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Pisgah Post Edit Edition iti tion III, IIIII Vo V Volume olume 3 3,, Issue Issue 4 Saturday, Sattur urday May May 4, 4 2013 2013
We Are Family
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Spiritual Disciplines Discipline Three: The Discipline of Fasting asting is not an exclusively Christian Discipline. All major world religions and many non-religious persons recognize its merits. History informs us that Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, Confucius, the Yogis of India and Hippocrates the father of modern medicine, all believed in and practiced fasting. Notwithstanding, Scripture has much to say. In a culture where the landscape is dotted with eateries, fasting seem out of place and out of step with the times. Our desire to eat and overeat is like rivers that tend to overflow their banks; and fasting helps keep them in their proper channels (1 Cor. 9:27). It’s time that the people of God dust off this seeming ancient relic and restore its rightful place in the home and church.
are feasting on the Word of God. Fasting is feasting in humility. David writes, “I humbled my soul with fasting” (Ps. 69:10). Anger, bitterness, fear, jealousy, animosity--if resident within, will surface and you will be challenged to surrender. It is amazing to realize that the first statement Jesus made about fasting dealt with motive (Mt. 6:16-18). Fasting is not meant to be used as a pawn to get God to do what you want; but rather, for God to reveal Himself to you as you feast on His Word. We fast because it is an act of Spiritual Worship (Lu. 2:37; Ac. 13:2). “When ye fasted ... did ye at all fast unto me? (Zec. 7:5). In fasting strongholds are destroyed and you can chart a course toward a new destiny (Mt. 17:21).
Fasting is Feasting
Corporate Fasts
Scripture defines fasting as abstaining from food for spiritual purposes (Daniel 10:3). When Jesus fasted forty days He did not eat and Satan tempted Him to eat because He was hungry (Lu. 4:2). In fasting we are not so much abstaining from food as we
In most cases fasting is a private matter between the individual and God. There are, however, occasional times of corporate public fasts as was the case on the annual public fast required by the Mosaic Law on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 23:27). Fasts
Pastor Kevin Bryan
were also called in times of group or national emergency (Joel 2:1218). When Judah was invaded, King Jehoshaphat called the nation to a fast (2 Chr. 20:1-4). In response to the preaching of Jonah, the entire city of Nineveh including animals fasted. Corporate fast can be an enormously powerful and magnanimous Spiritual experience for persons who are of one mind. Serious challenges in homes and churches can be healed through unified prayer and fasting. In these last days, we are engaged in a spiritual warfare that urgently necessitates the use of this Spiritual Discipline. My prayer is that individually and corporately we dust off this seeming ancient relic and restore it in our homes and church; so like Moses, David, Elijah, Esther, Daniel, Anna, Paul and Jesus we may reap its bountiful blessings.
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Leading By Example or Elder George and Sister Dee Brantley, Family Life Ministry is more than a church office. As directors of this ministry, they are passionate about doing all they can to insure that Mt.Pisgah families have healthy, Christ centered relationships. The example they set in their own marriage leaves little doubt why others seek them out for advice. While Sister Brantley emphasizes family is “the nucleus” of the church, she and Elder Brantley are well aware the definition of “family” has a different meaning to different people. Therefore, their ministry doesn’t focus on couples only, but reaches out to blended families, single parents, widows, singles and divorcees. Mt. Pisgah is uniquely blessed with many young couples, and the Brantleys are impressed to do all they can to support these relationships.
