L EADERSHIP EVELOPMENT CLASS THIS ONTH AT T M ZIONwearemtzion.com/uploads/MtZionNewsletters/February 2013.pdf · Volume 14; Issue 9 Rev. Dr. Atu O. White, Pastor February 2013 L 9:00

Volume 14; Issue 9 Rev. Dr. Atu O. White, Pastor February 2013

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT CLASS THIS MONTH AT MT. ZION

February 9, 2013 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

INSTRUCTOR, DR. KIRK BYRON JONES

DR. JONES' BIO: Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, as the second son to the late Frederick and Ora Mae Jones, Kirk

Byron Jones is a graduate of Loyola University and Andover Newton Theological School, and

holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Emory University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree

from Drew University.

A pastor for over thirty years, Dr. Jones was the founding minister of Beacon Light Baptist Church in New Orleans,

and Senior Minister at Calvary Baptist Church, Chester, PA; Ebenezer Baptist Church, Boston, MA; and the First Bap-

tist Churches of Randolph, Whitman, and Tewksbury MA. Throughout his pastoral ministry, Rev. Jones has served on

various religious and civic committees at the local and national level.

An adjunct professor of ethics, preaching, and pastoral ministry at Andover Newton Theological School, Dr. Jones

serves as guest preacher and teacher at churches, schools and conferences throughout the United States. His writings

have been published in various journals, including The Christian Century, Leadership, and Gospel Today, Pulpit Di-

gest, and The African American Pulpit, a quarterly preaching journal he co-founded in 1997.

Dr. Jones is the author of several best-selling books including: Rest in the Storm: Self-Care Strategies for Clergy and Other Caregivers

Addicted to Hurry: Spiritual Strategies for Slowing Down

The Jazz of Preaching: How to Preach with Great Freedom and Joy

Morning B.R.E.W.: A Divine Power Drink for Your Soul

The Morning B.R.E.W. Journal

Holy Play: The Joyful Adventure of Unleashing Your Divine Purpose

Say Yes to Grace: How to Burn Bright Without Burning Out

Say Yes to Grace: The Facebook Page Reflections

The Sacred Seven: How to Create, Manage, and Sustain a Fulfilling Life

In Fall, 2013, Abingdon Press will publish his most recent work, Fulfilled: Living and Leading with Unusual Wisdom,

Peace, and Joy.

Dr. Jones is the creator/author of the Facebook page “Yes to Grace” where he offers brief inspirational presentations in

words and images.

He is married to Mary Brown-Jones. They have 4 adult children, 2 grandchildren, and reside in Randolph, MA.

FEBRUARY

Feb. 1---------------------Sis. Toria Bobbitt

Feb. 1------------------Sis. Zynia Volkinski

Feb. 2---------------Sis. Frances Caldwell

Feb. 2-----------------Sis. Patricia Grundy

Feb. 2----------------Bro. Marcus Pitts, III

Feb. 3--------------------Sis. Tanisha Perry

Feb. 3---------------------Sis. Alice Sanders

Feb. 4---Sis. Theresa Caldwell-Mitchell

Feb. 4-------------------Bro. Michael Gray

Feb. 6-------------------Sis. Lugussie Dean

Feb. 9-------------------Sis. Kiara Mickens

Feb. 9------------------Sis. Taylor Mickens

Feb. 9---------------Sis. Leona Nicholson

Feb. 11-------------Bro. Linwood Garner

Feb. 11------------Rev. Milton White, Jr.

Feb. 14--------------Sis. Armatha Bullock

Feb. 14--Sis. Thomasine Hollis-Thomas

Feb. 15----------------Sis. Tanisha Garner

Feb. 15-----------Bro. George Garvin Jr.

Feb. 15--------Bro. Daejaun Thompson

Feb. 17--------------Sis. Nicole Robinson

Feb. 19---------------Bro. Alfonso Shaver

Feb. 24---------------Sis. Shawna Jackson

Feb. 26-------------------Sis. Delores Culp

Feb. 26----------------------Sis. Beth Irving

Feb. 27-------------------Sis. Gloria Carter

Feb. 28-----------------Sis. Faye Caldwell

WHEN THE NEW YEAR ARRIVES

Written by Lawrence S. Pertillar

I hate to leave you--like the ones I've done

before.

Uncertain if my best was applied;

Unsure if I could have one more.

Blocked by denial--who knows--or maybe a

pride I kept inside that continues to grow?

However, I do express a Thankfulness,

knowing together nothing we did bored.

I look forward to the 'new year' that arrives intending to show I've been taught.

All doubts aside...my life is to be explored!

Why should I keep hidden an excitement felt

inside?

