EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
THE MARK
For the next time that you get in a tough situation… When in sorrow……..call John 14 When men fail you,………call Psalm 27 If you want to be fruitful…call John15 When you have sinned……call Psalm 51 When you worry…call Matthew 6:19-34 When you are in danger….call Psalm 91 When God seems far away…call Psalm 139 When your faith needs stirring…call Hebrews 11 When you are lonely and fearful………call psalm 23 When you grow bitter and critical….…..call I Corinthians 13 For Paul’s secret to happiness………….…..call Colossians 3:12-17 For understanding of Christianity………………call II Corinthians 5:15-19 When you feel down and out………....call Romans 8:31 When you want peace and rest…………..…call Matthew 11:25-30 When the world seems bigger than God…………….call Psalm 90 When you want Christian assurance…....call Romans 8:1-30 When you leave home for labor or travel………...call Psalm 121 When your prayers grow narrow or selfish……......call Psalm 67 For a great invention / opportunity…………..call Isaiah 55 When you want courage for a task………….call Joshua 1 For how to get along with fellow men…………call Romans 12 When you think of investments and returns………….call Mark 10 If you are losing confidence in people………….call I Corinthians 13 If you are depressed……..call Psalm 27 If your pocketbook is empty……...call Psalm 37 If people seem unkind…...call John 15 If discouraged about your work…..call Psalm 126 If you find the world growing small and yourself great….call Psalm 19 Greater St. Mark AME Church Post Office Drawer 370 Hemingway, South Carolina 29554
MAKING A DIFFERENCE, “NOT BY MIGHT, NOR POWER, BUT BY MY SPIRIT SAYS THE LORD ALMIGHTY.” ZECHARIAH 4:6
Volume 1, Issue 1
Greater Saint Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church 1297 Old Georgetown Road Hemingway, South Carolina 29554
Reverend Arthur W. Ford, Pastor
Mission Statement The Mission of Greater Saint Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church is to empower its congregation and community through preaching, teaching and witnessing the word of God. We are committed to the liberating gospel of Jesus Christ and African Methodism, Greater St. Mark strives to nurture the spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional and economic growth of its congregation and the community. As we spread the good news of the gospel, Greater St. Mark delivers the message of salvation and brings hope to the lost.
New Converts: Bro. James Bishop, Bro. William T. Cooper Full Membership: Sis. Sally Cooper Sis. Joann Ford Bro. Demetrius Graham Bereavement: Sis. Annie Wilson
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
2 3 2 1
Our Blossoming Youth A Visit from our Presiding Bishop Upcoming Events A note from the head desk More Continued…
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April 2010
From the desk of the pastor: Members and friends of Greater St. Mark AME Church please allow me this opportunity to tell you a little about myself. I was appointed pastor of this church in November of 2009. I can honestly say that it is a pleasure to serve God’s people in this area. I am married to Joann W. Ford and we have two children: Justin, a senior at NCSU and Gabrielle, a sophomore at Winthrop. This appointment came as a surprise to me but in the words of Grandma, “it ain’t no secret what God can do”. We have a tremendous opportunity to serve God’s people and I am so grateful that the members of the church have a mind to work. I found several ministries in place and working. The Trustees are working on several projects: painting, upgrading rooms and lawn upgrades. The Stewards are excited about the upcoming 125th Church Anniversary; the Missionaries have expanded their ministry to include Angel Food Ministry. The Praise Dance Team is growing and performing throughout the district. I am very excited about what God is doing here at Great St. Mark. Rev. Arthur W. Ford
Newsletter 1
Healthy Teens – 2010 The Young People Department (YPD) presented Healthy Teens on Saturday, March 20. The purpose of the affair was to provide nurture and to train youths how they may live a Godly Life and how to become more productive citizens. Erica Mason presided over the program that consisted of a prayer, scripture, leadership sessions and entertainment. Praise Dancers from TDK McCullough’s for Christ and G.E.T. Hands of the Judah Community preformed. Ms. Teavis Young from WCSD Teen Life Specialist held sessions with the youth. Mr. Archie Kennedy, HHS Resource Officer Spoke with the adults. Mr. Kennedy addressed the issue of drugs in our schools And he shared with parents little things that parents should be aware of. He also stated that there may be times that children are demonstrating behaviors that are gang related and they are not aware that they are. Mr. Kennedy also talked about the negative and positive impact on children’s lives. He strives to inspire students. He also spoke on the importance of “Trust and Care”; Children will trust us if they know we care. Healthy Teen 2010 was a great success. - JEC
Minister Ernestine M. Blow
YOUTH IN THE SPOTLIGHT Jacquel Harrison a 6th grade student at Cades Hebron Elementary and the grandson of Sister Sarah C.B. Williams is a member of the Gifted and Talented Class. Jacquel along with the other class members visited the Black Expo in Charleston sponsored by WC Technical College. They met members of the staff of actor and producer Tyler Perry. They also learned about preparing for scholarships. “Good Job Jacquel”!!
