Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 1 . January, 2017
New Ebenezer Baptist Church
The Way
Established
1910
1236 Gregg Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Ph. 803-256-3984
Fax 256-3506
Email: [email protected]
Website: www. nebc-sc.org
By the grace and goodness of God we
have been granted another year to
offer ourselves in useful service to
Him as citizens of the Kingdom of
God and of this world. I pray that we
recognize and realize what an awesome privilege this is for the church to
help shape the minds and hearts of
people in every walk of life we encounter them. Being a Christian is
more than just going to church, praying and reading scripture, it is witnessing to the unsaved about the relationship with Jesus Christ. To that
end we need to make this a priority.
We have chosen for our theme this
year "Being bigger and bolder in
Service and Sacrifice". I have undergirded this theme with the story of
Gideon found in Judges chapter 6 and
7. What I have rediscovered about
Gideon is equally true about believers
today, and that is, the failure to walk
by faith under difficult, disturbing
and disheartening circumstances. In
the same way that Gideon allowed
fear, frustration and his low feeling
about himself rob him of his unknown
potential too many believers are
equally guilty. But God kept speaking
to him words of empowerment, and
according to the Bible, Gideon finally
developed the confidence and the
courage to fulfill God's mission. In
other words he stepped out on faith
and faced his adversaries.
The Pastor’s Perspective
by
Reverend Dr. Michael Ross
adversary like the
Midianites Gideon
faced but it
is a major challenge that we must
eliminate. Ebenezer is a small congregation similar to the size of the soldiers Gideon commanded. But God
gave them victory over a much larger
size opposing forces. As your pastor I
believe we can erase and eliminate
this debt if we are bold in our faith.
God needed Gideon to totally trust
Him and God needs you and I to do
the same today. I hope that you will
join me in trusting God to provide
what is needed through us.
We have a debt that we face. It is an
Being bigger and bolder in Service and Sacrifice.
Life changing words.
1
Schedule of Services