And opportunities to be happy and grateful?

I will never sit and wait...contemplating a

knock to deliver 'that' to my door!

Not anymore--nor will it be left ignored,

again!

That is a promise to myself--when the new

year arrives, and for me begins!

Hello...am I ready?

In two thousand and thirteen, there is much

to be discussed and seen;

As to what's to be served on my plate, and how I wish to be treated thru-out this date!

Shall I proceed to fulfill my dreams, wishes,

wants and needs?

I'll try not to be too greedy with these!

I've learned from my past not to be afraid to ask--WHEN THE NEW YEAR ARRIVES!!!

*****

This poem was composed by my

brother, Larry, and I wanted to share

it with the church members

Submitted by Sis. Andrea P. Dixon

Mt. Zion's 36th

Church Anniversary---

By the Numbers

Thirty-six years ago this month, February 6, 1977, a small Christian delegation was officially set aside as Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Greater Springfield. Forty-two people, most-ly from Faith Baptist Church (Springfield), along with their fami-lies, paved the way for many more to follow.

In its 36 year history--by the num-bers--Mt. Zion has had:

Two (2) Locations: (1) The basement of

Gardner Memorial AME Church for its first 8 months (Feb-Oct, 1977)

and (2) Our current location, 368 Bay Street, where we've been

since November 1977

Four (4) Pastors: Rev. Willie Wilkerson-------1978-1990 Rev. Morris A. Goggins, Sr.--1991-1999 Rev. James B. Williams-----2000-2008 Rev. Dr. Atu O. White-----2011 present

14 Years of Operating a Soup Kitchen,

where several thousand meals have been served

Hundreds of Mt. Zion Members

Countless Blessings

And through it all, ONLY ONE (1) GOD!!!

Because of the hard work and deter-mination of our first members, the leadership and visions of our Pastors, and most of all, the undying faith and trust in God by past and present Mt. Zionites...Mt. Zion has truly been blessed.

Happy 36th Anniversary, Mt. Zion!!

The celebration of our 36th Church Anniversary

will take place in May.

Detailed information to come!

GIVING STATEMENTS

ARE READY

2012 Giving/Tax Statements are

now available. If you have NOT

received your statement, please

see the Church Financial Secre-

tary, Sis. Lois Bass-

Peterson or the

Church Treasurer,

Sis. Mary Moore,

as soon as possible.

A NEW M EMBER

One new members joined

Mt. Zion in January

BRO. KYLE L. MAY Date Joined: January 27, 2013

Method: Candidate for Baptism

Welcome Bro. May!

To All Baptism Candidates

A meeting of all candidates for bap-

tism will be held here at the Church

on Wednesday, February 13, 2013, at

6:00 p.m. with Pastor White. If you

are a baptism candidate, you must

attend this meeting.

Baptism This

Month

Baptism Service

will take place

on the third

Sunday of this

month, Sunday, February 17, at 10:20

a.m. Please be present to welcome

our new converts and witness this

wonderful service.

Baptized Last Month

One member was baptized this past

month --Sis. Gwendolyn Godbolt on

Sunday, January 27, 2013.

Congratulations Sis. Godbolt

Soup Kitchen Celebrates Another Year

In February 1999, the Mt. Zion Soup Kitchen opened its doors for the first time. This month marks its 14th anni-versary.

On almost every Wednesday in the last 14 years, the Staff has prepared and served meals to community residents.

Currently, the Soup Kitchen's hours of operation are Wednesdays 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Starting a little later this year, however, it plans to undergo several changes, including new hours, possibly a new name, and added staff. (More information to come on this.)

Current members of the Soup Kitchen Ministry are Sis. Andrea Dixon, Sis. Arlene Garner, Sis. Lucille Hogan, Dea. Louis Jones, Sr., Sis. Sarah Jones, Sis. Betty Mayweathers, Dea. Steve Powell and Sis. Phyllis Thraster.

Happy Anniversary,

Mt. Zion Soup Kitchen!

Son/Brother Ordained On January 13, 2013, Dea. Steve Powell,

Deaconess Wanda Powell and Sis. Kelli

Powell attended the Deacon Ordination Ser-vice for their son and brother respectively,

Bro. Ericc Powell, at Montgomery Hills Baptist Church in Silver Spring, Maryland. At the 11

a.m. worship service, the Pastor,, Rev, Joel Hawthorne, directed his sermon, "Set Aside"

(taken from Acts 6:1-7) to his deacons. He said there are four purposes of deacons: 1)

To serve/minister to the human needs of the congregation; 2) To build up the fellowship of

the Church, helping to maintain unity; 3) To free up the Pastor to do the work he's called

to do--praying and proclaiming the Word; and 4) To enable the church to reach more people

for Jesus Christ. Rev. Hawthorne said when the Church comes to crossroads and deci-

sions have to be made, if the deacons ask themselves which road will help accomplish

these goals, they will always make the right decisions.