6.
Censor’s Report due now!! Please complete the form and send it in. “It’s in our Hands.” Let’s stand up and be counted! Primary Election: June 8th: Vote, John C. Pinckney House Seat 101 Vote, W. B. Wilson, County Council, District 2.
Youngest AME Pastor in the State of South Carolina Greater St. Mark proudly acknowledges that Rev. Fedrick Wilson, Pastor of Cedar Grove AME Church is a member of Greater St. Mark. We are proud to say that Fedrick is one of our very own. Even though he traveled a lot with his father, Rev. Mose Wilson, an AME minister, he maintained his membership at Greater St. Mark. At 25 the Rev. Fedrick Wilson holds the distinction as the youngest AME Pastor in SC. Fedrick was introduced as pastor in 2009 during the Seventh Episcopal District of the AME Church’s Central Annual Conference in Cameron. Fedrick was recognized at Greater St. Mark during Black History 2010 as a contemporary outstanding Black American -Phil Sarata./ JEC
Greater St. Mark AME 125th Church Anniversary, June 2010.
Newsletter 2
By Sister Jannie E. Cooper
Prostrate Problems The prostate is an organ that secretes a fluid that helps transport sperm cells. It is located below the bladder and surrounds the urethra (the tube that drains the bladder). There are two conditions that affect the prostate gland, BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) and Prostate Cancer. BPH is a common problem for men between the ages of 50 and 60. It is an increase in the size of the prostate gland due to the aging process and hormonal changes. BPH is not a terminal disease but its symptoms are similar to the symptoms of prostate cancer. Symptoms of BPH and Prostate Cancer 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Greater St Mark Health Ministry Committee will sponsor their Annual HEART TO HEART WALK on Saturday, May 1, 2010 starting at 8:00 A.M. Blood sugar, Blood pressure check, and continental breakfast will be provided. Come out and join us in the Walk to Good Health. Carolyn Midgette, Director (843) 558-3507
ABOUT YOUR HEALTH
Decrease strength and force of urine stream Frequent urination with difficulty starting Leakage of urine at the end of urination Blood or pus in urine Painful urination or ejaculation Hip or back pain
Prostate Cancer The chances of developing prostate cancer increases with age. It progresses slowly and can often be cured if detected early. There is nothing known to prevent the disease. By age 40 it is estimated that one in four men will have some degree of prostate cancer. By age 50 the odds increase t o one in three. Prevention An annual exam for men age 50 and older is recommended. The exam will include a digital rectal examination of the prostate gland and a blood test called PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen). Prostate cancer cells increase the level PSA in the blood. If a problem is found, the doctor may recommend a cystosopy or an ultrasound of the prostate. Treatment Treatment consists of medication, surgery and a combination of both. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the most common surgical procedure for treating prostate enlargement. This procedure is done by cutting out part of the prostate gland.
