GRACE NOTES · Wom(n’s Day Lunchon, saturDay , may 12th rom 12(n0on) to 4pm at antun’s cat(rrs...

GRACE NOTES Spring, 2018

GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF ST. ALBANS

NEWSLETTER

GRACE NOTES

ISSUE XI Spring, 2018 Rev. Dr. Chermain Lashley, Pastor

Inside this issue:

Word From Pastor 2

THE DIFFERENCE BE-TWEEN WEAKNESS AND MEEKNESS

3

CARNAL ALZHEIMER’S: 4

When the Spirit leads 6

UNDERSTANDING CANCER 8

Pat’s Corner 10

Grace, Your Spirit Will

Always Live On

11

EVENTS TO REMEMBER

GRACE Baby Shower for Babies Born in Prison-Saturday, April 28th at 3pm to 6pm bring a gift

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Women’s Day Luncheon, saturDay , may 12th from 12(n0on) to 4pm at antun’s caterers

Donation:$85 see Hazel McIntosh or any Women Community mem-ber

******************************************************

Youth & Young Adults Retreat—June 29 to July 1 , 2018

Eddy Farm Retreat and Conference Center

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Bible Study with Rev. Lashley: every Tuesday at 7pm

2


WORD FROM PASTOR

Rev. Dr. Chermain Lashley

Made Alive with resurrection Power!

“And you He made alive who were spiritually dead and separated from Him because of

your transgressions and sins,” Ephesians 2:1.

The most impactful evidence of our Christian witness is manifested by

the new life we live in Christ. In his pastoral letter to the church of Ephesus,

the apostle Paul, in the above verse, reminds us that we are the new crea-

tion. We are no longer dead to the voice and the presence of God. To be

dead in sin speaks of one who is given over to trespasses, inactive to do

right. It describes a person whose spirit is dead and inactive to the very pres-

ence of God. Life in its state of deadness is a life that exists without a spiritual

function.

However, Jesus died our death that we might share in His life. Jesus

took our sins on the cross upon His body, buried them and rose up from the

grave. On resurrection day, early Sunday morning when Jesus arose, He

gave birth to a new race. In this new race, humanity was given the privilege

to be united with God by faith in Jesus. Jesus became our new and living

head and we became His body, risen up with Him. Paul’s message becomes

so much clearer when we look at the imagery of the natural, physical birth-

ing process. Once the head comes out the body is guaranteed to follow.

We, who have accepted the salvation brought for us in Christ, are guaranteed to rise.

Whatever trial might come into our lives, by this resurrection power, we can

overcome.

To be made alive means to, become or “to quicken into a being”. Be-

fore we were reborn, humanity existed in a state of separation and aliena-

tion. But now through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are reborn into a new

spiritual being. Our new life in Christ awakens us to God; who speaks to us;

reveals Himself to us and we miraculously experience His inseparable love.

Therefore, the trials we encounter and the disappointments we face,

provides the platform for our testimonies of the victorious life we now live in

Christ. We are guaranteed to rise up and overcome the storms because of

the resurrection power. As a result, we as Christian believers, without reserva-

tion and with confidence; can proclaim the good news: Jesus is alive!

3


THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WEAKNESS AND MEEKNESS

“But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”

Psalm 37; 11

“A soft word turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Proverb 15:1

There is night (darkness) and day (light) difference between weakness and meekness, but most peo-

ple view them as the same. That is a BIG mistake. And that mistake causes many minor and major

problems in our interpersonal relationships.

So what is the difference and what roles do weakness and meekness play in relationships?

A feeling of weakness comes from one’s own thoughts. You see, the way you think is the way you

feel, and the way you feel is the way you act. To change one’s action is to change one’s thinking.

Thinking oneself weak brings all sorts of action from the thinker, and it will draw more attention

than the person wants and can deal with. Weakness sets one apart from strong people in many

ways. Some of the ways are their negative action, demeanor, negative facial expressions, posture,

negative sensitivity and a sense of helplessness, powerlessness, hopelessness, and an excessive de-

sire to keep “defending” oneself and making up excuses in an attempt to cover up all of those nega-

tive feelings. The attempts may be strong, but the results still remain a display of weakness.

Unfortunately, there are some people who are very angry, but yet, they don’t know and cannot accu-

rately articulate why they are so angry. They are extremely unhappy, and they make others unhap-

py. So it is almost impossible to cultivate friendship and enjoy healthy and wholesome relation-

ships.

