The Gospel Tribune Atlanta Newspaper March 2012 by The Gospel Tribune Atlanta Newspaper

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March 2012 PUBLISHER

Pastor Tyrone Crider, Sr.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mr. Tracey Harris

Contents

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Leslie Briscoe Dr. Candace Cabbil Dan Clayborn Ava Collier Dr. Shelley M. Dunson-Allen Bela Gandhi Pastor Joyce Gilmer Micah Harris Cassandra Johnson Landry Nurisha Liggins Dr. Saled T. Murphy Minister Tavares Stephens Dr. Lisa M. Tait Juana Wooldridge

PRODUCTION/OPERATIONS Mayor Kasim Reed Welcomes GTA 13

PHOTOGRAPHY

The Gospel Tribune Atlanta is a free monthly publication. There is a $20/year fee for home delivery & online access.

BET’s Reed Youth In Action 21

Spiritual Enhancement 8 Putting God First: What Matters the Most Dorinda Clark-Cole 9 Dr. Patricia Russell McCloud 11 Is the Church Diminishing today? 12 GTA Spotlights Service in the Community 13 Youth In Action It’s Spring Time!

17 Arts & Entertainment Social Media: Don’t Get Left Behind 18 Here we go... again! iPhone 5. 19 Health & Wellness Childhood Obesity

Morehouse School of Medicine

The opinions expressed represents only those of the columnists and not The Gospel Tribune Atlanta Newspaper.

Founder of Good Works International, Civil Rights Leader and Ambassador

jdelgado@avantsoft.net

The Gospel Tribune Atlanta info@thegospeltribuneatlanta.com advertising@thegospeltribuneatlanta.com www.thegospeltribuneatlanta.com Phone: (678) 278-9145

Editorial Statement Mr. Tracey Harris

14 Cover Story Ambassador Andrew Young

LAYOUT & DESIGN Joseph Delgado

Tameka Pero tpero@me.com (678) 525-5588 www.tpero.com Cover photo by: Tameka Pero

facebook.com/thegospeltribuneatlanta twitter.com/gospeltribune linkedIn/gospeltribune

Feature

Mariah & Nathaniel Harris Tevera Tabron Linda Whatley Karen Gustave Larry & Claudia Bowen

Ambassador Andrew & Walter Young YMCA

22 Family Corner When Parenting With Love & Affection Becomes A Challenge Your Child’s Greatest Need 23 The Big “C” in Marriage 25 Gentlemen: Tips to Ramp Up 27 Your Dating Life 28 Special Feature The Gospel Tribune Atlanta Scholarship List

Bishop Paul S. Morton April 2012 Edition Cover

30 Senior Living Honoring Lloyd Buchanan

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CITY OF ATLANTA 55 TRINITY AVE, S.W. ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30335-0300 TEL (404) 330-6100

September 16, 2011 Greetings: As Mayor, it is my pleasure to welcome The Gospel Tribune Atlanta Newspaper to the City of Atlanta. The faith community is a strong pillar in our city. Atlantaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich spiritual heritage represents a significant portion of our district history. I extend a warm welcome to The Gospel Tribune Atlanta Newspaper and look forward to receiving your enlightening messages and positive features. Thank you for the tremendous value you add to our community and residents. Your publication provides encouragement for life and spiritual inspiration. On behalf of the people of Atlanta, I extend best wishes to you. Sincerely,

Kasim Reed

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Editorial Statement What a blessing it is to produce the next edition of The Gospel Tribune Atlanta Newspaper. As Editorin-Chief, I feel a profound responsibility to share information with readers, locally and nationally, about the kingdom building that is taking place daily in the city of Atlanta and the surrounding metropolitan area. In this issue, not only will we acknowledge that March is National Nutrition Month, National Colorectal Awareness Month and National MS Education and Awareness Month, but we highlight Morehouse School of Medicine’s Brain Injury Awareness Month. Thank you to Morehouse School of Medicine for its dedication to improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities; increasing the diversity of the health professional and scientific workforce; and addressing primary healthcare needs through program and education, research and service, with an emphasis on people of color and the underserved urban and rural population in Georgia and the nation. We are happy to have you as our partner!

GTA would like to highlight Youth in Action. We are celebrating youth across the country doing great things in their communities. If you know of a child(ren) ages (6-12) or teen ages (13-18) doing phenomenal things, we want to know about it. Email us at: info@ thegospeltribuneatlanta.com. It was GTA’s pleasure to have a conversation with Mrs. Patricia Russell McCloud, one of America’s top business motivators. Please do not close this issue before learning about organizations, such as The Brownstone Project, Camp Jewell House, and The Concerned Black Clergy of Metropolitan Atlanta, which provide a wealth of knowledge and service to the metro-Atlanta community. There are so many ways to give back to your community. Become a volunteer today. We hope  that we provide inspiration for you to choose at least one issue and commit some of your time and  talents to organizations that support community driven initiatives.

Mr. Tracey Harris Editor-in-Chief

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Courtesy of GTA

One of the things I love most about Atlanta is the larger than life men and women who call this magnificent city home. A man that needs no introduction, the Honorable Ambassador Andrew Young, is one such icon! Ambassador Young’s life and legacy is a model of servant leadership in Atlanta, America, and the world. Sunday, May 20, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta the Andrew Young Foundation will celebrate Ambassador Young’s 80th birthday! Ambassador Young has brought Tracey Harris a philosophy of creative nonviolence to his work as pastor, civil rights leader, diplomat, politician, and humanitarian. Documenting, preserving, and interpreting that legacy to inspire current and future leaders is the Andrew Young Foundation’s mission. GTA salutes a living legend for his many years of service and leadership, the Honorable Ambassador Andrew Young!

Putting God First: What Matters the Most by Pastor Yolanda Thompson

I recall watching a young boy walk alone in a crowd of almost 1,000 worshipers, taking deliberate steps to reach the front of the sanctuary during the “invitation to discipleship” at church one Sunday. I thought he was coming to the front to stand with a parent or other family members. However, he came and stood alone. He appeared to be about eight years old. A few seconds later, his mother came forward and joined him. During the initial affirmation with the Pastor, this young boy was asked to share what was on his heart, as others had done who had come to “join Jesus” and become active members of the congregation. Responding to the request, I remember this young boy explaining emphatically that he was having a “hard time in school” and he wanted “the Holy Spirit to come and help” him. It was an extraordinary moment for many of us who witnessed his poised declaration of his trust in the Holy Spirit. A lot of folks quietly wept. His courage to come forward, his plea for help, and his straightforward clarity – all of it was very moving. It was astonishing that he was so young and he knew “who” to call on and “what” to ask for and was unashamed. Whatever his trouble was, it seemed he had determined it was spiritual and that he needed Divine

help from God the Holy Spirit. What about your children? What about your nieces and nephews, godsons and goddaughters – or perhaps your mentees? Do they possess an awareness and understanding of the “Who” of their faith? Are the young people in your circle of influence, putting God first? It is not a significant question unless you understand that across our nation more than 1,000 teens quit school every hour during the school day, according to the National Women’s Law Center. This is not a question that should cause you to pause unless you give a few extra moments to think about how many young people are not graduating college in recent years. Amazing how high school and college freshmen classes start out large and strong. But they dwindle over the course of four years, and not all of the loss can be attributed to relocations and/or transfers to other schools. My bottom line – spiritual and theological awareness and knowledge is a significant challenge and is deficient for too many of our young.

