Merry Christmas,

It’s a joyous time of the year for many, but some have no peace or know joy.  As we gather together with our families and loved ones, let us pray for those less fortunate than us who do not have a warm or safe home, food to eat, or even someone to hug them.  Let’s celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior this Christmas.

On Sunday, as I closed my sermon, I shared a dream to show God’s faithfulness when you worship Him.  He will prepare you for whatever is coming your way.  Do not worry about what is happening in your life just worship God, pay your tithes and offerings and be obedient to the Holy Spirit and He will give you all the information that you need.  Sunday, we will continue with “The Advent Conspiracy”, I am looking for you at 10:00 a.m.

I am truly encouraged by the people (92%) who indicated on my blog poll that they plan to spend less on Christmas gifts this year. I also received encouragement from many blog comments like the one listed below:

 babygirl | Mon, 12/22/2008 - 22:43

Pastor Frank ever since you first preached on the Advent Conspiracy, I have been really been thinking about how I can make a difference this season.  About a month ago, my cousin had gotten behind on her car payments and she asked if I would let her hide her car in my garage from the repo man until she could get caught up.  I agreed, I felt as though I was helping her.  My niece called me about a week ago and stated that she was $150.00 short on her MLG&W bill.  I advised her to call MLG&W for assistance, everybody else does.  Sad to say it didn't hit me until I was in line at Macy's buying Christmas gifts and those boots that I had to have that I would probably wear once or twice, that I should be helping them, I was financially able to. It is true that we can sometimes get caught up in ourselves and what we "want" when there are people around us that need our help.  So I stepped out of line at that moment and called my cousin and niece and apologized for not helping them sooner and told them that I would take care of whatever they needed.  The appreciation from them was priceless.  It was the best Christmas gift that I have ever gotten.  It really felt good to help them.  That is what Christmas is about, helping others.

 reply: You Go 'Head Baby Girl!!

Pastor Janae | Mon, 12/22/2008 - 23:48

As I was reading your comment, I thought to myself, that's obedience at its best.  So many of us have had those "revelation" moments, but we talk ourselves out of them.  We justify our immediate needs and appetites and delay action on those "revelations" that God gives us. I believe that God's heart skips a beat whenever we take action on what we believe is God's will...for we are the church that's doing the right thing in all relationships!  P.S. You get extra points for putting those boots back!! :-), Pastor Janae

I am looking forward to reading your blog.  Blog me at www.theblvdblog.org.

Remember there will be No Christmas Eve worship service at THE BLVD tonight.  I am asking all members to join Hope Presbyterian Church on Christmas Eve to worship the Birth of our Lord.  Hope’s Christmas Eve worship service times are 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m.  Hope is located at8500 Walnut Grove Road in Cordova.  See you at Hope Church this evening.

On January 4^th, I will be starting a new sermon series called “CHANGE – WE CAN BELIEVE IN”.  I know some of you will be making New Year’s resolutions (lose weight, save money, eat right, get fit, help others, read the Bible more, quit bad habits, etc.) soon.  Why not make it easy on yourself and come discover how God will help you make needed CHANGES in your life.

 Click here for more information about our upcoming sermon and Bible study series.

Our Wednesday Night Worship service will resume on January 7, 2009.  Therefore, I encourage you to spend quality time with family and friends over the next couple of weeks.  Beginning Sundays, January 4^th through 28^th at 8:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall, and Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in MLK Seminar Room, I would like you to join me for our New Year’s Church-Wide Adult Bible Study series “EXTREME MAKEOVER”.  Our New Year’s Church-Wide Bible Adults Study will be transformational.   It’s extreme.  It’s intense.  It’s going to be life changing, that’s why we’re calling it EXTREME MAKEOVER!  I, along with Pastor Janae Pitts, will be leading our entire church through the book, “Pursuing Spiritual Transformation: The life-giving power of community.”  I want to see you there every Sunday AND Wednesday.  We’re teaching a new topic each day.  The Bookstore will be open on Sunday for you to purchase your book; the cost is $8.00.  Click here to view book summary.  I will be looking for you in January 2009!

Please click here to view our Special Holidays Video Greeting from THE BLVD that contain video portions of our Christmas Concert. Enjoy!

Remember to “Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More and Love All” in this the season of our Lord’s birth.

Peace and Joy,

Pastor Frank

KWANZAA

The celebration of Kwanzaa is a time for gathering the community, commemorating the past, recommitting to the community’s highest ideals, and revering our Creator God. The seven principles of Kwanzaa are celebrated December 26^th through January 1^st, with a different principle highlighted each day. On Sunday, December 28^th, wear your African attire and come celebrate Kwanzaa with us during our 10:00AM worship celebration. Click here for more information on Kwanzaa and the seven principles.

EXTREME MAKEOVER: CHURCH-WIDE BIBLE STUDY

Beginning Sunday, January 4^th through Wednesday, January 28^th, Pastor Thomas and Pastor Pitts will be leading our entire church through the book, “Pursuing Spiritual Transformation: The Life-Giving Power of Community” every Sunday at 8:30AM and Wednesday at 7:00PM. Purchase your copy today in the bookstore. For more information, contact Pastor Janae Pitts at 272-5630. Click here for the Bible Study Schedule.

NURSERY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

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.

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? Register for the MBCC Financial University. 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.