This Weeks

   
 SPIRITUAL LIFE
NEWS AND EVENTS
STEWARDSHIP
NEXT GENERATION
CARE AND PRAYER
MEDIA
COMMUNITY
 
MISSISSIPPI BOULEVARD CHRISTIAN CHURCH
 

Dear Fellow Servant:

How did your fast go this week?  I am grateful to everyone who came to our prayer meeting at 6:00PM on Wednesday in the Chapel.  The Lord met us there; we prayed with and for each other and we were uplifted and encouraged, especially individuals who were unable to complete their Fast.  Our focus scripture was Psalms 133: 1-3.  I encourage you to continue the Fast, listen and watch for what God will reveal to you.  We will meet again in the Chapel next Wednesday at 6:00PM for a very special church wide prayer service.  Click here to view my video message on praying and fasting.  Click here to read the information on our 2012 “Next Level Corporate Fast” program.

I was glad to see so many come out Wednesday evening for our new Midweek Sermon Series, “Is God Pleased with My Sex Life?”  This week’s topic was “Can I be Christian and Gay?”  I considered multiple perspectives and voices as I prepared for this topic.  The Bible was and is the privileged partner in the dialogue.  All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16NIV).  Homosexual behavior is described in both testaments.  I can’t break each scripture down in this email, but I want to share them again for your study time: Genesis 19: 1-28; Deuteronomy 23:17; Judges 19: 22-28; Leviticus 18:22, 20:12; 1 Corinthians: 6:9-11; Romans 1: 26-27; Genesis 1: 26-27 NIV: Ephesians 5: 31-21; Genesis 2: 20b – 23;

Here are the conclusions of the study:

QUESTIONS

RESPONSES

Am I suggesting that homosexuals cannot be Christians?

No

Am I suggesting that homosexuals will go to Hell?

No more or less than the rest of us

Am I suggesting that homosexuals are the only ones who can be sexually immoral?

No

Am I suggesting that homosexuals be put out of the community of faith?

No

Are all people who are sincerely seeking after God welcome at MBCC?

Yes

Am I suggesting that there are no moral or ethical boundaries in heterosexual behavior?

No

Are “hook-ups” okay, if between male and female, even with “safe sex”?

No

 

I look forward to teaching the next topic on Wednesday evening and I hope you will be here. The clarity of Scripture is our light and shield.

I know your children enjoyed their Midweek Bible Study session.  It is good to have your children among their church peers.  FLAVA and Kidz Klub had increased numbers Wednesday evening as well.  FLAVA (grades 7 through 12) met in the Fellowship Hall starting their evening with Hip Hop guests, icebreakers and then a Word from Minister Chris Watson, reflecting on the movie “The Sitter”.  Our youth were encouraged to not let their past mistakes or misfortunes affect their present circumstances, and they will have to work hard for what they want.  These were great topics for our teens to hear.  THE BLVD is intentional to give well rounded teaching that will inform and instruct our youth for healthy living.  Kidz Klub (grades 1 through 6) met in Discipletown with Pastor Weston beginning their new series “We are Special to God”. 

This Sunday, we will continue our “iHope” sermon series.  Don’t miss this Sunday as we download another application on the one true “Hope”, Jesus Christ.

There a blessing in serving the Lord,

  
DR. FRANK A. THOMAS Senior Servant
  SPIRITUAL LIFE |

THE BLVD 2012 NEXT LEVEL PRAYER MINISTRY

THE BLVD is focusing on the power of prayer to transform our lives, our church and our world in 2012. As a congregation we will fast on Wednesdays from 6:00AM – 6:00PM throughout 2012 or until God says something different. Join us for prayer in the Midtown Chapel Wednesday, January 25, 6:00PM – 6:45PM and experience an amazing move of God through the power of prayer and fasting.

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.

NEWS AND EVENTS |

BLVD CHRISTIAN HEALTH ORGANIZATION BLOOD DRIVE

The Christian Health Organization is sponsoring our first blood drive for this year on Sunday, January 29 from 11:00AM – 4:00PM in the Fellowship Hall. The servant spirit of MBCC is always manifested during blood drives; we trust you will continue this great support. If you are 17 years old (no upper age limit), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in reasonably good health, you can donate blood. Pre-registration is not required.  One unit of blood can save up to three lives. Remember, eat iron-rich foods, drink lots of fluids and take care of yourself.

