A NEW HORIZON ELIZABETH AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Quarterly – volume 1 September 2011 – December 2011

LIVING A THANKFUL LIFE Rev. Karen L. Washington, Pastor

Reverend Karen L. Washington is a native of the Island of Bermuda. She is formally a member of the Richard Allen AME

Church in St. George’s. It was there her grandmother instilled in her the gospel of Jesus Christ, the value of family, the

importance of commitment and the love of God. Rev. Washington now resides in Bear, Delaware, with her husband Kevin.

Rev. Washington graduated from Delaware State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and Business

Administration. She then obtained her Certified Public Accountants license. She is a graduate of the Trinity Bible Institute,

School of the Prophets where she received a certificate of completion on prophetic studies, as well as, a graduate of Palmer

Theological Seminary, where she received her Masters of Divinity.

Rev. Washington answered the ministerial call from God to Itinerate Orders and in June 2004, preached her initial sermon. On

April 14, 2007, she was ordained an Itinerate Deacon and on March 21, 2010, an Itinerate Elder of the African Methodist

Episcopal Church.

Rev. Karen Washington is a former member of the ministerial staff of Bethel AME Church, Wilmington, Delaware, under the

pastoral leadership of the Rev. Dr. Silvester Scott Beaman. While there, she served as the liaison for the Daughters of Radiance

Women’s Ministry and the Youth Empowerment School (YES) Program, as well as served as the spiritual advisor to the

Marriage Ministry. Effective March 1, 2011, Rev. Beaman appointed her as the Executive Minister of Elizabeth AME Church.

Following that, on April 1, 2011, she became the Resident Preacher. As the Lord would have it, effective September 13, 2011,

she received her first pastoral appointment from the Rt. Rev. Richard F. Norris, Bishop of the First Episcopal District of the

African Methodist Episcopal Church as pastor of Elizabeth AME Church.

Rev. Washington’s calling is not specific to a particular state of God’s people. She is called to humble the mighty and to raise the

destitute. Her attributes are that of the prophet Jeremiah, to root out, pull down, destroy, throw down, build and to plant; to be a

messenger and mouthpiece of God, to God’s people under the divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit through preaching and the

administration of God’s Word.

Rev. Karen Washington lives each day by the scripture, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things

unseen” Hebrews 11:1. She knows without God she is nothing and there is nothing impossible for Him. Rev. Washington

strongly believes God is a God of Integrity and a God of His Word!

There is no failure in Him. She understands beyond a shadow of doubt, it is in Him she lives and moves and has her being.

Why parents should send their children to Sunday school

(Or any other religious-type teaching at a young age)

Taken from the Total Transformation

Children will one day grow into individuals who make their own decisions about many things, shouldn’t their religious practices

(should they choose to have any) be one of them? It may be dangerous to push children in one direction before they have the true

abilities to make up their minds for themselves on such matters.

• There is so much corruption in religious institutions, today, why places your child into a place that may be dangerous? With so many

stories in the media about church members, religious leaders, etc. being addicted to pornography, the sexual assault of children, and

other such horrors, sending your children into a potentially harmful position seems reckless.

• Children should be taught their morals and values from their parents, but religion should be a personal choice. Sending children to

Sunday school at an early age gives children preconceived notions about what to believe.

• If you force your child to do something that they do not enjoy at an early age, it has the potential to stain their image of that thing

forever. Dragging a child, kicking and screaming to Sunday school, may end up doing the exact opposite of what you hope to achieve

in taking them in the first place.

• Making children go without their desire to be there simply puts them into the process of following empty religious rituals for the

sake of the ritual. This may lay a foundation that is void of what spirituality is really supposed to be.

• Spirituality is a part of your journey through life. You must find the paths that you follow on your own through experience and

exploration; having something forced in front of you will not help you discover a spiritual lifestyle. It may be helpful to think about

your own experiences with religion or Sunday school. Did you enjoy the songs, stories, lessons, and the friends you made there?

Maybe you did. Or maybe your experience was horrible. Just because you experienced one thing does not mean that your child will

also experience the same thing.

There are some families that I knew while growing up in which one child went to Sunday school while another did not. This was

because the parents identified that one child enjoyed their time while the other had a poor experience. They did not force the child that

did not enjoy it to continue to attend because they realized that the experience in itself would then be futile.

