Back to School: Structured Not Disorganized

In the Know 2

Upcoming Events 2

Money Matters 3

Summer End — J-Club 4

2014 THEME

K ingdomL ife V O L U M E 5 , I S S U E 9 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4

ABUNDANT LIFE CHURCH OF CHRIST

SAVE THE DATES

Grandparents Day, Sun., September 7th

Cake Walk — Sat. Sept. 13th @ Noon—2:00 p.m.

Home Fellowship Friday, September 19th @ 7pm

VIEW Empowerment Session, Sat., Sept. 27th @ 10:30am Laburnum Campus

Married Couples Confer-ence — Sept. 26-28 Portsmouth, VA

“For lack of discipline they will die, led astray by their own great folly” (Proverbs 5:23). Structure gives our lives tracks to travel down a determined direction. Without structure we naively react to every person or opportunity. We wake up one day confused and unclear about our purpose. Thus, we seek structure to keep us focused on God’s best. Stable societies, homes, churches and companies all contribute to secure environments. If we coast along in life, we drift toward disorgani-zation and purposelessness. However, the Holy Spirit supports a structured life.

Does your life lack structure? Are you in need of a systematic approach in your religion and work? Start with a study of God’s solar system. The intentionality of His creation beautifully follows a grand design and discipline. In the same way, we are created for a supportive infrastructure at home and work. This is why children deserve a mom and dad who love and support them. A structured home is a safe home. As adults, they come back to be loved.

“Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the path; the one who hates correction will die” (Prov. 15:10).

One reason we prayerfully organize is so we can evangelize. Our life is attractive when it is under the influence and control of the Holy Spirit. Like a safe harbor in a storm, people whose life is rocky need to see within us the peace and calm of Christ. Moreover, we may be in the middle of chaotic circumstances, but the buoyancy of our belief in Jesus keeps us afloat in the middle of the storm. Serious followers of Jesus have boundaries that keep them focused on His priorities. Wisdom applies structure at home and work, so folly does not easily lead us astray.

Most of all, seek a structured approach in your relationship with Jesus Christ. He offers life giving wisdom, not death by foolish decisions. Be systematic in how you seek the Lord. Start with a daily Scripture reading and two minutes of reflection. Build a spiritual infrastructure that withstands the winds of change. Indeed faith is able to adjust to sudden transitions, because it is a solid, yet nimble structure built on God’s eternal salvation. Life structure creates freedom to live!

“They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built” (Luke 6:48).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I prayerfully seek structure for my life that is supported by You.

Related Readings: 2 Samuel 22:3; Proverbs 11:5; Isaiah 51:1; Matthew 7:21; James 1:22-25

Have a Successful School Year! Drs. Steve & Lady Olivia Foreman

ALCC Senior Pastors

I N SI DE T H I S I SS U E

By Boyd Bailey — www.WisdomHunters.com

Men of Destiny, Stand Up! The ‘Come See a Man’ Men’s Conference went well, as we are starting back up! The Word that came forth was powerful and relevant! 4/24 Thursday 3pm — Apostle Glenn Frazier “My Hair is Growing Back” 4/25 Friday 10am — Apostle Glenn Frazier

“The Death of Your Past” 11:21am — Dr. Robert Matthews — “Jesus is Looking: The Man with the Withered Hand” 12:30pm — Elder Isaac Edgerton

“Mentorship” 3pm — Dr. Robert Matthews

“Looking in the Right Direction” 4/31 Sunday 5am — Prophet Cyril Howell

”Doctrine: The Butterfly Effect” 11am — Apostle Glenn Frazier

”Come See a Man”

