Today is the last leg of the journey and we are determined to get out and check a few more things off our list.
I worked out (by the way they have a fabulous health club, beats the YMCA any day) while Sista lounged around just taken it easy. Watched a few episodes of a show based in Vegas (homework for somebody) never caught the name but really good. Pastor Willis made reservations for 1pm at Sweet Georgia. We were schedule to go on Sunday for brunch but when we call they could not accommodate a larger party (my family plus a few staff members who wanted to hang.) Well, I quickly realized why the atmosphere and the food were superb (soul food with white table cloth). Had a great time fellowshipping and talking about the Lord and His Church.
Next on the agenda was site seeing (first clear day since we arrived in the capital). We had Pastor drop us off and we started walking and walking and walking and walking and walking and walking (You get the point?) Site we visited...
Lincoln Memorial
Actual spot where Dr. King gave "I have a dream" speech
Reflection pool
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Constitution Gardens
Washington Monument
White House
As the sun began to set the temperature changes fast so we caught the train or subway (not sure what the call it) and headed to hotel. I 'm writing this sitting in mall, waiting on the first lady to finally stop (ya'll aint no way she is going to get this stuff in these bags...that's a whole other story.) Ya'll would be proud of me I'm just sitting here drinking my Starbucks (did I mention we need one of these in phase two.)
I'm ready for hot shower and room service...
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday Family Reunion
After a very, very, very relaxing night, we were awakening with a knock on the day with breakfast. The driver call came about an hour and a half later. What has been an eye-opening for me during the last few weeks is that not only do they do church much different but their attention to detail is unbelievable [we’ll talk more about it later.] The driver immediately took my bags, opened doors and what impressed me the most after greeting me never said another word for 25-35 mile while I reviewed my manuscript.
We arrived to the church; of course Vision Community Church has grown from just a dream to a little less than a 100 members. They rent a local High School in Stafford, Va for their Sunday experience and a local Christian school for weekly services. What is exciting is that most of the members that I greeted were individuals that had no previous church. Rev. Willis and the Vision Church are really growing a church with people who are introduced to Jesus Christ by their membership. Wonderful praise team, they use track music with a live drummer and bass player [surprising you couldn’t tell]. They escorted me straight to the stage and I was given 40 minutes. Not sure how I did with time but the Lord blessed us and from their comments they were blessed by the Word.
I’ve spent time this week with new friends Pastor Anthony Maclin and Pastor Vaughn McLaughlin. Old friends Rev. Michael Woodberry and Pastor Ron Willis but what has made this trip has been getting a chance to visit with family. I told you about my aunt Bettie yesterday, Sunday morning my Uncle Elder James Booker, Aunt Cathy Booker, cousin James Jr (JJ) his wife Carmen, cousin Jason (I told you guys it was a family reunion). We talked and laughed, it was a great time. They drove in two hours to be with us and it was a very, very special time.
We arrived to the church; of course Vision Community Church has grown from just a dream to a little less than a 100 members. They rent a local High School in Stafford, Va for their Sunday experience and a local Christian school for weekly services. What is exciting is that most of the members that I greeted were individuals that had no previous church. Rev. Willis and the Vision Church are really growing a church with people who are introduced to Jesus Christ by their membership. Wonderful praise team, they use track music with a live drummer and bass player [surprising you couldn’t tell]. They escorted me straight to the stage and I was given 40 minutes. Not sure how I did with time but the Lord blessed us and from their comments they were blessed by the Word.
I’ve spent time this week with new friends Pastor Anthony Maclin and Pastor Vaughn McLaughlin. Old friends Rev. Michael Woodberry and Pastor Ron Willis but what has made this trip has been getting a chance to visit with family. I told you about my aunt Bettie yesterday, Sunday morning my Uncle Elder James Booker, Aunt Cathy Booker, cousin James Jr (JJ) his wife Carmen, cousin Jason (I told you guys it was a family reunion). We talked and laughed, it was a great time. They drove in two hours to be with us and it was a very, very special time.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Headed To Stafford, Virginia from DC
Visited the Vision Community Church for the first time this morning as Janice and I was asked to share with the women and leadership team on vision. Nothing in ministry excites me more than sharing with leaders. When you impact leadership you impact generations. This church is only an year old, meeting Sundays at a High School and rented space during the week. Vision is a small church with huge vision. Pastured by one of my good friends Rev. Ron Willis. God truly has great things in store for this people. We will be honor to meet the entire church family in morning during their 10am experience.