Sunday School
8:45-9:45am

Sunday Worship Service
10:00am
Bible Study

Monday: 6:00pm

Tuesday: 12:00 noon

Wednesday: 6:00pm
Leadership
Pastor, Dr. Michael Ross
&
Associates Ministers

Rev. Faye Daniels

Rev. Robert Green

Rev. Terena Johnson

Rev. Willistine Lagree

Rev. Bettye Pryor-Morris

Rev. Willie Wilson

Deacons & Trustees
NOW IS THE TIME! LET US RENEW OUR COMMITMENT TO THE LORD...
All praise and honor belongs to God for who He is and for the great things He has done. As we embark upon
this new year of 2017, let us all take an inward or introspective look within ourselves; a true “self examination” of
our relationship with the Lord and our commitment to the church.
We all have expectations of God, but have we considered what God’s expectations are of us. Romans 12: 1-2
states “I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,
holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world; but be ye
transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect
will of God.”
These scriptures depicts the act of true worship in which we as Christians ought display. Ask yourself, “Does
God find what I do acceptable?” Do you worship God despite your circumstances? True service and devotion to
God involves replacing our will with His. This is the “living sacrifice”.
NOW IS THE TIME!! Let’s renew our commitment to the Lord and dedicate our support and service to the
church.
Pastor Ross has begun this year with a powerful preaching series from the book of Judges inspiring us to Totally Trust God’s Word, to Totally Trust God’s Way, and to Totally Trust God’s Wisdom.
If we as a church body gather on one accord and walk in God’s Word, His Way, and His Wisdom, we all will be
able to proclaim, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which
God hath prepared for them that love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). AMEN!!
Many Blessings,
First Lady Ross
Our Mission Statement
We the members of New Ebenezer Baptist Church shall will seek to reach the unsaved and the unchurched
through Evangelism and shall endeavor to minister to the spiritual , physical and social need of humankind as
we seek to fulfil the “Great Commission”.
Our Vision
Our desire is to accomplish great and noble things for God in accordance with the Word and Will of God.
The answers are in there; Seek and ye shall find.
2
Understanding Grief and Loss
ones faith. There can be a host of different feelings as it
relate to a loss this list are only a few signs. Grief can be
expressed in different ways and many factors such as personality, coping skills, religion and culture to name a few
will determine how one deal with a loss that cause unwanted change. Everyone and with each loss will express
grief in their own way. When someone experience feeling
of grief it is ok to acknowledge your feeling. It is important to have a support system in place to listen and
most of all be kind to yourself about what you are feeling.
By
Nadine Pouncy
In my years of working as a LMSW (License Masters Social Worker) I have dealt with numerous individuals from
different races, ethnicities and social economic backgrounds that have experience numerous forms of loss that
resulted into feelings of grief.
Roman 8:28 state, “And we know that all things work
together for the good of them that love God, to them who
are called according to his purpose.”
When we hear the word grief we associate it with death
and the loss of a loved one. But grief Is much more than a
feeling of loss. One definition of grief is the conflicting
feeling caused by the end of or change in a familiar pattern of behavior. This allow us to look at grief beyond just
death and dying. In doing so we can be in a better position to recognize when people are grieving a loss.
God can use our grief in time to reach out and help other
people who are dealing with a loss in their life if we just
remember that God does not allow any experience in our
lives to not bring glory to him if we trust him.
Grief can be experience in the loss of a love one, job and
loss of a relationship. With all these types of losses an individual have to adapt to new and unwanted change.
Change in itself can bring about conflicting feeling of
emotions.
THE GRIEF CYCLE
In losing a job not only can you grief the loss of income,
the loss of the day to day routine going to work and feeling productive, but also the loss of relationships with
coworkers. In the case of a job promotion or new job in
which someone has to adapt to change of day to day interaction with old coworkers can cause the same feeling of
grief related to the loss of familiar patterns of behavior.
In the end of a relationship or the loss of a loved one you
grieve the person’s love, support and the familiarity of
their physical presence. In the death of a love one who
was in pain and suffering you grief the loss of the person
and yet you feel a sense of relief to know they are no longer suffering may result in conflicting emotions of sadness
and relief.
Numerous biblical characters experience grief and loss.
Even our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in his humanity
experienced grief (Lazarus death). At the death of a
friend Jesus wept. Jesus at the Garden of Gethsemane
experienced grief and conflicting emotions as he prepared to go to the cross.
No matter who you are most individuals will experience
some type of grief and loss in a lifetime. Grief can result
from the loss of a friendship, divorce, death, job, separation, home, environment, addictions, etc. Anything that
causes change (wanted or unwanted) of a familiar of pattern in your life you may experience grief. Can you think
of a time you grieved the loss of someone or something?
The four categories of grief are physical, emotion, social
and spiritual. Grief can manifest itself in many ways in
each individual. Some signs of physical grief can be headaches, fatigue, difficult sleeping and loss of appetite.
Signs of emotional grief can be sadness, irritability, despair and preoccupation with loss. Signs of social grief are
detachment and isolation and signs of spiritual grief questioning the loss, pain and suffering, meaning of life and
3
SPOTLIGHT:
THE HEALTH MINISTRY
How to talk so that your Doctor
will listen.
With busy workloads and just a few minutes to devote
to each patients, physicians are often distracted. Here’s
how to get the time and attention you need.
1) Make a human connection. Doctors are people first and are more receptive when patients began the conversation with, ‘How are your day going?
2) Stay on message. Most doctor visits last and
average of 13-16 minutes, according to Medscape’s
2016, “Physician Compensation report”. Doctor’s
let their patients speak and average of 23 seconds
before cutting them off. When there is less patient
-doctor dialogue patients are likely to leave frustrated and have a greater risk of being misdiagnosed.
3) Rehearse before you go. Write a script and rehearse it in the mirror. Especially if you are uncomfortable discussing embarrassing topics. Document symptoms, timeframe, medication.
Sylvia Mickle (Servant Leader), Barbara Moore, Beverly
Wright (Asst. Servant Leader), Tonia Alston, and Brenda Jackson (not shown).
4) Don’t save questions for the end. Come to the
visit with a list of concerns, and address them
within the first few minutes. Once your doctor is
halfway out the door his mind is on the next patient.
These Ladies have committed themselves to keeping us informed on various health issues. These issues are presented
monthly on a bulletin board near the Fellowship Hall and include supporting written materials. We also:
5) Tell the truth! You can not expect the doctor to
adequately resolve your complaint unless you are
forthright.
6) Explain what you can afford. Most doctors are
informed about-out- of pocked expenses, which
procedures, test and prescriptions are covered by
your insurance. Ask your doctor for alternatives,
he or she can help you prioritize your treatment,
medication so that you know which one you can
skip, or delay and which are nonnegotiable.
7) Have the end-of-life discussion. Talk to your
family about what you want done and make sure
your doctor is aware of your wishes. Make sure the
document is a legal document (Living Will, Donor
preferences…).
4

Provide referral services information for various organizations based on member request.