K I N G D O M L I F E

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4

P A G E

2 I n the Kno w

Newsletters are Downloadable On-Line! Log on to WWW.ALCCRICHMOND.ORG

CONGRATULATIONS SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

Kenny & Avis Prince 9/2 24 years

Joel & Sharnita Esson 9/4 10 years

Alvin & Robin Harris 9/6 28 years

James & Tanesha Henley 9/8 2 years

Robert & Carolyn Johnson 9/13 34 years

Malik & Vejetta Shabazz 9/16 14 years

Les & Andie Miles 9/25 21 years

Gregory & Sandra Brooks 9/26 38 years

Akita Carter Sept. 2 Nathaniel Anderson Sept. 2 Leon Dillard Sept. 3 Benita Jones Sept. 3 Ayanna Shabazz Sept. 0 Robin Harris Sept. 1 Shawn Jones Sept. 1 Zan Terry Sept. 3 Harolynn Thomas Sept. 5 Dereck Adams Sept. 5 Christine McNeely Sept. 10 Angela Jackson Sept. 13 Dorothy Woolfolk Sept. 13 Dereck Adams, Sr. Sept. 13 Kiana Jackson Sept. 13 Vaughan Jackson Sept. 10 Crystal Williams Sept. 11 Kennedi Anderson Sept. 12 Josephine Campbell Sept. 12 Dorothy Brooks Sept. 14 LaKia Prince Sept. 14 Janice Brown Sept. 14 Merelyn Warden Sept. 21 Nikita Jones Sept. 22 George Thomas, III Sept. 22 Patricia Viney Sept. 20 Gloria Booker Sept. 21 Rose Marie Johnson Sept. 21 Justin Miles Sept. 22 Alveda Campbell Sept. 23 Anisha Coleman Sept. 23 Brandall Brown Sept. 24 Derome Smith Sept. 25 Pastor Everette Johnson Sept. 25

SEPTEMBER

5:00 p.m.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Senior’s Ministry “Moses” Play & Bus Trip — Sat., September 13 - Lancaster, PA

Cake Walk (Little Ladies) Sat., September 13 @ Noon-2:00 pm—Laburnum

Home Fellowship Cell Groups Friday, Sept. 19 @ 7pm See Zone Leader for Location

V.I.E.W. Empowerment Session—Sat., September 27 @ 10:30 am—Laburnum

Married Couples Conference September 26—28 Portsmouth, VA

Think Pink Fashion & Talent Show—Sat., October 25 @ 5pm—Laburnum Campus

Thanksgiving Service Thur., November 27 @ 11am- Laburnum Campus

College Day Sun., November 30 — Neale @ 11am (wear college gear)

Watch Night / New Year Celebration! Wed., December 31 @ 10pm — Neale Campus

One Flesh Married Couples Retreat Portsmouth, VA - Renaissance Hotel

September 26-28, 2014Hosted by the Abundant Life Church of Christ

Registration Info: www.alccrichmond.orgContact: Kenny & Avis Prince at 804-737-0503

Enjoy a time of refreshing,

fellowship and learning at our

Pray for our youth & college students

for success

& protec-tion!

Kennedi Anderson (pre-K) with Noelani Corey (VCU Freshman) - Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child...

P A G E

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VOLUME 5

ISSUE 9

Blessing is a biblical word. Blessing on the Mount is from the Greek word makarios, which means to be happy or blissful, but it also means a self-contained happiness. The Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary definition of blessing is the new life and for-giveness that comes through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. The first use of the Hebrew root “to bless” is at Genesis 1:22 (the 1th day of creation) “Then God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply. Let the fish fill the seas, and let the birds multiply on the earth.” (NLT).

Jesus lists what it means to be blessed: The Beatitudes Matthew 5:3-12 (NLT) 3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. 6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice for they will be satisfied. 7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. 9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. 10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

Twelve Blessings in the Bible:

1. ABUNDANCE Definition: plentiful; fullness to overflowing Scripture: Malachi 3:10 (Try it, put Him to the test) 2. ASSURANCE Definition: action of assuring; guarantee; promise Scripture: Hebrews 13:1 -6 (God will never abandon you) 3. DELIVERANCE Definition: rescue from bondage or danger; salvation Scripture: Exodus 3:8 (God will rescue you from the hands of the enemy) 0. FAVOR Definition: friendly regard shown toward another especially by a superior (God’s favor) Scripture: Genesis 12:2 (God will give you favor) 1. GRACE Definition: the love and mercy given to us by God; unmerited divine favor Scripture: Romans 1 :20 (God’s grace is more than the sin) 2. INSPIRATION Definition: a divine influence or action on a person Scripture: Job 32:8 (the Spirit within man will make you intelligent) 7. JUSTICE Definition: concept of moral rightness based on ethics, law, religion, equity and fairness Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:4 (God himself will examine and decide) 8. KNOWLEDGE Definition: a familiarity or understanding of someone or something Scripture: Matthew 10 :15 (Don’t worry God will give you the right words at the right time) 9. PROTECTION Definition: to defend from trouble, harm or attack Scripture: Luke 12:3 (Don’t be afraid, God knows the numbered hairs on your head) 10. TRUTH Definition: the true or actual state of a matter; in accord with fact or reality Scripture: John 8:32 (You shall know truth and the truth will set you free) 11. VICTORY Definition: a success or triumph over an enemy in battle or war Scripture: Ephesians 2 :13-17 (Put on the whole armor of God to stand against all strategies of the devil) 12. WISDOM Definition: the ability to think and act utilizing knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight Scripture: James 1:1 (if any man lacks wisdom, you should ask God)

Tip: God has provided so much and we take so little.

