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1 Spirit of United Newsletter Volume 19 | Issue 3 | Spring 2015 A word from the Pastor’s Desk by Rev. Dr. Johnny R. Freeman Dear Members and Friends of United: e book of Ecclesiastes tells us that ‘to everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven. ere’s a time to sow and a time to reap.’ Some of you have been experiencing a season of struggle and yet I believe what the bible says that ‘in due season we shall reap if we faint not.’ As I write to you, aſter the resurrection of our Lord from the dead, I remind you that just as the grave could not hold Jesus your change will surely come. Our struggles, however difficult and overwhelming are only a part of our story. As Jesus was raised from the dead we can be confident that whatever we may be going through right now this too shall pass. I also want to give God praise for answering our prayers as God continues to grow us here at United. I’m excited about how the Spirit of the Lord is indeed moving mightily in our midst. It seems that every week we continue to welcome new members to our church family and God continues to fill His house. Praise the Lord! I remind you of a word spoken to this house when we started the new year that promised us ‘“greater!” I want to encourage you to hold on my brothers and sisters for your season of greater is coming! We’ve come too far to stop now, let’s keep it going as we GET FIT FOR THE GREATER things God has planned for this great family of God! God richly reward your faithfulness United as we continue to serve the present age. Grace and peace, Pastor Freeman U nited INSTITUTIONAL Baptist Church The Spirit of United 336-272-0822 802 East Market St., Greensboro, NC 27401 [email protected] www.united-institutionalbc.org Encouragement from the Assistant to the Pastor Rev. Hattie B. Easterling Justification by Faith As believers, we now stand in a place of highest privilege. Not only has God declared us not guilty; he has drawn us close to himself. Romans 5:10 “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His Life”. I realize we are saved by believing. Repentance is the sign that we realize what God has done in Christ Jesus. e danger is to put the emphasis on the effect instead of on the cause. It is our obedience that puts us right with God, our consecration when we turn to God and by belief to accept what God reveals, we can accept. Instantly the atonement of Jesus Christ rushes us into a right relationship with God; and by the supernatural miracle of God’s grace we stand justified. We are justified not because we have repented, but because of what Jesus has done. e spirit of God brings it with a breaking all-over light. e salvation of God does not stand on human logic it stands on the sacrificial death of Jesus. We can be born again because of the atonement of our Lord. Sinful men and women can be changed into new creatures by the marvelous work of God in Christ Jesus which is prior to all experience. e impregnable safety of justification and sanctification is God himself. e love that caused Christ to die is the same love that sends the Holy Spirit to live in us and guide us every day. e power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is the same power that saved you and me. Love you! Reverend Hattie B. Easterling

The Spirit Encouragement from the Assistant to the Pastor ... · bible says that ‘in due season we ... dance, mime interpretation, rap ... hearts by the audience’s response and

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Spirit of United Newsletter

Volume 19 | Issue 3 | Spring 2015

A word from the Pastor’s Deskby Rev. Dr. Johnny R. Freeman

Dear Members and Friends of United:

The book of Ecclesiastes tells us that ‘to everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven. There’s a time to sow and a time to reap.’ Some of you have been experiencing a season of struggle and yet I believe what the bible says that ‘in due season we shall reap if we faint not.’

As I write to you, after the resurrection of our Lord from the dead, I remind you that just as the grave could not hold Jesus your change will surely come. Our struggles, however difficult and overwhelming are only a part of our story. As Jesus was raised from the dead we can be confident that whatever we may be going through right now this too shall pass.

I also want to give God praise for answering our prayers as God continues to grow us here

at United. I’m excited about how the Spirit of the Lord is indeed moving mightily in our midst. It seems that every week we continue to welcome new members to our church family and God continues to fill His house. Praise the Lord! I remind you of a word spoken to this house when we started the new year that promised us ‘“greater!” I want to encourage you to hold on my brothers and sisters for your season of greater is coming!

We’ve come too far to stop now, let’s keep it going as we GET FIT FOR THE GREATER things God has planned for this great family of God! God richly reward your faithfulness United as we continue to serve the present age.

