	This Week's

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

MISSISSIPPI BOULEVARD CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Dear Fellow Servant:

Thanks to everyone for being present and fully worshipping last Sunday. When I am out of town, it is a blessing to hear that all is well at home. The following email was sent to THE BLVD family: “Rev. Dr. Frank Thomas gave a life-changing Word for the congregation of St. Mark AME Church in Milwaukee, WI, where the Rev. Darryl Williams is the Pastor. I just wanted his church to know that we were blessed by his being with us on Sunday, April 22 and thank God that you shared him with us! God bless you!!!”

I pray that Umoja 2012 will be a blessing to everyone who attends. All performances will begin on time with the curtain tonight, April 27, at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, April 28, at 6:00 p.m., and Sunday, April 29, at 4:00 p.m. Our Umoja merchandise will be on sale through the church, so don’t forget to stop by and pick up your Umoja 2012 merchandise.

The church offices will be closed on Monday, April 30. The offices will reopen on Tuesday, May 1.

When the last curtain closes on Umoja 2012, we will begin our next Sunday sermon series “Rags to Riches” on May 6. Then, our “Next Level Prayer - The BLVD Loves Memphis” will continue as we connect in prayer at the Memphis City Hall May 3, 12:00 pm. Join city leaders and local faith communities for the annual National Day of Prayer observance at City Hall Plaza, 125 N. Main, Memphis, TN, 38103. Come meet other BLVD servants by wearing your BLVD Gear or work attire as we join others for the National Day of Prayer.

Again, thanks for supporting our Umoja 2012 in whatever way you contributed to make this year’s performances of worship a success.

Blessings,

DR. FRANK A. THOMAS Senior Servant

SPIRITUAL LIFE |

THE BLVD NEXT LEVEL PRAYER MINISTRY

The Wednesday Church wide fast is moving to the next level. God has blessed us mightily and we want to hear how you have experienced the fast. Please send an email if you are willing to share a video testimony about what God has done during this season of fasting.

We are moving to another level in fasting. Each Wednesday from 6:00AM – 6:00PM, we will eat raw foods (i.e., fruit for breakfast; salad with veggies for lunch. We believe God has major plans for our church, and together we will experience God in the church wide fast. Church wide prayer is Wednesday, May 2.

BIBLE STUDY TEACHERS MEETING

There will be a meeting of Bible Study Teachers, Sunday, April 29 immediately following morning worship service in room 07A. Members who are interested in becoming facilitators are welcomed to attend. Contact Derek Branch for more information.

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 |

THE BLVD OFFICES CLOSED

THE BLVD offices will be closed, Monday April 30. All activities, meetings, deliveries, etc., will be canceled. We will resume regular business hours Tuesday, May 1.

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS LISTENING SESSIONS

In April of 2011, The Church Council appointed a Governance Team to review our Constitution and Bylaws. During the last eleven months, the Governance Team has worked very hard in examining the Constitution and Bylaws and recommending to the Church Council proposed revisions. The Church Council approved the proposed revisions on March 15. It is now time for the Congregation to participate in Listening Sessions prior to seeking approval of the final Constitution and Bylaws at the Congregational Meeting scheduled for June 12, at 6:00PM. We are asking for your approval of these revisions at the June meeting as we move from “Mediocrity to Greatness for God”. Every member is encouraged to participate at one of the Listening Sessions scheduled from March through May 6. Click here to view our Listening Sessions opportunities schedule. You can obtain a copy of our Listening Session opportunities schedule on our website: www.theblvd.org or Church information Center. Please note our special BLVD East Campus Listening Session is Sunday, April 29. Please avail yourselves accordingly as we continue to listen and discern what God has for our Church.

2012 WORSHIPPING WOMEN’S WORKSHOP

Pastor Janae Pitts-Murdock, Lead Pastor at MBCC, is the guest speaker at the 2012 Worshipping Women’s Workshop, Saturday, April 28 at The University of Memphis, Fogelman Executive Center, located at 330 Innovation Drive. You are encouraged to “come, learn, and GROW STRONG” as we explore prayer life, Bible Study and family and friends relationships. Click here for registration information.

