	This Weeks

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

MISSISSIPPI BOULEVARD CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Dear Fellow Servant:

Happy Holidays!

Each year teaches us some important life lessons, including about our strength and hope in the Lord. 2011 was a year of major milestones for the church, Ninety Years of Word, Worship and Work in this community, and for me, 30 years in the ministry and preaching at Hampton Minister Conference. God has been so good to our church, people and me in 2011. As we close out 2011, let’s begin the New Year 2012 thanking God for all our past blessings, new hopes and new possibilities.

In 2012, we will continue to bring relevant sermon series to encourage you and strengthen your walk with God. On Sunday, January 1, I will be starting a new sermon series called “iHope” at both campuses. As you may know, there are over a million technology apps available for your smart devices. Apps that help you communicate and apps that entertain you. But these apps have no power to deliver the most valuable things in life – peace of mind, a good night’s sleep, or good relationships. So, I am inviting you to start the New Year off right in worship service to help you download the ultimate app… a more rewarding relationship with Jesus Christ.

Beginning Wednesday, January 18, I will be preaching/teaching a new sermon series, titled “Is God Pleased with My Sex Life” at Wednesday midweek worship service at 7:00PM, Midtown campus. For answers to questions like “Why do single people have to wait to have sex?”; “How do I control my appetite for sex after divorce?”; “Is it okay for me to masturbate?”; and “Can I be Christian and gay?”. For answers to these and other questions, plan to attend the special Midweek worship services for ADULTS ONLY.

Encourage your relatives, friends, co-workers and neighbors to worship with you this holiday season and in 2012!

Remember, we will not have a New Year’s Eve Worship Service this year. The church offices are closed until Tuesday, January 3, for the holidays. Our Wednesday Midweek worship service and FLAVA will resume on Wednesday, January 18. This means there is no live internet web streaming until Midweek worship is back.

Have a safe, happy and blessed holiday, and think of ways you can do something good for someone less fortunate than yourself this season.

See you in worship,

DR. FRANK A. THOMAS Senior Servant

SPIRITUAL LIFE |

NEW YEAR’S DAY WORSHIP

THE BLVD invites you and your family to start the New Year with us on New Year’s Day as we launch our first 2012 Sermon Series: “iHope;” 8:30AM BLVD East and 10:00AM BLVD Midtown. Nursery services will be provided on New Year’s Day at both campuses with deaf interpretation at our Midtown Campus. Services will be only one hour and refreshments will be served. Remember to dress casual.

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. As a part of the Fast, we need you to pray with us from your homes, schools, jobs, etc., Wednesday, January 4 and Wednesday, January 11 as part of the fast. Join us for prayer in the Midtown Chapel Wednesday, January 18 and 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 |

HOLIDAY CLOSING

Our offices will be closed through Friday, December 30 and Monday, January 2. We will resume regular office hours Tuesday, January 3.

MINISTRY LEADERS & SERVANT VOLUNTEERS

Our first INSPIRE all hands meeting for all ministry leaders and servant volunteers is 9:00AM, Saturday, January 14. INSPIRE is our opportunity to gather all servant volunteers to stimulate higher levels of spiritual movement and share critical information to move our ministries from Mediocrity to Greatness for God. Come be inspired to grow spiritually, inspired to serve passionately, and inspired to lead successfully. For more information, contact Pastor Janae Pitts Murdock at 901.272.5630.

SAVE THE DATE

We are starting a volunteer revolution called EMERGE, Saturday, February 4. EMERGE 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 individual ministry areas. EMERGE is for everyone who wants to experience both personal growth and church growth.

FOUNDER’S DAY PHOTOS

Did you take any photos on your camera at our Founder’s Day Carnival, Gala or Worship Services? If so, we want to add them to our Founder’s Day memories. Email copies of your photos to us. If you have questions, contact Pastor Janae Pitts-Murdock at Pastor Janae Pitts-Murdock or call 901.272.5602.

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.

MAINTAIN CAMPAIGN UPDATE

The Maintain Campaign is moving ahead and everyone is excited and energized. THE BLVD is providing fun-filled and engaging classes, FREE OF CHARGE, to help everyone remain motivated and focused. The list of classes is as follows; Be Fit – Tuesday, 6:00PM – 7:00PM; Walk away the pounds – Wednesday 6:00PM – 6:45PM; Line Dancing, Thursday – 6:00PM – 7:00PM; Zumba 1^st and 3^rd Sundays after worship service (12:30PM – 1:30PM). All classes will be held in the FLC multipurpose room or in the gym. For additional information; contact Helen Darling at 901.272.5640.

EACH ONE BRING ONE

In order to expose more people to the great things that are happening at THE BLVD EAST, we want you to intentionally invite your friends and family to join us every Sunday through the end of the year. There will be a holiday gift card drawing each week for everyone who brings a guest.

WOMEN’S RETREAT EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION EXTENDED

Saturday, February 25 will be a powerful time for THE BLVD WOMEN. The Chosen Vessels Women's Ministry is sponsoring an exciting Retreat; “Precious Jewels: Women of Holiness Shining & Sparkling in God's Eyes.” A small early bird registration fee is required by Sunday, January 15. 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. Stop by the lobby registration tables on Sunday and sign up to reserve your space. The women at THE BLVD are doing great things!

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!

STEWARDSHIP |

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 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 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.

To learn more about THE BLVD, Click Here »

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