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God ordained for children to be taught, and God’s plan is that a faith-centered community of parenting adults and mentoring and nurturing “elders” in each child’s village will be the ones doing the teaching and training. Lest we forget – Moses had been taught. Queen Esther had been mentored. Frederick Douglass had been taught. Dr. Maya Angelou was taught, mind you, the entire time while she kept silent in her childhood. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had been taught so well until he completed high school at age 15. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, fully human and fully Divine, humbled himself to undergo the “teaching” tradition of His faith community. But, in our social media-driven world where children, tweens and teens are under the influence of a smorgasbord of unmonitored online “teaching” chat rooms, predatory classmates, increasing female gang recruitment and overwhelming promiscuous imagery and symbolism in the marketplace – what God says about the upbringing and the preparation of our children and youth to help them become servant disciples as adults – what God says about these precious gifts and says “to them” in Holy Scripture is getting very little play. So, what do I suggest we do? Glad you asked! Let’s make a shared commitment to revive teaching the basics – prayer, meditation on the Word of God, and living lives that honor and please the Most High God. Instead of raising young people pleasers, let’s groom a new generation of God pleasers. I remember reciting speeches in church throughout the liturgical calendar. I remember the joy of singing in the choir and later becoming one of the church musicians. I cherish the memories of “walking to choir practice” on Saturday afternoon with the youth in our neighborhood. Let’s make sure we are giving our children more than an entertaining faith experience – a beat to move their feet for 90 minutes on “Youth” Sunday. Our children need spiritual “meat” – that is, the food for their souls, Genesis through Revelations, and all of the “new things” the power of God will reveal to them and to us. Let’s make the commitment to show our children and youth how to put God first in their lives. Let’s teach them a prayer language they can use for problems in school, for challenges with their peers and for difficulties they experience maneuvering through the ups and downs of family life. Let’s read Scripture with them daily, and let’s help them seek and find the presence of God in all things that are evolving in their young journeys. Let’s take the lead and put God first for them and with them. It’s a simple strategy: First Faith!

A Conversation With:

Dr. Patricia Russell McCloud

Tameka Pero

One of the top business motivators in America! A visual speaking experience. What exactly is that? Glad you asked. Imagine an Olympics sprinter coming out of the starting blocks on a track. Add to that a corporate motivational speaker, armed with a microphone, whose rapid fire oratorical power is second only to her sprinting moves across the aisles where her audience is seated. “This is no cakewalk,” said McCloud, whose work is renown internationally. “I spend hours reading and studying to prepare for upcoming engagements. It may take me two weeks to find one sentence.” The end product is a transforming proclamation, a “straight no chaser” caliber of in-your-face motivation for young and older employees in the corporate square. “But some people don’t see that effort,” she points out. “They don’t celebrate the level of commitment to research and preparation until they have to walk to the podium themselves. It’s not easy. It requires time and effort.” Rarely do you find a secular orator in 2011 who is not glued to the podium. Most speakers “stay” in their place. But not Dr. McCloud. “God is my guide, and I have been very blessed to have a very diverse career,” said Dr. McCloud. “Circumstances will take you higher. Life will put you in a new place and, in my case, I have grown.” Her growth and oratorical power are backed by a lot of prayer and meditation in addition to the hours of research and preparation.

And from that moment until now, I have been engaged in the advocation of public speaking.” Carrying this message to educators around the world, Dr. McCloud said she often is asked to share “the mind” speech with corporate audiences too. It seems that no one and no thing can interfere with the successful execution of a well-timed, insightfully profound and prophetically intensified motivational “visual speaking experience” – when Dr. McCloud takes the microphone. And when she is on, she is on. And while Dr. McCloud travels worldwide, she also reflected on her desire to help prepare the next generation. Dr. McCloud talked about her challenge to do more after journeying abroad to join her husband, Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr., who serves as the Resident Bishop, African Methodist Episcopal Church’s 18th Episcopal District in sub Saharan Africa. Turning her focus to up-and-coming young leaders, Dr. McCloud beams when she talks about mentoring young people in South Africa as well as working with youth in various groups across the U.S. “Let’s strategically plan to ensure there is a new generation of leaders. They will become what they see. So, let’s be intentional in planning for scholarships and for programmatic connectivity across the community that will be available and life-saving for our youth.” Calling on all organizations to build partnerships and collaborate, the Gospel Tribune asked Dr. McCloud what her personal message is for young audiences today. What does she want to tell them? “In you there is a better you. Be your best. And remember that everyone in your posse does not deserve a front row seat in your journey. Somebody is going to be left behind. But you are going to make a difference. Decide right now that a “C” will not see you through. Go into the classroom and learn the meaning of the lesson and not lessen the meaning of your assignment.”

Tameka Pero

“It’s an anointing. It’s a gift. It’s a passion. I work all the time, but it does not feel like I am working because I am walking in my gift under the favor of the Lord,” she said. Taking the “mic out of the cradle,” walking and talking is unusual in most settings, unless you are in a church or ministry setting, she points out. But that is exactly what she does. In less than five minutes, she can carry you along a colorful, articulate journey that transcends her days as a young girl growing up in an education-driven, working class family in Indiana, leading in government during her days as a senior-level FCC attorney and transitioning into her “global” role sharing her conversation with a South African mentee who does not mind walking 18 miles, one way, to access a computer and email her about his latest accomplishments. “I believe the Lord has empowered me through the gift of public speaking. Even as a child at eight years old, I was speaking nationally.

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Is the Church Diminishing today? by Pastor Juandolyn Stokes

Courtesy of GTA

They don’t depend on a church or pastor for spiritual formation. Dwight L. Moody believes that, “Church attendance is as vital to a disciple as a transfusion of rich, healthy blood to a sick man.” Church is for believers and nonbelievers. Albert Winseman, religion and social trends editor for the Gallup Daily News says “people are shopping for alternatives to church and that is why 3000 churches close their doors annually.” Alternative remedies are known to be cyber churches, satellite churches, marketplace churches and church television broadcast services.

There once was a time when we could find a church on every corner. Whether it was in a storefront building or under a tent on an open field, churches were alive and well. Church for many was defined as a building where believers would gather to worship the Lord. Moreover, it was the place where God’s presence dwelt. For some, church is the “ecclesia,” a governmental assembly or general assembly, consisting of a Christian body of people. It mattered not the name it bared temple, sanctuary, tabernacle or cathedral, but it was known to be the “house of God.”

