GREATER PEARLIE GROV E M.B. CHURCH April, May, and June 2013
Pearlie Grove News
Celebrating Eighteen Years of Service! by Sis. Wanda Clark
In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul reminds the gods which your fathers be a short tribute to Pastor Ma- us that we must all be like served that were on the other son and Family on Sunday, May Christ’s in that we must put oth- side of the flood, or the gods of 19, 2013 during 11 a.m. service. ers before ourselves. Everything the Amorites, in whose land ye The theme for the program is we do should be done to help oth- dwell: but as for me and my "Honoring Our Pastor with Love ers and not to gain glory or admi- house, we will serve the LORD.” and Laughter". Please come and ration for ourselves. We must be This year, Pastor Stephen Mason celebrate with us as we honor our careful to consider others better and Family will be celebrating 18 Pastor and Family for 18 years of than ourselves and do nothing out years of service to Greater dedicated service to our Lord and of vanity or selfishness. Looking Pearlie Grove Missionary Baptist Savior Jesus Christ at Greater out for the interests of others Church. The celebration will begin Pearlie Grove. In closing, Mat- should be our goal. With this un- with a program honoring Pastor thew 20:25-28 reads, “Jesus derstanding, we know that every Mason and Family on Saturday, called them together and said, Christian is a servant. This is the May 18, 2013 from 12:00 – 2:00 "You know that the rulers of the message that we hear often from p.m. at GPGMBC. There will also Gentiles lord it over them, and Pastor Stephen Ma- their high officials exer- son. He teaches us to cise authority over them. have the spirit of Not so with you. In- servitude as Christ stead, whoever wants to did and he teaches become great among you by example. Pastor must be your servant, Mason and his Family and whoever wants to be exemplify service at first must be your slave- all times and they just as the Son of Man encourage us to do did not come to be the same. Joshua served, but to serve, and 24:15 (KJV) says – to give his life as a ran- “And if it seem evil som for many. So, let us unto you to serve the all follow Pastor Mason’s Lord, choose you this example and become a day whom ye will serve; whether church that is known for service.
Pearlie Grove News
Page 2 A“Busy Body for Christ!” by Sis. Galean James
Sister Angenette Dixon extensive background in Social Ser- makes it no secret that she is a very vices. busy person and everything is done When asked how she spends with 100% effort! All thanks to a her time outside of church, Angenette great friend (Tekita Williams) and graciously shared that her ministering few visits, Angenette and her hus- continues through song with Elder band Thomas, joined Greater Pearlie Kenneth Brandon and Vessels. Addi- Grove in June 2004 shortly after they tionally, she serves as the current presi- were married. By the way, Mr. and dent for the Upsilon Upsilon Omega Mrs. Thomas Dixon will be celebrat- Chapter (Canton, Mississippi) of Alpha ing nine years of marriage on April Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. 24th! No matter when or where you Acting is another talent of Sister Dixon see Sister Dixon there is always a and hopes to one day soon make it on smile to compliment her beautiful the big screen in either a movie, play personality. For those of you who do or gospel singer. There is also a busi- not know this, she also has a funny- ness side to share about Angenette. side. She is a “Scentsy Consultant” which Sister Dixon’s involvement sells wickless candles; a safer alterna- with GPG started as a member of the tive to candles. So, anyone interested choir and has blossomed ever since. Sis. Angenette Dixon in purchasing candles should contact With that being said, she is now one Angenette Dixon when you see her at of two Assistant Superintendents for tions to become a personal trainer and GPG or visit this website (https:// “Christians Under Construction,” health coach. A personal weight loss angenettedixon.scentsy.us/). formerly known as Sunday School. accomplishment is credited for Dixon’s 3 John 1:2 is Sister Dixon’s Her voice echoes amazing harmony ambition to lend a hand and voice to favorite Scripture and it reads, as an active member of the choir and healthy living. “Beloved, I wish above all things that praise team. Once a year, she gets to The Coldwater, Mississippi native thou mayest prosper and be in health, share those talents when she teaches is the “knee” baby of four children and even as thy soul prospereth.” She and directs the women’s choir or en- comes from a