FIRST NORTHEAST BAPTIST CHURCH

EASTER/

CHURCH

ANNIVERSARY

EDITION - 2016

THE EASTER STORY (AS TOLD IN THE

GOSPELS)

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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the

world through him might be saved. (John 3:16-17)

THE LAST SUPPER

And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he said unto them: and they made ready for the

Passover. And in the evening he cometh with the twelve. (Mark 14:16-17)

And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat; this is my

body. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. And he

said unto them, this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many. Verily I say unto you. I will

drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God. (Mark 14:22-25)

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of

soldiers. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.

JESUS IS CRUCIFIED

And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand; and

they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying Hail King of the Jews! And they spit on him,

and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off

from him, and put his own raiment on him and led him away to crucify him. (Matthew 27:27-31)

And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on

him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus. And there followed him a great company of

people and women, which also bewailed and lamented him. (Luke 23:26-27).

And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors,

one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father forgive them; for they know not what

they do. (Luke 23:33-34)

Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part;

and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among

themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the Scripture might be fulfilled, which

saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the

soldiers did. (John 19:23-24)

And it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And the sun was

darkened, and the vail of the temple was rent in the midst. And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, he

said, Father into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. Now when the

centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, certainly this was a righteous man. (Luke 23:44-47)

When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus'

disciple: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.

And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb,

which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulcher, and departed.

(Matthew 27:57-60)

And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph beheld where he was laid. (Mark 15:47)

JESUS DIES AND IS

BURIED

JESUS IS RISEN!

And very early in the morning, the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulcher at the rising of the

sun. And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulcher?

And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. And entering into

the sepulcher, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they

were affrighted. And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was

crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. But go your way, tell his

disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you. (Mark

16:2-7)

So then, after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven and sat on the right hand of

God. And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the

word with signs following. Amen. (Mark 16:19-20)

The head monk was asked this question: “What if you were to realize at the end of your life that atheism, that there is no God, what would you say about your life?” The head monk replied and said, “Holiness, silence and sacrifice are beautiful in themselves even without a promised reward; I still will have used my life well”. What difference does it make in your life if Christ is not risen? Or put it more personally, what does the resurrection of Jesus mean for you? Paul gives an answer to the question: “What difference would it make if Christ is not risen?” Paul’s answer is radically different from the head monk’s answer. He says that, if Christ is not risen he would be a pitiable fool. “And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most to be pitied” (1Corinthians 15:17-18). There are many thousands of Americans who call themselves Christians who subscribe to this monk’s answer. They believe that it has been a good life even if there was nothing else to expect beyond this life. Even if there is no God, but it has been a good life of freedom from alcohol, cigarettes, sexual immorality, etc. While these things are true and good, but if there is no resurrection of Jesus Christ, then we are people to be most pitied, pitiable fools. Let me share with you now some of the things that Jesus accomplished for those who believe in Him by His death, authenticated by His resurrection: Jesus’ resurrection means complete and decisive deliverance and freedom from the wrath of God. Why? Jesus said, in John 3:36, “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him”. Why is God angry at us? He is angry at us because of our sins. Romans 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death…” For every sin we have committed by heart, thought, intention, word and action we deserve to die an eternal death. This is “the curse of the law”. Because of this, Christ died, was buried and rose again to turn away from us the wrath of God. Gal. 3:13 says, “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE’)”. The resurrection of Jesus Christ authenticates that His death purchased our deliverance from the wrath of God totally, finally and decisively. Isn’t it paradoxical that, the moment when He was most glorious that something so horrible happened to Him! It is at that very moment the most glorious act in the universe happened – freedom from God’s wrath to those who believe in Him. The wrath of God that sinners like me deserved because of all sins of dishonoring His glory fell on Jesus and He took them and absorbed it all. When He said, “It is finished,” it meant that those who believe in Him will never taste once ounce of God’s wrath. Because of Jesus’ resurrection God will never show wrath on anyone who believes in His Son, Jesus Christ. This is one thing the resurrection of Jesus Christ means. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the central principle of the Christian doctrine. There are many more things the resurrection of Christ means. For more, come to our Sunday service and Wednesday Bible study, and you will hear more.

WHAT DOES THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS MEAN

FOR YOU? By Stephen S. Masolwa, Pastor

March 27, 2016

The head monk was asked this question: “What if you were to realize at the end of your life of atheism, that there is no God,

what would you say about your life?” The head monk replied and said, “Holiness,

silence and sacrifice are beautiful in

themselves even without a promised reward; I still will have used my life well”.