USA Today recently reported on the rise of natural churches, where people invite others to worship in the environment they are currently in - on a farm, in a home or at a motorcycle club meeting. Seemingly, the church of today is not defined by structure, size or the Sabbath day. Neither is it defined by church membership, discipleship or stewardship. It is not characterized by its organization or denomination. Although Christ is the central focus of the traditional and biblical institution of the church, is the church of today obsolete? Is the church hidden in hearts of men, wondering in cyber space, sandwiched in the New Testament, and hanging on a wall or wrapped around a person’s wrist? Is the church diminishing? With churches in foreclosure, church and religious leaders in scandal, and traditional church goers either bored or burnt out, what is the fate of the church? The church may be in trouble, or trouble may find its need for the church. Perhaps the church is not disappearing at all. Maybe it should just be redefined…

Historically, churches were not defined as buildings, but as institutions of religion and reform, by church fathers like Clement of Rome, Tertullian and Martin Luther. It served as the foundation for many of our church creeds, doctrines, disciplines, biblical teachings and interpretations of today. For Catholics, church became a place of confession to aid individuals in their walk of holiness.

So now, in this digital age and post modern world, what is the Church? How does or how should the church look? When you view Christ from the New Testament, Christ taught in the temples, but did ministry outside the temples - in the streets, on the street corners, among the crowds, in homes, boats, on the water, at weddings, in the cities and the fields. In the Great Commission, Matthew 28:16-20, Jesus Christ instructed the disciples to spread the gospel to every nation. Gabe Lyons, author of “The Next Christians,” would argue that there are many “unchurched Christians.” These are the ones who have Christ in their hearts and nurture their walk through creative and innovative digital means.

Courtesy of GTA

With Bishop Charles Mason, founder of the Church of God In Christ, there was no church without prayer, power and the Spirit of God. For Methodist, as established by John Wesley, church was not a denomination, but a religious movement that operated by “rule and method” for its biblical teachings and understandings. The Apostolics and the Baptists could not envision church without the ritual of water baptism. As Apostle Paul began to structure churches, he started out in homes, and evolved into strong missionary work administered to both Jews and Gentiles. Church shifted from being just a building to a body of believers; a mere worship center to a religious government center; a place of God’s Spirit to a place of ritualistic services; being individualized and marginalized to being community.

Juandolyn Stokes, founder and Senior Pastor of Deeper Life In Christ Ministries, Inc., in Conyers, Georgia. She is a noted preacher, Christian educator, author, and leader in the Christian and community marketplace. Her multi-disciplinary educational background includes broadcast management, leadership & business development, theology, psychology, biblical studies, pastoral care & counseling and marketing. Master’s in Christian Education from the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC), Atlanta, Georgia; and a Master’s of Divinity from ITC.

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The Gospel Tribune Atlanta Spotlights Service in the Community

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It’s Spring Time! Hello, my name is Micah Harris. This month I want to talk to you about what spring means to me. I forgot how much I loved the spring until we had the time change a few weeks ago. It seems like all of a sudden everything is changing around me – the flowers and trees are blooming, birds are chirping – it is like everything is blooming and full of life.

The spring makes me think of moving ahead to new things and new experiences. I am excited to see what is going to happen. I am about to end the school year and have a lot to look forward to during the spring and summer months ahead. Let’s all get out and enjoy the City of Atlanta and all of the attractions: • • • •

Six Flags over Georgia The World of Coca-Cola The Georgia Aquarium Centennial Olympic Park

• • • •

The Children’s Museum of Atlanta Zoo Atlanta Fernbank Museum of Natural History Stone Mountain Park

Find famous Atlantans at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, Margaret Mitchell House and Jimmy Carter Library & Museum. Botanical Gardens.

Courtesy of GTA

I also want to tell you about something cool happening at The Gospel Tribune Atlanta Newspaper. If you know a child (ages 6 – 12) or teenager (ages 13 – 18) that is doing great things, please submit their name, school and contact information to: www.thegospeltribuneatlanta.com. We will spotlight a student each month celebrating youth accomplishments. Love & Peace – Micah Harris

CDC Encourages All Youth To: FUEL UP FOR FUN Whether you hit the court, the field, the track, the rink, or your back yard to get some physical activity; you’ll need some fuel to keep you going! Here are some great snacks to munch on to keep your body moving: Fresh veggies like carrots and celery sticks Snack-sized boxes of raisins Pretzels Low-fat yogurt Crackers — try graham crackers, animal crackers, or saltines Bagels Fig bars Fruit juice boxes (make sure you choose 100% pure fruit juice) Small packages of trail mix Fresh fruits such as bananas, oranges, grapes and berries

Courtesy of GTA

No matter what type of physical activity you do, you should always be sure to drink plenty of water — before you start, during the activity, and after you’re done, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

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A man that has dedicated his life to serving as

Ambassador Andrew Young Pastor, Civil Rights Activist, Politician and Diplomat

Ambassador Andrew Young: Happy 80th Birthday to a Lifelong Advocate for Human Rights and Justice! Ambassador Andrew Young is not only a civil rights activist and diplomat, but he is also a pastor and American politician. He is a man who walked side-by-side with historical legends, such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and so many others.

He encouraged African-Americans to register to vote in Alabama and experienced more than his share of death threats. It was also during this time that he became a friend and ally of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

He is a man appointed by the President of the United States to serve as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, and a man who continues to remain active in community matters. Born to a school teacher and a dentist in New Orleans, Louisiana, on March 12, 1932, Andrew Jackson Young was destined for a life of greatness and purpose. He was brought up to believe that “from those to whom much has been given, much will be required.” Ambassador Young accepted and embraced that responsibility at a young age. After beginning his higher education at Dillard University, Young transferred to Howard University in Washington, DC in 1947, and received his Bachelor of Science degree in pre-dentistry in 1951.

Young was appointed to serve as pastor of a church in Marion, Alabama. While in Marion, Young began to study the writings of Mohandas Gandhi and became interested in Gandhi’s concept of nonviolent resistance as a tactic for social change.

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Young played a key role in the events in Birmingham, Tameka Pero Alabama, serving as a mediator between the white and black communities. In 1964, Young was named executive director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), becoming one of Dr. King’s principal lieutenants. As a colleague and friend to Martin Luther King, Jr. he was a strategist and negotiator during the Civil Rights Campaigns in Birmingham (1963), St. Augustine (1964), Selma (1965), and Atlanta (1966), and was with King in Memphis, Tennessee, when Dr. King was assassinated in 1968. Ambassador Andrew Young’s humanitarian efforts and influence have spanned the globe. From his beginnings as an ordained minister and top aide to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the civil rights movement to his current position as founding principal and chair of GoodWorks International, an organization that

Tameka Pero

He originally planned to follow his father’s footsteps into dentistry, but he felt a religious calling and entered the Turner-Boatright Christian Ministry School and earned a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Hartford Seminary in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1955.

As the Civil Rights Movement gained momentum, Young and his wife Jean moved to Atlanta and again worked on drives to register black voters. In 1960, he joined the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and was jailed for his participation in civil rights demonstrations, both in Selma, Alabama, and in St. Augustine, Florida.

embraces his long-held mission of facilitating economic development in the Caribbean and Africa, Ambassador Young has dedicated himself to improving the lives of all people, particularly those in Africa and the Diaspora.

