the
Pisgah Post Edition E dition n IIII, II, V Volume olume 3 3,, IIssue ssue 1 S Saturday, aturrd day, F Feb February eb bruary 2 2,, 2 2013 013
pisgah_post.indd 1
2/1/2013 5:23:16 PM
pisgah_post.indd 2
2/1/2013 5:23:50 PM
Can Anything Good Come Out Of Africa?
W
hy is blackness so ominous? Who affixed negativity to blackness and goodness to whiteness? Why is the Devil portrayed as black and Jesus white? Black Market, Black Sheep, Blackout and Blackmail all convey negativity. Black music is labeled as inferior, black expressions of worship sacrilegious, and instruments associated with the black experience tagged demonic, demonic satanic, evil and unacceptable in the Christian chu church. These are representative of historic chains chain that have blinded humanity, poisoned society, soc and raped mankind of the African ide identity, historicity and destiny.
I
n many ma churches, well intentioned Christians frown upon the drums yet welco welcoming of the organ. On what Biblic Biblical grounds are these careless and irresponsible judgments made? There is no Biblical basis. It was the slave master, not God who stigmatized everything African. The slaves used “Talking Drums” in and out of church to ascribe praise to God and also communicating amongst themselves their d/ warfare. f Th i masters realized li d that whenever the drums were strategy ffor escape and/or Their sounded many slaves went missing, so they banned its use and affixed the stigma of demonic, satanic and evil. Many blacks today believe and perpetuate this toxic lie. There is nothing inherently demonic, satanic or evil in any instrument, rather, the evil is within the individual playing the instrument. Of themselves instruments are not good or evil...they are neutral.
J
esus was not ignorant of His ancestry or background. He said, “I know where I came from and where I am going” (John 8:14). In like manner, those from the African Diaspora must also be rooted in the knowledge of his true beginnings. This truth must be revealed and understood in order that all may behold one another from a divine perspective. Listen to God’s desire for His church, “...mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people” (Isaiah 56:7).
W
ith so many things seeking to divide us, worship is designed by God to bind us together with chords of love that can never be broken. Worship is the human response to God’s initiative. In worship God is the primary audience. He desires an authentic worship that emanates from a heart desperate for a love relationship. The authenticity and dynamics of the African religious faith have produced an amalgam of religious experiences that can be instructive to the larger Christian community. Worship in its essence unites humanity from, “...every nation, kindred, tongue, and people..” (Revelation 14:6).
Pastor Kevin Bryan
It was the slave master, not God who stigmatized everything African.
Jesus was not ignorant of His ancestry or background. He said, “I know where I came from and where I am going” (John 8:14).
W
orship is the gateway to communion with God. The call to worship is the most basic command in scripture. An expert in religious law asked Jesus, “What is the greatest commandment in the law?” Jesus gave a clear answer, first, “love God with all your heart, soul, and, mind”. Then second, “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:34-40). What does it mean to love God? Worship.
T
he God of the cosmos embraces diversity. Our worship should be of such that it draws and embrace all regardless of the nationality, education, socioeconomic stature, disability or pigmentation. God loves us all with the same measure, the innocent life of His Son Jesus Christ.
W
e from the African Diaspora are called by the God of the cosmos at such a time as this to stretch ourselves beyond the strengths and handicaps of yesteryear and move forward to embrace and fulfill our divine calling which is to, “...worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness..” (Psalm 96:6).
