July - September 2014 - Greater Pearlie Grove MB Church

GREATER PEARLIE GROVE M.B. CHURCH
July, August, September 2014
Pearlie Grove News
“A Faithful Leader: Honoring 19 Years of Service”
by Sis. Leslie Holloway
“So then faith cometh by
True Grace and Mass Choirs ren-
tleground. One in which we
hearing, and hearing by the word dered beautiful selections includ- need our “real-life” weapons and
of God.” Romans 10:17. On May ing a special song led by Sister
armor… The Word of God. The
18, 2014, the Greater Pearlie
Gail Hicks, Reverend Arthur
story of David and Goliath was
Grove family celebrated Pastor
Bridges, and Brother Frank Rho-
referenced to remind us of David
Mason and family’s 19 years of
des.
in Saul’s armor. The problem
service. The day’s events in-
Reverend Jerry Mannery
was it didn’t fit. Rev. Mannery
cluded special selections, trib-
spoke on the topic
explained that God’s armor,
utes, presentations, and a beau-
“Battleground, Not a Play-
however, is “one size fits all”.
tiful reception to honor the Ma-
ground” (Ephesians 6:10-18).
son family.
During this sermon, the congre-
The Greater Pearlie Grove gation was reminded of child-
The day’s activities were
to honor and show appreciation
for the Mason family, but they
family was led in a Litany of Af-
hood games with imaginary
firmations followed by a special
weapons. Well now, unlike those It was a call to action to study,
presentation by the AV Ministry.
previous times, we are on a bat-
The video, entitled “A Faithful
spoke to everyone in attendance.
pray, and follow the instructions
in Ephesians 6:13, “Therefore
Leader”, detailed the history of
put on the full armor of God,
Greater Pearlie Grove and Pas-
so that when the day of evil
tor Mason. In it, various mem-
comes, you may be able to
bers expressed their love for our
stand your ground, and after
pastor and his style of leader-
you have done everything, to
ship. The congregation was also
stand.”
entertained with pictures and
stories of days gone by. The
Pearlie Grove News
Page 2
Bro. Frank Rhodes - “A Man of Many Roles”
by
Sis. LaVonne McGee
Frank I need…… Frank will you……….?
Frank did you……?. Frank can I……..? Have
you used these words? Maybe you have noticed
how well the church building and surroundings
are maintained. Maybe you recognized him
among a sea of volunteers during the nationally
televised “Extreme Home Makeover” in January of 2007 when it came to Brandon, Mississippi. Maybe you have heard that soulful
anointed voice during church services. If you
answered YES to any of these you know of
Bro. Frank Rhodes.
Frank Rhodes was born in Jackson, Mississippi.
He graduated from Sumner Hill High School in
Clinton, Mississippi in 1970. After graduation
he enlisted in the army and was honorably discharged after serving three (3) years. During
his military duties as a phone operator Frank
was stationed in Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Fort
Lewis, Washington; and Germany. After returning home from his time in the military,
Frank established a Drywall Construction Business and operated it for twelve years. Frank has
been a member of Greater Pearlie Grove Missionary Baptist Church for 11 years. Presently,
Frank serves as Facilities Manager, Trustee,
choir member and soloist, and worker at The
Grove on each Wednesday night.
Frank has been married to Deborah MixonRhodes for fifteen years and together they have
one daughter (Tamara) who resides in Fort
Worth, Texas. Now that you know a little more
about Frank remember to say “Thank You,
Frank”.
Business Savvy: Poppie’s Creations
by Sis. Jackie Wells
Honesty is a Christian value, as well
as a human value, that is held as very
important throughout the Bible. Any
deception to gain an advantage or
harm another is prohibited by the Ten
Commandants as evidenced in Exodus
20:16, “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.” (NIV). Poppie’s
Creations, an imprinted apparel and promotional
products business, owned by Brother Robert Sulton follows the Christian value of honesty in all
aspects of his business. Poppie’s Creations is
honest about their quality and prices. The company maintains the goal of providing quality
products and standing by the quality of their
work. Brother Sulton does not speak negatively
of his competitors but tries to educate his customers on the differences in service and quality between Poppie’s Creations and competitors.
was completed by outsourcing the work but with
his poem on the back and artwork related to the
poem on the front of the t-shirt. The business
grew slowly as he developed t-shirts with his personally-written poems on them and eventually he
was asked to provide t-shirts for family reunions,
class reunions and other events.
The business has expanded to include apparel
