Word “And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” Exodus 25:8 n o v e m b e r 2014 the Avenue In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you! 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV) Greetings, Beloved Church Family! We have come to the month of giving thanks. Our Thanksgiving week plans are significant again this year. Those plans include PreThanksgiving worship and fellowship with Brentwood Baptist Church on Tuesday, November 25; Pre-Thanksgiving Feast for the Homeless on Wednesday, November 26; then, on Thanksgiving Day, we will have our annual one-hour worship service in the Sanctuary at 9AM, then move to the Christian Life Center to prepare Meals on Wheels for those who are aged and/or unable to prepare their own meals for the Thanksgiving weekend. As per usual, we will also bring canned goods to restock the Third Ward Community Food Pantry. This year, our challenge is once again 15,000 canned goods! As a congregation, we are well able to meet that challenge, and in our effort to build a generous church, I pray that you will help us to meet--even exceed--that goal of 15,000 canned goods! You can begin bringing them to the church immediately. We have come to the month of giving thanks! But even before this month dawned, the Cosby family was once again given multiple reasons to say Thank you, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church! During the eight-day celebration initiated by Pastor Emeritus Lawson, planned and executed by dozens of staff and congregational volunteers, and led by our Board Tri-Chairs, you shared a variety of celebratory events that began with focus on children and youth and concluded with fellowship with a sister congregation all the way from Alexandria, Virginia. The generosity and love that was lavished upon each member of our family has left us awe-struck! Your kindness and concern went far beyond the ordinary, and the entirety of our family, both nuclear and extended, have been left with our hearts flooded with thanksgiving to every person who participated in any way to ensure that we felt celebrated and appreciated. Mission accomplished! And we thank you very much! We have come to the month of giving thanks! And we thank God that we have the opportunity to commit our financial gifts to Him during this month, then bring those gifts to His Church over the next three years as we prepare to build a building for the glory of God! Permit me to thank each of you in advance for the commitments you will make and the gifts you will share (above and beyond our tithes and regular offerings) to help bring the vision to fruition. I am very excited about this faith journey on which we currently find ourselves. I pray that each of us will likewise find ourselves excited as we watch God’s will unfold for us and as we participate in the process with the generosity of our financial resources. We have come to the month of giving thanks! But even if it wasn’t November, I echo the words of the Apostle Paul from Philippians 1:3, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you!” With perpetual gratitude, M.D. Cosby 2 Happenings on the Avenue 3 Christian Life Advancement 4 Adult Ministries 5 Young Adult and Youth Ministries 6 Children’s Ministries 7 Churchwide Events W h e e l e r Av e n u e B a p t i s t C h u r c h 8 Prayer Guide 12 Church and Staff Resources Where we worship Jesus Christ and minister to the total person h a p p e n i n g s o n t h e a v e n u e — NOVEM B ER 2 0 1 4 s u n d ay, n o v e m b e r 2 7:15am, 9am, 11am, 1pm Worship Services 9am, 11am Sunday School 9am, 11am Financial Peace Class 11am DT – The Tabernacle 4pm New Life Service m o n d ay, n o v e m b e r 3 10:30 AM Seasoned Saints Exercise 6:00 PM Deaconess Board Meeting 6:30 PM Chorale Ministry Rehearsal 6:30 PM Bells of Praise Handbells Rehearsal 6:30 PM Praise Dance Rehearsal 7:00 PM DT - Walking With God 7:00 PM InHIMM Men’s Ministry Fellowship 7:30 PM Orchestra Rehearsal t u e s d ay, n o v e m b e r 4 6:00 AM Elections 5:00 PM Girl Scout Meetings 6:00 PM Capital & Infrastructure Subcomm. Mtg. 6:30 PM CLASS New Teacher Cohort - These Things We Believe 6:30 PM CLASS New Teacher Cohort - Intro to Theology 6:30 PM DT - Masterlife I 6:30 PM Financial Peace Class 6:30 PM M2W Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Cherub Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM DT - Temple Tune-up 7:00 PM Unity Choir Rehearsal w e d n e s d ay, n o v e m b e r 5 10:30 AM Seasoned Saints Exercise 12:00 PM Noon Day Bible Study 1:30 PM Job Search Work Team 6:00 PM Wednesday Prayer Service 6:45 PM AWANA Bible Study 7:00 PM General Bible Study 7:00 PM Youth Bible Study t h u r s d ay, n o v e m b e r 6 10:00 AM Street