The Members of Greater St. Mark came out in big numbers in July of 2006 to witness the Initial Sermon of Sister Ernestine Blow. It was no surprise that Sister Blow would be stepping out to preach the word of God. She has a very humble and dedicated spirit toward the work of the church, and whatever she puts her hand to. She has served Greater St. Mark in several capabilities for many many years. However, over the past four years she has been instrumental in assisting the new pastors in bridging the gap from one administration to another. She loves people, the church and loves doing all she can to make the programs of the church a success. She accepted the call to Teach/ Preach in the year of 2004. She did her Initial Sermon in July of the year 2006 under the leadership of Rev. Michael J. Frost Biblical Standard: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverb 3:5-6. Motto: "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I, who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Gal. 2:20) “Minister Blow is truly a wonderful person, we pray that God will continue to Bless and Keep her in his care.”
Men Choir Anniversary The Men Choir, under the director of Bro. Randy Wilson, celebrated their 2nd Anniversary Sunday, March 21. What a grand spiritual affair. Men of the choir strolled down the aisle dressed out in black suits, white shirts and red ties. Pastor Ford brought up the rear end, stepping to the beat and not missing a step. The choir went on to present one of their best performances ever. The overflow of church members, visiting churches and friends were overwhelmed with spiritual satisfaction. “Hats off to the male choir. We wish you many more anniversaries; we encourage you to continue to minister to the world through the songs of Zion that you sing so well”.
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A Visit from our Illustrious Bishop THE GREAT GATHERING
Celebration of Black History
March 1-3, 2010, was a great time in my life as I witness the nation’s three largest black Methodist Churches gather in Columbia for a summit called the “Great Gathering”. Bishops, members, friends and quest speakers from the African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zion and Christian Methodist Episcopal churches met to plan an end to a cycle of poverty, aimlessness, violence, educational failure, drug and alcohol addiction, joblessness and imprisonment, and to rescue our youth, especially the black male. After the 3 days of meeting, it was decided that we would focus on educational improvement, health and wellness, career preparation, financial literacy and religious training that will be measured quantitatively to ensure results. A summary of the 28-page Male Investment Plan established calls for instituting Saturday Academies at Churches and in the communities around the country, historically black colleges and universities working with the churches and communities, mentoring youths between the ages of 5 through 25 and developing a deep bond with them. The concluding worship service was by The A. M. E. Senior Bishop, Bishop John R. Bryant. Bishop Bryant told some 5000 gathered in the Carolina Coliseum that with God in the mix “Together We Can Do This,” He took his text from the gospel of Mark concerning four men who carried a paralyzed man to Jesus. It was exciting, a joy to listen, and sobering to realize the responsibility I have as part of God’s Great African Methodist Church Denominations, consisting of five million congregants and 2000 congregations. By Brother Harmon Cooper, Jr.
Founder’s Day Observation The Annual Founder’s Day Observation was observed on Sunday, February 14, 2010. Founder’s Day at Greater St. Mark is held on the 2nd Sunday in February. Founder’s Day is sponsored by the Sons of Allen and The Daughters of Sarah. The history of the founder of the AME Church; Richard Allen and First Lady; Sarah Allen was presented to the congregation by Bro. James Brown II and Sis. Erica Mason. Pastor Ford was the speaker. His title was “Take it to the Lord in Prayer.” His text was taken from Luke 9:28. For information on the AME Church, see the “Know your Church Manual,” by Andrew White.