The actual ordination service took place im-mediately following the sermon, with Ericc

and one other person, being ordained. It was a simple, yet beautifully touching ceremony.

Keeping New Year's

Resolutions Written By (newly ordained)

Dea. Ericc Powell

A number of us probably made New

Year's resolutions last month, some

of which we are still working on,

while others we have already aban-

doned. But last year, on January 1,

2012, I made a resolution to run in a

half marathon (13.1 miles) each

month during 2012. I am very

pleased to say that at year end, I had

completed this resolution. Here's

where I ran:

January ------------------Pasadena, CA

February--------------------Austin, TX

March ----------------Washington, DC

April-------------------Cambridge, MD

May ------------------------Fulton, MD

June------------------Minneapolis, MN

July------------------------Brighton, MI

August------------------Providence, RI

September-----------------Westerly, RI

October----------Shepherdstown, WV

November ---------------Monson, MA

December -----Bridgetown, Barbados

It was so exhilarating and peaceful to

not only accomplish my 2012 New

Year's resolution in a healthy way,

but finishing in style in Barbados. It

is amazing how one can see God in

many things and through various

means. It was evident to me that it

was only by the grace of God that I

was able to reach my goal.

I am so happy that I somewhat spon-

taneously set out on this endeavor

and stayed committed throughout to

make sure I succeeded. Never sell

yourself short. There are always ex-

cuses not to do something. So take

some time to think...what is really

and truly preventing you from doing

what you want to do? Keep those

New Year resolutions!

***

P.S. Thank you Mt. Zion for giving me

a solid foundation upon which I could build my strength, my faith, and my

life. Remembering where you came

from and how you got here is essential, and I owe a lot to Mt. Zion. Thank you!

Sign-up Now for

UBC Congress of Christian Education

The United Bap-

tist Convention

(UBC) of MA,

RI, and NH will

hold its Annual

Congress of

Christian Educa-

tion session on Saturday, March

16 2013, at Worcester State Col-

lege, in Worcester MA.

The cost to attend is $20 per per-

son. (Mt. Zion will subsidize half

of this amount.)

To register, see Dea. Steve Powell

by Sunday, February 17, 2013.

New Administrative Assistant & Marketing Consultant

At the Officers' Installation Service on Sunday, January 13, 2013, Pastor White introduced two new Independent Con-tractors who will be working for Mt. Zion:

Sis. Marcia Borders is the new Part-time Church Administrative Assistant. Among her varying responsibilities are preparing the bulletins, creating the slides for the Visual Ministry, and updating and main-taining the Church website and member-ship roster. Sis. Borders' hours at the Church are: Mondays: 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Fridays: 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The new Marketing Consultant is Sis, Milca Benson. Some of Sis Benson's responsibilities include helping to devel-op and implement a comprehensive Mar-keting Plan for Mt. Zion, and assisting in the brand designs and implementation for individual ministries within the Church.

Welcome Sis. Borders and Sis. Benson

Brianna Fund Emcees The Brianna Fund for Children with Phys-ical Disabilities celebrated its 15th Anni-versary on Saturday, January 19, 2013 with a Martin Luther King, Jr. Gospel Concert entitled "Families in Praise To-gether in the Spirit." Serving as emcees for this wonderful event were our own Pastor and First lady, Rev. Dr. Atu O. White and Dr. Yolanda Lenzy-White.

Throughout the 3-hour program, Rev. & Sis. White enthusiastically introduced each performing family and kept the spirit high at the Evangelical Covenant Church, Springfield, where the event was held. Each gospel group was awesome, but so were the emcees!

Founded in October 1998 to assist chil-dren with physical disabilities by eliminat-ing barriers of access to community re-sources, the Brianna Fund has to date provided grants to over 40 families in the Greater Springfield community.

Youth Ministry The first "official" meeting of Mt. Zi-

on Youth (students in middle school

through high school) took place on Fri-

day, January 25, 2013. At this gather-

ing, which was attended by eight (8)

students, the Pastor outlined three

components of his vision for our Youth.

They were:

1. Spiritual Growth--Discussion of

Youth Bible Study...Growing and learn-

ing more about the Bible.

2. Connection--Meeting with new peo-

ple and connecting with each other.

3. Fellowship--Moments of interaction

with each other such as activities out-

side the church and in the community.

