080516 Friday Focus - “Discover the Leader Within” by Daniel Monplaisir from TeenPact

Daniel Monplaisir has been involved in leadership and speaking from the very young age of twelve. Even before then he was involved in theatrical programs in his community and church in New York City.
Now, hailing from Montgomery, Alabama, Daniel has been involved in leadership positions almost everywhere he goes. Recently, Daniel has been a Traveling Ambassador for TeenPact Leadership Schools, Chief Operations Officer for the Alabama Sports Festival and the “Let Freedom Ring!” Ceremonies, and a Cadet in the Alabama Army National Guard.
While traveling with TeenPact, Daniel had the opportunity to speak all over the country to all different age groups inspiring every person to discover their own capabilities of leadership. He spoke in several different states including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Arkansas, North Carolina, Iowa, Tennessee and Nevada.
Daniel has a special talent in the Arts and has been involved with Theatre at his alma mater, Faulkner University, and has been involved with puppetry through his church and an International Dream Team.
When Daniel was eighteen, he served as President of his Toastmasters International Club, was an umpire for Dixie Youth Baseball, and was involved with Upward Basketball and Special Olympics basketball programs.
Speaking to all ages and interests, Daniel Monplaisir has inspired so many people with high energy and interactive presentations to understand leadership and to become leaders themselves. Everyone can discover the leader within!
This particular speech is an expose of Daniel’s motivational leadership style.

080401 Tuesday Prayer Breakfast with Tamara Massey & Matthew Flanagan AUM CDS

The following text was used in a powerpoint presentation by Tamara Massey and Matthew Flanagan during the Tuesday Morning Prayer Breakfast at Dexter Avenue on April 1, 2008. The soundtrack and movie of the presentation is being edited by the AUM staff before republication.

Their official titles are:

Tamara J. Massey-Garrett, Director
Matthew Flanagan, Assistive Technology Specialist

Auburn Montgomery (AUM)
Center for Disability Services (CDS)
Montgomery, Alabama

Negotiating Accommodations
Responsibilities of Postsecondary Institution Providing Accommodations
o Services provided under Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
o With reasonable notification, college is responsible for costs involved in providing reasonable accommodations and/or auxiliary aids to students.
o Student must self-identify disability, request services from DSS, and provide recent documentation of disability (cost of evaluation responsibility of student).
o Faculty will not know about student’s disability without written permission.
o Little or no parental involvement.
Responsibilities of DSS
o Student self-identifies and provides documentation to DSS, then DSS reviews documentation and determines appropriateness of documentation.
o DSS sets up an intake interview with student and determines reasonable accommodations, discusses DSS policies and procedures, and generates accommodation letter.
o Student picks up letter/memo, meets with faculty, and both communicate accommodation needs to DSS on contract and through one-on-one discussion's.
o DSS implements accommodations, e.g. proctoring
o As needed, DSS advocates for student.

Center for Disability Services at AUM
CDS serves approximately 200 students.
Disabilities categories include: learning disabilities, psychological, ADD/ADHD, Health/medical, Vision, hearing impairments, and TBI.
Students use accommodations as needed.
Students can use accommodations for classes on- and off-campus (distance learning, Auburn Guarantee Seamless Admission Program).
Students use assistive technology (AT).
Vision Impairments
CDS staff met with Biology department head, lecture and lab instructors before semester began.
CDS worked closely with Biology Department and the School of Sciences in preparation of accommodating these students including the recommendation to purchase a tactile plant cell model. Funding was appropriated from Academic Affairs.
Discussed need for diagrams, pictures, etc. being brailled and/or visual descriptions.
Modification of diagrams, pictures, exam questions.
Exams – use of braille and electronic text (e-text).
Lab assistant provided for one-on-one assistance (hands-on assistance and visual descriptions) – hiring by CDS.
Meetings with instructors, CDS staff and students on a regular basis and as needed.

Subject example: Biology
Using Braille & E-Text
Biology
Using Tactile Model & Lab Assistants
Student Using Tactile Animal Cell Model
Braille Image: Osmosis
Braille Image: Bacteriophage

Presenters Contact Information
Tamara Massey-Garrett
AUM-Center for Disability Services
P.O. Box 244023
Montgomery, AL 36124-4023

tmassey2@aum.edu
(334) 244-3754

Matthew Flanagan
AUM-Center for Disability Services
P.O. Box 244023
Montgomery, AL 36124-4023

mflanaga@aum.edu
(334) 244-3880

080325 Tuesday Prayer Breakfast with Kevin 'Sinclair' Nero, WVAS Radio Announcer

Kevin is on the board of directors for the Nat King Cole Society in Montgomery, Alabama. He is an avid Jazz enthusiast and promoter. For several years he has programmed and announced the local Jazz program on the Public Radio Station in Montgomery broadcasting from the Alabama State University campus.
This message is his very touching autobiography that focuses on his family heritage and identity. For most of his life his family kept a "secret" from him about his being adopted. The mother and father who raised him were actually cousins and one of his cousins turned out to be his biological father. He has never met his biological mother, whose last name is Bently (his middle name).
Below is Kevin's biography that his has proved for publishing on this podcast and blog syndication.

