Ten Reasons to Pray Together

 

 

We pray together to....

 

 



1. Glorify God. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together (Psalm 34:3).

 

 

2. Demonstrate our need for God. He is the strong one. All of us need his help, involvement and blessing. Our status, age, experience and knowledge of the Bible don't matter when we bow down before the God of all creation.

 

 

3. Include God in our conversation. He is with us. We miss out when we ignore Him. Where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them (Matthew 18:20).

 

 

4. Learn to pray. By listening to others converse with God, we discover new ways to talk with Him.

 

 

5. Inspire personal prayer. Encourage one another daily...so that none of you may be harmed by sin's deceitfulness ((Hebrews 3:13)

 

6. Love and be loved. A prayer group prayed for a dad's recovery from cancer. He passed away and they cried together. They also prayed for a child that had lost their way. She came to know Christ and turned her life around. The group rejoiced! Sometimes the first or only people to know about situations are those in our prayer circles.

 

 

7. See God provide. Jesus told the story when he taught about prayer. Suppose a friend asks you for three loaves of bread, but you don't have any. So you to to a rich friend's house, even though it is midnight, and knock on his door until he gets up and gives you all the bread your friend needs (from Luke 11:5-8). Prayer changes things!

 

 

8. Be healed. Pray for each other so that you may be healed (James 5:16).

 

 

9. Receive answers. If two of you on earth agree about anything and you ask for it, it will be done for you by my father in heaven (Matthew 18:19).

 

 

10. See God's power. The believers raised their voices together in prayer. After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of  God boldly (Acts 4:24)

 



 





Adapted from a submission on AblogOnprayer.com



Rev. Isaac J. Irving, Sr.

Second Episcopal District

African Methodist  Episcopal Church

1134 11th Street, NW Suite 300

Washington, DC 20001

The Reverend Dr. William Phillips DeVeaux, Presiding Bishop

Appreciation

 In Remembrance Of

 The Reverend Isaac J. Irving, Senior
Superannuated Itinerant Elder

September 26, 2012

  

To the entire Irving Family, the Western North Carolina Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Family, the numerous congregations that he pastored as well as the many friends and colleagues of the Reverend Isaac Irving, I share your deep loss. Together with my wife, Pam,we owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to Rev. Irving for his devoted care and deep love of Pastoring.

This wonderful avocation demands a rare blend of special human characteristics which I am told that the Rev. Irving possessed in abundance.  Regrettably, I did not have the immense honor and pleasure of serving as his Bishop. Yet I can say with assurance that his legacy of service and commitment to the West Conference and our denomination is truly praiseworthy.

I thank God for the life of the Reverend Isaac Irving and may the Lord Jesus offer comfort to all who will celebrate his life while missing his earthly presence.

Sincerely,

William Phillips DeVeaux

Amanda J. Rogers WMS 90th Anniversary

On Sunday September 23, 2012 Supervisor DeVeaux brought the word as the Amanda J. Rogers Women's Missionary Society of Brown Memorial AME Church in Washington, DC  celebrated its 90th Anniversary. The Reverend Dr.Henry White is the pastor and the Reverend Rowena White is the First Lady. Our Conference President Mrs. Ovita Watkins was also in attendence.

A glorious time in the Lord was had as Legacy Award winners were honored  by Rev. Rowena White  and local WMS President, Ms. Lisa Washington-Thomas.  The YPDers of Brown AME served as excellent ambassadors for Christ- the future of our church is bright!

Western District Conference

Bishop DeVeaux and Dr.Pam had a wonderful visit to the Western District of the Western North Carolina Conference September 21-22, 2012.

The host church was Gaston Chapel AME- Rev. Gwendylon Benjamin, Pastor.

Presiding Elder and Mrs. Conrad Prigden did a marvelous job in the planning and implementing of the activities of the conference. The sanctuary was completely filled with pastors, missionaries and lay from across the Second District.  Visiting Presiding Elders included Reverends Larnie Horton and M. Bernard Wilder. The worship service was illuminating, the music rendered by the Gaston Chapel Choir soul stirring, and the meal and fellowship rich!

The Reverend Gwendylon Benjamin and her spouse Robert along with her members gave tangible examples of the sermon Bishop DeVeaux preached, "Only the Best Will Do".

Dr. Pam and Ms. Frances Hope - Western NC Conference Branch President:

Welcome Fall

 

Lord, we thank you for changing seasons, and for being a part of your creation that is full of rhythm and cycles. We pray for eyes to see and ears to hear the lessons you give us in these periods of transition. Amen.

