1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

Voice of the Morning
Morning Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Morning Chapel CME Church
903 East 3rd Street
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 332-4842
info@morningchapel.com
www.morningchapel.com
Reverend Doctor Willa M. Ross,
Pastor
Reverend Russell O. Fuller, Sr.
Presiding Elder
Sr. Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick III,
Presiding Prelate
Schedule of Activities
Sunday School — 9:30 am
Sunday Morning Worship—11:00am
Wednesday New Dimension
Bible Study — 7:00 pm
Voice of the Morning Committee:
Editors-in-Chief:
Birdia Fletcher and Shabra Watkins
Layout Designer:
Birdia Fletcher
Writers:
Yvette Caldwell, Johnette Calhoun,
Sheryl Coaxum, Takiyah Evans,
Tamiyah Fletcher, Christal Griffin,
Linda Griffin, Katrina Jefferson,
Acacia Nolan, Aisha Barron, J. P.
Barron, and Shabra Watkins
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August—October 2014
From the desk of Reverend Doctor Willa M. Ross
As summer ends and we enter into the Fall Season, I am reminded
of one of my favorite hymns, “How Great Thou Art”. This hymn
is derived from a poem written by a young Swedish pastor named
Karl Gustav Boberg. As Boberg was walking home from church
one Sunday, he was caught in a severe thunderstorm and almost
died. One report states that Boberg marveled over the rich coloring of the season and the birds singing in the trees. The way in
which the sun shone on the waters and the birds singing in the
trees caused him to reflect on God’s mighty power and control
over nature and inspired him to write a poem about what he had
witnessed. The poem was entitled “O Store Gud,” (O Mighty
God). The poem went through several translations and the hymn in which we have
come to know was translated by Stuart K. Hine.
It is during this season of the year that I am constantly amazed by the beauty of
God’s creation. This hymn of the church causes me to stop and take note of the
awesomeness of our creator and to “consider all the worlds Thy hands have made.”
No matter what difficulties arise in our lives or what the current circumstances of
our world may be, if we take a moment to reflect on the awesomeness of our God
and realize the power “displayed throughout the universe,” we can’t help but proclaim “How Great Thou Art”.
Psalm 8 proclaims, “Oh Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the
earth! Who has set thy glory above the heavens.” (KJV) As we enter into this wonderful and beautiful season of the year, let us be reminded of the God who created
the universe in such splendor and has the power to control nature. Though the
storms come in our lives, we learn not to be afraid because we serve a God who is
able to calm our fears and provide peace in the midst of the storm.
And so we begin a new season of the calendar year but more important is the
new season in Christ that we embark upon together here at Morning Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Knowing that this awesome and great God we
serve has given us his Son who gladly bears our burdens provides for us the inspiration and the motivation to do the work that is before us. Knowing that the God who
created the universe and turns summer into the fall season bursting in a beautiful
array of falling leaves fills us with a sense of
joy and peace in our lives as we strive toInside this Issue:
gether to fulfill Jesus’ commission to make
From the Desk of Rev. Dr. Ross....1
disciples.
CME and Church News ….…...2-5
I thank God for the beauty of the season.
MC Kudos …...…………………..6
I thank God for the members of Morning
Social Concerns …………………7
Chapel and I thank God for the awesome
Health & Beauty Tips ……………8
opportunity to serve as your pastor. “Then
Calendar of Events ..……………9
sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee;
Birthdays & Anniversaries ……10
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Recipe of the Month………...….11
Your Servant Leader,
Pastor Ross
Morning Chapel Tidbits ………..12
CME & Church News
Morning Chapel Rejoices and
Welcomes Our New Pastor in Heels
By: Shabra Watkins
What a Great Day it was at Morning Chapel in August! Following a week at the Annual Conference, it
was announced that Rev. Dr. Willa M. Ross was assigned to Morning Chapel and history was made at The
Old Rock Church. She became the very first woman to
hold the Senior Pastor position! It is our honor and our
blessing from God to have this great, intelligent, led by
God Pastor, lead Morning Chapel to great visions and
great ministries.
