What is this?

Hello saints! Some of you may be wondering (as I have heard) what is the purpose of this newsletter? What is it about? What news do we possibly have to report? Well, the answer is: US! We will report all things pertinent to the First United Church of Jesus Christ – more specifically, 7901 16th street - and the surrounding body thereof.
This venue is, and will remain a voice of the people. As a spear header and overseer of this project, I have personally decided to make this as informal a newsletter as possible so not to deter anyone who is less “wordy” but interested in being a contributing writer. Of course not everything will make it to print, but this is not my sole project, it is ours. Thus, you shall be heard too! I just so happen to be the one with the red pen (wink).

The aim of this newsletter is as any other, which is simply to inform the people. We would like to keep the church updated on the inner and outer dealings of this immediate body as well as those of our fellow contemporaries. Maybe not so much of our contemporaries as our own, but you get the point (smiles). My personal desire is to have this newsletter serve as a an icebreaker of sorts. It has been our habitual tradition to quote that “we are a friendly church with a friendly pastor”, which is true, but how friendly to one another have we really been? How much do we actually know about each other? By no means am I suggesting that we begin to disclose life stories, but I am sure that there are some things that we all have accomplished or are hoping to accomplish in the future that we would like to share with someone besides the family pet. Furthermore, not everything is meant to be announced during Sunday morning service; so if you have something to announce, here is your proper forum to do it. Are you or your kids doing well in school? Graduating? Purchased a new house? Getting married? Tell us! I shutter to mention how absolutely no one responded to the flyers that were posted around the church asking “what are you doing?”. I hope and pray that its not foretelling of the saint’s future involvement and contributions to the newsletter, but that’s for another article. As for now, I must stay on track (more smiles).

So why One Accord? Well, the name was actually submitted as a suggestion for an event that is in the works, but I wasn’t too keen on running with it for that. I remember saying “I like it, but not for this”. So simultaneously, I’m running through names trying to figure out what to call this newsletter that I had been appointed to produce – a few corny titles like Family First and 16th Street Journal just missed the running – and it came back to me “One Accord”, it just seemed appropriate. So I looked up the word ‘accord’ and as a verb it simply means to bring into agreement, or to be consistent or in harmony. I figure since we are a “united” family that would imply that we are also in harmony, but I know better. Just kidding. However, we should at the least be working toward being in harmony and be consistent in doing so.

So that’s the brief rundown on the intentions of this newsletter. I pray that this will be a success and will in the long run draw us closer together as a family, and will allow us to get to learn a little more about each other. Perhaps –and this is just a thought– there will in the future be more involvement and submissions from the saints because I personally don’t have nearly enough information to report by myself. But, being that this is the first edition and not too many of you knew what was going on, I can set my personal feelings aside just this once. Just kidding. I have no gripes. I do however hold to my personal desire, which is to have this newsletter serve as the voice of the people; and quite frankly, you are the people.

"Pillow Talking" with Commelita McKee

Known to few and unbeknownst to most, Sis Commelita Mckee has taken what she has learned in her Saturday sewing class here at the church and turned it into a profitable business. What started as an idea has now become a lucrative reality. Lets see how she did it.

OA: Sis, McKee, where did you get the name “Pillow Talk”?
CM: When I decided to start the business, I of course began to pray about a name. One day, the name just came to me, but I still continued to meditate on it. Then, while at Lisa Mitchell’s house, I asked her if she could think of a good name for this business I was starting and she immediately said “how about pillow talk?” and that’s when I knew this was going to be the name. I then moved forward to get the paperwork in place to make it official.

OA: How long have you been making pillows?
CM: Not that long, actually. I began when Mother Burroughs started the sewing class on Saturdays. Once I realized that making clothing wasn’t my forte - and that Chante had surpassed me in skill - I opted to make some pillows for my house. I have found that I really enjoy making pillows. In the classes to come, I want to learn to make a variety of decorative pillows.

OA: What prompted you to begin doing this?
CM: It all started with a message that was preached by Pastor Genovese some time ago. In it, he stated that God could give you the idea for a business, and when He did then we needed to act on it. I never forgot that portion of the message. When one of my contacts at Marriott gave me some free fabric, it came to mind to start a business making pillows and ottomans.

OA: Do you see yourself branching out and making things other than pillows?
CM: Yes, ottomans. I also want to make pillow cases and other bedding.

OA: What kind of success do you desire to attain with this business?
CM: Well I want to target specialized markets and receive licensing with local college sports teams, so Initially, my goal is to have a few consultants sewing for me while I am at work, so that the business is creating product throughout the week. I have been praying and speaking life and prosperity into my business, believing God that it will be fulfilled. When I get home, before I sew anything I do my bible study to ensure that I am keeping God in the forefront of my business and my life. I pray that He will guide and teach me what it means to succeed beyond my wildest dreams. My personal plan is to sell my pillows and ottomans at shows for corporate vendors, area arts and craft festivals, and high-end bazaars.