Tameka Pero

created a successful model that combines religion, education, democracy and free enterprise in ways that support the public good. Ambassador Young has received honorary degrees from more than 60 institutions, including his alma mater, Howard University, Swarthmore College, Duke University, Emory University, Clark Atlanta University, the University of Georgia and Morehouse College, which named its Center for International Affairs in his honor. He has also received honorary degrees from international educational institutions, including the University of Pretoria, South Africa and the University of Maiduguri, Nigeria. Georgia State University’s School of Policy Studies, which carries his name, is one of the best policy schools in the United States. Ambassador Young served in the United States Congress and as United States Ambassador to the United Nations during the Carter Administration. In 1996, he was awarded the Olympic Order, the highest award of the Olympic Movement, for his work as International Vice President for Law Engineering and Chair of the Centennial Olympic Games hosted in Atlanta.

Tameka Pero

His “good works” have taken him to more than 150 countries, including 48 of 53 countries in Africa. Through his leadership, countries throughout the world have

the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Diversapack, Barrick Gold, United Nations, AMC and Atlanta Falcons. While mayor of the City of Atlanta for two terms, Young helped attract 1,100 new businesses and 70 billion dollars in private investments, and created one million new jobs. His leadership helped the City to earn the international reputation it holds today. The author of two books, A Way Out of No Way and An Easy Burden, and co-author of, Walk in My Shoes, Ambassador Young recently received the Emmy for Lifetime Achievement. Young continues to live in Atlanta with his wife, Carolyn McClain Young. He is the father of three daughters and one son and the proud grandfather of eight. The Gospel Tribune Atlanta wishes Ambassador Andrew Young a happy 80th birthday. Our prayer is for to God continue to foster a light of excellence in his endeavors for many years to come. (Interview completed: 3/12/12)

Save the date: Sunday, May 20, 2012 (6PM-9PM) 80th birthday celebration for Ambassador Andrew Young Contact: The Andrew Young Foundation (404) 685-2786

Ambassador Young, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., has served on numerous corporate boards of directors and advisory boards, including the Southern African Enterprise Development Fund,

Tameka Pero

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Social Media: Don’t Get Left Behind Social Media is a church’s best friend when it comes to marketing. Just like McDonald’s and other major corporations it is vitally important that churches stay on top of their marketing and embrace the use of social media to not only attract visitors but also to connect with members. Not sure on how to integrate social media into your marketing plans? Here are some amazing tips that will get you started right away!

video welcoming new members. Go to YouTube.com and establish an account for your church. Try to use your actual church name or the branded name you market. Upload 3 videos to change the status of your account to a channel. Record the Pastor officially welcoming all new members and have the editor list the names of the new members on the lower third of the video. Make the video private and email it to your members only. You can also omit the names and have the Pastor record the names if time permits. These tips should help you get started. Be sure to form a Marketing Team or Ministry if you haven’t already done so. Make it their responsibility to handle these tasks and manage your social media presenece. Be sure to appoint a Social Media Manager or Ambassador who has the voice of the Pastor whenposting updates. You want to always make surethat the heart of the Pastor is being communicated in excellence.

Courtesy of GTA

1. Update your New Members Intake form with a Social Media category. Ask each new member to provide (at their discretion) their social media account profiles. Take a photo of each new member and create a Welcome Newsletter with each photo, their name and social media accounts and share with those they joined with that day. Most likely, they will be a New Members Training together so this allows them to get connected right away. 2. Use SlideShare.com to create a presentation featuring the ministry. Go to slideshare.net and establish an account. Create 3 – 7 slides and name the presentation “XYZ Church Welcome Presentation”. Add photos and key content to each slide. Email the presentation url (address) and email it to to each new member. 3. Create a Welcome Video using Animoto.com featuring photos from church events. Select 8 – 20 photos and add them to the presentation. Add your church theme song/welcome song or a favorite gospel track to the presentation. Upload the video to your YouTube account and email the link to your new members. 4. Create a Facebook group for the church and send each new member an invite. Send an “inbox” invite to join the group to your new members using their Facebook address. Let the know the group is locked and is only for members of your church. 5. Everyone’s using YouTube and you should too! Record a YouTube

Robin Ware is a Social Media Expert that works with churches providing Marketing, Social Media and Event Planning Services. She is a Coach for Meeting and Event Planners and host’s workshops, events and conferences for ministry leaders and entrepreneurs. Follow her on Twitter @robinmware or online at www.thewareagency.com

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Here we go... again! iPhone 5.

Courtesy of GTA

by Daniel Clayborn, MS

It appears that the Apples annual phone refresh program is in effect with the introduction of the iPhone 5. The buzz is all around with the anticipated date of March 16, 2012, individuals all across the globe will perform the routine of standing in long lines to get a glimpse of the phone because they will probably run out of supply before you are served. This will only to increase the Apple position in the smartphone market, despite the fierce competition of the Android. So what will we see with the iPhone 5? From some of the concepts that are being pushed through the Internet and bloggers, it looks astonishing! One area is that they are removing themselves from the tear shape patter of the iPhone 4 and moving to a more thinner, sleek, body and a larger 4-inch screen. This has come as a “must have” since this is pretty much the standard for their competition and Apple must step up their game in this competitive market. Another rummer is that the phone will contain a laser keyboard that will project itself onto a desk or any surface and you literally will type on a whatever it projects the keyboard on! I know this is insane. But it gets even more insane! Another feature that the concept is claiming is that there will

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be a hologram component to the iPhone 5, where, you will be able to project an image of what is on the screen into an area of about 8 x 9. Although all of this is pure speculation and all these great features come with a price, the reality is that to add that many features in a small unit is probably cost prohibitive, but, hey, we can dream! So, let’s look at some of the not-so-far-reaching features that the device will probably support. It probably will sport a Dual Core A5 processor, an 8 megapixel rear-facing camera with dual band phone (ATT & Verizon subscribers), the new IOS 5 operating system and will probably come with 4G LTE. Since the iPhone 5 missed its debut in 2011 and during that time the smartphone maker had time to come out with the iPhone 4S which was no more different than the iPhone 4 but with the voice-activated feature called, Siri, which served as a “digital personal assistant”, finding information for the smartphone user. Why? What about the cost? Well, it’s still a hush-hush conversation with AT&T, but the rummer is that it will be similar to the iPhone 4S, count on somewhere around $199.99-$399.99 with a contract and $600 without. So, there you have it. The bottom line is this: If your current contract is up for renewal with your wireless phone provider (AT&T or Verizon), and you would like to take the next step to enjoying superior features and technology, then try the iPhone 5. The investment will be well worth it.

