To My Ebenezer Family!

To God be the glory, for the great things He hath done!

We are halfway through the year of 2015. It’s hot, sticky, and without air conditioning, quite uncomfortable! In spite of it all, God is still moving. Thank you all for your approval of me to be the Interim Pastor of such a great church filled with Christ honoring people. Honestly, I never saw this coming!

I also must add, I truly don’t understand all the implications of the interim role. My aim—goal—remains to be what it always has been, to please God in whatever assignment He gives me. I humbly admit that I need Him in every task which I need to partake of to reach each goal.

It’s my prayer for us, both individually and collectively, with each challenge, whether we see it as a goal or obstacle, whatever the circumstances, that we would seek God by faith to show us what we should do and how we should do it. I must say, after being in meetings, and learning of pressing decisions that must be made, I am also confident that the leadership of this body has nothing but the utmost respect for God and the local body we serve. I am also confident that whenever God leads us, we are well able to rise to the challenge and act on behalf of our Great God, to bring to fruition all of His purposes for the Ebenezer Baptist Church. To all of our body who are going through in the present season, know that we are not only praying for you, but submit ourselves to your healing and well-being. We endeavor to comfort you, with the same comfort we receive from God (2Cor.14). To our new family members, we look forward to growing with you, in great anticipation of your maturing into the full measure of the stature of Christ! To our young adults, keep your hands in God’s hand, laying aside every weight of sin which will weigh you down. To our seniors, continue to fight the good fight of faith, knowing that your labor is not in vain! Together, let us continue to hold up our banner for the Lord, proclaiming to the world “If any man be in Christ, He is a new Creature! Old things have passed away, Behold, all things have become new!” May the grace of God bless you all as we seek to make Him known in every life He created!

For His glory,

Elder Eric, Cameira and Family

T

THE    

  Ebenezer CONNECTION

 A Message from the Elder

 

 

                       Youth Report – Lott Carey By: Samantha Gillyard

Upon arriving at Lott Carey Youth Seminar, I had chosen to be a Family Group Leader for 14 & 15 year old youth. I was filled with excitement on arrival to the campus where the seminar would be held. It was day 2 of leading the youth that I had reached my breaking point.

I had come in with a big heart and open arms, and felt hurt because I didn’t feel my love was being accepted. Though I had lead youth of this age group before, this was different. I realized that I was so stuck on trying to be the coolest leader at Lott Carey that I forgot that I was supposed to be leading and helping the youth advance in their learning about God.

Later that night, I asked God to guide me throughout the process because I was at leadership. The remainder of the trip was amazing. I met so many youth that hungered for knowledge and searching for someone to speak to about their spiritual journey. This was a very pivotal moment of the trip because as much I wanted to lead, I too was like them; hungry for knowledge and searching for someone to share my journey with.

When I was getting ready to leave, it was bittersweet. I realized that I had come to Lott Carey with a different path in mind, but was given greater insight into my life. I realized that the love I was trying to give out on day 2 was received, it was received by all the youth that I came in contact with, all the youth that shared their stories with me and it made the trip so meaningful.

 

 

The  YEAR  of  THE  WORD!    

Church Wide Picnic  

Ebenezer will host its annual church picnic on August 29th at Druid Hill Park. There will be good food and games for all to enjoy. This event is for everyone to enjoy. Ebenezer families and all interested persons should contact Trustee Ardelia Lokeman or Deacon Ransom to register in order for them to plan for the interested persons and families.

 

Congratulations to our own Elder Taylor as

he has been voted in as interim Pastor of Ebenezer. This is a well-deserved

nomination and his dedication and support have been duly noticed by all. We give our

support and love as he continues to give his best to build, teach and deliver God’s Word to His people. Again, our hearts and prayers

are with you.

 

 

Ministry  Highlight  

Children’s Church The Children’s Church is held the 3rd and 4th Sunday of each month in the lower sanctuary, overseen by Cameira Taylor. This is an opportunity for our youth to learn of God’s love for them thru His Word, as well as participate in activities that will help them to identify with lessons learned. It also gives parents the opportunity to concentrate on and absorb themselves in the sermon.                                                                                                              

 

Surfing the Web Effective with this issue you will now be able to

get the Newsletter on the Web. We are excited to bring to all members with access to

the internet The Connection via this media which is so convenient and much more cost effective. This is due to the expertise of Brother LeVar Williams who has agreed as one of the newest members to our Newsletter Committee to offer this service to our congregation. Thanks Brother LeVar. The Ebenezer Website address is: www.visitebenezer.org

BUILD CONFIDENCE Where It’s Lacking

Do you need courage to stand up for someone who’s being bullied or taken advantage of? Do you need wisdom to know how to share your faith with someone who’s facing a crisis? Do you need perceptiveness to deal with criticism that’s been leveled at you?

