can be and have what It says we can have.
CONTENTS
DELIVERY TIME IN 2009
“Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.” Psalm 102:13 (KJV)
4
WORSHIP SCHEDULE
6
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
5
FROM THE DESK OF THE BISHOP
7
11
INAUGURATION 2009
GOD’S PERFECT SETUP FOR MARRIAGE
15
THERE IS A BRIGHT SIDE SOMEWHERE
17
WHAT DOES ONE MILLION DOLLARS LOOK LIKE?
18 24 29 31 34
AN INTERVIEW WITH STEPHAINE MICHELLE HALE, MD
DELIVERY TIME IN 2009: MANIFESTATION OF THE PROMISE THROUGH A CHILD’S EYES
MUSIC HAPPENINGS IN ZION
MANAGING KINGDOM ECONOMICS IN A DEPRESSED ECONOMY
TRUMPET MISSION
To provide and equip readers with vital, current and relevant information that is applicable to their daily lives as Christians in the Nashville community and the world. SPRING 2009 - TRUMPET MAGAZINE
03
TRUMPET, A PUBLICATION OF: Mount Zion Baptist Church 7594 Old Hickory Boulevard Nashville, TN 37189 PHONE: (615) 254-7296 FAX: (615) 254-5583
I greet each of you in divine love. It is truly an exciting time in the life of the ministry as well as in my personal life. I am so thankful to God to see His glory manifest within the life of this ministry. When God gave me the vision of ‘Delivery Time in 2009,’ I knew that this year would be special for us. First of all, I want to thank the Mt. Zion Vision Team (staff) for the excellent job they are doing. I am also thankful to the leadership of Mt. Zion for grasping the vision and for implementing it within the life of the church. We are blessed to have so many resourceful and gifted people within our ranks. I truly believe that we have just begun and that the best is yet to come. As I reflect over the last 17 years of my life here at Mt. Zion, it is quite humbling to see what God has done. I remember vividly the day I first walked into Mt. Zion in 1989 as a student at Vanderbilt Divinity School as well as in 1992 when I first became pastor. Much has changed since then, yet much as remained the same. The incredible spirit of generosity and the spirit of sincerity remain strong tenets of this ministry. When I see the Senior members who were faithful before I arrived and who are still here serving and worshipping, I am inspired by their example. When I see how God has raised this church up to be a beacon of hope not only in the city of Nashville but also literally around the world, I realize the incredible stewardship I have in leading God’s people. I thank you, Mt. Zion, for entrusting your spiritual development and growth into what God has deposited within my life. We have laughed and cried together, yet through it all, we have continued to strive for the advancement of God’s kingdom. As you know, I am very excited these days as I prepare to embark upon another chapter of my life—marriage! God has truly blessed me with the desires of my heart. Stephaine is an extraordinary woman with such an humble spirit. I thank each of you for embracing her as she prepares to become my wife. I believe in family and pray that our marriage is a witness to people around the world. I am sure you know that my life is about to change tremendously as I minister to my wife and prayerfully start a family. I appreciate your support in advance. You guys have had me all to yourselves for the last four years, but now I have to go home (smile). I am sure you understand. Thank you, again, for the 17 years. I appreciate your kindness and expressions of love, and I look forward to what God will continue to do through us. As you read the pages of this edition of the Trumpet, may you be enlightened and inspired to join us as we continue to deliver in 2009. In His service,
Bishop Joseph Warren Walker, III
WEBSITE: www.mtzionnashville.org
ADVISORY BOARD: Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III D. Min., Senior Pastor Elder Derrick Noble, General Overseer of Administration
Elder Lawrence A. Washington, General Overseer of Ministries Editor-in-Chief Kim Barton
Senior Editor Barbara F. Gray
Managing Editor Minister Paula Farmer
Consultant Dr. Toy Lisa Mitchell, MDIV, Ph.D. in Mass Communications Proofreaders Peaches DeBerry Jessica Johnson Deaconess Althea Straughter Contributing Writers: Alfonzo Alexander Katherine Blake Laini Brown Peaches DeBerry Michelle Duffie Minister Paula Farmer Denise Farrell Elder David Foster, Jr. Galen Gill Sr. Member Cordelia Hollon Yolanda Hollon Jessica Johnson Deacon Greg Lyles Frederick L. Vaughn Jeff Wilson Jerry L. White, Chief Financial Officer Graphic Design & Layout: Dywuan Brown Eric D. Jackson Brooke Myatt Photography: Anthony Beasley StudioOne Photography Ray Bell Michael Gomez Joy Marie Karen Washington
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
From Recess to Recession…
It’s About Family by Kim Barton
“The primary focus of our ministry in 2009 will be strengthening families.” This is a direct quote from our 2009Vision of the House as penned by Bishop Walker. As I watch the nightly news, read the Internet reports, speak with family, friends and fellow congregants, I realize our country is in the midst of a recession. I completely comprehend that over 64,000 people lost their jobs in March and that crime waves are being linked to the economy. I get it. What I am also learning is that in the midst of it all, families are coming together in ways we may not have even fathomed just four or five years ago. Brothers and sisters who once teased one another as kids at recess are now uplifting one another during the recession. As businesses fail, foreclosure rates rise and unemployment rates soar, families are rallying around one another, offering comfort and sowing seed into the lives of their loved ones. Bishop Walker so eloquently explained that believers “Reap during a Recession.” How wonderfully true! We reap what we sow. Sow the seeds of love, compassion, and if necessary, a financial blessing into the lives of those who knew you when you were still “Baby Brother” or “Baby Girl.” You will reap an immeasurable harvest. This edition of Trumpet focuses on different phases of the family. No matter what your familial status, sow some love, give a hug…enjoy your family!
INAUGURATION 2009
A Renewed Spirit of Hope by Laini Brown
On November 4, 2009, like everyone else whom I know, anxiously watched and waited for the Presidential election returns. In the moment that Barack H. Obama was declared the 44th President of the United States of America, I knew that my family and I had to attend his inauguration. I wasted no time. On November 5th, I purchased three tickets so that
my son Taylor, a senior in high school, my daughter Kia, a sophomore in college, and I would be present to witness this historic event. We were blessed to have family in Washington who lived a few blocks from the National Mall.
On Saturday, January 17th, we left Nashville on the first flight out. The excitement in the air was palatable. There was an amazing air of positive energy. Everyone on the plane was on the way to witness history.
On Sunday afternoon, we attended the amazing We Are One Concert at the Lincoln Memorial. At 3:00 A.M. on Tuesday, January 20th, we were up and preparing for the historic event. Dressed in four layers of clothes, with snacks packed away in our pockets, we headed out to the Washington Mall. As we stepped outside of our door, the energy of the crowd walking to the Mall and flooding the streets, sidewalks and nearby interstate highway was incredible. That morning we had to choose either to watch the inauguration from the Mall or go to the parade route and wait for the motorcade. You could not do both. Because of the heightened security and the very long wait for the parade to begin, we chose the Mall. Before daylight, there were hundreds of Girl Scouts distributing American Flags.
Everyone was in a reflective yet festive mood. The mix of the anticipation of the positive but freezing crowd surrounded by snipers on rooftops made the anticipation of the event a surreal experience. The temperature was 17 degrees, and we had never been that cold in all of our lives but it was all worth it as we viewed Barack H. Obama and his family walking through the halls of the Capitol and stepping on to the podium to be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. My family and I stood for eight hours and would have stood for eight more just to bear witness to this event. To see the hundreds of thousands of people—old, young, Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American—all here supporting one another—brought forth a renewed spirit of hope and optimism. My mother, who had participated in the March on Washington in 1963, now was standing right beside me and her two grandchildren, witnessing this indescribably moving historic moment. When the inauguration ended, the overwhelming feeling was peace. Two million people were able to witness this event live. As we walked back home shoulder to shoulder with such an amazing crowd, the one thing that struck me was how incredibly silent and peaceful everyone was. President Obama has inherited a world of problems and issues that require extraordinary strength and wisdom to resolve, but with our prayers covering him and his brilliant statesmanship and determination to succeed, he will do well. Laini Brown is a volunteer in the Mt. Zion Media Ministry.
