BY RUTH MALHOTRA, CP OP-ED CONTRIBUTOR

"There's a lot of talk today about raising kids in the "real world," but what does that actually look like? Here's how my mom gave me the gift of reality as far back as I can remember – and why I'm so thankful for that gift today." Ruth Malhotra, May 8, 2014

I r e c e n t l y a t t e n d e d a roundtable gathering of civic leaders in Washington D.C. focused on issues related to higher educa t ion re fo rm. As the discussion shifted to our own educational backgrounds, I mentioned that I had been homeschooled for eight years – from age 7 to 15 – prior to attending a small Christian high school. "Oh, you must have had such a sheltered childhood," someone remarked with pity in her voice. Another inquired with a m i x o f i n t r i g u e a n d

condescension, "What was it like when you finally entered the real world?"

I resisted the urge to say something snarky in response and simply laughed and described in general why I was thankful for that season in my life. But their reaction stuck with me and caused me to ponder what it really means to experience the real world, and to reflect on the role that my m o t h e r – w h o w a s m y homeschool teacher and primary influencer during those formative y e a r s – p l a y e d i n m y understanding of society and culture.

Over the years my mom has taught me countless lessons, and I could talk endlessly about her impact on my life spiritually and scholastically and everything in between… she has modeled what it means to cultivate generosity, to

embrace academic discipline, and to develop a biblical worldview, to name just a few of the ways her example has in sp i r ed my trajectory.

Of all the gifts my mom gave me growing up, one that stands out is this: she taught me to experience reality. Here are five ways she raised me to live in the "real world" – and why I think that is vitally important: My mom taught me to seek out different environments in every place.

From the time I was a very young child, our family would travel to India periodically to visit relatives and friends, many of who lived in posh neighborhoods and ritzy, gated communities. In a country often defined by the deep disparity between the rich and the poor, my mom always made sure that she took me to the slums of

THE GRACE BEACON “IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY, SEEKING EVER TO REACH

THE COMMUNITY’S HEART”

Vol. MMXVI Issue No. 5 May 2016 Published by Grace Baptist Church of Germantown

25 West Johnson Street Philadelphia, PA 19144-1909

Dr. Quintin L. Robertson, Interim Pastor Deacon Tyrone L. Beach, Sr., Chair of Diaconate

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” ~ Psalm 119:105 NIVpublic domain pictures.net

The Gift of Reality: A Mother's Day Reflection

New Delhi where scruffy kids ran barefoot, to Mother Teresa's homes in Calcutta where the dying and destitute received shelter, and to the eastern village of Jhalda where she was born which still has tiny mud houses with no electricity or running water. I have such distinct memories as a young child of walking the dirt roads, of speaking with those whose daily lives were characterized by pain and poverty, of putting our arms around individuals considered untouchable by many in society. When my mom thought we'd had enough of luxury air travel, she took me on primitive trains and rickshaw rides… "If they can do it, so can we," she said. My mom wanted me to see for myself how a huge percentage of the Indian population lived, beyond just the privileged few we happened to know.

And it wasn't just abroad. When we visited Arizona for a family vacation one year, she insisted that we drive to the top of a Native American reservation and meet the families living there… as a kid I was shocked by how primitive and remote their living conditions were, but that was the lifestyle for thousands and she wanted me to see it firsthand. I have many memories just like that.

These experiences not only left indelible impressions on me, but also impacted the way I approach travel today. So often we only see the surface, and we miss out on understanding what is the reality for so many others. My mom taught me to look for t h e v u l n e r a b l e i n e v e r y situation.

Our family attended a mega church in downtown Atlanta in the '80s and '90s that attracted a

s o c i o -economically diverse range of congregants. Many well-e s t a b l i s h e d families from the community were involved a n d h e l d l e a d e r s h i p positions at the church, but at times those from difficult backgrounds fell under the radar. My mom always made it a priority to find and reach out to them, even when it meant going out of our comfort zone.

I remember how one time in my Third Grade Sunday School class, I was upset that a snobbish "rich" girl, Cara, was making fun of a not-so-rich girl, Susan, for repeating the same dress two weeks in a row. My mom told my eight-year-old self, "You tell Cara t h a t n o t e v e r y o n e w e a r s disposable clothes… and think about giving some of your new dresses to Susan." She explained to me how Susan had overcome many family challenges and was being raised by an aunt who faithfully brought her to church.

The reality is that no matter what setting we are in, there are always people around us who are struggling physically, emotionally, materially, or spiritually. My mom showed me how to be intentional about seeking them out and doing whatever we can to help in practical ways. My mom taught me to be all things to all people – while being myself.

Our family had such a wide array of friends growing up, and I loved that our circle of interaction largely mirrored the reality of

society. Some were obviously very well established and others w e r e l i v i n g p a y c h e c k - t o -paycheck. Some were intellectual heavyweights and others hardly had any formal education. Some were grounded in Christian beliefs and others held radically different world views.

Discussing inequality makes some people squirm, but it's essential to acknowledge the dual reality that everyone is created equally in the image of God – and that there are often vast disparities here on earth when it comes to both possessions and belief systems. Although we are each limited, we serve a God who is not and my mom taught me to leverage our knowledge and resources for the good of those less privileged and to focus on the qualities that run much deeper than material wealth or lack thereof. She taught my brother and I to talk and dress in a way appropriate for whatever setting we were in and to avoid doing anything to make others feel inferior, at times even insisting that we wear old clothes when we'd visit certain areas. "I don't want my kids to attract attention or seem superior to the others," s h e o n c e e x p l a i n e d t o disapproving relatives.