Soon after taking office, Elder and Sister Brantley conducted a survey to access the needs and interests of Mt. Pisgah families. The survey revealed almost all the requested programs were already on Family Life’s agenda. In the planning are seminars on parenting, child development, and teen dating. Mt. Pisgah’s own mental health professionals will be organizing support groups for divorcees, and plan to make grievance counseling available. Additionally, Family Life Ministry plans on working with other departments to address specific needs of Singles, Men’s and Women’s Ministry, and they plan to partner with CUD (Community Urban Development) taking Family Life’s message to a broader audience. Specifically, Elder Brantley senses a need to work alongside Men’s Ministry, offering the men of Mt. Pisgah instruction for effective husband and wife communication. Brantley Both Elder and Sister Bran have a burden to reach out to individuals whose spouse ddoes not attend church with tthem. To this end, there was a recent couples seminar se with “A Taste of Jamaica”, which of offered a relaxing atmosphere atmosp for everyone in attendance. tendance In her w words, Sister S BrantB ley states; “The
family that prays and plays together, stays together. At a recent Family Life seminar, committee member Dr. Sandee Dunbar offered advice to parents on Sabbath entertainment for their children. Afterwards a mother spoke to Sister Brantley thanking her for addressing that topic, and for the resources Dr. Dunbar had provided. This mother was excited to offer her children a list of “dos” not simply “don’ts” for Sabbath activities. Elder and Sister Brantley want nothing more than to know they are reaching Mt. Pisgah families in all their diverse situations, and that by God’s grace they will live up to the Family Life Ministry motto; “Taking Families Higher”. For Mt. Pisgah Family Life Ministry information contact: For more information on Mt Pisagh Family Life Ministries please contact Elder and Sister George Brantley by phone at 954-4353960 or email at familylife@ mtpisgahsda.com. by: Nancy Wells
“The family that prays and plays together, stays together.”
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The Storehouse What does the term “storehouse” mean? The term “storehouse” has become a contemporary term describing the place we choose to which we bring our tithes. It comes from God’s call in Malachi 3:10-”Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it (NIV) If the Storehouse does not provide “food” to the House, can it still be considered a storehouse?
Where did the term “storehouse” originate? The concept of storehouse began during the revival at the time of King Hezekiah when the people returned their past tithe as part of the revival. So much was brought in that the king ordered the construction of storerooms (2 Chronicles 31:2-11). King David created one in order to gather supplies for the building of the temple (1 Chronicles 27:25). Hezekiah had storehouses (2 Chronicles 31:610; 32:27-30). Of course, Joseph was made famous for his storehouses (Genesis 41).
Administration of Tithe Funds Position Statement The “Storehouse” or “Treasury” of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. According to Scripture, the tithe is the Lord’s and is to be brought as an act of worship to His storehouse. The Seventh-day Adventist Church accomplishes this by sending the tithe to the conference treasury through the church in which the person’s
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membership is held. In unusual circumstances church members should consult with the officers of their local conference/mission. Following any other plan causes confusion and competition and undermines the Church’s financial structure, thus weakening the Church’s ability to fulfill its world mission. In order to continue a strong balanced church program around the world, members should not direct the Lord’s tithe to projects of their own choosing.
Policies Regarding the Use of Tithe: Functions for Which Tithe May Be Used 1) The support of evangelists, pastors and Bible instructors. 2) The support of personnel who provide administrative leadership and services for the evangelistic outreach and nurturing ministries of the church. These include conference officers, departmental directors, accountants, clerks and office secretaries. 3) The expenses which are necessary to undergird the total evangelistic outreach and nurturing ministries of the church, such as: a. Evangelism expense b. Conference office operating expenses c. Conference office and evangelistic equipment d. Campground and camp meeting operating expenses 4) The support of functions which are considered essential to the evangelistic outreach and nurturing ministries of the church. a. Elementary Schools-Allocations of up to 30 percent of the total salaries and expenses of elementary principals and teachers in recognition of their role as spiritual leaders. b. Academies-The equivalent of
the total support of academy Bible teachers, residence hall deans and principals. c. Colleges/Universities-An amount equal to the total cost of college and university Bible departments, residence hall deans, the presidents and deans of students. d. Literature Evangelists-Conference allocation on literature evangelists’ benefits. e. Conference Centers/CampsAllocation on conference center/youth camp operating expense. f. Media programs-The production of print, radio and television. g. Retirees-The retirement benefits of denominational employees
Policies Regarding the Use of Tithe: Functions for Which Tithe Shall Not Be Used 1. Local church maintenance and other operating expenses. These should be funded by offerings from members. 2. Elementary school maintenance and other operating expenses. These should be funded from tuition and/or church subsidies. 3. Secondary and higher education maintenance and operating expenses. These should be funded from tuition and other institutional income. 4. Church, conference or institutional building projects. These should be funded from members and/or other non tithe sources. These guidelines were adopted and voted by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Executive Committee at the Annual Council Session in Washington, D.C., October 14, 1985. Presented by Hans Azemard
Inspired to Lead peaking to the Galatians, Paul wrote; “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10 (NASB) Sister Amaral Jean-Bart had not planned on becoming Women’s Ministry leader. Certainly she did not volunteer for what she considered, “a lofty endeavor”. But when presented with the opportunity to do good, the thought came to her, “Why would she not?” Immediately after taking office, Sister Amaral adopted the motto, “Be the change you want to see”, and it became the guiding principle for all the Women’s Ministry events she, and her committee, plan. An ambitious calendar of events has included a cardio fitness class that gave the women of Mt. Pisgah tips on exercise and diet. Also, the popular self help book “Sister’s of the Yam” was discussed at the first meeting of a recurring book club. Sister Amaral hopes to intentionally help women use tools described in that book to identify truth in their lives. The most recent event, Women’s Ministry Day, featured guest speaker Donnette Blake. She not only blessed the women and men of Mt.