After the leadership session we took the small window of opportunity to do some site seeing (it has literally been raining since we arrived). First stop Arlington Cemetery and you probably guessed it the moment we arrived it started raining but we were determined to do this. Was able to visit President John F. Kennedy's and Supreme Court Judge Thurgood Marshall's grave sites. Rain got the best of that outing, so we wrapped it up early.
Next stop was suit shop (yea..................can you tell I've been waiting on that?) Simply incredible collection I won't tell you who's fault that was (give you a guess his 1st name starts with David and last name starts with Young). After literally having to be dragged out and threatened. I went kicking and screaming to our next stop.
With appetite in-tow we then ended the day visiting family. My Aunt Bettie is a Washingtonian, a beautiful women who has defied age and mother nature and I'm her favorite (don't tell my brothers) and she's very special too me. We all had those relatives who we looked up to and admired and she was one of them. We could smell the food as we walked up to the door (she lives in the big city but is still country...you know you have to feed kin-folk). My cousin can simply throw down, great meal and great conversation. Before we knew it time has gotten away and said our good-byes and headed to hotel.
Getting ready to lay it down. Big day tomorrow and need to be rested. Will check in tomorrow.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Just Too Much But I Like It Like That
You every been hungry and went to a buffet looked at all the food and then lost your appetite. That has been how these last few days have been.
Check this out:
The Ritz is connect the mall in picture (we spent the great part of the day and didn't make it through)
There is a food court with every thing from McDonald's to Starbucks (yes, I'm hooked...think that Bethel Community needs one)
There are so many major site that I want to visit while here Arlington cemetery, the Washington monument, and the White House (before "CHANGE" changes it to the people' house)
Washington DC has been added to my top 10 places that make you proud to be an Africa America. The brothers and sisters are owners, lenders and the power brokers here.
I've met with some of the nation's most influential visionary for the kingdom of God. Can't explain it just Favor and it ain't fair. Will tell you more about this later today.
I haven't been yet but I've been told that there is suit stores here that will cause me to loose my mine...looking to that. (Again you have to know me. Sick! Pray for a brotha.)
Later today I will share more. Have a great day. Blessings on you!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Headed To Our Nation's Capital
(@12Noon) Tuesday, September 23rd I woke up in Newark, New Jersey, went to bed in Oklahoma City and headed to Washington, DC today – what an incredible journey the last few days have been. My travel arrangements were made as a sort of surprise and what a surprise it was (too many to mention here). One in particular was as we received our boarding passes we quickly realized that we’re booked for first-class.
Let me quickly say that there is a definite difference between coach and first-class. Just a couple obvious differences: [1] You are allowed one free checked bag in coach you pay $15; [2] You are give the option of priority boarding; [3] Before the other passengers are asked to board the flight attendant has offered to hang your coat, get you a drink, magazine, pillow and blanket, [4] Oh, yea there is one attendant for first class which is about 10 seats and one attendant for the other 35-45 seats – so you can imagine the attention to detail, [5] In coach you have to buy snacks but first class your are given an option of several free snacks, [6] and my favorite in coach they serve your drink in a plastic cup but in first class your drink is served in a glass (you have to know me to understand that craziness).
As I sat back for a good read 30,000 feet in the air the Holy Spirit began to talk with me about what God offers us. In John 10: 10 Jesus says “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (NIV) I hope you don’t mind me sharing this conversation…First-Class is what Jesus offers and He desires us to have a first-class relationship with Him. You can fly through life on coach but what Jesus offers is first-class. Now before you get too excited about that let me say quickly say that to fly in first-class cost more. Some people just aren’t willing to pay the price to ride first-class. Jesus wants to have a first-class relationship with you…are you willing to pay the price. Before you answer the amenities are worth it the sacrifice.