other than t-shirts, promotional items, and embroidery. A lot of the embroidered apparel worn
by GPG ministries was made by Poppie’s Creations. Yearly business expansion is happening as
the company finds ways to diversify and offer
new products and services. With Brother Sulton’s wife, Regenia, assisting him, they are developing new ideas to offer products for businesses
such as churches and Greek organizations.
Though Poppie’s Creations is currently a homebased business, a business office is maintained at
Poppie’s Creations was started 10 years ago as an the Jackson Enterprise Center (931 Hwy 80 West,
avenue for Brother Sulton to show his creative
Suite 201, Jackson, MS 39204). The web address
skills of writing poetry. He envisioned others
is www.poppiescreations.com
seeing his poetry and putting his poems on t-shirts
was the avenue for that to happen. His first t-shirt
Pearlie Grove News
Page 3
Youth Ministry’s School Supply Giveaway
by Sis. Tameka Bradley
The Youth Ministry is
2026 or secre-
currently accepting new
[email protected]
or used school uniforms,
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
until Wednesday, July
from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00
23, 2014 to be passed out
p.m. (Bagging Supplies)
during our annual Supply
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Giveaway on July 26,
from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00
2014.
All uniforms should be
help the ministry purchase
washed and free from holes school supplies. Donations can
be turned in to the church secor tears. Uniforms can be
left either with the church
retary, paid online in the
p.m. (Giveaway during
30 minute increments)
To pick up supplies and uniforms a School Supply Give-
away card must be presented (1
secretary between the hours “Other” section or placed in the
for each child). The maximum
of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. or offering basket any Sunday in a
cards allowed per person are 3.
tithing envelope with special
in the donation boxes loCards can be picked up from
cated in the Multi-purpose instructions to be donated to
the church secretary or at the
the school supply drive.
Room.
Nursery beginning July 1,
If
you
would
like
to
volunteer
The Youth Ministry is also
2014.
to
help
during
the
School
Supaccepting monetary donations for anyone seeking to
ply Giveaway on the days below, please contact Tamika
Bradley at [email protected] or
leave your information with the
church secretary at 601-354-
Pearlie Grove News
Page 4
Vacation Bible School: Taking an Amazing Road Trip in 2014!
by Sis. Wanda Clark
The week of June 9-13
was one of excitement
and fun. On Monday
night, the congregation of
Greater Pearlie Grove
Vacation Bible opened VBS with prayers,
songs, and introSchool 2014!! pledges,
ductions. Each night the
classes were dismissed to
go and fellowship and
learn of God’s word. Afterwards, different classes
were responsible for a
lesson summary. On
Monday night, the lesson
was summarized by
Buckle - Up ages 3-4 (led
Entertaining VBS with a Road by Alice Lipsey, Helima
Trip!
Stringer, and Crystal
Kelly) and Traveling
Grace ages 5-6 (led by
Charmain Mainor, Tawania Van Buren, and
April Clincy) through a
humorous, short reading
and skit. On Tuesday
night, Spiritual Tank
Songs of Praise during VBS! ages 7-8 (led by Wanda
Clark and Leslie Holloway) and Road Map ages
9-10 (led by Tiffani
McKnight and Esther
Spiritual Tank class summarizing
the lesson during VBS!
Sutton) did a wonderful
job of summarizing the
lesson through a skit and
reenactment. Wednesday’s lesson was summed
up beautifully through a
skit by Pack Your Bag
ages 11-12 (led by Cheryl
Brown, Dona Brown, and
Janice Spann) and Amazing Journey ages 13-14
(led by Zimbabwe Mays,
Lomonica Phillips, and
Shannon Day) classes.
Our teen group Changing
Lanes ages 15-17 (led by
Arthur Bridges and
Teronte Day) also demonstrated their learning
through a colorful skit
that left the congregation
laughing and entertained
during the Thursday night
session. On Friday, night,
the congregation was entertained by a skit conducted by Charity Thomas, Xorica Adams, Alisha Gibson, and Jermaine
Cunning. The group
performed a humorous,
yet powerful message
Class participation was high
during VBS!
on traveling and reminiscing on God’s goodness.
The congregation enjoyed
the humor as well as the
message that was given.
After the skit, everyone
was dismissed to their
classes to participate in
fun activities such as arts
and crafts and games. The
children’s classes created
arts and crafts while the
adults participated in
games that kept them engaged and boisterous. The
kitchen ministry prepared
a delectable feast for the
congregation to partake of
after all of the fun and
games had ended. The
