	This Weeks

	SPIRITUAL LIFE
	NEWS AND EVENTS
	STEWARDSHIP
	NEXT GENERATION
	CARE AND PRAYER
	MEDIA
	COMMUNITY

MISSISSIPPI BOULEVARD CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Dear Fellow Servant:

First, I want to thank you for being so flexible, understanding and cooperative as we continue to move from “Mediocrity to Greatness for God” with our Sanctuary Painting Renovation Project. It is my desire to keep everyone abreast of our progress so we can all move together. Our Sanctuary Painting Renovation Project has been on schedule and it has gone extremely well over the last few weeks.

But as you know, there are things that will come up that you have no control over. On Sunday, you will notice that there is no covering on the pipe organ panels behind the pulpit. The material we ordered for the panels were too sheer and did not present a professional uniform look. We re-ordered the specialized fabric from a company that is in an area affected by Hurricane Irene and is temporarily closed. We will finish this phase of our Sanctuary Renovation Project within the next few days!

Our N3 Conference is my focus for this weekend and next week. If you have not read yesterday’s Special eNews, please read it; it will give you information to share and encourage your family, friends and co-workers to come out to our spiritually empowered conference. Please click here to see our latest N3 Conference video and forward the video web link to everyone. Sunday, August, 28 through Wednesday, August 31, I will be looking for you!

As many of you know, I am a member of the Citizens Editorial Board of the Commercial Appeal. I agreed that the Citizen’s Editorial Board and Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church would partner together and hold a community forum on the movie “The Help.” On September 6, we are inviting the entire Memphis community to a discussion about the move “The Help” in our Sanctuary from 6:30PM to 8:00PM. We will feature several perspectives on a panel, and then have community discussion. Memphis is the number one market for the movie in the country and we believe this movie has struck an important chord in our community. The Citizen’s Editorial Board believes that this discussion would help to promote unity and understanding in our city and county. You will hear coverage in the Commercial Appeal and throughout our church. Please invite your friends. If you have not already, go see the movie with a friend and invite them to the discussion. A great time will be had by all.

See you Sunday,

DR. FRANK A. THOMAS Senior Servant

SPIRITUAL LIFE |

PRAYER VIGIL

THE BLVD is Moving from Mediocrity to Greatness for God. We are planning our Annual Prayer Vigil, Friday, August 26 from 7:00PM – 12 Midnight and 40 Days of Fasting, Prayer and Consecration – August 31 – October 9. We will culminate with a celebration service, Sunday, October 9 immediately after worship service. Stop by the sign-up tables in the Midtown and East Lobbies following Sunday’s worship service or contact Pastor Virzola Law at 901.272.5603.

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.

FALL BIBLE STUDY

THE BLVD University’s Fall Bible Study starts in September. If you would like to participate in one of our spirit-filled classes, please log on to our website. If you are interested in facilitating a class, contact Derek Branch at 901.606.8964.

THE TENNESSEE DISCIPLES RETREAT

The Tennessee Women’s Fall Retreat convenes September 17 – 18 in Bethany Hills, Kingston, TN. Visit the Women’s Ministry table in the lobby at the East and the Montgomery Lobby at Midtown for information and registration.

NEWS AND EVENTS |

THE BLVD EAST CELEBRATES TWO YEARS

Each week during the month of September, we will celebrate the birth of THE BLVD East. Let’s pack the House of Worship each week by inviting family, friends, and those who are seeking a personal relationship with Christ. The goal of the church family is to foster relationship building across all age groups. Upcoming events include: Birthday Brunch, Sunday, September 18, immediately after 8:30AM worship service (Refreshments will be provided.). Family Night Out, Friday, September 23, 6:00PM – 8:00PM, Cordova Bowling Center, 7945 Club Center Cove in Cordova. The cost is $10 per person; bowling, shoes, and dinner included.

SISTERS IN MOTION 5K RUN/WALK

Sisters In Motion presents its Second Annual 5K Run/Walk benefiting Christ Community Health Services, Saturday, September 24, beginning at 9:00AM. Register online or call 901.210.2003 for more information.

THE WELCOMING SYSTEM

The Welcoming System Team meets on the following Wednesdays at 5:30PM: September 28, October 26, November 23 and December 28.

BLVD TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MAXINE SMITH FELLOWS PROGRAM

THE BLVD extends congratulations to Danita Macon of the University of Memphis, who has been selected to participate in the 2011 Maxine Smith Fellows Program of the Tennessee Board of Regents, which oversees 46 universities, community colleges, and technology centers throughout the state. Macon is director of Enterprise Infrastructure Services in the U of M’s Information Technology Division. Hats off to Danita!! Click here for additional information.

