Michelle
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Thursday, August 18, 2011
August Agape Gathering
On yesterday, members of Central United Methodist Church were blessed by our youth sharing their summer experiences. Below is a video shown last night highlighting their experiences.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Agape Fellowship - Wednesday, August 17
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 6:5-7
Sometimes I get text messages from friends that I have no idea what they are talking about so I ask them "What does IMHO mean?" They will quickly reply "In My Honest/Humble Opinion." I didn't get that feeling when I read this scripture. God is clearly telling me that it is my J-O-B as a Christian parent to impress His commandments on my children. I'm supposed to live the example of a Christian life as well as talk to them about God's commandments. It seems to me that God has covered every aspect of the day with, "when I lie down and when I get up."
To often as our children approach adolescence we tend to see them as that thing that has taken over our baby. Didn't we know that they were going to go through this part of their life? So God tells us in Deuteronomy that we are supposed to prepare our children for this time by talking to them. We aren't supposed to run from them or shake our heads at them, but we should talk to them, when we sit at home, when we're at church, when we're riding down the street, before we go to bed and when we get up in the morning. I don't think that God meant just our biological children. I believe that He wants us to impress His commandments on all of our children.
The youth of Central have been very fortunate this summer. They have traveled the United States learning about themselves and how they can be leaders in mission, the United Methodist Church and the community. On Wednesday, August 17, we will have Agape fellowship which will have a Youth Sharing portion. Come out for a delicious meal and an opportunity to impress the commandments of your hearts on our children.
I wish you peace and blessings.
Michelle
Sometimes I get text messages from friends that I have no idea what they are talking about so I ask them "What does IMHO mean?" They will quickly reply "In My Honest/Humble Opinion." I didn't get that feeling when I read this scripture. God is clearly telling me that it is my J-O-B as a Christian parent to impress His commandments on my children. I'm supposed to live the example of a Christian life as well as talk to them about God's commandments. It seems to me that God has covered every aspect of the day with, "when I lie down and when I get up."
To often as our children approach adolescence we tend to see them as that thing that has taken over our baby. Didn't we know that they were going to go through this part of their life? So God tells us in Deuteronomy that we are supposed to prepare our children for this time by talking to them. We aren't supposed to run from them or shake our heads at them, but we should talk to them, when we sit at home, when we're at church, when we're riding down the street, before we go to bed and when we get up in the morning. I don't think that God meant just our biological children. I believe that He wants us to impress His commandments on all of our children.
The youth of Central have been very fortunate this summer. They have traveled the United States learning about themselves and how they can be leaders in mission, the United Methodist Church and the community. On Wednesday, August 17, we will have Agape fellowship which will have a Youth Sharing portion. Come out for a delicious meal and an opportunity to impress the commandments of your hearts on our children.
I wish you peace and blessings.
Michelle
Monday, July 4, 2011
Happy Independence Day
"For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters, only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another." Galatians 5:13
Paige and I spend some Saturday afternoons in mother-daughter time at Koinonia cafe. not just because they serve the best turkey sandwich with cranberry relish, but because the place epitomizes all that its name represents. It is truly a community place. The type of community that Jesus talked about, one that is open to all and accepting of all.
Today we celebrate freedom. The day the United States won its independence from the English monarchy. As you celebrate in whatever manner you choose, please remember that as Christians we are free as well. God bought our freedom from damnation for our past mistakes and our future missteps, but please don't use that freedom to do wrong, or focus on yourself. Instead use the freedom of Jesus Christ to love one another and to bring about a community that is open to all and accepting of all as we strive to make disciples for Jesus Christ.
How do we do that? Galatians 5:14 gives us the way, "Love others as you love yourself." When we operate in a spirit of love, we no longer focus on the faults of others, but rather on their strengths. The unity among believers is strengthened and the world sees God's people as the shining example. As an example, we can change what society sees as normal, reinstate morals and values and make love and acceptance of all the everyday thing.
Paige and I spend some Saturday afternoons in mother-daughter time at Koinonia cafe. not just because they serve the best turkey sandwich with cranberry relish, but because the place epitomizes all that its name represents. It is truly a community place. The type of community that Jesus talked about, one that is open to all and accepting of all.
