EMANUEL EXPRESSNEWS

“2 Cor 5:17

17 Therefore if any

man be in Christ, he

is a new creature:

old things are passed

away; behold, all

things are become

new. KJV

In This Issue

First Things First 3

FJI AIM’s Banquet 4

District Conference 6

New York Trip 7

Mother Knows Best 8

May Events 11

“The Pursuit of Holiness” G reetings in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I

trust that you and your family are doing well and that God’s choice blessings are active in your lives.

Our ministry theme for the month of May is Holiness. Holiness is a general term used to indicate sanctity or separation from all that is sinful, impure, or morally imperfect; i.e., it is moral wholeness.

Holiness is not a denomination, but a lifestyle. Holiness is not a luxury for the few; but it is a necessity for all.

Holiness is commanded to us by God in Scripture. 1 Peter 1:16 reads “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. The mystery of this com-mand is that a Holy God is commanding people who have sinned and come short of the Glory of God to live holy. In spite of our sinful, weak and wicked nature, God is asking an unholy people by nature to live holy!

The reality is that the only way we can live a life of holiness is not by nature but by faith in Jesus Christ. Holiness is not the way to Christ, but Christ is the way to Holiness. In other words, Holiness only results from a right relation-ship with God by believing in Jesus Christ as Savior. If we have not placed our faith in God's Son alone to save us from our sins, then our pursuit of holi-ness is in vain. As we walk with Christ, we must daily set our lives apart from the world, not trying to "blend in" with the world, but instead living according to God's Word as we study His Word and grow in it. Continued on page 2

May 2015 is the Month of Holiness

3058 West Van Buren Ave Chicago, IL 60612 ▪ 773.722.8391 phone ▪ www.emanuelcogic.com

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T he late Anglican Bishop J. C. Ryle’s observations on holy living still apply to all believers living in a world hostile to Christianity: He wrote “A holy

man will follow after spiritual-mindedness. He will endeavor to set his affec-tions entirely on things above, and to hold things on earth with a very loose hand. He will not neglect the business of the life that now is; but the first place in his mind and thoughts will be given to the life to come. He will aim to live like one whose treasure is in heaven, and to pass through this world like a stranger and pilgrim travelling to his home.”

Pursuing the lifestyle of holiness may be challenging and unpopular, but ulti-mately rewarding. A young girl once consulted with her minister. “I cannot stick it out any longer. I am the only Christian in the factory where I work. I get nothing but taunts and sneers. It is more than I can stand. I am going to re-sign.” “Will you tell me,” asked the minister, “where lights are placed?” “What has that to do with it?” the young Christian asked him rather bluntly. “Never mind,” the minister replied. “Answer my question: ‘Where are lights placed?’ “I suppose in dark places,” she replied. “Yes, and that is why you have been put in that factory where there is such spiritual darkness and where there is no other Christian to shine for the Lord.” The young Christian realized for the first time the opportunity that was hers. She felt she could not fail God by allowing her light to go out. She went back to the factory with renewed determination to let her light shine in that dark corner. Before long, she was the means of lead-ing nine other girls to the Light.

Pursuing a life of Holiness is not about how you shout, but how you shine. It is not about shouting out scriptures and judgments, but about allowing the glorious light of Jesus Christ to shine in your life, which is ultimately more ef-fective. In His powerful book The Holiness of God, R. C. Sproul observes that unbelievers often feel uneasy in the presence of an obedient Christian. The holiness of God reflected in a believer’s life makes the non-Christian uncom-fortable. Sproul then shares this true incident to make his point.

“A well-known professional golfer was playing in a tournament with President Gerald Ford, fellow pro Jack Nicklaus, and Billy Graham. After the round was over one of the other pros on the tour asked, ‘Hey, what was it like playing with the President and Billy Graham?’ The pro said with disgust, ‘I don’t need Billy Graham stuffing religion down my throat!’ With that he headed for the practice tee. His friend followed, and after the golfer had pounded out his fury on a bucket of golf balls, he asked, ‘Was Billy a little rough on you out there?’ The pro sighed and said with embarrassment, ‘No, he didn’t even mention religion.’

“Sproul comments, ‘Astonishing, Billy Graham had said nothing about God, Jesus, or religion, yet the pro stomped away after the game accusing Billy of trying to ram religion down his throat.’ What had happened? Simply this: The evangelist had so reflected Christlikeness that his presence brought the same feeling to the pro as experienced by Isaiah. He knew he was ‘lost, a man of unclean lips, and living among a people of unclean lips.’ In the life of Billy Gra-ham, the golf pro had sensed the presence of our Holy God.” In essence, you don’t have to shout, but just let your light shine.