OA: How and where can one purchase from you?
CM: Currently, my business is in-home based. I have secured a name for my website - pillowtalk.us.com - however it is not available as of yet. Before I activate the site, I want to make sure that I am able to fulfill any and all online orders in a timely manner.

For more information or to place an order, please contact ononeaccord@live.com

Could we be looking at another Great Depression?

Brief vocabulary lesson:

The Great Depression - a dramatic, worldwide economic downturn which began in the United States with the crash of the stock market on October 29, 1929 and ended, in some instances, with the onset of World War II. The result of which involved national debt, unemployment and poverty, breakdown of families, soaring high school dropout rates (2 to 4 million), homelessness and much more.

Recession - in the simplest of terms, this is when the state of the American economy is in the negative (or “in the hole”) for two or more successive quarters in one year. What exactly all of that entails, I myself don’t know, but just keep that much in mind.
For some time now, various economist and global historicist alike have been warning of the financial woes - similar to those which lead to the depression -to come in the near future. It has been rumored that as early as 2012, the world’s economy will be in the worst shape it has ever been and may very well lead to yet another depression. As the aforementioned global historicist would say: “if you want to know where you’re going, just look at where you’ve been”. It’s a series of patterns. The word of God also tells us that “there is no new thing under the sun”. So in short, what you should know: a recession unresolved leads to depression.
At present you will hear much talk of an economic recession and various aims and agendas to combat, or in the least, overcome it. We however, as the children of the only True and Living God, need not be fearful in such a time as this, but we need not be ignorant either. What am I saying? Simply, be wise and be prepared.
Its just as in the book of Genesis when God gave revelation to Joseph of the 7-year famine that was to come upon Egypt, He too gave him the wisdom to make preparation for it. Needless to say - for those who don’t know the story - the preparation made for the famine was able to carry them through the famine.
Fast forward to present day, where it seems as though there very well may be another famine to occur by way of this recession and depression imposition, we now – as Joseph then – must too be wise and make preparation.
So, how do we as the children of God begin making preparation for that which is to come? Well, aside from much praying and consultation with the Lord, we store up that which is necessary to carry us through the tough times ahead. What better way to do so than with a food bank?
I recently had the chance to speak with our own Sister Dorothy Dunn and get further insight on the direct vision she said she received from God to start a food bank right here in First United.

OA: What prompted and/or inspired you to start this food bank?
DD: Everyone can't and won't understand, but I heard it in my spirit "start a food bank, the saints are going to need it" and I immediately began to comprise a list of items and food that could be stored. Shortly thereafter, I presented the list to the Bishop and solicited the participation of the church members.

OA: If possible, can you explain the vision you received from the Lord concerning this food bank?
DD: Explain what you mean when you say "vision" ... for me it was a distinct message. No specifics were given [as in the case of Noah and the Ark], but it was as I said, a distinct message.
The message was very clear: to set up and start a Food Bank, the saints are going to need it. To be honest, I was sitting at my desk at work - and this was the farthest thing from my mind - when I heard that in my spirit. He didn't elaborate on which saints in particular or when they would need it - just that they would.
OA: Where would you personally like to see this food bank reach?
DD: I want it to accomplish what God purposed for it to. I really would like the people of God to get behind this project, as it will benefit all of us eventually.
OA: Not that I’m in disagreement with you, but can you explain how do you think it will benefit all of us, if not just some of us, in the future? Or what should we expect to happen in the future that this campaign will aide us against?
DD: One thing I've learned about receiving messages from God and that is He does not give you a play by play account of what, where, when and how. It's up to us to receive it (by faith) and act on it, because He said it. And, I might add, that if He says it then it will happen.
OA: True. What goods and/or products are acceptable?
DD: All canned foods, dry goods (rice, boxed potatoes, etc.) are accepted at present, and eventually, we want to purchase a freezer and store frozen items as well (meats, vegetables, etc.).
OA: How much are you looking to collect (and over what span of time) and how often?
DD: I'm anticipating that weekly, we will be receiving food items for storage into the food bank. There is no limit on how often or how much can be contributed. Another thing, people don't have to wait until the room is complete before bringing items in.
OA: Are donations other than food being accepted at this time, if at all?
DD: Yes, and the monies will be recorded and then used for the purchase of more items. In needed, receipts will be given and noted as charitable contributions for tax purposes.
OA: is money the only other contribution one can make aside from non-perishable goods?
DD: At this time, yes. Being that it's all geared towards building up this Food Bank - non-perishable foods and money to buy or replenish items disbursed is our immediate focus.
OA: Okay. So how can one be of assistance?
DD: All volunteers are welcomed! Initially, I'm soliciting help in preparing the room to store these items. We will need helping hands to assist with painting, cleaning the floor, putting up shelving, and more.
OA: You've stated that you have an "initial" solicitation...is there now or will there be any assistance that can be provided by the saints following the preparation of the storage room?
DD: Yes, when the food bank is up and running, there are a number of things that will need to be done - some of which I am already working on with Deacon Allen Johnson Sr. and Sister Denise Smith, who as also offered her services. I don't require too many people, but perhaps in the future, we can have volunteers to stock, take inventory, disperse food that would approach being outdated, etc. It's still a work in progress so I don't have all of the kinks worked out just yet, but perhaps in the near future I can present you with a more detailed plan.
OA: Thank you, I look forward to the update.

