	This Week's

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

MISSISSIPPI BOULEVARD CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Dear Fellow Servants,

It’s been a great week at THE BLVD. Thanks so much to everyone who stayed Sunday to hear THE BLVD East presentation. Since Sunday, I have received encouragement from you which is an energy boost to our already fired up faith. Just in case you missed it, I am linking the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document again here. After reading the FAQs, if you still have questions, please call the church and you will be directed to our Project Lead who is doing a phenomenal job, Pastor Janae Pitts. I told you Sunday that the Commercial Appeal was doing an article on Multi-Site Ministry and that THE BLVD would be mentioned. Somewhere along the way we moved from being mentioned to being featured. The story ran in Monday’s Commercial Appeal. I am attaching a link to a copy for you here.

This week I am attending the Disciples of Christ General Assembly in Indianapolis, IN. On Saturday, August 1, I am leading the evening worship that begins at approximately 8:00PM (CST). Watch live online AND chat with other viewers by clicking this link, or by simply visiting the Disciples of Christ website at www.disciples.org and clicking Live & Online.

Following the General Assembly Joyce and I will be traveling to Africa. Africa is a place I always embrace because I am inspired by the rich history and the strength of the people who continuously rise despite circumstances or situations. This is not the trip I told you about Sunday; that trip to Africa will happen in February of 2010. I will try and communicate regularly through eNews, Blog updates and Facebook until I return. While we are away, my prayer is that you will not let my physical absence deter you from coming to worship. Pray for us as we travel.

We are moving and the movement feels good!

DR. FRANK A. THOMAS Senior Servant

SPIRITUAL LIFE |

CHURCH-WIDE BIBLE STUDY

Buckle your seatbelts for our August Church Wide Study, “Seven Words to Change Your Family…While There’s Still Time” by James MacDonald. Pastor Thomas and Pastor Pitts will lead this challenging and transforming study on seven words that can really help us turn our families in the right direction or reinforce biblical truths we already know. Whether your family is recovering from job loss, separation, divorce, death, or betrayal there are seven words that can change your family! Your family may be facing fresh opportunity with new children, new job, relocation, or new relationship; there are seven words that will steer you in the right direction. We will follow the same format as our January Church Wide Study with classes on Sundays at 8:30AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM. The study has eight sessions which we will complete in the month of August. Students are expected to attend both sessions – Sundays and Wednesdays! We will kick off with our first lesson on Wednesday, August 5^th at 7:00PM. Spread the word! Books are $13, and are available in the Chalice Bookstore.

SERVANTS MINISTRIES VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Have you connected your passion to influence others with your responsibility to serve? Urgent volunteer opportunities are available in Christian Education and New Servants ministries. Pastor Janae Pitts invites you to participate in transformational ministry as an Instructor or an Ambassador. For more information, contact Pastor Janae Pitts at 901.272.5630.

NEWS AND EVENTS |

THE BLVD MUSIC MINISTRY RECRUITMENT

Angels of Praise: It is a true blessing to see our children at such a young age use their talents and gifts to represent their love for God and His kingdom. The Angels of Praise choir is compromised of singers from ages 7 – 13 who represent THE BLVD with pride. Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 6:00PM – 7:30PM.

The Voices of Triumph : From Hip-Hop, to Gospel Rap, to Classical, to straight down-home Gospel, VOT runs the full musical gamut in pursuit of excellence in Music Ministry. VOT practices on Tuesdays from 6:30PM – 8:30PM.

The Sanctuary Choir: The Sanctuary Choir is a committed an loving group of lay-members within THE BLVD community. This creatively skilled ensemble meets once and often or twice weekly to effectively prepare for worship, concerts, and other major events. While committed to a bi-weekly worship service schedule, the choir has garnered national attention and local awards. The sole desire of this group is to give God the glory, honor, and praise. Ages 19 and above are welcomed. Rehearsals are scheduled weekly on Thursday's from 6:30PM – 9:00PM.