In closing, I encourage you to pursue a lifestyle of holiness. As our world con-tinues to grow darker and dimmer, God can certainly use believers to let their light so shine that men can see an expression of holiness and ultimately turn their lives to Christ.

Be Blessed

Pastor Richardson

Sunday,

May 24th

Join US fpr our Sunday Morning Worship

at 11:00 AM

The Pursuit of Holiness continued from page 1

On May 11th we will cele-brate Mother’s Day. As always we will celebrate one of the greatest Church Mothers in Christendom, Emanuel’s very own, Mother Ophelia Turner.

For more than 50 years Mother Turner has been a pillar of strength to the Emanuel Church and has always been a faithful and loyal member. As of to-day, Mother Turner is not able to attend services as she desires, but at 92 years young and counting, she seizes every opportu-nity to attend when her health allows.

During the Mothers Day service we will also cele-brate all of the mothers in attendance. Over the years our mothers have expended their wisdom and council to help us be-come the mature women that we are today. When we were younger we didn’t quite understand and con-sequently did not receive their sound advice, but as we matured we under-stood and became more and more appreciative of their wisdom. On page 6, there is an article entitled “Mother Knows Best” that lists the time tested advice that our mothers gave us in our youth, that we still apply to our lives today.

Picture taken after walking across the Brooklyn Bridge

A pril was a month of celebra-tion for me. It was my birth-

day month! I praise God for blessing me to see another year. He has kept me and I am most thankful. The Emanuel family has always celebrated my birthday with cake, ice cream and gifts, in which I have always been most appreciative and grateful. However, this year was a little different. After the Church sung “Happy Birthday” and I blew out the candles on my birthday cake, several ladies came forth and held up signs each con-taining one word. When the signs were put together the message read

“See You In New York.” My daughter, Danielle pulled together an all ex-pense paid four day sur-prise excursion to New York City accompanied by herself and several others ladies from the church. What a SURPRISE!! The trip was presented to me on my birthday, Sunday,

April 12th and we left for New York City Wednesday, April 15th. What a SURPRISE!!

When we arrived we didn’t waste time in our endeavor to explore the highlights and attractions of the Big Apple. We took a 6 hour sightsee-ing tour around the city, walked around Times Square, rode the sub-way, walked over the Brooklyn Bridge, went to dinner in Harlem, at-tended a Broadway Show, visited the top of the Empire State Building, cruised on the Staten Island Ferry, and visited the 9/11 Memorial. In every activity we participated in we learned so much about this world class city. Please look on page 7 to read more about what we learned during our New York excursion. What a wonderful time we had!! I’m still excited and ready for the next trip!!

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T he second annual Auxiliaries In Ministry (AIM) Awards Banquet took place on Thursday April 9th at the beautiful Heritage Banquet facility at 1551 West 95th Street in Chicago IL.

In the midst of an unfavorable weather forecast of heavy rain, hail and tornado warnings, God favored us to experience a wonderful eve-ning of fellowship, celebration, de-lectable dining and last but not least powerful worship.

Each of our six AIM auxiliaries, which includes the departments of Missions, Evangelism, Ushers, Sun-day School, Music and Youth, recognized and be-stowed honor upon some of the most faithful and fruitful workers within their respec-tive departments. Workers who have expended time, energy and resources to move ministry forward. The capacity crowd of almost 500 atten-

dees erupted in applause and jubilation as individuals came forward to receive their plaques. Incidentally, the re-cipients had no knowledge that they were selected. The element of surprise and in some cases shock fostered a most rewarding and memorable experience for the recipi-

ent and for all of us who c e l e b r a t e d t h e i r achievements. The meal was second to none. Pastor and First Lady Tyrone and Sa-brina Gaston proprietors of the Sabrina’s Soul Food Restaurant ca-tered a most delicious and satisfying meal. Several members of our youth department volunteered as waiters and waitresses and served the saints with honor and grace. The dining experience was defi-

nitely a five star experience. Not only did we dine naturally, but spiritually as well. We enjoyed musical selections from our Jurisdic-

tional Chorale Singers, Soloist Frederica Williams and last but not least a powerful, thought pro-voking and timely message from our keynote speaker Superinten-dent Edwin Walker.