From Dream to Reality
by Denise Farrell It has been over two months, yet I am still emotional about my once in a lifetime opportunity to attend the 2009 Inauguration of President Barack Obama! My mom bought my plane ticket to DC as my Christmas gift, and for a month prior, I felt like a kid in a
candy store. Shopping for true winter weather gloves, hats and scarves, packing my clothes and finally getting to the airport was all exhilarating. We have all read and heard about the history-breaking millions of people who were there, but to actually be in the midst of the peace and kindness among the array of many colors was breathtaking. My girls friends and I arrived at the War Memorial at 3:00 A.M. Needless to say, we did not go to sleep the night before the inauguration. Though we did not have inauguration tickets, we were just as proud to stand, watching the event take place on jumbo screens. A volunteer explained, “From the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Monument can stand 1.5 million people,” which is where we were. It was amazing! As equally amazing, when it was all said and done, there was no shoving, pushing, arguing or fighting that I witnessed , even with 4 million people walking around downtown DC in 20 degree weather. A dream has been made reality, and I’m so thankful and blessed to have witnessed this historical event! Denise Farrell is a volunteer in the Mt. Zion Athletics Ministry.
United We Stand
by Yolanda Hollon The pride and joy I felt sharing in this event cannot be expressed in words. The opportunity to witness the most momentous historical occasion in the history of our country was truly an honor for me. The day was cold. My feet froze as my heart pumped to the beat of James Weldon Johnson’s song, Lift Every Voice and Sing. I met so many people from all over the world. To be a part of the mass of people gathered together on one accord was awesome. Everywhere I looked or turned there were people. As far as the eye could see, there were people. Witnessing the crowd of Americans at the inauguration of President Barack Obama was like looking at a great big beautiful rainbow. Every color, every nationality was represented. Yolanda Hollon serves as a volunteer in the Mt. Zion History Room Ministry.
Compiled by Althea Straughter
On behalf of the American Cancer Society, I am happy to join so many others in congratulating Bishop Joseph Walker, III on his 17th anniversary as the pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Bishop Walker's support of the American Cancer Society and our mission to fight cancer led to a milestone last year when Mt. Zion hosted the first faith-based Relay For Life event in the nation. I know that this support stems from the care and concern that Bishop Walker has shown for the members of Mt. Zion throughout the years. The American Cancer Society and the Mt. Zion congregation are all blessed to have a friend in Bishop Walker. Congratulations on this momentous occasion. Lisa E. Roth Chief Executive Officer Mid-South Division The American Cancer Society Although we attend church on Sunday (and maybe Wednesday), the bulk of church work must be done Monday through Sunday in the broader community. Bishop Walker's vision for Mt. Zion's local and world community ministries and his own personal example over the last 17 years are evidence of his commitment to bring to fruition The Gospels' instructions for Christians to be disciples among God's peoples. I am blessed to have caught the vision. Happy Anniversary, Bishop Walker! Joyce Espy Searcy President and CEO Bethlehem Centers of Nashville Best Wishes, Bishop Walker! Former Nashvillian Oprah Winfrey wrote in her O Magazine that each of us has a personal calling as unique as a fingerprint and that the best way to succeed is to find a way to offer it to others through services. I believe those line could have been written with Bishop Walker, III in mind. He is passionate in his quest to make life better for others, and he graciously acknowledges group efforts, not his involvement. Bishop Walker has a way of making everyone with whom he come in contact feel hopeful—that they can do better and accomplish more. His ministries change the lives of so many people. He has a commitment to meet the social, political, economic as well as the spiritual needs of people in this city and throughout this country, and this is an indicator of his great devotion to God and to people. I take great pride in saying everywhere I go, "Bishop Walker is my Bishop." Brenda Gilmore Tennessee Representative
08
DELIVERY TIME IN 2009
On behalf of the Greater Nashville Alliance of Black School Educators (GNABSE), I congratulate you for 17 years of faithful service to God and to the children of Nashville. Thank you for being a voice supporting all youth. Thank you for serving as an example of a quality teacher with innovative ideas, enhancing the lives of all ages from all walks of life. Furthermore, we are especially grateful for your being a member of GNABSE. We firmly believe that God has called men and women of the Joshua Generation to take us through the Jordan River and to lead us to the Promise Land. You are one of those leaders from the Joshua Generation. In closing, I would like to share this passage from the Book of Esther: "…and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom of such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14 ,KJV) Henry R. Flenory ADA/Section 504 Coordinator of Metro Nashville Public Schools and President of GNABSE
"And I will bless them that bless thee. . ." Genesis 12:3a (KJV) The Word that God is speaking through Bishop Walker and has been relevant to my life week after week. It has given me revelation, direction and encouragement. It is such a blessing that even though I am miles away in Memphis, I can still get the Word on Streaming Faith. ~ Mikea James - University of Memphis Watching Bishop Walker’s sermon on Wednesday nights is something I truly love and enjoy. The convenience of being able to get a prophetic word online at college has helped my spiritual growth with the Lord. Sometimes my studies don’t allow me the time to physically go to a Bible Study. Being able to watch Bishop Walker online with my closest friends allows us to bond on a spiritual level while building our friendships. ~ Lauren Prather – University of Memphis Listening to Bishop Walker’s Bible Study every Wednesday empowers me to keep striving to become a Godly young woman. His words of wisdom and encouragement take root in my heart on a weekly basis. ~ Ariel Harrison – University of Memphis Dear Bishop, I am very grateful to God for positioning me under your spiritual covering for eight of the 17 years (WOW!) that you’ve been senior pastor at Mt. Zion. As I have transitioned from a hopeful college student to a Faith-full young adult while at “The Mount,” I realize that the Lord truly transformed my worship—my lifestyle—as a result of applying a consistently relevant Word delivered through you, His anointed vessel. You were always “in my Kool-Aid!” Thank you, Bishop, for your guidance and correction, for the many ministry opportunities you’ve given me and for sending me off with your blessing as I delve into this new season of my life. Happy 17th Pastoral Anniversary! Be Joyful, Moiro Konchellah Asst. Minister of Music Romeoville Campus Victory Cathedral Worship Center Pastor Smokie Norful, Senior Pastor
Deaconess Althea Straughter faithfully serves in the Deacons (Deaconess) Ministry. SPRING 2009 - TRUMPET MAGAZINE
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Dear Bishop Walker: The 50+ Ministry of Mt. Zion Baptist Church are forever grateful to God for sending you to us 17 years ago in 1992. We recall the premonition of our now deceased member, Sister Margaret Wilson, when you first visited Mt. Zion as a student at Vanderbilt University. She told many of us that you were “God Sent” and that you would not be leaving Mt. Zion anytime in the near future. God has bestowed many blessings on our church since you have come to us. We have all grown spiritually, financially and numerically. Our membership has increased from 150 to over 22,000 members. In addition to the Jefferson Street location, we now have two other locations—Old Hickory Boulevard and Antioch. The Zion Baptist Church in Jackson, Tennessee has also been organized under your leadership. What a blessing! Our lives have been enriched by your teachings and by your delivery of the Word. We Seniors have learned that we can have a portion of heaven on earth if we surrender our lives to God’s will. We can go to our final resting place in peace with the assurance that Mt. Zion will live on throughout the ages as we witness each month the baby dedications and youth baptisms. We deeply appreciate and enjoy the yearly outings given to the 50+ Ministry. You have given us many pleasant memories to cherish for the rest of our lives. Bishop Walker, the 50+ members congratulate you on your current engagement to be married to Miss Stephaine Hale in May, 2009. We look forward to welcoming her as our “First Lady.” We wish for the both of you much love, happiness and well-being. We thank God for your parents, Deacon & Mrs. Joseph Walker, Jr., for lending you to us for the past 17 years. Remember that God has your back and so do we! Yours in Christ, Cordelia Hollon, Chairman 50+ Ministry of Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Galen and Julie Gill