Reverend Dr. Willa M. Ross is a native of Jackson,
Tennessee, and was raised in Chicago, Illinois, where
she completed high school and began her higher education matriculation. She returned to Jackson, Tennessee
in 1982 where she united with Mother Liberty Christian
Methodist Episcopal Church under the leadership of
Reverend Ronald M. Cunningham, now 53rd Bishop of
the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.
Prior to accepting the call to ministry in 1998, Dr.
Ross worked for the Federal Government for twenty
years. She was licensed at Mother Liberty Christian
Methodist Episcopal Church in April, 1999. She was
ordained deacon by the East Tennessee Annual Conference, First Episcopal District in 2000, and Traveling
Elder in 2002. She was accepted into Full Connection
in July, 2005.
Upon accepting the call to ministry, Reverend Ross
entered Memphis Theological Seminary, where she
earned her Master of Divinity Degree, graduating Summa Cum Laude in May 2002 and was recognized as the
Alston Outstanding African American Female Student. She received her Doctor of Ministry Degree in
May, 2008 in the area of Christian Education. Her
Doctoral Dissertation was entitled Preparing and Equipping Leaders as Christ Bearers who Lead Youth in Mission. She was the recipient of the Outstanding African
American Alumni Award in February, 2008.
Rev. Dr. Ross was also responsible for administration of the office and assisted the General Secretary in
the planning and development of Christian Education
resources, workshops, and the coordination of the Connectional Youth and Young Adult Conference. She
worked with the former General Secretary, Dr. Cunningham in the coordination and implementation of the
15th and 16th Annual C.M.E. Convocation and the Jubilee 2000 Connectional Youth and Young Adult Conferences. She assisted in the planning and coordination
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of the 2004 Connectional Youth
and Youth Adult Conferences, Living Water and the planning and
implementation of the 2008 Connectional Youth and Young Adult
Conferences held in Orlando,
Florida under the leadership of
Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield, General Secretary of the
Department of Christian Education. She served as the
Youth Conference Coordinator for this event. She had
been with the Department of Christian Education since
January, 1999.
Pastor Ross is an advocate for children and youth and
is passionate about Christian Education at every level of
the church. She is the mother of three adult children,
Kevin (Shemica) Gautreaux, Dorothy (Jevon) Sisnett
and Chinitra Gautreaux, and one grandchild, Eva Paris
Gautreaux.
On August 17th, Pastor Ross preached her first sermon at Morning Chapel entitled, “Renew, Revive and
Restore”. Not only did she bring a great message, she
sang a classic R and B song, “Rescue Me” that sealed
her great sermon! It was so awesome!
Morning Chapel will never be the same again! This
great leader of God has conducted meetings with our
members and officers, established long and short term
goals and is taking us all to new heights and ministries
as we move forward in our Christian Journey and outreach at Morning Chapel and in the community.
Pastor Ross has not stopped since arriving here at
Morning Chapel. She entered with a strong passion to
serve and lead. Her faith is evident in her sermons, in
her spirit and in her heart. Morning Chapel is overjoyed
in this great treasure we have received.
Get ready, Morning Chapel-we are blessed beyond
measure as we enter this new era of Ministry, Caring
and Sharing with a great Leader of God wearing heels
and tennis shoes, ready to run for Jesus and Morning
Chapel! Members, put on your tennis shoes and get
ready to run for Jesus and become active in one of the
many ministries available.
We welcome you Pastor Ross with thanksgiving and
love and we are eager and ready with you to engulf on
this journey, spreading and sharing the love of Jesus
Christ! With you and our God we are on the way to
greatness! Welcome again, Pastor Ross!
CME & Church News
.
Welcome Dinner
By: Katrina Jefferson
Morning Chapel’s
Vacation Bible School
By: Aisha Barron
Morning Chapel celebrated our new Pastor, Rev.
Willa Ross with a Welcome Dinner at Pappadeaux’s on August 24, 2014. About 45 members
were excited to join her after church for Sunday
dinner. We filled the private room and dined on
delicious Cajun seafood.
“Pappadeaux’s is one
of my favorite places
to eat. I’m so thankful
for everyone who
came out. The children even shared their
fries. I’m so overwhelmed by your love and support. Y’all are awesome” said Rev. Ross. It was
a blessing to be able to meet and greet our new
Pastor and give her a taste of how we fellowship.