Witnessing 5:00 PM Band Rehearsal 6:00 PM Sunday School Teachers Meeting 6:30 PM Networking Mixer 6:30 PM Celestial Choir Rehearsal 6:30 PM “The Brook” College Bible Study 7:00 PM Chapel Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Financial Empowerment Ministry Meeting 7:30 PM Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal f r i d ay, n o v e m b e r 7 9:30 AM Seasoned Saints Line Dancing 10:30 AM Seasoned Saints Exercise s at u r d ay, n o v e m b e r 8 9:00 AM Senior’s Enrollment Help for Medi-Care 9:00 AM Tutoring Ministry 10:00 AM Fresh Start New Member Event 11:00 AM Children’s Praise Dance Rehearsal 12:00 PM Christ Victory Steppers Rehearsal s u n d ay, n o v e m b e r 9 7:15am, 9am, 11am, 1pm Worship Services 9am, 11am Sunday School 9am, 11am Financial Peace Class 11am DT – The Tabernacle m o n d ay, n o v e m b e r 10 10:30 AM Seasoned Saints Exercise 6:00 PM Ruth Circle Meeting 6:00 PM Women’s Guild Exec. Bd. Comm. Meeting 6:30 PM Chorale Ministry Rehearsal 6:30 PM Bells of Praise Handbells Rehearsal 6:30 PM Praise Dance Rehearsal 6:30 PM Sister Chat Bible Study 7:00 PM DT - Walking With God 7:00 PM InHIMM Men’s Ministry Fellowship 7:30 PM Orchestra Rehearsal t u e s d ay, n o v e m b e r 11 5:00 PM Girl Scout Meetings 6:00 PM Capital & Infrastructure Subcomm. Mtg. 6:00 PM T. Davis Senior Mission Circle 6:30 PM Boy Scout Troop Parent Meeting 6:30 PM CLASS New Teacher Cohort - These Things We Believe 6:30 PM CLASS New Teacher Cohort - Intro to Theology 6:30 PM DT - Masterlife I 6:30 PM Financial Peace Class 6:30 PM M2W Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Cherub Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM DT - Temple Tune-up 7:00 PM Unity Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM POD Choir Rehearsal w e d n e s d ay, n o v e m b e r 12 10:30 AM Seasoned Saints Exercise 12:00 PM Noon Day Bible Study 1:30 PM Job Search Work Team 6:00 PM Wednesday Prayer Service 6:45 PM AWANA Bible Study 7:00 PM General Bible Study 7:00 PM Youth Bible Study t h u r s d ay, n o v e m b e r 13 5:00 PM Band Rehearsal 5:30 PM Building Committee Monthly Meeting 6:00 PM Sunday School Teachers Meeting 6:30 PM Celestial Choir Rehearsal 6:30 PM “The Brook” College Bible Study 6:30 PM Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Chapel Choir Rehearsal 7:30 PM Mass Choir Rehearsal f r i d ay, n o v e m b e r 14 9:30 AM Seasoned Saints Line Dancing 10:30 AM Seasoned Saints Exercise 6:00 PM Girl Scouts Mother/Daughter Lock-In s at u r d ay, n o v e m b e r 15 8:00 AM Deacon Board Executive Committee 8:30 AM Transformation Meetings 9:00 AM Thanksgiving Feast Orientation 9:00 AM Tutoring Ministry 10:00 AMAlzheimer Support Group 10:00 AM Cherub Choir Rehearsal 10:00 AM Ephphatha Ministry Meeting 10:00 AM Street Witnessing 10:00 AM Family Group 31 Bible Study 10:00 AM Family Group 11, 32, 37, 38 & 40 Bible Study 10:00 AM Health & Wellness Ministry Meeting 10:00 AM Honey Child Alumni Event 10;00 AMStephen Ministry Supervision 11:00 AM Children’s Praise Dance Rehearsal s u n d ay, n o v e m b e r 16 7:15am, 9am, 11am, 1pm Worship Services 9am, 11am Sunday School 9am, 11am Financial Peace Class 11am DT – The Tabernacle 3:00 PM “The Bridge” College Ministry Meeting m o n d ay, n o v e m b e r 17 10:30 AM Seasoned Saints Exercise 5:30 PM Family Connection Corps 5:45 PM Women’s Guild Meeting 6:30 PM Chorale Ministry Rehearsal 6:30 PM Bells of Praise Handbells Rehearsal 6:30 PM Praise Dance Rehearsal 6:30 PM WATMI Board Meeting 6:30 PM Women’s Ministry - The Waiting Room 7:00 PM DT - Walking With God 7:30 PM Orchestra Rehearsal t u e s d ay, n o v e m b e r 18 5:00 PM Cade Circle Meeting 6:00 PM Capital & Infrastructure Subcomm. Mtg. 2 6:00 PM Deacons Meeting 6:30 PM Boy Scouts Board of Review 6:30 PM CLASS New Teacher Cohort - These Things We Believe 6:30 PM CLASS New Teacher Cohort - Intro to Theology 6:30 PM DT - Masterlife I 6:30 PM Financial Peace Class 6:30 PM Unity Choir Rehearsal 6:30 PM M2W Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM DT - Temple Tune-up 7:30 PM Mass Choir Rehearsal 8:30 PM POD Choir Rehearsal w e d n e s d ay, n o v e m b e r 1 9 10:30 AM Seasoned Saints Exercise 12:00 PM Noon Day Bible Study 1:30 PM Job Search Work Team 6:00 PM Wednesday Prayer Service 6:45 PM AWANA Bible Study 7:00 PM General Bible Study 7:00 PM Youth Bible Study t h u r s d ay, n o v e m b e r 2 0 5:00 PM Band Rehearsal 6:00 PM Finance Committee Meeting 6:00 PM Sunday School Teachers Meeting 6:30 PM Celestial Choir Rehearsal 6:30 PM “The Brook” College Bible Study 6:30 PM Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal 6:30 PM Chapel Choir Rehearsal 7:30 PM Mass Choir Rehearsal f r i d ay, n o v e m b e r 21 9:30 AM Seasoned Saints