Are we our own victims? - Allen Johnson Jr.

So, I not too long ago purchased an 80 gig Zune (Microsoft) and have since been trying to fill every one of those gigabytes with something to satiate the audible senses - don’t worry, it’s all gospel (clap it up).

Now, some 2,000+ songs later, it seems that my ears are bored. Not that there’s not anything to listen to (because there’s always the Winans), but sometimes you just want something new. So in my search for that something new, I wanted to try out the video feature. Anyone familiar with mp3 players should very well know that videos are just one of the new “it” things for mp3s, along with a slew of other unnecessary inspector gadget-esque offers which are amusing, but serve no real purpose. Now, the only problem with the Zune is that compatible video formats are hard to find (my argument in opposition for anyone looking to purchase one) and what videos the Zune social network does offer comes with a price tag. That, in the end, can be very expensive. So I started looking for alternatives – cheaper routes basically– and came across a “one time fee for unlimited downloads” site. It seemed quite reputable, and had a lot of support from big-name companies in favor of it, so I thought to try it. $35 to download software for unlimited songs and videos (all gospel) sure sounded like a sweet deal.

So I downloaded the software and then further proceeded to download a video to see if it will in fact work. Needless to say, not only were the videos of poor quality, but they too were incompatible with my Zune and on top of that, my computer started acting up as a result of the download.

I’ll admit, I got nervous for a second because this wouldn’t be the first time that a P2P (person to person) file and software exchange program had infected my computer. But thank the Lord, it was just a glitch and I was able to correct the problem by rebooting the computer.





But I got to thinking (as the older folks would say), if it had crashed, I would have had no one to blame but myself. Sure I could point the finger at the corrupt person on the other end of the file, but would I have not been at fault as well for chasing my greed and trying to take the “cheaper route”? Quite similarly, people fall victim to credit card scams [or scams of whatever sort] because they’re looking to satisfy a desire, and to a further extent, a greed that they have. The deviant mind on the other end simply takes notice and exploits that weakness. So under the pretenses of appearing to be something good, he gets away with it because we willing give in to our own greed.

So my question remains, are we victims to ourselves? Here’s my point: It is my belief that we unnecessarily suffer some things that we don’t have to because in our greed, we chase things that aren’t intended for us. We want too much. The book of James expressly informs us that a man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lusts. Surely we’ve heard several times that the enemy is not going to tempt us with anything that we don’t already want. By no means am I playing devil’s advocate; I just believe he’s doing his job, and we at times make it easier for him.

Now that’s not to say that we shouldn’t want things for ourselves, because I believe that God can get the glory out of our “things” as well, but I do suggest that we become mindful to separate our needs from our greed. Paul reminds Timothy that godliness with contentment is great gain. He says that as long as we have food and clothing – our needs – then we should be content, knowing that we brought nothing into this world and can take nothing out of it.

So I encourage you, be content with what you have. Don’t chase things or money. If it’s meant for you to have, then it will be given to you. Yield not to the temptations of the flesh, but delight thyself in the Lord and He will give thee the desires of thy heart. Be encouraged. (reading: I Timothy 6:6-11)

Power To Receive The Promise By Eld. Charles E. Dunn Jr.

God has many promises that he has declared for us to receive. We desire to receive the promises of God but those same promises seem to elude us no matter how we seek for them. The Bible declares that we should wait on the Lord and be of good courage; however, many of us are waiting for the wrong thing. When you ask God for something or God reveals a promise that he has given to you, the promise is released, we must then do as Luke says in the book that bares his name in the 24th chapter and the 49th verse and wait for Power. In this scripture Jesus says, "behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."

Webster's definition of Power is "the ability or capacity to perform or act effectively" now the word power here in scripture in the Greek dialect is Dunamis which literally means ability, abundance, strength, miraculous power. Therefore, we are waiting for the abundant miraculous ability to perform or act effectively on the promise. If you just wait for the power of God you will have the ability to receive the promise and the capacity to handle it effectively.


Grace & Peace
Elder Charles E. Dunn, Jr.
Assistant-Pastor
First United Church of Jesus Christ, Apostolic