I've watched my mom as she has confidently pulled out her

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PhD credentials in Western academic settings and gone toe-to-toe with professors and philosophers, especially when it involved matters of Biblical integrity. Just as effortlessly, she can switch to a tribal ethnic dialect in a remote Indian region a n d s p e a k t o s t r e e t - s i d e shopkeepers as if she is their long-lost friend.

There is tremendous talk about diversity today, however much of it is contrived and very few people actually walk the talk when it comes to their circle of friends. But my mom has, and I continue to reap the benefits of that reality. My mom taught me to grapple with the tension.

M e r c y c a n b e m e s s y sometimes, and I've watched intently as my mom has wrestled with how best to navigate certain situations while walking with those who have encountered everything from the heartbreak of terminal illness to the devastation of moral failure.

How do you help those in need without contributing to a cycle of dependency? How do you support someone in their darkest valleys without condoning their bad decisions? How do you respectfully engage those with vastly different views without compromising your own? How do you show empathy with those who are suffering without being constantly consumed with sorrow a n d g r i e f ? We l i v e i n a complicated culture, and the larger your circle of interaction, the tougher some of these questions become.

My mom taught me that we live in a fallen world and that because we're all fallen people ourselves, sometimes there are no perfect options or win-win

outcomes or fairytale endings. Tension is a reality of life, a fact that is often ignored by self-help manuals and prosperity preachers. But while there is pain and hurt and weakness and failure, we serve a God who rescues and restores, a God of all comfort and hope, a God who has promised to give us the confidence and the wisdom we need to navigate this crazy journey. And I've watched my mom lean on God for that divine direction time and time again. My mom taught me to live life with eyes wide open.

Perhaps overlapping all of the examples I've shared is the idea that we should live life with our eyes wide open, cultivating a constant awareness of the realities around us. No matter what sector we're in, we each live in our own set of concentric bubbles and it's easy to miss the bigger picture – or to forget that we are very small people living in a vast and changing world.

Keeping our eyes wide open means that community service isn't just an activity we do one Saturday morning a month (or a year), but rather it is a lifestyle as the needs of others are constantly part of our thought process. (For example, on Black Friday last year, my mom called me excitedly from Macy's to tell me about her purchases… when I asked what she had acquired, she said "towels for the homeless and cookware for missionaries.") Keeping our eyes wide open also means that we don't view interruptions solely based on how they impact our own plans. (Whenever I'm with m y m o m a n d w e s e e a n ambulance go by or hear the sirens of a fire truck, her first reaction is to pray for the

emergency and all involved.) I could go on and on.

We get so caught up in our own pursuits – whether it's getting that outfit on sale or getting to our lunch meeting on time – that our e y e s a n d e a r s a r e o f t e n inadvertently closed to the reality around us.

In addition to the challenges and tensions that characterize our world, it's important not to lose sight of the amazing adventures and exciting opportunities that e x i s t a l o n g o u r j o u r n e y. Everywhere you turn, there are people with incredible stories and unique places to explore, and it's up to us to make the most of every moment. Living life with eyes wide open sometimes means going the extra mile so your picture of reality will be just a little bit bigger, and you never know how those added encounters will impact you down the road.

Teach ing your k ids t o experience reality is one of the best gifts you can give them, no matter what their age or stage in life. It will enrich their lives in the present and leave them with many lessons for the future. I'm grateful it's a gift my mom gave me, and I hope it's one you'll give your children, too.

Read more at http://www.christianpost.com/news/the-gift-of-reality-a-mothers-day-reflection-119495/#96buwyZXqw3ZhJkF.99

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May Greetings From Our Interim Pastor

(Reprinted from Grace Beacon May 2014) MOMS & PROMS: Every

year during the month of May we celebrate Mother’s Day and the launching of Senior and Junior Proms begin and continue into the month of June. Flowers bloom as the result of April showers and we find ourselves thinking about the summer.

The modern holiday of Mother's Day was first celebrated in 1908, when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother in Grafton, West Virginia. She then began a campaign to make "Mother's Day" a recognized holiday in the United States. Many individual states celebrated Mother's Day by 1911, but it was not until President Woodrow Wilson lobbied Congress in 1914 that Mother's Day was officially set on the second Sunday of every May. In his first Mother's Day proclamation, President Wilson stated that the holiday offered a chance to "express our love and reverence for the mothe r s o f ou r coun t ry. " Therefore, on Sunday, May 11, 2014 we will celebrate the Centennial Anniversary of Mother’s Day as a recognize holiday.

I recall a song f r o m m y childhood that c a l l e d G o d “my mother

and my father.” How wonderful it is know that that God is so awesome that God can be described as both our mother and father. The Bible describes God as our mother in several places such as God as a Mother Eagle in Deuteronomy 32:11 “like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them on its pinions.” And God is described as a Comforting Mother in Isaiah 66:13 “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem."

God’s loves is like the love of a mother. God loves us by nourishing us, protecting us and providing for us. And as children we grow under the guidance of our mother’s love until we reach an age where we can take care of ourselves. And that takes us to proms!

In the early days of high school proms, the nighttime dance served a similar function to a debutante ball. Early proms were times of firsts: the first adult social event for teenagers; the first time taking the family car out after dark; the first real dress-up affair; and so forth. Proms also served as special occasion, similar to a milestone event such as a commencement or a wedding, in which the participants were taking an

important step into a new stage in their lives.

