Wednesday, March 30, 2011
The Pastor's Reflections: Another Year's Journey
Greetings Beloved of God : I am grateful for the opportunity to write another blog on the Canaan Website as we approach the celebration of another year with God's people who are disciples of this branch of our faith. Once again, as I write to you, I am coming off a week-long period of rest, reflecting on my own faith journey and the many joys I have experienced in ministry for nearly 40 years. Like the Fathers of our faith, my testimony is one that tells of the incomparable faithfulness of God who called me to this work at age 17. On April 10, 2011, we will celebrate Mrs. Johnson and my 5th Anniversary at Canaan. While Christian values around the world continue to erode, our national economy struggling and unprecedented change all around us, God has blessed my family and I to share our faith with this congregation who has shown us much love and support. For this we are grateful to the Lord for each of you. I ask for your prayers as we are now in year 6. In particular, please pray that I remain focused and perserverent as together we face winds that seek to obstruct our mission to the world on behalf of Jesus Christ our Lord. God bless Canaan Baptist Church of Christ.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Support for Spring Revival
I would just like to thank all Canaan Disciples for your prayers and support for our Spring Revival. It revival was truly a great spiritual experience.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Youth Convocation’s 30th Anniversary
By Deaconess Carol Viaer
Our Youth Pastor, Rev. David Francis, had an idea that was presented to the youth leaders early in the year. He outlined several themes and scriptures for us and requested that we choose one for our youth to live up to for the full year and possibly the next. We all had to memorize the theme and instill in the youth to do the same:
We Are S.P.I.R.I.T.
Showing God’s love to others
Praising God in His presence
Included in God’s family
Returning a part of our blessings
Inviting others to know Jesus
Training to be like Jesus
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. I Timothy 4:12
The task seemed easy but there were many unforeseen obstacles and challenges in our path that had to be overcome. We had to put aside past differences and come together for our youth. Putting on our armor of God and staying prayerful, we strived to meet our goal which was to put the past behind us and show all that as ONE we would prevail.
We began our celebration with the Saturday Church School closing where our youth poured out their talents. The Primary class, under the leadership of Deacon Rhona Russell, portrayed Jonah Learns to Obey God. The youth made the props for the scene. The Junior class displayed the book of Ruth in A New Life for Us, a skit written by Ajee Davis Burley under the leadership of Deaconess Carol Viaer. And the Intermediate class displayed Lessons To Remember, portraying several scriptures learned throughout the year in a game show version of What’s My Line?, under the leadership of Deacon Johnnie Davis, Jr., Jacqueline Gilyard, Mark Green and Sandra Francis.
For this year’s Convocation, Ms. Anna Caldwell had a vision for a musical concert. She brought her ideas to the Youth Board and together we proceeded to make her vision a reality. The youth were given challenges to assist in making this a memorable Convocation. Needless to say, it was no easy task. This concert presented many problems for us all--space for rehearsals, the children being able to attend rehearsals, and more than one ministry utilizing the same children.
Dance the Word Youth opened our concert with an African dance choreographed by youths Daquan Anderson and Mia-Michelle Russell. It was exciting to see one of our alumni youth, Sade Henry, performing with the African dance group. The Youth Mime Ministry also ministered a piece that was outstanding.
Securing the alumni youth was an even greater task for all, but mainly fell on the shoulders of Deacon Michael “Grand Pooba” Russell who believes in staying in contact with our youth either by phone or computer. All resources were utilized to bring all the youth together and the end result is what was witnessed on Sunday, June 13th. The youth came from Maryland, upstate New York, New Jersey, Virginia and Georgia. Getting them to rehearsals was another feat, but the end results were truly breathtaking.
The concert brought tears of joy to many of us as we danced in the aisles, clapped our hands, stomped our feet and played imaginary instruments, as we listened to the angelic voices of our youth. One could not help but praise God, just to see our youth on one accord singing the praises of Zion. It seems not so long ago that these same youth came in second place in the McDonald’s Gospelfest. It was good to see Isarel Walker conduct his “children” like old times, with no restrictions on him, and Junior Deacon Edward Taylor in a new role as conductor of the Church School Choir. Anna Caldwell tickled those ivories in a brand new way. Pastor Johnson truly enjoyed himself when he joined the youth in the choir loft, keeping in step as he sang and even played an instrument.
