ROMANS 15:13

THE MESSIAH MESSENGER

SEPTEMBER 2015

Volume II, Issue IX

THE BACK 2 SCHOOL EDITION Father, I stretch my hands to thee, No other help I know; If thou withdraw thyself from me, Ah! whither shall I go?

Be not dismayed whate’er betide, God will take care of you! Beneath His wings of love abide, God will take care of you!

The Importance of Sunday School... The Importance of Sunday School… “Let the children come to me, so not to hinder them; for to such belongs the Kingdom of God. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” Mark 10: 14-15 Christian education is a permanent challenge to the work of the church. Not only did our Lord and Savior continuously teach the word of God during His early mission, but the church as well from the earliest times looked upon Christian education as one of its essential ministries. Jesus makes it clear that He wants children to come to know Him, and the He considers it a grave offence for an adult to hinder this process or lead a child astray: “whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matthew 18:6 (The Importance of Sunday School...Why the Bible?...continued on page 5)

In this issue: The Importance of Sunday School…….page 1 MTMBC Info……………………...…......page 2 Christian Education…...……….….…...page 3 Health & Happiness.………...………....page 4 ...Why The Bible?…………………........page 5 Thank You, Lord!!!………………….......page 6 The Heart of Denial..……………………page 7 Money & Power………………………….page 8 Business Connections………………......page 9 Fashion and Entertainment ................page 10 Pastor’s Pen……..……..………...........page 11 Around Chicago…..….........................page 12

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MTMBC Info WORD TO THE WORSHIPPER Messiah Temple MB Church 10400 South Halsted Chicago, Illinois 60628 Office 773.881.4548 Fax 773.881.4299 messiahtemple.org [email protected]

your faith be bigger than your fear" ~KBM~ for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7 ESV)

Dr. Keith B. McGee , Pastor Dr. B. S. Saulsby, Founder

"Let

Sunday Schedule New Members 9:30 am Sunday School 9:30 am Worship 11:00 am

OUR MISSION

OUR PURPOSE

We are Messiah Temple and we are, Worshipping The Lord, Working as Laborers, Witnessing to The Lost, With The Word of Life

Effectually we Solicit the Support of The Savior Eagerly we Strive for the Solidarity of The Saints Earnestly we Seek the Salvation of Souls Expectedly we Sow the Seeds of our Substance

SEPTEMBER : 6th

Pastor McGee @ Lilydale Progressive MB Church, 10706 Michigan Avenue @ 3:30pm 7th-11th National Baptist Convention in Memphis, TN 13th Mother’s & Beautifying Ministries Annual Day, Pastor Thomas, Guest @ 11:00am 20th Social Media Sunday 20th Pastor McGee @ Bethlehem Star, 9231 South Cottage Grove @3:00pm 26th Shepherd’s Ministry Game Night @ 5:00pm

Happy Birthday & Happy Anniversary to all who celebrate in SEPTEMBER!!!

We Are Praying Especially For: Mother Martha Walker Mother Ann Crump Mother Catherine Drummond Mother Mary Walker Lolita Kirk Idella Johnson Pearline Latimer Michael Walker Terrion Scott Silvia Hicks Timothy Horace Moses Eperson

Margaret King Laura Hughes Lula Flowers Marion Hall Alice Lewis Johnnie May Williams Hattie Jones Johnny Dumas Isaiah Dunlap Jr. Lorraine Dumas LeMarsha Carter Margie Terrell

We Offer Condolences to… Savannah Borders Marzella Harrison Earnestine Randle Maggie Thomas and Family in the loss of her Brother Deacon Valga Crenshaw in the loss of his Brother Dolores Pullen Roland Irons, Sr. in the loss of his Brother Clenton Andrews Charlene Andrews

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Christian Education IF YOU ARE NOT LEARNING, YOU ARE LOSING 2 TIM 2: 15 Monday Morning Sister Sharon Stinson 10:00am Study The Book of Jeremiah

Wednesday Through It All Pastor McGee 12:00pm/7:00pm Study The Book of Matthew

Wednesday Evening Rev. Treadwell 7:00pm Study The Book of Jeremiah

Sunday School The Restoration of a Sinner The Gospel of John Romans New Members Class

Question of the Month What city of Israel was known as the city of priest? 1. Judah 2. Neb 3. Levitus 4. Keilah Submit your answers to [email protected]