AIM: Continued on Page 9

Pastor Rico Altiery

New Life Covenant Church in Chicago

T his year the D.A. Reed Sr. District has been doing some new

and exciting things during our Monthly District Fellowship meet-

ings. For our April fellowship, which incidentally was also on Sunday

April 12th, we held our first Men,

Women, and Youth Conference. For

the last few months we have all been

excited and thrilled for the inception

of this new project presented to our

District by our visionary leader, Su-

perintendent David Reed. The con-

ference provided separate sessions

for each group. The Men’s session

was conducted by special guest

Pastor Rico Altiery of New Life

Covenant Church in Chicago. The Women’s session was conducted

by Elder Lisa Ballard of Sunrise Full Gospel Baptist Church. The

youth were in the hands of our Jurisdictional Youth Department Chair-

lady, Missionary Laurie Reed. The youth were separated into two

sessions according to age with district youth workers facilitating. The

conference was simply fantastic. Men, women and youth were all

spiritually enriched and enlightened by the powerful information that

was imparted by our conference facilitators.

After the conference, the dis-

trict came together to cele-

brate my birthday with cake

and ice cream!! For me, April

12th was a day of spiritual en-

richment and definitely a day

of wonderful surprises!!

Men’s Speaker

District Youth Workers

Women’s Speaker

Elder Lisa Ballard

Sunrise Full Gospel

Baptist Church

GUEST SPEAKERS

MAY 18TH - MAY 22ND D. A. REED SR. ANNUAL DISTRICT MEETING

Theme: It’s Only Noise—Isaiah 31:1-5

@ Reed’s Temple Church of God in Christ 1300 N. Broad Street—Griffith, IN 46319

Superintendent David A. Reed

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Mark 7: 25 – 26

25 For a certain woman,

whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet:

26 The woman was a

Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.

E lder Lisa Ballard was the speaker during the D.A. Reed Sr District’s first workshop. The hearts of many women were touched as she encouraged everyone to seek God. In her scripture text, we

learn that a certain woman heard about Jesus and all the different miracles that He had performed. She came to Him, despite her nationality, because she knew what He could do for her. Below are nuggets from your message:

Be careful who you are listening to because some voices can distract you from hearing the voice of

God.

How can you expect victory talk from defeated people.

Who you are is not important. It’s what you do that’s important.

The Greek woman came to Jesus because she recognized the authority in His life and the things that

He had that would help her, without an ulterior motive. She recognized the ability in Jesus to help her.

If you seek God, He will whisper in your ear and tell you what to do.

How do you know this is the right spirit? God will never contradict himself. He will never tell you to do

something that will bring harm to somebody else. He will always align you up with his will and his

word.

Maybe we are in the shape we are in because we have been going after the wrong him.

Single ladies, everybody that is saved and sanctified is not necessarily for you. Women are stuck in

marriages because they did not seek God. You cannot recognize the ability in the man if you don’t go

to God first.

Develop a Relationship with God. Relationship will nudge you in the middle of the night when you are

trying to raise your children. Relationship allows you to see what God wants you to see. When you

seek God he doesn’t allow anything to creep up on you.

Are you listening to Him and are you listening for Him.

Pray that children will hear Gods voice over their own.

Seek God. You have to get in the face of God when your house is in trouble.

Learn to live in the overflow.

Can I find a galaxy of women who will worship God and fall at His feet.

Submitted by Msny. Crystal Willis

The trip to New York was fun and a learning experience. The things I did not know were that the subway was safe and the best way to travel in New York. We could go Uptown, or Downtown to get around the city. The city does not tear down old buildings they rehabilitate, or restore them. There was construction everywhere we went. One of the reasons was the pieces of the buildings

would fall on pedestrians and they would sue the city. The stores and res-taurants are open until 2:00 Am and some 24 hours. They also had different color street signs with each having a meaning. For example, brown signs meant old buildings, black meant new and green was residential. Marilyn Thomas