When you actively seek to deepen your relationship with Jesus through prayer and reading the Scriptures, you will gain the wisdom and perception necessary to boldly speak the truth and act in love. Jesus will supply everything you need to serve Him effectively.

READ: JOHN 15:1-8

(Excerpt from 50 Ways the GOSPELS Can Change Your Life - Magazine).

Camp Ebenezer will begin its 2015 edition on Tuesday, June 23rd. This Camp gives its participants many activities that will keep them busy during their summer break. The tuition for the entire summer is just $300.00 and includes lunch and snacks. The Camp is open to children ages 5 yrs. to 13 yrs., and will get youth from the Baltimore YouthWorks Program to assist with the Camp program as they earn money during the summer. Anyone interested in the Camp should see Elder Taylor, Deacon Ransom or Trustee Connie Ross.

Jesus’ promise in John 15:7 is a game changer for His followers. “Stay joined to me and let My teachings become part of you. Then you can pray for whatever you want, and your prayer will be answered.” (CEV-Contemporary English Version).

 

 

Let’s Honor our Graduates

Graduates of Ebenezer Baptist Church

1. Eli Emmanuel Taylor Pre K to Elementary School

2. Nialah Williams Kindergarten to First Grade

3. Aniya Duvall Kindergarten to First Grade

4. Tremell C. Bethea Elementary to Middle School

5. Erica T. Taylor Middle School to High School

6. Rodney Vice Jr. Middle School to High School

7. William Saffore, Jr. High School to College

8. Kyon Harris Friendship Academy to College

     

 

 

ETERNAL LIFE Michael Harris, Writer Some people are repulsed by the idea of eternal life because their lives are miserable. But eternal life is not an extension of a person’s miserable, mortal life; eternal life is God’s life embodied in Christ given to all believers now as a guarantee that they will live forever. In eternal life there is no death, sickness, enemy, evil, or sin. When we don’t know Christ, we make choices as though this life is all we have. In reality, this life is just the introduction to eternity. Receive this new life by faith and begin to evaluate all that happens from an eternal perspective. To believe is more than intellectual agreement that Jesus is God. It means to put our trust and confidence in Him that He alone can save us. It is to put Christ in charge of our present plans and eternal destiny. Believing is both trusting His Word is reliable and relying on Him for Senior Day Honoree SSPC Senior Day was held on Sunday, May 29, 2015. The Honoree this year was Deaconess Augustus Lewis. Mrs. Lewis is a long-standing member of Ebenezer and was celebrated by family, friends and disciples of Ebenezer.

the power to change. If you have never trusted Christ, let this promise of everlasting life be yours and believe.

She was well deserving of this honor and was awarded with a money tree and the first honoree on the SSPC Senior Day Plaque. We love you, Deaconess Lewis.

The Super Sixty Plus C0mmittee (SSPC) will be hosting its annual trip to the Sight & Sound Theatre on Tuesday, October 13th to see the live play Joseph. Included in price of the ticket is a trip to Shady Maple Restaurant and shopping at a local outlet in Pennsylvania. The cost of this highly

popular trip is $104.00 with a $50.00 non-refundable deposit due immediately with the balance due before September 8th. See any SSPC member for tickets. Your support of this activity is greatly appreciated. SSPC Members: Michael Harris, Rosalyn Hall, Bernadette W. Oliver, Priscilla Kess, Evelyn Taylor, Ardelia Lokeman, Hope Lyle, Evelena Frisby, Shirley Foster, and Yvonne Howard.

SSPC ANNUAL EVENT  

   

 

 

Submitted  By:  Missionary  Kathi  Reid  

 EBENEZER  ‘S  FOOD  PANTRY  MINISTRY  

Please  support  the  Ebenezer  Food  Pantry,  which  is  an  outreach  of  the  Missionary  Ministry.      Below  is  a  recent  interview  conducted  with  Patricia  Gardner  and  June  Lawson.  