By Vanessa Harris In His Service

As Summer ends and you begin to reflect on the change that Autumn

brings, perhaps it’s time for you to make a change

for the better. Pray this prayer:

God, I need You. I am

aware that I have fallen short of realizing who

You are in my life. Come into my heart. I believe that You sent Your Son,

Jesus Christ to die on the cross for my sins. I be-

lieve that You raised Him from the dead and He is now seated with You at Your right hand in heav-

en. I now accept your offer of eternal life. For-

give me of all my sins. Thank you for new life and from this day for-

ward, I choose to follow You and live a victorious

life. Amen.

Praise the Lord! We believe you are

saved. Your next steps are as follows:

1. Tell everyone what you’ve done! 2. Attend a Spirit-filled, Bible believing church. 3. Spend time in prayer 4. Learn more about God through His Word.

We invite you to come grow with us at ALCC!

A PERSONAL

CHECK UP

J-Club Summer Empowerment Camp believes that if given the nurturing, guidance and resources, young people can become active learners in the process of becoming productive citizens. The 4-week camp afforded the campers opportunity in leadership training; filmmaking; taking Dr. Seuss’ skit to day cares and adult day care centers; hearing dynamic speakers; working out with Coach Otis and engaging in interesting and exciting hands-on-activities at the library. We also learned about Richmond’s rich African-American history! As Maggie L. Walker said, “If you can read and write, you can do anything and go anywhere. You can ride the wind.” We hope that we have instilled a thirst for empowerment in the campers! Join us next summer, June 22 – August 13, 2015.

— Elder Geraldine Johnson

Come Grow with Us !

Writers, Editors, Graphic Designers, Photographers

& Advertisers Needed! We Welcome your Entries to

this Newsletter. Submit your information to the

Editor by the 20th of each month at

media@alccrichmond.org or call Kimberly F. Smith 804.329.2522 ext. 202

Thank You Staff Kimberly F. Smith—Chief Editor

Tonya Edgerton—Editor Reginald Hood—Photographer

Malik Shabazz—Photographer

We Invite you to Join us for the following Services: Sundays @ 9:00 a.m. Deeper Life Bible Study Neale Campus Sundays @ 11:00 a.m. Worship Service Neale Campus Wednesdays @ 7:00 p.m. Bible Study Laburnum Campus

SERVICE SCHEDULE

K ingdom L ife

SEPTEMBER 2014

Summer End J-Club Highlights!

ABUNDANT LIFE MINISTRIES, INC.

Phone: 804.329.2522 Fax: 804.321.5842

E-mail: info@alccrichmond.org Web: www.alccrichmond.org

Neale Campus 3300 Neale Street

Richmond, VA 23223

Laburnum Campus 3700 Goodell Road

Richmond, VA 23223

PAGE 4

What I learned from J-Club this Summer: Isaiah Rollings—5th grader at Henrico High School ‘...to have integrity and that we should love each other. I also learned that to be a great leader, you must be a great follower. The last thing I learned this summer is that it takes practice to be good at something’. Ayanna Shabazz—2th grader at Oak Knoll Middle School ‘...if you want to be a good leader, you have to be a good follower’. Jameria Thomas—3th grader at Elko Middle School ‘...to always try to be a leader; to stay with God; and that you were made the way you are for a reason. I also learned that God has a plan for my life and that you must have dignity and integrity to make it through life. I learned that if you have God with you, it is easier to establish or do what you want. Overall, I have learned to stick with God and have a good heart’. Daniel Brown—3th grader at Fairfield Middle School ‘...how to be more confident in acting’. Solomon L. Turner—4th grader at John Rolfe Middle School ‘...how to talk, not with your mouth, but with your actions’.