Happy Easter

Here are the answers to the Holy Week Quiz that was posted on Monday. How did you do?

1) Gethsemane or the Mount of Olives

2) Judas

3) Peter

4) Pontius Pilot

5) Barabbas

6) 14

7) three

8) Simon of Cyrene

9) Veronica

10) King of the Jews

11) Joseph of Arimathea

12) Mary Magdalene

Joshua Alexander DeVeaux Morton
15th DeVeaux grandchild

Easter Greetings

Love, Joy, and Peace can be yours because of the grace of Jesus Christ. Happy Easter. REJOICE in the LORD!!!

Love,

 Bishop William P. DeVeaux & Dr. Pam

Good Friday

For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only Son.

The Son gave His life for me,

when He died on Calvary.

There is no greater love,

nowhere, you won't find it

than a man would lay down His life for a friend,

there's no greater love, no greater love

than a man would lay down his life for a friend

There is no greater love,

there is no greater love,

(there is no greater love)

(no greater love)

Jesus went to Calvary

to save a wretch,

like you and me;

that's love, that's love

They hung Him high,

they stretched him wide.

He hung His head, for me He died.

that's love, that's love.

That's not how the story ends,

three days later he rose again;

that's love, that's love.

Lyrics: TJ Hemphill

Maundy Thursday

This do in remembrance of Me....

Today is Maundy Thursday- The Thursday before Easter. It is the day of the Last Supper, when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and established the Holy Communion. Today is also called Holy Thursday.

During the Last Supper, Jesus took bread and wine and shared them with his disciples. We take communion with bread and grape juice to commemorate this each first Sunday in the AME Church. The night of Maundy Thursday is the night on which Jesus was betrayed by Judas in the Garden of Gethsemane. What an emotionally trying time it must have been for our beloved Savior.

The name "Maundy" is derived from the Latin word "mandatum", meaning a commandment. Jesus Christ, at the Last Supper commanded: "And now I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." 
 ~John 15:12

YPD Annual Day

On Saturday March 23, 2013 the YPD of the Baltimore Annual Conference held their Annual Day.  Activities of the day included business sessions, a talent show and a worship service where  Minister Brandon Montague brought forth a mighty word!

Workshops &  Rosa Parks presentation

Praise dancers! Minister Montague & family

 

We are so proud of the work our young people are doing for the Lord!

Holy Week

We trust that you had a marvelous Palm Sunday celebration on yesterday as we began this glorious Holy Week! As you know, Holy Week commemorates the Passion of Christ and is the final week before Easter. What a special time of reflection for Christians as we tell the familiar story. The story of our beloved Jesus as he suffered, bled and died for our redemption! Hosanna in the highest!

How much do you remember about the people and events of Holy Week? Here's a little quiz to test your knowledge:

1) Where did the Agony in the garden take place?
2) Who betrayed Jesus?
3) Who denied Jesus three times?
4) Who ordered Jesus to be scourged?
5) What criminal was released instead of Jesus?
6) How many Stations of the Cross are there?
7) How many times does Jesus fall on the way to Calvary?
8) Who helped Jesus carry his cross?
9) Who wiped the face of Jesus?
10) What did the sign on the cross say?
11) Who made the arrangements for the burial of Jesus?
12) Who was the first to discover that Jesus had risen?

Answers to the quiz will be posted on Friday. Have fun!

Women's History Month

March is Women's History Month! As we continue to celebrate and honor a myriad of amazing and history making women we pause to recognize one of our own.

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie serves at the 117th elected and consecrated bishop of the AME Church. Her historic election in the year 2000 was the first time in the 200 plus year history of our church that a woman had obtained the level of Episcopal office.

A graduate of the University of Maryland, College park, Mckenzie holds a Master of Divinity from Howard University School of Divinity and has earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary. Bishop McKenzie was selected for Ebony Magazine's "Honor Roll of Great African American Preachers" in 1993 and again in 1997.

Bishop Mckenzie is currently serving as the presiding prelate of the 10th Episcopal District. She also serves as the national chaplain of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and is the granddaughter of Delta founder Vashti Turley Murphy.

Bishop McKenzie is married to Supervisor Stan McKenzie and has three children: Jon-Mikael, Jasmine and Jo-Marie.