2014 VBS was one to remember. Fun, laughter,
food, and most of all
learning more about
God’s word were the
highlights of the week!!
We hope to see you there
in 2015!
Sis. Christie Cunning
VBS Director
Pearlie Grove News
Page 5
2014 Men’s Conference: “Life Stuff”
by Bro. Olmec Martin
The common perception of the man in in the future. Reverend Chambers discussed addic‐
today’s society is that he should not discuss his tion within the lives of Christian men. Reverend problems or personal feelings. Collectively men Chambers explained his past personal struggles of are taught to bottle their emotions, problems drug usage, and his journey to Christ. Reverend and feelings that have been known to eventually Chamber’s subject matter gave hope to other Chris‐
affect the health and mind. On April 26, 2014 the tians who were dealing with addictions. Deacon Mi‐
Greater Pearlie Grove Church family hosted their chael Parks talked about pornography and used his first men’s conference internally and entitled it experiences to show men how Christians struggle “Life Stuff”. The men’s conference aimed to ex‐ with pornography. Deacon Parks conferred the dan‐
pel the notion that men should not talk about gers, guilt, and shame that came with an addiction to their life struggles. There was not a main pornography. Deacon Andrew Monicure discussed speaker, therefore creating an environment of the importance of the man following Christ. He open discussion where men could listen and worked and took care of his family just as his father, but he didn’t believe that Christ had to be a main speak about their tribulations. ”Life’s Stuff” set the discussion up in the barbershop scene priority in his life. As leaders of the household, it is a scene that is all too familiar to men. Rever‐
important that men first follow God. Deacon Moni‐
end Spann, Reverend Chambers, Deacon An‐
cure shared that he felt that one of the reasons he drew Monicure and Deacon Michael Parks was brought to God was to share the gospel with his were characters in the barbershop, in which father before he died. Sometimes struggles have more to do with they discussed some of the struggles that our personal lives. Sometimes the deliverance from Christian men are faced with on a daily basis. Brother Brown brought forth the first those struggles can inspire others to come to God. topic discussing his struggles with diabetes The men’s conference went into open discussion, having been diagnosed at the age of eight and it was a blessing to see men expressing their years old. Brother Brown’s discussion themed struggles and problems with money, women, drugs, the importance of men and their health. In any and health. Life Stuff was a great environment in condition men should pray, have faith and put which men could come and share their struggles forth the effort necessary to improve health at during the Christian journey. a young age to maybe prevent complications Little Known Black History Fact: Ms. Maya Angelou, Poet and Author
by Bro. Olmec Martin
May 28, 2014 will always be a memorial in honor of
Maya Angelou became the victim of sexual abuse from
age of seventeen.
one of the greatest authors and poets in history.
her mother’s boyfriend. After his release from prison,
Maya Angelou
Marguerite Annie Johnson was born in St. Louis, Mis-
Maya Angelou’s offender was murdered. Writers sug-
worked in nightclubs, as a cooker, and even a madam
souri on April 4, 1928 to Bailey Johnson and Vivian
gest that Maya Angelou thought that it was her voice
for the San Diego Brothel. She has published seven
Baxter. During her childhood, her older brother gave
that killed him so she became silent. She became mute
autobiographies, several books of poetry, three books
her the nickname “Mya”, which led to her more popular for five years and learned to observe the world and
of essays, and a list of plays. She has also acted in
name that she has today “Maya Angelou”. After their
listen. It was during her silence that she became fasci- several movies. Maya Angelou’s career has spanned
divorce, Maya Angelou’s father sent her to Stamps,
nated with literature and poetry.
Arkansas to stay with her grandmother. The Great
When she was fourteen she moved to Oakland, Califor- degrees. Although deceased, Maya Angelou continues
Depression brought her family financial prosperity
nia, where she attended California Labor School. She
to live through the work that she has contributed to
selling some of the main necessities of the community.
was the first African American female streetcar con-
literature. She was survived by her son Guy Johnson
Eventually, the mother came back to get her children.
ductor. She gave birth to her son Guy Johnson, at the
who is an author just as his mother.
over fifty years leaving her with over fifty honorary
