Word For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (KJV) d e c e m b e r 2014 the Avenue Greetings, Beloved Church Family! It’s time to conclude yet another phenomenal year at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church! To be sure, we each have had our share of peaks and valleys, but through it all, we have made it to the last month of 2014--to God be the glory! Some would think it’s time to slow the busy pace of the work of our church and simply enjoy the ensuing holiday season. Well, that is partially true. But in the midst of bombarding the malls and hanging the mistletoe, we also invite you to share with us in the celebration of the Groundbreaking for Phase One of our building project that will provide adequate parking and more worship space for the continually growing church family with which we have been blessed. At 4:00 p.m. on December 14th, we will gather in the Sanctuary for a brief time of ceremonial and commemorative proclamation, then we will move to the plot of ground on which the new sanctuary will be built and we will consecrate that ground in prayer as we ceremonially break the ground to formally begin the process of building a new edifice for the glory of God. Please make plans to attend. It will be yet another historic marker in the life of our church. Along those lines, let me once again thank those of you who have committed your financial resources to this capital campaign experience. Your generosity continually amazes me. Although our commitments are not yet equal to our requirement, we have great faith that the vision will come to pass. It is our hope that the entirety of our congregation will join us in this effort. If you have not completed your Commitment Card, please do so as soon as possible to help us reach (and even exceed) our goal! Speaking of exceeding our goal, that’s exactly what we did last month as we brought nearly 16,000 canned goods to the church to help supply our Third Ward Food Pantry. Additionally, we were blessed to feed more than 750 individuals who came onto our church campus on Thanksgiving Eve. This pastor truly appreciates the level of commitment you continually show to God’s people. Whether it’s the celebration of a pastoral anniversary in October (my perpetual gratitude still abounds), or serving homeless and hungry individuals in November, you have proven to be a generous church! To God be the glory! As we continue through this Advent Season, we expectantly await the celebration of the birth of our Christ. This Season of giving and receiving reminds us that our God gave us the best gift ever when He gave His only begotten Son. Although that’s the focus of the Christmas Season, we cannot end the story there, for that Son showed His great love for us when He gave His life at Calvary to save us from our sins. We celebrate this Season with great joy! We glorify the God Who thought enough of us to redeem us while we were yet sinners. I pray that you will have a most joyous Christmas Season, and that you will focus more on being a blessing than being blessed. For it is still more blessed to give than to receive! Still delighted by the Divine, M.D. Cosby p.s. Don’t forget our three New Year’s Eve services: December 31st at 12 noon, 7pm and 10:30pm. Let’s close the year giving glory to God! 2 Happenings on the Avenue 3 Christian Life Advancement 4 Adult Ministries 5 Young Adult and Youth Ministries 6 Children’s Ministries 7 Churchwide Events W h e e l e r Av e n u e B a p t i s t C h u r c h 8 Prayer Guide 12 Church and Staff Resources Where we worship Jesus Christ and minister to the total person h a p p e n i n g s o n t h e a v e n u e — DE C EM B ER 2 0 1 4 s u n d ay, DE C e m b e r 7 7:15am, 9am, 11am, 1pm Worship Services 9am, 11am Sunday School 9am, 11am Financial Peace Class 11am DT – The Tabernacle 4pm New Life Service m o n d ay, d e c e m b e r 8 10:30 AM Seasoned Saints Exercise 6:00 PM Ruth Circle Meeting 6:00 PM Women’s Guild Exec. Board Comm. Mtg. 6:30 PM Boy Scouts 50th Anniversary Meeting 6:30 PM Bells of Praise Rehearsal 6:30 PM Chorale Ministry Rehearsal 6:30 PM Praise Dance Rehearsal 6:30 PM Signing Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM InHIMM Men’s Ministry Fellowship 7:30 PM Orchestra Rehearsal t u e s d ay, d e c e m b e r 9 5:00 PM Girl Scout Meetings 6:00 PM Capital & Infrastructure Subcomm. Mtg. 6:00 PM T. Davis Senior Mission Circle 6:30 PM Boy Scout Court of Honor 6:30 PM CLASS New Teacher Cohort- Intro to Theology 6:30 PM DT - Masterlife I 6:30 PM Financial Peace Class 6:30 PM