Grace and peace,Pastor Freeman

UnitedINSTITUTIONALBaptist Church

The Spirit of United

336-272-0822802 East Market St.,

Greensboro, NC [email protected]

www.united-institutionalbc.org

Encouragement from theAssistant to the Pastor

Rev. Hattie B. Easterling

Justification by Faith As believers, we now stand in a place

of highest privilege. Not only has God declared us not guilty; he has drawn us close to himself.Romans 5:10 “For if, when we were

enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His Life”. I realize we are saved by believing. Repentance is the sign that we realize what God has done in Christ Jesus. The danger is to put the emphasis on the effect instead of on the cause. It is our obedience that puts us right with God, our consecration when we turn to God and by belief to accept what God reveals, we can accept. Instantly the atonement of Jesus Christ rushes us into a right relationship with God; and by the supernatural miracle of God’s grace we stand justified. We are justified not because we have repented, but because of what Jesus has done. The spirit of God brings it with a breaking all-over light. The salvation of God does not stand on

human logic it stands on the sacrificial death of Jesus. We can be born again because of the atonement of our Lord. Sinful men and women can be changed into new creatures by the marvelous work of God in Christ Jesus which is prior to all experience. The impregnable safety of justification and sanctification is God himself.The love that caused Christ to die is the

same love that sends the Holy Spirit to live in us and guide us every day. The power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is the same power that saved you and me.

Love you!Reverend Hattie B. Easterling

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Spirit of United Newsletter

Message from the Youth Pastor Rev. Montrel Caldwell, Sr. Matthew 19:13-15

Music & Arts Ministry

Four Seasons Mall Concert

The Music & Arts Ministry presented its 7th Christmas Concert on December 18, 2014 at the Four Seasons Town Centre. There was a full house in the Pavilion Stadium. The wonderful sounds of Christmas attracted shoppers

to stop, listen and see, from all three levels, what United was making a fuss about as the real reason of the season, Jesus Christ, was told. Ministry was delivered through song, dance, mime interpretation, rap and drama presentation. It was evident the Music & Arts Ministry touched the lives and hearts by the audience’s response and participation of singing along with the choirs , swaying to the music and sharing of bright smiling faces.

The concert was so well received, Pastor Freeman requested for the Music & Arts Ministry for an encore performance during the 11:00 AM Service on December 21, 2014!

The youth Ministry is staying busy and will continue as long as you help reach and touch each child inside and outside of our church walls. Here’s what’s coming up next:

April

4 Easter Egg Hunt was held at 11am. Food, fellowship, EGGS, EGGS, EGGS fun was had by all!!!

5 Sunday School Easter Program, held by the Children’s Division was a wonderful tribute to easter through speeches and poems. Larry McMillian also presented his winning oratorical speech to the congregation.

12 Youth Church

18 Men’s Ministry, all men (young and old) are invited, begins at 9:30am.

18 S.U.R.F. (Women’s) Ministry, come out for a Tween/Young Women’s Symposium. Food, Fellowship and wonderful speakers, begins at 9:00am.

19 Youth Church will be held during the 11am service.

26 Pulpit Leaders needed, please encourage your kids to help read scripture, pray, or give announcements.

May

15 Children’s Night Out, come celebrate the end of the school year early with the Children’s Ministry. More info coming soon!

16 Men’s Ministry

16 SURF Ministry - may be participating in the Women’s Breakfast on the same day.

24 Pulpit Leaders needed, please encourage your kids to help read scripture, pray, or give announcements.

29 Senior Graduation Celebration, all seniors graduating this year are invited to join us in celebrating and congratulating your accomplishment! Food, Fellowship, and Fun are planned.

TBD Youth Church

June

22-26 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL – join us the every evening

starting at 6:30am.

7 Children’s Day Program,come see the Children’s Division perform on this annual event, begins at 9:30am.

14 Graduate Recognition Sunday, if your child is graduating from Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, or High School, and attends Sunday School, please get your information to their Sunday School leaders immediately to be recognized on this Sunday.

