Vol. 30 No. 1
And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me,
Write: for these words are true and faithful. Revelation 21:5
MERRY
HAPPY
Jan/Feb 2008
CHRISTMAS
NEW
YEAR!
Prayer Concern: Pray for peace throughout the world.
~~FROM THE CHURCH CLERK~~
TO OUR SICK AND SHUT-INS: "May the angels light your
morning, and guide it through the night, may they comfort all
your sorrows, may they help you win the fight, may they keep
watch over your soul, and show you better ways. Remember
no matter what the storm when you are with God, there's
always a rainbow waiting." Pastor Cooper and your Mount
Horeb Church Family pray that the coming days bring you
restored health and happiness anew.
TO OUR VISITORS: "There's something in a simple hug that
always warms the heart; it welcomes you back home and
makes it easier to part. A hug is a way to share the joy and sad
times we go through, or just a way for friends to say they like
you because you're you. Its funny how a little hug makes
everyone feel good in every place and language. It's always
understood." Pastor Cooper and the Mount Horeb Baptist
Church Parishioners welcome all who have come to worship
and fellowship with us. We are working together for Christ in
Christian love and are happy to have you visiting with us.
Sister Joan Randolph
Church Clerk
JANUARY SUNDAY SCHOOL SUBJECTS
Sunday, January 6th - "Inspired to inquire"
Lesson Scripture - Luke 2:41-52
Sunday, January 13th - "Inspired to Love"
Lesson Scripture - Luke 6:27-36
Sunday, January 20th - "Inspired to Pray"
Lesson Scripture - Luke 11:5-13
Sunday, January 27th - "Inspired to Trust"
Lesson Scripture - Luke 12:22-34
FEBRUARY SUNDAY SCHOOL SUBJECTS
Sunday, February 3rd - "Called to Labor"
Lesson Scripture - Luke 10:1-12, 17-20
Sunday, February 10th - "Called to Repent"
Lesson Scripture - Luke 13:1-9
Sunday, February 17th - "Called to Be Humble"
Lesson Scripture - Luke 14:1, 7-14
Sunday, February 24th - "Called to Be a Disciple"
Lesson Scripture - Luke 14:25-33
Join Us for Sunday School...All Are Welcome!
Deacon James Paschall, Superintendent
AARP DRIVER SAFETY PROGRAM
This eight (8) hour course is for drivers age 50 or older who wish to
brush up on their defensive driving techniques as well as save
money.
Our new member, Brother Edmond Robbins, Jr., is a certified Driver
Safety Program Instructor and will be conducting classes at Mount
Horeb in April and September of 2008. For class dates and additional information, contact the church office.
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in
righteousness and true holiness.
Ephesians 4:24
Even in the most disappointing situations and times,
God can work to bring about good.
TIMELESS WISDOM
A N E W Y E A R I S A - D AW N I N G
A time to reflect on where we have been and
where we are going in life.
A time to set new goals; to release thoughts and
things that clutter up our lives.
A time to count our blessings and to thank God
for His guidance and grace.
A N E W Y E A R I S A - D AW N I N G
Sister Dorothy Dines Davenport
THE DEACONESS BOARD
Greetings Church Family. The Deaconess Board is in the
process of archiving artifacts pertaining to our legacy.
We were very proud of our own Deaconess Bettye
Hellams who served as the mistress of ceremony for the
Women’s Day Program.
Deaconess Pamela Moore and Deaconess Shari Campbell
participated in the Youth Lock-In on October 26. They
had a wonderful time. They were able to fellowship and
share the word of God with the children.
Deaconess Elizabeth Gallmon represented the Board at
the General Baptist Deaconess Association of
Washington, D.C. and Vicinity and its Auxiliaries -Annual Testimonial Banquet on October 27. She enjoyed
the Banquet and brought back useful information.
The Deaconess Board made a contribution to the
Washington Center for Aging.
Submitted by Deaconess Bettye B. Hellams
~~ UPDATE STAFF ~~
Consultory
Consultory Staff
Staff
Reporters
Reporters
Reverend D.U. Cooper
Deacon James Boseman
Sis. Deborah Anderson Deacon George L. Thomas
Sis. Mary Baldwin
Dr. Shari W. Campbell
Sis. Shirley Carter
Sis. Mary Gudger
Bro. Ronald Hawkins
Bro. Jabari Jefferson
Sis. Vivette Marr
Merry Christmas
Deacon James Paschall
Trustee Anne P. Prince a n d H a p p y N e w
Sis. Joan Randolph
Year to All!