Basic patient care while at the church for emergency care
only. Such as, assistance in getting an emergency response team.

Will assist with basic First Aid while at church or at outside congregational activities.

Administer Blood pressure checks.

Upon request will do classes to address specific health
issues.

We do not administer medicine!

If you would like us to provide information on a particular
topic, please drop your request in the Mailbox. Include
your name and contact information.
Farewell Mr. President
Barack Hussein Obama
Our 44th President
Black History is American History
Aren’t you thrilled that you were born at this time in history when we
could celebrate the election of a n Afro-American as the President of
the United States of America. This is the most powerful position in
the world and the whole world rejoiced!
Following his victory in the United States presidential election, 2008, then-President-elect Barack Obama gave his victory speech at Grant Park in his home city of Chicago, Illinois, on November 4, 2008, before an estimated crowd of
240,000. Viewed on television and the Internet by millions
of people around the globe, Obama's speech focused on the
major issues facing the United States and the world, all echoed through his campaign slogan of change. You can not
change history, His legacy cannot be denied. Here are a
few of his accomplishments:
Jobs: Upon taking office in 2004, America was loosing 800,000 jobs
per month. America was in a recession! During the first 4yrs 4.5 million jobs were created as a result of several laws, the Recovery Act .
Which saved the Auto industry among other industries. Our country
is now in recovery, stronger than we have been since the 1990s.
His childhood: Raised by a single parent. Just like most parents he
and Michelle experienced times when money was tight. He says, “we
have always be incredibly blessed. We always had a network of people, a community to help with child rearing , give us counsel and
support. Economic stability has always been important for us, just as it
is for anyone.
He wasn't raised by his father , therefore he feels strongly about the
need for men to step up and handle their responsibilities. He feels
children who know are loved and spend time with their dads are less
likely to engage in destructive behavior. Fathers need to be there; for
their kids and not in just a casual fly-by-night way. Our most influential role models can and should be our parents.
President Obama was able to connect with the everyday folks and the
Leaders of the world. His approval rating was above 60% at the end
of his presidency. We watched as he shed mourned the Charleston 9,
griev
Education; The “race to the Top,” program created and agenda that
developed incentives for school districts and states to reform their
systems, using best practices to create excellence. He reformed Student Loan “American Opportunity “ tax credit which provided up
$10,000 to families with kids in college. $60 million was taken from
banks who were being paid to administer this plan (without risk).
The money was used to expand Pell Grants.
Crime and Violence; President Obama was adamant about stricter
gun control laws . His desire was to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community. He brought to the forefront the inequities that caused people of color and poor people to be incarcerated at
a higher rate than our white counter parts and folks with money.
5
The First Family
We can’t get enough, of these
beautiful people.
harmony under the scrutiny of the world and the
stresses of the office of the Presidency. Their love
seemed to overflow to everyone they touched directly,
and indirectly. African Americans are especially proud
of the grace and dignity with which they represented all
Americans.
The “Michelle Effect”
Statuesque, intelligent, beautiful, stylish, passionate,
compassion, athletic the adjective go on and on...still
Michelle Obama was able to capture the hearts of most
of America because she never forgot where she came
from. She left the office of First Lady with a 72 percent
approval rating!
Most of generation Z has never know a time when
America did not have an African-American President. It
is up to those of us who can remember, to make sure
they understand why the election of Barack Obama was
so monumental.
We have all been “keeping up with the Obamas” over the
last eight years, it was addictive. Go online and pick up
the books featured below to get your Obama fix.
Faithfully, we can be assured that out of the midst of
When she spoke America listened, it is safe to say we got change will emerge from within our community new
dynamic leadership. (G. Turman-Henderson)
two for the price of one. The Obamas, what a duo they
make, seeing them together made everyone smile.
Unabashedly, they wore their love for each other, their
children (Malia and Sasha) and extended family on
their sleeves for all to see. They accomplished this
6
Introducing
Hiram Rhodes Revels
1st African American Senator
Born 9/27/1827-1/16/1901
Senator from Mississippi 1870-1871
Hiram Rhodes Revels was a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, a Republican politician, and college
administrator. Born
free in North Carolina, he later lived and worked in Ohio, where he voted before the Civil War. He became the first African American to
serve in the U.S. Congress when he was elected to the United States Senate.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiram_Rhodes_Revels
Urban intellectuals (Bing, Twitter, Facebook)
African Americans have been busy building, creating, entertaining, governing and boldly making strides that keep reinventing progress. We have consistently made life more comfortable, safe, beautiful, and interesting. Black History
started in the beginning and is continuing to change the course of history generation after generation. The Public Relation Ministry will introduce some new faces, names and hidden figures to you through Social Media and this Newsletter. You will be surprised by what you learn about the contributions of our ancestors and present day intellectuals
in Science, Engineering, Finance, Government, Medicine, Media …….. Check out Urban Intellectuals online.
God Loves Diversity
Recently we NEBC, studied how God’s love is for all regardless of gender, nationality, social status. To be a child of God we have to
accept Jesus Christ through faith. Believers have been rescued from the bondage of the Law. (Galatians 3:26-29, 4;1-7)
Think of all the varieties of birds, flowers, trees, grass, etc. The heaven and earth are full of diversity of climates of hot and cold,
dessert, swamps, rain forest, seasonal changes, mountains and valleys, night and day, the sun, moon, stars, solar systems throughout the universe, and beyond.
God created people in a never-ending variety of sizes, shapes colors, and different personalities. We are uniquely made, we all have
different finger prints, and DNA. There are various nations throughout the world, who have various customs and belief. Our music, food, language, and how we worship add to our diversity. See Creation (Genesis 2:19-20)
The one thing that connects us all is God’s love for us. He sent Jesus to redeem mankind, and his Spirit to live within every believer, (Galatians 4:6) no matter our differences. God has given every believer the privilege to become part of his family. The Holy
Spirit moves the believer to refer to God as “Abba “ which means father, which conveys intimacy, respect and relationship of mutual love.
Be careful, human nature can cause you to loose your inheritance (Galatian 5:19). Do not deceive yourselves; no one makes a fool
of God (Galatian 6:7-10). The fruits we bear is best reflected in how we treat each other. There is no place in God’s Kingdom for
bigotry, bulling, blasphemy.
God says that what we do for the least among us, we do for Him. Bear one another’s burdens: If some one is caught in any kind or
wrong doing, those of you who area spiritual , should set him right, you must do it in a gentle way. (Galatians 6:1-5)
We are heirs to the promises of God. To whom much is given, much is expected. As heirs, there are expectations of us from God
( Love God with all your heart and soul, obedience, bear fruit (Galatians 5:22).
G. Turman-Henderson
7
Tech Tips:
“Never!”
1.
Give Strangers access to your
computer. Usually done by
someone calling pretending to
be from Microsoft who wants
to remove a virus from your
computer. They install malware that allows them to take
over your computer. Malware
can be costly to remove..
2. Open an email attachment
from someone you don’t
know. They usually appear
with terms of endearment like
“I love you”.
Easy Family Reunions
Getting groups of people together without travel is a cinch with these free, userfriendly services.
FREECONFERENCECALL.COM lets up to 1000 people dial in to a single
number for a group conference call.