M2W Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Cherub Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM POD Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Unity Choir Rehearsal w e d n e s d ay, d e c e m b e r 10 10:30 AM Seasoned Saints Exercise 12:00 PM Noon Day Bible Study 1:30 PM Job Search Work Team 6:00 PM Wednesday Prayer Service 6:45 PM AWANA Bible Study 7:00 PM General Bible Study 7:00 PM Youth Bible Study t h u r s d ay, d e c e m b e r 1 1 5:00 PM Band Rehearsal 5:30 PM Building Committee Monthly Meeting 6:30 PM Celestial Choir Rehearsal 6:30 PM CLASS Teachers In-Service Training 6:30 PM “The Brook” College Bible Study 6:30 PM Courtesy Corps Meeting 7:00 PM Chapel Parents & Youth Interest Meeting 7:30 PM Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal f r i d ay, d e c e m b e r 1 2 9:30 AM Seasoned Saints Line Dancing 10:30 AM Seasoned Saints Exercise 6:00 PM Salsa Soiree 6:30 PM ONEderful Life Holiday Fellowship s at u r d ay, d e c e m b e r 1 3 8:00 AM Cub Scouts Christmas Blast 8:00 AM Deacon Board Executive Committee 8:30 AM Transformation Meetings 9:00 AM Boy Scout Merit Badge Class 9:00 AM Tutoring Ministry s at u r d ay, d e c e m b e r 13 (continued) 10:00 AMFresh Start Event and Training 10:00 AM5Cs - Honey Child Prenatal Program 11:00 AM Children’s Praise Dance Rehearsal 11:00 AM Mass Choir Rehearsal 12:00 PM Christ Victory Steppers Rehearsal 1:00 PM Wedding Council Ministry Meeting s u n d ay, d e c e m b e r 14 7:15am, 9am, 11am, 1pm Worship Services 9am, 11am Sunday School 11:00am Involvement Sunday m o n d ay, d e c e m b e r 15 10:30 AM Seasoned Saints Exercise 5:45 PM Women’s Guild Meeting 6:30 PM Chorale Ministry Rehearsal 6:30 PM Bells of Praise Rehearsal 6:30 PM Praise Dance Rehearsal 6:30 PM Women’s Ministry - The Waiting Room 7:30 PM Orchestra Rehearsal t u e s d ay, d e c e m b e r 16 5:00 PM Cade Circle Meeting 5:00 PM Girl Scout Meetings 6:00 PM Capital & Infrastructure Subcomm. Mtg. 6:00 PM Deacons Meeting 6:00 PM Girl Scouts - Kwanzaa Celebration 6:30 PM Boy Scouts Board of Review 6:30 PM Celestial & M2W Choir Rehearsal 6:30 PM DT - Masterlife I 6:30 PM Financial Peace Class 7:00 PM Christmas Production Rehearsal 7:00 PM Youth Ministry Volunteers Meeting w e d n e s d ay, d e c e m b e r 17 10:30 AM Seasoned Saints Exercise 1:30 PM Job Search Work Team 6:00 PM Wednesday Prayer Service 6:45 PM AWANA Bible Study 7:00 PM General Bible Study 7:00 PM Youth Bible Study t h u r s d ay, d e c e m b e r 18 5:00 PM Band Rehearsal 6:00 PM Finance Committee Meeting 6:00 PM Sunday School Teachers Meetings 6:30 PM Celestial & M2W Choir Rehearsal 6:30 PM “The Brook” College Bible Study 6:30 PM Celebration of New Birth 7:00 PM Christmas Production Rehearsal f r i d ay, d e c e m b e r 19 9:30 AM Seasoned Saints Line Dancing 10:30 AM Seasoned Saints Exercise s at u r d ay, d e c e m b e r 20 10:00 AMChildren’s Praise Dance Rehearsal 11:00 AM Christmas Production Rehearsal s u n d ay, d e c e m b e r 21 7:15am, 9am, 11am, 1pm Worship Services 9am, 11am Sunday School 2 m o n d ay, d e c e m b e r 2 2 Campus Closed – Christmas Holiday t u e s d ay, d e c e m b e r 2 3 Campus Closed – Christmas Holiday w e d n e s d ay, d e c e m b e r 24 Campus Closed – Christmas Eve t h u r s d ay, d e c e m b e r 2 5 Campus Closed – Christmas Day f r i d ay, d e c e m b e r 26 Campus Closed – Christmas Holiday s at u r d ay, d e c e m b e r 2 7 Campus Closed – Christmas Holiday s u n d ay, d e c e m b e r 28 7:15am, 9am, 11am, 1pm Worship Services 9am, 11am Sunday School m o n d ay, d e c e m b e r 2 9 Campus Closed – Christmas Holiday t u e s d ay, d e c e m b e r 3 0 Campus Closed – Christmas Holiday w e d n e s d ay, d e c e m b e r 31 12 pm, 7pm, 10:30pm – New Year’s Eve Worship Services Christian Life Advancement S u n d a y Sc h o o l C L A SS L i s t i n g s & L o ca t i o n s A d u lt 1/ C h o i r 9 :0 0 a . m . – 10 :15 a . m . l CLC - Ro o m 216 The Adult I/Choir class is a dedicated family of believers in Christ, whose members enjoy gathering together for spirited teaching and discussion, as we study God’s Holy Word. We are a diverse group of men and women, singles, married individuals and couples. Fa i t h a n d W o r k s 9:0 0 a . m . – 10 :15 a . m . l CLC - Ro o m 210 Faith and Works strives to be a living example of James 2:17 from which the class derived its name. This is a diverse group of believers in age and gender. The learning and applying of the lesson is through group discussion that aims to get to the heart of the WORD of God by listening and