musically talented fami- would like to be remembered “as semble. Her name was recently add- ly. In addition to singing, Sister Dixon someone who loves God, people and ed to the Health Ministry. “Simply played the flute and enjoys line danc- life; and as someone who lived life by because I want to see us get healthier ing. She graduated with a Bachelor of serving God’s people through operat- and if there is anything I can do to Arts in Psychology from The Universi- ing in my gifts and talents.” help, I will,” says Dixon as her moti- ty of Mississippi and Master of Science vation to get involved in this particu- in Education Psychology with an Em- lar ministry. Not only is she a lead- er, but Sister Dixon is an amateur “boot camp” instructor with aspira-
phasis in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from Mississippi State University. Angenette also has a very
Pearlie Grove News
Page 3 Youth Singing Praises unto Christ! by Sis. Jackie Wells
Does singing songs of praise youth choir simply needs a garet Mason and Kelli Walk- and worship fill your soul? For willing spirit to sing and wor- er; alto section leaders, Dan- some Christians, gospel or ship God. The blessing of a ielle Gaines, Kierstun Lipsey, praise and worship songs literal- beautiful voice is a bonus but and Ciara Davenport; tenor ly fill their souls with hope and is not required. section leaders, Darien Priest lift their spirits. Singing or lis- Currently sixty-three mem- and David Rhodes; and assis- tening to music makes some bers comprise the Sounds of tant director, Kimberly Walk- Christians feel closer to God Unity Youth Choir and they er. and helps them make it through practice on the 1st and 2nd Sat- the day or hard times. urday of each month. Led by The youth singing in the Sounds choir director, Michael Rob- of Unity Youth Choir have a inson, for the past 8 years, willing spirit to sing and provide Sounds of Unity Youth Choir many Greater Pearlie Grove is preparing to participate in members and visitors with their several events this year. The gifts of song on the second Sun- choir committee is making day of each month. Isaiah 12:5 preparations for this choir to says “Praise the Lord in song, participate in several commu- for He has done excellent nity service projects and things; Let this be known workshops. throughout the earth.” Youth, The choir officers consists of ages 9-18, wishing to join the soprano section leaders, Mar-
Pearlie Grove News Page 4 Associate Pastor’s Corner by Rev. Arthur Bridges
Greetings to you Greater Pearlie Grove fami- Another thought that I would like to share us in Matthew 18 of the consequence ly. I consider it a privilege to have this forum with you comes from just one word in the we face when we do not choose to for- to share with you. I write to you with great aforementioned passage of scripture from give our brothers and sisters of their humility, for I certainly don’t pretend to Deuteronomy; and that word is ‘’imitate.” trespasses. Further, we inflict damage to have any grand insight; nor do I possess the We not only have to be cautious of imi- ourselves when we walk around with Wisdom of Solomon. I am just as many of tating ways that are not pleasing to God, calloused hearts. So, let us freely for- you - fighting daily to press toward the mark but we have to be careful not to imitate give and love one another as God has for the prize of the high calling of God in “church.’’ Many churches today seem to forgiven and loved us. Christ Jesus. So, just know that it is with love be characterized and governed by a set of I pray that we will exercise patience in my heart that I share my thoughts with regimented practices and customs. As a with one another and be tolerant to- you. result, people, become skilled at creating a ward the many personalities that we persona that merely imitates our interpre- encounter in this body. We must keep in After seeking God, He has helped me to de- tation of Godly behavior that we choose to mind that not everyone is at the same termine what to share with you - my church put on display on Sunday mornings. God’s place at the same time with their indi- family. I begin by saying that vidual relationships with Christ. We just as it was with the children should be careful not to condemn each of Israel so long ago, we have other; but to hold each other accounta- entered into a “new land." Con- ble and to help one another in LOVE. sequently, just as it was with them, this “new land” comes I pray that we will be a church that con- with a charge. sumes the meat of God’s Word to live by it and to grow by it; that our church God said to the children of Isra- family