We are so proud of the outstanding and tireless work that Bishop McKenzie has done on the local, connectional and international stage. She remains humble and grateful to God for the many opportunities and blessings afforded to her as she strives to serve with excellence in the Kingdom of God! 

Take Care Tuesday

Green tea has been  used as a medicine for thousand of years, originating in China but widely used throughout Asia, this beverage has a multitude of uses from lowering blood pressure to preventing cancer. The reason that green tea has more health benefits attached to it than black tea is due to the processing. Here is a list of some of the amazing benefits associated with drinking green tea:

• Weight loss-Green tea increases metabolism.
• Diabetes- Green tea helps regulate glucose levels.
• Heart Disease- Scientists think green tea works on the lining of blood vessels and helps prevent some blood clots.
• Esophageal Cancer- Reduces risk by killing certain cancer cells without damaging healthy tissue around them.
• Cholesterol- Green tea reduces bad cholesterol in the blood and improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol.
• Alzheimer's and Parkinson's - Studies carried out on mice showed that green tea protected brain cells from dying and restored damaged brain cells.
• Tooth Decay- Studies suggest that the chemical antioxidant "catechin" in tea can destroy bacteria and viruses that cause throat infections and other dental conditions.
• Blood Pressure- Regular consumption of green tea is thought to reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
• Depression- Theanine is an amino acid naturally found in tea leaves. It is this substance that is thought to provide a relaxing and tranquilizing effect for tea drinkers.
• Skincare- Green tea can help with wrinkle and the signs of aging. This is because of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Our own Supervisor Dr. Pam loves green tea and has been drinking it for years. If she ever visits your church or home I am sure she would love to enjoy a cup with you!

Source: www.webmd.com

House Blessing

On Saturday March 11, 2013 Bishop and Mrs. DeVeaux hosted the Second Episcopal District at a house blessing at the the Episcopal residence in Mclean, VA. Presiding Elder Goodwin Douglas offered the prayer for the home and for all those who come into it. Other participants included Mrs. Doris Porter, The Reverend Grainger Browning, Reverend and Mrs. Ronald Boykin and the Reverend Ronald Braxton. The Ministers Spouses served as hostesses and a lovely meal was served. Mrs. Helen Boykin was the chairperson for the wonderful event.

Lots of laughter, love and light! To God be the Glory!

WMS Anniversary- First AME

On Sunday March 10, 2013 The Fredericka L. Hildebrand Missionary Society of First AME Church in Manassas, VA celebrated its 27th anniversary. The theme was "Mission Possible". Guest speakers were Rev. Carol Marie Hunter-Rogers (7:45am) and Supervisor Dr. Pam DeVeaux (11:00am). 

Anointed women of God!

 Rev. Ronald A. Boykin and First Lady Mrs. Helen Boykin are doing a mighty work building God's kingdom at First AME-Manassas. 

The Lord's name be praised!

Take Care Tuesday

March is National Kidney Month and the National Kidney Foundation is urging all Americans to give their kidneys a second thought and a well-deserved checkup.

Did you know?

• The kidneys are two, fist-sized organs in your lower back. 
• Kidneys filter 200 liters of blood every day.
• Kidneys help regulate blood pressure and direct red blood cell production.
• Kidneys remove drugs from the body.
• Kidneys balance the bodies fluids.
• One in six African Americans has signs of kidney disease

You have the power to protect your kidneys:

• Speak with you health provider and get tested for kidney disease.
• Manage your diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Share what you have learned with at-risk friends and family.
• Learn more at nkdep.nih.gov/get-involved.shtml

There are 26 million Americans who already have kidney disease, and most do not know it because there are often no symptoms until the disease has progressed. Please speak with your health care provider about your risk of kidney disease and available screenings.

Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

 ~1 Corinthians 6:19

Source: National Kidney Foundation
  www. kidney.org

Take Care Tuesday

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.  Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon and rectum. This year, over 142,000 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 50,800 will die of this disease. It is the second most deadly cancer in this country.

The good news is that with certain types of screening, this cancer can be prevented! Doctors can remove polyps (grape-like growths on the wall of the intestine) before they become cancerous. The most effective screening test at this time is a colonoscopy.

