February 22, 2016

	CONTENTS
1	Pastor's Sermon & Prayer Requests
2	Call to Action: (a) Kenyan Mission, (b) Food Drive, (c ) Registration, (d) Marketing, (e) Social  Media Contact Links
3	This Week's Schedule - (a) Mon, (b) Tue, (c ) Wed, (d) Thurs., (e) Fri, (f) Sat, (g) Sun
4	Upcoming Engagements/Event Dates
5	Other Announcements - (a) Birthdays, (b) Isaiah
1	Scripture & Prayer Requests
1a	Nehemiah 6:1-7
	Amplified Bible (AMP)
	Battle to Overcome Criticism'
	6 1 Now when Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall, and that there was no breach left in it, although at that time I had not set up doors in the gates, 2 Sanballat and Geshem sent word to me, saying, “Come, let us meet together at Chephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they were planning to harm me. 3 So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave to come down to [meet with] you?” 4 They sent word to me four times in this way, and I answered them in the same way. 5 Then Sanballat sent his servant to me in the same way the fifth time, with an open letter in his hand. 6 In it was written, “It is reported among the [neighboring] nations, and Gashmu is saying that you and the Jews are planning to revolt, and that is the reason you are rebuilding the wall. And according to these reports, you are to be their king. 7 Also [it is reported that] you have appointed prophets to make a proclamation concerning you in Jerusalem, saying, ‘There is a king in Judah!’ And now these things will be reported to the [Persian] king. So come now, and let us consult together.”
1b	Prayer List (Chaplains - E. Paster, J. Brown, J. Champs)
	Deaconess Janice Porter & Family
	Sis. Laura McKinney son Aaron
	Sis. Lucille Smith & Family
	Bro Mack & Sis. Brenda Russell & Family
	Josiah Wright & Family
	Sis. Betty Murry & Family
	Sis. Arlene McEwen & Family
	Sis. Marilynn & Family
	Deaconess Donita Bolden & Family
	Sis. Vicky Turner's Father
	Zulu Family
	Pastor Russell & Family
	Paul, Amanda, Lauren, & Preston
	Deacon Jay Craig & Family
	Rev. Louie Wilder & Family
	Rev. Langley Ward & Family
	Anyone want to be added?
	Please send an email to with subject "Prayer List" to:
	Deacons-Deaconesses@greatfriend.org
	Prayer Line Request?
	Prayer offered day or night, 24 hour availability for prayer
	Call: 612-559-0061
2	Call to Action!
2a	Kenyan Mission Pledge Drive!
2b	GFMBC & Sabathani Food Drive!
2c	Church Registration Time!
2d	Market Your Ministry Events!
	Contact GFMBC Marketing Team:  Marketing@greatfriend.org
	● Need posters, flyers, announcements, event marketing (Click on Link Below 2 Start)?
	● Marketing Materials Request Form v1.01
2e	Social Media Contact Links
	Questions? Send email to support@greatfriend.org
	· www.greatfriend.org
	· facebook
	· twitter
	· youtube
3	Monday, February 22, 2016	-	Sunday, February 28, 2016
3a	Monday, February 22, 2016
3b	Tuesday, February 23, 2016
	6:30 PM	-	Thespian Ministry Easter Play Production Rehearsal
	7:00 PM	-	PACT II (Friendship Community Services)
			Support Services Meeting
			For those reestablishing lives disrupted by:
			incarceration or addiction
			(New Members Classroom)
			Email: fcs2600@gmail.com
			Web:  www.friendshipcommunityservices.org
	7:00 PM	-	Education Equity Team Meeting
			GFMBC Fireside Room
	7:00 PM	-	MSBC Elder Services
			On Tuesday February 23, 2016 the convention will honor Rev. Dr. Earl F Miller.  Rev. Miller will preach during his elder ceremony and the convention will do recognizing honors.