I met my wife Julie at Mt Zion Baptist Church in the summer of 2003. While we were dating, we put all of our beliefs, health issues, financial status and goals on the table. Julie told me that when she was 26, she was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease because of uncontrolled high blood pressure. Her doctors predicted that around the age of 40, she would need a kidney transplant. At the time, I did not think much of it, but God had other plans. At the end of our pre-marital counseling session, the counselor asked me to carry Ephesians 5:25 in my wallet. I even used the scripture as a screen saver at work. Little did I know that I would soon be tested on this very scripture. Julie and I were married on May 19, 2007. We were excited to start our lives together and to continue serving in the Mt. Zion Ministry as husband and wife. Julie served in the Mt. Zion Youth and Children's Ministry. I served as an usher. In the summer of 2008, my wife’s health condition grew progressively worse. Julie’s doctor made the decision to place her on the kidney transplant list. She was officially placed on the transplant list on July 31, 2008. I had already suffered the passing of my mother and father in 2004. They died three weeks apart, both from a different illness. My sister, my only sibling, passed away in 2006, and my grandmother went home to be with the Lord in 2007. Facing an uncertain future with my wife, I began to question God and ask Him why did He give me a gift that was broken, one that I could not fix. After several prayers, I heard from God, and a week later, I began the process to become a kid-
ney donor. Throughout the testing, I questioned myself: Am I going to be able to do this, and what if something happens? As I had these questions in my head, I remembered that scripture that I had in my wallet:
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.”(Ephesians 5:25, KJV) I could hear God asking, “What are you really willing to give up for your wife? Can you be the husband, I called you to be?” The odds of a spouse being a perfect donor match are one in 700,000. The average wait time for an African American to receive a kidney is nine years. Faced with those statistics, I had no choice but to turn the whole situation over to God. On August 13, 2008, we received the news that we were a “perfect match.” The surgery was schedule for November 12th, but was delayed because additional testing was needed. We knew that a delay was not a denial. God being true to His Word, the surgery occurred on December 17, 2009. Through much prayer and support from our family, Mrs. Adkins, our mother, waited on us day and night. In addition, our wonderful kids Tone, Dominique and Dylan, helped with whatever we needed. The prayers that came from north, south, east and west were a tremendous blessing to us and to our family. Thankfully, we were released from the hospital within one week! A week after we were released, Julie had a setback. Her blood was forming a mass around her kidney. I continued to stand on God’s Word and pray: “But he was wounded for our transgres-
sions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5, KJV) “Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee. 2. Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily.”(Psalm 102:1-2, KJV) After praying this in the hospital, I stepped out of the room and just a few feet away there was a nurse reading her Bible. I knew right then that God was in the building, and everything would be all right. This setback was all for a setup. God put us together for His glory. We continue to thank God, Bishop Joseph Warren Walker, III and the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Family for their continued prayers and support. Thanks be to God that today we celebrate the “Delivery Time in 2009” that has been bestowed upon our family. Everyone is happy and healthy, and we continue to give God all the praise and the glory for all that He has done. This experience has taken us to another level of faith, prayer and worship. I can truly say that my wife Julie is my gift from God. I thank Him every day for her.
Galen Gill serves in the Mt. Zion Usher and Parking Ministries. The Gill Family
by David Foster, Jr.
“That ye may be the children of your Father which is heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45, KJV)
I looked at the number on my Caller I.D and knew something was wrong. It was my immediate supervisor calling at 7:30 A.M., and that was very unusual. I answered the phone with the trepidation that this was the “call” that so many of my peers and so many other Americans have received during these times of economic crisis, which has seemingly affected nearly every sector of American business. Before I go on, let me set the stage for this call: My testimony for the past sixteen years had been that God had opened doors for me within the largest telecommunications company in the world when the company really was not hiring, and subsequently, through yearly occurrences of “right-sizing,” the corporate slang for layoffs. God’s
favor had kept me from ever feeling the pain of separation from the company.
Now, every scripture I had ever quoted, sang, prayed, and preached concerning “the providential care of God” came washing back in my face as the enemy taunted me and as I heard my boss inform me that I was a victim of what my former company called FMP’D (the Force Management Program), another cute name for “laid off!” Satan is the father of lies, but there are times when he haunts us with the facts (There is a difference between truth and the facts, but that’s another message). I am no different than anyone else. Just because I am an ordained Elder, and I preach, teach, and exhort others doesn’t exempt me from the “rain” mentioned at the beginning of this missive. The enemy started to rehearse the lessons I had learned from Financial Peace University, and he began to tease me with the facts. I was now a bona fide card-carrying, unemployment-filing, resume-sending member of that ever growing segment of American society known as the “unemployed!” At first, the shock took awhile to set in because I was in denial. I just knew that the company had made a mistake. After all, I was the leader of my group and a tremendous revenue generating producer for the company, but it did not take much to convince me when they asked for my American Express Card, my I.D, my computer and all other company provided equipment.
That’s the “bad” news, and while at first it was hard to find, there is always “good” news when one walks with God. “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus!” (Philippians 4:19, KJV) King David said this best in one of the Psalms to his credit with the affirmation: “ I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” (Psalm 37:25, KJV)
Now, my greatest challenge is not how to pay my tithes, nor how to pay my bills, nor where to get another job that pays like the last one. No, my challenge, and the challenge that faces every one of us when we face dire circumstances and situations, is that “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth!” (Psalm 34:1, KJV) The enemy does not want our jobs or our families—or even our health. What the enemy wants is our praise. If he can get us believers to concentrate on our circumstances to the extent that we lose our praise, then he has won. I am determined that he will not have victory in my life through things that God gave me originally. My testimony will be like that of Job: “The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Job 1:21b, KJV)
David Foster, Jr. is the Elder of Protocol at the Old Hickory Boulevard location and is a member of the Christian Education Leadership Panel.
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Be smart. If you can’t pay for it in 30 days, don’t buy it.
It is Delivery Time in 2009 and I am ready to be delivered from a lifestyle of DEBT. PROVERBS 16:3 "Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established." THEREFORE: I vow to no longer be a slave to the lender because Jesus came to set the captives FREE and that captive will no longer be me. PROVERBS 22:7 “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” I vow NOT to make any new debt because I understand that debt hinders my ability to experience stress-free LIVING. PROVERBS 24:27 "Prepare your outside work, make it fit for yourself in the field; and afterward build your house." I vow to live beneath my means as a surety for the FUTURE. PROVERBS 21:20 “There is desirable treasure, and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man squanders it.” PSALMS 62:10; PROVERBS 28:20 I vow to be financially free to support the needs of my family and the KINGDOM of God by eliminating my debt, committing to tithing, saving and living on a written budget. PROVERBS 27:23 "Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds." LUKE 14:28-30; GENESIS 41:35-36
BASIC BUDGET TEMPLATE DETERMINE YOUR INCOME • Net take home pay (after taxes) • Interest/Dividends (on investments, bank accounts, etc.) • Cash Gifts • Other (child support, alimony, income tax returns)
WRITE DOWN YOUR EXPENSES (BILLS) • • • • • • •
Tithes Home (Including utilities, food) Auto (including insurance & maintenance) Personal Religious/Donations Entertainment Debt/Other (membership dues, magazines, etc.)