Kevin ‘Sinclair’ Nero
Born: January 25, 1956
Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York – Childhood spent in Queens, New York
In August of 1974 – I moved to Daphne, Alabama (new permanent residence)
Started my college career at Alabama State University – January 1975
I received a “walk-on” - 4 year - athletic scholarship in track – March 1975
Graduated in the summer of 1980 with a BS degree in Computer Information Systems
Currently working on my Masters in Human Resource Development
Full – Time Position – Program Manager for the sustainment of Legacy Supply Systems for the United States Air Force.
Part – Time Position – Radio Announcer for WVAS FM 90.7 – The Voice of Alabama State University

WVAS –
I started working at WVAS, as a volunteer, August 1984 and became a paid member of the staff January 10th 1985
Known as the “Vagabond of Jazz”
Created the “Night Service of Sound”
The sole host of the Top 20 Countdown for the past 6 years

I have interviewed:
1. Rachelle Ferrell
2. Nancy Wilson
3. Norman Connors
4. Lizz Wright
5. Al Jarraeu – 3 times
6. Marcus Miller – 2 times
7. George Duke – 3 times
8. Michael Ward – 4 times
9. Dianne Reeves
10. Angela Bofil
11. Norman Brown
12. Phil Perry
13. Will Downing – 3 times
14. Nathan East – 2 times
15. James Ingram and John Tesh
16. Debra Franco
17. Eric Essix – 5 times
18. Euge Groove
19. Frank McComb – 4 times
20. Stanley Clarke
21. Earl Klugh
22. Kurt Elling
23. Najee
24. Nnenna Freelon
25. Joe Sample
26. Lalah Hathaway – 2 times
27. Michael Franks
28. Sean Franks
29. Jeffery Smith
30. Bluey Maunick – Incognito
31. Maysa Leak
32. George Benson
33. Jeff Golub
34. Joyce Cooling – 3 times
35. Ronnie Loew
36. Ronnie Laws – 2 times
37. Wayman Tisdale
38. Larry Carlton
39. Rick Braun
40. Ronny Jordan
41. Boney James
42. Roy Ayer – 2 times

080321 Good Friday Service with 7 Preachers Interpreting Christ's 7 Last Words from the Cross for 7 Minutes Each

Below is the order of worship with assigned speakers and times for this very unique ecumenical service representing church leaders from the Church of God in Christ, Episcopal, Anglican, Baptist, Presbyterian, Non-denominational, and United Methodist Churches.

Good Friday Service
7 Words – 7 Ministers – 7 Minutes
March 21, 2008

Words of Welcome Pastor Ron Smith
Opening Prayer Pastor Ron Smith

11:30am THE FIRST WORD Rev. Al Perkins
Luke 23:33-34 - When they came to the place called “The Skull”, they nailed Jesus to the cross there, and the two criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Jesus said, “Forgive them, Father! They do not know what they do”.

11:38am THE SECOND WORD Rev. Johnny Davis
Luke 23:39-43 - One of the criminals hanging there threw insults at him: “Aren’t you the messiah? Save yourself and us!” The other one, however, rebuked him, saying: “Don’t you fear God? Here we are all under the same sentence. Ours, however, is only right, for we are getting what we deserve for what we did; but he has done no wrong.” And he said to Jesus, “Remember me, Jesus, when you come into your kingdom!” Jesus said to him, “I tell you this: Today you will be with me in Paradise”.

11:46am THE THIRD WORD Rev. Ed Diebler
John 19:25-27 - Standing close to Jesus’ cross were his mother, his mother’s Sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing there; so he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son”. Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother”. And from that time the disciple took her to live in his home.

11:54am THE FOURTH WORD Rev. Tom Bridges
Mark 15:33-34 – And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Elo-i, elo-i, lama sabach-thani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

12:02pm THE FIFTH WORD Rev. Doug McCurry
John 19:28 – After this Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, to fulfill the Scripture said, “I thirst”.

12:10 pm THE SIXTH WORD Rev. Carmen Falcione
John 19:29-30 - A bowl was there, full of cheap wine mIxed with vinegar, so a sponge was soaked in it, put on hyssop and lifted up to his lips. When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished”.

12:18pm THE SEVENTH WORD Rev. Clifford Terrell
Luke 23:46 – Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this, he breathed his last.

