Volume V, Issue 5 February 2015 St. John Revelations “MOVING... FOR THE GLORY OF GOD” - ROMANS 15:7 FEBRUARY 2015 HAPPENINGS The second part of the first verse of “The Hymn for The Sons of Allen,” found in our Discipline (p. 594595), goes “Thank God for Richard Allen, our founder true and bold, Whose life was swayed by justice firm and bravery untold…” Born a slave on February 14, 1760 in Philadelphia, Penn., Richard Allen, after working hard to purchase his freedom in 1777, went on to found, with others, the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1816 and be consecrated our first bishop. In 1787, Allen, along with other Africans, were pulled from their knees at the altar of St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia by the sexton. Allen is reported to have stated to the sexton, “Please, sir, allow us to finish our prayers and we will trouble you no more.” Having been treated with such disregard, they walked out; never to return. February is Black History Month. It is a time to reflect upon where we have been as a people. Our history is deep and wide and goes back further than slavery. It has more nuances than what is reported about the Civil Rights Movement of the last century. There are unsung heroes and heroines that are in our midst whom we sit next to every Sunday morning. The next time you pass by Grant Cushinberry Park or Samuel C. Jackson Park, or drive over Ken Marshall Bridge or visit the Brown v. Board historical sight, know that their legacy is closer than you think. Our history is alive. My challenge to you this month is to make your own historical discoveries. Knowledge is power! - Pastor Glenn February 8 Greater Kansas City Area Founder’s Day 4 p.m. at Bethel AME Church, 2329 Flora Kansas City, Missouri Preacher: Rev. Brenda Hayes February 12 Clergy Lay Luncheon at Allen KCMO 12 Noon February 17 Mid-year Financial Report Due February 18 Ash Wednesday service at FUMC, 12:10 p.m. Pastor Glenn preaching 6:30 p.m. Joint Ash Wednesday Service at Lane Chapel February 25 12 Noon and 6 p.m. Love Feast Page 2 ST. JOHN REVELATIONS 30th Men in Song Concert “God Our Father, Christ Our Redeemer Holy Spirit Our Comforter Humankind Our Family” “Moving... For the Glory of God” - Romans 15:7 Join us for… Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship 11 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study 12 p.m. & 6 p.m. Check us out… Stjohnametopeka.org www.Facebook.com/ Stjohntopeka On Sunday, January 18, the Sunday of MLK Jr. weekend, St. Mark’s AME Church of Topeka held their 30th Annual Men in Song concert. Over the years, the event has outgrown being able to be hosted at St. Mark’s so St. John opened our doors to accommodate our sister church. The St. John Men’s Ensemble represented in two ways: by singing two selections as a solo act under the fine directorship of Mrs. Frankie Sheffield and second, by singing along with members of St. Mark’s and Asbury Mt. Olive’s choir in a combined Methodist Men’s choir. God was praised and our souls were uplifted! - photos courtesy Charles & Fannie Banks Church School Concludes Winter Quarter in February with Stewardship The Winter 2014-2015 Theme of “Acts of Worship,” concludes in February. We are reminded of the “fact that worship is more than what we do on Sunday mornings.” “[It] means that worship includes how we live daily.” Epistle to the Ephesians. “The studies in this quarter will enrich your sense of worship so that you live each day in the acknowledged presence of God.” (Standard Lesson Commentary) Join us at 9:30 a.m. There is a class for everyone. These are Unit 3’s lessons:  Feb. 1: Daniel 1:5, 8-17 & Matthew 6:1618, “Feasting and Fasting.”  Feb. 8: Luke 10:25-34, "Serving Neighbors, Serving God.” In Unit 3, “Stewardship for life,” “addresses this reality In terms of stewardship, the way we use the resources and opportunities that  God gives to us.” We will see how worship is tied to service for God and to others.  Unit 3’s lessons will survey Gospel writers Matthew & Luke and then will look at the Feb. 15: Matthew 25:31-46, "Serving the Least.” Feb. 22: Ephesians 6:10-20, “Always be Prepared.” - Rosalyn Carr is our Superintendent. Doorstep’s 12th Annual Operation Soup Line A Publication of ST. JOHN A.M.E. CHURCH 701 SW Topeka Blvd. Topeka, Ks 66603 785-233-3656 Rev. Gordon Glenn, Pastor [email protected] Linda Smith, Church Administrator [email protected] The month of February brings cold weather and hot soup and chili! Doorstep’s major fundraiser, Operation Soup Line, is in its 12th year and will take place on Wednesday, February 25that the Expocentre Ag Hall. This year we are adding dinner to the event. After receiving feedback over the past few years about only serving lunch and people not being able to come we have decided to grow the event to include dinner. We will still have lunch and delivery on orders of 10 or more. We will still have celebrity servers, car- ry out, entertainment and the theme basket auction during lunch and dinner. Lunch is from 11:00 am – 1:30 pm and Dinner will be from 4:30 to 7 pm. Ticket price: $9 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Bring your family and friends and join us for lunch or dinner and support Doorstep! Doorstep is open Monday – Friday, 8 am – 3 pm for donations. We are located at 1119 SW 10th Street. - http://doorsteptopeka.org/