2011 DOVE TREE

The Dove Tree Team under the leadership of Tracy Rowe and Allie Gray are now preparing for another wonderful outreach effort. You'll hear more about opportunities to give and to serve.

2012 WOMEN’S RETREAT

The Chosen Vessels Women’s Ministry is hosting its first retreat for the year 2012 on Saturday, February 25. Make plans to attend this glorious day of worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Rev. Dr. Joyce Thomas and Pamela Mason and the planning team are putting together an anointed program.

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. For more information, contact Essie Clay.

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 Essie Clay for more 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!

STEWARDSHIP |

MONEY MATTERS

It’s become an all-too-familiar headline – lay-offs and furloughs, falling housing prices and rising consumer debt, declining retail sales and increasing costs of living. Money – and the lack of it – is a source of stress and frustration. And while people the world over are working to stem the global financial situation we’re in, folks at home are trying to gain some control over their own financial situations, too. The Bible teaches us that “the people perish because of a lack of knowledge.” Practicing positive, tried and true money management techniques – and learning how to recognize and avoid some “ripped from the headlines” consumer scams and rip-offs – can help you weather tough economic times. Begin today to educate yourself and your family about financial matters. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, created the website (Money Matters) to help you tackle some money issues head-on. Visit their website to learn more about managing your money and various scams designed to separate you from your money.

NEXT GENERATION |

BOY’S RITES OF PASSAGE

THE BLVD’S Men’s Ministry is sponsoring Boy’s Rites of Passage 2011, a nine-week journey of experiences that will challenge young males as they enter godly manhood. The nomination process begins September 11 with a Men’s All Call meeting in the sanctuary immediately following worship service. Sign-ups are in the Midtown Montgomery Lobby immediately following worship service. For more information, contact Minister Christopher Watson or call 901.272.5606.

STUDENT MINISTRY INFORMATION SESSION

There will be a brief information session for parents of current 7^th grade students, and new Student Ministry Participants, Sunday, September 11 in Room 03A immediately after worship service. We will provide students and parents with information on the transition process from Discipletown to the Student Ministry. Contact Pastor Dan White or Pastor NaKeesha Weston for additional information.

THE BLVD JUNIOR GREETERS

The Junior Greeters’ Ministry is in need of volunteers (Grades 1 – 12). Junior Greeters serve every 5^th Sunday. Please contact Stacie Arbor at 901.758.1638 to sign up of if more information is needed.

BLVD EAST CHILDREN’S MINISTRY NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

THE BLVD East Children’s Ministry needs volunteers (grandparents, parents and others) to work with nursery (2 – KK) 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, 8:00AM Saturday prayer and praise followed by 9:00AM Men’s Hour of Power. Access all sessions by calling 218.844.8230 plus access code: 915673#.

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 |

CONGRATULATIONS FUTURE STARS GIRLS’ BASKETBALL TEAM

The Lady Future Stars girl’s basketball team had an outstanding week in Orlando, FL July 10 – 16. The team took third place at the Youth Basketball of America (YBOA) Nationals Tournament. This group of young girls, led by coaches Cassandra Carter-Price, Helen Darling and Vincent Morris, went 2- 2 in Division 1 pool play and advanced to the semi-final basketball game. The team defeated the CIAPR and Puerto Rico teams for 3^rd place. Team members Nevaeh Tot made the all tournament team and Madison Moore was the 4^th grade free throw champion. This was THE BLVD’s team first year of participation in competitive tournaments and they are to be commended for winning an YBOA State Championship and representing the state of Tennessee in the YBOA Nationals. Click here to view the team’s photo.

Our goal is to increase the awareness of girl’s basketball with the hopes of boosting self-esteem and contributing to a healthy lifestyle. If you have a 4^th or 5^th grade young girl interested in basketball please contact THE BLVD Family Life Center Director, Helen Darling. Thanks to all our supporters!

SISTAHS: ENCORE PERFORMANCE

B&K Productions presents an encore performance of the hit play “Sistahs”, Saturday, August 27, 7:00PM at the Buckman Performing and Arts Center, 60 Perkins Extended at Walnut Grove, Memphis, TN. Tickets can be purchased online at: Click here to purchase tickets or call 901.603.8733.

To learn more about THE BLVD, Click Here »

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