START SAVING
10% 45% 15% 5% 5% 5% 5%
10%
• Emergencies (begin with $1000 before starting a debt reduction plan)
• Long Term (retirement, college, burial, etc.) • Major Purchase (car, boat, etc.) • Vacations
Pay Off All Debt With The Debt Snowball
• List your debts (except your house) in order with the smallest payoff or balance first.
• Do not be concerned with interest rates or terms unless two debts have similar payoffs, then list the higher interest rate debt first.
• You attack the smallest debt first, still maintaining minimum payments on everything else. Paying the little debts off first give you quick feedback, and you are more likely to stay with the plan • Once the first debt is paid off, take all the money paid toward that debt and apply to the next debt on your list until it is paid off • Continue down the list until all debts are paid.
Just a little over six months into her engagement, Dr. Hale took two breaks to talk to Trumpet about her upcoming wedding, her new role as wife to Joseph and her life transition. Break 1: As she sat with her mom, Mrs. Geraldine Hale, glowing and full of energy at a recent bridal shower, Dr. Steph laughed and talked with new friends. Always smiling, her answers about love, life and her family are almost typical. She is sincere and looks you directly in the eye. Her life appears to be an open book as she shared her most embarrassing moments, her childhood memories, her favorite pastimes and details about her courtship with and engagement to Dr. Joseph W. Walker, III. TRUMPET: What should we call you—First Lady, Dr. Steph, Mrs. Walker, Sister Missionary?
DR. STEPH: Whatever you feel like calling me. Whatever you are comfortable with. I mean, there are colleagues of mine that I call “Dr.” out of respect, but really, it does not matter. I’ve noticed a lot of college students have already adopted the name “Dr. Steph,” and that’s fine too. Dr. Steph, 33, is a neonatologist and an Instructor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. Currently, she has much on her plate from multitasking work and planning a wedding to preparing for her new role as the First Lady. Once she relocates to Nashville, she will transition to Vanderbilt University as Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and as a Clinical Neonatologist. In her new role, she will be taking care of sick infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Dr. Steph will also be serving in the community and lecturing in other hospitals.
Break 2: As I resumed the interview, Dr. Steph— dressed in jeans, a tank top, a sweater and socks (no shoes)—was busy on her laptop, ordering the bridesmaids’ dresses. Excited and full of energy and smiles, she commented, “It never stops,” and “I love it.” Beautiful, intelligent, a great sense of humor and very down to earth, when asked about her connection with Bishop Walker, she shared, “We are intellectual twins. We actually think alike!” “Our life philosophies are very similar—Type A personality. We just go, go, go! We are exhausted at the same time of the day, and we were even finishing each other’s sentences within two weeks of meeting—even though we did not technically know each other that well. It was amazing! Our mindset on friends, family, finance and responsibility—all things we feel are important—we are on the same page.” “It’s just divine. We can sit at a bookstore for hours and just pick up books—browse through them. That’s just one of the similar pastimes we both do—and liked to do prior to meeting.”
TRUMPET: We are fascinated about your transition and the balance of First Lady/career woman. Are you concerned about the scrutiny and expectations? How will you navigate the two roles?
DR. STEPH: I’m not concerned, and the major reason is that I did not find Joseph based on my own doing. There’s no way that two people, so busy, could’ve met without it being divine. I’m confident God has prepared me. I don’t know all the answers. I know I’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg, but I’m not worried. I know that God has ordered this. The only thing I know how to
do is be myself. I’m an open book. I recognize that the transition will take a tremendous amount of balance. Our views of life and career are harmonious. We order our lives: God first, next family, and everything else fits in after that. I also recognize that for Bishop, the church is a part of his family. He shared with me that during the time Lady Diane passed away, he needed them [the Church] as much as they needed him, and there is no separation. That’s why it was important to me to have the wedding in Nashville—to make sure his entire family (now my family) will be present. Being his wife definitely means that I will support him in everything he does, and he will support everything I do. I wholeheartedly embrace my new life.
TRUMPET: Tell us about the passion surrounding your career path to become a neonatologist.
DR. STEPH: I’ve always been surrounded by kids. My mom had a day care center that started in our living room. As it grew, it moved to the garage and then expanded to three or four locations! And all of the women on my mom’s side of the family were nurses, but I remember I was hospitalized when I was five or six years old with a cyst on my wrist. There was another little girl in the other bed in the room, and she was throwing up all over the place, and I asked my mom, “Who’s going to clean that up—the doctors or the nurses?” And my mom said, “the nurses,” and at that moment, I said, “I’m going to be a doctor!” From that day forward, my decision to become a doctor never waivered. However, as an adult, I've clearly learned how integral nurses are to the entire workings of a hospital. They are the backbone of any Intensive Care Unit. In neonatology, we work with “the whole
baby” from head to toe. It’s a different world than any other area of medicine. We are on site from the baby’s birth. We are the first doctors, after OB/GYN, to handle the baby. I love action; I love the organized chaos of the NICU. We want our babies to go home better. I feel blessed to be a part of the process because God has given us a skill to help out these innocent babies who might not ever make it otherwise. I pray every morning, driving to work because you know that as a doctor, you don’t always have the answers. Even when dealing with death in the NICU, we know that God has brought this baby to the hospital for a reason, and I’m placed there to give this child the best chance of life that he or she can possibly have. It’s an honor, and it’s humbling. I know that what I do in these few minutes can impact [both] baby and family for the rest of their lives. Death is always hard. I’m usually teary-eyed. My colleagues tell me, “When you stop feeling this way, then it’s time to stop being a doctor.” We recognize that it’s okay to feel sad. Even though we are surrounded by so much technology and try to give the child the best chance at life that he or she can possibly have, I take it that God’s will is being done in every situation. We can’t always explain everything that happens. Some babies get well. It’s definitely the Lord. There are so many miracles I can’t explain, and [I] don’t try to. I’ve seen Him work in the NICU many, many times. It’s just an honor to be a part of the process. I’ve probably said too much, but this is one of my passions. Even with Bishop, our careers converge in many areas. I heal bodies, and he heals souls. . . . Our careers (callings) are a part of who we are. This is very rewarding. TRUMPET: Will you take a hiatus from your own career?
DR. STEPH: Not really. I start my new position at Vanderbilt in July. I will travel with my husband from time-to-time, in addition to my hospital work.
TRUMPET: Tell us about your fashion sense. What do you like to wear, and who are your favorite designers?
DR. STEPH: I’d wear jeans, flip flops and a tank top everyday if I could. That’s what I call “my California look.” I do like a variety of designers and stores from discount stores to designer stores.
TRUMPET: The First Lady role is probably different from any other role you have ever assumed. How will you approach this season of your life?
DR. STEPH: I’m just going to be open and take one step at a time. I will address things as they come up and just “be me” and be prayerful. I’m open . . . . You can come up and talk to me. If you see me, please come up to me! I would love to meet everyone! I want you to feel comfortable. If I see you out in the mall in a Mt. Zion T-shirt, don’t think I’m not going to come up to you and say “Hi!”
TRUMPET: We all assume that there will be a child (children) in the near future. What are your thoughts on starting a family?
