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Mysterious Ways: Christmas in the Parking Lot
Mom and I always shared a beloved Christmas tradition, a chocolaty one. But now she was gone and I missed her so much.
By Rochella O’Neil, Morristown, Indiana
Christmas just isn’t Christmas without sharing a giant chocolate Hershey bar with Mom, I thought wistfully, looking at the display of bars on sale at the grocery store one cold December day.
It’s not your usual holiday tradition, but it was for me. I’m not sure how it started, but every year for as long as I could remember, as a way to welcome in the holiday, Mom and I would run to the store to buy a giant milk chocolate Hershey bar. We’d keep it in the refrigerator at home and would break off little pieces in the days before Christmas, sometimes even dipping them in peanut butter. It was a guilty pleasure we loved sharing together.
Mom had passed away just a couple of months earlier. No, no chocolate bar this year, I thought. Not without Mom to share it. I turned away from the display of chocolate and headed to the checkout line
Continued on page 2...
12.07 Joyful Voices at
Macedonia AME Church
12.13 Family Fun Night
12.14 Single’s Ministry Brunch
12.14 Couple’s Ministry Dinner
12.15 Christmas Celebration
12.31 New Year’s Eve Service
Mark
Yo
ur C
ale
nd
ar
December 2013
Monthly Newsletter of Solomon’s Temple Church
Merry Christmas
www.Solomons-TempleChurch.org
Pastor K.D. Shivers & Min. E.R. Shivers
Mark
Yo
ur
Cale
nd
ar
2
to pay for my groceries.
As I pushed my cart toward my car, I kept thinking about that Hershey bar. Should I go back in and get one? No, I shouldn’t eat all that chocolate myself.
I put the groceries in the car, then climbed in and closed the door. I turned the car on and let it idle for a minute, waiting for it to warm up. Lord, I sure wish I could feel Mom close by this Christmas season, I prayed. Let her know I love her and that I hope to see her again someday.
I put my car into gear and looked out the rearview mirror, ready to back out of the parking spot. Something shined brightly from the baby seat of a grocery cart in the spot across from me. Did someone leave their purse? I put the car in park and scanned the lot to see if anyone was around. No one. I walked over to see what was in the cart.
I couldn't believe what I was seeing and laughed out loud. There sat a giant Hershey bar, just like the ones Mom and I always shared!
Mysterious Ways Continued …
Living a Life of Gratitude
Pastor
K.D.
Shivers
Are we truly aware of just how much there is for us to be thankful and joyful about?
God is everywhere. He created the Earth and His handiwork can be seen everywhere: in
the air we breathe, the grass we run through at play, the mountains we scale and marvel
over and the million other awe-inspiring miracles across the globe.
It’s so easy to get caught up in the daily grind that you can’t see the forest for the trees.
It’s too easy to go through life only concerned about what you’re doing five minutes, an
hour or a day from now without taking a moment to revel in all that the Lord has placed
before us. To give thanks for the graces that He has bestowed upon everyone that is
willing to accept them.
Embrace Christ’s presence in your life with powerful devotions, Scripture verses,
honest writers and enjoyable faith steps.
The Lord commands us to rejoice and to spread that joy like a light over our family,
friends and the people whose lives we touch in our lifetime. We aren’t supposed to
hoard our gifts and good fortune. We are supposed to give freely of our time, wealth,
faith and happiness. In other words, we are to give of ourselves wholeheartedly.
Faith step: Read Psalm 118 and rejoice in the life the Lord has given you. Are you
using that life to help yourself and others? If not, there’s no time like the present!
Merry Christmas to All and don't forget the
Reason for the Season! We LOVE YOU!
Pastor & First Lady Shivers
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“Dat Baby Jesus – He Makes Me Laugh” By: Katherine Kehler
“I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my
right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.”
Psalm 16:8 and 9
Brennan Manning, in his book, The Relentless Tenderness of
Jesus, tells of an experience he had at an airport. It was just
before Christmas and he was in the Chicago airport waiting
to get a flight to Texas for a week-end retreat. But because
of a severe storm, he and thousands of others were not going
anywhere. The flights were all delayed. Public address
systems were blaring, people were at the ticket counter
demanding a projected departure time, children were crying,
some people were just sitting and staring.