Editor
Sis. Bernice P. Perkins
Editorial Staff
Staff
Sis. Estella Boseman
Sis. Barbara Cook
Sis. Dorothy Davenport
Sis. Stephanie Dunmore
Sis. Yvonne John
Sis. Mildred Gross
Sis. Carrie Webster
Production
Production Staffer
Staffer
The church calendar is available
in the Church Clerk’s Office.
“THE FUTURE BELONGS TO GOD”
“The secret things belong unto the
LORD our GOD: but those things
which are revealed belong unto us
and to our children for ever, that
we may do all the words of this
law.” Deuteronomy 29:29
By “secret things,” the writer
means “the future.” No one
has any foreknowledge of
what will happen in the New Year. We cannot predict
what will take place in our own life or in the lives of
loved ones, even tomorrow. But God has revealed the
laws of life and we are at liberty and able to live by
them.
“EDIT ORIAL”
In our Sunday School lessons last
quarter, we learned about Joseph
and his dreams. We know that
Joseph received his dreams from
God and that the dreams eventually came true. Maybe you have had
dreams, some of which came true.
Did you ever stop to think about
why some dreams came true and a
number of them did not? Were any of your dreams unrealistic? Did you seek guidance from the Holy Spirit as you
formulated a dream? Was there any form of advance
preparation or training required to facilitate accomplishment of your dream?
Whenever we set goals or dream dreams, we need to seek
guidance from the Holy Spirit first, and then look at what
skill sets, if any, are necessary before we set out to make
any dream come true. Many persons resort to complaining
about how "the system is working against me" and freOur first and foremost task in the New Year is to live in quently do not put forth sufficient effort. Some individuthe light of what God has revealed. We don’t know als see colleagues or friends who are succeeding in goal
enough to solve all the problems of the world, but we attainment and plot a course using an alternative route,
do know enough to be patient and kind within our fam- uninspired by the Holy Spirit. Is there any wonder why
ilies in dealing with people in everyday relations, start- such dreams do not come true?
ing now.
The key message behind making dreams come true lies in
To do today’s duty well, doing what we can where we knowing that we must follow our Guide. We know that, at
are and in terms of what we know, is always the best times, God is working on our behalf even when it does not
look like it. I'm convinced my great-grandparents, who
preparation for any unknown tomorrow.
were slaves, must have dreamed of freedom, if not for
To trust God for the unknown future is the surest way themselves, for their children. How else could they have
to live calmly today. To have present experiences of endured the torture, the humiliation and lack of respect for
God’s grace and guidance is the surest foundation for their personage? We still dream the dream of Dr. Martin
Luther King ~ one day we will be free! Would that be an
hope as we face the unknown future.
earthly or a heavenly dream? Christians must make a
My prayer is that Christ will have His proper place in choice, because one day, if not today, Jesus shall reign!
Sister Bernice Perry Perkins
this Christmas season.
Pastor Cooper
Editor
This means that any apprehension we feel in our
approach to the New Year, while it is understandable, is
futile and a waste of energy.
“2007 ANNUAL YOUTH LOCK-IN”
On Friday, October 26, Mount Horeb hosted its annual Youth Lock-In. The Lock-In was created by the Young Peoples Council
many years ago. I have been attending the Lock-In since I was five years old and this year I had the pleasure of serving as Master
of Ceremonies for the night.
The evening began with everyone fellowshipping together over dinner, then the youth split up into our sectors while the parents
had a discussion on internet safety hosted by the Youth Council Chairperson, Deacon Jonathan Beckett.
I took the liberty of asking people how they thought the Lock-In went and most of the kids said that it gets better each year. I
thought that the Lock-In went well and I had fun in my session, in which we talked about various people in the Bible and compared their lives and situations to today’s world. I personally enjoyed my conversation with Deacons Beckett, Moore and Thomas
about becoming a man and making wise choices. I think even though it was a rainy night, we still had a good outcome of people
and a good time.