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Morning Chapel hosted this past July our annual
Vacation Bible School entitled, “Agency D3: Discover. Decide. Defend.” The VBS 2014 theme
verse was 1 Peter 3:15: “But honor the Messiah as
Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for
the hope that is in you.” Our lessons were powerful and were taught by some of Morning
Chapel’s dynamic instructors and volunteers. Our
instructors included:
Acacia Nolen for the Toddlers
Shabra Watkins for Ages 4-7 & Ages 8-12
Taniyah Carter for Ages 13-17
Takiyah Evans for the Adults
Johnette Calhoun and Christal Griffin
for Arts and Crafts
Angela Bell All Music
Aisha Barron –Superintendent for VBS
These instructors came prepared nightly with
their lessons and delivered the word of God and
encouragement every day! Dinner was ready
and served “to go” nightly. It was an awesome
three days of fellowship that culminated on
Thursday evening with the songs the kids learned
and the student receiving their certificates. This
VBS was enjoyable, spirit- filled and fun for everyone. Next year will be even bigger and better!
CME & Church News
Morning Chapel’s
Back To School Musical
By: Angela Bell, Music Director
On Saturday, August 30, 2014, the Sunbeam and
Youth choirs of Morning Chapel presented a Back-to
-School Musical. This was a very exciting and energetic experience for the members of Morning Chapel
as well as the guest who attended. The program was
in an effort to uplift, encourage, and pray for our
children and youth as they started another school
year.
The children and youth entered, debuting their
new hunter green choir shirts, during the processional song “Celebrate” lead by Rheaven Carter and
Freddie Nolen IV. This song also included a Trio
led by choir members Isaac Tate, Trinitee Young,
and Tatum Evans. Other songs ministered in the musical were “ I Love the Lord” led by Jacayla Dangerfield, Evan Bell, Elena Nolen, Khalun Griffin , and
Avery Evans, “You’re Welcome Here”, “Smile”,
and of course one of their favorites “Trouble Don’t
Last Always” led by Isaac Tate.
In between all the wonderful singing, inspirational prayers were given by selected men and fathers of
our church. Nicholas Griffin prayed for success over
the children, Anthony Dangefield Sr. prayed for
strength over the children, and Freddie Nolen III
prayed for peace over the children. These prayers
where done in such a spiritual way that they allowed
the Holy Spirit to move across the whole congregation.
We were delighted to have two guest churches
that participated in the musical. St. Andrews United
Methodist and Campus Drive United Methodist
Churches were well represented by the ministries
that they shared. Campus Drive’s Youth Step Team
and choir ministered a dynamic collection of gospel
steps and songs, and St. Andrew’s Youth Praise
Dancers were very graceful as they ministered in
dance.
The Morning Chapel dynamic music team which
included Minister Leslie Perry on the organ, and
Brother Robert Evans and Terence Bell on the drums
did an excellent job of working with the children and
youth to prepare for the great musical that was given.
This year they were joined by the guest drummer
Shamar Peoples of Carter Metropolitan CME Church
who also participated in the choir.
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The musical ended with remarks given by Sister
Takiyah Evans for the Board of Christian Education
and myself, gifts given, and a spirit filled Benediction
given by Minister Leslie Perry.
Afterwards, all musical attendees enjoyed a wonderful reception in the Fellowship Hall. Special thanks to
Sister Mattie Roberts for organizing and planning the
reception along with all the parents of the children and
youth.
Morning Chapel Bashes
Trash
By: Katrina Jefferson
The Youth & Young
Adults made their 5th
appearance volunteering
at the 23rd annual Trinity River Trash Bash.
The cleanup was held
September 20, from 8:30
to 11:30 a.m. at various
points along the Trinity
River throughout Tarrant County. 15 members participated in the cleanup at the Trinity River bank in a new
location near the Coyote Drive-In. Cleanup kits were
available to volunteers the day of the event and Participants received free T-shirts.
This year the Trinity River banks were very clean!