Actually, most people from birth desire a good relationship with others – particularly those persons

who have a special place in their hearts. Everybody needs special persons in their life. We are condi-

tioned to be social and needy people. We need be recognized, accepted, wanted, desired and appre-

ciated.

As you read this essay, and you find that this seems to speak about you to you, why not move from

darkness to light. How can you do this? You can begin by actually comparing the two (weakness

and meekness).

Continued on page 5

4


CARNAL ALZHEIMER’S: Forget the World to Embrace the Father

Alzheimers—“Causes the mind to deteriorate in such a way that the victim loses the power to think

clearly and control what he or she does. They lose their ability to remember certain people and cer-

tain things. As the disease develops, the mind loses control over the body. The result is that the pa-

tient who develops Alzheimer’s is at the mercy of another person. Someone else must feed and

clothe the person. The disease tends to have a dehumanizing effect on its victims. The mind goes,

and everything else goes with it.” I want to change that last line to “the carnal mind goes, and the

kingdom mind comes.” –Tony Evans

*Alzheimer’s—profound illustration of what we must do to enter the kingdom of heaven.

We gotta lose our minds!

In order to embrace a new ideology, one must forget the old one. Whenever something is inherited, usually

something is taken away. It is a part of every becoming process. For example, when someone dies, people in-

herit their possessions. Or consider metamorphosis. A butterfly only becomes a butterfly after it breaks out of

the chrysalis. Consider love. When you become one with someone in marriage, you often agree to lose your

name. Or even consider, belief; when we agree with certain principles we inevitably disagree with others.

When we embrace the world, without doubt we lose God. Therefore, (in order to) to embrace God, we must

forget the world.

Whenever surrounded by people who are non-believers, a tension will arise that will either incite compromise

or offense. When I used to listen to Beyonce’s song about feminism I subconsciously internalized critique

about submission and meekness and femininity. This is why Paul says that all that he gained in this world he

counts as loss (Phillipians 3:7-8). He was saying that everything that the laws count as gains have actually

stripped him of the mindset that could fully grasp the essence and full meaning of the cross.

By Cherkira A. Lashley

*Due respect and regard to those who suffer from this terrible condition and their loving caregivers. We

pray for the urgent discovery of a cure in our lifetime.

5


Continued from page 3

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WEAKNESS AND MEEKNESS

Let’s talk about meekness. Meekness is a state of realization that you are not alone,

and there is power beyond self that you can draw from. You realize that you are who you are be-

cause you were created by God. Meekness takes away your desire to be everything to everybody. Be-

cause you are especially and uniquely made, you do not have to measure up to anyone else. You are

an individual in your own right.

Why is this? It is because God made you special! And because you are special you have strength em-

powered by the Holy Spirit. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone... The Holy Spirit empow-

ers you with the spiritual fruit of love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, patience, gentle-

ness and self-control.

Because of love from the Holy Spirit you can express your love for others unconditionally, regard-

less of what negative stance they may take toward you. Because of your joy you want to share it with

others.

Because of your spiritual fruit of peace you can be at peace when someone is speaking harshly and

or angry with you, so you do not feel compelled to respond harshly.

Because of kindness in your heart you do not want to hurt or harm anyone. Because of your good-

ness it is your desire to give and receive whatever is good to others and to yourself.

Because of your faithfulness to God, others and yourself, you remain true to God, to others and to

yourself.

Because of your patience you are able to keep your emotions in check and realize that you need to

listen with your heart as well as your ears.

Because of your gentleness you realize that in order for you to receive gentleness from others you

must give it to others as well.

Because of your ability to have self-control you realize that you do not have to fight your own bat-

tles. You know that as long as you intently express the fruit of the spirit in your own action that God

will act in your stead.

Perhaps now that you can distinguish the different between weakness and meekness, you can make

the choice of which one gives you the desire of your heart and spirit - as you travel through this life

to the one that will be eternally yours at the end of your life’s journey.

To God be the glory!