Brother Jabari Jefferson, Youth Reporter
WOMAN OF THE YEAR 2007
First Lady, Willie B. Cooper is Mount
Horeb's 2007 Woman of the Year. Sister
Dorothy Hooker, 2006 Woman of the Year,
introduced Sister Cooper and read a summary of her accomplishments over the
years during the Women's Day Program on
Sunday, November 4, 2007.
Tributes were paid to Sister Cooper by
Sisters Barbara Cook, Nicole Dortch, Vivette Marr and Julia
Edwards.
Sister Cook speaking on behalf of the Department of Christian
Education stated that according to scripture, Jesus loved women
and they loved Him. They did whatever they had to do to get to
Him. We don't have their names but one thing we do know is that
they were bold, fierce women and once they had had an encounter
with Jesus they were never the same again. He healed their bodies,
blessed them and gave them a place. We have here today such a
woman who is spirit-filled -- Sister Willie Cooper. She wears many
hats but the hat that she wears best of all is "God's woman." Sister
Cooper is always available and plays a great game of basketball. We
love you and thanks so much from the bottom of our hearts.
Sister Dortch speaking on behalf of the Young People's Council
stated, “You are like another mother. On this day we pay special
tribute to someone we call mother. Someone we admire, honor,
cherish, love and respect. Someone we can depend on spiritually,
emotionally and mentally. Someone who can relieve you from all
your worries, stress and fears with just a simple hug or kind word.
Someone who will go the distance and walk the mile to ensure you
have everything in life. Someone whose wisdom and knowledge
help guide you through life.” Sister Dortch closed her tribute with
a poem entitled "Mothers Are a Special Gift Sent From God
Above."
Sister Edwards presented a plaque to Sister Cooper in memory of
the day's celebration. After presenting the plaque to Sister Cooper,
Sister Edwards stated, "We love you and you have done a lot to help
this church. You know you have an eagle's-eye because you don't
miss a thing. Congratulations and may God continue to bless you."
Sister Marr speaking on behalf of the Tuesday and Thursday Senior
Day Fellowship offered congratulations to Sister Cooper from all
seniors. She stated that the program offers many challenges including music, physical and mental exercise, quilting, short trips,
arts/crafts and indoor picnics. All of the seniors appreciate you. We
love you and may God bless you.”
After all the tributes, Sister Cooper said "Thank you and thank God
for giving me the strength to go forth."
Sister Clemmie Wilson, Resource Person
United Women of Mount Horeb
WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION 2007
On Sunday, November 4, 2007, the United
Women of Mount Horeb hosted the Annual
Women's Day Celebration. The theme for
Women's Day was: "Empowered to Serve with
God as our Leader" (Matthew 28:19-20).
Sister Roberta Littlejohn introduced our guest
speaker, Minister Ida Moss, Associate Minister of
Metropolitan Baptist Church. She is also
Metropolitan's Chief Financial Officer and has
been responsible for the financial accountability of the church since
1996. She is the President and CEO of B.U.I. Bookkeeping and
Accounting Services, Inc., an accounting firm in downtown D.C.
Minister Moss the Founder and President of Based in Love
Ministries, Inc., a para-church ministry that provides training and
support services to at-risk young adults leaving the foster care system.
Minister Moss delivered a soul-stirring message from II Samuel 21.
She spoke from her heart using the topic "AWoman God Can Use."
She asked, “How much of a problem do we have and are we willing to take up our cross?” She encouraged saints to take up their
cross and follow Jesus.
We were blessed with spirit-filled worship at all worship services on
Women's Day. The Women's Day Choir, directed by Sister Debra
Datcher and assisted by Sisters Linda Stroud and Blanche
Trueheart, ensured that our hearts would be blessed with sweet,
divine music. Instrumentalists were Sister Deanna Easley and
Brothers Duane Harris, David Powell, Thorman Jerry, Brian Moore
and Jordan Fleming. Sister Shirley Cook from Jerico House of
Praise was our special guest soloist. Our liturgical dance group,
consisting of Sisters Aniya Allen, Michaela Ferrell, Paige Warren,
Alexis Durham, Devanee Beckett, Tiffany Moore and Raichella
Chapman added a heavenly presence to the processional. The
Women's Day Choir was absolutely splendid with every song they
sang, assisted by pole percussionists: Sisters Kelly Berry, Joan
Harris and Clemmie Wilson.