Childhood Obesity by Dr. Candace Cabbil

•

Have you noticed the fattening of America in the last 20 years? I have! Growing up, I recall overweight kids being in the minority. However, I have noticed that the number of overweight kids in America has increased significantly in recent years. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), childhood obesity has more than tripled in the last 30 years. In 2008, more than one-third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese. Overweight is defined as having excess body weight for a particular height from fat, muscle, water, bone or a combination of these factors. Obesity is defined as excess body fat. Both, overweight and obesity result from “caloric imbalance” more calories consumed than are expended – and are influenced by behavioral, genetic and environmental factors. These stats pave the way for health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease that were once only reserved for adults. Nationally, data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) show that approximately 17% (12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2-19 years are obese. The percentage of children aged 6–11 years in the United States who were obese increased from 7% in 1980 to nearly 20% in 2008. These statistics worsen, as more than one-third (35.7%) of U.S. adults are obese. Since 1985, the U.S. has seen a dramatic increase in obesity. In 2010, no state had an obesity prevalence of less than 20%.

types of cancer, and osteoarthritis. One study showed that children who became obese as early as age 2 were more likely to be obese as adults. Overweight and obesity are associated with increased risk for many types of cancer, including cancer of the breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, pancreas, gall bladder, thyroid, ovary, cervix, and prostate, as well as multiple myeloma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Prevention: • Healthy lifestyle habits, including healthy eating and physical activity, can lower the risk of becoming obese and developing related diseases. • Schools play a particularly critical role by establishing a safe and supportive environment with policies and practices that support healthy behaviors. Schools also provide opportunities for students to learn about and practice healthy eating and physical activity behaviors. Childhood obesity has become a great issue in the last 20-30 years, but there are easy, alternative ways to combat this issue. Partner with your kids by exercising with them, involving them in meal planning, and building a positive self-image. Be an example to them by making healthy lifestyle choices and changes, too! Join the First Lady, Michelle Obama, on the Let’s Move (www.letsmove. gov) initiative and commit to rearing a healthier generation of kids.

www.letsmove.gov

Health Consequences of Childhood Obesity Immediate health effects: • Obese youth are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. In a population-based sample of 5- to 17-year-olds, 70% of obese youth had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease. • Obese adolescents are more likely to have pre-diabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels indicate a high risk for development of diabetes. • Children and adolescents who are obese are at greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem. Long-term health effects: • Children and adolescents who are obese are likely to be obese as adults11-14 and are therefore more at risk for adult health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, several

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When Parenting With Love & Affection Becomes A Challenge: “Dealing with Adopted Children with Attachment Issues” by Cassandra Johnson Landry, L.P.C.

and would lie about doing so. Joseph’s parents were at odds about whether Joseph did these things and Joseph seemed to take pleasure in watching them disagree. Joseph’s behavior was causing discord within the family as a whole.

We all can relate, either by personal experience to or observation of the irreplaceable bonds that are created between parents and their children during the first few years of their lives. This attachment profoundly affects the development of the child and often times will shape his or her ability to express emotions and develop relationships. This bonding experience may be more of a challenge for parenting relationships with children who are adopted in this critical time frame, given the shifting between natural parents, agencies and new home placements. While this phenomena is not unique to adoptive children, as a licensed therapist trained specifically in the area of Attachment disorders I have watched some parents struggle with the “best” way to handle their adoptive child, who has exhibited such symptoms as opposition, defiance, withdrawn responses and emotionally volatile behavior. Many of the parents that I have counseled feel as though these children are gifts from God, however they are uncertain how to move that child from feeling estranged to feeling embraced, loved and secure. One of the most difficult cases I have ever dealt with was that of a 4-year-old Romanian orphan. His parents thought that it was normal for their son, “Joseph” to be a rambunctious whirlwind of activity at his age; but his mother, in particular, quickly noticed behaviors that were “not so normal”. Joseph had poor eye contact and a need to be in control of every situation he was in. He would often become hostile in his interaction with others and rock back and forth. He would lash out at the family dog in cruel manners and when he was scolded for doing this, he had a lack of empathy or remorse for what he had done. He never seemed to feel guilty for his acting out behaviors and would attempt to charm his way out of many situations. What was most peculiar was Joseph’s response to strangers. He seemed to have no fear of them; he would often walk right up to people and begin conversation and hug or even attempt to kiss them. This was odd enough, but in direct contrast was the fact that Joseph would flinch at the mere touch of his parents and turn his back if they tried to hug him. Joseph often stole simple things around the house

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Desperate for answers, Joseph’s mother sought out a mental health professional and explained Joseph’s symptoms. Our office immediately suggested she bring Joseph in for an assessment. Joseph was diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), a continuum in which some children are securely attached; some suffer from mild attachment issues; and some from severe attachment disorders, as in Joseph’s case. I began working with Joseph and his family, not only on Joseph’s Attachment issues, but to instruct his mother and father how to parent him therapeutically as typical parenting techniques do not work with attachment disordered children. Joseph began as a child that seemed incapable of loving his parents or being loved by them- he wouldn’t obey, trust, or be joyful with them. With the appropriate RAD treatment, Joseph is now a child who loves his parents and loves the world; but most of all, he loves to be loved! Here are some things you can do if you are struggling with a child with Attachment issues: 1. Call a children’s mental health agency that specializes in Attachment and Bonding issues. 2. Get an assessment done on your child and begin therapy. 3. Get educated on how to properly parent your child with Attachment issues. 4. Involve the whole family in the process to create a healthy “attached” environment for everyone.

The Big “C” in Marriage by Dr. Lisa M. Tait

There is only one common denominator in all marriages, and that is “Change.” The issue is not ‘will your marriage change’, or even ‘how will it change’ but instead, ‘will you be prepared for the change.’ The psychologist Paul Tournier said, “I’ve been married six times – all to the same woman.” Tournier explained that he never got divorced, but rather his marriage transitioned from one stage to another. The reality is that anything that is not changing, growing or transitioning is dying. Healthy marriages experience seasons of transition and that’s what makes them alive and interesting. However, if one or both partners are unprepared or unwelcoming of change the marriage road will become rocky. The three stages of marriage are divided into chronological time although all marriages do not fit into the various categories. These stages are: • • •

Newly Married (0 – 5 years) Middle Years (6 – 25 years), which usually coincides with the active parenting stage Later Years (26+ years), also known as the “empty nest” years

As one who has been married for over 21 years I would have to suggest that the Newly Married phase, while the most exciting, is also the most challenging. As spouses change individually during this phase the marriage morphs and we hear comments such as “You’re just not the same person I married.” The issue now becomes how do you handle individual change so that it doesn’t negatively impact the marriage. As Christians we must also pause to ask ourselves “If God doesn’t end the relationship that we share when I change, how much more patient should I be when my spouse changes?” When considering the impact that change can have on a marriage it is also important for couples to ask, “What stage are we in?” In The 7 Stages of Marriage (2007), Harrar and DeMaria identify the stages as: 1. Passion – this is when it’s all about the two of you and the excitement and intimacy you are experiencing. 2. Realization – is when you are beginning to get to know each other’s real strengths and weaknesses. 3. Rebellion – occurs when you seek to assert your self-interests and you end

divorce rates and cohabitation statistics, in a wide range of surveys 95% of people say that marriage is important to them. Here are some of the ways you can cope with change in your marriage.