DR. STEPH: We absolutely want children. I’m one of seven, and Bishop is one of 10. God willing, we want children, as many as we can afford to have. It would be a tragedy for us, to be as loving and giving as we are, and not to pour this into our little person’s life. TRUMPET: What is your daily routine, and how do you think it will shift after you are married?
DR. STEPH: Really, there is no set routine. Every day is different for me. I get up early in the morning when I am working, and [I] am at the hospital by 7:00 A.M. or 7:30 A.M. And I might leave by 6:00 P.M. or 7:00 P.M. If I’m on call, I might be on a shift for 24-36 hours. Every day is really different. Wednesdays and Sundays are my routine with church. Other than that, no two days are ever alike, and that’s how I like it.
TRUMPET: The wedding date is May 23, 2009. How are you feeling? DR. STEPH: I’m excited! I think when you are prayerful about finding that person you are going to spend the rest of your life with—and God allows them to find you— you’re just ready! There is no anxiety! I just want to make sure we both have a good time and that it’s a day where we can have fun and spend time with family and friends. It’ll be great!
TRUMPET: What do you like to eat? Do you cook?
DR. STEPH: I love Mexican food. I grew up in Southern California, and everybody knows that you can’t grow up in Cali without liking authentic Mexican food! I love Italian and Indian and Tai food.
And, yes, I can cook. We’re definitely having fun with that. We’re going to be cooking together.
TRUMPET: Both you and Bishop Walker have incredibly busy schedules. How do you communicate and keep your flow fresh and consistent daily? Has your long distance relationship been difficult? DR. STEPH: We are constantly talking. It has been effortless. We communicate several times a day, and we enjoy it! He usually calls me first in the morning, or we text each other. We always know what the other is doing or how our schedule is looking for the day. Really, we text or call several times during the day. Then, we always pray every night. He’ll call and say goodnight, or I will [call]. We stay up and wait for each other to wind down. TRUMPET: The first time I met you, I told Bishop Walker, “She adores you.” When you are looking at Bishop Walker, tell me, what’s behind that infectious smile and those eyes that sparkle? DR. STEPH: You are right! For a while, everybody said to me, “You look different.” It’s not just that we are happy. I feel full. I’m overflowing. The way that he loves me—really what you are seeing is his love shining through me. It’s probably not the proper way to describe it. I really get choked up just thinking about him. . . . I’m all in . . . submerged and inundated and full—overflowing. . . . TRUMPET: You are the perfect couple.
DR. STEPH: We’re not necessarily the perfect couple. We are perfect for each other. Everybody has to be their own model. It is difficult and dangerous to compare what you have with another person’s situation. We love each other. He treats me like a queen, and I treat him like a king. And
the king/queen treatment has nothing to do with finances. It’s about respecting each other to the utmost. . . adoring each other. TRUMPET: You grew up in Los Angeles. Tell me about a typical weekend in your household when you were younger.
DR. STEPH: I am one of seven children. I am number five. I was the youngest for a long time (18 years). Three of my brothers are adopted. My parents have been married for 48 years. We were all athletic! The girls (my sisters) were all tomboys. We all played sports and were very active. I remember one weekend when I was in elementary school, I had a morning soccer game, my brother had football and I was also a cheerleader. We went from one event to the next, and I had to change clothes from my soccer uniform to my cheerleader outfit in the car. Then we left there to go to my other sister’s basketball game (This was a typical Saturday!) Sports and church…all weekend long, almost every weekend. I played basketball, softball and flag football, soccer, and [I] ran track as a kid. Even now, I love to ski. I’m going to teach
Joseph how to ski. He promised me he would try. I also took up tennis six years ago. I love extreme sports like white water rafting. I jumped out of a plane for my 30th birthday! I like jet skiing and any kind of outdoor activity.
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Everybody needs to know [that] they can just come up to me. If I can help, I’ll do it. That’s how I was raised. I’m so blessed, and I believe in lifting as I climb. I look forward to getting involved with the young people and first ladies in the area.
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- Dr. Stephaine
TRUMPET: It is natural, that everyone will want to “get to know you”…but we have well over 22,000 members…How will you “get to know the community”?
DR. STEPH: When you make a transition, you have to make an effort to meet other people and I will gladly make the effort and get involved. My personality is about getting involved and [about] community service— making the extra effort—not just about you saying “Hi.” I want to find out information and really get to know people and be very deliberate, open and accessible. I’m more than willing to help! Everybody needs to know [that] they can just come up to me. If I can help, I’ll do it. That’s how I was raised. I’m so blessed, and I believe in lifting as I climb. I look forward to getting involved with the young people and first ladies in the area. I don’t think it’ll be hard. It’ll be like freshman year of college for me. TRUMPET: Mentoring is important to you. Are there other areas of community service that interest you?
DR. STEPH: I’m passionate about young people and especially making sure that young people in high school get to college and college students get to graduate school and then get the jobs they want. I want to help teach them how to succeed and be successful. I will be getting involved and giving back. I like to get my hands dirty and clean up playgrounds and build homes [things like that] and be a part
of the solution. And, of course, health care in general. I want to give the right information that people need and give it to them in the way they need it. To point people in the right direction is key. Specifically for me, health care of women , healthy child bearing, health policy and all of the things that impact those topics – programs, summits, meetings or conversations with decision makers….
TRUMPET: What can we do to help you with your transition? DR. STEPH: You all have made it so comfortable, inviting and easy for me. I know the adjustment will require a lot of patience and understanding from everybody, as I learn names and faces. While I’ll want to participate in each and every invitation, I know I won’t be able to. I’ll pace myself, balancing marriage and my commitment to my husband and family, Mt. Zion, career, and so on. I know everyone will respect my position to be a wife to Joseph Walker and allow me to be acclimated to this role. It’s important to make the household happy first. I’m blessed that I walked into a comfortable situation. I feel so blessed and appreciated. I see the effort that everyone is making, and I don’t take it for granted! This means sooooo much to me. I can’t say thank you enough!
In Your Words
TRUMPET: What’s on your TV on any given night?
DR. STEPH: CNN, Grey’s Anatomy, Music Choice - Gospel
TRUMPET: What’s on your nightstand now, and what will be on your nightstand as First Lady? DR. STEPH: Always my phone, my Bible and my journal and I don’t think that will change. TRUMPET: Favorite artist / Favorite song
DR. STEPH: I listen to a little bit of everything. TRUMPET: Your Hero
DR. STEPH: My parents – Mom and Dad. They are amazingly awesome individuals!
TRUMPET: Whom would you love to meet?
DR. STEPH: Barack and Michelle Obama and Oprah (amazing person, giving and thoughtful), and I would have loved to have met Princess Diana (people person who believed in being with the people). That’s exactly how I see myself at Mt. Zion; the entire church is ripe with opportunity. I want to get involved for real! I’m interested in people, and I want to work with the people. I’m not someone that needs to be put on a pedestal. I’m human. I’ve made mistakes. I’m far from perfect, but I’m here and want to do all I can to help. I love life and work hard and play hard… living life to the fullest!
TRUMPET: Quite evening at home or a night out on the town?
DR. STEPH: Both – just depends on the day – I’m not an all or nothing. We love to go out, but we cherish our time alone at home. TRUMPET: The beach or the mountains?
DR. STEPH: Both – I prefer the beach in the summer and the mountains in the winter. TRUMPET: Some of your favorite things to do. DR. STEPH: Shopping and traveling.
TRUMPET: Early morning or late night? DR. STEPH: I’m a night owl.