The Annual Black History program was held Sunday, February 28. The speaker was Rev. Carolyn Davis from Ridge View PC-USA (Columbia). Rev. Davis was a Dynamic Speaker. She told the congregation, many of us dressed in our African attire that, “We are a wonderful People; God has set us up to be successful.” She cautioned us to be aware of the Devil , “the devil will take you farther than you intend to go, keep you longer than you intended to stay, and cost you more than you planned to pay.” Rev. Davis was introduced by her cousin, First Lady Joan Ford. Having grown up together sister Ford shared with us warm fuzzes from their past. Jessica Wilson presented “A Little Known Black History Fact.” This year Rev. Fedrick Wilson was presented as the youngest AME Pastor in the state of SC. Fedrick is a former member of Greater St. Mark. Sister Bussey, program director, displayed a collage of Black Americans moving forward. She also shared a number of products invented by black Americans. Sister Bussey wishes to thank everyone for making Black History a success. By Mary Bussey
Greater St. Mark Education Scholarship Program Special thanks to Pastor Ford for restoring the Education Scholarship Program. Dr. Josephine Brown and the Education Scholarship committee kicked off the scholarship program on Sunday, March 28. A $500 scholarship will be given to all freshmen college students in the fall. This money will be used to purchase books for the first semester. All church members are asked to contribute $100 per year to this most worthwhile scholarship fund. For more information see Dr. Josephine Brown. JEC
“THE MARK’S STAFF” Editor---------------Jannie E. Cooper Reporters Sarah Williams Minister Ernestine Blow Cooper,Jr
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Mary Bussey Harmon
The Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams, II Presiding Bishop of the Seventh Episcopal District of The African Methodist Episcopal Church; was quest speaker at Morning Worship Service on, Sunday, January 31, 2010. The Bishop was introduced by the Elder of the Kingstree District, Elder Allan W. Parrott, PhD. It is always a treat to have Bishop Williams, Elder and Mrs. Parrott visit with us. Bishop Williams is an excellent speaker and on January 31 he was at his best as he delivered a most powerful sermon that kept the congregation on the edges of their seat waiting for more. Bishop informed the members of Greater St. Mark that he had prepared that sermon especially for them. His text came from a number of different scriptures that he encouraged us to read and study. Some excerpts from the sermon. Psalm 37:1-9; Fret not thyself of evildoers, neither be envious against workers of iniquity, for they shall soon be cut down. Life is a journey; a growth toward maturity. We are sons and daughters on our way home. We are right between life and death; we must learn to trust God. Trust in God brings about obedient to God, therefore, Trust God. Bishop stated that we should not be “toothless Christians, you get the word but you can’t digest it.” However, he said there are dentures for toothless Christians; prayer and the reading of God’s word. You don’t know how to trust God, but through growth and maturity we will be able to discern his voice. God wants to speak new life into us daily. When you see yourself and all you do falling apart, God wants to speak new things into your life. He does it through our reading of his words. We must learn to trust and obey God completely. We must ask God to give us a new heart, the spirit of hardness of heart is available as well as the spirit of tenderness. Chose a heart of tenderness. Bishop referenced several scriptures that we should read for growth and maturity. In his closing remarks he reminded us to be aware of the devil and how he is out to devour us. In his closing remarks he told us to read from the book of Jude the 9th verse. He reminded us to trust God and he will take care of us. A Very Powerful and Spiritual Sermon. After the service, Bishop, Elder and Mrs. Parrott had dinner in the fellowship hall with Pastor and Mrs. Ford along with members of the Steward Board. By Jannie E. Cooper
W inter Revival The Winter Revival at Greater St. Mark January 25-29, 2010 was truly a very spiritual and uplifting experience for the members and the surrounding communities of Greater St. Mark. A revival was just what we needed and the Rev. Eugene Burgess, Pastor of Mt. Mariah and St. Jones Baptist Church, was just who we needed to uplift our spirits. We were truly revived for five nights of “pure gospel preaching.” Rev. Burgess opened on Monday night with “Lifting up the Name of Jesus,” John 3:14; 12:32. On Tuesday he asked, “How Effective is Faith in your Life?” Hebrew 11:5-11; Wednesday, “Courage, being Courageous for Christ “God doesn’t need any Coward Soldiers, Joshua 1:7.Thursday night, “Sailing with the Lord in a time of Storm”, Luke18:16-28. “When the storms of life are raging, it’s good to have God on board, He can speak to the storm and the storm will obey.” Rev. Burgess ended the week by reminding the congregation that “It’s Coming Up Again.” He reminded us that whatever we do, good or bad just know it’s coming up again. He referenced several Scriptures, Luke12:2-3, Psalm 34:1-10, Galatians 6:7-9, Revelation 20: 12-13. Pastor and Mrs. Ford and the entire church family wish to thank Rev. and Mrs. Burgess and all our visitors for helping to make our revival a success. By JEC