learning from each other. Men’s Cl ass 9:00 a . m . – 10 :15 a . m . l CLC - Ro o m 207 The Adult Men’s class consists of men who are at various levels of spiritual maturity. The men in this class treasure the wisdom, application of scripture to their everyday lives and fellowship with other men of God. We know that iron sharpens iron. We welcome and encourage questions and comments from all members of the class. Spiritual Deliverance 9:0 0 a . m . – 10 :15 a . m . l C LC - Ro o m 217 The Spiritual Deliverance Class is a unique blend of men and women. The class embodies a range of Christian maturity, from “emerging to mature” Christians. This class encourages interaction and involvement of the learners to foster spiritual transformation and develop strong witnesses for Christ. Women’s Cl ass 9:0 0 a . m . – 10 :15 a . m . l ChLC - Fello wsh ip Hall (L eft ) The Women’s class utilizes varying teaching techniques that include women sharing in lively discussions of scripture and the assigned lessons. This class is comprised of a diverse group of married women, single women and single mothers. Attendees of the Women’s class appreciate the friendship, fellowship, support and spiritual growth they receive as a result of participating in this class. a d u lt C l a s s 1 1 :0 0 a . m . -12:15 p. m . l CLC - Ro o m 215 This is a combined (co-ed) adult group that is intentionally intergenerational, ranging from young adult to adult. This class focuses on the discovery, understanding, and application of the Word of God for the whole person. Topical Adult Christian Life Sunday School Classes We are excited to have two new Christian Life Sunday School Classes. Living Your Faith Using curriculum written and developed by WABC, this class deals with the nexus of your faith and everyday life. It examines the importance of incorporating our belief and faith into all of our life circumstances. This class lasts for 12 weeks. Join us at 11:00 a.m. in the Community Life Center (Worship Center) Room 216. T O P I C A L A d u lt C la s s E S Vision Seekers 9:0 0 a . m . – 10 :15 a . m . l CLC - Ro o m 218 Geared to young adults, ages 21-35, the mission is to seek and see the deeper depths of God by seeking first the kingdom of God and all His righteousness, launching in the deep, increasing our individual study of God’s word and seeking God’s promises. L i v i n g Y o u r Fa i t h 11:0 0 a . m . – 12 :15 p. m . l C LC - Ro o m 216 Using curriculum developed by WABC, this class deals with the nexus of your faith and everyday life. It examines the importance of incorporating our belief and faith into all of our life circumstances. New Life as an Insider 11:0 0 a . m . – 12 :15 p. m . l C LC - Ro o m 216 This class is specifically designed for new believers in Christ. As a new believer you are no longer living in the world, but are now an insider connected to the body of believers everywhere. What does this mean to how you now live your life? This class will help you understand what you believe and how to articulate that belief. M i d d le Sc h ool - Hi g h Sc h ool C la s s e s God and Church 11:0 0 a . m . – 12 :15 p. m . l C LC - Ro o m 218 For Middle School - High School ages, this class is a collaboration with Boy Scouts, but all students are welcomed. This class is taught 2nd through 4th Sundays in the summer and fall. 9: 00 a . m . - 10:15 a . m . l CLC - Room 209 9: 00 a . m . - 10:15 a . m . l CLC - Room 21 2 9: 00 a . m . - 10: 15 a . m . l CLC - Room 21 1 11: 00 a . m . - 12 :30 p. m . l CLC - Room 21 8 Interactive experiences where youth learn about Jesus and engage biblical truths that help them grow closer to Jesus and to be equipped for facing everyday life. It’s a fun way to get to know Jesus and other youth, while we grow spiritually. Grades 6-8 Grades 9-10 Grades 11-12 Grades 6-12 y o u n g C h il d r e n C la s s e s 9: 00 a . m . - 10: 15 a . m . l ChLC - Rooms 1 1 6-1 1 7 9:00 a . m . - 10: 15 a . m . l ChLC - Rooms 1 33-1 38 9 : 00 a . m . - 10: 15 a . m . l ChLC - Rooms 1 34 -1 35 9:00 a . m . - 10: 15 a . m . l ChLC - FH ( Ri ght ) 9: 00 a . m . - 10: 15 a . m . l ChLC - Rooms 1 36 -1 37 Our focus is to teach children about God’s love and His amazing gift of salvation to prepare them to know Jesus and accept Him as Lord and Savior. We use age-appropriate lessons, games, crafts, and other creative ways to teach the Word of God. We help children build Bible skills that encourage them to memorize and apply God’s Word. Pre-School Prek - Kindergarten 1st and 2nd Grades 3rd and 4th Grades 5th Grade 3 