Then he noticed a middle-aged black woman cradling a
child in her arms and laughing. Manning asked her,
“Would you mind telling me why you’re so happy?”
“Sho,” she said. “Christmas is coming and dat baby
Jesus---He make me laugh.”
According to Psalm 16:8-9 focusing on Jesus at all times is
the key to a happy and joyful heart.
How about you?
During the Christmas season, our already busy life
becomes more busy.
Are you ‘setting the Lord before you’ today?
Do you want to have a merry Christmas?
Bring Jesus into all your activities.
Talk to Him all day long.
He will make you laugh!
Father, you fill us with joy in your presence. Give us the grace to remember to enjoy your presence. We want to laugh, Lord. Amen
Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is
given; and the government shall be upon his
shoulder, and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty
God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace
Christmas means a spirit of love, a time when the love of God and love of our fellow men should prevail over all hatred and bitterness, a time when our thoughts and deeds and the spirit of our lives manifest the presence of God. – George F. McDougall
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The Birth of Christ Jesus
It was a simple scene that first Christmas – a rough room, a
young couple and nothing but a feeding trough to put the child
in. It was probably quite cold and with family far away there
was little help. Not exactly the Hallmark moment we like to
show in Christmas pageants. And yet this rustic scene marked
the greatest event in the history of mankind.
God's Son became human and came to earth to save us. God
had promised to send a Messiah, one who would save His
people. He could have easily burst on the scene as a full
grown man, a seven foot warrior with fiery eyes and arms of
steel. This was what many people were looking for, but it
wasn't how God did it. He arrived in the arms of a young girl.
He was, as another of our authors put it, "a very small
package, wrapped in rags, given from the heart of God. The
perfect gift."
God gave His only Son to die in our place so that we, in all our
brokenness, could know forgiveness. He came so that we
could know what love feels like, real love – love that never
leaves, love that never disappoints, love that is never
betrayed. He sent His Son into a corrupted world to bring us
hope.
And she gave birth to her firstborn, a
son. She wrapped him in cloths and
placed him in a manger, because there
was no room for them in the inn.
~Luke 2:7
“Hark the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new-born king.”
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!
~Charles Wesley
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OUTREACH
Solomon’s Temple Outreach Ministry is in Full Effect! Please let us know if anyone is in the hospital, in-
outpatient surgeries, and death in the family or any other life changing event (medical or death). We have “Care Teams” for each month that is willing and ready to contact you. We love our church family and we believe love is not what it says – it’s what it does.
DECEMBER CARE TEAM
Sis. Evelyn Moton Sis. Tami Drew Sis. Crystal Wrenn
Please let the church secretary know of any disciples’ address, or phone number change!
Thank-You!
Youth Teacher
Sis. Shirley Haskins
Dece
mber
King
dom
Sche
dule
Scripture and Welcome
12/01 Jackie Ruffin (Luke 24:30-35)
Shirley Haskins (welcome)
12/08 Marcus Gundy (1 Chron. 16:34-36)
Jayla Gray (welcome)
12/15 Jessica Smith (1 John 5:10-15)
Margaret S. Thomas (welcome)
12/22 Shenille Gray (Hebrews 1:3-6)
Lenore Williams (welcome)
12/29 Jackie Judkins (Psalm 95:1-6)
Stanley Robinson (welcome)
Communion Bowls
Sis. Evelyn Moton
Sis. Shirley Haskins
December Door Opener
Bro. Ray Holmes
Servant Leader Schedule
12/01 Sis. Lucy Watkins
12/08 Sis. Evelyn Moton
12/15 Sis. Shirley Haskins
12/22 Sis. Wendy Green
12/29 Sis. Jackie Ruffin
Worship Leader Schedule
12/01 Elder Karen Lee
12/08 Sis. Kimesia Burrell
12/15 MIT Cynthia Edwards
12/22 Elder Margaret S. Thomas
12/29 Minister Edith Shivers
December Teacher’s Schedule (The date in parenthesis is the Sunday date of the lessons to be taught on Tuesday)
Adult Teachers
12-03 Sis. Sylvia Gundy (12-08) | “Mary Sings Her Praise” | Luke 1:46-56
12-10 Min. Edith Shivers (12-15) | “Zacharias Prophesies About His Son, John” |Luke 1:57, 58,
67-79
Explanation of the CID lessons can be found on our website at: Solomons-templechurch.org Additional Study Help:
www.studylight.org | www.biblestudytools.com |
Youth Teacher
Sis. Shirley Haskins
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Reasons for Joy
“Happy are the people whose God is the Lord.”
