the epistle newsletter of the nineteenth street baptist church€¦ · june 4, 2016 annual awards...

1The Epistle | Vol. 37 No. 7 | July 2016

THE EPISTLE Newsletter of the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church

“You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men…” 2 Corinthians 3:2


Nineteenth Street Baptist Church4606 16th Street NWWashington, DC 20011

202-829-2773www.everyblessing.org

Ministerial StaffRev. James A. Crosson Jr., Interim Pastor

Rev. Jerry C. Cheatham Jr.Rev. Cheryl Coleman HallRev. Dr. I. Benni SingletonRev. Reginald Townsend

Rev. Edward TurnerRev. Robin L. Turner

Rev. Eddie Martin Jr., Youth Minister

Rev. Dr. Jerry A. Moore Jr., Pastor Emeritus

Church School, Sunday 8:45 AMMorning Worship, Sunday 10:00 AMPrayer Meeting, Thursday 6:30 PM

v

GOD is Our Passion. Serving People is Our Mission.

The mission of the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church is to profoundly experience, joyfully

celebrate, and meaningfully share God’s grace.We do this through Christ-centered worship,

biblical instruction, prayer, nurturing fellowship, and caring acts that are reflective of our

love for God and one another.We, through the power of the Holy Spirit, proclaim

the Gospel and Jesus Christ to all people while supporting the work of missions in our church,

our community, our country, and the world.

The Epistle is an official publication of the

Nineteenth Street Baptist Church.

Editor EmeritusRev. Dr. I. Benni Singleton

EditorKaren E. Williamson

Epistle ContributorsWilma Bonner

Edith Bullard-BrittDeaconess Sandra CavinessDeaconess Sageta Jackson

Cece JohnsonSandra Howell

Edmund HundleyDeacon in Training Deborah Crain Kemp

Deacon Fred LeftrictDeacon Kevin LittleRev. Eddie Martin

Judith NeelyRobin Smith

Trustee Charles Sprow Rev. Reginald Townsend

Robin Williams

The Epistle is published monthly on the first of the month. The deadline for materials is

the 20th of each month.

Submit articles and photographs for publication via email to [email protected]

IN THIS ISSUE…Pastor’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Trustees Report on Rally Day . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Congratulations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Prepare to Care Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Summer Church School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

We Remember . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Congratulations Graduates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Overcoming Tribulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Love Pal Program Makes a Difference . . . . . 11

Happy Birthday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Youth Ministry Weekend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Youth Oratory Contest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Best Attendance Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Youth Church Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Special Notice: The Epistle is taking a vacation in August.

The next issue will be published the first of September. The deadline for materials for that issue will be the 20th of August.

Submit articles and photographs at any time via email to [email protected].

Contact Karen Williamson at 202-829-5973 or at [email protected] if you have any questions.

mailto:[email protected]



PASTOR’S CORNER

Summertime DiscipleshipBy Rev. James A. Crosson Jr.

We are entering that time of year when

the days are longer, the sun is stronger,

and fun is in the air. You may be thinking

about the big time you will have this

summer — the blur of block parties,

ballgames, health and home fairs, street

festivals, summer camp, backyard

barbecues and beach outings to the

shores. You may be looking forward to

a one-week family vacation or to having

idle, unscheduled time when you can curl up with a good book.

It is also a time of growth for all things in the field. As it is a

growth time in the vegetable garden, shouldn’t it also be a time

to grow in our walk with Jesus? How do you plan to grow in the

fruit of the Spirit this summer?

We cannot take a three-month sabbatical from being disciples

of Jesus. Here are some ideas for keeping your soul hot for the

Lord this summer.

1. Worship: Go to a church service while away on vacation.

It feeds your soul, and vacations are some of the only

Sundays that you have no weekend responsibilities or

commitments.

2. CheckOutourChurch’sWebsite: View the

livestreaming of services and enjoy a worship service in

the comfort of your home.

3. ReadyourBible: It is meant to be mobile. Keep up your

daily Bible reading plan.

4. StartaGroup: Bring together a small group of

like-minded persons who share your love of God.