Benediction Pastor Ron Smith

080302 John 9 "God Sightedness" by Pastor Ron Smith

Jesus says, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). When I’m making hospital visits for our members or constituents with the public safety departments I can’t always dress up like I do on Sunday’s. That’s probably why some people ask for my ID or business card so that they can see that I am a pastor. When any of us act in Christ-like ways of loving kindness and forgiveness, then that is how Jesus says we glorify God and prove our real identity as Christians.
I hope some of you read my Steeple article for this Sunday and reflected on the similarities of this Gospel story and 1 Samuel 16:1-13 where David was selected to be king of Israel. God instructed Samuel: “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature . . . for the LORD sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”
There were probably other blind people who made contact with Jesus, but this man was used “to glorify God” as Jesus explained. The Greek word for glorify is also used to make a “judgment about someone’s personal worth.” This means that those who truly see God’s presence in the life of Jesus Christ will make the right judgment about Jesus beyond the healing and miracles that He performs.
Samuel glorified God by following divine direction to choose the least likely David. The supremely chosen Messiah chose the least likely blind man from birth to glorify God and show how much He loves each one of us.
David didn’t look much like a king and Jesus didn't look much like a Savior to some people. When Jesus came to his hometown of Nazareth to teach in the synagogue, the people asked one another, "Isn't this Joseph's son" (Luke 4:22)? Even though many people saw His miracles and healing and heard His teaching, Jesus’ own hometown folk thought that He just looked like the carpenter's kid.
The once blind man proved that he was a true follower of Jesus, especially while the Pharisees were questioning him. His light was shining before others as one who was thankful and truthful about what had happened to him.
My friend, Arnold Smith, has experienced a very different kind of blindness in his life. He is now an associate pastor in Selma, but he used to be a professional basketball player. His success in sports, in business and with different women had blinded him to the truth of his miserable life. In 1998 he robbed a bank with three other men, because he was blind to how he was manipulated by others who said it couldn’t be done.
5 minutes of temporary egotistical blindness resulted in 5 years of prison and being away from people who loved and cared for him. While in prison, he obeyed Jesus like the blind man was healed of his moral and spiritual blindness through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. It was like Jesus had spit on the muddy life style he had been living and he only had to obey and wash his eyes in a prison cell.
Recently, Arnold discovered that his 14 year old daughter, whom he had raised since birth is not really his biological child. And a few weeks later a woman from his professional sports era disclosed he had fathered another daughter, whom another man had supported for 12 years. The healing miracle is that he is now able to support both girls and consider them both his own, while maintaining a steady marriage to his current wife (Mea), a beautiful baby boy (Aaron), and a full time ministry. The Pastor of the church in which he is an Associate was the manager of the bank he robbed.
Arnold says, ‘No one can tell me that Love doesn’t work! I am not only a living witness but proof ! God is Love! Love never fails!”
Dear Heavenly Father, just as You gave sight to Arnold and the blind man in our gospel story, please remove whatever blindness we have in our life. Lord God, You promised that when we desire truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part You shall make each one of to know wisdom (Psalm 51:6). Help us to see clearly before we stumble for a life-time or even blindly walk away from Your eternal heavenly light. Save us LORD – for Your love never fails, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

080118 Friday Focus - Dale Osterman YMCA

Dale Osterman's career has been devoted to managing YMCA programs. He now manages the downtown Y and oversees the greater Montgomery YMCA with it's board of directors. Dexter Avenue United Methodist Church has maintained a long standing relationship with the Y and currently send our underprivileged inner city youth to summer, Christmans holiday and Spring break YMCA camps.

Dale is a lay leader in the Prattville United Methodist Church and a member of the Walk to Emmaus community of Central Alabama. In this message we hear his personal testimony of ministry in the Y and his passion for helping others find Christian fellowship and personal development through this organization.

080104 Friday Focus - Wynona Crosskey, Alabama Department of Industrial Relations

Wynona has a wonderful personal witness of her relationship with Jesus Christ. She is also a member of our 301 Ballroom Dancing Club that meets every Friday evening in our fellowship hall. Her career is with the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations specializing in Unemployment Compensation.

071212 Faith Radio Interview of Pastor Ron Smith

This interview covers annual Christmas season events at Dexter Avenue United Methodist Church.

071116 Friday Focus - Jack Dautel & Tish MacInnis, Habitat for Humanity

Jack Dautel is the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Tish MacInnis is the Staff Executive Director of the Habitat for Humanities Program in the Greater Montgomery Alabama Area.

The first Habitat home in Montgomery was started in 1988. Since that time, Montgomery Habitat has completed more than 40 homes providing shelter for nearly 200 family members. Montgomery Habitat for Humanity exists to build decent, affordable houses for low-income people.

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat invites people from all faiths and walks of life to work together in partnership, building houses with families in need.