Today we celebrate freedom. The day the United States won its independence from the English monarchy. As you celebrate in whatever manner you choose, please remember that as Christians we are free as well. God bought our freedom from damnation for our past mistakes and our future missteps, but please don't use that freedom to do wrong, or focus on yourself. Instead use the freedom of Jesus Christ to love one another and to bring about a community that is open to all and accepting of all as we strive to make disciples for Jesus Christ.
How do we do that? Galatians 5:14 gives us the way, "Love others as you love yourself." When we operate in a spirit of love, we no longer focus on the faults of others, but rather on their strengths. The unity among believers is strengthened and the world sees God's people as the shining example. As an example, we can change what society sees as normal, reinstate morals and values and make love and acceptance of all the everyday thing.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
What's your stake in the future?
As parents of six children Philemon and I have based a lot of our decisions on what will provide the best future for our children. From our political affiliation to our city/neighborhood of residence to our community service, we work hard at trying to provide a bright future for our children. We also believe that everyone, even children, should have a personal relationship with God, love for family and friends and a sense of giving to others, not just financially, but of our most valuable asset, our time. This helps to ensue a successful future for yourself as well as those you come in contact with.
As a community of believers, we should look at our young people, youth and children, as OUR children. We should work tirelessly to help them to secure a successful future. How do we do that you ask? By making sure that our decisions will enhance their relationship with God, teach them how to love their family and friends and make sure that they learn by our example how to give to others their talent and treasure, but most importantly their time.
The Office of the Family Life Center along with the Nurture, Outreach and Witness committees are planning a program entitled M@C, Mobilization at Central. M@C will focus on all members of Central, but first and foremost our young people. You see, our young people are not the church of tomorrow if we don't start preparing them and involving them today! As Rev. Cook has been known to say, "If you don't stand for children, you don't stand for much."
The first activity for M@C will be a Youth Retreat held in the fall. Each member of Central will be asked to participate in some capacity. Please help us to set a good example for our young people by giving of your treasure, your talent, but most importantly your time. For Rev. Cook has told us many times that "God loves a cheerful giver." So join with us and help us to stand for children.
M@C's future activities are up to you. If you are a ministry chairperson or committee member or you believe that the Family Life Center could assist a ministry with programming, please contact your NOW chairperson and the Family Life Center Director on how we can team up and work together to provide a successful future for ALL.
Michelle
As a community of believers, we should look at our young people, youth and children, as OUR children. We should work tirelessly to help them to secure a successful future. How do we do that you ask? By making sure that our decisions will enhance their relationship with God, teach them how to love their family and friends and make sure that they learn by our example how to give to others their talent and treasure, but most importantly their time.
The Office of the Family Life Center along with the Nurture, Outreach and Witness committees are planning a program entitled M@C, Mobilization at Central. M@C will focus on all members of Central, but first and foremost our young people. You see, our young people are not the church of tomorrow if we don't start preparing them and involving them today! As Rev. Cook has been known to say, "If you don't stand for children, you don't stand for much."
The first activity for M@C will be a Youth Retreat held in the fall. Each member of Central will be asked to participate in some capacity. Please help us to set a good example for our young people by giving of your treasure, your talent, but most importantly your time. For Rev. Cook has told us many times that "God loves a cheerful giver." So join with us and help us to stand for children.
M@C's future activities are up to you. If you are a ministry chairperson or committee member or you believe that the Family Life Center could assist a ministry with programming, please contact your NOW chairperson and the Family Life Center Director on how we can team up and work together to provide a successful future for ALL.
Michelle
Monday, May 16, 2011
Becoming the Change We Want To See
On Saturday, May 14, the Outreach committee of Central United Methodist Church in a collaborative effort with the Children's Defense Fund, Farish Street Missionary Baptist Church and New Hope Missionary Baptist Church held a Parents Luncheon in the Family Life Center.
To paraphrase Ghandi, we must become the change we want to see. The purpose of the luncheon was to have an open dialogue about how the churches of the Farish Street community could support the youth and parents on becoming the change that we want to see. After a delicious meal, the parents and members present actively engaged in conversation to bring about change in our community through education, support, preventative measures and intervention.
A followup activity is being planned and we hope to see more members and parents present as we become the change we want to see!
To paraphrase Ghandi, we must become the change we want to see. The purpose of the luncheon was to have an open dialogue about how the churches of the Farish Street community could support the youth and parents on becoming the change that we want to see. After a delicious meal, the parents and members present actively engaged in conversation to bring about change in our community through education, support, preventative measures and intervention.