will be led by the Spirit and not el in the book of Deuteronomy, by our flesh so that we might not mani- “When you enter the land the fest the lustful desires of the flesh; but LORD your God is giving you, be the Fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, very careful not to imitate the detestable design for the “church’’ has little to do peace, longsuffering, gentleness, good- ways of the nations there.” Based on ap- with the customs and practices that we ness, faith, meekness, and temperance. pearances, one might believe that GPG is learn and exhibit on Sunday. The Church Let us not forget the conclusion of the moving into the arena of the “Mega” church. is the body of Christ, therefore we should whole matter; Fear God, and keep his I am certainly not saying that every big function as such and not an imitation of it. commandments: for this is the whole church and/or every church with a large con- God does not want us to “play church.’’ duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13 gregation has detestable ways; but if we are Be careful that our Faith is a life that we honest, we know that there are some cus- live; and not a role that we play. In Him, toms that have become associated with the Rev. A “Mega” church culture that are not biblically Just as the children of Israel were instruct- sound (i.e., the prosperity doctrine). Though ed to destroy everything that was associ- we have been blessed with a beautiful edi- ated with those nations residing in the fice and certainly have grown in number, let new land, let us destroy the ideologies and us remember not to allow pride to consume immature ways that have been so long our thoughts. We should not think ourselves associated with “the church”. We may not better than others. Let’s keep in mind the agree about everything; but let’s be ami- sermon that Pastor Mason preached when cable even in our disagreements. We do we arrived, “It’s a Church Ain’t It.” Let’s not want to allow division to enter our strive to remain the family church that we church and to bring disgrace to God’s king- have always been. Let us hold fast to the dom. We are one body in Christ; so let us truth of the gospel and the principles in be of one mind. GPG, let’s practice for- God’s Word. giveness. Sure, people will offend you and you may offend others, but the Bible tells
FOREST HILL ~ JIM HILL ~ LANIER ~MURRAH ~ RIDGELAND ~ YAZOO COUNTY
~ Lanier ~Murrah ~ Ridgeland ~ Yazoo County ~ Forest Hill ~ Jim Hill ~ Lanier ~ Murrah ~ Ridgeland Ridgeland ~ Murrah ~ Lanier ~ Hill Jim ~ Hill Forest ~ County Yazoo ~ Ridgeland ~ ~Murrah Lanier ~ 2013 High School Graduates in Motion
This is a time to pause, to celebrate, to share the joys, to give support, and to re- flect on the goodness of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Our youths have trav- eled a long road from kindergarten to now, high school seniors. We honor your hard work with the late night studying and various homework assign- ments….but remember………”anything worth having is worth fighting for”.
2 Peter 1:10, “ So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away” (KJV)
Each year, Greater Pearlie Grove M.B. Church recognizes our youths who have reached a milestone in their lives. We are honored and privileged to present our 2012-2013 high school graduating seniors.
Graduation day is finally here, And so now ends your high school career. Always remember the friends you hold dear, And look toward your future without any fear.
This is the day you've been preparing for Since the day you walked through that first classroom door. Now it is time to say good-bye, And spread your wings - you're ready to fly.
So shed a tear and share a smile, And be sure to remember all the while, That although it may now be time to move on, Today's memories will last your whole life long.
MURRAH ~ RIDGELAND ~ YAZOO COUNTY ~FOREST HILL ~ JIM HILL ~ Lanier ~Murrah ~ Ridgeland ~ Yazoo County ~ Forest Hill ~ Jim Hill ~ Lanier ~ Murrah ~ Ridgeland
Darrious Phillips Aneisha Marie Allen Murrah High School Murrah High School College: Belhaven or Jackson State Uni- College: USM in Hattiesburg, MS versity Major: Nursing Major: Business Entrepreneurship
Harmoni Henderson Lanier High School College : Tennessee State University or Univer- sity of Mississippi Major: Biology
Ciara Danielle Davenport David Rhodes Jr. Ridgeland High School Forest Hill High School College MUW or MS State University College: Hinds Community College in Utica, MS Major: Marketing Major: Pre Veterinary Medicine
Kourtney Jackson Matthew Spann Lanier High School Jim Hill High School College: MUW College: University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) Major: Accounting Major: Music Education