			New Hope Baptist Church 712 Burr St., St. Paul
3c	Wednesday, February 24, 2016
	10:00 AM - 11:00 AM	-	Sunday School focused Bible Study & Prayer Service
			Lesson for February 14, 2016: Festival of Weeks (Leviticus 23:15–22)
			Email: SundaySchool@greatfriend.org
	6:30 PM - 8:00 PM	-	Bible Study & Prayer Service @ GFMBC
			Facilitated by Pastor Billy G. Russell
			Experiencing God
			Knowing & Doing the Will of God
			Bookstore Email: gfmbcbooksandmore@gmail.com
			Christian Education Email: ChristianEducation@greatfriend.org
	7:00 PM	-	MSBC Elder Services
			On Wednesday February 24, 2016 the convention will honor Rev. Dr. Ian D. Bethel .  Rev Bethel will preach during his elder ceremony and the convention will do recognizing honors.
			New Hope Baptist Church 712 Burr St., St. Paul
3d	Thursday, February 25, 2016
	8:30 AM - 10:30 AM	-	Pathway to Success:
			African American Enterprises
			Minneapolis Urban League
			2100 Plymouth Ave. North
			Minneapolis, MN 55411
	5:00 PM	-	"The Beat" Radio Show with Darnell Davis!
			Save-The-Date-fb-Video
			● Tune in to soarradio.com
			● Or download Live365 Radio App on your Smartphone
	6:30 PM	-	Sunday School focused Bible Study and Prayer Service –
			Lesson for February 14, 2016: Festival of Weeks (Leviticus 23:15–22)
			Email: SundaySchool@greatfriend.org
	6:30 PM	-	Faith Bible Institute Registration Open!
			Classes Begin January 21, 2016
			2016 FBI Registration GFMBC
	7:00 PM	-	MSBC Elder Services
			On Thursday, February 25, 2016 the convention will honor Rev. Jessie Griffin .  Rev Griffin will preach during his elder ceremony and the convention will do recognizing honors.
			New Hope Baptist Church 712 Burr St., St. Paul
3e	Friday, February 26, 2016
	2:30 PM - 4:00 PM	-	Friendship Academy 5th Annual Wax Museum!
			See historical figures re-enacted!
3f	Saturday, February 27, 2016
	9:00 AM - 12 Noon	-	The "Teacher I Want to Be" Training
			GFMBC Friendship Hall
	10:00 AM	-	Jr. Usher Training!
			[Saturdays b4 2nd Sunday]
	11:00 AM	-	Young People of Praise (YPOP) Practice!
			[Except Sat b4 3rd & 5th Sundays]
	11:30 AM	-	Busy Bees Meeting
			[1st Saturday of month]
	12:00 PM	-	Adults & Teens Movers 4 Christ (Praise Dance) Ministry Rehearsal in Gold Room!
			ALL are welcome- children, teens and adults
			Questions: See Sis. Cynthia Taylor
	1:00 PM	-	Children Movers 4 Christ (Praise Dance)
			Ministry Rehearsal in Gold Room!
			Fortress (teen choir) Rehearsal!
			Email: YouthMinistry@greatfriend.org
	1:00 PM - 2:00 PM	-	American Sign Language Workshop!
			Instructor: Jessica Rudolph
			For Ages 13 & Up
			Saturdays, 1pm - 2pm
			Feb 13th - Mar 12, 2016
	2:00 PM	-	Minnesota State Baptist Choir Rehearsal
			Shiloh MBC
			501 Lawson Ave West
			St Paul, MN 55117
3g	Sunday, February 28, 2016		11th Annual African Heritage Month Observance
	5:30 AM	-	Bro Pete Rhodes Presents:
			"Urban Perspectives"
			WCCO (Channel 4)
			Get Up! … with Urban Perspectives
			www.urbanperspectives.tv
			https://youtu.be/dvGSgiBmlb0
	7:30 AM	-	Song review & Devotion
			Deacon Brown Choir Room
	8:00 AM	-	Call to Worship --- Ministers
	8:05 AM	-	Devotion --- Deacons/Deaconesses
	8:20 AM	-	Doves Sing!!!