Tragedy Strikes the 17th Episcopal District

Letter reprinted from The Christian Recorder, Rev. Calvin H. Sydnor, Editor

September 17, 2012

It is with much regret and sadness that we announce that after the completion of the Fifth Session of the North West Zambia Annual Conference, held in Mansa, Zambia, Pastors and Delegates were involved in a fatal vehicle accident while traveling home on Sunday September 16th 2012. Four Itinerant Elders, Three Licentiates who were also Pastors and two Stewards died in the accident. Bishop Messiah will begin holding funerals tomorrow (Wednesday September 18, 2012)

Their names are:

• The Rev. James Mwila
• The Rev. Muyambo Chimba
• The Rev. Patson Mwega
• Ther Rev. Jackson Ng'ona
• Lic. Nelson Mpasa
• Lic. Kasongo Lumbwe
• Lic. Morgan Chipasha
• Bro. Lazarous Mungo
• Bro. Musondo Chinyangwha

Three Lay-persons are still in Mansa General Hospital in critical condition,while eighteen others are recovering from serious injuries at Mambillima Hospital, Mwense.

The Rt. Rev. Wilfred Jacobus Messiah has visited the injured in the hospital and has assisted with the care for all by providing funds for:

• The care of the injured while in the hospital
• The coffins for the deceased
• The transport cost for the deceased and injured upon release from the hospital
• Assistance to the families for funeral costs

The entire 17th Episcopal District is requesting that you keep our District in prayer.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized. Condolences may be sent to: wjmessiah2004@yahoo.com

Bishop Messiah my be reached at +1 302 562 7293.

Support for the families and information on how to make donations will be forthcoming.

For Christ, Church, and Community,

Bishop Wilfred Jacobus Messiah

Presiding Prelate

Zambia, Congo, Brazzaville, Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Dem. Republic of Congo

Did YOU Know?

Did you know that the tune to the Missionary Benediction was written by a member of the 2nd Episcopal District?

If you look at #652 in the AME Hymnal, you will find the name of Mrs. Anne Rowe Guiles, a member of Turner Memorial AME Church, Hyattsville, Maryland (Washington Conference) as the person who wrote the words. The names should be switched. Mrs. Guiles actually wrote the tune and Mrs. Isabelle Tanner Temple wrote the words.(The names should be switched in the 2012 Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church).

~D. Faye Conley
  Episcopal President

Take Care Tuesday

What's for Breakfast?

Mom always said breakfast is the most important meal of the day.She was right! But what you choose for breakfast can make or break your day (sorry, bacon didn't make the list). According to Healthyeats.com here are the top 8 foods that help make your morning meal a healthy one:

• Nonfat Greek Yogurt-Has hunger fighting protein that will keep those mid   morning hunger pangs at bay.

• Berries-High in anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce heart disease and diabetes.

• Oatmeal-Skip the sugar and add some dried fruit for sweetness.

• Peanut Butter- Quick burst of protein. Spread a tablespoon of peanut butter on whole grain bread, add to a smoothie, mix in oatmeal or spread on apple slices.

• Eggs- Contain vitamins A and D the antioxidant lutein for healthy skin and eyes.

• Flaxseeds- Sprinkle on yogurt, oatmeal or blend in your morning smoothie. Adds extra omega-3 fat, fiber and protein.

• Cottage Cheese- Low fat cottage cheese with fresh fruit is a great on-the-go breakfast packed with protein that will leave you satisfied.

• Whole-Grain Cereal- A bowl of whole grain cereal and low-fat or skim milk is quick and easy. Be sure to choose cereals that are low in sugar.

Monday Morning Prayer

We trust that you had a blessed weekend! Dr. Pam brought forth the word at Agape AME church in Gaithersburg, MD on Sunday morning. She enjoyed spending the day with family and friends! She was introduced by her oldest son William DeVeaux, Jr. who attends Agape AME with his lovely family.

Here Dr. Pam fellowships with Agape AME pastors Rev. Thann Young and Rev. Margaret Young and the officers of the church:

Monday Morning Prayer......

Lord, I humbly come to you

To thank you for every circumstance

-For your GRACE

-For your LOVE

I pray that your wisdom helps guide my mind, my mouth and my hands during this week for your honor.

I know that if I work for you first-my efforts will not be in vain and will benefit those I love.

Please give me peace of mind, joy in my heart and love for

-my family

-my friends

-my neighbors

and even my foes

In your name Jesus.

AMEN

Strong Heart. Smart Heart.

The statistics are sobering. African American women are 35% more likely to die of heart disease than Caucasian women.

Obesity, high cholesterol, poverty, language barriers, physical inactivity, and lack of information all contribute to increased risk factors for women of color.

Dr. Jennifer Mieres is the Director of Nuclear Cardiology at the New York School of Medicine. She is co-author of the book Heart Smart for Black Women and Latinas.

Dr. Mieres advises minority women to begin thinking about their family risk factors for heart disease, including their genetic predisposition, in their 20s. And if there is a strong family history of high cholesterol, blood pressure or diabetes in the family, Dr. Mieres suggests making heart health a family affair. Talk to your pediatricians and family doctors about your family's heart health history. The doctor may recommend doing a baseline blood pressure and cholesterol screening on the younger  members of the family.