The trash picked up by our whole group was less than
one bag of trash. “It was
good to see less trash. Apparently our efforts are
working” said Christal
Griffin who volunteered
with her company to pass
out packets. A few of us
ventured to the official
Trash Bash After Party at
Panther Pavilion for free food, prizes, and entertainment by Radio Disney AM 620. This event is sponsored yearly by the Tarrant Regional Water District.
CME & Church News
Rozell Gray Program
By: Vernice Coleman, Stewardess President
.
The Fort Worth District Stewardess presented their
annual Rozell Gray program, Sunday, September 14,
2014 at Morning Chapel CME Church, Fort Worth,
TX.
Rev. Dr. Willa Ross, Pastor of Morning Chapel
CME Church, Fort Worth was the messenger for this
service of worship and praise.
The Stewardess of the Year recipient for 2014 is
Mrs. Mary Scruggs. She is a member of Lane Chapel
CME Church, Lewisville, Texas. Her escorting Pastor
was Rev. Marcus Rodgers. The Fort Worth District
Stewardess of the Year is chosen based on dedicated
service to "Service of the Lord's Table" each year.
After the program, refreshment were served and
enjoyed by everyone. The President, Vernice Coleman
wishes to thank Rev. Dr. Ross, Rev. Patricia
McWilliams-Paton Minister, all program participants,
and everyone in attendance for supporting the stewardess of the Fort Worth District.
Annual Conference
By: Birdia Fletcher
The Dallas Fort Worth Annual Conference convened August 10-13, 2014. It was held at the Hilton
Hotel, 815 Main Street, Downtown Fort Worth. The
conference was hosted by Carter Metropolitan CME
Church. Morning Chapel delegates to the conference were: Aisha Barron, Vernice B. Coleman, Tina
Jones, Mattie Roberts, and Alternate Delegate—
Johnnie P. Barron
The Conference ended on August 13 with the
Eight Episcopal District being appointed Bishop
Lawrence L. Reddick II, PredisingPrelate and Rev.
Dr. Willa M. Ross being assigned Senior Pastor of
Morning Chapel CME Church. The members are
delighted to have both of them as our leaders in
Christ.
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Missionary News
By: J. P. Barron
The Fort Worth District Missionaries will have their
annual Earline Galloway March on October 26,
2014 at Carter Metropolitan. This is a time where
we share with the Women Shelter, Homeless, and
Aids House by donating blankets, health packets and
books. This year, children in foster care will be our
special guest at the March.
On October 18, 2014 the Region Missionaries will
meet at Christian Chapel CME Church, Rev. V.
Burns, Pastor and Mrs. Nepha Love, Region Missionary President.
October 11-12, 2014 the Missionary Institute will be
held at Texas College, Tyler, Texas. Please register
for the institute even if you cannot attend. Registration is $25 and a $10 Walmart gift card for Texas
College students. Johnnie P. Barron, Institute Director thanks you. You may contact J. P. Barron at 817
-534-8680.
Back to Church Sunday
By: Birdia Fletcher
Morning Chapel participated in the National Back
to Church Sunday, September 21, 2014.
Back to
Church Sunday is a campaign strategically designed to
help churches reach out and invite everyone to try
church again. This powerful movement encourages
church attendance by inspiring and empowering
church members to invite their neighbors, friends and
loved ones to a special Sunday service designed just
for them.
Rev. Dr. Ross, Pastor of Morning Chapel welcomed
members and friends back to Church. They were encouraged to continue to come and be a part of the
Church family.
Morning Chapel Kudos
by: Shabra Watkins & Birdia Fletcher
Note from the Editors:
Beginning with this issue of the newsletter, Morning Chapel’s Newsletter will include a
feature entitled: Morning Chapel Kudos. You may have accomplishments, activities, and
events of your children, spouse, other family members, and church members listed in the
newsletter each month. Give your Kudos (written) to Birdia Fletcher or Shabra Watkins
or email mail to birdia.fletcher@att.net or shabra_watkins87@yahoo.com The newsletter
will be published monthly, therefore your Kudos will be due no later than the fourth Sunday of each month. We look forward to receiving your Kudos for publication.
Thanks, The Voice of the Morning.
Are you ready for some football?
Kudos to the Bell Boys!!!