Psalm 144:15
“How’s life?” someone asks. And we who’ve been resurrected from the dead say, “Well, things could be better.”• Or,
“Couldn’t get a parking place.” Or, “My parents won’t let me move to Hawaii.” Or, “People won’t leave me alone so I can
finish my sermon of selfishness.”
Are you focused on what you don’t have that you are blind to what you do?
You have a ticket to heaven no thief can take,
an eternal home no divorce can break.
Every sin of your life has been cast to the sea.
Every mistake you’ve made is nailed to the tree.
You’re blood-bought and heaven made.
A child of God – forever saved.
So be grateful, joyful – for isn’t it true?
What you don’t have is much less
than what you do.
Mariah Little for making the Principal’s List at Booker T. Washington Elementary School Suffolk.
Marcus Gundy who was selected Most Valuable Player (MVP) during Smithfield High School Fall Sports Banquet. Marcus we are so proud of you and your accomplishments and YOU will always be our MVP!! Signed: Mom and Dad! Signed: Mom and Dad!
Michael Green Jr. who was selected “First Team All-Conference Return Specialist” for Smithfield High School. We
are so proud of you for stepping up being a
captain and playing any position needed
offense and defense. Signed: Mom and Dad!
Congratulations To . . .
Destiny Shivers (A, B Honor Roll) and Kameron Robertson (A, B Honor Roll) A-B HONOR ROLL THIS SEMESTER!
Raven Parker (Honor Roll)!
JOB WELL DONE!
Sis. Lucy Watkins retiring from the National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) after over 38 years of government service on December 3, 2013. Best wishes as she embarks on this next stage in her life.
Bro. Earl Moton retiring from the Smithfield Packing Company after over 41 years of service on December 31, 2013. Best wishes as he embarks on this next stage in his life.
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SOLOMONITE
SPOTLIGHT
Will YOU be the Next “Solomonite of the Month”?
Willie & Florence Turner
Willie Sr. & Florence Turner are faithful disciples of Solomon’s Temple. Willie Sr. serves as a Trustee and sings with the Mass Choir and Sons of Solomon.
Florence serves as a Trustee and an Usher. They are the parents of Willie Jr., Elaine and Melissa who are disciples of Solomon’s Temple. God Bless You Willie & Florence!
Solomon’s Temple would like to
congratulate Willie Sr. & Florence Turner for being one of December’s “Solomonite Spotlight”.
SOLOMONITE
SPOTLIGHT
Will YOU be the Next “Solomonite of the Month”?
Connie & Patricia Payne
Connie & Patricia Payne are mother & daughter and faithful disciples of Solomon’s Temple. They both serve on the Hospitality Ministry, Outreach Ministry and Healthcare Ministry. Their humble spirits are such a delight to the
ministry as you see them working side by side to help and serve others. Way to go Connie & Patricia!
Solomon’s Temple would like to congratulate Connie & Patricia Payne for being one of December’s
“Solomonite Spotlight”.
SOLOMONITE
SPOTLIGHT
Will YOU be the Next “Solomonite of the Month”?
Brad & Samantha Little
Brad & Samantha Little are faithful disciples of Solomon’s
Temple. Brad serves as the Contact Person for the Armour-Bearer Ministry. Samantha serves as the Contact Person for the Youth Ministry and sings with the Mass Choir and Joyful Voices. They are
the parents of Shania Little and Mariah Little. Good Job Brad & Sam!
Solomon’s Temple would like to congratulate Brad & Samantha Little for being one of December’s “Solomonite Spotlight”.
What does the Bible say about the three wise men (Magi)?
Answer: We assume that there were three wise men because of the three gifts that were given: gold, incense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). However, the
Bible does not say there were only three wise men. There could have been many more. Tradition says that there were three and that their names were
Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, but since the Bible does not say, we have no way of knowing whether the tradition is accurate.
It is a common misconception that the wise men visited Jesus at the stable on the night of His birth. In fact, the wise men came days, months, or possibly
even years later. That is why Matthew 2:11 says the wise men visited and worshiped Jesus in a house, not at the stable.