			Attire: Black & Red
	8:00 AM	-	SANKOFA: Empowerment Through Education
	8:00 AM	-	Minister Justin Lewis Proclaims The WORD
			Bro. George Stewart "Why we celebrate"
	8:59 AM	-	New Members Class -
			Email: NewMembers@greatfriend.org
			Facilitated by Executive Pastor, Eddie Bolden
	9:00 AM - 10:30 AM	-	Marriage Ministry Presents…
	Classes begin February 7		Marriage Built to Last: Living Intentionally & Loving Biblically
			Email: MarriedMinistry@greatfriend.org
			Facilitated by Rev. L. Wilder & Sis. Jean Wilder
	9:01 AM	-	Sunday School -
			Email: SundaySchool@greatfriend.org
			Lesson for February 14, 2016: Festival of Weeks (Leviticus 23:15–22)
		-	"We Got Next" Bible Study Session
			Bible Study for ages 20-50!
			Study from the book "Changeology", John C. Norcross
			Facilitated by Rev. Dr. Billy G. Russell, Sr. Pastor
			In GFMBC Sanctuary
			Email: ChristianEducation@greatfriend.org
	10:30 AM	-	SANKOFA: Empowerment Through Education
	10:30 AM	-	Call to Worship --- Ministers
	10:35 AM	-	Fortress TakOvr (Youth Praise Team) Opens Service!
			Grateful Praise (Praise Team) Opens Service! [1st, 3rd, & 4th Sundays]
			Fortress Praise Team Sings!  --- [2nd Sundays, Youth Sunday]
	10:50 AM	-	Special Mucical Guest: Toyebi!
			Attire: Black & Red
		-	Minister Ora Hokes Proclaims The WORD
			Sis. Myra Davis "Why we celebrate"
	5:00 PM	-	Greater Praise w/Pastor Russell Bethlehem Baptist Church S South Worship   Website Directions Baptist Church Address: 21135 Jacquard Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044 Phone:(612) 338-7653
4	­­­­­­­­­---------------- Upcoming Engagements/Event Dates ­­­­­­----­----­­­­­-----
	Minnesota State Baptist Convention Schedule
	Hello All - All of the Elder Services will be at New Hope Baptist Church - 7 pm 712 Burr St. St. Paul  Hello Convention Pastors and Workers, The Minnesota State Baptist Convention would like to honor our elders as a part of Black History Month. On Tuesday February 23, 2016 the convention will honor Rev. Dr. Earl F Miller.  Rev. Miller will preach during his elder ceremony and the convention will do recognizing honors. On Wednesday February 24, 2016 the convention will honor Rev. Dr. Ian D. Bethel .  Rev Bethel will preach during his elder ceremony and the convention will do recognizing honors. On Thursday, February 25, 2016 the convention will honor Rev. Jessie Griffin .  Rev Griffin will preach during his elder ceremony and the convention will do recognizing honors. All three Pastors/Preachers are truly worthy of the honors being bestowed upon them, so please encourage your congregation to come out to support and recognize our elders.   Sincerely,  Lucy Zanders MSBC Corresponding Secretary Pastors please start encouraging your congregations to set aside the week of March 14-18,2016 for the Minnesota State Baptist Convention Annual Congress Session.  There will be some pre-congress events that you should highlight and encourage participation in as well: Senior Health Fair & Love Feast sponsored by the State Women at Mt. Olivet on March 5. 10 am - 1 pm  (See attached Flyer) Minnesota State Baptist Convention Choir live recording.  Our goal is 1,000 tickets sold to support the project so we need the involvement from each church. Rehearsals have been anointed and the songs presented have been a blessing and will help many.  Tickets are $10 and VIP is $25 (comes with preferred seating a CD when it is released in August).  Tickets and flyers have been given to choir members but if anyone would like tickets, posters, or flyers please call 612-743-6711 or send me an email to mnbaptistconvention@gmail.com. We are asking that churches include the info in their announcements and bulletins to help get the word out.  I have also provided a link below to purchase tickets.  Thanks and God Bless! Rev.  Charvez Russell  https://www.vitalculture.com/events/detail/3050 Youth Department Service Event - Saturday, March 12, 2016.  This event is expected to take place in the afternoon.  More information will be forthcoming.   Minnesota State Baptist Congress Course Descriptions March 14 - 18, 2016 Host: Mt Olivet Baptist Church Greetings please plan to participate in the 2016 Minnesota State Baptist Congress.  