Start by singing up at FreeConferenceCall.com with your email address.

3. Use a thumb drive you got for
free at a convention or store.
Be ware...malware.
The site provides a phone number and an access code, which you supply to
invitees.

At the appointed time, everybody dials in and enters the code.
4. Conduct private business on a
public Wi-Fi system. Someone
sitting near you can pick up
everything you type.

On and iPhone, tap the+ button at the top right of the free Skype app.

On an Android phone, press the + button at the bottom right of the app

On a Mac, open the File Menu and choose New Conversation.

On a Windows PC, click the name of the first invitee and click the + button at
top center, Next, click Add People.
5.
Post something on Social Media that you may regret some
day. Everything is retrievable,
including what you have deleted.
AARP Fraud Watch
SKYPE: allows up to 25 people to get on a video call simultaneously. The steps
vary by gadget.
At this point, you’re looking at your Skype address book. Select the people To include on the call, then tap or click the camcorder icon to connect. In seconds,
your screen will fill with the video images of everyone….live!
Taking Christ To the Highways and By Ways! Check us out!
Publish by
The Public Relations Ministry

Articles may be submitted by any member for this Newsletter.

Submit by email to [email protected] or drop in mailbox (near Fellowship Hall). Contact persons are Sister Georgia Henderson and Sister
Nadine Pouncy.

Deadlines 15th of each month.

Publication guidelines must be met. We are looking for articles that are
informative, inspirational, creative, testimonial, instructional etc...

Criteria: consider the audience, article content must be compatibiloe to
Mission, and Vision of New Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Also look for us on Social Media. The Newsletter posted on 8
NEBC Website.