The youth continued the celebration of their convocation with activities on Monday, June 14th when they explored their African heritage by learning of their past from the elders of Canaan interviewed by the youth; Tuskegee airman Darby Montgomery; former Black Panther Leon Harris, and NAACP Youth Officers of the Mid Manhattan Branch, Mia-Michelle Russell, President and Wesley Sinckler, 1st Vice President. On Tuesday, June 15th the youth displayed their talents in a radio show on WCBCC, with radio personalities DJ Sandman (Coach Bill) and DJ Mini Me (Mia-Michelle), and with skits from various youth groups and a poem from our neighboring youth, Akira Carr of First Corinthian Baptist Church. On Wednesday, June 16th the youth led the church in prayer and devotion at the Wednesday Midweek Prayer Service.
The youth and the adult youth leaders truly enjoyed this celebration. There are so many to thank for this marvelous celebration of yet another Youth Convocation. All praise is given to our Heavenly Father who instilled in us that, through Him, everything is possible.
Our Youth Pastor, Rev. David Francis, had an idea that was presented to the youth leaders early in the year. He outlined several themes and scriptures for us and requested that we choose one for our youth to live up to for the full year and possibly the next. We all had to memorize the theme and instill in the youth to do the same:
We Are S.P.I.R.I.T.
Showing God’s love to others
Praising God in His presence
Included in God’s family
Returning a part of our blessings
Inviting others to know Jesus
Training to be like Jesus
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. I Timothy 4:12
The task seemed easy but there were many unforeseen obstacles and challenges in our path that had to be overcome. We had to put aside past differences and come together for our youth. Putting on our armor of God and staying prayerful, we strived to meet our goal which was to put the past behind us and show all that as ONE we would prevail.
We began our celebration with the Saturday Church School closing where our youth poured out their talents. The Primary class, under the leadership of Deacon Rhona Russell, portrayed Jonah Learns to Obey God. The youth made the props for the scene. The Junior class displayed the book of Ruth in A New Life for Us, a skit written by Ajee Davis Burley under the leadership of Deaconess Carol Viaer. And the Intermediate class displayed Lessons To Remember, portraying several scriptures learned throughout the year in a game show version of What’s My Line?, under the leadership of Deacon Johnnie Davis, Jr., Jacqueline Gilyard, Mark Green and Sandra Francis.
For this year’s Convocation, Ms. Anna Caldwell had a vision for a musical concert. She brought her ideas to the Youth Board and together we proceeded to make her vision a reality. The youth were given challenges to assist in making this a memorable Convocation. Needless to say, it was no easy task. This concert presented many problems for us all--space for rehearsals, the children being able to attend rehearsals, and more than one ministry utilizing the same children.
Dance the Word Youth opened our concert with an African dance choreographed by youths Daquan Anderson and Mia-Michelle Russell. It was exciting to see one of our alumni youth, Sade Henry, performing with the African dance group. The Youth Mime Ministry also ministered a piece that was outstanding.
Securing the alumni youth was an even greater task for all, but mainly fell on the shoulders of Deacon Michael “Grand Pooba” Russell who believes in staying in contact with our youth either by phone or computer. All resources were utilized to bring all the youth together and the end result is what was witnessed on Sunday, June 13th. The youth came from Maryland, upstate New York, New Jersey, Virginia and Georgia. Getting them to rehearsals was another feat, but the end results were truly breathtaking.
The concert brought tears of joy to many of us as we danced in the aisles, clapped our hands, stomped our feet and played imaginary instruments, as we listened to the angelic voices of our youth. One could not help but praise God, just to see our youth on one accord singing the praises of Zion. It seems not so long ago that these same youth came in second place in the McDonald’s Gospelfest. It was good to see Isarel Walker conduct his “children” like old times, with no restrictions on him, and Junior Deacon Edward Taylor in a new role as conductor of the Church School Choir. Anna Caldwell tickled those ivories in a brand new way. Pastor Johnson truly enjoyed himself when he joined the youth in the choir loft, keeping in step as he sang and even played an instrument.
The youth continued the celebration of their convocation with activities on Monday, June 14th when they explored their African heritage by learning of their past from the elders of Canaan interviewed by the youth; Tuskegee airman Darby Montgomery; former Black Panther Leon Harris, and NAACP Youth Officers of the Mid Manhattan Branch, Mia-Michelle Russell, President and Wesley Sinckler, 1st Vice President. On Tuesday, June 15th the youth displayed their talents in a radio show on WCBCC, with radio personalities DJ Sandman (Coach Bill) and DJ Mini Me (Mia-Michelle), and with skits from various youth groups and a poem from our neighboring youth, Akira Carr of First Corinthian Baptist Church. On Wednesday, June 16th the youth led the church in prayer and devotion at the Wednesday Midweek Prayer Service.