WOMEN'S MINISTRY BIBLE STUDY: FINAL SESSION

The final session for the Women's Ministry Transforming Bible Study, “Just Enough Light for the Step I'm On: Trusting God in Tough Times” by Stormie Norman, is Wednesday, May 9^th at 5:30PM room 03A. Join us as we close out this amazing Bible Study

PASTOR FRANK TO SPEAK AT LEXINGTON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY’S 146^TH GRADUATION

Dr. Frank A. Thomas will deliver the keynote address at Lexington Theological Seminary’s 146^th graduation service on Friday, May 11. The graduation service is at 10:00AM at Memorial Hall on the University of Kentucky campus adjacent to Lexington Theological Seminary. A bagpipe processional will precede the service. Click here for complete details.

THE BLVD GOES GLOBAL

Thirteen BLVD Servants will serve as Global Missionaries in Nicaragua, May 17 – 23. You can be a part of this amazing ministry by 1) Praying for the team while they are in Nicaragua; 2) Following them on Facebook, and 3) stopping by the Global Ministry Table April 22 – May 13 to make a donation to mission projects. Contact Pastor Virzola Law at 901.272.5603.

MBCC VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE

We are looking for persons 18 years and older with prior volleyball league experience; male and female players. If interested, please contact Helen Darling or June Johnson at 901.272.5640.

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.

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.

BLVD YOUNG ADULT HELPS PREPARE TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL GRADS FOR COLLEGE

THE BLVD congratulates our own Ariel Milton is an adviser with Advise TX College Advising Corp., a statewide program designed to increase the number of low-income, first-generation and under-represented students entering and completing higher education. Ariel works full time with students, assisting them with college searches, admission and financial aid applications, and enrolling them at their best-fit school. Ariel, a graduate of Texas Christian University, is the daughter of Dana M. Sims and Prentiss Ray Milton.

BLVD YOUTH KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT FIRST TEE GOLF CHALLENGE

Congratulations to Glenn Hill II, a junior at Harding Academy, for serving as the keynote speaker at the First Tee Golf Challenge in St. Augustine, FL, and at the First Tee of Memphis Dinner in honor of pro golfer Loren Roberts. Glenn's other accomplishments include being a member of the 2012 All West Tennessee Wind Ensemble and a recipient of Summer Trombone Scholarship at MTSU Governors School of Music and Arts.

BLVD EAST SERVANTS NOMINATED FOR TSD WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

BLVD East servants Deloris Burrow and Rev. Vivian Henry are nominated for the 2012 Women of Excellence Awards by the Tri-State Defender. The annual event celebrates and honors African-American women who motivate and inspire others through their vision and leadership, exceptional achievements and personal contribution to the community. Click here for complete details.

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!

STEWARDSHIP |

ADULT SCHOLARSHIP

Are you working on a new career path and considering furthering your education? Have you started school and funding is holding up your progress? The BLVD cares about you. We invite you to fill out an adult application packet and submit it by the deadline May 20. You can retrieve your packet from the CIC. For additional information, contact Pastor Virzola Law via email or call her at 901.272.5603

NAMED SCHOLARSHIPS

The MBCC Scholarship Program is now accepting donations ($500 Minimum) for our Named Scholarship Program. Names: Scholarship applications are available at THE BLVD Midtown Church Information Center and THE BLVD East Welcome Table. Deadline for applications and funding is April 29. For additional information, contact Bettye Boone at 901.272.5650.

NEXT GENERATION |

POETRY WORKSHOP

Attention all current & aspiring poets in grades 7-12, THE BLVD Student Ministry is hosting the V.O.I.C.E. (Verbally Overcoming Issues w/Creative Expression), Saturday, May 12 at 11:00AM in the Midtown Chapel. The workshop will feature presentations from Spoken Word artists and writing sessions. Writing sessions will emphasize and encourage the use of poetry as a medium for expressing thoughts and opinions about daily life, struggles, and/or opinions on social issues. For more information, contact Minister Chris Watson at 901.272.5606.

GIRLS BASKETBALL PRACTICE

High school girls ages 14 – 17 are invited to basketball practice on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:00PM – 6:00PM at the Midtown Family Life Center Gym. Join us if you are interested in improving your basketball skills. Contact Dorothy Mayes at 901.763.3224.

STUDENT EAST LIFE GROUP

BLVD East Student Life Group, grades 7 through 12, will meet in THE BLVD East Parlor on the following Sundays: May 6 and May 20. Contact Pastor Daniel White at 901.272.5638.

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!

BLVD MIDTOWN NURSERY FACE LIFT: WE’RE REDECORATING

We are so excited about the ways in which we are moving from mediocrity to greatness for God! Please be patient with us over the next few weeks as we reorganize our nursery space. For more information, questions, or concerns please contact Pastor NaKeesha Weston at 901.272.5631.

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 |

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!

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 |

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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