You Should Know… Know…Gov. Gov. Wallace Halts Integration Alabama Gov. George Wallace took office in January 1963 vowing ―segregation now, segregation tomorrow and segregation forever.‖ Two weeks later, Montgomery civil rights lawyer Fred Gray filed Lee v. Macon County Board of Education, seeking to have 14 African-American teens, led by Anthony and Henry, admitted to the all-white Tuskegee High School. U.S. District Judge Frank M. Johnson Jr. granted Gray’s petition in July. On Sept. 2, the day classes were scheduled to start for the fall term, Wallace issued an executive order shutting the school for a week and instructed the state police to enforce his decree. Within days, Judge Johnson and four other federal trial judges in Alabama jointly issued a restraining order instructing the governor to stop interfering with the court-ordered desegregation of public schools in Birmingham, Mobile and Tuskegee. When Wallace ordered the Alabama National Guard to stop any nonwhite children from entering all-white schools, President John F. Kennedy federalized the guard and had them return to their armories. But the governor wasn’t through, and he declared the state would reimburse parents if they sent their children to a new all-white private school or an all-white public school in a neighboring district. When Tuskegee High’s doors opened Sept. 9, the only students attending were the black children. Wallace then ordered the school closed, leaving the traditionally all-black Tuskegee Institute High School as the only option for students of color. Judge Johnson had the final word. He and two other federal judges jointly ordered the state to bus the black students to the all-white public schools and enjoined the state from offering any payments to white parents who sent their kids to the private school. He also ruled that Wallace’s actions starting on Sept. 2 were evidence that state officials controlled public education, not local leaders. That finding allowed Johnson to issue a statewide permanent desegregation order as part of Lee.

UBSC of IL, Inc Leadership School Schedule: September SEPTEMBER 19TH 7:00am—4:00pm Joy Fellowship Leadership School Joy Fellowship Baptist Church 2025 East 175th, Lansing, IL 773-445-1081 Pastor Dr. Isaac L. Floyd, Dean Gladys A. Dunbar SEPTEMBER 22ND—25TH Louis Montgomery Sr. Leadership School New Bethlehem #4 MBC 8850 S. Cottage Grove Avenue , 773-483-7251 Pastor Louis Montgomery Sr., Dean Isaac Clark Sr.

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Health & Happiness Childhood Obesity According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), childhood obesity is a serious problem in the United States. Despite recent declines in the prevalence among preschool-aged children, obesity among children is still too high. For children and adolescents aged 2-19 years, the prevalence of obesity has remained fairly stable at about 17% and affects about 12.7 million children and adolescents for the past decade.  

Approximately 17% (or 12.7 million) of children and adolescents aged 2-19 years are obese. The prevalence of obesity among children aged 2 to 5 years decreased significantly from 13.9% in 2003-2004 to 8.4% in 2011-2012.

In 2011-2012, 8.4% of 2-5 year-olds were obese compared with 17.7% of 6-11 year- olds and 20.5% of 12-19 years-olds. Childhood obesity is also more common among certain racial and ethnic groups.  

In 2011-2012, the prevalence among children and adolescents was higher among Hispanics (22.4%) and non-Hispanic blacks (20.2%) than among non-Hispanic whites (14.1%) The prevalence of obesity was lower in non-Hispanic Asian youth (8.6%) than in youth who were non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black or Hispanic

Causes and Consequences The main causes of excess weight in youth are similar to those in adults, including individual causes such as behavior and genetics. Behaviors can include dietary patterns, physical activity, inactivity, medication use, and other exposures. Additional contributing factors in our society include the food and physical activity environment, education and skills, and food marketing and promotion. A. Community Environment American society has become characterized by environments that promote increased consumption of less healthy food and physical inactivity. It can be difficult for children to make healthy food choices and get enough physical activity when exposed to environments in their home, child care center, school or community that are influenced by:       

Advertising of less healthy foods Variation in licensure regulations among child care centers No safe and appealing place in many communities to play or be active Limited access to healthy affordable foods Greater availability of high-energy-dense foods and sugar sweetened beverages Increase portion sizes Lack of breastfeeding support

Health Risks Now       

High blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are risk factors for cardiovascular (CVD) Increased risk of impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes Breathing problems, such as sleep apnea, and asthma Joint problems and musculoskeletal discomfort Fatty liver disease, gallstones, and gastro-esophageal reflux (heartburn) Psychological stress such as depression, behavioral problems, and issues in school Low self-esteem and low self-reported quality of life. Impaired social, physical, and emotional functioning