Sister Paulette Scott was gracious in her introduction of the Mistress
of Ceremony, our very own Deaconess Bettye Hellams. Deaconess
Hellams reminded us that before doing anything we should always
pray. After she delivered a brief prayer, we were inspired by encouraging words as she conducted the program.
Sister Elizabeth Dortch read scripture taken from Matthew 28:1920. Sister Camille Fleming prayed. She thanked God for blessing
and keeping us and bringing us into a new day.
Trustee Anne Prince let everyone know in her welcome address that
our doors are always open. Minister Sherri Gales responded to the
welcome address.
And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s Sister Lois Ikard, Women’s Day Chairperson, thanks everyone,
house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the especially Sisters Mary Baldwin and Eliza Stevens and the Senior
Ushers for their contributions to the success of program.
tenth unto thee.
Genesis 28:22
Sister Clemmie Wilson, Resource Chair
You can give without loving, but you can’t love unless
United Women of Mount Horeb
you give.
Sister Anna Hartsfield, President , UWMH
Alexander Miles
Garrett A. Morgan
A very revealing story is told about a group of white people who were fed up with African Americans, so they joined
together and wished themselves away. They passed through a deep dark tunnel and emerged in sort of a twilight zone
where there is an America without Black people.
At first these white people breathed a sigh of relief. At last, they said, “No more crime, drugs, violence and welfare. All
of the Blacks have gone!” Then suddenly, reality set in. The "NEW AMERICA" is not America at all-only a barren land.
1. There are very few crops that have flourished because the nation was built on a slave-supported system.
2. There are no cities with tall skyscrapers because Alexander Miles, a Black man, invented the elevator, and without it,
one finds great difficulty reaching higher floors.
3. There are few, if any, cars because Richard Spikes, a Black man, invented the automatic gearshift. Joseph Gambol,
also Black, invented the Super Charge System for Internal Combustion Engines; and Garrett A. Morgan, a Black man,
invented the traffic signals.
4. Furthermore, one could not use the rapid transit system because its procurer was the electric trolley which was invented by another Black man, Albert R. Robinson.
5. Even if there were streets on which cars and a rapid transit system could operate, they were cluttered with paper
because an African American, Charles Brooks, invented the street sweeper.
6. There were few, if any, newspapers, magazines and books because John Love invented the pencil sharpener. William
Purveys invented the fountain pen; Lee Barrage invented the Type Writing Machine; W. A. Love invented the Advanced
Printing Press. They were all, you guessed it, Black.
7. Even if Americans could write their letters, articles and books, they would not have been transported by mail because
William Barry invented the Postmarking and Canceling Machine. William Purveys invented the Hand Stamp and Philip
Downing invented the Letter Drop.
8. The lawns were brown and wilted because Joseph Smith invented the Lawn Sprinkler and John Burr the Lawn Mower.
9. When they entered their homes, they found them to be poorly ventilated and poorly heated. You see, Frederick Jones
invented the Air Conditioner and Alice Parker the Heating Furnace. Their homes were also dim. But of course, Lewis
Lattimer invented the Electric Lamp; Michael Harvey invented the lantern; Granville T. Woods invented the Automatic
Cut-off Switch. Their homes were also filthy because Thomas W. Steward invented the Mop and Lloyd P. Ray the Dust
Pan.
10. Their children met them at the door barefooted, shabby, motley and unkempt. But what could one expect? Jan E.
Matzelinger invented the Shoe Lasting Machine; Walter Sammons invented the Comb; Sarah Boone invented the
Ironing Board; George T. Samon invented the Clothes Dryer.
11. Finally, they were resigned to at least have dinner amidst all of this turmoil. But here again, the food had spoiled
because another Black Man, John Standard invented the refrigerator.
Now, isn't that something? What would this country be like without the contributions of Blacks?
Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "By the time we leave for work, Americans have depended on the inventions from the
minds of Blacks." Black history includes more than just slavery, Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm
X, Marcus Garvey and W.E.B. Dubois.
RELIGION IN AFRICAN-AMERICAN HIST ORY
When the first Africans arrived on Jamestown's shores as
indentured servants in 1619, they brought with them their
own religious beliefs, as did the hundreds of African
slaves who followed. Only a few African newcomers
were Christians, while others practiced many different
religions. However, they generally shared the common
belief that the world had been created by a high god.