070828 Tuesday Prayer Breakfast - Andrew Dawkins

Andrew Dawkins is a Chaplain with the CENTRAL ALABAMA VETERANS HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. He serves out of the East Campus (619A4) Tel: 334-727-0550 and shares the Pastoral Care ID # of 118B. Their main office is at 2400 Hospital Road, Tuskegee, AL 36083. Andrew's Chief Chaplain is Sherman L. Burford associated with the Christian & Missionary Alliance (an off shoot of the Presbyterian Church). Their shared Secretary is Eloise Anderson. The Full-time Chaplain is Eddie Jasper, an affiliate with the National Baptist denomination. Their contact is Liston Garfield, who is Episcopal. But finally, Andrew is a Baptist retained on a Fee-basis to minister to veterans in the Montgomery area, like Kenneth Carpenter a Free Methodist and William Patterson, a African Methodist Episcopal.

Pastor Ron Smith of Dexter Ave. UMC first met Andrew at a seminar honoring civil rights leader Rev. Robert Graetz and Mrs. Jean Graetz his wife. It became rapidly apparent that Andrew has a special gift in pastoral counseling and relational healing.
Andrew has consistently worked to help veterans and other people to realize their full potential. His gifts in preaching and leading devotional reflection are also worthy of comment.

070731 Tuesday Prayer Breakfast with Aaron Motley

Aaron Motley is the Pastor and founder of Miracle Deliverance Temple of Christ, Inc. in Montgomery Alabama. He has a Doctorates Degree in Religious and Christian Communications for counseling and a Master of Divinity Degree from Global Evangelical Christian College. He is the author of two books, “Christian Leaders Betrayed” and “Faith: A Godly Risk” in two editions.
Pastor Motley was born in Montgomery and grew up in Autaugaville Alabama. He is married to Margaret F. Motley a native of Cuba Alabama and has one son, Matthew Cortez Motley. A Desert Storm veteran, Pastor Motley served six years in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and six years in The Alabama National Guard.
Aaron Motley has devoted his life to serving God, his family and society by reaching out to the lost and needy through the broadcast media and the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
SPECIAL NOTE: Dr. Motley is available to speak for revivals, seminars, conferences and for radio and television interviews. To contact Dr. Motley, send an email to motl3600@bellsouth.net
Aaron Motley preaches on Matthew 24;45-51:
“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. 48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; 49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; 50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, 51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Aaron’s Church has a set of doctrines that are not necessarily in direct theological accord with the United Methodist Church. But the Miracle Deliverance Temple of Christ, Inc. seems to be available to our Wesleyan perception of prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying grace according to our understanding of God’s total love and involvement with creation. Aaron’s Church speaks specifically to what United Methodists are ready to share as the “means of grace” without excluding other believers who receive the presence of Christ in other ways, His Salvation and Lordship to become members of the Kingdom of God in His saving grace:
• SALVATION
We are saved by grace through faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ; who cannot work to earn right standing with God; who must accept Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, who gave His life as payment for our sins. Miracle Deliverance temple of Christ, Inc believe that baptism in water in the name of our Lord is necessary as an act of obedience and an outward sign of an inner change. They believe that it is a church ritual, which should take place after one repents of sin and is born again. The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of God, which comes to live in believers in God, immediately after accepting Jesus as Savior and Lord.
• THE GODHEAD
We believe that God is one God who manifested Himself to man in three ways; Father, Son and Holy Ghost. We believe that God is one person who reveals Himself to man in three forms. Jesus Christ is the fullness of the Godhead bodily. We believe in the deity of Christ and His virgin birth, His death, burial and resurrection and that He will return a second time for His church.
• THE BASIS OF OUR FAITH
We believe in the Apostolic faith. Jesus gave instruction to His apostles to go into the entire world to preach the gospel and make disciples of people. He said He would confirm the Word with signs following. We are to continue that commission.
• SPIRITUAL GIFTS
We believe that Spiritual gifts are in operation in the body of Christ for the purpose of edifying the saints.
• THE RAPTURE
Miracle Deliverance temple of Christ, Inc believe in the physical return of Jesus Christ to the earth to catch the people of God away. Then we all believe that Jesus Christ will return in the clouds to resurrect the dead in Christ first and the Christians who are still alive on the earth will be “raptured” or caught up to forever be with the Lord.”
• THE BIBLE
The Bible is the Word of God without error. Miracle Deliverance temple of Christ, Inc primarily use the King James Version of the Holy Scriptures because they believe it is the most accurate English version.
• THE HOLY GHOST BAPTISM
Miracle Deliverance temple of Christ, Inc teach that the baptism with the Holy Ghost is an extension of the born again experience. It is the anointing of power from God, which allows a person to operate in the gifts of the Spirit, enabling one to witness more effectively. This anointing may come at the moment a person is born again. However, not in every case. Speaking supernaturally in unlearned tongues sometimes accompanies this experience but not in every case. Miracle Deliverance temple of Christ, Inc believes that every Christian should desire the baptism with the Holy Ghost. It comes simply by asking for it out of a sincere desire to be used of God in ministry.
• HOLY LIVING
We believe all Christians should set good examples before all people. It is important to show love, act, speak and dress as Godly men and women.
• TITHING
We believe in giving to the work of God. One should willfully, cheerfully and faithfully give of the best of his / her increase. The local church serves as the present day storehouse where needs are met through tithes and offerings.
• PRAYER AND LOVE
We believe in prayer as a daily necessity. Building a good relationship with God, with the family and with the church fellowship is essential for spiritual growth.