"The Sphere" The sculpture that stoop between the two Twin Towers as a symbol of world peace. On the inside of the sphere they found parts of the plane from the attack, some clothes and the Bible it was like a time capsule and was moved to Battery Park as a temporary memorial after 911. Marchelle Flowers On this trip to New York I truly admired the architecture of the buildings. I also admired the love and the pride that New Yorkers had for their city. Everyone from our tour guide to various passengers on the train expressed their love for the city or could be spotted wearing New York apparel. The city buzzed with excitement. It was interesting to

learn that New York is made up of 5 boroughs or smaller communities, a tactic designed to ensure that New York was larger than Chicago. Keeya Thomas The thing that I learned in New York was about how they preserve their build-ings and do not tear them down they just renovate them and how the color of their street names tell which areas are the most historic. I also found it inter-esting how their entire electricity and power lines are run underground. It was an amazing experience and a quite enjoyable one. I look forward to more trips

with the amazing women of Emanuel. Danielle Gipson On the tour we learned about the massive celebration that takes place on New Year’s Eve. It’s a New York tra-dition to watch the ball drop in Times Square. Due to the 9/11 attacks, security for this event is extremely high. As a result, once you’re in Times Square you cannot leave out. There are no port-a-potties and restaurant don’t allow the public to use their facilities so what’s the al-ternative? You guessed it, adult diapers! True Story!! Anastasia Richardson New York was so fascinating to me because it has been through so many different obstacles through out the years. Hurricane Sandy and the 911 tragedy are just to

name a few. The city is still living, building and moving forward making it one of the most historical places in the USA to visit. I had an amazing time and I would love to go back and visit again Cynthia Redditt

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Listed below is a list of time tested advice that our Mother's gave us in our youth, that we still apply to our lives today.

Don’t go out of the house looking any type of way, fix yourself up. Put a slip

on, your clothes will hang better on you. Make up your bed before you leave home and keep your house clean. - AR

My Mother always told me as a Young Lady that "Bought sense is the Best

Sense" Meaning when you pay for it then you will learn from it! I believe that truly from my heart. – CR

The advice that stands out from Mother is: Charity begins at Home and then

spreads abroad... And a wise woman tends to her household and is NEVER a busy body in other peoples business! - VW

The advice that was given to me by my mother would be to never let people

have enough control over you to where it can control your emotions. Grandma said always treat yourself every pay day, even if its only a blouse or eyeliner.– TL

My Mom always had us eat a hot breakfast everyday to start the day. She also made us prepare our clothes the night before that meant having them ironed. I continued doing that today and it saves a lot of time. We all had to learn, say and sing the Lord's Prayer in the morning and at night.—MT

The best advice my mother gave me was to "never give up hope." I cur-rently apply it to my life everyday and it has helped me to reprioritize my life and focus on what's important and adds value to my life. She is also very encouraging and inspires me to live my best life.– RM

For me, it was more than advice. It was the examples my mother instilled in me that I currently use today. Through her walk in life, she taught me how to be a lady who would be well-rounded in every area of my life and how to take pride in all that I do. Cooking, sewing, crocheting, playing the piano, party planning, are just a few things that were passed down from this amaz-ing lady! Thank You Mom, I miss you ~ YH Everything comes up, should not come out. In other words close your mouth! - PK

Always wear under clothes including a slip. Don't lie because If you lie

you'll steal. If you steal, you'll kill. Don't go into anyone else's purse, give it to them and they'll give you what they want you to have! Don't go out with holes in your underwear. Don't go out with dirty underwear on and don't wear wrinkled clothes. Respect yourself and others will respect you too! - AJ

AIM: continued from page 4:

Superintendent Walker spoke from the subject “Celebrate the Call”. It was a message of encouragement to every worker in the room. Regardless of your role or position in ministry it is incumbent upon us to celebrate the calling that God has on our life. We celebrate our call by exercising our call. We celebrate our calling by being faithful, loyal and effective in what we have been called to do. Superin-tendent Walker was simply phenomenal. The saints push back from their plates, raised out of their chairs and stood to their feet in agreement to this powerful message and gave praise to our Lord and Saviour who saw fit to choose us, when he could have chosen anyone else. But He chose us, so we celebrate the call! On behalf of our Jurisdictional Prelate, Bishop Ocie Booker and Jurisdictional Supervisor of Women, Mother Shirley Hughes and the entire AIM family, I wish to personally thank you for your support in this worthwhile endeavor. If you were one of those in attendance, I trust that you walked away encouraged, inspired and empowered to take ministry further. View our First Jurisdiction website (www.fjicogic.org) for more pictures.

Pastor Michael Richardson, AIM Chairman

First Jurisdiction IL

Continued from page 8

That’s hard. My mother gave me a lot of good advice. The best advice would probably be “Pray about it!” Her answer for every problem and situation was to pray. I didn’t like the answer when I was young but have grown to appreciate the sound wisdom. CW

The best advice my mother ever gave me was to be myself. My mom is good at reminding me that being different isn't a bad thing and she encourages and supports my dreams. My mom is very intel-ligent and she inspires me to pursue my education in school and my relationship with God. – MM

I learned from my mother that you don’t have to spend a ton of money to look nice. A lady can com-bine an expensive piece with a bargain find and look amazing. Mix & Match but always look pre-sentable. KT

Never go out with a man unless you have your own money you never know what might happen and at least you will have bus fare to get home. AL

Girlfriends will save your life. Not all friends are awful, so when you find a loyal and true friend hold on to them. Do your best to show that same love in return. They will be by your side through the thick and thin and will be your pray partner for life - MF

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C alling all 2015 graduates!!!