Five Ways To Cope With Change In Your Marriage 1. Identify the current stage of your marriage. – Knowing where you are and where your marriage has been will help you to prepare for where you’re going.

up having volatile – or hidden - power struggles. 4. Cooperation – happens when both you and your spouse seem more preoccupied with the kids, money, home and work and you start to feel like business partners more than lovers. 5. Reunion – is when you have an “empty nest” and begin to have more time for yourself and for each other to renew your friendship and passion. 6. Explosion – is a stage that can happen anytime, if you are experiencing major career, health, parenting and family crises. 7. Completion – occurs when stability and security reign and you enjoy each other and the life you have created. Knowing that marriage has stages helps relieve anxiety and stress during times of trouble. You gain the perspective you need to understand what is going on at this time in your life. Learning that there is a predictable pace and flow to the journey of your marriage can help you focus your energy when you feel overwhelmed and confused. One of the most exciting things about understanding the stages of marriage is that you can set a course for having the marriage that you want. And, it helps you make corrections along the way. The unfortunate concern is that most people end their marriages before the Completion stage. In conclusion, Rita DeMaria, PhD, shares that most people want to be, and will be, married at some time in their life. Despite the social changes in our culture including

2. Be willing to keep the lines of communication open – The worst thing a couple can do is to stop talking because their marriage is in the midst of change. Listening and confiding are essential to expanding understanding and trust as you move from stage to stage. 3. Make your marriage a priority, de-stress and keep the passion alive. Set up a regular date night. Find a babysitter! 4. Get grounded spiritually, physically and emotionally. Attend church together, work out together and get counseling if necessary. Pay attention to your spiritual life as your relationship changes and never underestimate the power of prayer. 5. Redefine your marriage goals. Establish a special project that you will begin together. Also write down your long and

Dr. Lisa Tait serves as Executive Director of the Atlanta Center For Healing, Public Relations Manager and Therapist with Mental Health Georgia (www. mentalhealthgeorgia.com) an Adjunct Professor at the ITC, and a radio personality and relationship expert. She is author of Women of Destiny: Five Principles For Pursuing Your Purpose in God and CEO & Founder of Women of Destiny Ministries (www.womenofdestiny.org). Learn more about Dr. Lisa at www.DrTait.com.

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Your Child’s Greatest Need by Kindred Howard

As loving parents, we long to meet our children’s needs. We strive to protect them, teach them, guide them, and, at times, discipline them. Our goal is nothing short of helping our kids grow up to be the men and women we believe God wants them to be. We also want our sons and daughters to get an education, acquire the skills and knowledge that will equip them to pursue a career, and gain a measure of financial, emotional, and spiritual security. The truth is, when we start thinking about all the good things we want for our kids, it can become overwhelming—if not downright scary. How do we continually provide for our children’s material needs? What does it take to mold their character to become people who will one day be godly husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, neighbors, and friends? How do we steer them towards a meaningful walk with God? What can we do to help them experience peace, security, and a fulfilling life? I believe that the first step in truly raising secure, life-ready children is to recognize that we, as parents, tend to worry too much. In our minds, we formulate a long, anxiety-producing list of things we “must” do and opportunities we “must” provide for our kids. We allow our culture rather than the Bible to dictate to us what our children “need” in life, like academic success, athletic achievement, social acceptance, and so on—all in the name of preparing them for adulthood. The truth is, there is only one thing our children truly need from us. Our kids need a mom and dad whose love for and faith in God manifests itself as daily obedience to His word. If all this seems like too much, you’re right. On our own, we just can’t pull it off. We just can’t be that righteous. But that’s okay. Moses felt the same way. In Exodus 4, Moses did his best to convince God that He should send someone else to Egypt to confront Pharaoh. God didn’t even entertain the notion. Instead, God sent Aaron to Moses. God told Moses, “You shall speak to him… and he (Aaron) will speak to the people for you… and it will be as if you were God to him.” (Exodus 4:14-16) God basically tells Moses that, despite Moses’ insecurities and inadequacies, God has still chosen to make Moses an extension of Himself. He will reach the people through Moses who will “be as God” to Aaron. In the same way, God has chosen to reach our children through us, their parents. God has made us an extension of Himself, not because we’re perfect, but because He has chosen us the way He chose Moses. So what does God want from us if not perfection? Three things. 1. Surrender. A surrendered life is a life of discipleship. It’s a life that has been laid on the altar as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). A surrendered life doesn’t guarantee a lack of hardships, but it does guarantee that God is steering the ship through any turbulent waters we have to navigate. Knowledge that God is in control

coupled with the faith that he loves us produces peace and security in a surrendered heart when most people would be riddled with anxiety, depression, and fear. Kids take note of that kind of faith. One day, when they sail through their own storms, perhaps they’ll remember it and think, “I want that.” 2. Humility. Nope, we’re not perfect. But, fortunately for us, the Bible is full of imperfect people who, by God’s power, fulfilled their God-given role. Sorry dads, but you are going to fail sometimes. Hate to break it to you moms, but you are going to blow it. What’s more, your kids are going to be aware that you failed/blew it. Don’t’ panic. You don’t need advice from Dr. Phil or the latest edition of Parenting Magazine to get back on track. Just be humble. Confess your sin and repent. (1 John 1:8-9). Apologize to the person you hurt. If you spoke harshly to or about your spouse in the children’s presence, then make sure your kids hear or at least know about the apology. And ask forgiveness. It’s amazing how people will overlook an offense and be drawn to you despite your failures when you own up to your mistakes, apologize, and humbly ask forgiveness. Courtesy of GTA

3. Love Like Jesus. Jesus loves us unconditionally. He loves us more than himself. He valued our need for salvation greater than his own needs. That’s how we are to love our spouse and kids. 1 Peter 4:8 tells us that the most important thing we can do is love one another, because love covers over a multitude of sins. If you do nothing else, love your family like Jesus. Love them unconditionally. Love them sacrificially. Love your kids for who they are, not what you want them to be. Love them because they need to be loved, not because you desire a result. Want your kids to put their security in an unchanging and unshakable God rather than in circumstances that can change with the stock market, a human decision, or the results of a medical exam? Then it’s not complicated; trust God and be what you want children to become.