Health Risks Later  

Children who are obese are more likely to become obese adults. Adult obesity is associated with a number of serious health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cancer If children are obese, obesity and disease risk factors in adulthood are likely to be more severe

(Childhood Obesity...continued on back page) Humbly Submitted By: Dr. Rosemary Ricks-Saulsby, Dean of Christian Education

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…Why the Bible? (The Importance of Sunday School...Why the Bible?...continued from front page) We must continue to focus of our efforts to educate our children in the Christian Faith. Sunday School is a vital part of this focus. When we bring our children regularly to Sunday School we provide them with a gift of knowledge that has lifelong value. Christian education is an essential and abiding ministry in the church. As with other important ministries, it is never finished. While sleeping late can be nice, have you considered the benefits of Sunday School attendance for your child as well as yourself? Here are 7 reasons to make it a priority in your family. 1. 2. 3. 4.

Age Targeted Teaching: Where else can your kids get Biblical instruction that’s focused toward their developmental abilities? Friends: In Sunday School, your child will build positive friendships with their peers by discovering God’s Word together. Spiritual Mentors: A dedicated teacher can be a Christian role model who supports and helps inspire the faith of your child. Systematic Bible Learning: Our curriculum is designed to give a broad foundation, so children will understand how all the parts of scripture point to Christ. 5. Send the Right Message: Making Sunday School a priority shows your kids that God’s Word matters more than pillow-time. 6. Adult Bible Fellowship: While the children enjoy their class, you can fellowship with other adults in your own class. 7. You’ll Be On Time: Families who come to Sunday School get to worship on time. It’s the easiest way to avoid being late.

...Why the Bible? The Bible is an incredible and reliable book of history and facts that proves that God created all things. Most important of all, the Bible is the Word of God. It contains the mind of God and His will for each one of our lives. That is why the Bible was given to us. Paul the Apostle says in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, " All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." Why should we study the Word of God? †

The Word of God is infallible. There is no error in God's Word. The law of the Lord is perfect concerning our soul. The testimony of the Lord is not only infallible it is inerrant. Proverbs 30:5-6, " Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar." The purity of His words does not need anything added to it. God warns us not to misrepresent His scripture.

†

The Word of God is complete. The Bible does not need any new chapters or verses. It is all given to us already. Many cults add their own books or commentaries to the Bible. All you need is God's Word because it is the holy Word of God. It is complete. In Revelation 22:18-19, God gives us a warning, " For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."

†

The Word of God is totally authoritative. The book of Psalms 119:89 says " Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven." The Word of God is the only source for absolute divine authority. This divine authority is for us as servants of Jesus Christ. When some say, "I have a word from the Lord for you," write it down and as you study God's word see if the Lord speaks to you through His scriptures. Only then will you know if the Lord is truly speaking to you.

†

The Word of God is totally sufficient for all of our needs. We don't need anything else. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 it reads " All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." We Christians can be totally secure in the Lord by studying the Bible because it is God's plan for our life. The Word of God will accomplish what it promises. If God told you something will happen, and you wait, it will happen. In Isaiah 55:11 it says, " So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." God sent His word to accomplish His perfect will in our lives. If God makes a promise to you He will fulfill it in His own time. There are so many promises given to us in the Bible. These promises reassure us and bring comfort to our lives in our times of trial. I challenge you to take time to study the Word of God. The Lord will show you wonderful things that will change your life.

†

Submitted By: Bro. Tarrell Treadwell

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Thank You, Lord!!!