What these parents realized was that each person is unique, with unique experiences, and unique tastes. In this way, how you answer

the question as to whether or not you decide if your child should go to Sunday school may be different than how someone else

answers the same question. The important thing is that as parents you think carefully about the outcome.

Kevin's Financial Corner on Stewardship

Lesson: Maximizing the 90% Introduction

Kevin Washington is the husband of Pastor Karen Washington, and a member of Elizabeth

AME Church. He’s a Regional Vice President for Primerica Financial Services at 1200

People's Plaza, Suite 1230, Newark, DE 19702. Kevin will be a regular contributor to our

New Horizon Newsletter.

The Bible clearly states that God is sole owner of everything we possess. Scripture teaches

there are two distinct parts to the handling of our money. The part that God plays and the part

we play. The Lord said a lot about money because He wants us to know His perspective on

this critical area of life. In fact, that’s why Jesus talked so much about money. Sixteen of the

38 parables were concerned with how to handle money and possessions. Indeed, Jesus Christ

said more about money than about almost any other subject. The Bible offers 500 verses on

prayer, fewer than 500 verses on faith, but more than 2,350 verses on money and possessions.

Lesson 1: How we handle money affects our fellowship with the Lord.

a. “If therefore you have not been faithful in the use of worldly wealth who will entrust the

true riches to you?” (Luke 16:11) b. When we handle our money properly according to the principles of Scripture, our

fellowship with Christ will grow stronger; however, if we manage unfaithfully our

fellowship will suffer.

Check with Kevin for your financial investments or advice

The Bible clearly states that God is sole owner of everything we possess.

Scripture teaches there are two distinct parts to the handling of our money.

Quarterly Birthdays

February

Kevin Washington 12/2012

Shane Riley 10/2012

March

Christol Stewart 11/2012

Jay Stewart 26/2012

Pastor Washington 18/2012

April

Arlivia Howard 3/2012

Thought of the Day

God who knows the

stars by name, He

knows my name too.

Missions For Thanksgiving 2011 Elizabeth gave one (1) basket to a family. We gave Christmas baskets to (3) families, plus we were able to give gift cards, clothes and our prayers.

(Next year we must start earlier)

Belated Birthday wishes for Sister Veronica (Rhonnie) Riley 12/23 & Brother Samuel Holland, Jr. 12/31

Delaware Annual Conference and First Episcopal District

2012

January 13th-14th WMS Learning Experience – Mt. Zion New Brunswick, NJ February 9th-11th Founders Day Celebration First District Plaza, Philadelphia, PA March 10th

Wilmington District Meeting Annual Conference Financial Reports. Zion, Camden, DE March 21st

Bishop Richard F. Norris' Birthday March 29th-31st Delaware Annual Conference Asbury, Chester, PA

MISSION

“To reach, reclaim and transform the lives of God’s people, by ministering to the whole person; socially, physically and spiritually through the empowerment of the preached Word, worship, evangelism, missions and community service.”

Elizabeth’s Upcoming Church Events

2012

January 22nd Family & Friends - Invite your family and friends to come out and worship with us.

January 2nd - January 22nd 21 Day Prayer Fast Focus

February 1st – 29th Black History month – Come out and celebrate with us our Black Heritage with speakers and other activities. See Mrs. Rhonnie Riley, Chairperson April Women's Day – Rev. Vera Worthy, Chairperson Mrs. Georgette Jackson, Vice Chair Sunday Worship Service: 9:00 a.m.

Wednesday night Bible Study: 7:00 p.m.

∞ Our Newest Members

† Nedra Crawford Aaron Holiday

Chalonda” Loni” Holiday Noelle Holiday Steve Holiday

Lucinda Luchey Barbara White

WORDS FROM OUR PASTOR

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Praise the Lord for bringing Elizabeth AME Church (AMEC) through another year! Truly it is by His grace

and mercy we made it through many challenges and obstacles in 2011. Although we still face many more to

overcome, God has demonstrated He is with us and surely His favor is upon us. He has demonstrated, “If God

is for us, who can be against us” Romans 8:31. God’s plan for Elizabeth AMEC has not changed. The vision is

still alive and it is through commitment, perseverance and diligence that the vision shall manifest from the

spiritual to the natural realm. God has empowered all of us to do a great work and I am privileged to be the

pastor of Elizabeth to lead with your help in bringing God’s plan to fruition.