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CD Spolight! Evangelist Dorothy Norwood “God’s Been Just That Good”

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Gentlemen: Tips to Ramp Up Your Dating Life by: Bela Gandhi

Gentlemen: Does the thought of going on a date raise your pulse, and trigger a little sweat on the brow? If so, good! That means you’ve got your head in the game, and are ready to give it your all to find that special lady in 2012. Here are the “Sweet 16” tips to fill your dating pipeline this spring! 1. Women are looking for confident men that make them feel safe, secure, and important! Own who you are, and act accordingly. 2. Call to plan the date. Don’t text at all – or keep it to a minimum. Too much room to go sideways in texting. Plan a week in advance if possible, and call 2 days before to confirm. 3. Plan the date. Women don’t want to hear, “I don’t know – what do you want to do?” 4. Look great – a great pair of modern jeans, a good sportcoat, nice shirt, shoes and belt. And, smell nice (a teeny splash of good modern cologne). 5. When you get to the date, give her a hug or a kiss on the cheek. This is not a meeting. 6. Give her a sincere compliment. “Wow - You look great!” She has probably spent some time getting ready for the date – and let her know simply and confidently. 7. Be sincerely and genuinely interested. There is nothing more charming than having someone who wants to get to know you – who is actively listening, asking good questions to draw you out. Love that. Women complain to me all the time that men never ask questions – and monopolize the discussion!! 8. Good First Dates are casual, short & sweet – drinks/appetizers are fine – or better yet, get active! Take a walk, go to an amusement park, go for a bike ride. Adrenaline has been shown to increase attraction! 9. Take Care of Things, and put on the Chivalry! Open doors, pull out her chair, let her order first, pay for the date. If she doesn’t like what she’s ordered, take care of it….call the waiter (remember the safe, secure thing) 10. Preparing for a date is like preparing for a job interview. Know how you’re going to talk about yourself – your job, hobbies, family, friends, travel, school, childhood. Talk about what you do / have done with enthusiasm, positivity, and humor. Leave the dark secrets , intense debates, regrets or baggage for after date #5, or later. 11. Don’t talk about ex-wives, old girlfriends, sex, politics, or argue anything to “win.” A date is not a contest. 12. Try to keep your attention on her and only her – even if your waitress is cute and flirtatious, or a crew of beautiful bachelorettes walk by. We have an uncanny radar for this! 13. If you drink, don’t drink too much. 14. Don’t ask for the next date right away. Tell her you had a great time, and you’ll be in touch soon. 15. When she is leaving, make sure she gets to her place safely. Either make sure you get her a cab, offer to walk her to her car, walk her home. Bela Gandhi is the Founder and President of the Smart Dating Academy, a full service personal consulting firm that provides busy, successful professionals with dating coaching, image consulting, personal shopping, professional photography and online dating consulting. She is the head dating coach for Smart Dating - and has an uncanny sixth sense about people, and what they need. Her intuition has been responsible for several marriages (and children)! She personally coaches each client at Smart Dating..

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The Gospel Tribune Atlanta Scholarship List by Jewell Hunter

We’re approaching that time of the year again. High school seniors are preparing for graduation; and anxiously waiting for their opportunity to matriculate through the higher education system. However, many of them are faced with the financial roadblocks. In order to assist with this transition we have provided a list of scholarship opportunities. DISCUS AWARDS COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS Eligibility: Scholarships for high school seniors, juniors, sophomores and freshmen Deadline: March 31, 2012

Amount: Up to $2,500

March 31st is the deadline for the April 2012 National All-Around Student Scholarship. The Discus Awards, which rewards all-around high school students for their achievements in three of ten key attributes, offers multiple scholarship opportunities, including a $2,000 National All-Around Student Scholarship to a Discus Award winner each month of the school year. Students must be named Discus Award winners to be eligible for the $2,000 National AllAround Student Scholarships so nominate yourself now for an award and scholarship. The National All-Around Student Scholarships total $20,000 each year. ODENZA MARKETING SCHOLARSHIP Eligibility: Scholarship for students between the ages of 16 and who achieved at least a 2.5 GPA in their previous year of study Deadline: March 30, 2012

Amount: $500

SHIRE 2012 ADHD SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Eligibility: Scholarship for U.S. citizens accepted to or attending an approved college, university, vocational, or technical school as an undergraduate student that has been diagnosed with ADHD and is under the care of a licensed health care professional for ADHD Deadline: March 30, 2012

Amount: $2,000

$2,000 “NO ESSAY” COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP Eligibility: Scholarship for current students and those planning to enroll within 12 months Deadline: March 31, 2012

Amount: $2,000

CENTRAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS Eligibility: Scholarships for high school seniors, college freshmen, college sophomores, college juniors, college seniors, graduate students and vocational students Deadline: April 1, 2012

Amount: Up to $10,000

WyzAnt College Scholarship Eligibility: Scholarship for students who plan to enroll in a four-year college or university between 2012 and 2014 Deadline: April 1, 2012

Amount: Up to $5,000

LITTLE PEOPLE OF AMERICA SCHOLARSHIP Eligibility: Scholarship for prospective and current students shorter than 4’10” attending college or vocational school in the United States Deadline: April 22, 2012

Amount: Up to $1,000

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES SCHOLARSHIP Eligibility: Scholarships for high school seniors and college freshmen Deadline: May 30, 2012

Amount: $5,000

THE BIG DOG SCHOLARSHIP Eligibility: Scholarships for high school seniors, college freshmen, and college sophomores Deadline: June 1, 2012

Amount: $3,000

DISABILITY SCHOLARSHIPS FROM MILITARYVALOAN.COM Eligibility: Scholarships for high school seniors Deadline: June 10, 2012

Amount: $1,000

MEDIA FELLOWS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Eligibility: Scholarships for rising college juniors and seniors who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their major concentration Deadline: July 30, 2012

Amount: Up to $5,000

THE ZINCH $20,000 SCHOLARSHIP To get started on applying for this college scholarship, you have to create a free profile on their site. Eligibility: applicants must be a current high school student graduating in 2011, 2012, 2013, or 2014. Scholarship applicants must have a minimum 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, All applicants Zinch profiles must be over 80% complete in order to be eligible for this scholarship opportunity. Deadline:

Amount: $20,000

SHEPHERD SCHOLARSHIP HTTP://WWW.SRMASON-SJ.ORG Eligibility: * Must be a United States citizen stuying at an accredited school in the United States. * No Masonic background required.

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Amount: $6000 max

Deadline: April 1, 2012

Eligibility: Anyone who plans to be enrolled in a four year college or university sometime between the application year and the next 2 years is encouraged to apply. This includes most high school sophomores through college juniors.

Kentucky Fried Chicken Colonel’s Scholars Scholarship could receive up to $20,000 over four years to help complete a bachelor’s degree. Eligibility: To be eligible to compete for the KFC Colonel’s Scholars Scholarship, an individual must have earned a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. The scholarship applicant must plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a public, in-state college or university, be a US citizen or permanent resident, and demonstrate a financial need for college.

Application Overview

Additional Scholarship Websites to Visit

• •

www.atlantascholarships.com/ http://www.scholarshipsgrants.us/a-list-of-scholarships-for-collegestudents/ http://collegescholarshiplist.com/ http://www.noessayscholarshipsonline.com/top-5-easyscholarships-for-high-school-seniors/ http://www.cappex.com/scholarships/

WYZANT COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS WWW.WYZANT.COM

•

Must complete an online application. Applicants will be asked to compose an essay to the following prompt: In 300 words or less, write an essay about the most important lesson you have learned in your life. Using your email and social media contacts, reach out to friends and family to get votes for your essay. Finalists will be determined by popular vote!