Can anything good come out of Africa? Yes!!! pisgah_post.indd 3
2/1/2013 5:23:54 PM
Conflict to Cooperation By Hans Azemard “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” Romans 14:19. You deal with people everyday at work, school, on the streets, and at church. Every person is unique and has their own set of values and beliefs. Typically defined as culture, our values and beliefs shape how each and every one of us views the world. Think about it. Your background, your personality and your frame of mind all influence how you communicate and interact with your fellow man, which naturally impacts how we solve problem and manage conflict. With so diverse a background its not easy to demonstrates true discipleship and stewardship. We need to understand that conflict happens. Conflicts can be healthy, if handled the right way. Often times, when faced with conflict, we have an immediate emotional reaction. That s normal; its part of being human. The key to maintaining strong working relationship with each other is your ability to take charge of your emotions when faced with conflict. If someone has done something that has made you upset, or if you don’t understand their view point or ly asking about it can make a world of actions, simply ometimes difference. Someti d reason there’s a good son why that person does what hee or ou she does. If you
pisgah_post.indd 4
have done something that has made someone visibly upset, do not assume that they know your intent. And remember, make your question just that - a question, not accusation! Proverbs 20:3 “It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel” Next time you find yourself experiencing conflict, use the following model:
C CLARIFY the issue (know the facts) A ADDRESS the problem (avoiding does not resolve the issue)
L LISTEN to the other side (respect their point of view)
M MANAGE your emotion (think it through; stay CALM) Having different opinions is one of the essential benefits of being part of a group. Understanding and appreciating one another’s viewpoint has always been the key to living in peace and harmony. Remember, we all come from different backgrounds with different viewpoints, so naturally conflicts will arise from time to time. How you choose to respond will make the difference between success and failure of o resolving any situ situation. Conflic ict resolution is the go goal of a good stew steward in the bod body of Christ.
2/1/2013 5:23:55 PM
Recognize Your Talent So how can you recognize your talents? ents? Preaching and writing are obvious gifts. There are, howowever, other kinds of gifts. There are gifts given by God d that are backstage support gifts. This set of criteria may work for you as you determine what your gifts are and how w you might fit into God’s plans. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, says very simply: Hey, look. We’re all in this together. God has assigned us to this earth forr a short production play. The whole idea behind this production is to inspire others to want to be part of the stage crew. The moree people we accumulate on the stage, the happier Jesus is. Now there will be some that are actors. Some that are pit crew. Some will be ushers for the seats, and others greeters in the foyer. Some will work the lights; others will pull the curtain. They’re all equal gifts! Everyone does a different job, but the goal is to seamlessly flow this play so the audience is awed at the power of the Playwright. That is what we’re doing. We the crew are promoting the Playwright. Jesus is thrilled when the light guy that Jesus designed for the purpose of mastering the art of lighting makes the production sparkle. God will look upon that man or woman and say, “Well done; you’ve achieved everything I was hoping!” Can you imagine what Jesus feels when the light guy thinks: Ah, all I know how to do is lighting. I haven’t got the personality of the actors, so I’m nothing great. I guess I’ll just go work some other job that is more acceptable to the world? God has to be frustrated by that. No gift from God is insignificant. Even faith is a gift. Your strength of belief is a positive sign of encouragement to someone else! There are a lot of people who don’t have strong faith, and God sends someone like you who speaks faith, walks faith, lives faith, and exudes faith. The weaker believer needs you!
The Purpose of Your Gift Your gifts will give someone else the courage and motivation to finally make the decision to live their lives in harmony with the Savior. That’s serious stuff! It’s all about eternity with Jesus. That is what happens when the play is over and we the cast and crew are finished here on earth. It’s the same spirit but differing gifts. God wants unity without uniformity. Jesus is looking for people who do things their own unique way, but still keep the same goal in place. That goal is a beautiful production that inspires others to join. Of course, I’m talking about the church: “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues” (verses 27, 28). Excerpt from “Spiritual Gifts: How Do You Fit Into God’s Plans” By Pat Grant. At the time Pat Grant was is the associate pastor of the North Cascade Seventh-day Adventist Church and the Bible teacher for ninth and tenth graders at Skagit Adventist School in Burlington, Washington.