The congress will begin with a live recording at the Shiloh Baptist Church on Sunday, March 13, 2016.  Flyers should already be in your possession.  Please encourage your church family to attend. Classes will beginMonday, March 14, 2016.  The Mt. Olivet Church will serve as congress host this year.  The Vesper hour will begin at 6:00 p.m. and class will begin at6:30 p.m.  Classes will meet Monday through Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  except on Tuesday and Thursday.  On Tuesday and Thursday class will end at 8:00 p.m. This year there are no additional fees unless your delegate count exceeds your registration limit.  Plan now to attend.  Encourage your church family to participate each night.  Please join us in prayer for our evangelistic efforts and outreach.  Pray that persons give their life to Christ.  If so, we will baptize on Friday night as a part of our Vesper service. Also remember that on Friday the Youth Rally will take place.  We need your youth and youth workers to get involved now so that they can be prepared for Friday, March 18th.  Let's pray, plan and participate in order to have a blessed congress session.  The course offerings are below. 2016 Congress Courses  Know Who You Are As A Minister's & Pastor's Wife This course will examine the role of minister's and pastor's wife.  Instructor: Sister Bobbie Bellfield The Passion of ChristThis course will provide a Historical and Theological consideration of the events surrounding the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.  This course is open to all but ministers and pastors should specifically sign up for this course.  Instructor: Dr. Melvin Miller Understanding The Role Of An Usher     A flow of a service is important, and ushers have the great responsibility of helping the worship service flow with diligence, decency, and order. This class is designed for all those who serve as ushers to learn how to help keep the service flow appropriately and be a disciple of Christ. The  class will be based on 1 Corinthians 14:40 and will go through understanding how to keep a service flowing, signs and signals.   Instructor: Sister Allie Jacox Money Matters In a world where different opinions are raised about how to handle money and financial matters the question is - what does God have to say to the believer about his or her stewardship?  If you need solid biblical information about: how to manage your money, get out of debt, the truth about pay day loans this course is for you.  Instructor: Pastor Gloria R. Thomas and  Camphor Fiscally Fit EvangelismThe bible says that "he that winneth souls is wise."  This course will help you learn how to share your faith with the unsaved and unchurched.  If the weather permits students will take to the streets of St. Paul to reach out to those who need the Savior.  Students will also have the opportunity to prepare to participate in Mid-west regional conference.  This course is open to all.  Laymen are specifically encouraged to attend. Instructor: Dr. Clarence Hightower &Pastor Daryl Spence "Jesus the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever"/Youth Division  With the rise in attraction to cults and one-word churches, how are we to defend or take a stand for what we believe as Christians and as Baptists...or do we even know what we believe? If Jesus hasn't/doesn't change, how can it suddenly be that everyone is telling us that we're wrong???  Instructor: Sister Andrea Thomas & Convention Youth Staff Intergenerational Ministry: Leading & Engaging Across Generational BoundariesThis course will identify generation present in our world today & in our own congregation and ministries by pulling together information about each generation's belief, values, and world-view perspectives.  It engages in multi-age, multi-generational, small group genuine conversation.  With understanding that participation in God's mission happens at every age & stage of life.   Instructor: Sister Janice Porter & Reverend Charvez Russell
	Tuesday, March 1, 2016
	6:00 PM	-	Minnesota State Baptist Choir Rehearsal
			TBD
	Saturday, March 5, 2016
	10:00 AM - 1:00 PM	-	MSBC Women's Auxiliary Health Fair & Love Feast!