GETTING TO KNOW “FIRST LADY” STEPHAINE
10 Quick Facts
1. Favorite Color (Camel Brown) 2. Birthday (September 17th) 3. Birth City (Cleveland, OH)
4. Favorite Scripture (Proverbs 3:5) 5. Sorority (Delta Sigma Theta) 6. Favorite Childhood Movie
(Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory)
7. Favorite Author (Iyanla Vanzant) 8. Cats or Dogs (Both)
9. Favorite TV Show (Grey’s Anatomy)
10. Besides Basketball, Favorite Sport (Skiing)
TRUMPET: We would like to take this time to welcome you, First Lady Stephaine! Are there any last thoughts that you’d like to share?
DR. STEPH: My life’s philosophy and I whole heartedly recognize, having grown up in the inner city with people next door that lived crazy lifestyles, I recognize it’s by God’s grace that I have the life that I have. God reined me in and my parents spoke truth and love into my life. I’m not any different than another person; really, by grace, God did this! I had mentors, friends and people who pushed me into my destiny, which is why I must invest into the community because the community helped me! Community sports and events and other community activities really saved us when we were younger! Why am I different than the next person? I’m not! I’m blessed and guided. I believe and know this wholeheartedly. I don’t judge people. Basically, it’s ‘here’s where you are,’ and how do we help you and not judge you. Oh, and I love the Joseph Warren Walker, III! He makes me happy…to say the least. The Professional Outlook
Dr. Hale is a neonatologist in the Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians Group at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an Instructor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. Her research interests focus on disparities as they relate to neonatal outcomes and mortality in the U.S., as well as to quality improvement within the neonatal intensive care unit with emphasis on centers serving vulnerable populations. Dr. Hale’s goal is to be an advocate for the health care of all children and to develop successful programs and policies that will improve the health and survival of infants in underserved communities across the nation. Dr. Hale received the Presidential Scholarship at the Harvard School of Public Health in 2006–2007 and the Dr. Milton Rosenbluth Fellowship at
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Cornell University Medical School. Her community service endeavors have included teaching sexually transmitted disease and AIDS programs in schools in Philadelphia and in New York City, as well as mentoring at the Inwood House for Pregnant Teens and at the “Lifting as We Climb” Program. Dr. Hale received her Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Vanderbilt University in 1997 and her medical degree from Cornell University Medical College in 2001. She completed her residency in pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in 2004, and her fellowship in neonatology at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles in 2006. As a Commonwealth Fund/Harvard University Fellow in Minority Health Policy, she also completed a Master of Public Health Degree at the Harvard School of Public Health in 2007.
Vincent & Kimberly Smith
Kennedy RayAnn Smith
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SPRING 2009 - TRUMPET MAGAZINE
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Gateway to Success by Peaches DeBerry
The Importance of Reading in the Home
Educators are equipped with the skills, the knowledge and the motivation to teach students to read. They know that reading is the foundation for success in all walks of life. Because reading is an undervalued skill in today’s world of technology, parents must play a vital role, not only in teaching their children to read but also in motivating them to become lifelong lovers of books and reading. According to the U.S. Government Commission on Reading, “the single most important activity for building knowledge in our children is having parents read aloud to their children at an early age.” Reading stimulates the brain and improves vocabulary in all children. Even infants learn words by hearing the sounds made when parents read aloud to them. It, therefore, is never too early to start reading to your children. As soon as children are old enough to read on their own, parents should allow the children to read aloud to them. Reading with your children builds vocabulary, improves writing skills, stimulates creativity and fosters strong emotional bonds between parents and children. The following is a list of suggestions to motivate your children to become lifelong readers. • Talk to your infants and toddlers to help them learn to speak and to understand the meaning of words. A large vocabulary will help children as they enter school. • Read more than just books. Read labels, signs, menus, recipes, advertisements and symbols such as McDonald’s big yellow M or the logos on breakfast cereal boxes. • Take children’s books with you whenever you go on vacation. This gives your children fun activities to do while you are traveling. • Purchase books on audiocassette or on CD. Allowing children to listen to books on tapes is a great way to pass the time while they are traveling. • Create a special reading place in your home for your family to have quiet reading time or storytelling time together. Make reading aloud fun by acting out characters from the books and by having your children read to you. • Make books available and accessible. Children who become readers almost always come from homes where books and other reading materials are available throughout the house. • Turn off the television and video games and set aside time each day for reading. • Be a role model for your children by allowing them to see you reading. . It doesn’t matter whether it’s a book, a Bible, (an excellent choice) a newspaper or a magazine. When children see parents reading, they will know that reading is important.
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• Make weekly trips to the public library with your children. Allow them to obtain their own library cards. • Find out what your children’s interests are and have the librarian guide them to age-appropriate books on their favorite subjects. • Take children to free story-time at your public library and local bookstores. • Use movie or video tie-ins to books. If your children’s favorite movie is based on a book that they have read, follow-up with a discussion comparing the book to the movie. Reading is fundamental to success in all walks of life. Parents and educators must work together to help our children achieve success by laying their foundation with a solid reading program.
RECOMMENDED READING: Toddlers and Preschool • The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats ISBN: 0140501827 $6.99 Ages infant to three years. • The Napping House by Audrey and Don Wood. ISBN: 978 0152056209 $11.99. Ages infant to three years.
Elementary School • Junie B. Jones and the Yucky Blucky Fruitcake by Barbara Park ISBN: 0679866949 $4.99. Ages six to nine years. • Soupy Saturdays with the Pain and the Great One by Judy Blume ISBN: 978 0440420927 $5.99 Ages five to nine years.
Middle School • Drive-By by Lynne Ewing ISBN: 0064406490 $4.99 Ages 10 years and up.
Bud not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis ISBN: 0440413281 $6.99 Ages ten and up.
High School Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. Encountering Themes and Dreams: Excellent Reads for High School Students. pp. 2-8, 2007. Recommended For All Ages Children’s Everyday Bible: A Story for Every Day of the Year ISBN: 0789488582 $19.99.
Free story-times are offered at the following places in Nashville: • Barnes and Noble Every Monday and Saturday at 11:00 A.M. • Fairytales Bookstore and More Monday – Friday at 3:30 P.M. • Davis Kidd Booksellers Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 10:00 A.M.
Bibliography Ng, Deborah, “Parenting Tips: Teaching Children to Read,” Essortment Encyclopedia 2002, February 25, 2009 http://www.essortment.com. “The First Step in Teaching Children to Read,” Little Ones Reading Resources 2003-2008, February 25, 2009, http://www.littleonesreadingresources.com. Wolkoff, Sandra, ed., Raising Your Children Well: Insights and Ideas for Parents and Teachers, New York: Other Press, 2006. Peaches DeBerry serves as a Mt. Zion greeter. She has been a library/media specialist with MNPS for 23 years.
OUTREACH & EVENTSAT THE MOUNT
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1. MLK March 2. Bishop Walker atTaylor Stratton Elementary during Read Me Week 3. Judah Dancers 4. Members of Delta Sigma Theta at the MLK March 5. College Sunday 6. Thanksgiving Feeding 7. Bishop’s Engagement Announcement 8. 92Q’s Connie Dennell and News Channel 5’s Lelan Statom at the NAACP Centennial Celebration at Mt. Zion 9. L to R: Bishop Joseph Walker, Pastor George Brooks, TN Representative Brenda Gilmore and Nashville NAACP Branch President Marilyn Robinson at the NAACP Centennial Celebration 10. Room in the Inn Makeover at Vizions 11. 2008 Kenya Mission Trip 12. 2008 Kenya Mission Trip
by Frederick L. Vaughn
Music has great power to both reflect and shape human experience. In worship, music is able to express the most profound thoughts and emotions in ways that words cannot. Music is used both to praise God and to proclaim the Word; it expresses prayer and relates the Gospel story. The church musician (minstrel) is primarily responsible for creating the environment where music can make its contribution to worship. At Mt. Zion, we are honored to employ some of the country's greatest minstrels who eagerly share in ministry. The staff of highly gifted minstrels are in great demand to share their gifts with some of the country’s greatest artists; yet they remain rooted and grounded at home with Mt. Zion Baptist Church. We appreciate their dedication and loyalty.