Pearlie Grove News
Page 6
Miss Kaiya Bell
This Jim Hill high school honor
graduate is the daughter of Michael and Nkeba Bell. While at
Jim Hill, she was a dancer for Jim
Hill Superior Rated Tigerettes. At
church, you could faithfully find
Kiaya in the Sounds of Unity
choir, Christians Under Construction, and MIME Ministry. She
plans to obtain a bachelor’s, mas-
ters, and doctoral degree
in Elementary Education. She
also wants to open her own dance
studio and remain active in her
church. Favorite Scripture Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the
Lord with all thine heart and
lean not to thine own understanding.
Mr. Courtland Brown
Courtland is the son of Albert and
Donna Brown. It is all about academics for Courtland and it has
paid off because he is Valedictorian
for the 2014 senior class of Murrah
High School. He also participated
in the Golf Team, Base Pair Program and the Technology Student
Association. Here at GPG, he was
a member of the Honor Guard Ministry. Cortland plans to attend Tuskegee University to major in Electrical Engineering. His Motto—“If
you chase after two rabbits, you
will not catch either one.”
Miss Danielle Gaines
Danielle is the daughter of Otis and
Louise Gaines. She was named Miss
Jim Hill High School 2013-2014.
Danielle was a member of the National Honor Society, ranked as #4 in
the Top Ten in her class of 240 students, captain of Jim Hill High School
Drill team which apparently worked in
her favor because she is a member of
the Sonic Boom of the South as a
Prancing J-Sette. Danielle is an Inter-
national Baccalaureate graduate
which means she has earned hours
towards her degree at Jackson State
University prior to starting college. At church, you could find her
in the MIME ministry and Sounds of
Unity Choir. Her favorite quote is
by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “The
dark abyss of hatred can be set off
by the light of love.”
Pearlie Grove News
Page 7
Miss Kierstun Lipsey
Kierstun is the daughter of Levorn and
Alice Lipsey. This National Honor Society Scholar has graduated from Murrah High School with a 4.2 GPA as she
was dually enrolled with 6 hours of college credits. As a very gifted cellist, she
is a member of Belhaven Symphony.
She was also a member of the youth
advisory council (Gear Up), Students
Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)
and the Tennis team while at Murrah. Of course you can find Kierstun in
the Sounds of Unity choir and Christian
Under Construction at GPG. She plans
to attend Mississippi College to pursue
a bachelor’s degree in chemistry to either enter pharmacy school or medical
school. Her favorite scripture Romans
12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in
tribulation, be constant in
prayer. Favorite quote ”Successful
people don’t have fewer problems. They have determined that
nothing will stop them from going forward” and her favorite motto: Everyday is a second chance.
Miss Kelsi May
Kelsi is the daughter of Kevin and Ursula
May who has a servant heart evident by
her receiving the Service Hour Honor
with over 200 service hours. Kelsi was a
member of St. Joseph Catholic School
choir, basketball, and retreat teams. Of
course with all the service hours, where
would you expect to find Kelsi, in the
nursery as a volunteer. She plans to attend Jackson State University and pursue
a degree in Communicative Disorders. Later she will earn her master’s
degree in preparation of starting her own
private practice in speech therapy. Her
favorite scripture is Proverbs 16:3 Commit your works to the Lord and your
thoughts will be established.
Mr. Colin Morgan Person
Colin but we all know him as
“Morgan,” is the son of proud parents
Howard and Helen Young. This top
ten scholar of Forest Hill High School has
received over $40,000.00 in scholarship
monies which I am sure he will use on his
journey to become a physical therapist. While at Forest Hill, Morgan was a
member of the National Honor Society,
Student Government Association and
received the JROTC Scholastic Excellence Award. He plans to attend Hinds
Community College and finish his undergraduate work at University Medical
Center. His favorite quote is Be who
you are and say what you feel because
those who mind don’t matter and those
who matter, don’t mind.”
Pearlie Grove News
Page 8
Mr. Darian Priest
Mr. Darian Priest, aka “Dee” is
the son of Chris and Connie Bryant. This graduate of Clinton
High school played football, was
a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and was voted Most
Wittiest. At church you could find
Dee in CUC and Mimes of Emo-
tions. He has already been sworn
into the United States Marines. His motto is “failure is not
an option, it’s a choice.”
Mr. Thomas Edward Spann II