5. Serve: One of the best ways to grow in your walk with

Jesus is to serve others. Join in with others whose hearts

are focused on God’s Word at work in our lives for the

benefit of others in our community and the world.

6. Give: Church ministries need your financial support all

year long. Visit the church’s website and utilize the online

payment option for consistent giving.

This time of year offers us an excellent opportunity to grow in

our understanding of God’s beautiful work in our lives. So enjoy

your summertime fun. Everyone deserves a refreshment. Then

ready yourself for the harvest we will need this fall. v

New Members, January–June 2016Sister Christine M. Green

Brother John W. Gentry


Trustees Report on Rally Day By Trustee Charles Sprow

Nineteenth Street celebrated the annual Trustee Rally Day

during the Sunday, May 15 worship service. We were blessed

to have our very own Rev. Jerry Cheatham deliver the morning

message.

For several weeks prior to the rally, the Trustee Board had

requested each church member to render a special donation

of $200. We were grateful that the congregation generously

contributed almost $18,000 to go toward the roof repair

expense.

Several recent projects that have been undertaken and

completed by the Trustee Board include the Jones Handy

House bay window installations, repair of a major leak in the

kitchen, and painting of the trustee and the business office area.

A major project currently being explored by the Board is the

installation of solar energy panels on the roof. Several major

companies are giving presentations to the Board to determine

if this is a feasible option to pursue in our attempt to reduce the

church’s energy expenses.

Trustee Board members were recently surveyed to identify the

top projects we should pursue in the immediate future. Our

ideas included:

• An electronic message board at the front entrance.

• Replacement doors in the fellowship hall near the kitchen

entrance and the entrance door by the church office.

• Painting throughout the church.

The Trustee Board encourages members to attend church

business meetings. The next meeting is July 22. The meetings

are a good way for members to work together to address

Trustee Board Chairman Robert McNair at the podium with Trustees William Quander, Avé Cannady, and James Rodgers

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church issues, to strengthen our bonds as a

church body, and to help in securing the future.

The Trustee Board is extremely grateful for the

congregation’s continued giving throughout

the year and encourage members to maintain

their giving even when on vacation. (Tithes and

offerings are typically lowest during the summer

months.) As a reminder, your tithes and offerings

can be mailed in and also donated using the

church website (www.everyblessing.org).

As stewards tasked with handling the church’s

finances, through Almighty God, we will always

use your offerings to His glory and serve you in a

way the Lord will be forever pleased. v

Trustees Steve Jumper, Juniors Thompson, Dwight Crawford, and Franklin Smith

Trustees Emerson Bretous, Donza Poole, Charles Sprow and John Jackson

Photos: Deacon in Training Deborah Crain Kemp


Congratulations to Dr. Wilma Bonner, who was honored by the

A Step After-School Tutoring and Enrichment Program at their

June 4, 2016 Annual Awards and Scholarship Ceremony.

Dr. Bonner, longtime principal of Wilson Senior High School

and the current Director of the Teacher Education Program at

Howard University, was recognized for her many years as an

educational leader and for her contributions as an educator to

America.

Shown at the award ceremony are Church Secretary Robin

Smith, June L. Jackson, Honoree Dr. Wilma Bonner, Church

School Superintendent Shirley France, Phillis Cooke, and Janice

Robertson.

Congratuations!

Congratulations to Greg Parchment (center), who was

presented with the Men’s Ministry President’s Award by Deacons

Gerald Young and Howard Smith on Sunday, June 12.

Photos: Deacon in Training Deborah Crain Kemp


Second Prepare to Care Workshop Is Successful TooBy Judith Neely

The Comforting Care and Health Ministries presented their

second successful Prepare to Care Workshop on Saturday,

June 11. Members of the committee, volunteers and NSBC staff

buzzed around the fellowship hall making sure all was in place,

from setting up tables for the attendees, registration and food

to sprucing up the hall. While there was no “whistling while we

worked,” the team members joyfully greeted each other and

carried on conversations.

Attorney Joyce Williams, Debra Sable, RN, BSN, and Beverly

Reynolds, MA, MS, gave enlightening presentations and

provided informative answers to the many questions posed by

the workshop’s more than 56 attendees.