At the meeting, the Youth decided to

begin having an activity on the first

Friday of each month. This month's

First Friday Fellowship activity, held

February 1, was a roller skating outing.

Also, Youth Wednesday Bible School

will begin on February 13, 2013, running

concurrent with the Adult Bible School

from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The Youth Ministry Advisors are: Rev.

Milton White, Ministry Leader,. Sis.

Stacia Brown, Sis. Charlotte Caldwell,

Sis. Camillia Comeaux, Bro. Michael

Housey Sis. Mary Moore, Sis.

Charlette Scott, and Sis. Luz White.

Information provided by Sis. Stacia Brown

Pastor to Preach at Bethlehem

Our Pastor, Rev. Dr. Atu White, will

be the guest preacher at Bethlehem

Baptist Community Church, 304 Elm

Street, Holyoke, MA on Sunday,

February 24, 2013 at 3:30 p.m. in

celebration of their Officers Day.

Please Mark your calendars and plan

to attend. Everyone is invited.

Flu Shots: Get Vaccinated for the Flu, Now!!

Vaccination is important for everyone

ages 6 months and older. The Ameri-

can Lung Association's flu vaccine finer

at http://flushot.healthmap.org

can help you find the

right place for you and

your family to get vac-

cinated.

People who are at high

risk for complications of

the flu--pregnant wom-

en, men and women over

50, those with chronic diseases like

asthma or who have compromised im-

mune systems--are especially urged to

do so.

Healthy habits, such as washing your

hands often and getting plenty of rest

and fluids are helpful, but an annual flu

shot is your best protection.

Submitted by Sis. Earlean Caldwell, Nursing Ministry Leader

Church Women United Church Women United of Greater Spring-field held its first of four 2013 meetings on Friday, January 25, 2013 at Canaan Baptist Church of Christ in Springfield. Church Women United units seek to be informed and proactive in addressing issues on health, environmental care, justice and economic justice from the perspective of women, children, and families around the world.

The theme for the January meeting was "Breaking Down Doors of Injustice." In attendance at this meeting from Mt. Zion were Sis. Delores Culp, Sis. Andrea Dix-on, Sis. Christine Hartsfield, Sis. Deborah Jones, and Sis. Wanda Powell.

MEMBER RECEIVES DEGREE Sis. Essence Eddington, daughter of Sis. Janet Bass Eddington, recently received her Associates of Arts Degree from Springfield Technical Communi-ty College.

Congratulations, Essence, On a Job Well Done!!!

GRANDPARENT'S CORNER Written Sis. Andrea P. Dixon

Sis. Andrea Dixon would like to announce that granddaughter T'Ana J. Pertillar, has made the Dean's List At American International College (AIC). T'Ana has three (3) years in attendance, and has been an outstanding student. The Dixon and Pertillar families are so proud of her.

Keep up the good work, T'Ana.

Also, grand-son, Kevin L. Jackson, received another pennant and tro-phy for playing football with the Springfield Longhorns. They had a great year.

Way to go, Kev! You and your team were the best!

At an exposition of Karate levels held at the Mary Lynch Elementary School on January 31, 2013, Kamara Jackson received her yel-low belt by breaking a board in half which was held by her mother, Sis. Shayla Dixon. Kamara achieved the yellow belt level.

Watch out for those hands, world. Continue the good work of concentration, Kamara

Love, Nana

Son To Go To EL Salvador

for Habitat for Humanity

Dea. Ericc Powell, son of Dea. Steve Powell

and Deaconess Wanda Powell, will be taking a

trip to El Salvador this summer--not for fun or

pleasure, but to help build houses for Habitat

for Humanity. Below is a request from Ericc...

* * * * * Dear Family &Friends,

It is with exciting news that I am going on a Habitat

for Humanity Global Village trip in July. Many of you

probably know that I have had a close relationship

with Habitat for Humanity since 2003, when I first

got involved through Providence College Alternative

Spring Break trips. Since then, I have partnered with

local affiliates and become more involved in the mis-

sion.

Of course, I am still looking for more ways to get

involved with Habitat, and am excited about this

July's Global Village trip to El Salvador. Habitat for

Humanity International has Global Village trips to

various parts of the world, and my local Habitat affil-

iate in Montgomery County, MD, organizes one to El

Salvador.

I truly believe in everyone having a home and a place

to rest for the evening. I want to do my part to work

with and serve alongside others in an effort to build

affordable housing, bring people out of poverty, and

watch people's lives change for the better. I invite

you to join me in my journey and give a tax deducti-

ble donation to Habitat for Humanity, which assists

me in my fundraising the required $1,370.00 for the

trip. I will need to cover the cost of the flight on my

own, but any amount of money you are able to do-

nate is greatly appreciated. If you are unable or un-

willing to donate, I am grateful for your prayers and

well wishes.

