This Week's

   

SPIRITUAL LIFE

NEWS AND EVENTS
STEWARDSHIP
NEXT GENERATION

CARE AND PRAYER
MEDIA
MISSISSIPPI BOULEVARD CHRISTIAN CHURCH
 

Dear Fellow Servant,

I missed sending this note to you on Friday because of the weather.  However, there is so much information that I could not wait another week to share with you. Is it just me or does time seem to be moving at a very fast pace? January is over and February is here. How is the year going so far for you? I hope and pray that you made some healthy choices and that you are being faithful to those choices. You are going to need to be in shape to keep up because in February we are moving fast!

EXPERIENCE SUNDAY’S WORSHIP SERVICE ON-LINE

Before I preview February, I want to acknowledge that many of you missed our worship services this past Sunday due to the inclement weather. The Spirit of the Lord was present and we had an awesome time worshiping at both locations. We were blessed with two new servants who joined THE BLVD EAST, and we were blessed with no reported accidents or injuries. We are making this past Sunday’s (January 31st) worship services available for you to watch on our website.  The sermon is God’s Game Plan: Avoiding Penalties. To access the videos, click here, then click watch video next to my photo and enjoy Sunday Sermon.

As a result of the weekend’s inclement weather, our attendance and tithes and offerings were extremely low. Therefore, I need you to bring your January 31st and February 7th tithes and offerings this Sunday. You may also click here to give your tithes and offerings online, send by mail to the church or drop it off during the week. Remember, we really depend on your generous gifts each week to carry out God’s work (i.e., funding ministry work and taking care of general expenses).

Now, here is a preview of the great things happening at THE BLVD this month. We are “kicking off” the month with the final installment of God’s Game Plan: The Winning Touchdown on Game Day Sunday February 7th. Sunday is also National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Sunday. On Saturday, February 6th, THE BLVD will host a day of education, involvement and testing sponsored by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women and Friends for Life. Anyone interested in learning more about HIV/AIDS, getting involved or being tested can come to THE BLVD on Saturday. The event is from 9am – 2pm and is free.

Wednesday, February 10, one of the world’s greatest poets, writers and educators Nikki Giovanni comes to THE BLVD as the guest speaker for the Dr. Barbara A. Holmes Lectures. This event takes the place of our regularly scheduled Midweek Worship. Doors open at 3pm and the lectures start at 7pm.

On Valentine’s Day, February 14 we welcome a very special guest to THE BLVD Midtown. There is no way you could know anything about modern gospel music and not know the name Richard Smallwood. This musical genius has written more hit gospel songs than I can count and he will be in the house Valentine’s Day for our 10am worship service. Invite a friend or two to come out and worship with us at THE BLVD Midtown (10:00am) and at THE BLVD East (8:30am).

Sunday, February 14, is also the first day of our 40 Days of Love Sermon series. Our mission for 2010 is about touching and connecting families. During the 40 days, I am asking every member of THE BLVD at both campuses to dare to share love with one other person who may be in need of a little kindness for 40 days consecutively. Whether it is a sister, brother, husband, wife, child, friend, co-worker or neighbor; I ask that you share Christian love and watch how God changes your relationship with that person for the better.

Speaking of change, it just keeps coming. I am still amazed at the generosity of our congregation. We sent a check to Haiti Relief last week for nearly $29,000.00. This is not a moment of boasting. My joy is not that we, as a larger congregation, were able to raise such a large amount as opposed to a smaller congregation’s offering (remember the Widow’s mite?). I am just elated that we have given in accordance to what we have and to God be the glory! There is still much work to do in Haiti and at home. I am touched by the ideas for giving that are coming in from you to help. It’s not over but neither is our desire to stand in the gap.

I got a little long-winded in my note today. I warned you that there is a lot going on so don’t you miss the opportunity to be on board at THE BLVD. Listen to our new radio program on WHAL 95.7 Hallelujah FM Wednesday nights from 6:00pm until 6:15pm called 15 Minutes of Faith with Dr. Frank Anthony Thomas. Come out Sunday for the final installment of the God’s Game Plan Series. By the way, have you noticed that I have been on time with my team jersey choices? Every team I chose to wear has won! I’m not saying that I have any special ability to choose winners…I’m just sayin’! Come out Wednesday to learn more about building a faith that survives the flames and Sunday to see who to root for.

I look forward to seeing you this week.

  
DR. FRANK A. THOMAS Senior Servant
 

SPIRITUAL LIFE |

PREPARING FOR LENT

The Lenten Season (February 17 – April 4) is upon us, and it is time to prepare for the transformation God has for you this year. Preparing for Lent involves thinking, praying and preparing your heart and schedules to take the journey with Christ and the Christian Community. If you have family (spouse, children), close friends, or distant email companions, you can begin sharing how you will support each other in the Lenten Journey. You may want to consider the following questions as you begin: What will you sacrifice in order to practice one of the spiritual disciplines? What changes are you willing to make in order to grow closer to God? How much time will you set aside daily to deepen your walk with Jesus? “40 Days of Love,” a weekly guide to assist you in the Lenten Journey, will be available by February 14th. Ash Wednesday Midweek Service on February 17th is a great time to start your plan.