We know that the magi were wise men from "the East," most likely Persia, or modern-day Iran. This means the wise men traveled 800 to 900 miles to see
the Christ child. Most likely, the magi knew of the writings of the prophet Daniel, who in time past had been the chief of the court seers in Persia. Daniel
9:24-27 includes a prophecy which gives a timeline for the birth of the Messiah. Also, the magi may have been aware of the prophecy of Balaam (who was
from the town of Pethor on the Euphrates River near Persia) in Numbers 24:17. Balaam's prophecy specifically mentions a “star coming out of Jacob.”
The wise men were guided to look for the King of the Jews by a miraculous stellar event, the "Star of Bethlehem," which they called "His star" (Matthew
2:2). They consulted with King Herod in Jerusalem concerning the birth of Christ and were so directed to Bethlehem (Matthew 2:4-8). They followed God's
guidance joyfully (Matthew 2:10). Their gifts for Jesus were costly, and they worshiped Him. God warned them in a dream against returning to Herod, so,
in defiance of the king, they left Judea by another route (Matthew 2:12).
So, the magi were men who 1) read and believed God's Word, 2) sought Jesus, 3) recognized the worth of Christ, 4) humbled themselves to worship Jesus,
and 5) obeyed God rather than man. They were truly wise men!
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DDeecceemmbbeerr BBiirrtthhddaayyss If your birthday is missing from the list or incorrect, let the office know.
Q. What did Adam say on
the day before Christmas?
A. It’s Christmas, Eve!
Q. What do you call a
letter sent up the chimney
on Christmas Eve?
A. Blackmail.
Q. What do you call a
snowman in the summer?
A. A Puddle.
Q. What do you get when
you cross a snowman and
a vampire?
A. Frostbite.
Q. What do snowmen eat
for breakfast?
A. Frosted Flakes.
Q. What is the cleanest
reindeer called?
A. Comet.
Q. What Christmas carol
is a favorite of parents? A. Silent Night.
Q. If athletes get athlete's
foot, then what do
astronauts get?
A. Missile-toe.
Newsletter Submissions
We also want to know
about those who have made
the honor roll. Let’s not forget
baby announcements, bible
humor, or recipes.
If you have a story or
idea that you would like to
incorporate into the newsletter,
forward the story to
leave the idea on the
secretary’s desk.
Do you know someone
who is doing great things in the
community, school, or
church? Nominate them to be
the Outstanding Disciple of
the Month. This person can
be a youth or an adult.
Don’t forget to
recognize those celebrating an
anniversary, graduation (from
high school, college, or any
other), or special occasion.
Quenton Turner 12/09
Kimesia Burrell 12/10
Dana Cary
12/20
Walter Chapman
12/21
Christian Turner 12/24
Melvin
Turner Sr. 12/26
William Robinson
12/30
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
9
February
2
Super Bowl
9
50 States Rally Service
14
Valentine’s Day
March
5
Ash Wednesday
9
Daylight Saving Time
Starts
IMPORTANT NOTE: ALL INFORMATION TO BE ADDED TO TEMPLE NEWS FOR THE MONTH NEED TO BE GIVEN TO THE CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR NO LATER THAN THE 3RD TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH. DATE TIME EVENT
12/3/13 6:30pm CID Session
12/3/13 7:15pm Bible Study
12/5/13 7:00pm Sons of Solomon rehearsal
12/7/13 5:00pm Joyful Voices will sing at Macedonia
AME Church for Night in White service
12/8/13 2014 Accept/Decline forms due
12/10/13 6:30pm CID Session
12/10/13 7:15pm Bible Study
12/12/13 6:30pm Youth Choir rehearsal
12/13/13 7:00pm Family Fun Night
12/14/13 12:00pm Single’s Ministry Christmas Brunch at
the chapel
12/14/13 4:00pm Couple’s Ministry Christmas outing at
Buffet City, Chesapeake VA
12/15/13 5:00pm Christmas Celebration
12/19/13 6:00pm Praise Team rehearsal
12/19/13 7:00pm Joyful Voices rehearsal
12/21/13 All DAY Sherman & Shirley Haskins Wedding
Anniversary
12/21/13 ALL DAY First Day of Winter
12/24/13 ALL DAY Christmas Eve!
