Religion

Words of the Week – Wisdom

To the youth readers, I say, “Hello, young leaders! I pray that your year is off to an exceptional start!” I would like to continue to encourage you all as you start your new 2019 endeavors with a scripture that I’ve had to firmly stand on so many times before, especially when I had to make insightful and calculated decisions. As it states in James 1:5, “If any of us lack wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to us.” I often thought you had to be a grandmother

Call 2 Worship – February 7

Carson Community Deliverance Center Church holds a Women’s Prayer Service on Feb. 9, at 10 a.m., at 555 E. 220th St., in Carson.  The public is invited to attend for worship and prayer.  For information, call (310) 835-7905. Sisters In Spirit presents its 3rd Annual Black History Legacy Tea on Feb. 9, at 1 p.m., at Rodgers Park, 400 W. Beach St., in Inglewood. The theme is “What Legacy Is In Your Tree?” The donation is $40 or $216 for a table of six. Call Ms. Chelle at (323) 868-2515 for tickets and information. First AME Church hosts the City of L.A.’s

Words of the Week – Ordinary and Unschooled But I Have Been with Jesus

Scripture – Acts 3: 13 The disciples, Peter and John, were considered ordinary men, untrained and unschooled in the perspective of the Jewish authorities of the day.  Unschooled, negatively, in that those who were educated looked down on them, turned their noses up at them and even bullied them. There’s somebody who knows what it feels like when somebody is looking down on you. Knows what it feels like to not belong, don’t exist, are not credible, and don’t matter because you do not measure up to their standards. It did no matter what you did, what you said or

Words of the Week – Did Joseph Doubt His Father Jacob’s Motives?

It’s human nature when something bad happens to us, to put the blame on something or someone beside ourselves. The pronouns “he,” “she” or “they” become the objects of our source of disappointment, suffering, pain and shame. It takes a mature person to be rational and ask, “What was my part in all of this?” The blame seems to become even more amplified as we oftentimes become isolated, whether self-imposed, or by some external force. Isolation can cause our minds to play tricks on us. It causes us to second-guess, and even distort the facts if we’re not careful. The

Whitlock Urges Fast for Spiritual Renewal and Ending Gun Violence

Pastor Mark E. Whitlock, Jr. of Christ Our Redeemer AME Church invited the faith community to join him in fasting for spiritual renewal and an end to gun violence. Through the fast, which started Nov. 11 and continues until Jan. 21, Whitlock believes God will heal “our lives, our land, our churches, our communities, our nation and world.” Among the incidents spurring Whitlock to action are the mass killings in Pittsburgh and Thousand Oaks as well as the recent murder in Las Vegas of the 25-year-old son of the Rev. Dr. Najuma Smith-Pollard, pastor of Word of Encouragement Community Church

Gen X Pastor Aims to Draw Traditionalists and Millennials to Christ

The Rev. Marvin McKenzie aims to draw all ages to Christ and doing that, he says, takes “out the box” thinking. As the new pastor of Walker Temple AME Church in Los Angeles, McKenzie believes multiple generations will come to know the Lord if he incorporates that creative philosophy to spreading the Gospel. “I want to grow the membership of the church by trying things that have never been done before,” says McKenzie.  “I think of the four men who brought their crippled friend before Jesus. These men were not able to bring their friend through the front door via

Hawkins to Preach at Agape-L.A.’s Family and Friends Day

The powerful preaching of Pastor Khare Hawkins of God’s Way Ministries in Baltimore, Maryland will highlight “Family and Friends Day” hosted by Agape Church of Los Angeles on Sunday, October 21, at 11 a.m. According to Bishop Craig A. Worsham, senior pastor, the worship is an opportunity for loved ones and acquaintances to renew their spiritual bonds with Christ and familial ties with each other. Following the worship, a reception will be held. “We invite the greater Los Angeles community to join us for a service focused on love, unity growth, fellowship and sharing,” said Worsham. “The Christ-centered message by