Music & Drama Ministries Presents

“HALLELUJAH!!!! CHRIST REIGNS

Palm Sunday, March 20, 2016

4:00 PM

FIRST NORTHEAST

BAPTIST CHURCH

ANNIVERSARY

2016

DEDICATION SERVICES

NOVEMBER 6-8, 2015

“On God’s

Mission Into

the Next

Generations”

Exodus 25:8;

Psalm 78:4

Our Evolving Legacy was the theme of the Black History Month Celebration. From the

inception of the new sanctuary, providing a rich spiritual legacy for the youth was the

cornerstone of our move forward. During the month long, activities, we sought to plant

“seeds of hope” for the church family and especially our youth in order to continue the

growth of our evolving legacy.

The black church is the cradle of our history. From the anguish of slavery through the

tumultuous struggle for racial equality, God has been our “rock.” While we listened as

Brenda Davis made an eloquent scholarly presentation of the history of the black church,

ladies proudly wore church hats of various styles and an array of colors reminiscent of the

church of yesteryear. Long ago church leaders, along with other ethnicities saw the need to

provide higher education for the youth. Thus, the historically black colleges and universities

(HBCUs) were born. Benedict College, Allen University, Morehouse College, Howard

University and nearly one hundred more colleges became the foundation of higher education

for Black Americans. Garrick Blocker through Campus Connections provided pertinent

information for parents and students about HBCUs.

Our spiritual strength comes from the Bible. Many have often wondered if Black people are

represented in the Holy Bible. James Moore presented indisputable evidence of our

representation while Carlton McCormick accompanied him on cello.

“His head and hair were like wool, as white as

snow and his eyes were blazing like fire. His feet

were like bronze glowing in a furnace…Rev. 1:14-15.

As we claim our place in biblical ancestry, we must remember that God loves all of His

people equally. No one group is more precious in His sight.

MINISTER ANTHONY DAVIS

YOUTH COORDINATOR

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

CELEBRATION:

“OUR EVOLVING LEGACY”

Music and dance are enjoyed by all in our worship. Listening to our children sing with much

enthusiasm is always uplifting. We are grateful to the music ministry for the children’s songs of

praise as well as soul stirring Negro Spirituals that brought us through times of struggle and

heartache. The Ridgeview High School Chamber Choir provided angelic music during the third

Sunday service. Pastor Masolwa compared listening to the chamber music to being in a grand

cathedral. Indeed the choir “made a joyful noise.” The Divine Praise Dancers filled our hearts with

silent “amens” and “hallelujahs” as they moved majestically across the floor barefoot with lofty

hats and dainty fans.

The Unity Dinner was a spectacular event. Our dinner included the traditional fried chicken, fish

macaroni and cheese along with other favorites. In addition to the tasty food and praise dance, our

spiritual appetites were certainly satisfied by Rev. Anthony Pelham’s roaring colorful message.

He challenged all to “package our message of God’s love to meet the needs of this present age, yet

“keep the main thing the main thing.” Both witty and serious, he encouraged the youth not to be

victims of identity theft. We must maintain our identity in all aspects of our lives. In addition,

Rev. Pelham showed how “a candle loses nothing by sharing its flame.”

At the unity dinner, several members and ministries shared historical memorabilia. Antique

cameras, a thesis on the history of the Negro Spiritual, an original painting, books and a letter

from the church fathers were among the numerous items displayed.

The grand finale on the fourth Sunday was the passing of spiritual wisdom from the fathers to the

youth. John Heriot read a rousing letter while the youth stood to receive their fathers’ spiritual

wisdom. After the letter was read, all pre-school through high school youth received the letter as a

keepsake. All fathers received a copy as well in order that they will be united in their mission.

During a choral response, all youth were asked to commit to follow Christ. During the sermon,

“Building a Legacy That Lasts,” I encouraged fathers to be men of God upon whose colossal

shoulders the youth can stand.

The Black History committee is grateful for everyone’s participation in “Our Evolving Legacy.”

“OUR EVOLVING LEGACY”

(CONT’D)

The story of Black History Month begins in Chicago during the summer of 1915. An alumnus of the University

of Chicago with many friends in the city, Carter G. Woodson traveled from Washington, D.C. to participate in a

national celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of emancipation sponsored by the state of Illinois. Thousands of

African Americans travelled from across the country to see exhibits highlighting the progress their people had

made since the destruction of slavery. Awarded a doctorate in Harvard three years earlier, Woodson joined the

other exhibitors with a black history display. Despite being held at the Coliseum, the site of the 1912 Republican

convention, an overflow crowd of six to twelve thousand waited outside for their turn to view the exhibits.

Inspired by the three-week celebration, Woodson decided to form an organization to promote the scientific study

of black life and history before leaving town. On September 9th, Woodson met at the Wabash YMCA with A. L.