Line Dancing 10:30 AM Seasoned Saints Exercise s at u r d ay, n o v e m b e r 2 2 9:00 AM Cancer Ministry Meeting 9:00 AM Thanksgiving Feast Orientation 9:30 AM Cub Scouts Meeting 10:30 AM Chronicles Book Club 11:00 AM Family Group 1 Bible Study 11:00 AM Children’s Praise Dance Rehearsal 12:00 PM Christ Victory Steppers Rehearsal s u n d ay, n o v e m b e r 2 3 7:15am, 9am, 11am, 1pm Worship Services 9am, 11am Sunday School 9am, 11am Financial Peace Class 11am DT – The Tabernacle 4:00 PM Light of Life Service m o n d ay, n o v e m b e r 24 10:30 AM Seasoned Saints Exercise 6:30 PM Bells of Praise Handbells Rehearsal 6:30 PM Praise Dance Rehearsal 6:30 PM WA5Cs Board Meeting 6:30 PM Sister Chat Bible Study 7:00 PM DT - Walking With God t u e s d ay, n o v e m b e r 2 5 7:00 PM Thanksgiving Worship Service with Brentwood Baptist Church w e d n e s d ay, n o v e m b e r 2 6 12:00 PM Feeding The Homeless t h u r s d ay, n o v e m b e r 2 7 9:00 AM Thanksgiving Worship Service 10:00 AMThanksgiving Meals on Wheels f r i d ay - s at u r d ay, n o v. 2 8 -2 9 CAMPUS CLOSED s u n d ay, n o v e m b e r 3 0 7:15am, 9am, 11am, 1pm Worship Services 9am, 11am Sunday School 9am, 11am Financial Peace Class 11am DT – The Tabernacle Christian Life Advancement S u n d a y Sc h o o l C L A SS L i s t i n g s & L o ca t i o n s A d u lt 1/ C h o i r 9 :0 0 a . m . – 10 :15 a . m . l CLC - Ro o m 216 The Adult I/Choir class is a dedicated family of believers in Christ, whose members enjoy gathering together for spirited teaching and discussion, as we study God’s Holy Word. We are a diverse group of men and women, singles, married individuals and couples. Fa i t h a n d W o r k s 9:0 0 a . m . – 10 :15 a . m . l CLC - Ro o m 210 Faith and Works strives to be a living example of James 2:17 from which the class derived its name. This is a diverse group of believers in age and gender. The learning and applying of the lesson is through group discussion that aims to get to the heart of the WORD of God by listening and learning from each other. Men’s Cl ass 9:00 a . m . – 10 :15 a . m . l CLC - Ro o m 207 The Adult Men’s class consists of men who are at various levels of spiritual maturity. The men in this class treasure the wisdom, application of scripture to their everyday lives and fellowship with other men of God. We know that iron sharpens iron. We welcome and encourage questions and comments from all members of the class. Spiritual Deliverance 9:0 0 a . m . – 10 :15 a . m . l C LC - Ro o m 217 The Spiritual Deliverance Class is a unique blend of men and women. The class embodies a range of Christian maturity, from “emerging to mature” Christians. This class encourages interaction and involvement of the learners to foster spiritual transformation and develop strong witnesses for Christ. Women’s Cl ass 9:0 0 a . m . – 10 :15 a . m . l ChLC - Fello wsh ip Hall (L eft ) The Women’s class utilizes varying teaching techniques that include women sharing in lively discussions of scripture and the assigned lessons. This class is comprised of a diverse group of married women, single women and single mothers. Attendees of the Women’s class appreciate the friendship, fellowship, support and spiritual growth they receive as a result of participating in this class. a d u lt C l a s s 1 1 :0 0 a . m . -12:15 p. m . l CLC - Ro o m 215 This is a combined (co-ed) adult group that is intentionally intergenerational, ranging from young adult to adult. This class focuses on the discovery, understanding, and application of the Word of God for the whole person. T O P I C A L A d u lt C la s s E S Vision Seekers 9:0 0 a . m . – 10 :15 a . m . l CLC - Ro o m 218 Geared to young adults, ages 21-35, the mission is to seek and see the deeper depths of God by seeking first the kingdom of God and all His righteousness, launching in the deep, increasing our individual study of God’s word and seeking God’s promises. L i v i n g Y o u r Fa i t h 11:0 0 a . m . – 12 :15 p. m . l C LC - Ro o m 216 Using curriculum developed by WABC, this class deals with the nexus of your faith and everyday life. It examines the importance of incorporating our belief and faith into all of our life circumstances. New Life as an Insider 11:0 0 a . m . – 12 :15 p. m . l C LC - Ro o m 216 This class is specifically designed for new believers in Christ. As a new believer you are no longer living in the world, but are now an insider connected to the body of believers everywhere. What does this mean to how you now live your life? This class will help you understand what you believe and how to articulate that belief. M i d d le Sc h ool - Hi g h Sc h ool C la s s e s God and Church 11:0 0 a . m . – 12 :15 p. m . l C LC - Ro o m 218 For Middle School - High School ages, this class is a collaboration with Boy Scouts, but all students are welcomed. This class is taught 2nd through 4th Sundays in the summer and fall. 9: 00 a . m . -10: 15 a . m . l CLC - Room 209 9: 00 a . m . -10: 15 a . m . l CLC - Room 21 2 9: 00 a . m . -10:15 a . m . l CLC - Room 21 1 11: 00 a . m . -12:30 p. m . l CLC - Room 21 8 Interactive experiences where youth learn about Jesus and engage biblical truths that help them grow closer to Jesus and to be equipped for facing everyday life. It’s a fun way to get to know Jesus and other youth, while we grow spiritually. Grades 6-8 Grades 9-10 Grades 11-12 Grades 6-12 y o u n g C h il d r e n C la s s e s 9: 00 a . m . -10:15 a . m . l ChLC - Rooms 1 1 6-1 1 7 9: 00 a . m . -10:15 a . m . l ChLC - Rooms 1 33-1 38 9 : 00 a . m . -10:15 a . m . l ChLC - Rooms 1 34 -1 35 9:00 a . m . -10:15 a . m . l ChLC - FH ( Ri ght ) 9: 00 a . m . -10:15 a . m . l ChLC - Rooms 1 36 -1 37 Our focus is to teach children about God’s love and His amazing gift of salvation to prepare them to know Jesus and accept Him as Lord and Savior. We use age-appropriate lessons, games, crafts, and other creative ways to teach the Word of God. We help children build Bible skills that encourage them to memorize and apply God’s Word. Pre-School Prek-K 1st and 2nd Grades 3rd and 4th Grades 5th Grade 3 New Topical Adult Christian Life Sunday School Classes We are excited to have two new Christian Life Sunday School Classes. Living Your Faith Using curriculum written and developed by WABC, this class deals with the nexus of your faith and everyday life. It examines the importance of incorporating our belief and faith into all of our life circumstances. This class lasts for 12 weeks. Join us at 11:00 a.m. in the Community Life Center (Worship Center) Room 216. New Life as an Insider This class is specifically designed for new believers in Christ. As a new believer, you are no longer living in the world, but are now an insider connected to the body of believers everywhere. What does this mean to how you now live your life? This class will help you understand what you believe and how to articulate that belief. This class lasts for 12 weeks. Join us at 11:00 a.m. in the Community Life Center (Worship Center) Room 217. Serving through ministries adult ministries Ministries of the Month We’re taking the month of November to highlight our Outreach Ministries. Please stop by their tables following worship for more information. If you’re interested in becoming involved in any of our Outreach Ministries, go to the William Alexander Lawson Christian or Community Life Center immediately following worship to sign-up or to receive more information. The Outreach Ministries include: • Evangelism Ministry • General Mission {{ Cade Circle {{ Ruth Circle {{ T. Davis Circle • Footwashing Ministry • Jail and Prison Ministry others serve women’s guild The Women’s Guild will meet Monday, November 17, at 5:45 p.m. in the William A. Lawson Christian Life Center (Fellowship Hall-left). Come join us as we foster fellowship and plan projects to serve the community. Refreshments will be served. Seasoned Saints Ministry Monthly Activities of the Seasoned Saints Ministry are as follows: Mondays Wednesdays Fridays 10:30 a.m. - Aerobics 11:30 a.m. - Seasoned Table Talk 10:30 a.m. - Aerobics 12:00 p.m. - Bible Study 9:30 a.m. - Line Dancing 10:30 a.m. - Aerobics 11:30 a.m. - Bible Study The Health and Wellness Ministry presents Bailando and Bootcamp! Bailando and Bootcamp is coming back to The Avenue. Latin dance will be on the first three Tuesdays in December (2nd, 9th and 16th) from 6:30 p.m. - 7:20 p.m. for beginners new to Latin dance. The second class is from 7:30 pm. 8:20 p.m. and requires a dance partner to learn combinations and a variety of Latin dance styles. Bootcamp will be on the first three Thursdays in December (4th, 11th and 18th) at 6:30 p.m. and will get your body moving towards the end of a great year! Contact Shaundra Barnett at [email protected] for more information. ONEderful Life Singles (40+): “Steppin’ in the Holiday Spirit” Join us on Friday, December 12 at 7:00 p.m. and enjoy live music, great food, mature games and free dance lessons. Save the date and don’t miss this fabulous time of fellowship and fun in the Fellowship Hall. 4 Serving through ministries young adults and youth ministries College Tour Calling all parents and high school students! After the success of last year’s HBCU Tour, we are already hard at work and finalizing plans for our 2015 WABC College Tour! Our tour will be held March 15-18, 2015 and will include stops at LSU, Southern University, Grambling State, Tugaloo College and more! Registration kicks off on Sunday, November 