The youth and the adult youth leaders truly enjoyed this celebration. There are so many to thank for this marvelous celebration of yet another Youth Convocation. All praise is given to our Heavenly Father who instilled in us that, through Him, everything is possible.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
The Reverend Aldridge "Pop" Miller Health Station
One of the greatest blessings in my ministry has been meeting, knowing and serving with the late Reverend Aldridge Miller. For many years Reverend Miller or “Pops” as he was affectionately called, served as Pastor of Visitation for Canaan Baptist Church of Christ. His commitment to Christian ministry was nothing short of remarkable. To the very end, he was a preacher and pastoral care giver to so many Canaan Disciples and others throughout the community. His ministry was one of showing mercy to others.
Among our many achievements in year 4, I am very proud of our decision to rename our nurses room as the Reverend Aldridge “Pops” Miller Health Station. Through the hard work of Bethesda ministry, the good will of others who choose to be unnamed and the support of the Canaan Family, this heath station is equipped with a comfortable recliner, first-aid material, diagnostic equipment for hypertension and diabetes and appropriate beverages for those who become ill during our worship service. This new heath station is a huge step in the right direction. We are now prepared to bring aid to those taken ill while at Canaan with a modernly equipped room and a qualified nursing staff. We have already seen the benefits of this ministry and I am certain we will have a growing appreciation for health care services provided at our health station.
Anyone who knew “Pop Miller,” will understand how appropriate it was to name this center for a man who truly exemplified holistic ministry in both word and deed. He was blessed with the gift of healing and each one of us is the better because he passed our way. Thank God for the REVEREND ALDRIDGE “POPS” MILLER HEALTH CENTER!
Among our many achievements in year 4, I am very proud of our decision to rename our nurses room as the Reverend Aldridge “Pops” Miller Health Station. Through the hard work of Bethesda ministry, the good will of others who choose to be unnamed and the support of the Canaan Family, this heath station is equipped with a comfortable recliner, first-aid material, diagnostic equipment for hypertension and diabetes and appropriate beverages for those who become ill during our worship service. This new heath station is a huge step in the right direction. We are now prepared to bring aid to those taken ill while at Canaan with a modernly equipped room and a qualified nursing staff. We have already seen the benefits of this ministry and I am certain we will have a growing appreciation for health care services provided at our health station.
Anyone who knew “Pop Miller,” will understand how appropriate it was to name this center for a man who truly exemplified holistic ministry in both word and deed. He was blessed with the gift of healing and each one of us is the better because he passed our way. Thank God for the REVEREND ALDRIDGE “POPS” MILLER HEALTH CENTER!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Evangelism: Still the Mission of the Church
This blog is part 2 of pastoral reflections leading up to the celebration of my 36th year in ministry and my 4th year as Senior Pastor of the historic Canaan Baptist Church of Christ.
Most of you reading this probably don't recognize the name Bennie Hicks. Bennie accepted the Lord Jesus Christ on an August afternoon during our annual evangelism cookout in E.M. Moore parking lot. He was presented to the Canaan Congregation, completed his new disciples training, was baptized (after several delays due to repairs on our baptistery) missed receiving the right hand of fellowship but attended Church soon thereafter to receive his fellowship and baptismal certificate. Some of you will recall that I invited Bennie to the pulpit to receive this acknowledgement.
In 36 years of ministry, I have never witnessed an individual who pursued their membership in the Body of Christ with such passion. He was relentless. After several postponements he even admonished me about when his baptism would occur. When I eventually baptized Bennie, he remained in the pool for several minutes before ascending the stairway to celebrate his new found faith. I will never forget the Sunday I presented Bennie his baptismal certificate. Not many hours after the benediction that day, Bennie died after being hit by a car on Henry Hudson Parkway in New York City. That day we lost a special person in our congregation and our personal lives; but he went to God with ticket in hand. He met in Savior at the Evangelism cookout, and saw his savior on the Lord’s Day, the day he received the right hand of fellowship into the local church.
Evangelism doesn't get much press in the modern Church. That's okay because Evangelism was never intended to be the public relations department of the Church. It is the means by which the Church honors The Great Commission; going into the world and preaching the Gospel to every creature. Evangelism is not something we choose to do; it is something we must do.
While I look forward to eventually assigning a minister of Evangelism, the Canaan Evangelism Commission works tirelessly to reach out to those in the world with a message from the Lord. As part of our church wide vision, the Commission, under the leadership of Chairperson Gloria Evans, conducted a sidewalk ministry in front of Canaan in connection with the Spring Revival. They sang hymns, passed out tracts and witnessed to walkers bye about God and invited many to attend our services. I am so proud of this dedicated group of Christians and I look forward to seeing what God will do through our Evangelism Commission next.