Heavenly Father, thank Youf for Your redeeming grace through Jesus Christ who leads us from Your prevenient grace to sanctiifying holiness, in Your son's name, Jesus Christ, Amen.

070713 Friday Focus - Martha Hawkins

She overcame the demons of severe depression - and with odds all against her, she has seen mountains moved out of her way in the world of business. Martha Hawkins is a first hand witness to what God can do.
Martha Hawkins says that her ministries "exist to share hope with the hopeless and give advantage to the disadvantaged through the love of Jesus Christ." She and her co-ministers "do this by encouraging, motivating, teaching, training and empowering people to bring about change in their lives from the inside out."
She is a native of Montgomery, Alabama and is the youngest of twelve children. As a child, Martha routinely watched her mother, Sallie, take a single stack of fresh vegetables and turn them into a feast. She would soon learn her mother's culinary style and by the time she was twelve, she became consumed by her dream of owning a restaurant.
As a single mother, Hawkins did not have an easy road to travel and at times, experienced daunting difficulties. Martha was a victim of clinical depression for several years. She was committed to a mental hospital after attempting suicide by taking an overdose of tranquilizers. While in the hospital, Martha was proscribed numerous prescription drugs, including a new one called Prozac. It was at the depths of her hospital stay that Martha began reading the Gideon Bible that was on her night-stand. As she opened the Bible, it fell open to Isaiah 6:1-4, which reads, "The spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and opening the prison to them that are bound." The message from God to Martha was clear and she began to turn her life around. Shortly thereafter, she returned to public housing and welfare. At the age of 31, by all standards, her life was still extremely bleak. Although many times she became despondent, she fell back upon the strength of Isaiah 61. Through prayer, faith and hope, she persevered and renewed her dream of owning a restaurant. Being an uneducated black female from an economically disadvantaged background, Martha knew that she would face obstacles and barriers. At this point, she decided to take charge of her life and vowed to fight her way out of poverty. However, she always believed she could overcome those obstacles and barriers. Martha attended a program at Alabama State University where she earned her GED. She also attended Troy State University where she took a course in counseling to enable her to help minister to others. Next came the overwhelming task of acquiring financial backing to open a restaurant. Hawkins sought financial assistance from area banks and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Unfortunately, all rejected her application. Refusing to give up, she once again pulled out her Bible, and "looked unto the hills," from whence she received her help. She knew that her faith and commitment to the word of God was the source of her strength. Martha began speaking victory and prosperity in the midst of poverty and her dream began to materialize.
Hawkins took a job cleaning houses. through her employment as a domestic worker, she met an attorney named Calvin Pryor. She shared her dream of owning a restaurant with Pryor and he consequently provided a two-story frame structure house built near the turn of the century to house her restaurant, free of charge until she could afford to pay the rent. Martha went to yard sales, became a carpenter, painter and wallpaper expert. She visited restaurant, talked with many their owners and learned all she could about the restaurant business. Martha was assisted along the way by several people, and notably, through the contributions and support from the Montgomery Black Women's Leadership and Economic Development project. Despite many difficult days, Martha kept her faith in God and, in October 1988, opened Martha’s Place Restaurant and Catering. Since that time, Marth’s Place has remained opened and served people from all walks of life, including renowned stars such as Whoopie Goldberg, Sissy Spacek, Walter Mathau and Angela Bassett. Her restaurant is a nationally know stop for anyone who visits Montgomery, Alabama and a culinary fixture of life for permanent residents of the city.
Martha Hawkins, a single mother, an overcomer of mental illness and poverty, is highly favored by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ - as is everyone. It is not where you are from, or how you got to where you are, but whether you can keep the faith and step into your God given promise, that makes the ultimate difference between failure and success of poverty and prosperity.