			Mount Olivet Baptist Church
			451 West Central
			St. Paul, MN
			Confirm attending with Anita Pugh at 612-840-4976
	2:00 PM	-	Minnesota State Baptist Choir Rehearsal
			Shiloh MBC
			501 Lawson Ave West
			St Paul, MN 55117
	Wednesday, March 9, 2016
	6:00 PM	-	Greater Praise w/Pastor Russell
			St. James AME (Lenten Services)
			3600 Snelling Ave
			Minneapolis, MN 55406
			(612) 721-4566
			Rev. Hallman
	Friday, March 11, 2016
	6:00 PM	-	Minnesota State Baptist Choir Rehearsal
			Shiloh MBC
			501 Lawson Ave West
			St Paul, MN 55117
	Saturday, March 12, 2016
	TBD	-	Minnesota State Baptist Choir Recording
			Shiloh MBC
			501 Lawson Ave West
			St Paul, MN 55117
	Sunday, March 13, 2016
	TBD	-	MSBC Choir Live Recording @ Shiloh MBC
			Shiloh MBC
			501 Lawson Ave West
			St Paul, MN 55117
			Online Tickets ($11.58 per Ticket, VIP ($27.37 per Ticket)
			https://www.vitalculture.com/events/detail/3050
	Saturday, March 19, 2016
	5:00 PM	-	Greater Praise w/Pastor Russell
			Christ's Church of The Jesus Hour (6th Anniversary)
			2311 Highway 52 North
			Rochester, MN 55901
			507-529-1220
			Pastor Rowe
	Wednesday, March 23, 2016
	7:00 PM	-	Greater Praise w/Pastor Russell
			Mt. Olivet Baptist Church
			451 West Central Avenue
			St. Paul, MN 55103
			651-227-4444
			Rev. Dr. James C. Thomas
	Tuesday, April 12, 2016
	7:00 PM	-	Deacons, Deaconesses, & Mothers Outreach
			GFMBC Can Come!
			Providence Place
			3720 23rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407
			www.provplace.com
	Saturday, April 23, 2016		Save-The-Date-fb-Video
		-	Darnell Davis & The Remnant
			CD Release Concert! Tickets available online at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2500846
	Friday, May 13, 2016
	7:00 PM	-	Greater Praise w/Pastor Russell
			New Beginnings Baptist Tabernacle (Pastor 29th Anniv.)
			4301 First Ave So
			Minneapolis, MN 55409
			Rev. Ian D. Bethel, Sr. Pastor
	Sunday, May 15, 2016
	5:30 PM	-	Gospel Choirs United
			42nd Anniversary Concert!
			Theme: 'Joy Abundantly'
			Scripture John 10:10
			Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church
			3355 4th Street North
			Minneapolis, MN 55412
	Fri, May 27 - Sun, May 29, 2016		GFMBC Travel to Grace Baptist Church
			Pastor Clinton McFarland, Sr. Pastor
			2178 Highway 138
			Stockbridge, GA 30281
			info@gracebaptistatl.org
			Phone: 770-474-8611
	Tuesday, June 14, 2016
	7:00 PM	-	Deacons, Deaconesses, & Mothers Outreach
			GFMBC Can Come!
			Providence Place
			3720 23rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407
			www.provplace.com
	Saturday, August 6, 2016
	12:00 Noon - 6:00 PM	-	Taste of Friendship!
	Tuesday, August 9, 2016
	7:00 PM	-	Deacons, Deaconesses, & Mothers Outreach
			GFMBC Can Come!
			Providence Place
			3720 23rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407
			www.provplace.com
	Sun, Aug 26 - Wed, Aug 29, 2016
			MN State Baptist Convention
			Titus 2 Women's Retreat at Sea
			Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
			Sailing to Bahamas
			Cabin Deposit due August 16th
			Deposit $100 per person with 2 people per person
			August 26-29, 2016
	Tuesday, October 11, 2016
	7:00 PM	-	Deacons, Deaconesses, & Mothers Outreach
			GFMBC Can Come!
			Providence Place
			3720 23rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407
			www.provplace.com
	Tuesday, December 13, 2016
	7:00 PM	-	Deacons, Deaconesses, & Mothers Outreach
			GFMBC Can Come!
			Providence Place
			3720 23rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407
			www.provplace.com
5	Other Announcements
5a	Birthdays!
	Happy Birthday to those born
	in the month of		February
	Thank You & God bless!!
5b
5c
5d
5e