pisgah_post.indd 5
2/1/2013 5:23:56 PM
pisgah_post.indd 6
2/1/2013 5:23:56 PM
February is Heart Health Awareness Month Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States? That’s why the month of February is dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease. Educate yourself on the dangers and stay on track to better, healthier heart! The first step to preventing heart disease is understanding the most common types and the warning signs. Heart Attack • Pressure, a feeling of fullness or a squeezing pain in the center of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes • Pain extending beyond your chest to your shoulder, arm, back, or even to your teeth and jaw • Prolonged pain in the upper abdomen • Shortness of breath High Blood Pressure • Severe headache • Vision problems • Chest pain • Difficulty breathing • Irregular heartbeat • Pounding in your chest, neck, or ears What you can do A healthy lifestyle is the key to preventing it. Strive for the following: • Refrain from or stop smoking • Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes a few days a week • Eat a heart healthy diet • Get regular health screenings
pisgah_post.indd 7
2/1/2013 5:23:57 PM
Praise @ Pisgah
pisgah_post.indd 8
2/1/2013 5:23:59 PM
Praise @ Pisgah
pisgah_post.indd 9
2/1/2013 5:24:08 PM
If you would like us to celebrate your birthday or anniversary with you in the Pisgah Post, please email us at PisgahCommunications@gmail.com pisgah_post.indd 10
2/1/2013 5:24:16 PM
pisgah_post.indd 11
2/1/2013 5:24:17 PM
stuffed zucchini Submitted by Toni’s Tastee Treats
3 Zucchini (about 7 inches long)
3 cloves garlic, chopped
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 cup dry bread crumbs (Italian)
1 Bag of Morning Star Griller Crumbles
½ Cup Parmesan Cheese
(or your choice – ground turkey/beef/chicken/sausage)
1 Cup Mozarella Cheese
2 Teaspoons Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
1 Tablespoon fresh basil
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 Jar Pasta Sauce
1 Onion, minced
Cut zucchini in two, length wise. Scope out the middle, leaving a shell intact all around set aside (chop it up later) Heat olive oil and saute meat with onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper In a bowl, pour meat mixture and add the tomato sauce, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, and basil until all is thoroughly combined. (optional – add the chopped up flesh of the zucchini to the mixture). It’s really delicious. Stuff the zucchini boats, place them in a baking dish. Bake until thoroughly heated through and beginning to brown on top – about 30 minutes. Sprinkle mozzarella on top, and let it melt. Then remove from oven.
pisgah_post.indd 12
2/1/2013 5:24:19 PM
pisgah_post.indd 13
2/1/2013 5:24:20 PM
pisgah_post.indd 14
2/1/2013 5:24:22 PM
pisgah_post.indd 15
2/1/2013 5:24:25 PM
pisgah_post.indd 16
2/1/2013 5:24:27 PM
26
27
Prayer & Praise Service 7:30 pm
Pisgah Food Pantry 2-4:30 pm
20
Prayer & Praise Service 7:30 pm
13
Sunset 6:09 pm
8
Sunset 6:04 pm
28
21
8 15 22 29
7 14
6 13
20 21 27 28
1
M
S
30
23
9 16
2
31
24
10 17
3
25
11 18
4
JANUARY 2013 T W T F
Sunset 6:18 pm
22
Sunset 6:14 pm
26
12 19
5
S
8 am Worship Servive Baptism
19 26
18
17
24 25
5 12
27
20
6 13
28
21
7 14
MARCH 2013 T W T 4 11
M 3 10
S
Sunset 6:19 pm
22 29
30
23
9 16
1 8 15
S 2
F
Adventurer Meeting
Nursing Home Visitation Following Service
23
Sunset 6:14 pm
Children’s Church Pathfinder Induction
TLT Pinning Ceremony
10:40 am Black History Celebration Service
16
Sunset 6:10 pm
Nursing Home Visitation Following Service
Youth Church
9
Sunset 6:05 pm
10:40 am Worship Service Speaker: Pastor Henry Wright
2
Saturday Saturday
1
Friday Friday
Guest Speaker Pastor Henry Wright
14 Valentine’s Day 15
7
Thursday Thursday
Winter Revival - Guest Speaker: Gregory Nelson Nightly at 7:30 pm (Except Thursday)
25
6 Pisgah Food Pantry 2-4:30 pm
30 Days of Purpose - Nightly at 7:30 pm
12
5
Wednesday Wednesday
30 Days of Purpose - Nightly at 7:30 pm
Tuesday Tuesday
18 Presidents Day 19
11
4
Monday Monday
2013 Kelvin Trocard Edeline ‘Dee Dee’ Severe Simone Laing Karen Greene Tannysha Yearby Elder Steve Williams Jasmyn Williams
If you would like to place an ad for your business in the pisgah post please contact us at PisgahCommunications@Gmail.com
24
Save Our Sons Rally at Antioch @ 2 pm
Pathfinders @ 9 am
17
Church Board Meeting @ 9 am
Pastoral Staff Meeting @ 7 am
10
Pathfinders @ 9 am
3
Sunday Sunday
February Jondra Grier Jessica Garcon Nancy Wells Peggy Joseph
Communications Team