9, and the cost to register is $300.00 per participant. Praise Dancers Rehearsals are Mondays, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., in the William A. Lawson Community Life Center, Room 207. Please contact Sis. Erica Henderson ([email protected]), if you are interested in ministering with the WABC Grace Praise Dancers. CHRIST VICTORY STEPPERS Christ Victory Steppers practice on Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. in the William A. Lawson Community Life Center, Worship Center. For more information, contact Loren Hickerson at [email protected] or 615-202-7077. College Students… are you looking for a great way to destress after a long semester? Young Adults… are you ready to add a little spice to the holiday season? Let’s celebrate the Savior with a little salsa!!! On Friday, December 12, college students and young adults of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church will join forces for a night of food, fun, games and dancing. The fun takes place at 7 p.m. in the Community Life Center. Enjoy salsa dance lessons for all, plus prizes and giveaways totaling hundreds of dollars! The first 75 persons to arrive qualify for a Christmas bonus! See you there! holy land trip postponed Due to the recent unrest in the area, the trip to the Holy Land has been postponed to 2016. We want to ensure the safety of our congregants above all else. For those interested, the trip is now scheduled to take place March 13 - March 23, 2016. If you would like more information, contact Sis. Andrea Tucker at [email protected]. 5 Serving through ministries children’s ministries cherub choir (Children, ages 2-10) Rehearsal is held every Tuesday, excluding the Tuesday following the Third Sunday, at 7:00 pm in the choir room and every Saturday immediately preceding the Third Sunday of the month at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary. children’s church Children’s Church services are at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. in the Christian Life Center. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Sis. Harlisha Homer at: [email protected]. Children’s Church Drop-off 2 and 3 year olds: Christian Life Center, Room 117 4 and 5 year olds: Christian Life Center, Room 138 1st – 5th Grade: Fellowship Hall (Left) ACOLYTES If your child is interested in lighting the candles during any of the four worship services, please contact Sis. Harlisha Homer at: [email protected]. KIDCHECK KidCheck is available for Wheeler’s children. In order to use the check-in system, you must register your child/children. Parents may do so by going to go.kidcheck.com or clicking on the KidCheck link on the Wheeler Avenue website. Wheeler Avenue Christian Academy (WACA) Wheeler Avenue Christian Academy (WACA) is bustling with activities for fall. We held our Harvest Fest on October 30. Our PTF has elected new officers. We are gearing up for our Thanksgiving Dinner on Tuesday, November 25, and participating in WABC’s Canned Food Drive. We still have room for students from Pre-K2 to Kindergarten. Deaconness Ada Carr serves as Executive Director. If you would like to receive further information, contact us at 713579-2792. the children’s ministRy needs your help! Children’s Ministry needs teachers, assistant teachers, helpers, and parent volunteers! For more information, and to begin your training, please contact Rev. Alexander E.M. Johnson at 713-579-2703 or [email protected]. 6 churchwide events Commitment Sunday MARK YOUR CALENDARS…On Sunday, November 2nd, as a part of our worship services, each member household will be asked to pledge a commitment, over and above your regular tithes and offerings, to the Building for the Future Capital Stewardship Campaign. More details will be forthcoming. But as you prepare to make your commitment, pray and seek God’s will; trust God to provide; and give generously. If you have not received information about the capital campaign via postal mail, please contact the church. For ongoing information, you may also visit the Building for the Future page on www.wheelerbc.org. Canned goods and blankets needed in time for Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving is around the corner and we’re calling on all of our members to bring canned goods to support our neighborhood pantry and blankets to give to the homeless. We are accepting unused twin/full-size blankets which may be dropped into any of the designated receptacles in the vestibule of the sanctuary, the Christian Life Center, or the Worship Center. Please bring your donations by Sunday, November 23. canning hunger volunteers needed! Meet us in the sanctuary on Wednesday, November 26 at 9:00 a.m. to help package canned goods which will serve members of our community. 