When we are at our lowest, God shows and sends us His love through people, songs, and His Holy Word. I am always amazed at the times I felt like giving up; how God sent someone my way to minister to me. I am even more amazed when I’ve taken a blow from Satan—trying to afflict the spirit of depression on me. God strengthens me and helps me to hold on and continue to trust Him. Then He sends someone to minister to me which encourages me even more. I realize that we all need one another to survive. We are all going through something. Remember! Jesus told us in John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” So grab hold of Him even tighter. God is truly amazing; He speaks to us so exclusively. I was just speaking to a co-worker just the other day; she told me how God spoke to her after she prayed (at a very low point in her life) — she was asking God how she got to this point in her life. She told me the lady sitting in front of her on the Red line told her; ―God wanted her to know, that things will be alright‖. She also told me she shared this with another co-worker and she told her ―she had the same experience on the Metra line‖. She told her that a lady paid her fare and told her God wanted her to know everything would be alright. She was praying about her daughter’s situation at that time in her life. Little did she know, God was using her for me right now. See, God knows us so personally, He sends messages through people. Sometimes they don’t know that God is using them to encourage us, to confirm what He has told us or to let us know God hears us and sees us. God has not forgotten about us. Satan is busy as we often tell one another. We need to tell one another and Satan that GOD IS MIGHTY—POWERFUL— HE HAS ALL POWER. We belong to Him and He is keeping us alive. He has saved us, and redeemed us. He is protecting us, sustaining us, transforming us, using us, and perfecting us ---getting us ready to be with Him forever and ever. My Pastor, Dr. Keith B. McGee, I often reminds us that what we go through is for our good (development as Pastor Roy E. Brackins’ emphasizes) and for God’s Glory. Written By: Lady Tanga McGee

Thoughtful Thoughts From The Pew Happy moments, Praise God! Know that you are the perfect Difficult moments, Seek God! age. Each year is special and Quietest moments, Worship God! precious. For you shall only live it once. Be comfortable with Painful moments, Trust God! growing older. Every moment, Thank God! Written By: Mother Roxanna Davis

SEPTEMBER 2015

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The Heart of Denial

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There is a growing consensus of people who claim that they are willing and ready to follow Christ, even unto death; however, when difficulty comes that same group’s verbal affirmation becomes practical denial. When questions of ethics (moral positions), inerrancy (perfect inspired Bible), and exclusivity (Jesus being the only way to God) arise, many Christians tuck their tails and run afraid of the confrontation of such difficult conversations. In essence we deny the very Christ we claim to love and follow. However, it was Jesus who said ―so everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.‖ This type of denial has served as a thorn in the figurative side of believers throughout every era of Christianity. Even Peter, one of Jesus beloved inner circle disciples suffered from this preverbal jelly spine. Luke 22:56-62 (NLT) A servant girl noticed him in the firelight and began staring at him. Finally she said, "This man was one of Jesus' followers! "But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know him," he said. A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." "Man, I am not!" Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean." Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly. We look at this set of circumstances that Peter faced and most people in Christianity point the finger at Peter and talk as if his situation is unique. However, if truth be told, most of this same group deny Christ in the same and even worse ways on a daily basis. So the question that arises is, where does this denial of our Lord come from? Jeremiah says that the heart is wicked and no man knows its ways; denial comes from the heart of the person before it ever reaches their mouth or actions. Denial of Christ by believers is a real and dangerous situation, when we deny our Lord we bring judgment upon ourselves and cause doubt to arise in others. This article is written so that the faithful believer can become aware of the very real reality of denial and the heart from which it is produced. 1. Denial comes from fear when we fear things, people, and circumstances/consequences we tend to deny Christ. Fear of lost, whether friends, possessions, opportunities, or life causes us to justify our denial. How has fear caused us to deny Christ? 2. Denial comes from uncertainty. When we are not sure of the outcome of a situation we tend to deny our savior; sometimes it's difficult for us to see positive results in the situation we face, so we deny Christ in our choices. Most of us, when life is toughest, find it hard to trust that Jesus is the Christ, the only way to God, as a matter of fact that He is God so denial becomes easy. When put to the test our faith in God, the Bible, and Christ fails. When we are unsure we are willing to waver. How has uncertainty caused us to deny Jesus? 3. Denial comes from lack of Commitment. Most of us talk a good game, but when in the face of adversity we are not as committed to Christ as we claim. For so long Jesus has been preached as a savior who is overly concerned with our advancement in life. We preach/teach a Jesus that wants us to succeed in our worldly endeavors, while it is true that Jesus will advance us when it comes to His will and His Gospel, this is not true for us all. When we are committed to the cause of Christ we will chose not to deny Him. How has lack of commitment caused us to deny our Savior? We must remember that only what we do for Christ will last. This world only has to offer temporary pleasure, so when we are passing through this world we must keep in mind that when we deny Jesus we place ourselves in danger and cause doubt in others. This same Peter that denied Christ in this instance makes this statement later in his life; 1 Peter 3:15 (NLT) Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. Written By: Rev. De’ Andre Short

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Money & Power In keeping with Pastor McGee’s vision to implement new technology to ensure that we are a 21st century church, we proudly announce that Messiah Temple MB Church now accepts giving by way of online giving, text 2 give and a giving kiosk.