New Life as an Insider This class is specifically designed for new believers in Christ. As a new believer, you are no longer living in the world, but are now an insider connected to the body of believers everywhere. What does this mean to how you now live your life? This class will help you understand what you believe and how to articulate that belief. This class lasts for 12 weeks. Join us at 11:00 a.m. in the Community Life Center (Worship Center) Room 217. Serving through ministries adult ministries Ministries of the Month We’re taking the month of December to highlight our Congregational Care and Concern Ministries. Please stop by their tables following worship for more information. If you’re interested in becoming involved in any of our Care and Concern Ministries, go to the William A. Lawson Christian or Community Life Center immediately following worship to sign-up or to receive more information. Congregational Care and Concern Ministries include: • Barnabas Encouragers • Congregational Care Ministry • Congregational Development Ministry • Counseling Ministry • Prayer Ministry • Family Connection Corps others serve women’s guild The Women’s Guild will meet Monday, December 15, at 5:45 p.m. in the William A. Lawson Christian Life Center (Fellowship Hall-left). Come join us as we foster fellowship and plan projects to serve the community. Refreshments will be served. Seasoned Saints Ministry Monthly Activities of the Seasoned Saints Ministry are as follows: Mondays Wednesdays Fridays 10:30 a.m. - Aerobics 11:30 a.m. - Seasoned Table Talk 10:30 a.m. - Aerobics 12:00 p.m. - Bible Study 9:30 a.m. - Line Dancing 10:30 a.m. - Aerobics 11:30 a.m. - Bible Study The Health and Wellness Ministry presents Bailando and Bootcamp! Bailando and Bootcamp is coming back to The Avenue. Latin dance will be on the first three Tuesdays in December (2nd, 9th and 16th) from 6:30 p.m. - 7:20 p.m. for beginners new to Latin dance. The second class is from 7:30 pm. 8:20 p.m. and requires a dance partner to learn combinations and a variety of Latin dance styles. Bootcamp will be on the first three Thursdays in December (4th, 11th and 18th) at 6:30 p.m. and will get your body moving towards the end of a great year! Contact Shaundra Barnett at shaundra@shaundrabarnett.com for more information. ONEderful Life Singles (40+): “Steppin’ in the Holiday Spirit” Join us on Friday, December 12 at 7:00 p.m. and enjoy live music, great food, mature games and free dance lessons. Save the date and don’t miss this fabulous time of fellowship and fun in the Fellowship Hall. 4 Serving through ministries young adults and youth ministries College Tour Calling all parents and high school students! After the success of last year’s HBCU Tour, we are already hard at work and finalizing plans for our 2015 WABC College Tour! Our tour will be held March 15-18, 2015 and will include stops at LSU, Southern University, Grambling State, Tugaloo College and more! The cost to register is $300.00 per participant. Praise Dancers Rehearsals are Mondays, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., in the William A. Lawson Community Life Center, Room 207. Please contact Sis. Erica Henderson (edhenderson@uh.edu), if you are interested in ministering with the WABC Grace Praise Dancers. CHRIST VICTORY STEPPERS Christ Victory Steppers practice on Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. in the William A. Lawson Community Life Center, Worship Center. For more information, contact Loren Hickerson at Lgh17@hotmail.com or 615-202-7077. College Students… are you looking for a great way to destress after a long semester? Young Adults… are you ready to add a little spice to the holiday season? Let’s celebrate the Savior with a little salsa!!! On Friday, December 12, college students and young adults of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church will join forces for a night of food, fun, games and dancing. The fun takes place at 7 p.m. in the Community Life Center. Enjoy salsa dance lessons for all, plus prizes and giveaways totaling hundreds of dollars! The first 75 persons to arrive qualify for a Christmas bonus! See you there! holy land trip postponed Due to the recent unrest in the area, the trip to the Holy Land has been postponed to 2016. We want to ensure the safety of our congregants above all else. For those interested, the trip is now scheduled to take place March 13 - March 23, 2016. If you would like more information, contact Sis. Andrea Tucker at atucker@wheelerbc.org. 5 Serving through ministries children’s ministries cherub choir (Children, ages 2-10) Rehearsal is held every Tuesday, excluding the Tuesday following the Third Sunday, at 7:00 pm in the choir room and every Saturday immediately preceding the Third Sunday of the month at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary. children’s church Children’s Church services are at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. in the Christian Life Center. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Sis. Harlisha Homer at: hhomer@wheelerbc.org. Children’s Church Drop-off 2 and 3 year olds: Christian Life Center, Room 117 4 and 5 year olds: Christian Life Center, Room 138 1st – 5th Grade: Fellowship Hall (Left) ACOLYTES If your child is interested in lighting the candles during any of the four worship services, please contact Sis. Harlisha Homer at: hhomer@wheelerbc.org. KIDCHECK KidCheck is available for Wheeler’s children. In order to use the check-in system, you must register your child/children. Parents may do so by going to go.kidcheck.com or clicking on the KidCheck link on the Wheeler Avenue website. Wheeler Avenue Christian Academy (WACA) December will be a busy month for WACA as we prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. All are invited to our Christmas program on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at 10:00 AM. We are still enrolling students for the second semester. Deaconess Ada Carr serves as Executive Director. If you would like to receive further information, contact us at 713-579-2792. the children’s ministRy needs your help! Children’s Ministry needs teachers, assistant teachers, helpers, and parent volunteers! For more information, and to begin your training, please contact Rev. Alexander E.M. Johnson at 713-579-2703 or ajohnson@wheelerbc.org. 6 churchwide events Hour of Power Prayer Service Join us every Wednesday during the month of December at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary as we offer prayers of praise and petition to our God. The WABC Business Directory is Here! We want to be those who support our own, so make your way to the Chronicles Bookstore in the William Alexander Lawson Christian Life Center to get your free copy of our latest Business Directory. You may be surprised about some of the great opportunities that can be found right here within your own church! The directory is also available online at http://www.wheelerbc.org/Documents/WABC_Business-Directory-2014.pdf. AVENUES TO EMPLOYMENT Ministry If you are unemployed or underemployed and are looking for work, the AVENUES TO EMPLOYMENT Ministry right here at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church offers the assistance you need. The AVENUES TO EMPLOYMENT Ministry focuses on providing support and encouragement in the form of job search events and workshops, personal guidance/ coaching, and online tools and resources to help members find good employment. Each month we offer a series of workshops designed to assist members in preparing for their search for employment. The next JS101 Employment Workshop will be held from 1:30PM to 3:30PM on December 10, 2014 in the Christian Life Center. No additional employment workshops are scheduled for the month of December. The regular weekly workshops will resume on January 7, 2015. For more information visit the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church’s website and click on Avenues to Employment ministry link or email us at avenues@wheelerbc.org. preliminary Please join us as we gather in the Sanctuary for a brief time of ceremonial and commemorative proclamation. After which, we will move to the plot of ground on which the new sanctuary will be built and we will consecrate that ground in prayer as we ceremonially break ground to formally begin the process of building a new edifice for the glory of God. sunday, december 14, 4:00 PM groundbreaking Please make plans to attend this historic marker in the life of our church. 