Kim Mont
In this current edition of Trumpet, we highlight some of our great minstrels:
Kimberly Mont, Antioch Praise Team Kim is a singer, songwriter and vocal arranger originally from Detroit, Michigan. Upon graduation from Tennessee State University, she began her musical journey. Kim has been featured on Mt. Zion’s Worship In His Presence and Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III Presents Judah Generation and sang on projects for artists like Michael McDonald, Shirley Caesar, Livingston Taylor, Daryl Coley, Anointed, Alvin Slaughter, Brian Littrell, Out of Eden and Benita Washington. Kim has had the pleasure of singing live background for Jessie Powell, After 7, Angela Winbush, Kirk and Kevin Whalum, Alvin Slaughter, Benita Washington, Anointed and Tamia. In May 2009, Kim will be touring with National Recording Artist Brandy. Royce Mosley, Organist/Psalmist S. Royce Mosley is a singer, musician, and producer hailing from Shreveport, Louisiana. Royce,the former minister of music worship and the arts at the Lone Wa Worship Center in Monroe, Louisiana. Mosley has shared the stage with several of gospel's greatest voices inclusive of the late Reverend James Moore, Norman Hutchins, Karen Clark-Sheard, Byron Cage, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Richard Smallwood, The Mississippi Mass Choir, Helen Baylor, Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Reverend James Bignon, Kurt Karr and singers, Vickie Winans and many more. Royce currently serves as the organist and psalmist for Bishop Walker. Mosley has completed his live solo debut recording to be released in 2009!
David Warren, Antioch Music Director David Warren, a native of Santa Cruz, California, is an anointed keyboardist, arranger and producer whose versatile gifts have made tremendous room for him. He began playing piano at the age of eight and was soon in high demand in his area. As his popularity grew and news of his talents spread, Warren was blessed to Royce Mosley work with Marvin Sapp, Kim Burrell, Karen Clark-Sheard, Donald Lawrence, Daryl Coley, Rizen, Vickie Yohe, Vashawn Mitchell, Rance Allen, Norman Hutchins, Douglas Miller, Tonex and Lamar Campbell to name a few. As chief musician, David exudes musical expertise and spiritual sensitivity well beyond his age of 26. Frederick L. Vaughn serves as the Overseer of the Music & Worship Arts Ministry. MT. ZION MUSIC & WORSHIP ARTS STAFF OHB MUSICIANS STAFF Music Director/Chief Musician: Virgil Straford Organist: Marcus Perry Drummer: Reginald Wilson Bassist: Stacey Coake Guitarist: Janaar Harbor Percussionist: Clay Andrews Trumpet: Jon Frappier Saxophone: Charles Walker Technical Arts Director: Jerrod Cring Visual Audio Director: Jet Penix
ANTIOCH MUSICIANS STAFF Music Director/Chief Musician: David Warren Organist: Royce Mosley Drummer: Jimmie Hodges Bassist: Anton Nesbitt Guitarist: Mike Wright Percussionist: Damon Tait Trumpet: John Lutz Saxophonist: Kawona Mull Technical Arts Director: Ric Cassidy Praise & Worship Director: Benita Washington
David Warren
“Many artists are longing for a place to belong, a place where the arts are flourishing, where God is using the arts in a powerful way. A place where artists can experience meaningful fellowship with other Christian artist, where we can learn from each other and cheer each other on. I believe that’s what God wants our churches to be: a place that harnesses the arts for His glory and nurtures artists.” – Rory Noland SPRING 2009 - TRUMPET MAGAZINE
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It gives me great pleasure to formally announce to you that Minister Alamazie Warren has assumed the new position of Ministry Liaison to the Bishop (MLB) and was effective March 1, 2009. In this role, Minister Warren will both partner with and evaluate the following ministries: the Ascend, Athletics, Covenant Matters, Deaf, Evangelism, Fitness, Foreign Mission, Healthcare, Home Mission, Network, New Membership, Men’s, Prayer, Prison, Protocol (with Ushers/Greeters), Singles’, Wedding and Women’s Ministries. He will attend ministry meetings to give support to the vision. He will be the voice of Bishop Walker as needed. Also, as the MLB, Minister Warren will provide a comprehensive ministry report to the Office of the Bishop in the following core areas: • Recruitment of volunteer participation • Volunteer service across designated ministries • Identification and execution of ministry leadership training needs across designated ministries • Implementation of the tenets of the vision through Covenant Matters • Assessment of Prison to the Palace as an evangelism paradigm During the first six months of 2009, Minister Warren will work closely with the above ministries in various areas to ensure that the vision, “Delivery Time in 2009,” comes to pass. Please keep in mind that Elder Floretta Singleterry and Minister Lisa Williams will remain the “go to” persons to support ministries in the events planning arena. As the MLB, however, Minister Warren will partner with the ministries of Mt. Zion to provide direct guidance to them and to ensure that ministries focus on the vision. He will also assist ministries in identifying achievable goals and in assessing the outcome of these goals. “I am very excited about my new position. My new role is very important. I will ensure the leaders and the people stay connected to the prophet [Bishop Walker]. Bishop stated in the 2009 Vision of the House that we will be intentional about giving close attention to the Covenant Matters [Marriage] Ministry and to volunteerism. Therefore, these areas, among others, are my targets for the first six months. I plan to be very intentional when working with the Covenant Matters, Women’s and Bridge Ministries,” explains Minister Warren.
Minister Warren is married to Tasha Warren. They are the proud parents of Amber and Sean Jackson.
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As the Mt. Zion Ministry strives to operate in the spirit of excellence, please help me congratulate Minister Alamazie (“Z”) Warren in his new position of servanthood.
Kimberly Barton Overseer of Communications Ext. 2137 kbarton@mtzionnashville.org Michael Burge Staff Accountant Ext. 1136 mburge@mtzionnashville.org
Janice Cain Administrative Assistant, Antioch Ext. 2100 jcain@mtzionnashvile.org Jerrod Cring Technical Arts Director jcring@mtzionnashville.org
La’Toya Crowder Product Support Coordinator Ext. 2139 lcrowder@mtzionnashville.org
SaLynn K. Evans Executive Assistant to Elder Noble Ext. 1117 sevans@mtzionnashville.org Minister Roy Ewing Facilities Coordinator rewing@mtzionnashville.org
Nicole Gilbert Marketing Communications Specialist Ext. 2141 ngilbert@mtzionnashville.org Galen Gill Accounts Payable Ext. 1127 ggill@mtzionnashville.org
Barbara F. Gray Project Assistant Ext. 2114 bgray@mtzionnashville.org
Gregory Harris Facilities Coordinator gharris@mtzionnashville.org
Omar Humphrey Facilities Coordinator ohumphrey@mtzionnashville.org Eric Jackson Graphic Designer Ext. 2140 ejackson@mtzionnashville.org.