Attorney Williams, who works with her clients on preparing

personalized plans, opened her presentation on Estate Planning

with current news topics and related information, such as the

state of Prince’s estate. Though not legally representing any of

us, Williams provided the audience with definitions and facts

pertaining to wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other legal

concerns of seniors.

Mrs. Sable from VITAS Healthcare spoke to the audience

on hospice care, explaining what it is and what it is not. In

debunking some of the myths about hospice care, Mrs. Sable

shared some her personal experience and knowledge as a

hospice care nurse. She explained that hospice is not a last

resort, but an attempt to improve quality of life for terminally ill

people and their families.

Mrs. Reynolds, who pursued a career in counseling as a result

of a personal experience, shared that grief is a necessary

process that helps individuals adjust to loss, and not a sign of

weakness or lack of faith. She revealed some of the physical

and emotional symptoms associated with normal grief. She

explained that grief is exhausting and noted the importance

of continuing daily health routines and seeking medical and/or

counseling help if needed.

The Committee would like to thank everyone who attended or

helped with the Prepare to Care Workshops and looks forward

to presenting the next workshop in the spring of 2017. v

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Top: Speakers Attorney Joyce Ann Williams, Beverly Reynolds, and Debra Sable. Bottom: Members of the audience asked questions and

listened intently to information provided during the workshop.


We Remember with Love the Saints We Lost January–June 2016

Brother Charles Theodore Boggs

Sister Earline Bowman

Brother George Logan Broadus

Sister Judy Huguley

Deacon James B. Johnson

Sister Doris Marie Bruce Young

“ Time is free, but it is priceless. You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t keep it, but you can spend it. Once you’ve lost it, you can never get it back.”

~ Harvey Mackay


Congratulations 2016 Graduates!Graduate School

Sharrone Marie Brawner – Master of Arts in Special Education and Human Development, Summa Cum Laude. The George

Washington University Graduate School of Education and Human Development, Washington, DC

Angelica Lewis – Master of City and Regional Planning, Master of Science in Facilities Management. The Catholic University of

America, Washington, DC

College

Dorean Collins – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Portuguese, minor in International Relations. Smith College, Northampton,

Massachusetts

Clarence Bradford Ellison – Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy; Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology with Distinction.

Duke University, Durham, North Carolina

Lawrence Jahmel Hayes – Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology, minor in Marketing/Entrepreneurship.

Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia

High School

Derrick Collins – Bullis School, Potomac, Maryland; going to Penn State University

Tyler Jefferson Hinton – Calvin Coolidge Senior High School, Washington, DC; going to Tuskegee University, Tuskegee,

Alabama

Nigel Christopher Sanders – St. John’s College High School, Washington, DC; going to Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia

Ronnea Simpkins – Bell Multicultural High School, Washington, DC; going to Norfolk State University, Norfolk, Virginia

Alexis Monet White – Roosevelt Senior High School, Washington, DC; going to Lincoln University, Chester County,

Pennsylvania.


Overcoming TribulationBy Rev. Reginald Townsend

Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation.” (John 16:33)

He didn’t say that you could have tribulation or that, if you aren’t

a good person, tribulation will come your way. Jesus flatly stated

you will have tribulation. It is as certain as growing older.

It has been said that the person who starts behind in the great

race of life must forever remain behind or run faster than the

person in front.

When trials come, we sometimes act as if God is on vacation. We

question God: Why is this happening to me? Why am I going

through this difficult circumstance? What’s wrong with You, God?

But such complaining is shortsighted and wrong. God is far higher than we are. Who are

we to say He is wrong or to tell Him what He ought to be doing? As God reminded Job,

“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?” (Job 38:4) Such complaining

also shows a lack of faith; we are doubting God’s wisdom and His love for us. But the

wonderful promise of Christ is that while you will have trials and tribulations, “Be of good

cheer. I have overcome the world.”

God does not promise us an easy life, free of troubles, trials, difficulties, and temptations. A

victorious Christian is one who, in spite of worries, inner conflicts, and tensions, is confident

that God is in control, and we will be victorious in the end. Whatever our difficulties,

whatever our circumstance, we must remember that “the joy of the Lord is our strength.”