(@7pm) We finally made it, it was a much easier ride in first-class but my frequent flier miles are catching up with this body of mine. Our driver didn’t make it any better I had to look twice because I thought he may have been a stock-car driver the way he was driving…like he was late for something. We arrive at the hotel (the famous Ritz-Carlton). The service is fabulous and the amenities are fantastic. Tonight we are scheduled to go to dinner in Union City.
(@9) We just finished an outstanding meal a B.Smith’s (that probably means as much to you as it did to me at first.) Matter fact as Janice and I was enjoying our meal this couple comes in and began to make their way around to all the table speaking…so I determined that they must be the owners as they made their way to our table. After a wonderful meal (by the way we had fried BQ chicken, potato salad, collard greens and cornbread. For desert Janice had cheese cake and I opted for strawberry short cake. We shared the meal so I thought I would go for the desert menu. I’m being good. I promise!) On our way out the restaurant there was several picture and then more and more as you walk through to the other side of the restaurant. Then we discovered that this very attractive lady was someone very special. So let me explain who this outstanding black woman is B. Smith is a former fashion model turned restaurateur, television host, author, entrepreneur and entertainer extraordinaire and is widely regarded as an expert when it comes to casual but elegant living thus her national syndicated television show B. Smith with style.
Here’s my B. Smith story I had decided to chronicle the trip on the blog so thought I would get a picture with my phone to attach to blog. So, I’m trying my best to take a picture of a picture and I hear someone say “You can do better than that.” You guessed it B. Smith and her husband Dan was standing behind me. Very pleasant couple Dan offered to take a picture with my phone – I had a better idea Janice just happened to have our camera in her bag. She posed for a picture and we share pleasantries and they headed into the station. I will post those pics ASAP.
Miss you guys see you soon! Pastor G
Let me quickly say that there is a definite difference between coach and first-class. Just a couple obvious differences: [1] You are allowed one free checked bag in coach you pay $15; [2] You are give the option of priority boarding; [3] Before the other passengers are asked to board the flight attendant has offered to hang your coat, get you a drink, magazine, pillow and blanket, [4] Oh, yea there is one attendant for first class which is about 10 seats and one attendant for the other 35-45 seats – so you can imagine the attention to detail, [5] In coach you have to buy snacks but first class your are given an option of several free snacks, [6] and my favorite in coach they serve your drink in a plastic cup but in first class your drink is served in a glass (you have to know me to understand that craziness).
As I sat back for a good read 30,000 feet in the air the Holy Spirit began to talk with me about what God offers us. In John 10: 10 Jesus says “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (NIV) I hope you don’t mind me sharing this conversation…First-Class is what Jesus offers and He desires us to have a first-class relationship with Him. You can fly through life on coach but what Jesus offers is first-class. Now before you get too excited about that let me say quickly say that to fly in first-class cost more. Some people just aren’t willing to pay the price to ride first-class. Jesus wants to have a first-class relationship with you…are you willing to pay the price. Before you answer the amenities are worth it the sacrifice.
(@7pm) We finally made it, it was a much easier ride in first-class but my frequent flier miles are catching up with this body of mine. Our driver didn’t make it any better I had to look twice because I thought he may have been a stock-car driver the way he was driving…like he was late for something. We arrive at the hotel (the famous Ritz-Carlton). The service is fabulous and the amenities are fantastic. Tonight we are scheduled to go to dinner in Union City.