The Men of Power and Promise: This unique choral unit of male voices demonstrates the awesome power of God. Rehearsals are on a bi-monthly basis in preparation for fifth Sunday worship.

Women of Worship: The Women of Worship is comprised of women who love God, enjoy singing to His glory and Christian fellowship. Rehearsals are on Mondays from 6:30PM – 8:00PM and Saturdays at 11:00AM prior to rendering service. All women ages 16 and older are welcomed.

The Instrumental Ensemble: If you play an instrument, come join us! The Instrumental Ensemble accompanies each Wednesday and Sunday worship service. Rehearsals are held on Thursdays at 6:00PM. At least 3 years of playing experience is preferred.

Praz N Adoration (THE BLVDEast Singers): This anointed ensemble of singers possesses a heart for serving the Lord through musical excellence. With precision and power, these singers provide heart-felt and Christ-centered worship through dynamic and powerful music (ranging from Gospel, Praise and Worship, to Contemporary Christian styles) to assist in a life-altering worship experience. This ministry seeks to assist, through music, believers to express and deepen their faith, hope, and love for God. “God is a spirit and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24) REHEARSALS TO BE ANNOUNCED.

COMBINED CHOIR REHEARSAL

There will be a combined choir rehearsal Saturday, August 1^st, 11:00AM in preparation for ministry Sunday, August 9^th. Uniform – Ladies: Solid Color Short Sleeve Blouse, Black Skirt (Knee Length), Black Shoes, Flesh Tone Hosiery; Men: Black Solid Color Short Sleeve Shirt, Black Trousers, Black Shoes, Black Socks.

CHO BLOOD DRIVE

The Christian Health Organization is sponsoring our second blood drive for this year on Sunday, August 2^nd from 8:00AM – 2:00PM in the Fellowship Hall. The servant spirit of MBCC is always manifested during blood drives. We want to continue this great support. Remember, eat iron-rich foods, drink lots of fluids and take care of yourself. As long as you are at least 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.

ZUMBA: BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND

The Women's Ministry is proud to announce the return of "Chosen Vessels, Fit Vessels" featuring Zumba! Zumba fuses Latin rhythms and easy to follow moves to create a dynamic and fun exercise program for all ages and fitness levels. Classes will be held each Tuesday beginning August 4^th from 6:45PM – 8:00PM in the Fellowship Hall. The cost is $4 per session and $12 per month if paid in full. All payments must be in cash. Members of THE BLVD and Memphis community are invited to attend. Bring a bottle of water and a towe. For additional information, contact Pastor Virzola Law at 901.272.5603.

GOLF TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS FUNDRAISING EFFORTS

Golfers turned out early on the warm, sunny and breezy Saturday morning of April 25^th for the 2nd Annual Ida Ballard Simon Golf Tournament in Memphis. The event was held to highlight the success of this year’s fundraising efforts benefiting the Ida Ballard Simon Memorial Scholarship Fund. Cheryl Ballard and Linda Ballard Peete presented Lincoln University Foundation: Ida Ballard Simon Memorial Scholarship Fund of Jefferson City, Missouri with a check for seven thousand dollars. “We are contributing to this endowment fund with the goal to someday provide a student with a full four-year scholarship to attend Ida’s alma mater, Lincoln University,” said Cheryl Ballard. “This year, we are also contributing a $500 dollar book scholarship to a 2009 City of Memphis Public School graduating senior with plans to attend a historically black college or trade school for the 2009/2010 school year,” Cheryl added. Click here for additional information.

CONGREGATIONAL HEALTH NETWORK

The Congregational Health Network is collaborating with Methodist Hospital and area churches. THE BLVD is part of this collaboration and will provide workshops on care-giving, hospital visitation and health disparities. THE BLVD will provide a specialized care program which will track the progress of members after they return home from the hospital. The goal is to have a healthier congregation. If you are interested in being a part of this program, please stop by the sign-up table following Sunday worship and receive information and incentives. For additional information, contact Pastor Virzola Law at 901.272.5603.