This year our church has many graduating high school seniors who will attend their proms; an indication that they are transitioning from childhood to adulthood. The prom is like the mother eagle stirring her nest to allow her babies to fly on their own. How appropriate it is that May brings us the celebration of Moms and Proms!

Grace and Peace, Quintin L. Robertson

The Rev. Dr. Quintin L. Robertson Interim Pastor

The application period for prospective pastoral candidates closed on March 31, 2016. Please note, however, that the Search Committee has been reviewing applications and i n t e r v i e w i n g p r o s p e c t i v e candidates since December 2015. Regarding each candidate who has applied—each Committee member is partnered with one or two other committee members to contact the candidate for an initial phone interview and make a presentat ion to the ful l Committee. These presentations are followed by a vote to determine whether the applicant would be considered further. Audio and video sermon samples will be reviewed by the group. Additional group interviews will

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Inspiration from our

Interim Pastor

Search Committee Update

occur with the candidates the Committee votes to pursue further. More voting will occur to narrow the field again. More telephone conference/Skype interviewing will occur again to narrow the field. A face-to-face interview, references, clearances, other background information, and on-site observation (in the church they are currently the pastor) will occur with the final three candidates.

We continue to listen to our congregation, and welcome your comments and thoughts. Your c o n t i n u e d p r a y e r s a r e appreciated, as we continue this process of presenting the pastoral candidate God has already chosen for us. The Committee w i l l b e s t e a d f a s t i n i t s commitment to be prayerful and diligent during the search process. The Lord’s word to Samuel prior to David being anointed as the King of Israel reminds us of God’s awesome power—“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) We pray that our collective spiritual journey will reveal to us whom God has chosen for the Senior Pastor of Grace Baptist Church of Germantown.

In response to requests for more information about the criteria the Search Committee is using to assist with the search process, the Senior Pastor Position Description and a listing of some of the responsibilities expected of our next Senior Pastor are listed below:

Position Description – Senior Pastor

Grace Baptist Church of Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is seeking God’s choice for the position of Senior Pastor. In our prayerful, methodical search for a new Senior Pastor, we are looking for a pastor who has been called to the Christian ministry by God and has a mature relationship with God.

The ideal candidate will be an intellectually exciting preacher, one who draws on biblical and theological scholarship, prayerful reflection, and socio-political awareness to proclaim the Gospel for today’s world. The Senior Pastor must have effective communication skills (written and oral); sound judgment and the ability to think and plan strategically.

Goal oriented and possessing a progressive at t i tude which demonstrates a clear vision and direction for the Body of Christ at G r a c e B a p t i s t C h u r c h o f Germantown, our next Senior Pastor will effectively engage others in the achievement of common goals.

We seek a minister who has demonstrated the ability to grow, retain and lead an autonomous inner c i t y A f r i c a n - A m e r i c a n congregation; whose leadership style is strong, but flexible and collaborative, fostering teamwork and accountability while being respectful of and sensitive to the diversity of personalities engaged in ministry; who is intentional about diversity with a commitment to developing ministries to address intergenerational, economic, and soc ia l d ive rs i ty ; who has

unquestionable integrity of character, convic t ion , and competence so that the confluence of leader, congregation, time, place, ministry, opportunity and resource will work together to achieve God’s purpose for our church as we move forward in the Twenty-first Century.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• C o m m u n i c a t i n g a comprehensive understanding of the Bible and Christian theology in terms relevant to a person’s life.

• Adhering to The Covenant and Code of Ethics for Ministerial Leaders of the American Baptist Churches.

• Planning and conducting the worship services; preparing and delivering sermons; leading in observance of ordinances, Baptism and Lord’s Supper.

• Supporting the preaching ministry with time for preparation/reflection on the Word, and commitment to listen for the Word’s power and its implications for individuals, the church, the community and the world.

• Leading the Diaconate, church officers, ministries and committees as they perform their assigned responsibilities.

• Acting as moderator of church business meetings and Joint Board meetings.

• Cooperating with churches/leaders from Baptist and other denominations.

• Cooperating with organizations to which the church belongs/supports, e.g., PBA, Lott Carey, ABCUSA, Monday Ministers conference, etc.

• Providing a teaching ministry that is based on theological,

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educat ional and h is tor ica l foundations.

• Identifying and developing emergent leaders, including pastoral team members, i.e., seeking to recognize and call forth the potential of persons as leaders, providing opportunities for their training and growth. Identifying and supporting the development of emergent leaders that enhances a ministry to children and youth.

• Resolving conflict situations with persons and groups for the sake of the church’s ministry.

• Providing by word and p r e s e n c e a n e m p a t h e t i c understanding of and concern for persons in the routine and joys as well as the crises and transitions of life, giving assistance where appropriate and feasible, e.g., support to the sick and shut-in, homegoing services.

• Having a leadership style which invites congregants to become involved in development of church’s vision,turning that vision into reality and sustaining it in the church.

• Fostering an understanding of the full meaning of discipleship.

• Providing opportunities (a place and/or persons) for individual, couples, families and/or groups to enter a healing relationship.

• Coordinat ing vis i t ing ministers for special occasions, e.g. Family Unity Day, Pastor’s Anniversaries, Revivals.

• Providing leadership in preparing and implementing a budget that promotes responsible stewardship and leading the f inancia l and ins t i tu t ional development of the church for its mission in the Twenty-first Century.

• Developing and maintaining programs and activities for enlarging the membership and/or the church’s vision for ministry.

• Providing opportunities for individuals or groups to understand and enhance the sp i r i tua l dimensions of their personal lives.