Mark Jackson Lead Video Editor & Videographer Ext. 2142 mjackson@mtzionnashville.org
Virgil Strafford Old Hickory Music Director vstrafford@mtzionnashville.org
Robert Jetton, Sr. Jefferson Street Facilities Coordinator
LaTara Taylor Media Office Manager Ext. 2134 ltaylor@mtzionnashville.org
Lucretia Jetton Overseer of Hospitality Ext. 1100 ljetton@mtzionnashville.org
Valerie B. King Overseer of Marketing & Community Relations Ext. 2118 vking@mtzionnashville.org Spencer Lee Facilities Coordinator slee@mtzionnashville.org
Sharon McKinney Administrative Assistant to General Overseer of Finance Ext. 1153 smckinney@mtzionnashville.org Royce Mosley Organist rmosely@mtzionnashville.org
Elder Derrick Noble First Assistant to Bishop Walker General Overseer of Administration Ext. 1104 dnoble@mtzionnashville.org Jet Penix Sound Engineer jpenix@mtzionnashville.org
Medinah Rashied Events & Hospitality Coordinator Ext. 1122 mrashied@mtzionnashville.org
India K. Scruggs Coordinator of Children & Youth Ministries Ext. 3102 iscruggs@mtzionnashville.org Elder Floretta Singleterry General Overseer of Hospitality & Events Ext. 1109 fsingleterry@mtzionnashville.org Minister Shirley Ann Stallworth Executive Assistant to Bishop Walker Ext. 1121 astallworth@mtzionnashville.org Marilyn Holt Stone Accounting Manager Ext. 1124 mstone@mtzionnashville.org
Elder Darryl M. Taliaferro Overseer of College Ministries C.A.R.E. Ministry (615) 254-7044 dtaliaferro@mtzionnashville.org
The Mt. Zion Vision Team
Clifford Adams Facilities Manager cadams@mtzionnashville.org
Frederick L. Vaughn Overseer of Music and Worship Arts Ext. 1123 fvaughn@mtzionnashville.org Deacon Darrell Walker General Overseer of Children & Youth Development Ext. 1107 dwalker@mtzionnashville.org
Minister Alamazie Warren Ministry Liaison to Bishop Walker Ext. 1120 awarren@mtzionnashville.org David Warren Antioch Music Director dwarren@mtzionnashville.org
Benita Washington Praise & Worship Director bwashington@mtzionnashville.org
Karen A. Washington Database & Information Management Ext. 1103 kwashington@mtzionnashville.org Elder Lawrence A. Washington General Overseer of HR & Ministries Ext. 1134 lwashington@mtzionnashville.org Nicolle Whalen Lead Producer & Director Ext. 2136 nwhalen@mtzionnashville.org Jerry Luren White General Overseer of Finance Ext. 1105 jwhite@mtzionnashville.org
Minister Lisa Williams Overseer of Project Planning & Implementation Ext. 2117 lwilliams@mtzionnashville.org
Managing Kingdom Economics in a Depressed Economy by Jerry Luren White
Mark 4:38-39 reads: “And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” (KJV) The world is on the threshold of a Global Economic Meltdown; The United States economy has lost 2 million jobs in 2009; The value of my 401K has declined 40% in the last 12 months; I can’t pay my mortgage; Overall giving has declined; Peace, be still.
We serve a real God who is, has been and always will be. As Christians, we adhere to an economy of faith. God has enlarged our territory. He has granted us access to everlasting life through repentance and the acceptance of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We seek increase in our spiritual guidance. However, we also recognize that we are involved in active spiritual warfare with Satan and his followers as they attack, thwart, harass and attempt to mislead us. This war is manifesting itself through the current state of economic turmoil and chaos. In dealing with spiritual warfare we, as Christians, must understand that we are dealing with an ancient and extremely treacherous foe. We must endeavor to arm ourselves with weaponry capable of battling such an enemy. A key weapon is wisdom. The effective management of Kingdom Economics in a depressed economy requires the wisdom to accept a spiritual mind-set while utilizing effective tools and behavior shifts to deal with the financial practicalities we face on a daily basis. In facing these practicalities, we can
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focus on three areas:
• Reduce Cost by Spending Intelligently • Reduce Debt • Improved Giving Reduce Costs by Spending Intelligently
Intelligent spending is not necessarily buying cheap, but making wise spending decisions. Spend for your needs, not for your wants. If greed is a factor, drive it out of the spending equation. Make every spending decision justifiable. Use effective planning tools, especially a budget! Prioritize spending items and rank them accordingly. This allows the flexibility to eliminate or add items based upon your current economic situation. Do more with less. Be innovative.
At Mt. Zion, we are asking our ministries to combine their efforts when they share common goals and objectives. We are more intentional about leveraging the tremendous amount of human resources we have available within our congregation. Our managers are held accountable to manage their budgets and identify savings where possible, but not at the risk of ministry. Our funding of the New Level Community Development Corporation remains constant. Through our partnership with Big Brothers, we continuously provide benevolent support to individuals in need. We support organizations such as the American Red Cross, The Bethlehem Center and the American Cancer Society with cash donations as well as with the use of our facilities and an extremely large and willing volunteer base. We support the Room in the Inn, which provides several homeless women a home as well as a hot meal, toiletry items and fellowship each Thursday night. Examples of intelligent spending within the church include the purchase of two buses that are used to augment our transportation needs and to reduce our dependence on more expensive outside vendors. We also hired additional staff, reducing overtime costs and reliance on outside contractors and improving management of internal resources. Final-
ly, we are making spending commitments based upon the availability of funds, not on anticipated cash flows that may fail to materialize.
You can establish the same precepts when dealing with your personal financial situation. You should establish a budget and monitor it regularly. Spend according to your needs, not your wants. Identify areas where spending can be cut or reduced. Buy in bulk when it makes sense. Shorten your trips and make them more productive. Keep track of your spending daily, and evaluate continuously to ensure your actions support
your words. Involve the entire family and, most of all, continue to pray. Reduce Debt
Proverbs 22:7 reads: “The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” (KJV)
At Mt. Zion, we adhere to a debt-free doctrine and refuse to wear the yoke of debt or pass it on to our future generations. We have reduced our debt over $5 million dollars during the past three years, eliminating the debt on our build-out of the Antioch facility and KidZone and reducing the debt on our Old Hickory Boulevard (OHB) facility. We established a debt-free campaign last year to payoff the OHB facility in five years. We continue to make substantial quarterly payments including a two hundred-thousand dollar payment on March 31st. In working with your personal debt, establish a debt elimination plan that, regardless of your circumstances,
can be achieved. First and foremost is recognizing the existence of the debt. You can’t ignore your debt issue. Communication with your debtors can buy you time as you work on viable solutions, both shortterm and long-term. Renegotiate terms based on your current situation and ask for an extended payment plan. Whatever approach you take, do what you commit to do. Make payments on time. Prompt payment reaffirms your credibility with creditors and may allow you continued flexibility should your financial situation worsen. Improved Giving
At Mt. Zion, we are truly blessed with a maturing congregation that understands kingdom building requires kingdom giving. Our members continue to give despite the economic conditions surrounding us. Although last year we experienced a decline in giving for the first time ever, our giving remains strong. We depend on each and every one of you for your gift. No gift is unimportant or too little. We are a strong church with very high attendance each Sunday. It is the strength of these numbers with every one giving that allows us to maintain our ministries and manage our economics. I often use the analogy of the faithful Senior Saints who continue to tithe and support our debt-free initiative despite the fact that they are on fixed incomes. I think of these Saints when considering purchases and/or approving expenditures to make sure that our spending is prudent and respectful of their support and sacrifice. Mark 4:40-41 reads: “And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (KJV)
Yes, we are experiencing tough times, but we must continue to press our way, exercise our faith in the one and true God and utilize the wisdom He has instilled in us. We may stumble, but we will get back up, stronger in our faith, embolden with the Holy Spirit and much better equipped as Christians. Jerry Luren White serves as Chief Financial Officer for Mt. Zion Baptist Church.