Please submit your photo

and future plans to a member of

the newsletter staff to be added to

the June edition. You can also

email this information to kee-

tho@yahoo.com or mike-

stay@ameritech.net.

Are you in need of a job? Do

you need help creating a re-

sume? Don’t know where to

turn?

Sister Antoinitta Tamika Hall

is willing, ready and prepared

to HELP anyone in need.

Available jobs will be posted in

the vestibule.

By: Deborah Ann Belka Copyright 2013

Thank You, my Father, for guiding me today

for being there with me along my path and way.

You showed me true love, grace and mercy too

in the walk I took to become closer to You.

Great is your kindness, so tender and sweet leading and guiding

these clay laden feet.

Stumble they do, often they slip

but You always keep me in Your loving grip.

Thank You, my Father, for being with me today

on the road to holiness I traveled with You leading the way!

Isaiah 35:8 King James Version

“And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it;

but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.”

May 18th – May 22nd FJI ANNUAL DISTRICT MEETINGS (2OF3)

MONDAY, MAY 18TH

D. A REED SR. DISTRICT ANNUAL DISTRICT MUSICAL Reed’s Temple Church of God in Christ

1300 North Broad – Griffith, IN Supt. David Reed, Host

MAY 18TH – MAY 22ND

D. A. REED. Sr. ANNUAL DISTRICT MEETING D. A Reed Sr. District Annual District Musical

Reed’s Temple Church of God in Christ 1300 North Broad – Griffith, IN

Supt. David Reed, Host

SUNDAY, MAY 24TH PENTECOST SUNDAY

MONDAY, MAY 25TH

MEMORIAL DAY

MAY 25TH – MAY 29TH INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S CONVENTION

MINNEAPOLIS, MN

1st – Sis. Dorris Jordan (Mother) 2nd – Sis. Marilyn E. Thomas 12th - Anisah Kristen Matheny

17th - Melinique Johnson 18th – Sis. Turia Neal

22nd - Deacon Anthony Redditt 24th - Alfonz McGowan

28th – Msny. Alayna M. Johnson

28th – Sis. Charlene Wyatt

20th - Bro. Holland & Sis. Turia Neal 27th - Sis. Dewanda & James Holston

SATURDAY, MAY 2ND – 11:00 AM FJI WOMEN’S DEPARTMENT

ANNUAL WOMAN OF THE YEAR CELEBRATION Honoring Cheryl Giscombe

Oak Lawn Hilton 9333 S. Cicero – Oak Lawn, IL

Donation $35.00

SUNDAY, MAY 3RD – 9:00 AM EMANUEL’S 1ST SUNDAY CORPORATE PRAYER

SUNDAY, MAY 3RD – 4:00 PM PASTOR RUDY ODURO-KWARTEN

PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY Grace & Truth Ministries

14226 S. Grant – Dolton, IL (We will be attending)

SUNDAY, MAY 10TH

MOTHER’S DAY Special Blessing to Mo. Turner

MONDAY, MAY 11TH – 7:30 PM

STATE FELLOWSHIP FIRST LADIES NIGHT Outreach Church of God in Christ 200 West 147th Street – Harvey, IL

Supt. James Sims, Host

MAY 13TH – MAY 15TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE MEN PERFECTING MEN

Greensboro, NC

MAY 15TH – MAY 16TH FJI MEN’S RETREAT GOLF OUTING

Place – TBA

SATURDAY, MAY 16TH - 9:00 AM FIRST JURISDICTION ILLINOIS

MISSION'S DEPARTMENT PRAYER BREAKFAST

@ St. Paul Church of God in Christ 4526 South Wabash Ave.—Chicago, IL

Donation $20.00

SATURDAY, MAY 16TH - 12:00 NOON FJI MINISTERS WIVES ALLIANCE

Place – TBA

Pastor Michael A. Richardson

Emanuel COGIC

3058 W. Van Buren Ave

Chicago, IL 60612

Visit us at www.emanuelcogic.com!!!