(Nehemiah 8:10) Never make a decision without committing it to God and seeking His will.

He promises to guide you—and He will. (John 16:33)

Rev. Reginald Townsend is an Associate Minister on the staff of Nineteenth Street Baptist Church and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.


Love Pal Program Makes a DifferenceBy Edmund Hundley

I am a rising junior at the University of Pennsylvania, majoring in Economics. Born and

raised in Washington, DC, I had not seen much outside of the city for the first 18 years

of my life. When it came time to apply for college, I sought institutions in unfamiliar and

promising settings. The idea of exploring a new city on my own was an exciting prospect

to me. So, I was elated when I was accepted into the University of Pennsylvania because

I had the opportunity to experience a great city like Philadelphia while attending a great

school.

However, shortly after I arrived on campus, I realized that I had taken for granted the

things I knew so well. I was presented with an academic challenge unlike any other I

had previously faced, and I quickly found myself struggling to adjust to the rigor of my

courses. I became very anxious and insecure and I longed for as much reassurance and

encouragement from home as possible. Along with my family, Nineteenth Street’s Love

Pal Program was able to provide me with the support that I needed at such a pivotal point

in my academic career.

The letters that I received from my Love Pal, Ms. Virginia Lee, every month helped to

improve my spirits and my attitude towards things. She would include inspiring passages

from the Bible and quotes from great thinkers that were especially relevant and this

provided a positive impact on my outlook. In addition, these letters included a significant

monetary gift, which allowed me to eat at places besides the cafeteria and to have

adventures off campus. Having this luxury relieved some of my stress. In all, the love

and support that I received from the Love Pal Program enabled me to get through my

freshman year.

My time at college has not gotten any easier since then. The courses that I have taken

have been very challenging and have pushed me tremendously. However, with the initial

lessons that I learned and a reliable support system, like Love Pal, I have been able to

handle adversity much better and excel. The Love Pal Program has been an integral part

of my success and I greatly appreciate its consistent care and consideration. v


Birthday Party Surprises Gordon and Stevens

Martha W. Gordon celebrated her 98th birthday

and Deacon Oddie L. Stevens celebrated his

88th birthday at a surprise party on June 25.

Deaconess Sandra Caviness, Mrs. Gordon’s

daughter, and Deaconess Evangeline Stevens,

hosted the delightful celebration.


Youth Ministry Weekend 2016 HighlightsBy Chaplain Eddie Martin

Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. ~ 2 Timothy 1:6-7

The aforementioned scripture fully embodies the efforts and

service of the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church youth during

Youth Ministry Weekend 2016. Throughout the weekend, youth

led and participated in several events that highlighted their

physical fitness, intelligence, creativity, passion for social justice,

and spiritual and cultural depth. For example, on Friday, June

10, the black history and biblical knowledge of our youth was

tested against many of our adult church members in the first

annual Youth vs. Adults Quiz Bowl Tournament. The night was

competitive as there were several lead changes between the

two teams, and many adults were impassioned and determined

to not let the youth defeat them! Although the adults edged out

our youth by only one point, the youth demonstrated that they

should not be underestimated in any capacity.

The Friday night event was only a taste of the many riches to

come for the rest of the weekend. On Saturday, youth competed

against and with adult church members in our 2nd Annual

Youth vs. Adults Basketball Tournament. Additionally, some

of our “younger” youth ministry individuals had the chance to

participate with many of their parents and other church adults

in the Youth Ministry “Younger Games” celebration. From the

extraordinary basketball skills shown by our teens to the love

and energy demonstrated by our elementary age and pre-teen

youth, the day was one that was full of joy and excitement.

The youth participation on Sunday was priceless. They served as

praise dancers, song leaders, and pulpit participants, and they

even delivered a passionate spoken word responsive reading.