Amount: 10,000 max

Deadline: April 1, 2012

WISHING WORKS INC. “DARE TO DREAM” SCHOLARSHIP Eligibility: U.S. citizen, graduating senior, and enrolling as a fulltime student at an accredited four year university. Application Overview • Copy of highest ACT and/ or SAT. • Copy of official high school transcript. • Copy of complete FAFSA report including EFC. • One teacher recommendation (limit: 2). • One personal recommendation (cannot be a teacher or family member - limit: 2). • Complete application form. Amount: $1,000 max

Deadline: April 1, 2012

DR SEUSS SCHOLARSHIP 2012 - OH THE PLACES YOU’LL GO Application Deadline Tentative November 2012 - January 2013 Award Amount $10,000 When I was a child, I remember reading so many of Dr. Seuss children books. One of the most inspirational, and very appropriate for high school seniors as they enter college, is the best selling book Oh, the Places You’ll Go! By Dr. Seuss. So dust off your childhood books and read this classic, then apply for the Dr. Seuss scholarship. In 2010 this was a writing scholarship, and in 2011 an art contest, so we will see what the Dr. Seuss scholarship requirements will be in 2012. This is one of the fun but weird unknown scholarships for college, and one of the best scholarships for high school seniors. For more information see Dr Seuss Scholarship Application.

THE NORDSTROM SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Eligibility: • Live and attend school in one of the participating 30 states where Nordstrom currently has a full-line store. • Have at least a 2.7 GPA (based on a 4.0 scale) throughout high school. Volunteer or participate in community services or extracurricular activities. • Plan on attending an accredited four-year college or university during the four years over which the scholarship is distributed. The scholarship is paid out in equal installments of $2,500. • Plan on applying for financial assistance in order to attend college. Amount: Nordstrom Scholarship Program awards 40 college scholarships of $10,000. These college scholarships are paid out in equal installments of $2,500 over four years to the college of the student’s choice. Deadline: May 1, 2011 THE KFC SCHOLARSHIP FOR COLLEGE WWW.KFCSCHOLARS.ORG Amount: KFC Colonel’s Scholars Program provides funding for: Tuition, Fees, Books and Room and Board. College scholarship awards can be up to $5,000 per year. The scholarship winner of the

Jewel Hunter founded Camp Jewell House in 2009. She received a Bachelors of Arts in English from Clark Atlanta University in 1994, a Teaching Certificate in 2005. She became Advanced Placement certified in language in 2007 and gifted endorsed in 2009. In addition, she received a Masters of Science Degree in Educational Leadership from Kennesaw State University in 2009.

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Honoring Our Seniors

Lloyd Buchanan GTA: Mr. Buchanan it is a pleasure to interview you today on behalf of The Gospel Tribune Atlanta. Your background both personally and professionally is impressive having graduated with a B.S. Degree in English, Speech and Drama from the Tennessee A & I State University and spending many years in an executive role with the Xerox Corporation. I believe you began your professional career in the education field as a teacher? What did you teach and what led you to switch into a career in Corporate HR? LB: I taught English, Public Speaking, Drama and Debate. I was the sponsor for the Public Speaking and Acting Clubs. I produced all of the plays and productions each year. I taught the 11th and 12th grades. I have several reasons for switching my career into HR, but the biggest reason was a family decision. My wife (Vahness) was a mathematics teacher and at the time we had 2 small boys. We decided it was best, if one of us stayed home to rear them during their young years – at least until they entered kindergarten. The salary I made at the time was not substantial enough to support a family. So with those reasons in mind we felt it was best for Vahness to stay home and she would return to work later. I really love and still do love teaching. I found there was so many intangible joys in watching people learn. But I made the change because I needed to and it was what we agreed to do as a family. GTA: How long have you and your wife been members of St. James and what brought you to the St. James family? LB: We have been members of St. James approximately 12 years. And I guess you would say our initial reason for joining came out of being practical. Just like my decision to pursue a career in HR. We had been members of Cascade UMC for close to 14 years and were living in Dunwoody at the time. GTA: I know that you are extremely active in the church. Currently you are the Chairman of the Seniors Ministry? LB: Yes, but historically at St. James UMC, I was the Chair of the Staff Pastor Parrish Relations Committee, Head Usher for the Usher Board, President of United Methodist Men and a section leader in the Senior Choir. Currently I am a District at Large Representative for the North Georgia Annual Conference (representing The Atlanta-Roswell District), the Chairperson for the Seniors Ministry and a member of the Voices of Faith Choir. GTA: St. James UMC piloted a new intergenerational ministry this year that I believe you played a large role in? LB: Yes, we recently graduated the participants of the “Can You Hear Me Now Ministry. The teenagers and the sen-agers! We had

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testimonies from seniors and teenagers who said they never thought this ministry would work. It is amazing the bonding and the love and comradery they have developed. It was all grounded and developed around our faith in the Lord. “Can You Hear Me Now” simply means do you hear? Have you explored, evaluated, accepted, acknowledged or responded to God’s call on your life? They (the teens) thought the “calling” on their life meant they were going to be preachers. Through our activities they have come to understand that God is a miracle worker. No matter how young or how old He can and will continue to do things in your life. GTA: Would you say your faith is stronger now than it was 20 years ago? LB: I have always grown up with faith, believing people, family and elders. As a child, my grandmother, who was a very strong influence in my life, would take us to revival and I remember joining the church on a Thursday night at the age of 6 or 7 years old. Back then my faith wasn’t as mature as it is today. I look at it as spiritual maturity, which doesn’t come because of age but because of your relationship experiences and the life experiences that you have. GTA: After being married for 46 years to the lovely Vahness Buchanan, do you have advice you can share with young married couples or couples considering marriage? LB: First of all it has to be grounded in the principles that God has provided for us. God is the leader of our marriage. We go to God to make sure that we understand. And then listening not only to each other, which we must do, but to the direction we get from our Lord. It takes work – it takes give and take. Learn to apologize. The one thing my wife has taught me that I wasn’t too good at is the nice, sweet things you do for each other. The other important thing is in sickness and in health – I have to be there – she is going through difficult times with her disability. I retired early so that I could take care of my wife. I meant those words. There have been some hard times in our marriage but even in the hard times there was joy! My wife has several gifts but one of her biggest gifts is giving. And she has taught me how to give and not just of your resources,but true giving from your heart. GTA: Can you share a word of love and encouragement for our Editor In Chief Mr. Tracey Harris? LB: I have gotten to know Tracey very well. We’ve had conversations together with his son and about raising his son. It is important that Tracey exposes his son to what God has done in his own life. And the more Tracey can share what God has done for him, not only to his son but to those around him, the more successful God is going to make him. Not just financially successful but rewarding from the point that he can go through life understanding that he has not just been a bit player in God’s world but a major player in turning souls to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He has so many talents! He has an easy going spirit that allows him to be able to converse and talk and meet and greet with a lot of people. People like him for that spirit. He needs to continue to use that spirit to win souls for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And continue to show that spiritual personality that he has, it is a blessing.