Dear Family Member:

Advent means “the coming or arrival, especially of something extremely important”. Advent is the period Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Some people are asking how they can celebrate this Holiday Season in the worse economic conditions in decades. They are really worried about how to pay for all the items on their shopping list rather than scaling back. Think about it, do you really need to shop and spend money you don’t have to show others you care? It is my prayer that we all focus on the true meaning of Christmas this year and not the world’s materialistic view. Spend more time with your family and love ones this holiday season and spend less on frivolous things. Also, remember to thank God each day for the greatest gift, Jesus Christ.

This Holiday Season’s preaching series “Behold the Star ” brings a promise of joy and peace as we look and behold the Christ Child. The same way that God gave a miracle birth of the Christ Child over 2000 years ago, He will give His children miracles of restorations and wholeness. Join me on Sunday as we Behold the Star.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT WORSHIP

Wednesday Night Worship service on December 10^th will be our Annual Grief and Healing Service at 7:00PM in the Chapel. If you or someone you know has lost a loved one, I encourage you to attend this service. The Holiday Season tends to bring back many memories of our loved ones; therefore, your MBCC family would like to gather with you and meet for a time of remembrance, celebration and hope for the future.

FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS AT THE BLVD

Perhaps you have already heard about the Walgreen’s Health Tour bus. If not, the Christian Health Organization (CHO) is pleased to announce that the bus will stop at THE BLVD on Sunday, December 7^th from 8:00AM – 3:00PM. In an effort to promote better health across the country, The National Urban League and Walgreen's Take Care Health Tour Bus will visit 22 urban communities as part of an 11-month mobile health campaign.

 The bus will provide six free health screenings to anyone who participates. All services take place inside the customized vehicle; include screenings for blood pressure, bone density, glucose levels, cholesterol levels, waist circumference and body mass index. Please share this information with your friends, neighbors and coworkers. Click here for more information, and flyers are available in our Church Information Center (CIC).

ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

Our Annual Congregational Meeting will be held on Monday, December 8^th at 6:00PM in the Fellowship Hall. The following items are on the agenda for approval by the congregation: 2009 Annual Church Budget, 2009 Nominating Committee’s Report and proposed amendment to our Constitution & By-Laws. Please click here to read our proposed amendment to our Constitution & By-Laws. We look forward to seeing you at our meeting.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT – “GREAT JOY”

“What do you do when you’ve done all you can do… – STAND”. Are you ready for our Christmas Concert, do you have your ticket? Donnie McClurkin will be here on December 14^th in concert at 4:00PM with our phenomenal choir and the orchestra. Our Sign Language Interpreters are ready. There's a VERY SMALL NUMBER of tickets remaining that may be purchased at the Church. Tickets are $20.00 each through next Sunday, December 7^th, and starting Monday, December 8^th, tickets will be $25.00 each. Click here to view more information.

SICKLE CELL DISEASE SUPPORT – “SILENT AUCTION”

As our excitement continues to build for the anticipated, awesome performance of Donnie McClurkin, let us not forget our very special concert cause this year – supporting Sickle Cell Disease foundations. A silent auction is underway for a “Limited Edition Glicee” donated by famous artist Ephraim Urevbu, Art Village Gallery, in support of our Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) foundations. Please come by the Montgomery lobby to view this beautiful piece of art work and make your bid. All proceeds will be donated to SCD. The bid sheet is located at the Security Reception desk. Bidding began November 23, 2008 and will end December 14, 2008. The winner will be notified.

Peace and Joy,

Pastor Frank

ANNUAL GRIEF AND HEALING SERVICE

Join us in our Annual Grief and Healing service as we honor the lives of our deceased loved ones. The celebration will be held in the MBCC Chapel on Wednesday, December 10^th at 7:00PM.

NURSERY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: CRITICAL!

The MBCC Nursery is in critical need of volunteers to serve during Sunday morning worship service. Without an adequate volunteer base we will not be able to provide quality service for our children; subsequently we may have to turn children away. For additional information, contact Minister Lovie Sanford at 901.272.5631.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Sunday, December 7^th is New Servant Sunday. We will celebrate every new servant who has joined THE BLVD since January 2008. If you joined THE BLVD in 2008, please meet us on December 7^th at 9:30AM in the Fellowship Hall for pre-celebration instructions and special seating. For more information contact Pastor Janae Pitts or call 272-5630.

MBCC FINANCIAL “U” REGISTRATION

Want a little help to navigate your financial situation and to understand how you can better manage your finances including credit and debt? See Bettye Boone on Sunday near the bookstore for registration information. Seating is limited. For course descriptions, locations and other pertinent information, please click here.

VISITATION AND BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY

If your loved one is hospitalized, confined at home, or in a nursing home, you may request visitation by calling 901.729.6222. Please report all emergency hospitalizations and bereavements to the “On-Call” phone number at 901.569.7729. Visit our website by click here to view our current sick and bereaved list. Continue to keep our sick and bereaved in your thoughts and prayers.

SHARE YOUR STORY

If you or someone you know has recent news on achievements, community involvement, or overcoming odds, go here and complete the online form. Although, we cannot promise that your story will be featured in eNews, we encourage you to keep submitting NEW stories of interest.

RADIO BROADCASTS

Every Sunday morning you can listen to us on WLOK (1340 AM) at 8AM and WDIA (1070 AM) at 10:30AM.

SERMON CDs

Purchase your copy of sermon CD’s for $10 on Sunday’s after our worship celebrations at two locations: Bellevue Lobby andMontgomery Lobby. You can also purchase copies during the week at the receptionist's desk.

WEEKLY WORSHIP SURVEY

We need you!!! Share your comments and feedback with our Worship Design team each week concerning your weekly worship experience. Click here after each worship service to give us your feedback by completing a short survey. You have until 11AM Monday morning to share your comments. Let us hear from you. Click and comment!

NEW BOOKSTORE HOURS

Sunday (8AM – 10AM and 12PM – 1PM); Wednesday (3:30PM – 7:30PM)

UPDATE YOUR MEMBER PROFILE

If you've recently moved, changed your address, phone number or email address we want to hear from you! Click here to complete a short online form to update your information.