Persons donating blood will receive a complimentary box lunch and two tickets to an upcoming Grizzlies home game. The Sickle Cell Team Representative from the Memphis Grizzlies Basketball Team will make an appearance to sign autographs and/or take pictures with blood donors. For additional information contact Genwyl Glover, Ministry Leader.

BLVD EAST BRIDGE LIFE GROUP

THE BLVD East Life Group is requesting persons ages 25 – 40 to contact Pastor Virzola Law at 901.272.5603.

SAVE THE DATE

We are starting a volunteer revolution for BLVD East servants called EMERGE, Saturday, February 4, Collierville Christian Church, 801 New Byhalia Road, Collierville, 8:30AM – 12:00PM, brunch included. This will be a day of amazing worship to include, powerful prayer, a powerful message and celebration. We will celebrate current leaders, identify new leaders and provide networking and training to promote excellence in your individual ministry area.

WOMEN’S RETREAT REGISTRATION

Registration for The February 25 Chosen Vessels Women's Ministry is sponsoring an exciting Retreat; “Precious Jewels: Women of Holiness Shining & Sparkling in God's Eyes,” is Sunday, January 22 in the Montgomery Lobby immediately after worship service. Registration Fee: $35. Space is limited. Pastor Linda Willis of New Life in Christ Fellowship Church, Olive Branch, MS; an astounding Pastor, author and teacher of God’s Word, is our guest speaker.

BLVD FITNESS CLASSES

The Maintain Campaign has ended; however, we are still offering classes Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6:00PM – 7:00PM in the Family Life Center. Join us at least once a week and take advantage of the great things happening at our newly renovated FLC. Bring a friend and “Be Fit on Tuesday,” Walk Cute on Wednesday” and “Be Fine in the Line on Thursday.” Contact Helen Darling at 901.272.5640.

MISSION TRIP 2012

THE BLVD has scheduled a Mission Trip to Nicaragua, May 17 – 23. Contact Debbie DeWitt or Pastor Virzola Law for additional information.

WATSA

Wholistic Approach To Substance Abuse is a Christ-centered recovery support group for addictions, co-dependency and compulsive behavior. Meetings are Tuesdays at 6:00PM in 04N. If you or someone you know is looking to drop the “baggage” of addiction, discover how to do so through Bible Study, prayer, and fellowship. Contact Essie Clay for more information.

LOVE CONNECTION

Love Connection/Cocaine Anonymous is a citywide support group for men and women of all ages, races and socio-economic backgrounds. Meetings are Thursdays at 7:30PM in THE BLVD Family Life Center. Contact Clarence Boone at 901.355.1603 for additional information.

ARE YOU A BFF?

THE BLVD Facebook Family is open to you. Get the latest news, get inspirational quotes and get to know other like-minded people. You belong! Join us online!

BLVD YOUTH JOINS SELECT GROUP OF SCHOLARS

THE BLVD congratulates our own Lonzy Pink, first semester freshman at Lane College, Jackson, TN, and son of Annette Bowen (MBCC Nursery Director), who has gone to great lengths to earn status as an Honor Student, thus joining a select group of scholars at Lane. We congratulate Lonzy in this exceptional achievement. Lonzy is the son of Annette Bowen (Nursery Staff). Click here to read letter from Lane College President.

BLVD EAST YOUTH MAKES ALL WEST RED BAND

We congratulate BLVD East member Taylor Washington, 8th Grader at Millington Middle School, who made the All West Red Band. Taylor’s instrument is the trombone. Taylor is the daughter of Lynette Washington.