• Developing and leading a ministry with adolescents that nurtures youth toward Christian faith commitment and discipleship.

• Developing and leading children’s ministries that invite participation and nurture them toward Christian faith commitment and discipleship.

• Developing and leading ministries which attract and support younger members with children.

• Having commitment to Continuing Education.

Qualifications: • A Master of Divinity degree

from a recognized seminary is required; a doctorate of philosophy or ministry is preferred.

• Certified American Baptist Church ordination is desired.

• A minimum of 10 years of p a s t o r a l m i n i s t r y i n a n

intergenerational congregation is desired.

• Demonstrated ability for calm presence and wise counsel amidst conflict is also required.

• Commitment to Christian principles and teachings both professionally and personally.

• Demonstrated excellence in preaching, teaching and leading worship is required.

• Strong history of theological study, reflection and writing is encouraged.

• Demonstrated achievement in the stewardship of the spiritual and material gifts of the church is required. This includes program, financial, and human resources m a n a g e m e n t e x p e r i e n c e . Fundraising experience which meets IRS 501(c) (3) church and religious regulations is preferred.

• A working knowledge of Baptist Polity and beliefs.

• Faci l i ty with modern technological methodologies, including the use of social media to enhance and facilitate church worship and programmatic thrusts.

• Demonstrated experience in growing a church.

• An identifiable practice of self-care and self-reflection.

• Passing criminal, financial, Child Protective Services Law and sexual misconduct background checks.

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From The African American Heritage Ministry

Black History Celebration The following names were

inadvertently left out of the last issue highlighting the African American Heritage Ministry program on Feb. 13.

The Art of the Gospel Music presented Mrs. Jacquel ine Garden-Marshall who sang two gospel songs and accompanied Mrs. Sara Blanford on piano.

The Art of African Travel by Mr. Theodore Irwin, President of Educators to Africa showed highlights from his many trips to Africa.

The Jazz Trio was led by drummer extraordinaire Mr. Anwar Marshall, with Mr. Adam Faulk, piano, and Mr. Nimrod Speaks, Bass.

We a p o l o g i z e f o r t h e oversight and again thank everyone for their participation and look forward to next years celebration.

The Grace Baptist Church of G e r m a n t o w n i s p r o u d t o announce their newest deacons,

Mrs. Sandie Jordan - Gordon and Mrs. Beverly Terrence. These o u t s t a n d i n g w o m e n w e r e ordained on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 2 pm during a very spirited service which included praise dancers and two church choirs. They became ordained after a year of visitation to the church’s sick and shut-ins, participation in comfort visits for those in bereavement and general support during funerals. Our apprentice deacons also joined with other church members to collect and deliver school s u p p l i e s t o o u r a d o p t e d n e i g h b o r h o o d s c h o o l , Linglebach.

Each candidate was uniquely qualified for the office of “Deacon” and served their church well during their year as apprentice deacons. Throughout the year they participated in church Bib le s tud ies and volunteered for many service opportunities such as assisting bereaved families with funeral service planning and the writing of the obituary. The chairman of the Deacon Board, Tyrone L. B e a c h , S r. , p r e s e n t e d t h e ordinands to the church and each ordinand gave a personal s t a t e m e n t o n “ S e r v a n t Leadership: Testimony and Personal Story of Service”. Our own Interim Pastor, Rev. Dr. Quintin L. Robertson delivered the ordination sermon and charged the new deacons to remain dedicated to their service to others despite any obstacles.

We were also blessed with the active participation of our female associate ministers, Min.

Carolyn Blackson, Rev. Suzanne Kershaw, Dr. Peggy Vertreace, and Rev. Carmen Watson. In fact, Rev. Watson served as the presiding worship leader. Her participation was very significant because her mother (Deacon Constance Maddela) was one of the two original female deacons at Grace Baptist Church ordained under the pastorate of the late Rev. Dr. G. Daniel Jones. Since that time, three female deacons (Geraldine Fisher, Jennifer Gerald, and Barbara Woodard) were ordained and joined the ranks of the very active Deacon Board at Grace Baptist Church. Grace is very proud of the legacy of service and servanthood through the work of their female deacons and all members of the Diaconate.

Deacon Sandie

Jordan-Gordon Sandie Jordan-Gordon was

born the second child of the wonderful Samuel Arthur and Julia J. Jordan. She was lucky to grow up with an older sister, Carole Jordan-Harris, M.D., a brother, Samuel Arthur Jordan, IV (Skippy-Do), baby sister Dana Marie Jordan, some wonderful fun loving and adventurous cousins who were all within

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From The Diaconate Newly Ordained Deacons at Grace

walking distance of home. In addition, she had the BEST! aunts and uncles and neighbors who made it a “Village” years before that term was made popular.

As a toddler, she enjoyed being a part of the Cradle Room Cuties at Grace Baptist Church of Germantown on East Sharpnack Street. Sandie remembers so well the room at the top of those narrow wooden stairs. She can still see Mrs. Virginia Smith telling her toddler friends and her to sit still in those same green wooden chairs found in our Nursery today for a graham cracker and juice treat. Precious memories. Oh how they linger.

During those formative years, being a part of her Grace Family was so important and worthwhile. It was all under the direction and the wisdom of some of our cherished members who nurtured and guided her, like Mrs. Jessie Birtha, Mrs. Marian Bell, and saints who have gone on to their reward like Deacon Carl and Mrs. Julia Dorsey, Deacon Herman and Mrs. Leona Wimbush, Reverend James and Mrs. Carrrie Murray, Miss M. Gertrude Fauntleroy, Mrs. Ruth Tinsley, Mrs. Edna Hancock, Mrs. Viola Wilson, Miss Evelyn Matthews, Mrs. Evelyn Harris and of course, Reverend Dr. Jeremiah, Sr. and Mrs. Mary Wright who were extremely influential. They were her extra spiritual and parental eyes. They all kept Sandie straight!