070619 Tuesday Prayer Breakfast with Mike Jackson

Mike Jackson is director of the Office of Discipleship & Family Ministry for the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions.
Mike and his wife, Lyn, came to the State Board of Missions from Birmingham where he had served as pastor for almost 18 years.
They are the proud parents of two grown daughters (Heather and Ashley) and one son (Aaron) who is deceased. They have the joy of being the grandparents of one grandson, Coleton.
Education: master of divinity, New Orleans Seminary, 1981, major: pastoral work; bachelor of arts, Samford University, 1979, major: religion, minor: history.
Ministry Experience: pastor, Eastside Baptist Church, Birmingham (January 1987-September 2004); associate pastor/minister of youth, Southside Baptist Church, Southside, Etowah Association (April 1982-January 1987); minister of youth, Bridgedale Baptist Church, Merairie, La. (February 1980-October 1981); minister of youth, First Baptist Church, Palmerdale (November 1977-August 1979).
Denominational Service: Served as a member of the State Board of Missions (1998-2004), Executive Committee of SBOM (2001-2004), vice moderator of Birmingham Baptist Association (2003-2004), president of Birmingham Baptist Minister’s Conference (1997), board of directors for Alabama Citizens Action Program (ALCAP), district coordinator (District 11) for the Alabama Baptist Eagle (Mentoring) Network.
Community Service: chaplain, Birmingham Police Department; chaplain, Medical Center East Hospital volunteer, Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Training: Parenting By Grace, Marriage Enrichment, School of Evangelism and Church Growth (HMB/NAMB), Stephen Olford Center for Biblical Preaching, CWT, FAITH, People Sharing Jesus, Intentional Evangelism and numerous courses from the Alabama Baptist Center for Leadership Development.

Why are we in such a hurry? God wants us to get away from a place of hurry to a place of hush.

Elijah in 1 Kings 17:1-7 was the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, who said to Ahab, "As the LORD the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word." 2 And the word of the LORD came to him, 3 "Depart from here and turn eastward, and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, that is east of the Jordan. 4 You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there." 5 So he went and did according to the word of the LORD; he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan. 6 And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook.

We need to trust that the LORD calls us away for renewal before facing other challenges just as with the prophets in the old testament and Jesus in the new testament.

070529 Tuesday Prayer Breakfast - Chaplain Kelvin Gardner's interpretive message based on Matthew 14:22-33

On April 21, 2007 the MAXWELL/GUNTER NEWS featured an article about Kelvin Gardner entitled “Chaplains focus on African-American heritage” by Jennifer Roberts.
Students from the Basic Chaplains Course at Maxwell Air Force Base Chaplain Services Institute concluded their six-week course with a visit to the Montgomery Civil Rights Memorial Center and the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site Feb. 14.
Twenty-six new Air Force chaplains learned about the struggles and successes experienced during the Civil Rights movement over the past 80 years in order to help them minister more effectively to Airmen from diverse backgrounds and better understand how diversity strengthens the Air Force, explained Chap. (Maj.) Kelvin Gardner, BCC course director.
“This type of diversity training is new for some of our chaplains,” he said. “We are trying to teach them about diversity in the Air Force and help them minister to a wide variety of people – some who may not share their same beliefs. Starting out in a local church, a new chaplain may just see people from that same demographic area, kind of a homogenous group, and never have any interaction with people from other backgrounds or beliefs. But [to be an Air Force chaplain] they need exposure to different people and issues, and that’s what we try to help them do here.”
During their visit to the Civil Rights Memorial Center, the chaplains were challenged to share their knowledge of Civil Rights movement history and to apply that knowledge to situations and events by Education Director Lecia Brooks.
“I enjoy military groups because they are engaged in their own learning,” said Ms. Brooks. “I particularly enjoyed the chaplain’s visit because some of the civil rights martyrs were seminarians, so there’s a strong connection for them.”
After visiting the Civil Rights Memorial, the chaplains attended a presentation at the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site and listened to retired Lt. Col. Herbert Carter, a member of the 99th Fighter Squadron of the Tuskegee Airmen.
Colonel Carter spoke of the trials and triumphs Tuskegee Airmen experienced during World War II and the contributions they made to Air Force air power and culture.
“Race, color or creed has nothing to do with what someone can accomplish given the proper training and opportunity,” he said. “We proved that.”
Chap. (1st Lt.) Amber Murrell said, “As a female, I’m extremely grateful for what the Tuskegee Airmen did – they opened the doors for all minorities.”
Chap. (Capt.) Chad Montgomery said the Civil Rights Memorial tour and Tuskegee presentation were powerful.
“It kicks you out of complacency,” he said. “It reinforces that beliefs need to have actions behind them. These people dedicated their lives to their beliefs.”
Although all chaplains attending BCC undergo diversity training during the six-week course, this is the first time BCC chaplains have visited either the Civil Rights Memorial or the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site as part of their course instruction. Students who previously attended BCC have visited the Rosa Parks Museum as part of their diversity training.
The suggestion to have students visit the Civil Rights Memorial was proposed by Chap. (Maj.) Lisa Tice, CSI director of student management, after visiting the memorial with her family.
Chaplain Gardner said he added the trip to Tuskegee on the agenda as a way to make a strong connection between civil rights and air power.
Chaplain's witness in this recording is an interpretation of Matthew 14:22-33:

22 Then he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. 27 But immediately he spoke to them, saying, "Take heart, it is I; have no fear."
28 And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water." 29 He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; 30 but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "O man of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

070527 Videocast of Worship in Dance by “One Spirit Dance Ministry”

One Spirit Dance Ministry is led by Marta Stahley. She has students and co-workers ranging in age from early childhood through adulthood. This first videocast from Dexter Avenue United Methodist Church records the Pentecost Sunday worship service at our church. We hope this is the first of several such special worship services with different Montgomery ministries.

