This Week's

   
SPIRITUAL LIFE
CARE AND PRAYER
COMMUNITY
 
MISSISSIPPI BOULEVARD CHRISTIAN CHURCH
 

 

Dear Fellow Servant:

The last two weeks have been such a meaningful experience for me and my family. I have shared quite often that this is not going to be an easy road for me or any of you, even though I am certain that I am supposed to retire from pastoral ministry. On Saturday, I hosted an informal chat and it has been your prayers and the reflections shared by members and long distance supporters that have kept me this week. I understand that many of you are still working through your emotions, and I think that sharing the reflections from some of your fellow members will bless you as they have blessed me.

In my prayers this week, I have been seeking God for ways to continue to demonstrate that the vision of the church comes from God and not the Pastor. In this time, I was reminded of a member who declared her love for me, and also her loyalty to the church. She said, “I feel liberated by your decision to decide what God wants for your life. I am proud to have served under a Pastor who truly hears from God. I love you…but The Blvd will still be my church when you leave.”  I was proud to see that she is able to identify with her connection to me, understand the fact that I am leaving and articulate her strong calling to remain at this church. This is where she belongs! Her reflections reminded me of my goal to do the right thing in all relationships and of a book that I have been reading, Retiring Retirement by Tammy Erickson.

In Erickson’s book, she describes leavings, endings and separations. She challenges readers to identify with their departures and learn how to “leave well.” In a passage of the book she describes a solid truth of life that I find myself thinking though today: every human will have to be let go OR let something go. This is where we find ourselves. We are at a point of letting go. This is not a big departure. I am not dying, I am not sick…I can always come back. I am simply pursuing another calling on my life. My goal for the next six months is to help myself and to help each of you learn to let go well.

Let’s continue to pray for our church, our staff and stay connected! Send me a message on Twitter @drfrankathomas and encourage your friends to follow our church @theblvdmemphis – let’s invade the twitter-sphere with the love of Christ!! 

 
DR. FRANK A. THOMAS Senior Servant
  SPIRITUAL LIFE |

STEPHEN MINISTRY SERVICE

Stephen Ministry is a Christian care giving group specifically designed to assist people through difficult times (i.e., bereavement, divorce, job loss, etc.). If you are in need of this service, you may contact Rev. Vivian Henry at 901.752.5379 or Pastor Virzola Law at 901.272.5603.

SUMMER BREEZE WORSHIP INITIATIVE

“Summer Breeze” is an abbreviated order of worship where we will experience powerful preaching, praise, through Sunday, August 26.  Join us each Sunday in worship and wear your casual attire. Contact Veda Bankhead at 901.272.5621.

N3 CONFERENCE PRAYER VIGIL

THE BLVD is praying around the clock (6:00AM – 6:00PM) Tuesday, July 31 in the Midtown Chapel.  Join us in the Chapel as we prepare to hear a transforming Word from God concerning the next level in the areas of: victorious living, stronger relationships, transformation in our families, schools and communities, government (city, state, local) and world peace.  Prayer Vigil sign-ups are in the East and Midtown Lobbies following Sunday worship service.

NEWS AND EVENTS |

BLVD GLOBAL MISSIONS MINISTRY TRIP INTEREST SESSION

THE BLVD Global Missions Ministry Interest Session meets this Sunday, July 15 in the Midtown MLK immediately after 10:00AM worship service. Planned trips for 2013; Haiti (January 22 – 27), Guatemala (March 22 – 29), Nicaragua (Men Only; April 18 – 25) and Nicaragua (Young Adults Only; May 24–31). Contact Elder Deborah Dewitt or Pastor Virzola Law.

CHOSEN VESSELS WOMEN’S MINISTRY: MORNING AT THE MOVIES

The Chosen Vessels Women’s Ministry is hosting a private showing of the movie, "SPARKLE," Saturday, August 18, 9:30 AM at the Malco Paradiso. Ticket Cost: $12 (popcorn and drink included). Tickets are available after Sunday worship service at the East and Midtown Campuses.  Great fun, fellowship and more.  Contact: Pastor Virzola Law at 901.272.5603. Get your ticket(s) soon; seating is limited.

2102 REGIONAL ASSEMBLY

The Christian Churches in Tennessee presents the 2012 Regional Assembly, October 19 – 21 at New Direction Christian Church (Dr. Stacy L. Spencer, Senior Pastor), 6120 Winchester Road. This promises to be an exciting time in the life of the Christian Church. You will be blessed with inspirational speakers, exciting workshops, spirit filled music. Click here for complete details.

MEMPHIS FUTURE STARS FINISH 9TH IN NATIONAL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

THE BLVD congratulates the Memphis future Stars for finishing 9th in the 2012 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Fifth Grade National Basketball Championship. Click here for additional details.

STEWARDSHIP |

PRECIOUS STONES COMMEMORATIVE GIFTS

If you have not picked up your Precious Stones commemorative gift, you may pick it up Sunday at BLVD East and BLVD Midtown immediately after worship service or Monday through Thursday at THE BLVD Midtown.  Contact Bettye Boone at 901.272.5650.