A followup activity is being planned and we hope to see more members and parents present as we become the change we want to see!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
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.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
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 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.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Family Night Out - September 29, 2010
Family Night Out is an opportunity for the Central church family to come together to fellowship with one another over a good meal. Please make plans now to join us for Family Night Out on September 29 at 6:00 pm.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Reach for the Stars 2010 - Session II
Today was the last day of Session II of the Reach for the Stars Summer Enrichment Program. We had a blast. The program moved me to tears. If you're not a part of a mentoring group, get involved in our upcoming M@C (Mobilization at Central) program. These young people are so amazing and they just might surprise you!
Big thanks to the Pastor, Officers and members of Central United Methodist Church for your support during both sessions of the Summer Enrichment Program. I also would like to thank the following people:
Ann Collins, Program Director
Terry Varnado, Kitchen Coordinator
Brenda Harris-Washington & Christian Lattimore - 6th grade teachers
Demetreas Donald & Jasmine Stiff - 7th grade teachers
Tene Dixon & Bennye Henderson - 8th grade teachers
Renauldo Milsap & Johniel McIntosh - High School teachers
Cheryl Collins, Program Assistant
Kim Robinson, Program Assistant
Mattie Stevens, Adult Supervisor
Kizzye Newell, Kitchen Assistant
LaTerence Varnado, Kitchen Assistant
Rose Smith, Kitchen Volunteer
Oliver Jefferson, Recreation Coordinator
Collins Funeral Home for the loan of some of your employees (Effie Collins, Ralph Collins)
Southern Christian Services for Children and Youth
LaMorne's Dance Studio
West Jackson CDC
The Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi
and D.I.V.A.A.S. and L.E.A.D. of Anderson UMC who have assisted with Session II.
Big thanks to the Pastor, Officers and members of Central United Methodist Church for your support during both sessions of the Summer Enrichment Program. I also would like to thank the following people:
Ann Collins, Program Director
Terry Varnado, Kitchen Coordinator
Brenda Harris-Washington & Christian Lattimore - 6th grade teachers
Demetreas Donald & Jasmine Stiff - 7th grade teachers
Tene Dixon & Bennye Henderson - 8th grade teachers
Renauldo Milsap & Johniel McIntosh - High School teachers
Cheryl Collins, Program Assistant
Kim Robinson, Program Assistant
Mattie Stevens, Adult Supervisor
Kizzye Newell, Kitchen Assistant
LaTerence Varnado, Kitchen Assistant
Rose Smith, Kitchen Volunteer
Oliver Jefferson, Recreation Coordinator
Collins Funeral Home for the loan of some of your employees (Effie Collins, Ralph Collins)
Southern Christian Services for Children and Youth
LaMorne's Dance Studio
West Jackson CDC
The Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi
and D.I.V.A.A.S. and L.E.A.D. of Anderson UMC who have assisted with Session II.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Agape Gathering
The Family Life Center will host the Agape gathering on Wednesday, July 21, 6 pm in the Family Life Center. We will also celebrate the July birthdays at this time.
The Summer Enrichment Program participants have been working hard to WOW you with what they've learned in the classroom and MADD (music, art, dance and drama) camps. Please let us know if you will attend by calling the Family Life Center at 601.355.7858.
The Summer Enrichment Program participants have been working hard to WOW you with what they've learned in the classroom and MADD (music, art, dance and drama) camps. Please let us know if you will attend by calling the Family Life Center at 601.355.7858.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Summer Reading Workshops
The Richard Wright Library, located at 515 W. McDowell Road will be offering several workshops this summer.
English II Exam Writing Workshops:
English II Exam Writing Workshops:
- Saturday, June 26, 2010 10 am - 12 pm 10th, 11th & 12th grade
Summer Reading and Storyboard Workshops:
- Saturday, July 10, 2010 10 am - 12 pm K, 1st and 2nd grades
- Saturday, July 17, 2010 10 am - 12 pm 3rd grade
- Saturday, July 24, 2010 10 am - 12 pm 4th grade
Kindergarten: Brown Bear, Brown Bear and Goodnight Moon, First Grade: Olivia and Sheep Out to Eat, Second Grade: Harold and the Purple Crayon and Something Beautiful, Third Grade: Through Grandpa's Eyes and Uncle Jed's Barbershop, Fourth Grade: Charlotte's Web and Talk About a Family.