I dedicate this blog in loving memory of Brother Bennie Hicks!
Most of you reading this probably don't recognize the name Bennie Hicks. Bennie accepted the Lord Jesus Christ on an August afternoon during our annual evangelism cookout in E.M. Moore parking lot. He was presented to the Canaan Congregation, completed his new disciples training, was baptized (after several delays due to repairs on our baptistery) missed receiving the right hand of fellowship but attended Church soon thereafter to receive his fellowship and baptismal certificate. Some of you will recall that I invited Bennie to the pulpit to receive this acknowledgement.
In 36 years of ministry, I have never witnessed an individual who pursued their membership in the Body of Christ with such passion. He was relentless. After several postponements he even admonished me about when his baptism would occur. When I eventually baptized Bennie, he remained in the pool for several minutes before ascending the stairway to celebrate his new found faith. I will never forget the Sunday I presented Bennie his baptismal certificate. Not many hours after the benediction that day, Bennie died after being hit by a car on Henry Hudson Parkway in New York City. That day we lost a special person in our congregation and our personal lives; but he went to God with ticket in hand. He met in Savior at the Evangelism cookout, and saw his savior on the Lord’s Day, the day he received the right hand of fellowship into the local church.
Evangelism doesn't get much press in the modern Church. That's okay because Evangelism was never intended to be the public relations department of the Church. It is the means by which the Church honors The Great Commission; going into the world and preaching the Gospel to every creature. Evangelism is not something we choose to do; it is something we must do.
While I look forward to eventually assigning a minister of Evangelism, the Canaan Evangelism Commission works tirelessly to reach out to those in the world with a message from the Lord. As part of our church wide vision, the Commission, under the leadership of Chairperson Gloria Evans, conducted a sidewalk ministry in front of Canaan in connection with the Spring Revival. They sang hymns, passed out tracts and witnessed to walkers bye about God and invited many to attend our services. I am so proud of this dedicated group of Christians and I look forward to seeing what God will do through our Evangelism Commission next.
I dedicate this blog in loving memory of Brother Bennie Hicks!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Reflections of a Pastor
April 2010 is a special time in my life as a Christian minister. In a couple of weeks, I will celebrate my 36th year as clergy and my 4th year as Senior Pastor of this historic Canaan Baptist Church of Christ. Leading up to our congregational celebration of my pastorate, I will be writing several blogs highlighting, from a pastoral perspective, what God has helped Canaan and Pastor to accomplish during the past year. I will be most appreciative to Canaan Disciples and persons who visit our website around the world if you would take time to read my reflections.
This week I took a little time of to rest and reflect on what God continues to do in my life, the lives of my family members and those whom the Lord has sent me to serve. This is something I encourage each of you to do from time to time. It is only when we step away for a moment that we can fully appreciate what is amazing about God’s grace. The Apostle Paul was right; His grace is sufficient to keep us.
For 36 years I have tried to honor the calling on my life to shepherd the People of God wherever the Lord sent me. I lost count many years ago of how many sermons I have preached, Bible studies conducted, marriages performed, babies dedicated and funerals preached and so much else ministers all called upon to do in the parish and beyond. During the last few days I have tried to look back and capsulate my collective experiences as a Pastor. Needless to say, they have far exceeded my imagination and the expectations of others. I can truly say God has been faithful! My colleagues in this vocation will surely agree that ministry by any standard is extremely challenging. And yet, most of us who are called to this work continue to press toward the mark to receive the approval of God. Not every preacher reaches the 36-year mark of service. I have and I am grateful to God. I was 17 years old when I preached my first sermon in April 1974. The Lord has been with me every step of the way. Praise the Lord!
I will continue these thoughts via my blog from now up to the anniversary celebration. Thank you for visit our website and for sharing these reflections with me.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Dear Lord,
Today, through your servant Barack Obama, millions of Americans will be lifted into the circle of affordable healthcare, allowing them to enjoy a quality of living heretofore reserved for the "haves." We thank you! And, we pray that you will protect our president and all those who took a stand for what is right. Today, oh Lord, our eyes have seen Thy glory.
In Jesus' name,
Amen! Amen! Amen!
Today, through your servant Barack Obama, millions of Americans will be lifted into the circle of affordable healthcare, allowing them to enjoy a quality of living heretofore reserved for the "haves." We thank you! And, we pray that you will protect our president and all those who took a stand for what is right. Today, oh Lord, our eyes have seen Thy glory.
In Jesus' name,
Amen! Amen! Amen!
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