20 Mens Ministry/SURF Ministry, unless otherwise noted.

28 Pulpit Leaders needed, please encourage your kids to help read scripture, pray, or give announcements.In addition to these events we hope to have another Willing Workers activity and begin working with our Young Adults as soon as possible. If you can help in any way, please let us know.Thanks and God bless,Rev. Trel

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Spirit of United Newsletter

The Men’s Day Weekend was March 14 -15, 2015. The theme was “Men Pressing Toward the High Calling of God”. The celebration commenced with a power breakfast on March 14th. Rev. Michael McNair of Emmanuel Baptist Church, Thomasville, NC was the guest speaker. The Providence Baptist Church Male Chorus was the guest choir.

The celebration continued on March 15th during the Sunday worship services. Rev. Emory Berry, Jr. of Fourth Baptist Church, Richmond, VA was the guest speaker for both services. The Men’s Choir was a blessing with their music ministry, along with the band.

Jordan has been a member of United

since 2009. He serves in the following

ministries: Junior Usher Board, Youth

Choir and guitarist for the Men’s Choir.

He is also a member of Ward #7 and

Sunday School. Jordan wanted to be the

Man of the Year because he wanted to

have an opportunity show that young

men care about the church and its

growth.

Jordan attends the Early Middle College of Guilford. Jordan will be attending Pomona College of Claremont, CA. on a full Academic Scholarship in the Fall. He plans to

major in Economics and aspires to be a Financial Manager.

Jordan is originally from Greensboro and is the son of Bro. Ray and Sis. Danielle Hawkins. He enjoys singing, paying his guitar and playing football.

Men’s Day Weekend

Jordan HAWKINS

United’s 2015-2016 Man of the Year!

2014-15 Teachers/Staff Certification Recipients

The Sunday School Ministry has been greatly enriched by our new Sunday School Teachers and Staff! The Call to be a teacher or an administrator is great, but the workers are few. On December 14, 2015, the following participants were awarded Completion Certificates during the general assembly:

Sis. Audrey Anderson

Sis. QuaNesha Bennett

Sis. Trina Gabriel

Sis. Shirley Harrison

Sis. Ellen Moore

Sis. Linda Pulliam

Sis. LaKisha Tucker

Sis. Harriett Turner

Bro. Cephas Williams

Sis. Ereka Williams

Sis. Sheila Williams

Please pray for our new Teachers and Staff as they assume their place walking in their gifts and talents to enrich the body of Christ.

The six-week session was facilitated by Sis. Betty Williamson, First General Superintendent of the Sunday School.

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Spirit of United Newsletter

Prayer Lock-In Hosted by the

Philathea Class MinistryFor the 17th year, the Annual Prayer

Lock-in took all in attendance to another level. The theme for the Lock-in, “Reset Your Mind; Renew the Right Spirit”, taken from Psalms 51:1-3, 6-19 and Romans 12:1-2. The Prayer Lock-In was held February 13-14, 2015, a night of learning, praying and healing took place, ending the morning with conversation and breakfast.

Powerful messengers came from churches from all points of the community. United’s own Reverend Montrel Caldwell, Sr. and Deacon Alonzo Hines stirred up the gift! Sis. Irene Isaiah and Sis Sharron Kennedy presided.

Prayer Breakfast Philathea Class Ministry

Thank you UNITED for supporting the 2015 Girl Scout Cookie Sale! The campaign was restructured so that cookies were available earlier than normal. United’s troop sold just short of 700 boxes of those scrumptious wonders. If you missed out on them, there may be a few boxes just waiting for you!

Girl Scouting continues to be one of the best avenues for girls to discover and

to develop great values toward God, and community, as they discover and build toward their own potential and grow strong. Come join us! We meet on the second and fourth Saturdays.

Girl Scout leaders and assistant leaders are Sis. Audrey Anderson, Deaconess Carolyn McCrimmon, Sis. Charity Petty, Sis. Betty Williamson, and Sis. Jamelle Williamson.

Girl Scouts Cookies Anyone?