Thomas is the son of Thomas and
Vanessa R. Spann, Sr. At St. Joseph Catholic School, this 3.4
honor graduate played basketball
and was a member of the Latin
Club and Choir. Thomas will be
attending Tennessee State University in Nashville, to major in Bio-
Chemistry in preparation to become of an Anesthesiologist. His favorite scripture is Ecclesiastes 1:18 For in much wisdom is much grief; and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth
sorrow.
Ms. Brittany Anderson
Brittany is the daughter of Rebecca Anderson. She has received
an associate degree in Nursing
from Hinds Community College
and plans to become a Nurse
Practitioner, so it doesn’t stop
here for Brittany. While at Hinds,
she had the privilege of working
in the counseling office, served as
a math tutor and teacher’s
aide. At GPG, you can find Brittany in the youth ministry, Jesus
Using Sisters Ministry, singles
ministry, nursing ministry and
employment and scholarship
ministry. Her favorite scripture
is I can do all things through
Christ that strengthens me, Phil
4:13.
Pearlie Grove News
Page 9
Mr. JaMychael Bridges
JaMychael Bridges is the son of
Arthur and Angela Bridges who
has completed his Associate Degree at Hinds Community College in Graphic Design. While
there, he was the video editor for
HCC football. JaMychael is currently attending Jackson State
University and his future plans
are to work for ESPN. Here at
the church, this humble servant
can be found working in the AV
ministry.
Ms. Samantha Ashmore
Samantha Ashmore is the daughter of
Samuel and Mary Ashmore. This
Summa Cum Laude Jackson State University graduate has been busy. She was
top 10 in the W.E.B. DuBois Honors
College, a member of Reformed University Fellowship (RUF), Concert Chorale
and Psi Chi International Honor Society
for Psychology Majors. At GPG, you
will find “Sam” in the Mass Choir and
the Singles Ministry. Sam has a plan A
and B and that is to attend Reformed
Theological Seminary for Christian
Counseling and Marriage and Family or
to attend Mississippi State university for
Rehabilitation Counseling. Her favorite
scripture is “Trust in the Lord with all
your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
Mrs. Tiffany McKnight
Tiffani McKnight is mother of fiveRashaan, Christian, Asia, Julian Jr. and
Joshua, wife to Julian McKnight
Sr., and devoted daughter of Michael
and Ada Gater. She has completed her
Bachelors of Social Work and is a Licensed Social Worker working towards
her Private Practice. While at Jackson
State University, Tiffani became
a member of the National Association
of Social Workers and is still an active
member today. At GPG, Tiffani
teaches CUC, and serves on the adoration committee, Youth Ministry in the
nursery and of course you have seen
her working with True Grace Children’s choir. Tiffani wants to remind
all to never place a period where God
has placed a comma. Her favorite
scripture is 1 Corinthians 13:13 “And
now abideth faith, hope and love—
but the greatest of these is love”.
Pearlie Grove News
Page 10
Ms. Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth D. Wright is the daughter
of Ricky and Genetha Daniels, wife
of Louis C. Wright III and mother of
Landon Louis Wright. “Lizzy” has
received her Bachelor’s of Science
in Criminal Justice with plans to obtain a Masters of Arts in Teaching. She is involved in Jesus Using
Sisters and the Marriages Made Better Ministry. Her favorite scripture
is Proverbs 31:30-31 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a
woman that feareth the Lord, she
shall be praised. Give her of the
fruit of her hands; and let her own
works praise her in the gates.
Mrs. Louise Gaines
In addition to being the mother of Danielle and wife of Otis, they have 2 other
children, Otis John II and
Caleb. Leading the way for the high
achievers, Louise has obtained her
Masters of Business Administration
from Belhaven University. You will
find her faithfully serving in the Mass
choir and Sounds of Unity Choir committee. Louise is a regular attendee of
CUC. She has a strong desire, before
retirement, to work for the federal gov-
ernment and she will have a lot to offer
with 29 years as a Vice President in
Manager Account Control Department
for Trustmark Bank. The scripture to
live by for Louise is Proverbs 3:5-6,
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your
paths straight.
Mr. Christopher Huggins
Christopher Huggins , the son of Curtis
and Bettie Huggins has received a Masters
of Science in Sports Management from
Jackson State University. He was involved in JSU HYPER Club and American
Alliance of Health, Physical Education and
Recreation Dance (AAHPERD). He’s
looking forward to being more active with
It’s a Man Thing Ministry and possibly
joining the AV ministry. This hard working gentleman plans to work with the