Dr. Mel Hall

6


When the Spirit leads……….. >>>>>>>>> by Hyacinth E. Bailey

I was blessed to have been able to engage in a book-signing and presentation of my new book, at the United Nations Church Center in Manhattan, the day before Valentine’s day. It was unique in that the attendees were of mixed religious back-ground – Muslim, Buddhist, Christian and others, otherwise convinced. There I was presenting my book on POWER IN PRAYING THROUGH, talking with them about the God-head made up of God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit. I thought to myself that Congress and the world needed to sit together like this, to lis-ten and learn, despite being of different religious, ideological and personal persua-sions. There wasn’t a long line of purchasers, as if at Barnes and Nobles, waiting for me to sign my book, but certainly eager hearts to hear what I had to say. There was the very mature, the in-between, Generation Z and a child. The child was the most overtly eager to learn. I presented the power and love of God being available for all and that God waits to hear from us 24/7. I presented the purpose and intention of my book, as a companion for daily challenges and as a support in times of chaos. Part of the message I delivered was that God is love itself and not just a being who loves, and that is why He is the one to pray to and to trust. I also emphasized the power of the God we trust.

A little Tiger was present - yes, that was her name A seven-year-old Thai child, who is Buddhist in upbringing, was bold enough to raise her arm and ask questions while I spoke, while her mother and high-school-senior sister looked on smiling. Do you know what some of her questions were? “Who de-cides whether we go to Heaven or Hell” and “Who takes our bodies away?”. She wanted to understand about the spirit part of us, so I had to have a private conversa-tion with her about that. In the end she and I agreed that the Holy Spirit, which God gives us, was like a cell-phone connection without the audible voice, so that He can whisper to us privately and guide us. She listened intently to everything and thanked me profusely, with hugs, for presenting all this spiritual information to them.

A Muslim woman’s question

Earnestly, an attendee asked me: How do you forgive someone? How do you forgive someone who you just can’t forgive? I talked her through for her to conclude herself that she had to let God forgive them and not carry the burden of unfor-giveness herself. I shared with her that the idea is: if God is willing to forgive us of

everything, why should we be so stubborn in not forgiving others?

Continued on page 7

7


A mother’s concern for her son’s soul One mother was concerned about her grown and married sons who have drift-

ed away from the church and are not attending to spiritual things. She wanted copies of the book to give to them, even though they wouldn’t want her interfering. Now, how would we know of this concern without reaching out, even when no one was asking.

Witnessing for the Holy Spirit A key question from another attendee was about the Holy Spirit, since the Mus-

lim believers do not have that concept of the Holy Spirit being equal to God or being the one and same person as God. They also can’t understand addressing Jesus, since they don’t pray to Mohamed – seeing him only as a Prophet. They pray only to Allah.

Another key question to me was “where did you get the prayers from?” My an-

swer was: the Holy Spirit downloaded them to me. The point was readily taken, even though that idea is alien to their beliefs. I was glad to introduce them to the Comforter which was sent.

The interaction and inspiration were flowing freely as I shared my message and

my book for 2 hours. After all was said and done, the audience stood, at my request, while we prayed to the Christian God, without reservation.

I was truly grateful to have been hosted for this event and to have witnessed

others being inspired and happy to learn more about God. Fortunately, also, my book was listed on Book of the Day.org that very day, so the audience could see it on their cellphones as well. God’s presence was with us for sure. We have work to do in the vineyard. Don’t we?

©2018 Hyacinth E. Bailey – When the Spirit Leads http://www.amazon.com/dp/1979859930 .

See POWER IN PRAYING THROUGH – A-Z Copies available from the author.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1979859930

8


UNDERSTANDING CANCER

Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests

until they have multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more

cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer

cells because they have not reached the detectable size. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more

than 10 times in a person's lifetime. When a person's immune system is strong the cancer cells will

be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumors. When a person has cancer it in-

dicates the person has nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, but also to environ-

mental, food and lifestyle factors. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, a more ade-

quately balanced and healthy diet , 4-5 times/day, and by including supplements will strengthen the

immune system.

Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-

growing healthy cells in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract etc., and can cause organ damage,

like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and

damages healthy cells, tissues and organs. The Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation

will often reduce tumor size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not result in

more tumor destruction. When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and radia-

tion the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb to

various kinds of infections and complications. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells

to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer cells to

spread to other sites.

An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding it with the foods it

needs to multiply.

“CANCER CELLS FEED ON:

Sugar substitutes like NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc. are made with Aspartame and it is

harmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses, but only in very small

amounts.

Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in color a better alternative is Bragg's aminos

or sea salt.

Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds

on mucus.. By cutting off milk and substituting with unsweetened soy milk cancer cells are being

starved.

Cancer cells thrive in an acidic environment. A meat-based diet is acidic. Meat also contains

livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to people

with cancer.

Continued on page 9

9


A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help

put the body into an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans.

Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular

levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes

for building healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean

sprouts) and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at tempera-

tures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C)..

Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine Green tea is a better alternative and

has cancer fighting properties. Water-best to drink is purified water, or filtered, to avoid the

known toxins and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic; avoid it.

Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remain-

ing in the intestines becomes putrefied and leads to more toxic buildup. Cancer cell walls have a

tough protein covering. By refraining from meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of

cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.

Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Flor-ssence, Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins,

minerals, EFAs etc.) to enable the body's own killer cells to destroy cancer cells.. Other supple-

ments like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body's normal

method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells.

Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer

warrior be a survivor. Anger, unforgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic

environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life. Cancer cells

cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more

oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer

cells.

Submitted by

Meshell Scott

10


PAT’S CORNER

Who is ready for spring? I know I’m ready to get rid of my boots and replace them with sandals. Bet-

ter yet, lets lose the coats, hats, and gloves.

How many of you are planning your vacations? Let me guess... You are some-

where on the beach laying in the sun, or going somewhere you have never

been before getting ready for an adventure. Are you ready to BBQ in the

back yard? better yet, get an invite to a back yard party while sitting and

listening to the music in the back ground laughing with your friends. Then

that song comes on that you just love. Next thing you know you’re dancing to

the music. You look up and the stars are in the sky. The air around is warm

and winter is but a distance dream. You say a silent prayer to God thanking

Him that you’re alive.

How many of you can’t wait to start your garden? Have you decided what

you are going to plant? Tomatoes, cucumber, corn, greens, the list is endless.

Let’s not forget your herb garden; basil, rosemary, parsley, and mint. The list

goes on. What about your flowers? Pots are the in thing you can grow what-

ever you want and place them on the front steps of your house.

Let’s not forget about the concerts in the park, amusement parks and the

endless street fairs all over the city. Did I mention the beach?

Let us not forget Grace Church has the Jazz on the lawn series during the

summer. You will have fun listening to religiously inspired music while doing

outreach to the community. how cool is that?

Yes, spring is here. I hope everyone enjoys the season. BE SAFE.

SMOOCHES AND GOD BLESS TILL NEXT TIME

11


Grace, Your Spirit Will Always Live On

Ms. Grace Davis was a friend to many and,

We will never forget her.

Her memory will not become a blur.

Everyone loved her and respected her advice,

And the warmth of her voice could melt ice.

Her touch on an arm was gentle and

Soft as cotton,

And that feeling will never be forgotten.

She was an organizer and a leader,

And she was always a succeeder.

She worked with people of every age,

And her enjoyment was how she got paid.

With her, there was no generation gap,

The Girl Scouts loved her, and even

A member’s baby, sitting on her lap.

She was involved in many church activities,

Portraying her endless capabilities.

Her dedication was boundless, and she made

A positive impact

That was direct, and was not abstract.

She could be seen at the church late in the day,

Seeing if she could be of assistance in any way.

She set an example of strength and application,

And her reward in Heaven will be her compensation.

All of her contributions will always be enjoyed

By everyone,

Ms. Grace Davis’ work will always be appreciated,

Because it was well done!

She has flown away like a sweet, beautiful dove,

And has landed in the palm of God’s hand and is

Smiling down at all of us with love.

Written by Kathy Huggins-February 2018

12


Grace United Methodist Church of St. Albans

200-08 Murdock Avenue

St. Albans, New York 11412

Grace United Methodist Church of St. Albans

200-08 Murdock Avenue, St. Albans, New York 11412 Church Office: 718-465-5621

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.graceumcstalbansonline.org Visit us on facebook - GraceUnitedMethodistChurch

Twitter - GRACEUMCStAlbans

Youtube— GUMCstalbans

Worship Hours

Sunday School: 9:00am to 9:45 am

Church Worship Services: 10:00 am

Friendship Circle (Seniors) Bible Study on Wednesdays at 10:00 am

Discipleship Bible Study on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm

One hour of prayer every Friday at 7:00 pm and Saturday mornings at 6:00 am

Early morning Community Bible Study , Monday thru Friday 6:00 am—7:00 am. Dial (641) 715-

3277 enter access code 549072#. If you wish to only listen, please place your phone on mute.

Donations for Grace Notes Newsletter are Welcomed

OUR MISSION

We, at Grace United Methodist Church of St. Albans, are a body of Disciples, commit-

ted to building relationships in Christ for the transformation of our community and

beyond.

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