Missionary Ministry Outreach Initiatives

• Donate toiletries to the Interactive Resource Center, Center of Hope and various Nursing Homes

• Collect/Donate food to the Urban Ministry

• February – Peanut Butter

• March – Oatmeal

• April – Canned Fruit

• May – Boxed Mac & Chees

• June – Apple Sauce

• July - Rice

• August – Canned Vegetables

• September – Canned Meat

• Serve Lunch at the Urban Ministry every 5th Saturday

• Supported the Pillowcase Dress – Lott Carey Foreign Missions Project

• Help wrap Christmas gifts at the Interactive Resource Center for children in need

• Support the District 4 and Group 2 of the Guilford County Missionary Association with quarterly outreach projects

• Helped feed homeless at the downtown City Park

• Thanksgiving Project – Provide Thanksgiving meals to families in need

• Christmas Project – Provide food and gifts to families in need

• Support other church’s Missionary Day and projects

• United next Missions Day is scheduled for January 2016!

United, thank you for your support of our Mission Projects and for helping to bring United’s Mission Vision into reality locally and all around the world.

5

Spirit of United Newsletter

With a mission to encourage today’s youth in spite of their circumstances or battles, SURF is the newly formed ministry at UIBC for tweens and young women. Their purpose is to expose young women to positive role models by sharing real life experiences. This group focuses on bible study, relationship building, peer bonding and personal growth. Study topics have included, but are not limited to, the seven deadly sins, gratitude, respecting one’s body and

relationships with our parents. SURF members have served our community by helping to feed the hungry. Members also enjoy girl experiencing various fun activities throughout Greensboro. This spirited group of young ladies meets every third Saturday.

SURF will hold its first Tween/Young Women’s Symposium on April 18 starting at 9:00 am at UIBC with refreshments being served at 8:30 am.

Young ladies will gain insight on ways to develop and mature in virtue. The theme for this event is “Power Up”.

The One Day Session of the Rowan Baptist Association of Christian Education was held Saturday March 21st at Union Chapel Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, NC.

The Workshop theme was “Preparing for Eternity as Children of Hope and Love”. The workshop focused on having insurance in place for your life both spiritually and physically, and it encouraged the end of life discussions such as: life insurance, Wills, location of important documents, arrangements for guardianship if young children are involved, electronic passwords, Advanced Directives, plan for the funeral, while you are physically able, with your loved ones. The workshop was presented by Minister

Delores McCollough.

The James F. Wertz Oratorical Contest followed the workshop. The Rowan Baptist Association’s Oratorical Contest is directed and coordinated by Deaconess Joyce Douglas. She was recognized for her efforts and dedication at the end of the Contest.

Congratulations to Larry McMillian, who placed second in the Juniors Division! Lil’ Larry as he is affectionately known, is the son of Bro. Larry and Sis. Val McMillian. Also representing United during the Contest were: Breona Hines, Devon Waterman, and Gabrielle Waterman. You all did United proud! Good Job!

Rowan Baptist Association & the James F. Wertz Youth Oratorical Contest

SISTERS UNITED inRIGHTEOUS FELLOWSHIPS.U.R.F.

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Spirit of United Newsletter

was recognized for scoring over 1100 points during her high school basketball career at Eastern Guilford High School on February 10, 2015 during Senior Night! Basketball Accomplishments:• 4 Yr Varsity Player • Made All-Area Girls Basketball Team (Sr yr) • Academic All-Conference Award (3 yrs) • MVP Award for the EGHS Holiday Tournament (2 yrs)• Team MVP Award (Sophomore Year)• Rookie of the Yr Award (Freshman Year) Academics / Character • National Society of HS Scholars Assoc. • Selected by Teachers to participant in the Guilford County HS Leadership Workshop• Nominee for the Congress of Future Medical Leaders • Beta Club • Student Ambassador Secretary • Counselor In Training for Greensboro Parks & Recreation and Church Summer Camp Programs Church Service • Charter Youth Choir Member • Junior Usher Board Ministry • Youth Ministry • SURF Ministry • Christian Center Stage Drama Ministry • Praise Team Member

Callie will be attending Tusculum College in Greeneville, TN in the Fall on a Basketball Scholarship. She is the daughter of Deacon Clinton and Deaconess Sarah Patterson.