Congratulations:
Terence Bell has started the 11th grade and is starting
Rheaven Carter for trying out and making the
on the Mansfield Legacy Broncos JV football team’s
powerful offense. Go Terence!!!
Choir at Mary Orr Intermediate, Mansfield ISD.
Ethan Bell is starting with the Mansfield Jobe Middle
Reed Elementary, Mansfield ISD.
Rhain Carter for making the Choir at Martha
th
School Mavericks 7 grade Football Team. Ethan plays
a multitude of positions this year including cornerback,
safety, wide receiver, running back, punt return and kickoff return. Go Ethan!!!!
Evan Bell is doing a great job at his new school Mans-
field Mary Jo Shepard Elementary in the 4 th grade. Evan
also is starting as Center for the Mighty Mansfield Buccaneers. Go Evan!!!!
Kudos to:
Congratulations are in order for Katrina Jefferson.
It was announced in September that she will become a
Bride! Mr. Clarence Carter declared his love and asked
Katrina to become his wife! The two will become one on
March 7th, 2015. We are so happy for Katrina and Clarence
on their engagement. The lovely couple will celebrate their
nuptials in Colleyville, Texas.
Gabrielle Lewis for entering 2nd grade at D. P.
Morris Elementary in Mansfield ISD. Good luck
in this year’s activities: Ballet at Art Ballet Academy, Competitive Cheer with Onyx Cheer Force
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— Cedar Hill, and Choir at D. P. Morris.
Micaela Watkins was crowned in Garland Texas
Happy Retirement to Bro. Thomas Jefferson!
After 38 years of dedication and committed service,
Bro. Jefferson retired from Miller Coors company.
What an honor to have celebrating longevity and a
great career. We know your co-workers will miss
you greatly. Enjoy your new life of leisure, relaxing
and whatever way you decide to celebrate your new
milestone in your life. Happy Retirement!
last September as the new Ms. Black Texas, 2014
during pageant competition with other ladies from
the state of Texas. She will compete in November in
Houston Texas for the title of Miss Black America,
Co ed. Micaela is using as her platform Sickle Cell
disease awareness in honor of her friend she lost to
the disease and to bring more awareness to the disease that affects so many African American people.
Good Luck Micaela in November in Houston!
Social Concerns
by: Takiyah Evans
TARRANT COUNTY EARLY VOTING
NOVEMBER 4, 2014
GENERAL AND SPECIAL JOINT ELECTIONS
EARLY VOTING BY PERSONAL APPEARANCE DAYS
AND HOURS
October 20 – 24 Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
October 25 Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
October 26 Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
October 27 – 31 Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Texas uses three methods to vote.
Texans cast their votes by paper
ballot or by using an optical scan
system or DRE. (DRE stands for
Direct Record Electronic system. A
DRE also allows for the connection
of an audio/headphone attachment,
simple touch devices, or a sip and
puff tube that enables the blind, elderly, physically
disabled, and non-reading Texans to vote independently and in private.) The type of system on
which you vote is decided by the political subdivision (county, city, school district, etc.) in which
you live. Depending on where you live, you may
also use a different system for early voting than on
Election Day. Here’s a brief summary regarding the
different voting methods:
Paper ballots are still used as the primary way of
voting in a number of Texas counties. Voters
mark their ballot by hand with an indelible
marker (a marker that cannot be erased) or pen
and place their finished ballot in a ballot box.
Local election officials then count the votes by
hand.
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Optical scan voting systems enable voters to mark
their choices on pre-printed ballots by either
connecting “arrows” or filling in “bubbles”
next to the candidates’ names. The paper ballot is then inserted into an electronic ballot
counter, which then counts the marked
“bubbles” or “arrows” on each ballot and automatically computes the totals for each candidate and/or issue.
DREs (Direct Record Electronic systems)
enable voters to record their choices
electronically directly into the machine. There are several types of DREs
(some have a dial while others use a
touch screen), but essentially they all
enable voters to move back and forth
between screens (ballot pages) to select the candidates and/or issues for
whom they wish to vote. Once a voter
has made his or her choices, the DRE
provides a summary screen that presents those choices and gives the voter
the ability to go back and make any
changes before pressing the “Vote" or
"Cast Ballot” button. One of the benefits of a DRE system is that it prevents
“over-voting”; that
Health & Beauty Tips
by: Johnette Calhoun
Enterovirus - D68: What you need to know.