Texas Ranger Baseball team in their marketing program. Words to live by The
past is in the past and I will not live in
nothing other than the present. My
future is determined by the existence of
my dreams and not my nightmares, I
am a living example of who I am and
what I will become. His favorite scripture is Matthew 7:24-25 “Therefore
whoever hears these sayings of Mine,
and does them, I will liken him to a
wise man who built his house on the
rock: and the rain descended, the
floods came, and the winds blew and
beat on that house; and it did not fall,
for it was founded on the rock.”.
Pearlie Grove News
Page 11
Ms. Brittany Ross
Brittany Ross, Jackson State honor
graduate (Phi Alpha), is the daughter of
proud parents Robert Ross and
Doris Brooks. Her most recent degree
from JSU is a Masters of Social Work
and she was a member of the Social
Work Student Association. Her servant
heart led her to serving in the Nursery
with the youth, CUC and Jesus using
Sister Ministries at GPG. Her aspira-
tions include obtaining licensure, earning a PhD and her ideal career/calling is
to work with Foster Care and Adoption
to include placing children with behavior issues. Brittany wants you to know
that she was born an IMPERFECTIONIST, meaning she makes mistakes, is not always worthy but she
knows she is unconditionally loved
by God.
Knowledge is Power
by Sis. Shermeka Haynes
Often times when students embark on
their secondary educational journey, they
find themselves away from their families,
friends and church home. Greater Pearlie
Grove M.B. Church provides the spiritual
connection and fellowship students miss and
need when they are away from home. Our
featured Ministry- The College Ministryhelps bridge the gap for them.
The College Ministry helps college student members get and stay connected with the
local church and community. It provides a sense
of belonging and promotes ministry and community development while the students grow spiritually.
It is designed for college enrolled members and students under Watch Care at Greater
Pearlie Grove M. B. Church. Participants must
be regular attendees of church services. They
must also attend Christians Under Construction
and/or Bible study on a consistent basis.
The goals and objectives of participants
in the College Ministry include completing service projects in the community and joint service
projects with any other of our church ministries.
Participants assist with the tutoring ministry as
needed and keep the church abreast of educational
activities at perspective colleges. The College
Ministry also strives to encourage other college
students and military members who attend school
or in service outside of the Jackson area. It is under the watch of Pastor Stephen Mason and its
advisors consist of Angenette Dixon, Alisha Gibson and Tiwari McLain.
Total Health Sunday
by Sis. Wanda Clark
The Nursing Ministry will sponsor its
annual "Total Health Sunday" event
on August 17, 2014 from 9 a.m.-2
p.m. This ministry has invited several
local medical providers to provide
physical and mental screenings
and/or information for the Greater
Pearlie Grove congregation. The
Health Ministry members will also be
available to monitor blood pressures,
weights, and glucose levels and provide fitness information. If you have
any questions, please contact Sis.
Nkeba Bell.
Pearlie Grove News
Page 12
THE ASSOCIATE MINISTERS’ CORNER
by Rev. Arthur Bridges
Every Christian and non-Christian desires to
know what their purpose is in life. There are dozens of self-help books and videos claiming to help
us to discover our purposes. But, I submit to you
that we must go to the source to find out what
God has purposed for each of us.
Think for a moment about the life of Joseph.
Genesis 37 reveals that God had great plans for
Joseph; and He chose to give Joseph a glimpse
through a series of dreams. Not understood by
Joseph and his family at the time, His plans far
exceeded any expectation that Joseph, his father
and/or brothers could have ever imagined. Yet,
what is most striking about Joseph’s narrative is
that his focus was never on attaining the greatness
that God had destined for him. Rather, Joseph
focused on being faithful to God in “EVERY”
situation. Consequently, God honored his obedience and faithfulness by moving him into a place
of greatness that not only provided security for
Joseph’s immediate family but impacted the entire
nation of Israel.
In order to discover our purpose, we must begin
with the belief that God indeed has purpose for
each of us. Jeremiah 29:1 reassures us that His
plans will give us a future and hope. God gave
Joseph the gift of interpreting dreams. This gift
would take him to places of great pain and triumph; but from slavery to the king’s palace, Joseph would develop a faith and dependence on