Sandie moved from the Cradle Room on to Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, the Brownies/Girl Scouts, choir,

ushering, various committees, Deacon’s Auxiliary and now, the Diaconate. Sandie is also a current member of the wonderful Friday Morning Packing Crew in the church’s Community Center, the Drama Guild, Co-Chair of the Women’s Retreat Committee, Board of Christian Education, Vice President of the American Baptist Women of Grace, the Seasoned Divis ion of the Expressions of Praise Liturgical Dance Ministry, Vacation Bible School Lunch Lady, Co-Chair of the Recreation Committee and recently retired Co-Sponsor of the Golden Eagle Ushers. Among other community organizations that she participates in, Sandie is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Philadelphia Kappa Silhouettes.

Sandie started public school at Emlen and was transferred almost immediately to Houston as part of the new desegregation efforts of the Philadelphia School District. From Houston she attended Leeds Junior High and graduated from Germantown High School in that fabulous and famous class of 1966. Sandie attended Antioch University. After working many years at Temple University School of Medicine, she started the Teacher Certification Program at Cheyney University on their urban campus. She then decided to major in early childhood education at Chestnut Hill College. After being encouraged to add her name to a new Special Education Teacher Cohort, she had to leave CHC to participate in a special Master’s Program at Temple University.

Life has taken her up and d o w n m o u n t a i n s i d e s , o n mountaintops, in and out of valleys. Like most folks, the ride has been smooth, sometimes bumpy with a lot of detours, potholes, and dead ends that required strategic u-turns and/or abrupt stops. Remembering that with God all things are possible, Sandie managed to walk, struggle, drag and run on. She thanks God for His spirit of “Keep going, Girl. We can do it!”

Deacon Beverly Blanford Terrence

Beverly Blanford Terrence was born in Miami, Florida to the late James Blanford and Harriet Blanford. Her education began at Rainbow Park Elementary in Miami and continued at Benson Elementary, Audenreid Junior High and South Philadelphia High School’s Motivation Program (at Southwark) after the family re located to Phi ladelphia , Pennsylvania. After graduating High School, Beverly enrolled at the James Martin School of Practical Nursing. For ten years she worked as a practical nurse at Albert Einstein Hospital before receiving a scholarship from the hospital to attend the Accelerated Nursing Program at Community

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College of Philadelphia. She became a Registered Nurse in 1992 and began to work for Medical Staffing Network as a case manager. In 2000 she began working as a school nurse at the Germantown Settlement Charter School. In this capacity she was able to conduct a Wellness Conference for students which emphasized “Mind, Body and Soul Health.” In 2003, Beverly joined the staff of Bala Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility as a Unit Manager Supervisor. She remained there for ten years until she resigned to care for her ailing mother.

She is currently employed as a Case Manager with CarePine Home Health Services.

After realizing God’s love for her, Beverly’s love for the Lord caused her to be baptized at the age of 12 at Holy Trinity Baptist Church in Philadelphia. As a youth, she enjoyed singing in the Youth Choir, as well as attending B.T.U. and Sunday School every Sunday. Among the honors she received as a teenager at Holy T r i n i t y w e r e t h e Yo u t h Humanitarian Award, 2nd place finish at the Baptist Oratorical Contest and a certificate from Sunday School Training Program to which she was allowed an early entrance.

Later Beverly, under the unction of the Holy Spirit, joined the North Providence Baptist Church. There she was extremely active as an ordained Deacon (Independent Baptist), an active Worship Leader, Girl Scout Leader, Sunday School teacher, active member of Urban Christian

Ministries, Buffalo, New York, Worship Leader and Session teacher of Women United for Christ (an organization in which she continues to participate) and a seasoned ministerial Christian camp counselor.

In 2009, the Lord led her to G r a c e B a p t i s t C h u r c h o f Germantown. After a month long visitation, she joined and began to express her love for the Lord through service. At Grace she is chaplain of the Wright’s Gospel Chorus, a member of the Chancel Choir, the Women’s Ensemble of the Men’s Chorus and the Women in White Choir, a member of the Board of Christian Education and Executive Council, a member of ABWOG, Chaplain of the Hospitality Ministry, a Sunday School High School Department teacher and is currently the Director of Vacation Bible School. Beverly is also very supportive of Wo m e n ’s a n d C h i l d r e n ’s ministries here at Grace.

For 17 years, Beverly has been married to the very loving and supportive Bruce Terrence, a retired City worker and Grace Senior Usher Ministry member. They are parents of two (one deceased), grandparents of 4 and great-grandparents of 1.

Beverly’s spiritual gifts are teaching, serving, helping, e n c o u r a g i n g , m o t i v a t i n g , worshipping God and promoting the loving and saving Grace of God. Her favorite Bible verses are Jeremiah 31:3 - “The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” and

Psalm 91:1-2 - “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”

The one special moment in life that will always resonate with Beverly is the moment she heard the voice of God say to her “I have always loved you.”

“For where your treasure is, there you heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21

ONLINE GIVING HAS ARRIVED AT GRACE!