Pisgah with a powerful sermon on Sabbath morning, but in a compelling workshop, dug deep into the meaning of true Christian loyalty, friendship, and sisterhood. Sister Amaral feels a desire for Christian sisterhood is one of the issues she and her committee want to address. By planning activities, at a time other than Sabbath, she hopes to promote an atmosphere that encourages good solid relationships, hoping this process will be a catalyst for developing new friendships outside of church. Upcoming events include the Southeastern Conference Women’s Retreat July 25-28 in Tampa, FL. Sister Amaral feels in addition to scheduled conference events, the road trip is a big part of the experience and offers an opportunity for new friendships to form. She is especially anxious that the young women of Mt. Pisgah have a chance to attend, and hopes church members will sponsor young ladies who want to be at the Retreat. Sister Amaral feels uniquely blessed to have an amazing committee that works so well together planning programs and events that have been successful beyond their expectations. Behind the scenes financial support they receive from those who can’t always attend events, inspires the committee to stay focused on
reaching outt to en all the women h. of Mt. Pisgah. Effective leaders need to be inspired, and it Sister Amaral Jean-Bart was at the recent Women’s Ministry Day Sister Amaral received an expression of gratitude for such a wonderful service from a visiting gentleman who yes, got his blessing on Women’s Ministry Day. Also, on the same Sabbath, a young woman came to Sister Amaral saying she didn’t really want to attend church that day, but felt transformed by the experience she received. The Women’s Ministry Committee hopes the programs they have planned for the women of Mt. Pisgah, will have a transforming effect on them also. Sister Amaral said it best; “Each of us can do something. You don’t have to lead, but do something. Just be a friend. Be a part of the change you want to see.” For more information on Mt Pisgah Women’s Ministries please contact Sister Amaral Jean-Bart by phone at 754-245-0278 or email at womensministries@mtpisgahsda.com. by: Nancy Wells
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Beware of Blessings? Then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 8:14 remember driving home alone in my car years ago and contemplating this question: How did I get to this place where I (and everyone else I know) feel out of breath from the daily race? I found myself imagining how much simpler life must have been in Little House on the Prairie days. If I were living on a farm in the 1800s, I wouldn’t worry about having my hair cut and frosted (which is where I’d been for the past two hours). We’d be living miles from our nearest neighbors, so I wouldn’t have a whole town full of people to compare my house with. Running errands would be a simple event with only one store in town that would have everything we needed. But is living in the twenty-first century the only reason why our lives are so cluttered with lessons, parties, activities, trips, classes, events and meetings? No. We live this way because we can -- and because we choose to. Because we’re prosperous enough to do so. That’s the only explanation for why we work countless hours earning money to spend on countless things we don’t really
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need. Prosperity is a blessing from God; His Word makes that clear. But He also makes it clear that prosperity can kill us, because abundance brings with it the very real danger that we will forget God, the true source of it all. Thomas Carlyle said, “For every one hundred people who can handle adversity, I can only show you one who can handle prosperity.” Adversity reduces our choices and many times crystallizes our priorities. Prosperity, however, increases our options and activity. Stress soon follows! Always be wary of prosperity and what it’s capable of doing in you. Excerpted from Moments With You by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. www.familylife.com
Discuss What is more important to you than success? And how much of your average week is spent on those priorities?
Pray Commit to the daily exercise of remembering who you belong to and why you have anything.