Maya Lewis Jordan R. Williams Yazoo County High School Murrah High School College: Holmes Community College College: Jackson State University Major: Biology Major: Computer Engineering
Pearlie Grove News
Page 7 Greater Pearlie Grove Mass Choir Workshop by Sis. Shermeka Haynes & Sis. Vickie Mason
Psalms 104:33 (KJV) attendance is limited the church I will sing unto the to the Music Staff, ▪18 years or older Lord as long as I Choir Director, and live: I will sing Adult and Older ▪New member orien- praise to my God teens of the choir tation with the Pastor while I have my be- ministry. Those in- for members decid- ing. terested in being a ing to be part of the ministry Sing unto the Lord a The Greater part of the choir min- new song! Pearlie Grove Music istry are also wel- No prior music expe- Ministry will hold a come to attend. rience is required. Mass Choir work- There are lots For those that are not shop June 6-8, 2013 of events planned for sure of their voice, a the workshop and it for its current choir brief listening time members. “It’s been is tentatively sched- will be set aside to quite some time since uled for 6:30 Thurs- our first and only day and Friday, June help determine where workshop. This will 6-7. On Saturday, you should be placed. June 8, events will be the first time for Rehearsals are sched- “ Our choir’s purpose if occur from 8am – many of our choir uled each Monday to Worship, Praise, and 12pm with a 5:00pm members and we night at 6:30 p.m. Glorify God through look forward to what culmination of songs and Rev. Tim Cham- song.” we will gain from it”, from the workshop. says Sister Vicki Ma- The mass choir will bers brings a word son, Mass Choir Di- be using their own every other Monday. rector. music staff and vol- Our choir’s unteers to assist in purpose is to Wor- the workshop. There ship, Praise, and Glo- are lots of events rify God through planned during the song. Sister Mason workshop schedule. says the aim of the If you would like to workshop is to gain be a member of the knowledge so they Mass Choir/Music can be better at what Ministry, here are the they do. Since this requirements: is the first workshop ▪Current member of in quite some time,
Pearlie Grove News
Page 8 Greater Pearlie Grove’s Black History Showcase by Sis. Leslie Holloway
On Sunday, the generational curs- of faith in God, self- February 24th, Greater es or habits of unem- worth, and it showed Pearlie Grove hosted ployment, jail, compla- that each person has a
African American Art Piece! its Black History Talent cency, etc. It remind- talent and gift that can Showcase. Youth and ed everyone to take be used to benefit adult members and advantage of the op- others and glorify God.
visitors celebrated Af- portunities afforded to Kudos to Ms. Alisha rican American history us all. As Elisha told Gibson and all those by showcasing an ar- the widow to “Go, sell involved in the organi- ray of talents including the oil,” (2 Kings 4:7) zation of this program. singing, praise danc- we must also “go” and Job well done! ing, musical composi- take action in our lives.
tions, poem recita- Although this was a tions, and more. very entertaining play, Ms. Alisha Gibson, Black History Program The men of the it left us with many in- Coordinator church participated in spirational thoughts as the play The Unem- it related to the better- ment of our lives. Men of GPG giving homage ployment Tree. This to African American History! play encouraged eve- Each performance had
ryone to not fall into an underlying theme
Songs of Praise in Honor of Black History!
Teens of GPG honoring their herit- age!
Pearlie Grove News
Page 9 Jesus Using Sisters 2013 Annual Retreat By Sis. Wanda L. Clark
The retreat will begin April 19 at 6:30 Every good and perfect gift is from p.m. with registration beginning at 5:30 above, coming down from the Father of p.m. and April 20 at 7:30 a.m. The re- the heavenly lights… James 1:17. The treat will take place at GPG in the mul- JUS ministry is hosting their annual tipurpose room . We hope to see all women’s retreat on April 19 and 20, 2013. The theme is “Gifts Galore”. women there!!! Remember the deadline The retreat will be energizing, funny, is quickly approaching. Registration is and spiritually rejuvenating. The week- required; adults $40.00 and TWEENS end will include a breakfast, Keynote (ages 12-17) $10.00. The registration Address, 4 Breakout Sessions, Lunch, 1 deadline is April 6, 2013 and to register Refreshment Break, Dinner, and a SI- you may see Nekia Adams, Nekesha LENT AUCTION! Dunbar, Gail Hicks or Yolanda Kyles.