Aside from family history,which we may not be able to control, Dr. Mieres says we can all work toward making heart-smart changes that can dramatically lower a our risk for heart disease.
The most important thing you can do to reduce your risk for heart disease is to make heart-healthy lifestyle changes. A heart-healthy lifestyle includes the following:

• Do not skip meals; Breakfast is the most important meal of the day
• Eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day
• Broil and bake foods; don't fry. Eat 2 servings of fish per week
• Be active every day: walk, jog, or dance at least 10 minutes every day
• Find heart healthy substitutions for your traditional favorites
• Remove the salt shaker; use spices and herbs for traditional flavors
• Limit alcohol
• Manage diabetes
• Maintain a healthy weight
• No smoking

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (New International Version)

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 reminds us that "There is an appointed time for everything...and there is a time for every event under heaven..."

A Prayer for 9-11

Father God, this is the season when we focus our prayers more on those who lost loved ones on  9-11...eleven years ago. This is the time that we intentionally forget about ourselves and lift up those who continue to mourn the loss of their loved ones. This is the time that we honor those who innocently lost their lives.

Hear this our prayer for a peace that passes all understanding for the many who still ask why; we pray for a spirit of forgiveness among those who may still harbor ill will against those who orchestrated such evil acts.

Guide our hearts toward healing and hope. Keep us safe in Your arms. Comfort those who grieve, provide compassion for those alienated and inspiration to all who seek an end to violence and hatred in this world.


Remind us that You are the God of yesterday, today and tomorrow...that Your love and your light are extended to all. We ask this prayer in the Name of Jesus the Christ. A-men.

D. Faye Conley

Episcopal President

Washington Conference Branch- Annual Days

Please click on the link below for the 2012-2013 schedule of  Local WMS Annual Days for the Washington Conference Branch.



http://www.scribd.com/doc/105490591/WCB-WMS-Local-Societies-Annual-Days-2012-2013


FYI: Please feel free to download/print the schedule to share with others. Thank you!

~ Ms. D. Faye Conley
Episcopal President

Good Eats

Here's a yummy and heart healthy recipe a friend of mine shared with me. It is her husband's favorite!

Blueberry-Cinnamon Muffins

 

To prevent the berries from bleeding, toss them in flour, and then gently fold them into the batter

 

Ingredients:

 

1/4 cup uncooked regular oats                         2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons brown sugar                              1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon divided                Vegetable cooking spray

1/4 cup butter, softened                                  1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup granulated sugar                                    1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup egg substitute                                     1 1/4 cup fat-free buttermilk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract                                1 cup of fresh blueberries



                                                                    

 

 

 

Stir together oats, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: set aside

 

Beat butter and granulated sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add egg substitute, beating until blended. Stir in vanilla.

 

Combine all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, add to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, ending with flour mixture. 

 

Gently stir in blueberries. Spoon batter into muffin pans coated with cooking spray, filling two-thirds full. Sprinkle evenly with oat mixture.

 

Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until tops are golden. Cool muffins in pans 5 minutes, remove from pans, and cool on wire racks. Yield: 15 muffins

 

 

Per muffin: Calories: 174  Protein:3.7 g  Carb:31g Fiber: 0.9g

                   

Project Angel Tree Info

Please click the link below for some important information about our Second District Angel Tree Project:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/105022156

FYI: You will see an option on the screen to Download/Print the flyer. Please feel free to do so and share with others.  Thank you!



~Ms. D. Faye Conley
Episcopal President

Save the Date!

Agape AME Church is pleased to welcome Dr. Pam DeVeaux our dynamic Episcopal Supervisor as our guest speaker on Sunday September 16, 2012 at our 11 AM service.

We would be so blessed to have you as our guest! 

Agape AME Church
7700 Brink Road
Gaithersburg, MD 20832
(301) 924-8640

Rev. Thann Young, Pastor

Prayer for OUR children

As 14 of my grandchildren head back to school...I lift up this prayer for them and all of our children.
~Dr. Pam


Dear God:

We thank you for the magnificence of your grace. It was only grace that woke us up this morning anticipating blessings that you will send our way. Lord, on this day we pause to offer up our children for your care and keeping as they are beginning a brand new school year. As they enter their buildings and disperse to their various classrooms, Master put a hedge of safety around them and protect them from all hurt, harm and danger. Establish our schools as places of joy and laughter where children will feel comfortable and safe. For those parents homeschooling their children we send up prayers, peace, patience and positive spirits.

God send down your powers to rebuke bullying, ungodly behavior, profane language, cheating, stealing and lying. Station in the classrooms anointed teachers who know the Lord and have committed their teaching careers to respecting and valuing the awesome gifts found in the children they teach. God touch the hearts of school administrators to empower and support the teachers. Let parents and school officials work in partnership to create environments where a love for learning is born and nurtured.

God we thank you in advance for the miracles that  will appear as we lift up all our children.

 Amen.