Newsletter 3
Observation of the Season of Advent Greater St. Mark celebrated the Season of Advent beginning November 29, 2009. The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival.” The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, which is nearest November 30, and lasts four Sundays. It is a time to prepare for the coming of Christ; this preparation must include repentance, prayer, and patience. It has become a Christian Custom to light candles on the Advent Wreath during worship service. There are 4 candles displayed on the Advent Wreath, three of which are purple in color and the other a rose colored one. The first lit candle signifies hope; the second love; the third (the rose one), joy; and the fourth peace. The lighting of the Advent Candles is a yearly tradition at Greater St. Mark. By JEC
The Season of Lent The Season of Lent is marked by a time of prayer and preparation to celebrate Easter. Christians today use this period of time for introspection, self examination, and repentance. This season of the year is equal only to the Season of Advent in importance in the Christian year, and is part of the second major grouping of Christian festivals and sacred time that includes Holy Week, Easter, and Pentecost. At Greater St. Mark, Pastor Ford provided us with Daily Biblical readings with specific topics that extended throughout the entire Season of Lent. By JEC
The Hour of Power Our Tuesday Night Weekly Prayer Service can be called “An Hour of Power.” The church doors are open every Tuesday night between 7 and 8 o’clock PM for Prayer Service. It is our weekly hour of praising and giving thanks to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For one hour we listen to one of our Lay Brothers or Sisters share a word on a topic of their choice. After singing, praying, and scripture reading we listen to the word presented by a church member. We then go into a period of singing and testifying, giving thanks to God for salvation and for what he has done and continues to do in our lives. It is a glorious time for those of us in attendance. Prayer service is opened to all members of our congregation and the community at large. Please join us; we are sure you will enjoy it. Remember, “The Family that prays together, Stays Together.” By JEC
Church School “Church School is moving along quiet well. Presently we have four different classes, which consist of Men, Women, Seniors and Juniors. We look forward to adding a Primary Class in the near future.” Sister Williams credits the success of Church School to our faithful students and a Superb Staff of Teachers, Assistant Superintendents and Secretaries. The Church School Staff members are as follow. Teachers: Men’s Class: Brothers Harmon Cooper, Bernard Midgett and Loveth Anderson. Women’s Class: Sisters Jannie E. Cooper, Lillie Brown and Minister Earnestine Blow. Senior Class: Sisters Ocatavia Williams and Barbara Smalls. Junior Class: Sisters Dorothy McFaddenand Cheryl Nesmith. Assistant Superintendents: Sisters Mary Jones, Mary Scott, Dorothy McFadden and Brother Earl Williams. Secretaries: Miss Lynntesha Barr, Miss Sharnice McCray, Miss Brittany Cooper and Miss Maggie Blow. The Church School looks forward to the annual Church Picnic every September. Superintendent Sarah stated that we are looking forward to exploring some new ways to make our Church School more interesting and exciting especially for our young people. Church School is for everyone and it is certainly an opportunity to learn more about the Good News of Jesus Christ. All members of the congregation are invited to join us every Sunday Morning at 9:00AM for a spiritual discussion of the Church School Lesson. By Sarah Williams
Weekly Bible Study The Members of Greater St. Mark look forward with Joyous Anticipation to Thursdays, Bible Study Night. Bible Study is held every Thursday night from 7-8 o’clock pm. It is a time when we come together to study the Word of God. It is a time of reading, discussion and relating the Word of God to our everyday living. The scriptures in the bible become alive in our lives. We are presently discussing the Gospel of Mark. Mark is one of Pastor Ford’s favorite books. It is his prayer that God’s Word will be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. That the word of God will dwell richly in each of us and that God will give us insight and understanding into the passages we study. Bible Study is opened to all members of the church and the community. Bible Study is a real treat; it gives us another spiritual endeavor to look forward to. Please join us you might be glad you did. By JEC
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Women of Worship (WOW)
Trustee Department
Theme: Empowered By God To Make A Difference A ministry that is focused on advancing the kingdom through women by having the knowledge of who we really are in Christ Jesus. We are a faith based gathering of women who are seeking to live out our everyday lives in relation to our scriptures. We wish to be inspired and encouraged. We want to be in the know, find growth in all areas, and thrive as we live out our spiritual lives. In sharing we are blessed – in faith we are one! We can each empower one another in the building up of God’s Kingdom by sharing our wisdom, knowledge, and life experiences. We meet every 4th Saturday at 10:00 am.