7 PRAYER GUIDE D ECE M B E R 2 0 1 4 Dear Congregants, The month of December is filled with excitement as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. During this time of celebration, please include in your celebration a few minutes of daily corporate prayer. • Monday thru Saturday between 12 noon and 1 p.m. • We will SUSPEND Wednesdays fasting until after the New Year. • Let the Holy Spirit lead you in your time of prayer. This is meant only as a guide for bringing a unified focus. • Saturday’s prayer focus is for the city, state, nation, and world. Please be watchful of what is happening in all of these places so that you can pray into those situations. PR AYER GUIDE December 1, 2014 – Monday Isaiah 7:14 – Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, the young woman who is unmarried and a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [God with us]. AMP Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for revealing Himself to you. 2. Ask Him to help you to always remember that He is with you. 3. Pray for WABC’s building campaign and your commitment to it and Him. December 2, 2014 Tuesday Mark 1:1-2 – The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before these. KJV Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for preparing our hearts to obey Him. 2. Ask Him to help you hear His voice and direction. 3. Pray for WABC building campaign and your commitment to it and Him. December 3, 2014 Wednesday Mark 1:3 – The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. KJV Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for the voice of His Spirit. 2. Ask Him to awaken you to His call to service. 3. Pray for WABC’s building campaign and your commitment to it and Him. December 4, 2014 Thursday Mark 1:8 – I have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. KJV Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for the manifestation of His Spirit. 2. Ask Him to fill you up again with His Spirit. 3. Pray for WABC’s building campaign and your commitment to it and Him. December 5, 2014 Friday Matthew 1:18 – Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place under these circumstances: When His mother Mary had been promised in marriage to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be pregnant [through the power] of the Holy Spirit. AMP Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God that He is Lord over your circumstances. 2. Pray that the conception of His plans will be revealed through the power of Holy Spirit. 3. Pray for WABC’s building campaign and your commitment to it and Him. 8 PRAYER GUIDE D ECE M B E R 2 0 1 4 December 8, 2014 Monday Matthew 1:19 – And her [promised] husband Joseph, being a just and upright man and not willing to expose her publicly and to shame and disgrace her, decided to repudiate and dismiss (divorce) her quietly and secretly. AMP Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God that that which He has promised, He will do. 2. Pray that God will continue to help you be just and upright. 3. Pray for WABC’s building campaign and your commitment to it and Him. December 9, 2014 Tuesday Matthew 1:23 – Behold, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel—which, when translated, means, God with us. AMP Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for Jesus! 2. Pray that the Lord will help you to practice His presence. 3. Pray for WABC’s building campaign and your commitment to it and Him. December 10, 2014 Wednesday Matthew 1:24 – Then Joseph, being aroused from his sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him: he took [her to his side as] his wife. AMP Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for awakening us to His plans. 2. Pray that the Lord will help you to follow His command. 3. Pray for WABC’s building campaign and your commitment to it and Him. December 11, 2014 Thursday Isaiah 9:6 – For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace. AMP Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God that He is a counselor! 2. Pray God will help you to trust Him with the government of this nation, state, city, and church. 3. Pray for WABC’s building campaign and your commitment to it and Him. December 12, 2014 Friday Isaiah 9:7 – Of the increase of His government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from the [latter] time forth, even forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. AMP Suggested Prayer Direction 1. Thank God for His zeal. 2. Pray for God’s will 3. Pray for WABC’s building campaign and your commitment to it and Him. December 15, 2014 Monday Luke 2:6 – While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born. NIV Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for His perfect timing. 2. Pray that while you are living your ordinary life, you will see your breakthrough. 3. Pray for WABC’s building campaign and your commitment to it and Him. December 16, 2014 Tuesday Luke 2:7 – And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. NIV Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God that He always makes a way for His people. 2. Pray that you will learn to trust God for your provision. 