Pisgah Family Photos
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Pisgah Family Photos
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Watermelon Whole Fruit Popsicles Source: www. NourishingMeals. com
Prep Time: 20 Min
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Serves: 12
3 cups watermelon puree (about 1/4 to 1/2 a watermelon) 1/2 cup fresh blueberries 1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced 1 peach or nectarine, diced small handful fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
Directions: • Cut the watermelon into chunks and then puree it in a blender until smooth. Set aside. • Set out about 1 dozen ozen popsicle molds (amount needed will vary depending epending on size of molds). Fill each one with the chopped fresh fruit. t. Then pour in the watermelon n puree until each mold is full to the top. Place a popsicle sti ck into each tick one. Place into your ur freezer and freeze for about 6 to o 8 hours. • When ready to serve, e, run the popsicle molds under warm water for a few seconds and d then pull each one ne out. Enjoy! PISGAH POST MAY 2013
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What Is Lupus? our immune system is designed to attack foreign substances in the body. If you have lupus, something goes wrong with your immune system and it attacks healthy cells and tissues. This can damage many parts of the body such as the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels and brain. And while there are different kinds of lupus, the most common type, is systemic lupus erythematosus. It affects many parts of the body.
Who Gets Lupus & What Causes It? Anyone can get lupus, but it most often affects women and is more common in women of African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American descent. The cause of lupus is unknown. Research suggests that genes play an important role, but genes alone do not determine who gets lupus. It is likely that many factors trigger the disease.
What Are the Symptoms of Lupus? Symptoms of lupus vary, but some of the most common symptoms of lupus are: • • • •
Pain or swelling in joints Muscle pain Fever with no known cause Red rashes, most often on the face • Pale or purple fingers or toes • Sensitivity to the sun
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• Swelling in legs or around eyes • Mouth ulcers • Swollen glands • Feeling very tired. Symptoms may come and go. The times when a person is having symptoms are called flares, which can range from mild to severe. New symptoms may appear at any time.
How Is Lupus Diagnosed? There is no single test to diagnose lupus. It may take months or years to get a lupus diagnoses Your doctor may use many tools to make a diagnosis including a medical history, complete exam, blood test, and maybe a biopsy of the skin or kidneys.
How Is Lupus Treated? You may need specialist to treat the many symptoms of lupus. Your health care team may include: • A family doctor • Rheumatologists—doctors who treat arthritis and other diseases that cause swelling in the joints • Nephrologists—doctors who treat kidney disease • Hematologists—doctors who treat blood disorders • Dermatologists—doctors who treat skin diseases Your doctor will develop a treatment plan personal to you. You should report new symptoms to your doctor right away so that treatment can be changed if needed. Treatment plans may include
drugs to reduce swelling and pain, prevent or reduce flares, help the immune system, reduce or prevent damage to joints, balance the hormones Additionally, sometimes other medications are needed for problems related to lupus such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or infection.
What Can I Do? It is vital that you take an active role in your treatment. One key to living with lupus is be able to spot the warning signs of a flare This can help you prevent the flare or make it less severe. In many people certain symptoms can appear just before a flare, such as: • • • • • • •
Feeling more tired Pain Rash Fever Stomach ache Headache Dizziness.
It is also important to find ways to cope with the stress of having lupus. Exercising and finding ways to relax may make it easier for you to cope. A good support system can also help. Your support system may include family, friends, community groups, or doctors. Learning more about lupus is very important. Studies have shown that patients who are informed and involved in their own care remain more active with less pain and make fewer visits to the doctor. Reference: http://www.niams.nih.gov
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Tuesday Tuesday
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Prayer & Praise Service 7:30 pm
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11:00 am - UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY @ Antioch Baptist Church
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Adventurer Club Meeting
EDUCATION DAY
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MUA Graduation
Holy Communion
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Adventurer Club Meeting
Annual Postal Food Drive
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SEC District 5 Pathfinder Campout
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Friday Friday
Kelvin Trocard Edeline ‘Dee Dee’ Severe Simone Laing Karen Greene Tannysha Yearby Elder Steve Williams Jasmyn Williams
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Adventurer Club Field Trip
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Pathfinder Meeting 9 am
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No Church Board Meeting
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Jondra Grier Jessica Garcon Nancy Wells Peggy Joseph
Communications Team