For those of you who have asked “Why can’t we give our tithes and offerings online, like we pay most of our bills?”, the good news is that now you can. Yes, online giving is now an option for giving to Grace. Here’s how to do it. 1. Go to our website (http://

www.gracebaptistgtn.org) 2. Scroll down to the bottom of

the page. 3. Click on the word “here”

under the online giving header.

4. Create a profile and log in 5. Complete the information

including where the money is to go. The choices are the

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From The Trustees

same as those on your regular envelopes.

6. Don’t forget to indicate how often your donation will be made (donation frequency) and when your donations should start.

7. You’re all finished and you will receive email confirmation that your donation was successfully processed. If you have further questions

about the process, see Mrs. Lunita Williams, the church Financial Secretary for more information.

Happy Mother’s Day to all G o d - f e a r i n g M o t h e r s , Grandmothers, Sisters, Aunties, Surrogate, and Foster Moms, and any others who fill a Mother’s role! We salute you and celebrate the blessing you are, or have been in our lives. We remember those Grace “Church” Mothers who have taught us, corrected and admonished us, inspired us, but most of all, loved on us and reflected the love of God in their faith that we might have examples to follow in our own lives. They are too numerous to name. Some have gone on to be with the Lord; others are still with us, praise God! We are grateful that God extends His grace and mercy to them and us.

May is always a busy month here at Grace. Family Unity Day, Mother’s Day, New Members’ Fellowship, The Drama Guild’s Production of the Case of the Starlight Sapphire, Youth Sunday and the Celestial Choir’s concert will occur on one of the 5 Sundays in May 2016. Be sure to check the calendar on the last page of the Beacon to see what’s happening, when and where.

I’m switching hats and putting on my “BOCE hat” for the following announcements.

The Board of Christian Education has agreed to take leadership for Grace’s participation in Mt. Airy Day, 2016 which will be held on Saturday, May 7. We need information from ALL church ministries to be distributed to the

community so that they may know more about us. We also need any pictures or videos of ministry activities which can be displayed during the course of the event. Finally, we need ADDITIONAL VOLUNTEERS to help man the table. Many hands make light work. If you can sit at the table for just one half hour, and if we can get enough people to commit to a half hour of service, no one person will be overwhelmed. Come On Grace, we can do this!

The sign up sheets are posted in the Narthex and in the Education building. It’s all right if more than one person signs up for the same time. The more, the merrier!

If you still need Child Protection Training, please sign up in the Narthex or in Education Building no later than May 15.

We are planning a Mini Grace Day in conjunction with the Annual Mission Blitz on July 16. If you have some wonderful ideas about our outreach to our community, please SHARE them. See Barbara Roberson-Baggett, Sandi Johnson or the leader of ANY Board of Christian Education Ministry (Karla Dublin, Marlene Patterson, Carmen Watson, Jeanine Watson, Carolyn Wimbush, Sandra Bryant, Marcia Bass, Beverly Terrence, Sandie Jordan-Gordon, James Gordon, Carolyn Blackson, Brian Wallace, Tamika Holder, Clifford Stanley).

The Church calendar lists July 9, as the annual church picnic. I haven’t heard of any plans for that day. Is anyone interested in going fishing? If so let’s get a

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From the Pen Of The Editor

Beacon Staff

Managing Editor Sandi Johnson

Associate Editor Karol Mason

Computer Specialist William L. LucasAdvertising

Debra L. S. Wake

Circulation Manager Cheryl Johnson

Reporters Doris Collins-Terrell

Octavia Jeanine Watson

StaffersMarcia Bass

Courtney Carter Priscilla E. Custis

Leedrester Jackson Jackie Johnson

Grace McCollum Lavida Royster Ellen Williams

Jonathan H. Williams

committee working on it, so that it can finally happen this year.

Well, we can’t say we didn’t really have Spring this year, can we? As we look toward May and the coming summer, please continue to pray for our church, pray for your Search Committee, pray for our Ministerial staff and o u r l e a d e r s . G o d i s s t i l l Sovereign…and as sure as summer is coming, so is the Senior Pastor He has chosen for us. The Search Committee is working diligently and praying for discernment. We will wait patiently until God finishes His work in us.

Happy Spring! Get ready to enjoy the beautiful weather that’s on the way. Happy Mother’s Day to all.

Peace, S.J.

“Looking into the Future”

“And so we have the prophetic Word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place ….” 2 Peter 1:19 (NASB)

The book of Daniel is one of the most powerful books of prophecy in all of the Bible. It chronicles the story of the young Hebrew boy taken captive to Babylon and his life-long sojourn there. It was six hundred years before the time of Christ when King Nebuchadnezzar, the

d i c t a t o r i a l l e a d e r o f t h e Babylonian Empire, invaded Jerusalem on his quest to conquer the entire Middle East. He and his troops plundered the holy city, taking Daniel and other Hebrews from their beloved home. A judgment of God on the sinfulness of His own people, the Babylonian captivity would last seventy years. What makes the book of Daniel so compelling is that it is rooted in history. The predictions given to the prophet through the angel Gabriel are so powerful and precise as to what will happen in the future that it could only be the inspired Word of God Himself. When the book was written, God told Daniel the message is not primarily for you and your time, but for the end of the age. We’re reminded, too, that in the Old Testament the perspective of Bible prophecy always centers around the future of Israel. In chapter two, Daniel tells us that four great empires would come onto the world stage in successive periods of history to rule over that nation (Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome), as they did. We also know it was during the time of the ancient Roman Empire that Israel was destroyed and the Jewish people dispersed and scattered. All documented history confirming the accuracy of God’s Word. Daniel also tells us, however, that there will be a yet-future time when there will be an extension of that old Roman Empire. Thus it is because of the veracity of the Scriptures concerning other prophecies, that we can have absolute certainty that Daniel’s

God still lives today. Studying the book of Daniel, we see that the first six chapters focus on his personal ministry and history with the final chapters (7 thru 12) emphasizing his prophetic ministry. Looking into the future, the prophet is telling us what is going to happen in the last days, and that is why it’s noteworthy to remember that up to this point in human history, every prophecy and prediction set down in the Scriptures centuries ago have come to pass with one hundred percent accuracy, further undergirding faith and trust in God’s Holy Word. For the purposes of this study, we’ll focus on chapters 2 and 7 of Daniel, each giving insight as to what God says lies ahead.

Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream In ancient times, God used

dreams and visions to reveal Himself and His purposes. In the prophecy of Daniel 2 (31-40), King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a stupendous statute of multi-colored metals foretold the rise of the three world empires to follow Babylon of 604 BC. The various metals are symbolic of the Gentile empires who would rule over the Jews. In the image of the great statute, the head of gold represented Babylon; the chest and arms of silver, Medo-Persia; the belly and thighs of bronze, the Greek Empire of Alexander the Great; and the two legs of iron, the western and eastern branches of the ancient Roman Empire. God gave Nebuchadnezzar the dream as a warning of what was to come.

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!

The dream also tells us “what shall be in the latter days.” Yet, despite the demise of ancient Rome centuries ago, much of history has been dominated from that period on throughout the Middle Ages up to this present day by a singular endeavor; the effort to revive it. After the western branch of Rome fell in 476 AD, the eastern branch (Constantinople), later known as the Byzantine Empire, continued until 1453 but it was the imperial restoration led by Emperor Justinian III in the sixth century t h a t b e g a n s i x d i s t i n c t resurrections taking us from Charlemagne to the German ruler Otto the Great, then Charles the Fifth to Napolean, a continuing period of rise and fall for the empire. In 1870, in another attempt at revival, Bismarck, the Iron Chancellor of Germany, conquered France and, in 1871, the Germans declared their new empire “The Second Reich” (the ancient Roman Empire was considered “The First Reich”). The empire of the German Kaisers, the Second Reich came t o a n e n d i n 1 9 1 8 a f t e r Germany’s surrender to the Allied forces of World War I. Since the end of World War II, however, not only has much progress been made toward what will eventually be the seventh and final resurrection of ancient Rome , bu t many may be surprised to discover who is a major player in the end-time scenario and what, in fact, has taken place to date.

Germany and the European Union

A preview of the future! Wa t c h G e r m a n y ! Wa t c h Germany! Now that may seem like an odd thing to say, but actually it isn’t. One might also ask, “What does Germany have to do with Bible prophecy?” Actually, quite a bit! In the 20th century, it was Italian dictator Benito Mussolini who announced in 1936 yet another restoration of the Roman Empire. Also, in the mid 1930s, as signs of trouble ahead began to appear, it was Winston Churchill who warned England and the world of impending danger. He said, “Something quite extraordinary is afoot. All the signals are set for danger. The red lights are flashing through the doom.” He was t e l l i ng Eng land…the Germans are coming! He was right! Not long thereafter the world experienced a madman who could only be described as the Antichrist of the twentieth century! And as Europe reeled under the satanic power of Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich in his quest to conquer Europe then the rest o f t h e w o r l d , o n l y t h e providential Hand of God (through the use of Allied forces) could crush that malestrom of evil! During the period beginning in 1870 through 1945, it was the dictatorships of Mussolini and Hitler (called the German-Italian Axis) which are viewed as the c u l m i n a t i o n o f t h e s i x t h resurrection of the ancient Roman Empire. Yet, even after defeat in two world wars, Germany’s quest for power and

dominance remained intact as her rise from the ashes of World War II is, in deed, revealing that truth. Not too long ago, the late former British Prime Minister Margaret T h a t c h e r w a r n e d , a s d i d Churchill, that the Germans are coming .. again! She could also foresee the danger ahead; that the Germans were reconstituting their effort at conquest only this t i m e i t w i l l b e n o t b e accomplished by military force b u t r a t h e r t h r o u g h s h e e r economic power. She understood that the agenda of the elites of the eurozone was finally being exposed and that those guiding the European Union (EU) were on course to reshape the continent; the initiative presently dominated by the nation of Germany. On her visit to the United States in 1995, at a conference of politicians and bureaucrats at Colorado Springs, Mrs. Thatcher addressed the issue of the rising power of the EU and Germany’s relationship to it. She stated, “You have not anchored Germany to Europe. You have anchored Europe to a n e w l y - d o m i n a n t , u n i f i e d Germany. In the end, my friends, you will find it will not work.” And because Mrs. Thatcher sounded the alarm and did not share the ideology of the New World Order protagonists, she was maligned and eventually pushed out of the ‘way of progress.’ Today, as Bible prophecy continues to unfold, the same spirit of conquest which ini t ia ted both world wars (Germany) is now the dominate n a t i o n s p e a r h e a d i n g t h e

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movement and progression of the European Union. Bible believers need to keep watch.