The Members of the Trustee Board welcome our new Pastor, Rev. Arthur Ford and his family. The Trustees are on the move, we are planning some upgrades to some of our office machines, and doing some face lift to some of our facilities. We’ve done some work on the Church’s Steeple, and some painting to the outside steps of the Life Center. There is still much more to be done. The trustees are planning our big bash of the year, the banquet. Rev. Ford, Trustee Pro Tem, and the Trustee Department are working hard to keep our Church and Life Center looking good and being comfortable. By the Trustee Dpt.
~Minister Blow
Sons of Allen The Sons of Allen usually composed of three or more persons, formed for the purpose of encouraging men to become involved in helping other men find Christ in their lives, serve the AME Church in a vast number of capacities. Men of the Sons of Allen while enhancing their sense of belonging to the church, also gain understanding and appreciation of the spiritual and social message of the church, develop latent manpower in our congregation, become recruiters of other men for discipleship and enhance the ministry, comradeship and fellowship of the church. The Sons of Allen here at Greater St. Mark are men of honor and good character and are ready to serve as leaders and role models for the youth in our church. Please see Pastor Ford and President Randy Wilson if you have an interest in joining this distinguish group of African Methodists’.
Faith Activity Nutrition
for your health….
FAN activities are opened for all members of the church to participate. According to Mary Bussey, The Faith, Activity, and Nutrition (FAN) Program, collaboration between the AME Church and the University of SC, is alive and well at Greater St. Mark. Special thanks to the 23 church members that participated in the initial kick off more than a year ago. The FAN committee provides weekly Health tips and exercise to the church family. A major goal is to encourage church members to eat healthy and to make an effort to exercise at least 30 minutes a day or at least two or three times a week.
Church Pantry and Angel Food Ministries
Young Adult Ministry (YAM) YAM is a new ministry in the AME Church. It is a ministry designed to attract the young adults of the church. This group of Young Adults presides over morning worship service at Greater St. Mark, once a month. Sis. Gabrielle Ford (our first daughter) was worship leader at YAM service on Sunday March 28. She presented her dad, Rev. Arthur W. Ford, who spoke from Luke, the 19th chapter. His title was “Today is Your Day.” What a great sermon, to an attentive group of Young Adults. We expect great things from YAM, under the capable leadership of president, Sis. Connie Wilson. By JEC
Be a FAN
Immediately upon arrival as Pastor, Rev. Ford began the process of organizing a pantry to house food at Greater St. Mark to be given to persons in need. On March 27th a group of members were trained to implement the Angel Food Ministries. This ministry allows church members and others persons from the community and beyond to place orders and purchase food at an affordable rate. You place your order for certain foods and it will be delivered to the church for pickup. This ministry is sure to be an asset to those taking advantage of it. For more information, see Sister Diane McCray. JEC
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