FUTURE STARS BASKETBALL TEAM WINS TOURNAMENT

THE BLVD congratulates the Memphis Future Stars 5th/6th grade girls’ basketball team on winning the Memphis Athletic Ministries (MAM) Christmas tournament for the 12 and under girls. Neveah Tot was the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Alaina Price and Kaylan Morris made the All-tournament team. We have two girls’ teams (3rd/4th grades and 5th/6th grades) that have grown from 10 girls to 22 girls and we have a waiting list. Both teams competed in the East Shelby Church Recreation Association with a 4-0 record (5th/6th team) and 3-1 record (3rd/4th team). Our 5th/6th grade team competed against the following teams to win the tournament: Evangelical Christian School – Lady Eagles 6th graders, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School – Lady Timberwolves 5th graders, and Tipton Rosemark Christian Academy – Lady Rebels 6th graders. Our goal is to increase the awareness of girls’ basketball with the hopes of boosting self-esteem and contributing to a healthy lifestyle. If you have a 3rd, 4th or 5th grade young girl interested in basketball please contact Helen Darling, FLC Director or Cassandra Price. Click here to view the team’s photo.

STEWARDSHIP |

JOB ASSISTANCE

Are you or someone you know looking for a Job? If so, visit www.theblvd.org for information on job opportunities. If you do not have access to the internet, stop by the Church Information Center and browse through the Job Information Binder for a list of job opportunities. There may be a job for you or someone you know.

FINANCIAL U CLASSES

Interested in starting the year off with a new plan for managing your finances and increasing your wealth? If you are, then join others as we learn together how to manage our finances and increase our wealth in 2012 through the MBCC Financial U program. Classes begin Saturday, February 3 at the Midtown campus. You can register each Sunday after services or through the week by picking up a registration form in the Church Information Center (CIC) and dropping the form into the class registration box in the CIC. If you have questions, please contact Bettye Boone at 901.272.5650. Classes are open to the public so tell your family and friends about these FREE classes.

NEXT GENERATION |

BLVD EAST DISCIPLETOWN CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

Do you have a child between the ages of 2 years (potty trained) and 6th grade? If so, THE BLVD East Discipletown Children’s Ministry invites you to their 2012 Events information session, Sunday, January 29 immediately following the 8:30AM worship service. It is very important that you attend.

INFORMATIONAL MEETING FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

The final mandatory informational meeting for all BLVD East and BLVD Midtown high school seniors (Class of 2012) and their parents is Sunday, January 22 immediately after worship service, in the Midtown Bookstore. Scholarship applications will be available.

BLVD EAST CHILDREN’S MINISTRY NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

THE BLVD East Children’s Ministry needs volunteers (grandparents, parents and others) to work with nursery (2 years – Kindergarten) and Discipletown (grades 1 – 6) children. Please sign up today at the volunteer servant table. Email Diane Young or call Pastor NaKeesha Weston at 901.272.5631 for additional information. The Children’s Ministry is looking for you!

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

Become a part of an exciting prayer community by utilizing Phone a Prayer. Times are 6:00AM Sunday through Saturday, 12:00PM Monday through Friday with an 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 |

MEDIA MINISTRY NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

THE BLVD Media Ministry is in desperate need of volunteers. If you have a passion to serve in the area of Media at THE BLVD Midtown or THE BLVD East with the Media Ministry in the areas of camera operation, lighting, audio or media computer input, please send an email to Veda Bankhead.

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 Dr. 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 STATION

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 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 until 11:00AM each Monday. We would love to hear from you. 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! Complete this short form to receive the latest and the greatest information from THE BLVD!

HAPPENING IN THE COMMUNITY |
 

MEMPHIS CITY SCHOOLS HIRING COLLEGE STUDENTS FOR TUTORING INITIATIVE

Memphis Literacy Corps is one of the reform initiatives by Superintendent Kriner Cash. Memphis City Schools intends to hire college stu­dents paying $10 per hour to tutor children, grades 3 – 5, who have already fallen behind their peers and are overage for their grade. Memphis City Schools will pair the students with local college students for 10 weeks of intensive, individualized tutoring during the time period immediately preceding the adminis­tration of the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) test. Tutors will be trained to teach specific literacy routines to increase read­ing proficiency, including a skill specific mini-lesson each day. The recruiting period is December 1, 2011 – January 25, 2012. Use this link to complete the MLC application: Memphis Literacy Corps 2012 Tutor Application.

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