Faith Community Foursquare Church Salutes Pastor

Faith Community Foursquare Church will salute Pastor D.T. Paredes’ 26 years of ministry on Oct. 21, and Oct. 28, at 10 a.m., and 3 p.m., at 5519 S. Avalon Blvd., in Los Angeles. The theme is “This is the Lord’s Doing and it is Marvelous in Our Eyes” based on Psalm 118:23. To learn more, call (323) 432-2137

Call 2 Worship – October 11

  FAME Renaissance Center hosts the Faith Leaders Conference sponsored by Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson on Oct. 18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 1968 W. Adams Blvd., in Los Angeles. The theme is “Making Religion Relevant.” The free event, which includes breakfast and lunch, will focus on building a collaborative of strong faith leaders to meet the needs of the South Los Angeles community. To RSVP, call Dr. D.C. Nosakhere Thomas at (888) 461-5558 or (213) 485-7616. Second Baptist Church sponsors Jazzy Fryday on Oct. 19, at 7 p.m., at 2412 Griffith Ave., in Los Angeles, said Pastor William S.

Davar Christian Center Promises a ‘Spiritual Life-Changing Experience’

New non-denominational ministry aims to equip God’s people to live in fullness of Christ Promising a “spiritual life-changing experience,” the founders of Davar Christian Center are making plans to introduce a new ministry in Southern California. The non-denominational church, organized by Pastors Wes and Cheyenne Owens, will hold their inaugural worship service on Sunday, October 14, at 3 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center, 3801 E. Willow St., in Long Beach. Beginning October 21, regular Sunday services will take place at 10 a.m., at the La Palma Community Center, 7821 Walker St., in La Palma. “Davar Christian Center is a

Call 2 Worship – October 4

Faith Community Foursquare Church plans a prayer breakfast on Oct. 6, at 9 a.m., at Hometown Buffet, 3520 W. Carson St., in Torrance, said Pastor D.T. Paredes. The emphasis will be on praying for Black men. The donation is $25. Also, the church will hold four Pastor’s Appreciation Services on Oct. 21, and Oct. 28, at 10 a.m., and 3 p.m., at 5519 S. Avalon Blvd., in Los Angeles. To learn more, call (323) 432-2137 New Hope Baptist Church presents “The Maya in Me” play on Oct. 6, at 7 p.m., at 5200 S. Central Ave., in Los Angeles, said

MeLeah Robinson’s New Play Emphasizes Power of God’s Love

‘The Baby Shower’ aims to reminds those facing challenges that Christ cares, don’t give up If challenges and burdens are getting you down, a new production by playwright MeLeah Robinson will revive your faith in God. Robinson’s play, “The Baby Shower,” aims to reassure believers that Christ is on your side and will help you overcome the battles you face in life. “My goal in writing this play is that someone will understand that no matter what you are challenged with in life, Jesus is with you and He cares for you. There is no sin that will make God

Words of the Week – Quiet Strength: The Power of Silence

Silence is powerful.  Silence is spiritual strength. Silence is great confidence. Being quiet is a choice, but not a permanent status. Recently, my dear mom passed away and it was urgent that we quickly plan her funeral. Usually, I’m quite capable and confident in my decision-making and administrative skills. I’m a serious researcher, a lover of analysis and a gifted organizer. I am the type of person who reads every review, investigates, becomes knowledgeable about the issues and ultimately makes an informed decision. I can even do this very quickly when the situation calls for it. But this time–this time I

Words of the Week – God, ‘god’ and the Universe

When you ask people if they believe in God, you’ll either get a yes, no or maybe. Many people like the idea that someone or something greater than ourselves is watching over us, but who is watching over us? I mean, many people have different ideas of who they think God is, but I’m going to narrow it down to three that I think are the most pervasive. I’ve come to see that many people either believe in the God of the Holy Trinity or the “god,” who tends to be a personal creation that many ascribe to or the