NEXT GENERATION |

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY MOVIE NIGHT

Young Adults (ages: 18 – 35) are invited to Movie Night, Friday, July 13, 7:00PM – 10:00PM at the Midtown MLK.  Feature Presentation: “Good Deeds” by Tyler Perry.  Join us for food, discussion, and fellowship. Contact: Pastor Daniel White at 901.272.5638.

CARE AND PRAYER |

GATHER FOR PRAYER AT THE BLVD

Gather for prayer at THE BLVD Midtown on Wednesdays at 6:00PM (Intercessory Prayer) in room 09A, Saturday at 9:00AM (Hour of Power) in the Spiritual Officers’ Room and Sunday at 9:45AM (Time to Talk With God) in the sanctuary.

PHONE A PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES

Become a part of an exciting prayer community by utilizing Phone a Prayer. Schedule is as follows: 6:00AM Sunday through Saturday; 12:00PM Monday through Friday; 8:00AM Saturday Prayer and Praise session. Access number: 218.844.8230 plus access code: 915673#. The Men’s Prayer Call is Saturday, 6:30AM – 7:00AM. Access number: 605.477.2100 plus access code: 1024438#.

PRAYER REQUESTS

THE BLVD Prayer Ministries would like to partner with you in prayer. The Prayer Request Box is located in the Montgomery lobby outside the Chalice Bookstore. Prayer Request cards are available in the pews and in Bible Study Classes. You may also submit requests by clicking 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 Pastor at 901.569.7729. Visit our website to view our current sick and bereaved members. 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.

MEDIA |

RADIO BROADCASTS

Our Sunday Broadcast is at 10:30AM on WDIA 1070 AM, and our Wednesday 15 Minutes of Faith Program is at 6:00PM on WHAL 95.7 Hallelujah FM.

FIFTEEN MINUTES OF FAITH

The Doctor is in Wednesdays from 6:00PM until 6:15PM on WHAL 95.7 Hallelujah FM. Tune in to Fifteen Minutes of Faith with Dr. Frank Anthony Thomas.

MAIL ORDER SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE AT MEDIA STATIONS

Sign up for a quarterly media subscription and receive a copy (CD or DVD) of each week’s Sunday sermon. The CD/DVD will be mailed to the address of your choice each week for 12 weeks; no lines, no waiting. With your subscription, you will receive a 20% savings and a free decorative CD/DVD case. CD subscriptions are $48 and DVD subscriptions are $90.

CD/DVD PRICES

You can purchase CDs and DVDs from the media sales stations for $5 (CD) and $10 (DVD). These products include the Sunday sermon in an unedited form and do not always include music. Help us spread a word of hope and encouragement by giving someone a copy of a CD or DVD today!

WEEKLY WORSHIP SURVEY

We need you! Share your comments and feedback with our Worship Design team each week concerning your weekly worship experience. You can go online after each worship service and complete a short survey. The survey is open until 11:00AM each Monday. We would love to hear from you. Share your comments!

UPDATE YOUR MEMBER PROFILE

If you've recently moved, changed your address, phone number or email address...we want to hear from you! Complete this short form to receive the latest and greatest information from THE BLVD!

HAPPENING IN THE COMMUNITY |
 

FAVOR THE WAIVER

Urgent need for Memphians to support Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare Transparent program to retain its access to donor organs throughout the State of Tennessee instead of being restricted in the number of organs it may receive. Memphians will die from a restricted organ supply so complete the waiver (located in the CIC) that will allow Methodist to serve those in the community who need organs to live. Click here for additional information.

SHELBY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT SCREENINGS

Shelby County Health Department will be offering FREE dental screening and sealant placement services this summer to children and teens ages 5 – 15 as part of their summer outreach initiative.  The two remaining times for the screenings are Monday, July 2 – Friday, July 27 at the Hickory Ridge Mall, Suite 492 and Monday, July 23 – Friday, August 3 at the Shelby County Health Department Auditorium. Information on the screening is located in the CIC.

NATIONAL COALITION OF 100 BLACK WOMEN

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Memphis Chapter is offering a Financial Boot Camp called My Sisters’ Keeper for women between the ages of 21 to 60 beginning each Tuesday, through August 7.  Information is available in the Midtown CIC.

MEALS ON WHEELS: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Silver Angels is a home and community based services program that provides warm meals to people throughout Shelby County.  We need Meals on Wheels volunteers to fulfill the vital role of getting these warm meals to the community members who need them.  For more information about volunteering, please call our office at 901.725.3539.  Thank you for any help you can provide.

CRISIS CENTER NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

The Crisis Center, a United Way agency and partner with the UT Health Science Center, is in immediate need of compassionate VOLUNTEERS for our solely volunteer powered 24/7 Crisis hotline. Please sign up now for the next volunteer training by sending an email or calling 901.649.8572. You may also click here to visit their website.

To learn more about THE BLVD, Click Here »  
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