Callie, we are proud of your accomplishments and how you overcame your athletic adversities. Keep up the great work unto the Glory of God!!!

Kaleb Nelson, the grandson of Sis. Shirley Harrison won an essay writing contest at his school Weston High School in Weston, CT. The essay subject was “Why Would You Want to Go to China”. The award recipient will travel to China for a two week study abroad experience this summer. Congratulations, Kaleb and Grandma!

daughter of Brother Dwayne James Sr. and Sis Keisha McNeil, and granddaughter of Sis. Linda McNeil, performed in the musical adaptation of “Legally Blonde” March 26 -28, 2015. The Musical was held at The Academy at Lincoln Middle. Good job!

daughter of Brother Anthony and Sis. Tanya Roberts, and granddaughter of Sis. Ernestine Roberts performed the lead role of “Tasha” in the Christmas Musical, “Miss Daina’s Christmas Adventure” held at the Carolina Theatre Dec. 19, 2014. The musical was produced by the students and Mrs. Natasha Vann, Owner/Instructor of The Freedom Center for the Creative Arts, formerly The Ordained Praise School of Dance.

Beautiful job showing what the true meaning of Christmas truly is. We are very proud of you!

United’s Aliyah Anderson and Kierah Anderson performed leading roles in the production “It a Hard Knock Life” a dance adaption of Annie. The production was held at the Harrison Auditorium March 7 - 8, 2015, on the campus of NCA&T State University. Both Aliyah and Kierah performed multiple roles. Aliyah performed: Ms Greer, one of the Boylan Sister, and a Show Girl. Kierah’s entrance was as the principle cast member Pepper, then further in the production as, a mansion staff and Show Girl. Wonderful performances!

“It’s a Hard Knock Life” was produced by the POINTE! Studio of Dance. Aliyah and Kierah are the daughters of Bro. Walter and Sis. Audrey Anderson.

Spotlight Moments About United’s People…

CalliePATTERSON

Aliyah & KierahANDERSON

KalebNelson

KallieJAMES

OliviaROBERTS

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Spirit of United Newsletter

UNITED IS GROWING! New Members since August 2014

Tai’yauneAdger

JanessaSmith

PamelaJohnson

LatoyaWright

Dannette L.Brown

AshleyVick

ChristopherDouglas

Caitlin A.Douglas

ChaseCaldwell

Rev. ChristopherDavis

JeffreyFrazier

NathanielSmith

Mary Holloway

CierraHolloway

Donald Morgan

Connell McLean, Jr.

DaphneMcLean

Tre’McLean

DestinyMcLean

Minister LaverneCarter

Not Shown: Zeba Khan, Tammy LeGette, Dominick Lincoln, Zania Miller, Zyquarius Morehead, Korey Randleman, Melissa Randleman, Jamilah Shepard, Deneen Streeter, Tatiana Terry, Chamara Williams

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Spirit of United Newsletter

The Spirit of United is a publication of United Institutional Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Johnny R. Freeman, Pastor, and is intended for its members’ use only.

336.272.0822802 East Market StreetGreensboro, NC 27401

[email protected] www.united-institutionalbc.org

Contributing Editors:

Sis. Monica GloverDeaconess Sarah Patterson

Sis. Tanya RobertsSis. Betty WilliamsonBro. Cephas Williams

UnitedINSTITUTIONALBaptist Church

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

Receive the Salvation of the Lord for You Cannot Save Yourself.

Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man it not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: For by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no

man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Jesus Provided SalvationRomans 5:8 But God commendeth His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Accept Jesus By Faith TodayActs 16:31 And they said,Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

We the family of United would like to extend to you an open invitation to join us in fellowship or become a part of our family.

We’re a body of Christ growing spiritually day by day,

“Expanding our ministry &Extending Ourselves.”

Join us Sunday Mornings for our • 7:27 am Worship Service,

• 9:30 am Sunday School • 11 am Worhip Services.

5th Sundays• Sunday School 8:30 am

• Unity Service at 10 am

GOD’SPlan of Salvation You’re Invited!