We also thank John Stahley for operating the sound equipment during this portion of the worship service after our traditional portion, including Holy Communion.

The following are the individual parts of the worship program entitled “The Expression of One Soul”:

Introduction - “LORD, I believe in You” sung by Liana Thompson with Marta Stahley and Norma Ramirez acting as a representation of the Holy Spirit coming to visit us during worship.

“Breath on me” - danced by Marta Stahley

“We Can Give Thanks” (from Live B.I.G. Christian curriculum by Abingdon Press, Nashville) - danced by Gillese Ramirez, Shannon Thompson, Celeste Ramirez & Marta Stahley.

“Hatikvah” - Samantha Thompson, violin

“Jesus” - danced by Celeste Ramirez, Gillese Ramirez and Shannon Thompson

“Kum Ba Yah” - Samantha Thompson, violin

"Gracias Señor" - danced by Shannon Thompson, Gillese Ramirez, Norma Ramirez, Celeste Ramirez and Marta Stahley.

“Mercy Seat” - sung by Liana Thompson as Marta and Norma represent symbolic comfort from the Holy Spirit.

“Break me, LORD” - danced by Marta Stahley as dance team members invite various members of the congregation to be symbolically tethered to the cross of Jesus Christ in faith.

“All Children of God dance unto the Lord” - danced first by all children of the worship team, then by all members of the congregation in remembrance of Acts 2:1-21 (our scripture reading for the day, which we read before this portion of the worship service):

1 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and wondered, saying, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Par'thians and Medes and E'lamites and residents of Mesopota'mia, Judea and Cappado'cia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phryg'ia and Pamphyl'ia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyre'ne, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabians, we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God." 12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?" 13 But others mocking said, "They are filled with new wine."
14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them, "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day; 16 but this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 `And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; 18 yea, and on my menservants and my maidservants in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. 19 And I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth beneath, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; 20 the sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and manifest day. 21 And it shall be that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'

070522 Tuesday Prayer Breakfast with Curtis Henderson

Mr. Curtis Henderson - Director of Mission, Outreach and Advocacy for the Alabama West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church.
He relates to:
*Board of Global Ministries
"Conference Mission Secretary" (GBGM)
School of Christian Mission
Disaster Response
Health and Relief Ministries
UMVIM
Advance Specials
Parish and Community Development
*Board of Advocacy and Racial Ethnic Concerns
Native American Ministries
Korean/Asian Ministries
Strengthening the Black Church
*Church and Society
Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns
Religion and Race

CORE team (ex officio)
CurtisH@awfumc.org

In this presentation Curtis speaks from his heart about how we in our personal walk with the Lord can share openness and grace from God without directly condemning or condoning the doctrinal or cultural differences found in mission work at home and abroad. Missional intelligence requires emotional and spiritual humility and simple love that God will give us, if we will ask and search for His ways and not our own.

070504 Friday Focus with Bob and Jean Graetz

Robert S. and Jean E. Graetz came to Montgomery as Luther pastor and pastor’s wife to an African-American congregation in the mid to late 1950’s. Because of their personal history and dedication to Civil Rights they are leaders in the National Center for the Study of Civil Rights and African American Culture. Most recently Alabama State University formed the Robert Graetz Syposium on Reconciliation based on Martin Luther King Jr.’s theme of the “Beloved Community.”

In this recorded presentation the Graetz couple reflect on past, present and future events in their lives that reveal how Jesus Christ has led them to work toward a beloved community for all people in Montgomery and in the world at large. They can be reached by cell phones at (740) 591-8714/15 or by email at bjgraietz@acninc.net or jbgraetz@hotmail.com.

070418 Father Purcell visiting speaker - Pastor Ron Smith

This is Pastor Ron’s description of how he worships with the pre-school children at the Academy of the RSA Helen Hunt Early Learning Center next to Dexter Ave. UMC. This presentation was made to approximately 25 of the 100 member staff of Father Purcell Center for Disabled Children at St. Jude Catholic Church, Montgomery, Alabama. The Father Purcell Center is part of the St. Jude Roman Catholic Church complex in Montgomery.

Approximately 6 minutes of middle of this presentation was removed because it contained copyright material and because the audio sound quality could not be properly adjusted for podcasting.