3. Pray for WABC’s building campaign and your commitment to it and Him. 9 PRAYER GUIDE D ECE M B E R 2 0 1 4 December 17, 2014 Wednesday Micah 5:2 – But you, Bethlehem Ephratah, you are little to be among the clans of Judah; [yet] out of you shall One come forth for Me Who is to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth have been from of old, from ancient days (eternity). AMP Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God that He uses the simple things of this world to bring forth His Glory! 2. Pray that He will help you to be faithful in the small things. 3. Pray for WABC’s building campaign and your commitment to it and Him. December 18, 2014 Thursday Zechariah 9:9a – Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O Daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King comes to you; He is [uncompromisingly] just and having salvation [triumphant and victorious]… AMP Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for the King of Kings and Lord of Lord, Jesus! 2. Pray that God will teach you to rejoice and shout the victory! 3. Pray for WABC’s building campaign and your commitment to it and Him. December 19, 2014 Friday Isaiah 11:1 – And there shall come forth a Shoot out of the stock of Jesse [David’s father], and a Branch out of his roots shall grow and bear fruit. AMP Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for His plans and ways. 2. Pray that God will manifest the generational blessings for you and your family. 3. Pray for WABC’s building campaign and your commitment to it and Him. December 22, 2014 Monday Luke 1:28 – And he came to her and said, Hail, O favored one [endued with grace]! The Lord is with you! Blessed (favored of God) are you before all other women! AMP Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for His favor toward all humankind through His son Jesus the Christ! 2. Pray for God’s favor over your life. 3. Pray for WABC’s building campaign and your commitment to it and Him. December 23, 2014 Tuesday Luke 1:29 – But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled and disturbed and confused at what he said and kept revolving in her mind what such a greeting might mean. AMP Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for the preaching of His Word. 2. Pray that God will help you to understand His plans and purposes for your life. 3. Pray for WABC’s building campaign and your commitment to it and Him. December 24, 2014 Wednesday Luke 1:30 – And the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found grace (free, spontaneous, absolute favor and loving-kindness) with God. AMP Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for the Holy Spirit Who helps us to understand God’s will for our lives. 2. Pray that you continue to find favor with God. 3. Pray for WABC’s building campaign and your commitment to it and Him. December 25, 2014 Thursday Luke 1:31 – And listen! You will become pregnant and will give birth to a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus. AMP Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ! Merry Christmas!! 2. Express your gratitude to God for the gift of His Son! 3. Pray for WABC’s building campaign and your commitment to it and Him! 10 PRAYER GUIDE D ECE M B E R 2 0 1 4 December 26, 2014 Friday Luke 1:32 – He will be great (eminent) and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His forefather David, AMP Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for the great work of Jesus, the Son of the Most High. 2. Pray that the Lord will help you to make Him eminent in your life. 3. Pray for WABC’s building campaign and your commitment to it and Him. December 29, 2014 Monday Luke 1:33 – And He will reign over the house of Jacob throughout the ages; and of His reign there will be no end. AMP. Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God that He is from everlasting to everlasting. 2. Pray that God will reign over your house forever. 3. Pray for WABC’s building campaign and your commitment to it and Him. December 30, 2014 Tuesday Luke 1:35 – Then the angel said to her, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you [like a shining cloud]; and so the holy (pure, sinless) Thing (Offspring) which shall be born of you will be called the Son of God. AMP Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for His awesome power. 