The European Union For anyone not understanding

exactly what the European Union is, quite simply it is the coming together of many nations in Europe under the umbrella of what was formerly known as the European Common Market. To date, there are 27 member nations. Built by treaty, this consortium of nations now called the European Union was forged by unelected technocrats who seduced various nations into membership with the promise of e c o n o m i c s e c u r i t y a n d a continent-wide democracy. I n i t i a l l y, w h a t m a d e t h e circumstance unique was that E u r o p e ’s u n i f i c a t i o n w a s occurring without any one nation conquering another, but rather through consent and mutual cooperation. Over many decades, however, places like Cyprus, Greece and Italy, for example, have found the EU anything but a democratic entity with Great B r i t a i n n o w w a g i n g i t s bureaucratic war against it.

Conclusion in next issue… Doris Collins-Terrell May 2016

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Spiritual Armor “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

Proverbs 31: 10-31(MSG) A good woman is hard to find,    and worth far more than diamonds.Her husband trusts her without reserve,    and never has reason to regret it.Never spiteful, she treats him generously

    all her life long.She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,    and enjoys knitting and sewing.She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places    and brings back exotic surprises.She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast    for her family and organizing her day.She looks over a field and buys it,    then, with money she’s put aside, plants a garden.First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,    rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.She senses the worth of her work,    is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,    diligent in homemaking.She’s quick to assist anyone in need,    reaches out to help the poor.She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows;    their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.She makes her own clothing,    and dresses in colorful linens and silks.Her husband is greatly respected    when he deliberates with the city fathers.She designs gowns and sells them,    brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.Her clothes are well-made and elegant,    and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,    and she always says it kindly.She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,    and keeps them all busy and productive.Her children respect and bless her;    her husband joins in with words of praise:“Many women have done wonderful things,    but you’ve outclassed them all!”Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.    The woman to be admired and praised    is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.Give her everything she deserves!    Festoon her life with praises!

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Yep, that’s Shayla McJunkin looking all grown up on her first Prom!! Beautiful!

Where is the little girl we once knew?

THE DRAMA GUILD MINISTRY OF GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH OF GERMANTOWN

PRESENTS

THE MYSTERY OF THE STARLIGHT SAPPHIRE

RESERVATIONS

ADULTS- $25 CHILDREN - 5 to 17 years of age - $15 Under 5 - free

GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH OF GERMANTOWN 25 WEST JOHNSON STREET

PHILADELPHIA,PA 19144

(215) 438-3215 Rev. Dr. Quintin L. Robertson, Interim Pastor

Deacon Jace Jones, President

Sandi Johnson, Director

A

Dinner Theater

Mystery

by

Kathy Applebee

FOR 2 PERFORMANCES

ONLY

FRIDAY - MAY 20, 2016 - 7:00 P.M.

SUNDAY- MAY 22, 2016 - 3:15 P.M.

Join Us for the 46th Annual

MT. AIRY DAY

W h e r e ? C l i v e d e n - 6 4 0 0 Germantown Ave. When? Saturday, May 7 11AM- 5PM Live Entertainment Schedule: 11:15 a.m. C.W. Henry School Choir 11:45 a.m. Settlement Music School 1:00 p.m. Mt Airy Performing Arts 1:30 p.m. Dukes of Destiny 3:00 p.m. Free to Be Dance Academy 3:45 p.m. Boyler Boys

VENDORS, FOOD, TOURS, KIDS’ GAMES, COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Presented by the East Mt. Airy Neighbors and West Mt. Airy Neighbors

GRACE WILL BE THERE! LET’S GET TO KNOW OUR

COMMUNITY A LITTLE BETTER. COME JOIN US

OCTAVIA SAYS:No matter where you hear strangers or friends conversing, the topic of our

erratic weather is sure to be mentioned.Lest we forget, God can do whatever He

wants to, whenever He wants to and wherever He wants to….Remember God is GOD!

https://auntiedogmasgardenspot.wordpress.com/

An Easy Mother’s Day Craft Does your Mom like the

sound of birds in your yard? Then make her a Heart-Shaped Bird Feeder. You will need pipe cleaners, Cheerios and a piece of ribbon or twine to hang the feeder.

First bend the pipe cleaners in half forming a v-shape. Put the Cheerios on each side. Then bend them into a heart shape by thinning the two ends together. Link one heart to the next one. Try making as many hearts as there are people in your family.

Then peek out of the window or back door with your Mom and watch your feathered friends enjoy their treat. Can you count the different kinds of birds that come to visit? If you remember what they look like, you can look up their names on your next visit to the library or the internet.

Have fun making this for y o u r M o m , G r a n d m o m , Godmom or anyone else that you want to wish “Happy Mother’s Day”!

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KIDS’ PAGEBIBLE VERSE FOR May

Exodus 20:12  – Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your

God is giving you.

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Christian Joudrey@https://unsplash.com

SPECIAL EVENTS IN MAY DATE DAY TIME EVENT

1 Sunday 10:55 AM Family UnityDay Worship and Fellowship

5 Thursday 7:30 PM Executive Council Meeting

7 Saturday 9:00 AM PBA Annual Day

9:30 AM Evangelism Ministry

11:00 AM Mt. Airy Day

5:00 PM PRISM Service

8 Sunday 10:55 AM MOTHER’S DAY- Communion Worship Service

14 Saturday 7:30 AM Women’s Guild Outing

15 Sunday 10:55 AM Worship Service, New Members’ Fellowship

19 Thursday 8:00 PM Sister Girl Talk

20 Friday 7:00 PM Drama Guild Dinner Theater Production

21 Saturday 12:00 PM Eastern District Banquet

22 Sunday 10:55 AM Worship Service

3:15 PM Drama Guild Dinner Theater Production

29 Sunday 10:55 AM Youth SundayWorship Service

4:00 PM Celestial Choir Concert

30 Monday MEMORIAL DAY