12/25/13 ALL DAY Christmas Day! Happy Birthday Jesus!!
12/31/13 10:00pm New Year’s Eve service at the chapel
December sscchheedduullee ooff eevveennttss
Up
Co
min
g E
ve
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January
1
Happy New Year!
11
Mighty Men Service
20
Martin Luther King Day
25
Men’s Ministry Sing-A-Rama
Thursday before 1st Sunday 6:00pm- Praise Team 7:00pm- Mass Choir
Thursday before 2nd Sunday
7:00pm - Sons of Solomon
Thursday before 3rd Sunday 6:30pm- Youth Choir
Thursday before 4th Sunday
6:00pm- Praise Team 7:00pm- Joyful Voices
Choir Rehearsal Schedule
Reminder: Ladies don’t forget to bring a Christmas ornament and Christmas potholder to exchange on Family Fun Night, Friday, Dec. 13
th at 7pm. Also, the Women’s Ministry will be
having a 50 State Rally service on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014 to benefit the Women’s Conference. There are 4 states still available. For information see Min. Edith Shivers or Sis. Lucy Watkins.
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The True Light of Christmas
John 1:4,5 “In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And
the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it
not.”
Around this time of year nearly everyone gets a little happier and
friendly. The beautiful Christmas lights start showing up on
homes and stores, and everything gets decorated. In fact, it
almost seems that the decorations went up a little earlier this year
– some of them even before Thanksgiving.
Taking in the Christmas lights in the neighborhood is something
that many people do by driving around and looking at the
decorations that some homes have. As you know, some homes
are extensively decorated and their light can often be seen quite a
way off. It is a pretty sight.
Sometimes, however, the decorations have nothing to do with the
original meaning – that of Christ being born into our world. At
the time of His birth, the world was indeed a dark place.
Although they had the Bible (Old Testament), and even though
they claimed to be expecting the Messiah, no one from the region
showed up – except the shepherds. Of course, they were given a
special invitation by the angels (Luke 2). Their lowly position
shows us that Christ’s birth, though a King, was for all mankind –
not just a select few.
Apart from the shepherds, there really was no celebration at that
time. As you probably know, there was no room in the inn, so
Joseph and Mary had to sleep in a lowly stable. Where is Jesus?
In a common manger – certainly not a fit welcome for the One
Who was King over all.
Here was the One Who brought light and Hope into a world of
sin – yet unrecognized. There was no celebration for Him. No
lights and no glitter. The wise men did not get there until much
later.
Believers need to remember what Christmas is really about.
While the lights and tinsel may be beautiful, they certainly cannot
hold a candle to the King of Glory and the great sacrifice He later
became for us! The meaning of Christmas is a time to rejoice –
but not with lights, trees, and garlands alone. He wants us to
recognize Him with our hearts, too.
Jesus brought the light of redemption to this world as no other
one could, and saves the soul of all who believe on Him. With all
the hustle and bustle at Christmas, I have to wonder, though, will
He spend this Christmas alone, too – with almost no one to truly
worship and honor Him? Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et
John 8:12 (ESV)
Again Jesus spoke to them
saying, “I am the light of the
world. Whoever follows me will
not walk in darkness, but will
have the light of life.”
o l o m o n ’ s e n i o r s e c t i o n S
Solomon’s Temple family would like
to recognize our seniors celebrating
their birthday this month! They are:
Walter Chapman…………….. 12/21
William Robinson……………. 12/30
Father John and Mother Ida Shivers
12
Homemade Turkey Soup
TOP TEN TURKEY LEFTOVERS
There's no better way to enjoy Thanksgiving and/or Christmas
leftovers than with these delicious turkey leftover recipes from
Taste of Home.
Ingredients and directions can be found at: “http://www.tasteofhome.com/top-10-recipes/top-10-turkey-leftovers”
Tastes Like Thanksgiving
Casserole Recipe
Cheddar Turkey Casserole
Stuffing-crust-turkey-pot-pie
Turkey Focaccia Club
Next Day Turkey Primavera
Turkey a la King
Turkey Fettuccine Skillet
Black Bean 'n' Pumpkin Chili
Club-Style Turkey Enchiladas