2. Pray that whatever God is trying to birth in you will come to pass. 3. Pray for WABC’s building campaign and commitment to it and Him. December 31, 2014 Wednesday Luke 1:37 – For with God nothing is impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment. AMP Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God that He is able to do the impossible and that He keeps His word. 2. Pray that God will help you to trust Him more. 3. Pray for WABC’s building campaign and your commitment to it and Him. January 1, 2015 Thursday Isaiah 43:18 – Do not [earnestly] remember the former things; neither consider the things of old. AMP Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God that He not only gives second chances, but He also brings us to new beginnings. 2. Pray that God will give you a vision for the new beginnings in your life. 3. Pray for WABC’s building campaign and your commitment to it and Him. January 2, 2015 Friday Isaiah 43:19 – Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. AMP Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God that He makes a way out of no way. 2. Pray that you will see the path (way) God is making for you and take it. 3. Pray for WABC’s building campaign and your commitment to it and Him. 11 worship services Sunday: 7:15 a.m.* 9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.* Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Children’s Church: 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. *Sign language provided for the hearing impaired Watch Sunday Worship and Bible Study Live Online: http://cdn.streamingfaith.com/oc/wheeler-avenue-baptist/ C ONTACT US Rev. Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, Senior Pastor Rev. Alexander E.M. Johnson, Associate Pastor for Worship & Ministry Rev. William A. Lawson, Founding Pastor Emeritus Rev. Lekesha R. Barnett Minister to Singles and Young Adults lbarnett@wheelerbc.org Rev. Dr. Patricia Williams Minister of Congregational Care and Development pwilliams@wheelerbc.org Deacon Maurice Carr Church Business Administrator mcarr@wheelerbc.org BOARD CHAIRS Deacon Tophas Anderson, III Deaconess Penelope Nobles Trustee Shirley C. Evans Sis. Audrey Cosby Interim Director of Middle School Ministry acosby@wheelerbc.org Rev. Jacques Denkins Minister to Seniors jdenkins@wheelerbc.org MEMBERSHIP CONTACTS Rev. Bonita Barnes Matthew 25 Urgent Needs Ministry 713-579-2725 bbarnes@wheelerbc.org Deaconess Paulette Frederick Budget & Finance Manager pfrederick@wheelerbc.org Sis. Carolyn Clark Scheduling of Weddings and Building Use Requests; On-line at www.wheelerbc.org 713-579-2720 cclark@wheelerbc.org Minister Leon C. Lewis Minister of Music llewis@wheelerbc.org Sis. Audrey Cosby Baby Dedications 713-579-2724 acosby@wheelerbc.org Rev. Joshua Mitchell Minister to Youth & College Students jmitchell@wheelerbc.org Sis. Ramona Parker Chronicles Bookstore 713-579-2753 rparker@wheelerbc.org Rev. Lana Reese Minister of Prayer lreese@wheelerbc.org Rev. Lana Reese Prayer Requests 713-741-4611 lreese@wheelerbc.org Sis. Andrea Tucker Administrative Assistant to the Pastor atucker@wheelerbc.org Sis. Shirley Wilkerson Membership Updates and Baptism Information 713-579-2778 swilkerson@wheelerbc.org Deacon Vernon Umstead Human Resources & Technology Manager vumstead@wheelerbc.org Rev. Dr. Patricia Williams Homebound Care and Hospital Visits, Bereavement and Grief Counseling, Funeral Notices and New Member Inquiries 713-579-2718 pwilliams@wheelerbc.org Rev. Dr. Barbara Williams Minister of Christian Counseling bwilliams@wheelerbc.org Rev. David Moore, Minister of Christian Marriage and Counseling dmoore@wheelerbc.org LIKE us on facebook www.facebook.com/WheelerAvenueBC W h e e l e r Av e n u e B a p t i s t C h u r c h FOLLOW us on Twitter @WheelerAvenueBC www.twitter.com/WheelerAvenueBC CHRONICLES BOOKSTORE Visit the Chronicles Bookstore today to purchase: Sunday Worship Service CDs: $5 Sunday Worship Service DVDs: $10 50th Anniversary Concert CD featuring the WABC Mass Choir: $15 Wednesdays in the Word CD Series: $20 Wednesdays in the Word DVD Series: $30 50th Anniversary Worship Service DVD: $15 Bookstore Phone Number: 713-579-2753 Bookstore Hours: Monday, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. Friday: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m Saturday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sunday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. The Avenue Word is a monthly print and online publication of the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, 3826 Wheeler Avenue, Houston, Texas 77004. www.wheelerbc.org Follow us on Instagram @WheelerAvenueBC 3826 Wheeler Avenue Houston, Texas 77004 713.748.5240 www.wheelerbc.org
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