 

JOURNEY OF HOPE

Grief is so much more than dealing with the loss of a loved one; it’s a part of the healing process. Join us at “Journey of Hope,” an eight-week grief support group on Tuesday from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at The BLVD Midtown beginning February 16th. You may sign up following worship until Sunday, February 14th. Come and let us begin the healing process together. For more information, please contact Lillie Matlock or Essie Clay. You may also contact Pastor Law at 901.272.5603.

 

WHOLISTIC APPROACH TO SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Have you been struggling with “that thing” in your life that you just can’t seem to break? The Wholistic Approach to Substance Abuse (W.A.T.S.A.) is here for you. Join Elder Clarence Boone and learn how to break free from that addiction through prayer and the Word of God. The setting is confidential and includes others who struggle with the stronghold of addiction. W.A.T.S.A. meets each Tuesday at 6:00pm. For more information, please contact Elder Clarence Boone or Essie Clay.

 

STEPHEN MINISTRY

Starting a new year can be difficult for those who have suffered the loss of a loved one. The Stephen Ministry is available to help you by providing confidential one-on-one Christian care. If you or someone you know is in need of this service, the following Stephen Ministry Leaders are available: Pastor Virzola Law, Minister Sheilah Easterling Smith, Rev. Vivian Henry or Rev. Gwen Henderson. For additional information, contact Pastor Virzola Law at 901.272.5603. Our Stephen Ministers are there to care!

 

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.

NEWS AND EVENTS |

BLACK HIV/AIDS AWARENESS COMMUNITY EVENT

The Memphis Chapter of National Coalition of 100 Black Women in conjunction with Friends for Life, Inc., is hosting a National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Community Event on Saturday, February 6th from 9:00am – 2:30pm at MBCC. The purpose of this event is to create an awareness of the impact of HIV/AIDS in the African American Community. The first 100 people tested will receive a $10 cash gift.

 

NEW SERVANT RECEPTION

There will be a reception for all New Servants who joined THE BLVD in December 2009 or January 2010 in the New Servant Suite immediately following worship service on Sunday, February 7th. Come enjoy a few moments of information and fellowship! To confirm your attendance, please call 901.272.5630 or send us an email message.

NEXT GENERATION |

2010 YOUTH MINISTRY UPDATE

  • Refuge City High School Worship: Refuge City Worship 2010 will reconvene on 1st and 3rd Sundays starting in February in the Fellowship Hall. We encourage all high school students at THE BLVD to share in our spontaneous worship experiences, led by youth for youth. See you at Refuge City on February 7th.
  • High School Graduate Scholarships: An orientation session will be held at 6:00PM on February 24th in the MLK Seminar Room. Attendance is mandatory for all scholarship applicants and their parents. It is imperative that students be active participants in Bible Study and youth activities.
  • Mentors & Leaders Needed: If you are an adult and would like to do something meaningful and clear, we are inviting you to become a youth mentor or team leader. Yes, we desire adults who are willing, worthy, responsible and yet “hip enough” to connect with students. For questions or inquiries, contact Pastor Sharkey.
  • Young Adult Ministry: We celebrate the enactment and success of 2009 young adult activities at THE BLVD. In 2010 we expect more as we embark upon our "Year of Growth”. Join a community group; start a small community group; attend a bowling fellowship event; join us on Facebook with THE BLVD Young Adult Network; start a fitness club; by any means, get connected in 2010. Please obtain a YA Ministry Information flyer from the information desks or CIC. For questions or inquiries, click here or contact Pastor Sharkey.

 

MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL BIBLE STUDY

Bible Study classes for all middle and high school students are in session from 8:30am – 9:45am every Sunday. We are currently studying Rites of Passage Curriculums, which is a requirement for all BLVD Midtown middle and high school students. Please attend as we strive to achieve excellence for the whole family.

 

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

The Children's Ministry (Discipletown & Middle School) is currently offering several opportunities to unleash your passion to serve and change the life of a child! Please contact Pastor Weston at 901.272.5631.

CARE AND PRAYER|

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.

MEDIA |

RADIO BROADCASTS

Every Sunday morning, you can listen to us on WDIA (1070 AM) at 10:30am.

 

NEW MAIL ORDER SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE AT MEDIA STATION

Sign up on Sunday for a Media Quarterly subscription and receive a copy (CD or DVD) of each week’s Sunday sermon. The CD/DVD will be mailed to your home or office 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’s are $48 and DVD’s are $96.

 

CD/DVD PRICES

You can purchase CD’s and DVD’s from the media sales stations and Chalice bookstore 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 for you until 11:00am each Monday. We would love to hear from you. Click here to share your comments.

 

BOOKSTORE HOURS

Sundays: (8:00am – 10:00am and 12:00pm – 1:00pm); Wednesdays: (3:00pm – 7:00pm)

 

UPDATE YOUR MEMBER PROFILE

If you’ve recently moved, changed your address, phone number, or e-mail address…we want to hear from you! Click here and complete the short online form to receive the latest and the greatest information from THE BLVD!

To learn more about THE BLVD, Click Here»
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