(@9) We just finished an outstanding meal a B.Smith’s (that probably means as much to you as it did to me at first.) Matter fact as Janice and I was enjoying our meal this couple comes in and began to make their way around to all the table speaking…so I determined that they must be the owners as they made their way to our table. After a wonderful meal (by the way we had fried BQ chicken, potato salad, collard greens and cornbread. For desert Janice had cheese cake and I opted for strawberry short cake. We shared the meal so I thought I would go for the desert menu. I’m being good. I promise!) On our way out the restaurant there was several picture and then more and more as you walk through to the other side of the restaurant. Then we discovered that this very attractive lady was someone very special. So let me explain who this outstanding black woman is B. Smith is a former fashion model turned restaurateur, television host, author, entrepreneur and entertainer extraordinaire and is widely regarded as an expert when it comes to casual but elegant living thus her national syndicated television show B. Smith with style.
Here’s my B. Smith story I had decided to chronicle the trip on the blog so thought I would get a picture with my phone to attach to blog. So, I’m trying my best to take a picture of a picture and I hear someone say “You can do better than that.” You guessed it B. Smith and her husband Dan was standing behind me. Very pleasant couple Dan offered to take a picture with my phone – I had a better idea Janice just happened to have our camera in her bag. She posed for a picture and we share pleasantries and they headed into the station. I will post those pics ASAP.
Miss you guys see you soon! Pastor G
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Ministering in Newark, New Jersey
Today, I'm sharing with the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark with my brother Rev Joe Carter. The New Hope family is celebrating the church's 105th anniversary. With businesses, financial institutions and corporations folding and closing there is a blessed assurance that God church has and will survive.
I was honored to minister in two of his three services. Carter's church is in the heart of Newark doing some amazing and innovative stuff (inner-city school, VA volunteer program, job placement). Joe is a fantastic preacher but this weekend he impressed me most with his pastoral expertise. His church didn't happen by accident but on purpose.
I've had the pleasure to preach, teach and visit several major ministries across the country and few churches have the gift of hospitality like New Hope. I was just blown away by the thoughtfulness and the personal care they took to make my stay enjoyable. (Standing Ovation!!!)
I was honored to minister in two of his three services. Carter's church is in the heart of Newark doing some amazing and innovative stuff (inner-city school, VA volunteer program, job placement). Joe is a fantastic preacher but this weekend he impressed me most with his pastoral expertise. His church didn't happen by accident but on purpose.
I've had the pleasure to preach, teach and visit several major ministries across the country and few churches have the gift of hospitality like New Hope. I was just blown away by the thoughtfulness and the personal care they took to make my stay enjoyable. (Standing Ovation!!!)
It almost sometimes surreal to be around people you've grown up with there's always that moment with me that I realize that we're talking about things that happened 20-25 years ago. Another strange thing is being around people who really, really, really good. The strange thing is that it feels like home. So many time people think they know you or they know the person every says you are...it just cool to hang out with people who know you and you know them.
Its taken me two days to post this...so at this point of the post its Monday and I'm sitting at the airport in Newark getting ready to head home. Ready to get home to see the family. Getting ready to board my plane check back going to be a long journey.
Its taken me two days to post this...so at this point of the post its Monday and I'm sitting at the airport in Newark getting ready to head home. Ready to get home to see the family. Getting ready to board my plane check back going to be a long journey.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Headed to National Baptist Convention
After a very long but rewarding weekend, I'm headed to Cincinnati Ohio. I seen more airport this year than I would like to admit.
Yesterday , we begun a new sermon series called "The Heart of Worship!" As we continue to grow and mature as a congregation this is vital. Worship is uniquely tied to our understanding and relationship with God. We have recently committed as a worship team to shape and craft our into an experience. Jesus said that "they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth." Our goal is that the people who gather at 23rd and Jordan will be impacted by experiencing God through worship.
Sunday's outline...
Awesome God
Psalm 139: 1-18
1. We ought to worship God because He is omniscient vs. 1-6
2. We ought to worship God because He is omnipresent vs. 7-12
3. We ought to worship God because He is omnipotence vs. 13-18
I just received some very exciting news: the framing for our new church should be finished this week. Our congregation has so much to be thankful for...the spiritual growth, the numerical growth and physical growth. I am filled with excitement for the future possibilities they sre unlimited in God through Jesus Christ.
Can't wait to see what God wil do next!
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