Infection Prevention and Control Canada (IPAC Canada)
Enteroviruses cause a wide range of
illness; most are associated with the
common cold, but others are associated with lower respiratory tract, skin
and mucous membrane, and central
nervous system diseases.
Enterovirus- D68 (EV-D68) is a previously rare enterovirus that can cause mild to severe illness. EV-D68
is unusual in that it is more often associated with lower respiratory illness. The virus is spread person-toperson through contact with the respiratory secretions
of infected persons.
In August 2014, several children's hospitals in the US
reported increases in children hospitalized with severe
respiratory illness. EV-D68 was identified in many of
these children; notably, 70% of the children had a history of asthma or wheezing.
As of September 16, a total of 130 cases of EV-D68
have been confirmed in 12 US states. No deaths have
been reported; however some children have required
ICU admission.
EV-D68 is not reportable in Canada and consequently,
cases are likely under-reported. Ontario, Alberta and
BC have confirmed cases to date.
Clinicians should consider EV-D68 infections in children presenting with severe respiratory illness and report any increase or unusual clusters/outbreaks of respiratory illness to their local public health authority.
Healthcare providers should implement droplet and
contact precautions, in addition to routine practices for
patients with suspected EV-D68. Surfaces should be
cleaned with a hospital-grade disinfectant with a Drug
Identification Number or DIN and a label claim for
non-enveloped viruses.
Members of the public can take action to prevent the
spread of this virus. Hands should be washed frequently with soap and water, or cleaned with an alcoholbased hand rub containing at least 70% alcohol. As
will, coughing and sneezing into your sleeve can help
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minimize the risk of spread of illness. Children
should be kept home from school if they have coldlike symptoms. If symptoms of a lower respiratory
illness develop, the child should be assessed by a
healthcare provider, especially if the child has a history of asthma or wheezing.
About IPAC Canada:
IPAC Canada, formerly CHICA–Canada, is a national, multi-disciplinary, voluntary association of Infection Prevention and Control Professionals (ICPs)
with 21 chapters across the country dedicated to the
health of Canadians by promoting excellence in the
practice of infection prevention and control. Visit
IPAC Canada's website (www.ipac-canada.org) for
infection prevention and control information.
Beauty Tip:
"HOW DO I FIGURE OUT MY SKIN TYPE"
According to Bobbi Brown celebrity makeup artist,
just pay attention to how your skin looks and
feels. Do you need powder 15 minutes after you
wash you face? If so, your skin is oily. I suggest a
oil-based cleanser and a light oil-free moisturizer.
If your skin is tight or flaking however, it's dry, Try
a creamy cleanser and thick moisturizer. I swear by
creams and balms that are super hydrating - they're
perfect for this time of year. Plus they give a
smooth, plumped-up look and feel good on your
skin.
October & November Calendar of Events
New Organizations!!
Greeters - Membership and Evangelism
We are looking for a few people who would like to be a part of the Greeters Ministry. If you are interested or need more details, please contact Anthony Dangerfield
Bridges
Bridges is a special interest group targeted at Morning Chapel members that are between 36 - 55
years of age. This special interest group will focus on the interests and needs of its membership
while fostering spiritual growth and interpersonal connections within the church and the community.
October 5, 2012
Freedom Sunday and Get Out the Vote
Prayer Conference Call
Sunday, October 5th at 7:00 P.M. (All Time Zones)
Call In Number (661) 673-8600
Pin Number 1038024#
Your Bishop will be on the Call,
so Please Join the Call!
What is Freedom Sunday?
The purpose of Freedom Sunday, October 12th is to set a time for every CME church to hear preaching and
teaching about voter empowerment, civic engagement and registering new voters. The upcoming election is as
critical as any in our nation's history, therefore, challenging our communities to achieve full voter participation
is our civic duty.