My donation page, as well as more information, is

located here:

http://share.habitat.org/ericc-powell-morazan-el-

salvador.

Que dios te bendiga! May God bless you!

-Ericc--

Happy Valentine's Day, Mt. Zionites!

BLACK HISTORY MONTH BLACK INVENTORS--A WORLD WITHOUT THE INVENTIONS OF BLACKS!

For Black History Month, The Mt. Zion Messenger has chosen to highlight the contributions of Black Inventors. Have

you ever thought about Black inventions? If not, take a look at the list below and ask yourself what would our world be

like if we didn't have these inventions. And while you are perusing the list, keep in mind, these are just a very few of the

many, many items invented/patented by Black people:

Alexander Miles invented an improvement to the opening and closing of Elevator Doors.

Alfred Cralle invented the Ice Cream Scoop, a practical design that is still used today.

Alice Parker invented and patented the Gas Heating Furnace.

Augustus Hall Lloyd patented Methods for Preserving and Sterilizing Foods.

Augustus Jackson improved the Method of Manufacturing Ice Cream.

Benjamin Banneker developed the first Clock built in the US and one of the first Pocket Watches--made of wood.

Charles Brooks invented the Street Sweeper.

Elbert R. Robinson invented the Electric Trolley, which was a precursor to the rapid transit system.

Frederick Jones invented a practical, mechanical Refrigeration System for Trucks and Railroad Cars.

Garrett A. Morgan invented the Traffic Signals.

George Washington Carver invented over 300 products from peanuts--including peanut butter.

George "Speck" Crum--invented the Potato Chip.

George Sampson invented the Clothes Dryer.

Granville T. Woods invented the Automatic Cut off Switch to control the flow of electricity.

Jan E. Matzelinger invented the Shoe Lasting Machine. which could produce 700 shoes in 10 hrs. vs 50 by humans.

John Burr invented the Rotary Blade Lawn Mower.

John Love invented the precursor to the Pencil Sharpener.

John Standard invented the Oil Stove and the Refrigerator.

Joseph Smith patented the invention of the Lawn Sprinkler.

Lee Burridge invented the Type Writing Machine.

Lewis Latimer patented improved Methods for Producing Carbon Filament Light Bulbs.

Lloyd P. Ray invented the Dust Pan.

Madam C.J. Walker invented the Hot Comb and developed Hair Products for Black Women.

Marie Van Brittan Brown invented a closed Circuit Television Security System.

Michael Harvey invented the Lantern.

Philip Downing invented the street Letter box for postal customers.

Richard Spikes invented the Automatic Gear Shift.

Sarah Boone patented improvements to the Ironing Board.

Thomas Jennings invented a Dry Cleaning Press.

Thomas W. Steward invented the Mop.

W. A. Lavalette invented the Advanced Printing Press.

Walter Sammons invented the Comb.

William Barry invented the Postmarking and Canceling Machine.

William Purvis invented the Fountain Pen and the Hand Stamp.

Willis Johnson invented an Early Mixing (Egg Beater) Machine.

What would this country be like without the contributions of African Americans? Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, is quoted

as having. said, “By the time we leave for work, millions of Americans have depended on the inventions from the minds

of Blacks.”

Something for us to think about... http://harlemworldmag.com/2010/02/23/black-history-month-inventors/

http://inventors.about.com/od/blackinventors/a/black_inventors.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_African-American_inventors_and_scientists

http://www.blackinventor.com/

http://inventors.about.com/od/famousinventions/u/history_biography.htm

http://www.snopes.com/business/origins/blackinv.asp

https://sites.google.com/site/newspaperpage1/alice-parker-and-the-heating-furnace

http://absw.wordpress.com/tag/dr-martin-luther-king-jr/

VALENTINE’S DAY Thursday, February 14, 2013

Remember to show your love to your loved ones on Valentine’s Day and always!

Mt. Zion Baptist Church 368 Bay Street Springfield, MA

I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of

wickedness. (Psalms 84:10)

...Love worketh no

ill to his neighbor;

therefore love is the

fulfilling of the law.

Romans 13:10

For God so loved the

world that He gave His

only begotten Son that

whosoever believeth in

Him should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

And now abideth

faith, hope, love,

these three; but the

greatest of these is

love.

I Corinthians 13:13

Owe no man any-

thing, But to love

one another.

Romans 13:8

...but thou shalt

love thy neighbor

as thyself.

Leviticus 19:18

I will love thee,

O Lord, my

strength.

Psalm 18:1