Prayer

"Everyone prays in their own language, and there is no language that God does not understand."

Duke Ellington

As we began to teach our children about prayer, we first felt it important to set the example, so we pray in their presence each night. Then we taught them what I term the lullaby prayer, "Now I lay me down to sleep,...". Next there was the Lord's prayer, which was greatly helped by them going to a private Christain school where the Lord's prayer was said daily. The older they get, the more we talk about prayer. We explain to them that your prayer is your conversation with God. Tell him whatever it is that you want him to know. He is your best friend and will keep your secrets and give you comfort in trying times. There is nothing that you can't say to him and no sin so great that he won't forgive. His love is unconditional and eternal.

In Stormie Omartian's book The Power of a Praying Parent, yesterday's thought for the day was "If you're aware of a child who doesn't have a praying parent, you can step into the gap right now and answer that need. You can effect a change in the life of any child you care about." That moved me, because I truly feel that we as a race of people are standing at the crossroads with a decision to make. It is imperative that the churches in the African-American communities step up their efforts to support the children within in our congregation and outside of our walls. There are children who may not have the privilege of parents who can teach them about the love of God and how to communicate with Him. As we make our decision on which path to take, I hope that we prayerfully consider those who need us the most, our children, and what is best for them.

I wish you peace and blessings.

Black History Month

February 1 marks the beginning of Black History Month, an annual celebration of achievements and contributions of African-Americans. It is also a time to recognize the impact that African-Americans had in the development of social, political and economic structures of America and other countries.

Black History Month grew from the Negro History Week founded by Carter G. Woodson and his Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. His organization was dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by black Americans and other people of African descent. The first Negro History week was held the 2nd week in February, 1926. This week was significant in the fact that it coincided with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford officially recognized the month of February as Black History Month calling for all to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history." Since then, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.

Take the next 27 days to teach our children about the many accomplishments of African-Americans in the United States and the world. Let them know that as they stand on the backs of those who have gone before them, it is imperative that they leave a legacy for the generation to come build on. To whom much is given, much is required.

Black History Celebration

Central United Methodist Church celebrated Black History month this year on Sunday, February 21 and Sunday, February 28.



Sunday, February 21

The Green Elementary Choir blessed our congregation with Negro Spirituals and traditional African-American hymns. The choir, who is known as the Mellow Tones, celebrated ten (10) years of sharing with the Central church family. Our own Marilyn Clark is the principal of Green Elementary School.



Sunday, February 28, 8:30 am

Lest We Forget: Black Poets and Composers was the theme of the early morning service. There were speakers from the congregation as well as guest poets who brought beautiful original poems and poems by famous African-Americans. The Morning Glory singers provided beautiful music from spirituals to contemporary composers.



Sunday, February 28, 11:00 am

The Heroes of the Community celebration began with the honoring of Mr. Luther B. Buckley and Rev. Henry C. Clay. The congregation was dressed in traditional African attire and shared a soul food dinner after service. The liturgical dance ministry presented its newest expansion, the MIME (Males in Musical Expression) ministry. The group of young men made an outstanding first impression on the congregation of Central.

Black History Month

February is Black History Month and like most organizations in America, Central is planning several activities to celebrate this time of year. On Sunday, February 21 at 11:00 am, the youth of Central will present a play about Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott. As our special guests, the members of Green Elementary choir will perform. On Sunday, February 28 at the 8:30 service, the Morning Glory Singers will present Lest We Forget - Words of Black Poets and Composers. The 11:00 service will have a Heroes of the Community Celebration in which members of the congregation are asked to attend service dressed in traditional African attire. Lunch will be served immediately after the 11:00 am service.

What a wonderful time to invite family members and friends to share in this wonderful celebration!