October 31 — Halloween
Weekly and/or Monthly Events:
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1st Monday:
Steward Meeting 6 pm
Church Conference 7 pm
Wednesday:
Prayer Service 6:30 pm
Bible Study 7 pm
Children & Youth Rehearsal 7 pm (2nd Wednesday)
Mass Choir Rehearsal 8 pm (1st, 3rd, & 4th Wednesdays)
August, September, & October
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Birthdays
11-Aug Tatum Evans
1-Sep Althea Barron
5-Oct
Kiamesha Parker
15-Aug Sheryl Hunter
4-Sep LaRhonda McDonald
9-Oct
Micheal Watkins
17-Aug Trinitee Young
7-Sep Aarron Barron, Jr.
10-Oct Micaela Watkins
18-Aug Aileax Barron
8-Sep Bruce Barron
10-Oct Brianna Fletcher
19-Aug Wayne Ashford
9-Sep Linda Griffin
12-Oct Evelyn Caldwell
23-Aug Elnora Woods
10-Sep Annette Young
12-Oct Robbie Watkins
27-Aug Christal Griffin
11-Sep Charlene Johnson
15-Oct Nicholas Griffin
18-Sep Lydia Ward
17-Oct Freddie Nolen, III
20-Sep Vel Ivory
22-Oct Rheaven Carter
21-Sep Johnette Calhoun
25-Oct Vincent McDonald
22-Sep Beverly Washington
25-Oct Katilyn Williams
23-Sep Shuntel Johnson
26-Oct DeTosha Williams
25-Sep Tori Evans
30-Oct Ashley McGilvery
28-Sep Edwin Bell
28-Sep Takiyah Evans
28-Sep Mattie Roberts
30-Sep Elena Nolen
Anniversaries
17-Aug Micheal & Shabra Watkins
22-Aug Alfred & Barbara Brown
29-Aug Anthony & Dietra Dangerfield
30-Sep Edwin & Angela Bell
16-Oct Joe & Beverly Washington
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Recipe for the Month
by: Linda Griffin
Charred Tomato, Chicken and Broccoli
Ingredients





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1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed
4 cups broccoli florets
1 1/2 pounds medium tomatoes
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus 3 tablespoons, divided
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 cup lemon juice
Preparation
1. Place chicken in a skillet or saucepan and add enough water to cover; bring to a simmer over high heat. Cover,
reduce heat and simmer gently until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the middle, 10 to 12
minutes. Transfer to a cutting board. When cool enough to handle, shred with two forks into bite-size pieces.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add broccoli and cook until tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold
water until cool.
3. Meanwhile, core tomatoes and cut in half crosswise. Gently squeeze out seeds and discard. Set the tomatoes cut
-side down on paper towels to drain for about 5 minutes.
4. Place a large heavy skillet, such as cast-iron, over high heat until very hot. Brush the cut sides of the tomatoes
with 1 teaspoon oil and place cut-side down in the pan. Cook until charred and beginning to soften, 4 to 5 minutes.
Brush the tops lightly with another 1 teaspoon oil, turn and cook until the skin is charred, 1 to 2 minutes more. Transfer to a plate to cool. Do not clean the pan.
5. Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons oil in the pan over medium heat. Stir in salt, pepper and chili powder and cook,
stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 45 seconds. Slowly pour in lemon juice (it may splatter), then remove the pan
from the heat. Stir to scrape up any browned bits.
6. Coarsely chop the tomatoes and combine them in a large bowl with the shredded chicken, broccoli and the pan
dressing; toss to coat.
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes
© Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
For more recipes go to EatingWell.com
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Tidbit & PUZZLE
Your Cross
Morning Chapel Tidbits by Acacia Nolen
A young man was at the end of his rope, seeing no way out, he dropped his knees in
prayer. "Lord, I can't go on," he said. "I have too heavy a cross to bear. "The Lord replied,
"My son, if you can't bear its weight, just place your cross inside this room. Then, open
that other door and pick out any cross you wish."
The man was filled with relief and said, "Thank you Lord," and he did as he was told. Upon
entering the other room, he saw many crosses; some so large the tops were not visible.
Then, he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall. "I'd like that one, Lord," he whispered. The Lord replied, "My son, that is the cross you just brought in."
When life's problems seem overwhelming, it helps to look around and see what other
people are coping with. You may consider yourself far more fortunate than you imagined.
Answers will be printed in the next Issue
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