How  long  has  the  Food  Pantry  been  in  existence?  The  official  Food  Pantry  used  at  the  309  bldg.  was  set  up  in  September  2014.  Thanks  to  the  Mimes  Ministry  anniversary  in  2013  and  2014  proceeds  being  earmarked  for  local  missions  specifically  for  the  food  pantry  has  allowed  us  to  stock  the  shelves  for  the  official  kick  off.  Food  was  purchased  

in  October  and  our  first  recipient  came  to  us  in  need  November  2014.

I  know  this  has  been  your  dream  and  passion  for  a  long-­‐time.  Why  do  you  feel  EBC  needed  a  Food  Pantry?    Given  the  needs  in  the  neighborhood  and  some  of  our  church  members,  we  have  to  do  more  to  assist  them.  This  is  outreach,  we  have  been  dropping  the  ball  and  this  is  a  start  to  make  a  difference  no  matter  how  small  it  is.    

What  kinds  of  food  will  be  available?    For  now,  we  can  only  handle  non-­‐perishables.  We  are  still  trying  to  stock  the  shelves.    At  some  point,  we  will  assess  the  process  to  see  if  perishable  food  will  be  incorporated,  therefore  at  the  present  time  do  specific  non-­‐perishable  food.

Is  there  a  packing  list  of  foods  you  distribute?  There are specific food we provide to cover each meal breakfast, lunch and dinner. Otherwise, we  are  just  providing  as  needed.  

How  are  you  promoting  the  Food  Pantry  in  the  Ebenezer  and  in  the  Barclay  Community?  We  have  a  ongoing  notice  in  the  bulletin  and  we  also  have  signs  posted  throughout  the  church  with  contact  persons  and  church  office  phone.  Mrs.  Parker  calls  me  with  person  in  need.  We  service  people  no  matter  the  address  throughout  Baltimore  area.  By  the  way  it's  not  a  requirement  to  belong  to  Ebenezer  Baptist  Church. We  will  continue  to  pass  out  flyers  and  will  look  for  ways  to  engage  the  community  to  get  them  to  support  and  use  the  Ebenezer  Food  Pantry.

If  someone  in  EBC  or  Community  has  a  need  for  food,  who  should  they  contact?      Missionaries:  Connie  Ross,  June  Lawson,  or  Robin  Harris;  Security  Ministry:  Jane  Honeycutt;  or  any  of  the  Deacons  or  Trustees.    

Where  is  the  Food  Pantry  located  and  what  hours  will  the  Food  Pantry  be  open  or  available  to  receive  donations?  The  location  is  309  E.  23rd  Street,  across  the  street  in  the  Sunday  School  Building.    There  will  be  a  big  tub  or  trash  can  in  the  back  of  the  church  for  donations.    

What  about  donations  from  the  Maryland  Food  Bank,  have  you  approached  them  yet?    Not  yet,  but  we  plan  to  visit  to  see  have  we  can  partners  for  food  donations.     Figure  1:  EBC  Food  Pantry  

 

 

Ebenezer  is  a  very  giving  congregation;  how  can  we  help  and  what  are  your  needs?    Ebenezer  can  help  by  donating  non-­‐perishable  foods  and  supplies.  I  would  suggest  people  to  shop  at  dollar  stores  that  have  $1  or  supermarkets  that  have  10  for  $10  bargains.    

Please  provide  new  food  only,  not  ready  to  expire  we  have  to  inspect  all  received  items.    We  only  feed  the  homeless  once  a  month  at  the  present  time:  fried  chicken  sandwich,  soup  (cold  months),  fruit,  chips,  cookies  and  water.  We  have  to  consider  people  could  be  diabetic  or  have  peanut  allergies.  The  people  we  feed  are  able  to  eat  breakfast  at  Our  Daily  Bread  and  other  organizations  or  individuals  come  and  feed  the  homeless.  The  homeless  look  forward  to  Ebenezer  Baptist  Church  to  come  and  give  the  fried  chicken  and  they  love  Gail's  soup.  You  don't  have  to  tell  them  to  lineup  for  the  meal.  We  have  a  great  group  of  Ebenezer  disciples  that  have  a  way  to  speak  to  the  homeless  individuals  reach  them  for  Christ  as  well  as  addressing  a  meal  for  the  body.    What  precautions  are  you  taking  for  safe  food  collections  and  storage?  We  are  requesting  donations  of  can,  bag  and  box  that  are  in  good  condition  (no  rust,  dents,  tears,  cracks  and  not  expired  or  near  expiration).    We  are  looking  into  safe  food  practices  to  collect  and  maintain  the  food  supplies  as  well  as  storage  such  as  air-­‐tight  sealable  bins  for  boxed  and  bagged  goods.    We  are  also  looking  for  certified  electronic  insect  and  vermin  repellents.    