STEWARDSHIP|

KROGER/SCHNUCKS CARD: BEGIN LOADING AGAIN

Have you been forgetting to load your Kroger or Schnucks’ card? If so, this is a reminder to begin loading your card again. Recent reports indicate that many of you who have cards have forgotten to load them or have lost them and therefore our children and youth programs are not reaping your fundraising benefits. So, if you have forgotten, re-load your Kroger and Schnucks’ card today. If you do not have a card, please contact Bettye Boone at 901.272.5650 to get a new card. We still need your support to assist our children and youth programs, so please RE-LOAD TODAY and each time you get ready to purchase groceries.

CALLING ALL MBCC BUSINESSES

Are you interested in being a part of the MBCC Member Business Directory that will be available to members in October 2009? If so, please register your business by completing a registration form at the Members Business sign-up table located in the Montgomery lobby each Sunday or go online to download and complete a registration form. Return completed forms to Bettye L. Boone at the church. The deadline for registering your business is August 30^th. ONLY registered member businesses will be included in the church’s directory. Don’t miss this opportunity for your business products and services to be shared with the congregation through the use of this directory.

NEXT GENERATION |

COLLEGE-AGE POOL PARTY & PICNIC

THE BLVD Scholarship Committee is throwing a POOL PARTY & PICNIC for all 2009 BLVD Scholarship recipients, graduates and current college students on Saturday, August 1^st at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jerome and Misty White from 5:00PM – 9:00PM. This event is free and exclusive to BLVD college-age students. Please obtain a flyer with map and address from Pastor Neko Sharkey 901.275.0625 or Brad Thomas on Sunday July, 26^th.

BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE

Attention BLVD…it’s time again for our Back To School Supply Drive where we bless needed students with school supply bags and uniforms. Our collection period is July 26^th – August 8^th. THE BLVD will have collection bins available in the church lobby areas for all donations. Supply Distribution is scheduled for Sunday, August 9^th in the Family Life Center immediately following service. If you wish to make a cash donation, mark "School Supply Drive" on your envelope and it place in the offering tray.

JUNIOR DIACONATE: TRAINING RETURNS AUGUST 2009

THE BLVD is proud to announce the return of Junior Diaconate training on Wednesdays from 5:45PM – 6:45PM beginning in August. If you are between the ages of 14 and 18 regularly attending Bible Study at THE BLVD, you are invited to share in this wonderful ministry of service opportunity. Please obtain a Junior Diaconate form from the CIC and return it to Pastor Neko by August 9^th.

RITES OF PASSAGE 2009

Attention parents, Boys (Chikere Imamu) and Girls (Jenadyi Eshe) Rites of Passage 2009 will be initiating our curriculum process starting in August. If you would like your children to be involved (Grades 6 – 12), please obtain a Rites of Passage application form from the CIC and return it to Pastor Neko by August 16^th.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

The Children's Ministry (Discipletown & Middle School) is currently offering several opportunities to unleash your passion to serve and change the life of a child! Please contact Pastor Weston at 901.272.5631.

NURSERY PARENTS…WE NEED YOU!

To ensure that our Pee Wee Disciples are safe and that the nursery is in compliance with the State of Tennessee’s adult to child ratio, we are in desperate need of parental volunteers. We are asking that each parent volunteer at least one Sunday a quarter. Please contact Pastor Weston or Annette Bowen or call 901.272.5662 to sign up!

CARE AND PRAYER|

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.

MEDIA |

RADIO BROADCASTS

Every Sunday morning, you can listen to us on WLOK (1340 AM) at 8AM and WDIA (1070 AM) at 10:30AM.

NEW CD/DVD PRICES

You can purchase CD’s and DVD’s 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 for you until 11:00AM each Monday. We would love to hear from you. Click here to 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! Click here and complete the short online form to receive the latest and the greatest information from THE BLVD!

To learn more about THE BLVD, Click Here»

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