ONLINE GIVING Online giving can be done by logging on to the church’s new and redesigned website (see front-page) from your computer or mobile device. Once you’re on the website click on the giving button. You will then be taken to the secure give portal where you can setup up your user account.

TEXT 2 GIVE Text 2 Give number is 773-231-5373 How To Tips for future text-giving donations • If you only text a monetary value, the funds are attributed to your church’s default fund. (Ex: $50 = will go to default fund) • If you text the amount + fund name– the funds will be attributed to that fund name. (Ex: $10 Building) • If the fund name you texted does not match- you will receive a message with a list of fund names for you to choose from. • If you text “Funds” you will receive a reply text including a list of the fund names they can choose to donate to. • If you text “Help” you will receive a reply text that states: “To give enter the amount you want to give, such as 100. You can also give to a specific fund by typing it after your amount, such as 100 building fund‖. • If you text “Reset” you will receive a reply text that states: “Saved card information successfully removed. Please register your card information again when making your next gift by texting an amount to this number. 1. Text the amount you would like to give to your church’s designated number. 2. If you are a first time, text-giving donor you will be prompted to visit a secure URL. 3. Once you click the registration link, you will enter your credit or debit card information. 4. At this point your donation will process. 5. You will see a confirmation text showing your donation and registration were successful.

GIVING KIOSK Simple to use. The custom developed kiosk software was designed with donors in mind. Select the budget, enter the amount then swipe the card.

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Business Connections Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men

Colossians 3:23

*This Month’s Highlighted Business*

General Contractor Rev. Bill Brown 773-447-2686 [email protected]

Tashana Short Independent Consultant [email protected] 773-443-2321

On Every Occasion Event Planning & Design Gloria D. Miller 708-325-6299 [email protected]

Rev. Robert McEwen, Jr. 9360 South Halsted 773-238-6533 Mon-Fri 9:30am—6:30pm Saturday 6:30am—6:00pm

Shimmer Shine Cleaning Robin, The Cleaning Queen 773-559-7529 708-400-5279 [email protected]

Graphic Design & IT Services Tarrell Treadwell 773-640-4737 [email protected]

Licensed Home Daycare Tissney Brown 10104 South State Street 773-291-9212 Like us on Facebook tlovebabiesonstatest.com Skyles Decorating Co.

Beauty Rama 773-881-7098

Verna Scott Owner/Stylist

Grandma’s Cheesecake’s Catering Erma Macklin 773-620-1762 [email protected]

MAGGIE THOMAS 773-239-9512

Claretha Staples Independent Consultant 773-709-3953

Derrick Skyles 8500 S. Stony Island 773-896-0163 [email protected]

Courtney Smith Event Coordinator 708-368-0522 [email protected]