What  are  your  long-­‐term  plans?    Once  we  grow  and  find  there  is  a  demand  for  our  Food  Pantry,  we  are  hoping  expand  to  perishable  goods.  The  trustees  have  shown  interest  in  support  perishables  as  a  long-­‐term  goal.    

There  are  several  grant  programs  to  support  building  a  Food  Pantry,  will  the  Missionary  Ministry  consider  grants  to  fund  the  building  and  growth  of  EBC  Food  Pantry?    Considering  these  items  can  also  be  used  for  kids  summer  feeding  and  afterschool  feeding  programs.  There  are  several  food  pantries  in  close  proximity  to  our  church  and  Maryland  Food  Bank  was  not  accepting  new  applications.  Since  we  

already  have  a  summer  camp  that  is  open  to  the  neighborhood,  we  aren't  having  summer  feeding  program.  We  don't  want  to  conflict  with  the  camp  program  that  was  

established  years  ago.  After  school  program  wouldn't  be  feasible  at  this  time.

 

                                                                               

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

Figure  2:  EBC  Food  Pantry  

 

 

 

 

                                 Kid’s Page ``Deuteronomy 4-6

Y B I V Q I E E D R O L W N Q

L F Y V S D X O M P V Z Y X O

T I S J N L U N B A X D Z H K

J K S Q A Z W R N Z C H K T L

E C O M M A N D M E N T S G G

S Z Q Q Y G R F Q G E V T N N

U L I Y Z F B Q T O Z I B E R

S Q C J M L D Q F D N B I R H

S E I L I M A F O Z S G B T O

R S W S P D J G R L R L L S L

X U I T J N X P M T U O E A Y

T U A L U I L L B K S V G F S

N G G V A M Z W P S G E I L O

Z W W P B X Z V U T R A E H U

X G C N H H L J C W V E H G L

BIBLE   HEART   LOVE  

COMMANDMENTS   HOLY   MIND  

FAMILIES   JESUS   SOUL  

GOD   LORD   STRENGTH  

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July  

Zelda  Cheaton       7/3  Thomas  Berry       7/4  Sterling  Reid       7/4  Leonard  Barber     7/6  Paul  Hicks,  Jr.       7/6  Vanessa  Thompson     7/7  Robin  Harris       7/9  Kyon  Harris       7/10  Juanita  Brownley     7/11  Stephanie  (Debbie)  Frasier     7/12  Yvonne  Patterson     7/12  Dashawn  Washington     7/28  Aaron  Harris  II       7/29      August    Barry  Rideout       8/1  Gaylord  Wilson       8/6  Steven  Washington     8/10  Joelle  Matthews     8/15  Ireatha  Chenault     8/15  Jayquann  Johnson     8/20  Maxine  Dudley     8/21  Bernice  Boss       8/27  Christopher  Williams     8/29  Grace  Hamm       8/30  Paul  Hicks,  Sr.       8/31            

   September    .Addie  Wilson         9/2    David  Sinclair,  Jr.     9/3  Tremell  Bethea     9/4  Andre  Gardner     9/7    Kayla  Jeter       9/9    Bayard  Newkirk     9/9  Matthew  Wills,  Jr     9/14  Karen  Adams-­‐Jeter     9/19  George  Streeter,  Sr.     9/19  Lashawn  Bowers-­‐Booze   9/20  Hariles  Hamm,  Jr.     9/25  Gladys  Jones       9/25  Denise  Miller       9/27  Diane  Vice       9/27  Priscilla  Kess       9/29  Bertha  Barber       9/30            Birthday  Oops!    Brother  Randy  Peaker  celebrated  his  birthday  in  May.  Date  unknown.  Please  inform  Sisters  Margaret  Harris  or  Shelley  Wheeler  to  make  sure  your  birthday  is  included  in  the  Newsletter.  Thank  you.