2014 HGST Annual fall Luncheon UPLIFT! celebrating women in ministry The Houston Graduate School of Theology is celebrating women in ministry by honoring three ministries, including HER Call Ministries (501c3) founded by Rev. Lekesha R. Barnett on Friday, November 14, 11:00 a.m. at The Junior League of Houston. To register, visit: http://www.hgst.edu/2014-hgst-annual-luncheon-uplift/ Hour of Power Prayer Service Join us every Wednesday during the month of November at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary as we offer prayers of praise and petition to our God. The WABC Business Directory is Here! We want to be those who support our own, so make your way to the Chronicles Bookstore in the William Alexander Lawson Christian Life Center to get your free copy of our latest Business Directory. You may be surprised about some of the great opportunities that can be found right here within your own church! The directory is also available online at http://www.wheelerbc.org/Documents/WABC_Business-Directory-2014.pdf. the light-of-light worship celebration The Light-of-Light Worship Celebration is coming November 23, 2014. There is a new structure for the service this year. It’s on a Sunday afternoon at 4:00 p.m., allowing all family members to celebrate deceased loved ones together! Come and remember loved ones and glorify the Lord Who is the Light! 7 PRAYER GUIDE N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 4 Dear Congregants, It is with great gratitude and expectation that I present this prayer guide for November. Hopefully, you followed October’s guide and that, by now, you have established a routine of praying daily and fasting on Wednesdays. If you missed it in October, there is no need for worry. Start now! • We will all pray every Monday thru Saturday between 12 noon and 1 p.m. We are asking that you pray at least 15 minutes or more. However, do not be legalistic about it; pray as the Holy Spirit leads. • Wednesdays we will fast between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. You may choose to abstain from food between those hours, or you may choose to follow the Daniel fast during those hours. • Let the Holy Spirit lead you in your time of prayer. The prayer guide which follows is also on the WABC website. • Saturday’s prayer focus will be the same each Saturday. We will pray for the city, state, nation, and world. Please be watchful of what is happening in all of these places so that you can pray into those situations. As always, we will pray for Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. PR AYER GUIDE (All scriptures are from the Amplified Version) November 3, 2014 - Monday Luke 6:38 – Give, and [gifts] will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will they pour into [the pouch formed by] the bosom [of your robe and used as a bag]. For with the measure you deal out [with the measure you use when you confer benefits on others], it will be measured back to you. Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank the Lord for His gift of Jesus 2. Pray that He will teach you generosity 3. Pray for WABC – that as a congregation we grow spiritually November 4, 2014 Tuesday 2 Corinthians 9:13 – Because at [your] standing of the test of this ministry, they will glorify God for your loyalty and obedience to the Gospel of Christ which you confess, as well as for your generous-hearted liberality to them and to all [the other needy ones]. Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for the strength to endure 2. Ask Him to help you with your loyalty and obedience to Christ 3. Pray for WABC – that we stand the test November 5, 2014 Wednesday 2 Corinthians 9:6 – [Remember] this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone else] will also reap generously and with blessings. Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for His many blessings 2. Ask Him to show you how to have joy 3. Pray for WABC – that we walk in love November 6, 2014 Thursday 2 Corinthians 9:7 – Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous “prompt to do it”) giver [whose heart is in his giving]. Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God that He leads us by His Spirit 2. Ask Him to help you take pleasure in His leading 3. Pray for WABC – that we will follow close after God 8 PRAYER GUIDE N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 4 November 7, 2014 Friday 2 Corinthians 9:8 – And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation]. Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for His grace that is sufficient 2. Ask Him to continue to bless you to be a blessing 3. Pray for WABC – that we will have all we need for effective ministry November 10, 2014 Monday 2 Corinthians 9:9 – As it is written, He [the benevolent person] scatters abroad; He gives to the poor; His deeds of justice and goodness and kindness and benevolence will go on and endure forever! Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for His kindness 2. Ask him to give you opportunities for kindness, justice, benevolence and goodness 3. Pray for WABC – that we will never lose our care for those in the community who need help November 11, 2014 Tuesday 2 Corinthians 9:10 – And [God] Who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your [resources for] sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness [which manifests itself in active goodness, kindness, and charity]. Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for His provision 2. Ask Him to multiply your resources for sowing 3. Pray for WABC – that God will bless our missionary work November 12, 2014 Wednesday 2 Corinthians 9:11 – Thus you will be enriched in all things and in every way, so that you can be generous, and [your generosity as it is] administered by us will bring forth thanksgiving to God. Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for His enrichment 2. Ask Him to continue to guide you in your generosity 3. Pray for WABC – that we will be thankful to God November 13, 2014 Thursday 2 Corinthians 9:12 – For the service that the ministering of this fund renders does not only fully supply what is lacking to the saints (God’s people), but it also overflows in many [cries of] thanksgiving to God. Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for His faithfulness 2. Ask Him to help you to be of greater service to the saints (not necessarily monetarily) 3. Pray for WABC – that we will be a welcoming congregation November 14, 2014 Friday Deuteronomy 8:18 – But you shall [earnestly] remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. Suggested Prayer Direction 1. Thank God that He keeps His promises 2. Ask Him to help you see the wealth He has already provided 3. Pray for WABC 9 PRAYER GUIDE N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 4 November 17, 2014 Monday Proverb 19:17 – He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and that which he has given He will repay to him. Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for His undying love 2. Ask Him to help you to love those who may not love you 3. Pray for WABC – that we will worship the Lord in spirit and truth November 18, 2014 Tuesday Luke 19:8 – So then Zacchaeus stood up and solemnly declared to the Lord, See, Lord, the half of my goods I [now] give [by way of restoration] to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone out of anything, I [now] restore four times as much. Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for His forgiveness 2. Ask Him to show you areas where you need to make amends and forgive 3. Pray for WABC – that we will hear the voice of God through our Pastor November 19, 2014 Wednesday I Timothy 6:17 – As for the rich in this world, charge them not to be proud and arrogant and contemptuous of others, nor to set their hopes on uncertain riches, but on God, Who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for [our] enjoyment. Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for His correction 2. Ask Him to show you areas where you may be arrogant and contemptuous of others 3. Pray for WABC – that we will hope in God November 20, 2014 Thursday I Timothy 6:19 – In this way laying up for themselves [the riches that endure forever as] a good foundation for the future, so that they may grasp that which is life indeed. Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for His mercy that is from everlasting to everlasting 2. Ask Him to help you to realize that which is important in life 3. Pray for WABC – that we will build for the future on a good foundation November 21, 2014 Friday Matthew 10:42 – And whoever gives to one of these little ones [in rank or influence] even a cup of cold water because he is My disciple, surely I declare to you, he shall not lose his reward. Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for his rewards 2. Ask Him to give you an opportunity to help someone in need 3. Pray for WABC – that we will not be a respecter of persons November 24, 2014 Monday Matthew 6:21 – For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for His watchful eye 2. Ask Him to show you where your treasure is 3. Pray for WABC – that we will have pure motives November 25, 2014 Tuesday Matthew 6:24 – No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand by and be devoted to the one and despise and be against the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (deceitful riches, money, possessions, or whatever is trusted in). Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God that He is the Savior of our souls 2. Ask Him to help you to put money in its proper perspective 3. Pray for WABC – that we will trust in God and His ability 10 PRAYER GUIDE N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 4 November 26, 2014 Wednesday Matthew 6:25 – Therefore I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater [in quality] than food, and the body [far above and more excellent] than clothing? Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for His constant care 2. Ask Him to show you your areas of fear and worry-resolve to trust Him 3. Pray for WABC – that we will be ever mindful of the poor in spirit November 27, 2014 Thursday Acts 4:34 – Nor was there a destitute or needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses proceeded to sell them, and one by one they brought (gave back) the amount received from the sales Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for His unspeakable goodness 2. Ask Him to show you your hidden treasures 3. Pray for WABC – that we will be good stewards of God’s blessings November 28, 2014 Friday 2 Chronicles 7:14(a) – If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray… Suggested Prayer Direction: 1. Thank God for the privilege of prayer 2. Ask Him to teach you humility 3. Pray for WABC – that we remain humble and teachable 11 worship services Sunday: 7:15 a.m.* 9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.* Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Children’s Church: 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. *Sign language provided for the hearing impaired Watch Sunday Worship and Bible Study Live Online: http://cdn.streamingfaith.com/oc/wheeler-avenue-baptist/ C ONTACT US Rev. Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, Senior Pastor Rev. Alexander E.M. Johnson, Associate Pastor for Worship & Ministry Rev. William A. Lawson, Founding Pastor Emeritus Rev. Lekesha R. Barnett Minister to Singles and Young Adults [email protected] Rev. Dr. Patricia Williams Minister of Congregational Care and Development [email protected] Deacon Maurice Carr Church Business Administrator [email protected] BOARD CHAIRS Deacon Tophas Anderson, III Deaconess Penelope Nobles Trustee Shirley C. Evans Sis. Audrey Cosby Interim Director of Middle School Ministry [email protected] Rev. Jacques Denkins Minister to Seniors [email protected] MEMBERSHIP CONTACTS Rev. Bonita Barnes Matthew 25 Urgent Needs Ministry 713-579-2725 [email protected] CHRONICLES BOOKSTORE Visit the Chronicles Bookstore today to purchase: Sunday Worship Service CDs: $5 Sunday Worship Service DVDs: $10 50th Anniversary Concert CD featuring the WABC Mass Choir: $15 Wednesdays in the Word CD Series: $20 Wednesdays in the Word DVD Series: $30 Deaconess Paulette Frederick Budget & Finance Manager [email protected] Sis. Carolyn Clark Scheduling of Weddings and Building Use Requests; On-line at www.wheelerbc.org 713-579-2720 [email protected] Minister Leon C. Lewis Minister of Music [email protected] Sis. Audrey Cosby Baby Dedications 713-579-2724 [email protected] Bookstore Phone Number: 713-579-2753 Rev. Joshua Mitchell Minister to Youth & College Students [email protected] Sis. Ramona Parker Chronicles Bookstore 713-579-2753 [email protected] Bookstore Hours: Monday, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Rev. Lana Reese Minister of Prayer [email protected] Rev. Lana Reese Prayer Requests 713-741-4611 [email protected] Friday: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m Sis. Andrea Tucker Administrative Assistant to the Pastor [email protected] Sis. Shirley Wilkerson Membership Updates and Baptism Information 713-579-2778 [email protected] Deacon Vernon Umstead Human Resources & Technology Manager [email protected] Rev. Dr. Patricia Williams Homebound Care and Hospital Visits, Bereavement and Grief Counseling, Funeral Notices and New Member Inquiries 713-579-2718 [email protected] Rev. Dr. Barbara Williams Minister of Christian Counseling [email protected] LIKE us on facebook www.facebook.com/WheelerAvenueBC W h e e l e r Av e n u e B a p t i s t C h u r c h FOLLOW us on Twitter @WheelerAvenueBC www.twitter.com/WheelerAvenueBC 50th Anniversary Worship Service DVD: $15 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sunday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. The Avenue Word is a monthly print and online publication of the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, 3826 Wheeler Avenue, Houston, Texas 77004. www.wheelerbc.org Follow us on Instagram @WheelerAvenueBC 3826 Wheeler Avenue Houston, Texas 77004 713.748.5240 www.wheelerbc.org
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