God that perhaps he would not have received any
other way; and he was ultimately used to save the
lives of thousands of people including his family.
God has given each of us a special gift, talent or
desire. He has given these gifts and talents not just
for our own benefit; but to be used for His glory.
A recent soldier discovered God’s purpose for his
life while on the battlefield in Afghanistan. While
fighting for his life; he discovered that if he made
it back home that he wanted to build a support
network for returning veterans to help them transition back into their civilian lives. The soldier
only discovered his purpose when he was faithful
to respond to God’s leading in serving his country. This was a God-inspired desire that led him to
a literal battlefield. The soldier also discovered
that God protected and preserved him so that he
could come back, stand on the spiritual battlefield
and realize the vision. He found his purpose.
The Deacons’ Corner: “Servant”
Greetings to you in the name of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ. When I was asked to submit
an article for the quarterly newsletter, I thought to
myself, “What should I say on behalf of the Deacon Ministry? Since I am neither a writer nor a
spokesman, I must admit that I was a bit perplexed about what I would say. One of my brothers said to me, “Just let the Holy Spirit lead you.”
That spoke to my heart. The one word that resonated in my spirit was “Servant.”
Our church motto is Learn, Grow, and Serve.
Although Learn and Grow are important characteristics of a Christian, the term Serve is the most
vital characteristic of our Christian walk. Webster
defines Servant as: one who is employed to care
for someone or his property. As Christians, we
should actively aspire to develop and practice all
of these characteristics; however, since Christ
came to serve us, we should have a zeal to serve
Him by serving others. You don’t have to be the
Pastor, Deacon, or a Ministry Leader to serve.
God has called every Christian to perform a task
that only he or she can do: all to His glory. We
are all called to serve. We must ask ourselves,
“Am I doing all that God would have me do to
serve my brothers and sisters?”
Stop and think for a moment about all of the
things that God has done in your life (I’ll wait)
….. Now, when you truly consider his goodness,
how can you not serve such an Awesome God by
serving others?
It is our prayer that if you are not currently serving , we hope that you will decide this day, to
begin your journey of offering complete and total
service to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If
you are already actively serving, we encourage
you to continue to earnestly serve Christ by faithfully serving others. Remember, it is only one job
in the church and that is the job of being a Servant. May God continue to bless and keep you.
In His Service,
The Deacon Ministry
Janice Williams
Kenneth Williams
Brandon Showers
Chris Huggins
Deneen Showers
Dwight Engalnd
Tony Hooten
Dai’jah Sruckey
Etta Mitchell
Kennedi England
Patrick Showers
Tori Anderson
Veronica England
Dermin M. Harris
Devin Harris
Sonya Harris
Quinten Ferguson
Willie Stuckey
Shakitha Harris
Jesus Using Sisters: Daughters of the King Gala!
Pearlie Grove News
Page 16
Happy Anniversary to July, August, and September Couples!
Michael & LaWanda Parks
July 2nd (9 years)
Stevie & Nekita Adams
July 8th (8 years)
Willie & Pat Hughes
July 24th
Guy & Mary Ann Dobson
July 3rd (32 years)
Stacy & Nekesha Dunbar
July 9th (9 years)
Frank & Deborah Rhodes
July 31st (15 years)
Alonzo & Servia Fortenberry
July 4th (5 years)
Jonas & Bridgette James
Jermaine & Christie Cunning
July 16th (20 years)
August 6th
Sam & Tawana Smith
August 13th
Larry & Patricia McCook
July 6th (29 years)
Pearlie Grove News
Page 17
Happy Anniversary to July, August, and September Couples!
Michael & Leslia Davis
Darrell & Yolanda Kyles
September 5th (16 years)
September 7th (12 years)
Calvin & Yvonne Cunning
August 14th (38 years)
Christopher & Felica Wells
Van & Carolyn Jefferson
September 14th (6 years)
September 5th (27 years)
Christopher & Darmisha Johnson
August 16th (11 years)
Marvin & Tashauna Bolls
September 15th (8 years)
Stephen & Vickie Mason
September 5th (28 years)
Leon & Gwen Bryant
August 24th
Our Mission
GREATER PEARLIE GROVE
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the
1640 West County Line Road
Jackson, MS 39213
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have com-
Phone: 601-354-2026
Fax: 601-969-6027
E-mail: [email protected]
manded 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.
We’re on the Web
www.gpgmbc.org
“Where Our Mission is to Learn, Grow and Serve”
Learn. Grow.
July Birthdays