Summer Book Club for Students and Parents/Guardians
- Thursday, June 17, 2010 6 pm - 7:30 pm 8th grade
- Thursday, June 24, 2010 6 pm - 7:30 pm 8th grade
- Thursday, July 1, 2010 6 pm - 7:30 pm 8th grade
- Thursday, July 8, 2010 6 pm - 7:30 pm 9th grade
- Thursday, July 15, 2010 6 pm - 7:30 pm 9th grade
- Thursday, July 22, 2010 6 pm - 7:30 pm 9th grade
Eighth grade: Gifted Hands, Ninth grade: To Kill a Mocking Bird
Students are expected to read the book (s) before attending the workshop. Please bring a copy of the book with you. Parents must attend Summer Reading and Book Club workshops with students.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Worship service was truly a blessing today. Rev. Cook preached on the subject The Value of a Loving Father. The Angels of Praise and M.I.M.E.s performed in honor of the fathers of Central United Methodist Church. Three new members completed new members class and were awarded their certificate of membership.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Happy Father's Day
In honor of all fathers, Central United Methodist Church hosted a Father's Day Cookout which was free and open to the public. A very special thank you to AJ's Security Bars and Doors for being our grillmaster, A Greener Farish for the prizes, Attorney Melvin Priester for being our celebrity judge and the Farish Street community for supporting our efforts.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Easter Activities at Central UMC
March 28, 2010
8:30 AM
Palm Sunday Celebration
11:00 AM
Annual Women's Day
March 29 - 31, 2010
Holy Week Services
12:00 NOON Daily
St. Luke UM Church
7:00 PM nightly
Farish Street District Churches
April 2, 2010 6:00 PM
Good Friday Service
April 3, 2010 10:00 AM
Easter Egg Hunt
Ages 12 and under
April 4, 2010
(no 8:30 AM service)
9:30 AM
Children/Youth Program
11:00 AM
Easter Sunday Service
Thursday, February 18, 2010
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!
What a wonderful time to invite family members and friends to share in this wonderful celebration!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
On Monday, January 18, 2010, Central United Methodist Church and New Hope Missionary Baptist Church joined together in A Day On, Not A Day Off, a celebration of the birth of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The day was filled with activity. We began with a Prayer Breakfast with Rev. Cook giving the message. His topic was There's No Shortcut to the Promised Land. New Hope provided a delicious breakfast which prepared us for Phase II, the cleanup. Five separate groups set out about the Farish Street District picking up trash and passing out recycle bins. Members of the community had planned a march and rally at the State Capitol in protest to the possible merging of Mississippi's Historically Black Colleges and Universities. What a beautiful experience to see the multi-generational crowd marching for the same cause. I have put together a video of the photos that were taken from that day. Let us always remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King in our daily actions, not just on the holiday celebrating his birth.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Souper Bowl I
In an effort to eradicate hunger and promote education in the Farish Street district, the Outreach Committee of Central United Methodist Church, through the office of the Family Life Center will host Souper Bowl I on Saturday, February 6. We will serve soup to homeless and indigent residents of the district as well as persons who enter our Family Life Center beginning at 3 PM. We have invited youth from across the city to join us in this service project.
There will also be a Souper Bowl Dance beginning at 6 PM in the Family Life Center. We are asking for two school supply items as admission. The items will be donated to Brown Elementary School. Concessions will be available.
Join us for this worthwhile event!
There will also be a Souper Bowl Dance beginning at 6 PM in the Family Life Center. We are asking for two school supply items as admission. The items will be donated to Brown Elementary School. Concessions will be available.
Join us for this worthwhile event!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
YAM Dinner Meeting
The Young Adult Ministry of Central United Methodist Church invite you to share food, fun and fellowship with us on Saturday, January 23, 5:30 pm at Hamil's Restaurant Hwy 51 in Madison. Please find a babysitter and bring CASH. The entire bill will be split among all diners.
For a list of menu items and directions, please visit http://hamils.com.
For a list of menu items and directions, please visit http://hamils.com.
Parents Night Out
Join us for Parents Night Out on Friday, January 22 at 6:00 pm in the Family Life Center. Parents Night Out is an opportunity for children to have fun in a safe environment while parents have the opportunity to focus on their relationship.
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