The year 2012 is a new year, a new season, a new day, and a new hour for Elizabeth as we embark on God's

original plan for His church. Our theme for 2011-2012 is "A New Elizabeth is on the Horizon; Reclaiming the

Vision." A “New Horizon” is the emergence of something new. It is where heaven and earth meet! To reclaim

means to retrieve or recover something previously lost. A “New Elizabeth” is emerging to recapture and

reclaim the vision “Reaching, Reclaiming and Transforming Lives through the Power of Jesus Christ.” The

Lord has given His church an awesome opportunity and has called a remnant to keep the vision alive. Keeping

our vision alive and fresh will involve our corporate vision as a body and our personal vision as individual

members. We have all been dealt a measure of faith from God. This measure encompasses the vision God has

given us to build a church that will minister to the whole person: socially, physically and spiritually through the

empowerment of the preached Word, Worship, Evangelism, Missions and Community Service.

Because God has revealed to me the intent and purpose for His church “The New Elizabeth” has not changed,

our goals are the same; to revitalize the ministry and expand our reach beyond the borders of the parish in order

to effectively minister to a larger and more diverse population of people who reside in various parts of New

Castle County, Delaware. This entails an aggressive growth plan for 2012, increasing our financial strength,

eliminating all debt, enhancing the worship experience, expanding the ministry team (clergy and outreach

volunteers) and developing a strategic plan for a building on the land God has shown us.

The story of Elizabeth AMEC is a powerful testimony of the divine providence and faithfulness of God. By His

Spirit, He is moving on our behalf. As a result, I decree and declare this is our year of breakthrough,

restoration, growth and abundance! As a family knit together by the power and Spirit of the living God, your

obedience and willingness to help will make the difference. YES WE CAN!

Yours in Christ Jesus,

Rev. Karen L. Washington, Pastor

TITHES

Annual Income

$

Weekly Income $

WEEKLY PERCENTAGE GIVING GUIDE

3% 6% 7% 9% 10% 15%

5,200 100 3.00 5.00 7.00 9.00 10.00 15.00

6,500 125 3.75 6.25 8.75 11.25 12.50 18.75

7,800 150 4.50 7.50 10.50 13.50 15.00 22.50

9,100 175 5.25 8.75 12.25 15.75 17.50 26.25

10,400 200 6.00 10.00 14.00 18.00 20.00 30.00

11,700 225 6.75 11.25 15.75 20.25 22.50 33.75

13,000 250 7.50 12.50 17.50 22.50 25.00 37.50

14,300 275 8.25 13.75 19.25 24.75 27.50 41.25

15,600 300 9.00 15.00 21.00 27.00 30.00 45.00

16,900 325 9.75 16.25 22.75 29.75 32.50 48.75

18,200 350 10.50 17.50 24.50 31.50 35.00 52.50

19,500 375 11.25 18.75 26.25 33.75 37.50 58.25

20,800 400 12.00 20.00 28.00 36.00 40.00 60.00

26,000 500 15.00 25.00 35.00 45.00 50.00 75.00

31,200 600 18.00 30.00 42.00 54.00 60.00 90.00

36,400 700 21.00 35.00 49.00 63.00 70.00 105.00

41,000 800 24.00 40.00 56.00 72.00 80.00 120.00

46,800 900 27.00 45.00 63.00 81.00 90.00 135.00

52,000 1,000 30.00 50.00 70.00 90.00 100.00 150.00

62,400 1,200 36.00 60.00 84.00 108.00 120.00 180.00

72,800 1,400 42.00 70.00 98.00 126.00 140.00 210.00

83,200 1,600 48.00 80.00 112.00 144.00 160.00 240.00

93,600 1,800 54.00 90.00 126.00 162.00 180.00 270.00

Editor’s Note

Our newsletter is to keep our congregation, visitors and friends informed of what is happening in the African

Methodist Episcopal Church, the Delaware Annual Conference and at Elizabeth AME church. It is to inform

and keep us updated of what’s in our community. We are a missionary church and our true mission is do what

Jesus did and that is helping our fellowman, be it food, money or a word about the goodness of our savior Jesus

Christ. It is an honor to us all to have such a brother to give His life for us. A Father, Jehovah that loves us

with all our faults and wants us to do well.

This is our first try at brining to you a newsletter and we’re always looking for your assistance; articles,

pictures, events announcements, birthdays, deaths, birth, poems, anything that maybe worthy of our church

family. We are also looking for extra hands in putting this letter together. I bless all of you in the name of

Jesus Christ

Sister Arlivia Howard Holland