Cedric Dale - 5th

Pat Hughes - 10th

Darmisha Johnson - 2nd

Calvin Cunning - 9th

Jacob Jordan - 13th

LaWanda Parks - 2nd

Jalin Thompson - 10th

Camron Christian Wells - 14th

JoAnn Mack - 7th

Andrew Davis - 11th

Mary Ann Dobson - 16th

Darrell Kyles - 8th

Alisha Gibson - 14th

Amanda Thomas - 16th

Vickie Hicks - 10th
Yvonne Cunning - 15th

Rita Singleton - 17th


Leonard Taylor - 11th
Irwin Davenport - 18th
William Humes, Sr. - 12th
Bridgette James - 15th



Xorica Adams - 21st
Rhoena Rhodes - 12th
C’Aira Paige - 16th





Takeshia Fields - 22nd
Eronisha Banks - 18th


Kayla Singleton - 22nd
Oliver Weatherspoon - 19th

Juan Brown - 23rd

Van Jefferson - 23rd

Shondria Williams - 23rd

Ed Wiggins - 28th

Toinette Jackson - 25th

Charlease Jordan - 27th


Rev. Stephen Mason - 14th
Angenette Dixon - 19th

Frank Rhodes - 19th

William Humes, Jr. - 20th

Shermeka Haynes - 25th

Pat Cloy - 30th

Margaret Mason - 4th

Ethan Wiggins - 27th

Alexandria Thomas - 30th

Serena Washington - 5th

Leslia Davis - 29th

JoAnn Mack - 7th

Christopher Wells, Jr - 29th

Jayda Johnson - 8th
August Birthdays

Gwen Bryant - 2nd
September Birthdays

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