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Fashion and Entertainment

Agriculture Custom Tailors Laughter is good medicine for the soul

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Pastor’s Pen...“Good House Keeping: Part One” Grace, mercy and peace to each of you! I want to take the opportunity this month to update our Messiah Temple family on the progress we are making in keeping step with the great vision God has given for the ministry. Through ever-changing circumstances, God has graciously allowed us to establish a model of excellence and relevance in the faith community. We have come a long way on our twelve-year journey thus far but we still must be consciously aware of how important it is for us to remain motivated and to continue striving toward successful outcomes in all that has been revealed for us to do. For the next few months, my contributions to the newsletter will serve to address what we must consider in order to be all God desires for us to be now and in the future. For more than decade we have labored to completely renovate our facility to add comfort and convenience for our members. This has been done by improving the condition or quality of the exterior structure and adding new amenities within the interior. Work has been done on the outside to combat normal ―wear and tear‖, weather related atrophy, vandalism, accidents and theft, which may seem surprising to some. Obvious efforts have been made to ensure comfortable climate control during severe summer and winter temperatures. Just recently we have installed a new heating system to prepare us for winter’s arrival. Maintaining asphalt drives, concrete walkways and landscaping that invites curb appeal is an occasional need to be met ever so often. The city’s water management system used to always work against us following downpours until we were able to implement a flood abatement system both indoor and outdoor, that prevents unwanted challenges or loss from water damage. The estimated worth of this campus is in the range of 1.5 million dollars. To God be the glory! However, properties with such equity automatically include high maintenance costs annually. We have managed to exceed the expectations of meeting the ―brick and mortar‖ obligations. For some these efforts have gone un-noticed because the casual manner of worship attendees will cause them to ignore the overall outer appearance of the edifice unless there are unsightly distractions. Individuals are more prone to take notice of interior space. Obvious changes have been made within the sanctuary, offices, classrooms, foyer and common spaces to best utilize these areas and to create a more vibrant but appropriate atmosphere. Flooring, fixtures, furnishings as well as facades have been added to make this possible. We want a church that all members can be proud of and that is attractive to our guests, visitors and potential members. There is a need for churches to have somewhat of a technological footprint. Operating by current trends is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Since its existence, The Body of Christ has used the tools at its disposal to move the ministry and extend the message. By implementing Wi Fi, Social Media, Web presence or producing displays, which help us to follow along with worship activities, is essential. Office solutions (hardware and software) that generate data, publications or documentations, enhance our productivity in the area of transferring information, managing membership and revenue. The current tools we are using keep us in touch, secure and will serve us even greater in the near future. Much of this may be of little concern for some. However seamless modern mediums may be for some, please know it is needed in this age. Our staff, leaders and key players rely on them to make ministry possible. Our goal before the end of the year is to improve our broadcasting capabilities to ensure that our ministry and message will continue to make an impact across the world. We also plan to enhance our production of live worship in tandem with reproducing events and programs with excellence and efficiency. I must admit we are behind on this due to other priorities, which took precedence over these upcoming projects but I am confident that these and other changes will take place soon. None of this should be taken for granted. We are blessed beyond capacity in numerous aspects. Finally, please continue to pray that God will continue to open doors for us in the ministry He has given. We have been sensitive to The Spirit’s leading in transforming our budgeting of expenditures. At all times our prayers should not be to ask God for more but to learn how to ask Him to direct us to use what we have better. From this experience we have discovered ways to save more and get the best for less cost. This too is increase for those who have a brighter perspective. The Lord has allowed us to save thousands of dollars together in the following areas by building new relationships and cutting old relationships that profit from exploiting the churches: 1. Insurance premiums 2. Telecommunications 3. Accounting Practices 4. Utility management 5. Economic sustainability Making these challenging decisions along with trusting God has moved us into a better fiscal position to do the will of The Lord. Transparency of this magnitude in my opinion is ideal for several reasons. First and foremost, it glorifies God. Second, it encourages the faithful supporter to know that their labor is not in vain. Third, it apprises the naysayers or cynics that it can be done without their commitment, approval or in spite of their criticism. Fourth, it inspires would be participants to find appreciation for what has been done in the hopes of their partnering in what will be done. All of these bring me satisfaction as God’s appointed leader. Stay tuned for more in the months ahead.

Written By: Dr. Keith B. McGee, I, Pastor, MTMBC

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Around

Gem of the Ocean

Rest

Joffery Ballet Millennials

Court Theatre www.courttheatre.org September 10th – October 11th

Victory Gardens Theater www.victorygardens.org September 12th – October 12th

Auditorium Theatre www.auditoriumtheatre.org September 16th – 20th

Concert for Chicago

The Black White Play

Chicago Symphony Orchestra www.cso.org September 18th

Black Ensemble Theater www.blackensembletheater.org September 19th – November 1st

Submitted By: Bro. Roland Irions Sr.

(Childhood Obesity...continued from page 4) Prevention of Childhood Obesity A. Early Childhood Nutrition Recommendations There are a number of early childhood nutrition recommendations for obesity prevention, based on a review of expert guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education, and the Institute of Medicine.       

Serve age-appropriate and healthy beverages Provide a varied and balanced diet that emphasizes minimally processed foods Encourage healthy growth in children by keeping high-calorie, low-nutrient foods out of child care Practice responsive feeding Introduce complementary foods at the appropriate age Encourage children to enjoy meals and regulate their own food intake Model healthy mealtime behaviors to children

B. Early Child Care Activity, Screen Time and Sleep Recommendations     

Encourage daily physical activity among children in child care Facilitate age-appropriate activity in short, regular bursts throughout the day Model active play Minimize television/screen time and sedentary time Support healthy sleeping habits