Live B.I.G. - Live your Belief In God - is a Sunday School multimedia curriculum published by Abingdon Press, which Pastor Ron uses with about 70 pre-schoolers associated with Dexter Avenue UMC. Approximately 38 children ages 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 years and their teachers meet and worship from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on Tuesdays. Another approximately 35 pre-schoolers ages 4 to 6 years and their teachers meet and worship from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesdays. Both of these groups of children meet in the library of their Academy Pre-school at the RSA Early Childhood Learning Center behind our church with traffic entrance available from McDonough Street.

070406 Friday Focus - Good Friday Service

The Church of Jesus Christ is one church at the foot of the cross. This is exemplified during this service of worship for Good Friday when Lutheran pastor, Rev. Bob Graetz, Episcopal pastor, Al Perkins, Anglican pastor, Rev. Rusty DeMoss, Baptist pastor, Johnny Davis, and United Methodist pastor, John Sawyer, Jr. give 5 minute reflective homilies on 5 of the seven last words of Christ from the cross.

Worship Service for Good Friday on April 6, 2007– 11:45 AM

Pray and meditate during Gloria Dowty’s organ prelude.

** GREETING AND PRAYER

All: Almighty God, graciously behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross. We your Church confess that often our spirit has not been that of Christ. Where we have failed to love one another as he loves us, where we have pledged loyalty to him with our lips and then betrayed, deserted, or denied him, forgive us, we pray; and by your Spirit make us faithful in every time of trial, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Leader: Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ is. But Christ suffered and died for us, was raised from the dead and ascended on high for us, and continues to intercede for us. Believe the good news: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!

All: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! Glory to God. Amen.

CHRIST’S SEVEN LAST WORDS FROM THE CROSS FOLLOWED BY REFLECTIONS

All Sing: Were you there when they crucified my Lord? (2x)

Luke 23:33-34 When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” Reflection by Rev. Bob Graetz

All Sing: Were you there when they nailed him to the tree? (2x)

Luke 23:39-43 One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding Him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Reflection by Rev. Al Perkins

Allow a moment of silence and reflection to allow
the Holy Spirit to give reflection on the 3rd and 4th Last Words from the cross:

John 19:26-27 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. (Pause for silent prayer & reflection.)

Matthew 27:45-46 From noon on, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o’clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Pause for silent prayer & reflection.)

All Sing: Were you there when they pierced him in the side? (2x)

John 19:28 After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, He said (in order to fulfill the scripture), “I am thirsty.”
Reflection by Rev. Rusty DeMoss

All sing: Were you there when the sun refused to shine? (2x)

John 19:30a A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the wine, He said, “It is finished.”
Reflection by Rev. Johnny Davis

All sing: Were you there when they laid him in the tomb? (2x)

Luke 23:44-46 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, He breathed his last.
Reflection by Rev. John Sawyer, Jr.

All Sing: Were you there when they laid him in the tomb? (2x)
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?

** DISMISSAL

All: We go in peace. May Jesus Christ, who for our sake became obedient unto death, even death on the cross, keep us and strengthen us this today and forever. Amen.

All depart in silence and retire to the fellowship hall for $4.00 Friday Focus lunch. If you are still fasting, please ask for a to go box.

*All who are able may stand

A PRAYER FOR HOLY WEEK

Almighty God,
you sent your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ,
to suffer death on the cross.
Grant that we may share in his obedience to your will
and in the glorious victory of His resurrection;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God, now and ever. Amen.

070330 Friday Focus with Angelo V. Trimble

Angelo V. Trimble is married and has two children and three grandchildren. He is a deacon in his church and member of the Montgomery Kiwanis.
He currently serves as Court Liaison for the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence in the development of coordinated community responses to domestic violence and resources for judicial officials.
He retired from the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts in September 1998, having served for 17.5 years as director of the Municipal Court Division and 2.5 years as director of the Judicial Study Commission.
Angelo Trimble serves as a resource to the Alabama Judicial College. He has served on several local, state and national committees and projects and has compiled several technical booklets and articles in the area of Domestic Violence, including the booklet "Domestic Violence: Peace on Earth Begins at Home." He was the principal staff writer for the workgroup on development of judicial guidelines on domestic violence, soon to be published. He is the lead Coalition staff member working on the Southeastern expansion of the Passport to Safety project, as well as the national extension of the Passport project by the National Center for State Courts.
He has served in various roles related to domestic violence for the Alabama Law Institute, National Center for State Courts, National Criminal Justice Association, Family Violence Prevention Fund, Battered Women's Justice Project, and National Council for Juvenile an Family Court Judges.

In this recorded presentation, Angelo gives his historical review of the Chief Justices of the Alabama Supreme Court under whom he has served. His premise is that each of those judges were the right person of the job at the right time so as to provide improvements and appropriate visioning for the court system in Alabama.