Colorectal cancer screening saves lives!! If everyone who is 50 years or older were screened regularly, as many as 60% of deaths from this cancer would be avoided.

You should begin screening for colorectal cancer soon after turning 50, then keep getting screened regularly until the age of 75. Ask your doctor if you should be screened if you're older than 75.

Certain conditions and family history make certain individuals more at risk for developing colorectal cancer. If you think you may be at high risk for colorectal cancer talk to your doctor about when and how often you should be tested.

While it may be embarrassing to discuss bathroom habits with a doctor, symptoms of colorectal cancer (including blood in stool, bloating, constant constipation, persistent diarrhea, unexplained weight loss) can begin at any age. Hiding symptoms or being embarrassed to talk to your doctor can allow pre-cancerous polyps in the colon to develop into cancerous tumors. 

Changes in bowel habits may be embarrassing, but ignoring them can kill you. Please speak with your doctor openly and honestly. Remember our body is our temple!

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, who you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore, glorify God with your bodies.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Sources:

www.cancer.org

www.cdc.gov/colorectal

Life Members

Congratulations to WMS life members Frances Hope, Wanda Wilson & Iris Mapp-pictured with Dr. Shirley Reed, WMS President during 2nd District Founder's Day celebration.

              But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.

~Acts 6:4

WMS Winter Workshop

Conference Branch President Oveta Watkins welcomed over 300 missionaries to the Washington Conference Branch (WCB) Women's Missionary Society 2013 Winter Workshop hold on February 23, 2013. Sis. Linda Thompson, 2nd Vice President of the WCB (Commission on Mission Education and Interpretation) was the Chairperson for the event. Although the weather was cold and damp outside, inside Mt. Olive AME Church's Life Center in Annapolis, MD, missionaries from the Allawadrick, Celeste Duckette, Catherine C. Hemingway, and Matilda Monroe Areas convened to focus on administrative updates and Mental Health Awareness training, fulfilling one of the Second Episcopal District's Health and Wellness Initiatives for the Conference Year.

• The WCB WMS was honored to have SED President D. Faye Conley present on the Highlights of the Amended WMS Constitution and Bylaws.  This lively discussion was one of the highlights of the day, as missionaries were informed and brought up to date on adopted changes to the Constitution and Bylaws. Constitution and Bylaws were also available for purchase.

• Sister Joan Oxendine, member of the SED Health and Wellness Initiative, presented on Health and Wellness Initiative Local Programs, highlighting programs and resources available for local societies to implement projects to bring awareness on mental health issues. A question and answer session was held after each workshop.

• Dr. Sylvia Huntley, Training Manager for the Center for the School of Mental Health at University of Maryland's School of Medicine, facilitated discussion on Mental Health Awareness in the home, community, and schools. Dr. Huntley shared real life experience in dealing with mental health professionally and personally. This informative session was enlightening and encouraged local societies to become more informed on symptoms and preventative measures.

• Rev. Johnny Calhoun of Mt. Olive AME Church addressed the attendees and brought a soul stirring welcome; it was a sermon in itself. The Mt. Olive AME Church, Georgianna Boston WMS, and staff did an outstanding job in welcoming all who attended and providing delicious breakfast and lunch.

• Conference Branch President Oveta Watkins presented the Certificate of Appreciation to SED President D. Faye Conley, Dr. Sylvia Huntley, and Sis. Joan Oxendine for their participation in Winter Workshop.

• Conference Branch President Oveta Watkins awarded The Light House the Community Service Award. The Light House of Annaoplis, MD helps rebuild lives with compassion by providing shelter and services to prevent homelessness and empower people as they transition toward self-sufficiency. The YPD of Mt. Olive also presented a contribution to The Light House to assist in their ongoing efforts in caring for the homeless.

• Closing the Winter Workshop were highlights from the WMS Executive Board Meeting held in Dallas, TX. Evaluations indicated that the majority of the attendees rated the Winter Workshop as "Outstanding."

Reported by:

 Linda Thompson, 2nd Vice President, WCB 

Chair of the Commission on Mission Education and Interpretation

Photos by: 

Cheryl Gamette

Member of the Commission of MEI