During slavery missionaries tried to convert AfricanAmericans to Christianity as early as 1701, but they failed
to do so. For one thing, slave owners weren't so willing to
allow slaves to use their time to attend church.
Additionally, slaves distrusted white missionaries and
resisted them. But between 1742 and 1770, Baptist and
Methodist churches were more successful in attracting
Black church members. Finally in 1773, AfricanAmericans organized the first independent Black congregation. The church, named Silver Bluff Baptist Church,
was located in South Carolina. The founders of Silver
Bluff were David George and seven other men and
women.
in the wide world to look to but God." These words fell
upon my heart with pondrous weight, and seemed to add
to my grief. I went back repeating as I went, "none but
God in the wide world." On reaching the farm, I found the
overseer was displeased at me for going without his liberty. He tied me with a rope, and gave me some stripes of
which I carried the marks for weeks. After this time, finding as my mother said, I had none in the world to look to
but God, I betook myself to prayer, and every lonely place
I found an altar. I mourned sore like a dove and chattered
forth my sorrow, moaning in the corners of the field, and
under the fences.
After the Civil War, church membership grew dramatically and in the south, Black clergy were very influential in
the Reconstruction governments. The Baptist church has
played a major role in the struggles and accomplishments
of Black people. For example, the education of Black
children, social movements, and civil rights are for not
only Black people, but for all people who are victims of
injustice. It seems that God, the church and its teachings
have always been a part of Black people's lives here in
America. Just as slaves did when they were persistently
mistreated, beaten, and separated from their families, we
today can do the very same thing - we can always call on
God.
"Let us examine our ways." Lamentations 3:40 NIV
When we feel alone, when we are in a dark place, when
we feel that the whole world is upon our shoulders,
remember what our forefathers and foremothers carried
in their hearts -- nobody in the wide world to look to but
God.
Sister Deborah T. Anderson, Reporter
EXAMINE YOUR WAYS!
Bishop E. Earl Jenkins
The following is an excerpt from "Six Women's Slave
Narratives" (Schomburg Library of Nineteenth Century
Black Women Writers) by William L. Andrews.
I was born in Maryland in the year 1766. My parents
were slaves. Both my father and mother were religious
people . . . In the eleventh year of my age, my master sent
me to another farm, several miles from my parents, brothers, and sisters, which was a great trouble to me. At last
I grew so lonely and sad I thought I should die, if I did not
see my mother. I asked the overseer if I might go, but
being positively denied, I concluded to go without his
knowledge. When I reached home my mother was away. I
set off and walked twenty miles before I found her. I staid
with her for several days, and we returned together. Next
day I was sent back to my new place, which renewed my
sorrow. At parting, my mother told me that I had "nobody
A guy rushed into a service station one day and asked the
manager if he had a pay phone. The manager nodded, "Sure,
over there." The guy inserted a couple of coins, dialed and
waited for an answer. Finally someone came on the line.
"Uh, sir," he said in a deep voice, "Could you use an honest,
hard-working young man?" The station manager couldn't
help overhearing the question. After a moment or two the
guy said, "Oh, you already have an honest, hard-working
young man? Well, okay. Thanks all the same." A broad smile
stretched across his face. He hung up the phone and started
back to his car, obviously elated. "Hey, just a minute," the
station manager said, "I couldn't help but hear your conversation. Why are you so happy? I thought the man said he
already had someone and didn't need you." The guy smiled.
"Well, you see, I am that honest, hard-working young man.
I was just checking up on myself!"
If you're serious about walking with God, examine yourself
regularly. Are you praying, reading God's Word and renewing your mind daily? How about your attitudes? Are they
slipping? Your attitudes send a signal before you've said a
word. They're like traffic lights. Sometimes they flash red,
which means - stop, don't get in my way, I'm too busy to
love, help, or care. Sometimes they flash yellow, which
means - I'm touchy and out-of-sorts, I could go either way.
Sometimes they flash green, which means - let's go, I'm with
you, you can count on me. The Bible says, "Let us examine
our ways...and...return to the Lord."
What needs to be examined regularly? "Our ways!"