Jackson and three others and formed the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH).

He hoped that others would popularize the findings that he and other black intellectuals would publish in The

Journal of Negro History, which he established in 1916. As early as 1920, Woodson urged black civic

organizations to promote the achievements that researchers were uncovering. A graduate member of Omega Psi

Phi, he urged his fraternity brothers to take up the work. In 1924, they responded with the creation of Negro

History and Literature Week, which they renamed Negro Achievement Week. Their outreach was significant, but

Woodson desired greater impact. As he told an audience of Hampton Institute students, “We are going back to

that beautiful history and it is going to inspire us to greater achievements.” In 1925, he decided that the

Association had to shoulder the responsibility. Going forward it would both create and popularize knowledge

about the black past. He sent out a press release announcing Negro History Week in February, 1926.

Woodson chose February for reasons of tradition and reform. It is commonly said that Woodson selected

February to encompass the birthdays of two great Americans who played a prominent role in shaping black

history, namely Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, whose birthdays are the 12th and the 14th,

respectively. More importantly, he chose them for reasons of tradition. Since Lincoln’s assassination in 1865, the

black community, along with other Republicans, had been celebrating the fallen President’s birthday. And since

the late 1890s, black communities across the country had been celebrating Douglass’. Well aware of the pre-

existing celebrations, Woodson built Negro History Week around traditional days of commemorating the black

past. He was asking the public to extend their study of black history, not to create a new tradition. In doing so, he

increased his chances for success.

To continue reading the full story, please visit https://asalh100.org/origins-of-black-history-month/

THE INCEPTION

OF

BLACK HISTORY

MONTH

PHOTOS FROM BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION

Ladies adorning hats as worn in the old Church!

March 20, 2016 Easter Musical 4:00 p.m. Music Ministry FNEBC

March 25 (Fri) Good Friday All Day Church Office Closed FNEBC

March 25 (Fri.) Good Friday Service 6:00 p.m. Pastor/FNEBC FNEBC

March 27 (Sun.) Church’s Anniversary All Day FNEBC FNEBC

March 27 (Sun.) Easter Sunday 7/9:30 a.m. Pastor/FNEBC FNEBC

March 27 (Sun.) Children’s Easter Program 6:30 p.m. Pastor / Jewelle Heriot FNEBC

April 6 (Wed.) Rise & Pray Conference Prayerline 6:00 a.m. Pastor/FNEBC FNEBC

Apr. 9 (Sat.) Church Council 9:00 a.m. Pastor/Council FNEBC

April 17 (Sun.) Meet & Greet After Service Grateful Ones FNEBC

Apr. 20 (Wed.) Quarterly Church Business Meeting 7:00 p.m. Pastor FNEBC

Apr. 23 (Sat.) Priscilla Shirer Simulcast 8:00 a.m. Women’s Ministry FNEBC

May 7 (Sat.) Drama Ministry Presentation 6:00 p.m. Drama Ministry FNEBC

May 8 (Sun.) Mother’s Day 9:30 a.m. Youth Pastor/Children FNEBC

May 15 (Sun.) Women’s Day Service 9:30 a.m. M. Jones/H. Graham/Women’s Min. FNEBC

May 18 (Wed.) Baccalaureate Service 7:00 p.m. Youth Ministry/Min. Davis FNEBC

May 30 (Mon.) Memorial Day All Day Church Office Closed FNEBC

Ministry News

Newsletters: Ministry Leaders, if you want your noteworthy activity highlighted in the next newsletter, please submit

your articles to the Church Office as soon as possible.

New Leaders/Co-Leaders for 2016

Drama Ministry: Sis. Rosetta Johnson

Missions Ministry: Bro. James White

Singles Ministry: Sis. Cantania (Candy) Mattison

Women’s Ministry: Sis. Mary Jones, President; Sis. Halestine Graham, Assistant Vice-President

New Classes Being Offered (Christian Education)

Crown Classes (Adults/Teens); Reading through the Bible in a Year; Parenting God’s Way & Discipleship Training

Marriage Enrichment Ministry (MEM)

MEM’s Couples StaCation was held this year at home (FNEBC) February 12-13, 2016. This year’s theme was “The

Battle Plan for Prayer.” MEM started their weekend off by sponsoring the film “War Room,” which was viewed by members

and friends on Friday, February 12, followed by workshops on Saturday, February 13, culminating in dinner and music at Fort

Jackson’s NCO Club. The event was a success and has continued with Bible studies from War Room during their monthly

meetings. New Meeting Schedule: MEM now meets on the 3rd Friday. Next Meeting: Friday, April 15, 6:30 p.m.