Honor Society Recipients by Sis. Wanda Clark The National Honor Society (NHS) and National S. McCormick was inducted in the Billy Ray Junior Honor Society (NJHS) are the nation's Smith Chapter of the National Junior Honor Socie- premier organizations established to recognize ty on February 26, 2013 at Clinton Junior High outstanding high school and middle level stu- School. Tyra is in the 7th grade and the daughter dents. More than just an honor roll, NHS and of Ms. Teketra McCormick. Sis. Margaret Mason NJHS serve to honor those students who have was inducted into the National Honor Society on demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholar- March 20, 2013 at Murrah High School. She is a ship, Leadership, Service, and Character (and junior and the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Stephen Citizenship for NJHS). These characteristics have and Vickie Mason. Please join us in congratulating been associated with membership in the organiza- both of these young ladies for their outstanding Caption describing pic- tion since their beginnings in 1921 and 1929 accomplishments! To God be the glory!! ture or graphic. (Courtesy of the National Honor Society website: http://www.nhs.us). Greater Pearlie Grove has been blessed with two such honorees. Sis. Tyra
School Uniform Collections By Sis. Wanda Clark
The youth ministry will begin to collect We are asking that you donate uniforms new and used School Uniforms from and school supplies to help those fami- June 1-July 24, 2013. The used uniform lies who need some extra support. For criteria is that they must be washed & more information about the school uni- have no holes. A collection box will be form & supplies donations, please see School Uniforms are located in the Multipurpose Room. There Sister Charity Thomas. Needed! will be a special offering on Sunday, June 2, 2013 to help purchase school supplies.
Mina Lewis LaMelody Lewis Antonio Elzie
Zandra Shorter Donna Sanders Italiana Anderson
Antoine Harrion Georgie Coleman Jaye Coleman
Bianca Rainey Napolean Rainey Jeremy Watkins
Purvis Jones Jaylon Coleman Sheneka Stamps
Kenya Tate Hamp Hooten Karla Hooten
Khanyla Hooten Jada Hooten Maurice Smith
Brandi Shoemaker Emerald Spann Shaqueshia Spann
Marshawn Martin Ralph Davis Jesse Brown
Charlie Vaughan Deloris Vaughan Jayden Vaughan
Alatrinda Vaughan Travis Earl Knight Lionel T. Knight
Eronisha Banks Maggie Brown Deborah Terrell
Natasha Brown Antuwuan Bass Patricia Hughes
Willie Hughes Ida Davenport Lillie Brown
Freddie Weatherspoon Cierra Hughes Patricia Redmond
Paulette Grim Mark Grim Robert Hodges
John Jones, Sr. Flossietta Jones John Jones, Jr.
Moscellious Morgan Marlene Morgan Janelle Allen
Arthur Bennett Marcus Foster Michelle Cage
Candice Smith Ludia Jackson Christen Cunning
Who’s My Deacon!
Here at Greater Pearlie Grove, all families are assigned to a group of deacons based on your last names. Our deacons are here to assist you with any questions or spiritual needs you may have and work on behalf of the Pastor. Below is a listing of the deacons and their assigned al- phabet. Should you have any general questions regarding the Deacon's Ministry or your as- signment, please contact Deacon Greg Walker or Deacon Andrew Moncure. DEACON ASSIGNMENTS BY ALPHABET A through F Anthony Clay Daryl Jones Willie Tucker G through L Van Jefferson Leonard Mack Herman Mainor M through R James Hart Jonas James Michael Parks S through Z Greg Davenport Levorn Lipsey
GREATER PEARLIE GROV E Our Mission
1640 West County Line Road Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them Jackson, MS 39213 in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Phone: 601-354-2026 Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things Fax: 601-969-6027 E-mail: [email protected] whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen
It is the desire of this local church to fulfill the job description that has been given to us in Matthew 28:19-20. “Where Our Mission is to Learn, Grow and Serve”
April Birthdays Thomas & Angenette Dixon - 24th Adam Moncure - 5th William and Joyce Humes - Andrew Moncure - 5th May Birthdays 23rd Charity Thomas - 5th Ta’Zarius Jones - 1st June Birthdays April Clincy - 6th Theresa H. Parks - 5th Vickie Mason - 9th Annie Austin - 8th Joycelyn Humes - 7th Andrew Moncure III - 16th Crystal Smith - 9th Michael Parks - 7th Craig Thomas - 18th Esther Sutton - 13th Alexus Dunbar - 20th Domonick Dixon - 20th Linda Lewis - 18th Ebone’ Woods - 20th Nathan Mason - 21st Andre Armstrong - 20th Bryson Clincy - 27th Sarah Taylor - 21st Angela Noble - 24th May Anniversaries Lori Moncure - 22nd Maggie Gibson - 24th Andrew & Lori Moncure - 9th June Anniversaries (21 yrs) Leonard Jackson - 30th Marvin and Tashauna Bolls - 23rd April Anniversaries
Robert & Wanda Clark - 22nd