The final praise dance performance by one of our former Youth

Ministry members was so powerful that it brought tears to the

eyes of many congregants while others stood and applauded in

awe and appreciation. And yet, there was still more to come…

The day concluded with amazing oratory presentations by our

middle and high school youth who passionately compared

and contrasted the American Civil Rights Movement and the

Black Lives Matter Movement. Collectively, their performances

summed up what the 2016 Youth Ministry Weekend was all


about and who our youth ministry participants

truly entail: investing in determined, talented,

and encouraged youth who are ready to make

an indelible impact on society for generations

to come. As they continue to devote

themselves to following God’s lead, they need

only the support and guidance from loving

adults who are ready to help them succeed.

Church, are we up to the task? v


Youth Speak Their Minds at Oratory Contest The Youth Ministry’s 4th Annual Oratory Contest was held on

Sunday, June 12 after the Youth Sunday/Graduation Recognition

Day Worship Service. The topic of the oratory presentations

was “A Contrast and Comparison of the Civil Rights Movement

and Black Lives Matter.”

Five middle school and six high school students participated

in the contest, which was judged by Deacon Peyton Lively

and young adults Edmund Hundley and Gayraud Townsend.

Chaplain Eddie Martin, Nineteenth Street’s Youth Minister and

Minister Lorise White-Wolfe gave the opening and closing

prayers. Other program participants included Deaconess

Patricia Kilby Robb, the Director of the Board of Christian

Education, who welcomed the enthusiastic audience of parents

and friends, and noted educator Dr. Wilma Bonner, who

introduced the judges and awarded the prizes.

Congratulations to all of the participants in the 4th Annual

Oratory Contest! v

Contest Results

Middle School

1st Prize: Jay Young

2nd Prize: Jara Wilensky

3rd Prize: Kalyl Young

Honorable Mention: Noah Cooper

Honorable Mention: Lindsey Sanders

High School

1st Prize: Jadyn Wilensky

2nd Prize: Quiana Ford

3rd Prize: Matthew Little

Honorable Mention: Alicia Dawson

Honorable Mention: Mark Little

Honorable Mention: Junious Woodrick


Jadyn WilenskyHigh School 1st Place

Jay YoungMiddle School 1st Place

Qiana FordHigh School 2nd Place

Jara WilenskyMiddle School 2nd Place

Matthew LittleHigh School 3rd Place

Jalyl YoungMiddle School 3rd Place

Photos: Deacon Kevin Little


SEPTEMBERSUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30

Youth Church CalendarThe Youth Ministry is holding Youth Church several Sundays

(shown in blue) each month. See Calendar on page 18 for

other Youth Ministry activities.

Church members are needed to help on any of these

Sundays. To volunteer, contact Chaplain Eddie Martin Jr. at

[email protected]

AUGUSTSUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

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7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31

JULYSUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

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Awards Given for Best Attendance

The Booker Memorial Committee recently recognized several students for

having the best Church School attendance.

These special students received a certificate and a $50 cash prize:

Kinsley Beckham

Abbott Anderson

Jack Anderson

Noah Cooper

Jay Young

Kalyl Young

Congratulations!



JULY

Sunday, July 3 – Church School Summer Program begins and continues each Sunday through August 28, 8:45 AM

Monday, July 4 – Independence Day Holiday

Tuesday, July 5 - Friday, July 8 – Vacation Bible School, 9 AM – 12 Noon

Sunday, July 10 – Worship Service, Guest Preacher Rev. Dr. Lora F. Hargrove

Monday, July 11 – Vacation Bible School Outing

Friday, July 22 – Church Business Meeting, 7 PM

Friday, July 22 – Progressive Adults Theater Outing, Born For This: The Bebe Winans Story, Arena Stage, 8 PM

Sunday, July 24 – Worship Service, Guest Preacher Rev. Dr. Darryl D. Roberts, J.D.

AUGUST

Saturday, August 6 – Resume Writing & Career Workshop for Youth, 10 AM – 2 PM

Sunday, August 21 – Ushers’ Annual Back to School Drive (Donations for school supplies will be collected after the worship service)

SEPTEMBER

Monday, September 5 – Labor Day Holiday

Monday, September 12 – John H. Brinkley Annual Memorial Golf Tournament, Enterprise Golf Course, Mitchellville, Maryland

Sunday, September 18 – New Members Sunday

Calendar

the epistle newsletter of the nineteenth street baptist church€¦ · june 4, 2016 annual awards...

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