Weekly Newsletter Feb. 11
John Legend, Choir Director?
Our Black History Honors Perseverance
I almost met John Legend. Carolyn and I had just missed him. In 2004, now-famous singer/song-writer/producer John Legend ended his time directing the choir at Bethel AME Church in Scranton, PA. That same year, the choir director at the church where I was the pastor, just over the mountain from Bethel AME Church, joined the two choirs together for a Christmas program.
At one rehearsal, the ladies of Bethel Church learned Carolyn was the pastor’s wife. Carolyn learned of the endearing and honorable moniker “First Lady” for the first time. Those women honored and respected Carolyn so much that when we became the “First Family” of Christ the Cornerstone, she was glad to receive the honor from this congregation as the First Lady.
I rejoiced when our choirs would sing together this powerful gospel song written by Leonard Burks, Every Day Is Thanksgiving:
Everyday is a day of thanksgiving.
God's been so good to me,
everyday He's blessing me.
Everyday is a day of thanksgiving;
take the time to glorify the Lord today.
I thank God for the moments
when I worship His name,
I thank Him for the sacrifice of praise.
It's no mystery to say,
how my God is everyday;
making my way through clouds so dark,
bringing His light into my heart.
Yes, there's pressures all around me
when fighting Satan's descending powers,
that never cease from trying to bring me down.
But I just lift my hands to glory,
believing in God's redemption story;
thanking Him for His saving grace,
as God gives me power just to win this race.
This month, America remembers our Black History. Richard Allen (founder of the AME Church), Martin Luther King, Jr., and many others have called us to work against injustice of all kinds. But today, I'm particularly remembering the musicians who who carry the tune of redemption, justice, and transformation through faith in Jesus, our Savior.
Our courageous ancestors persevered in order that life may be better for all and sought the same salvation the Jesus won for all people. Their perseverance inspires us all to “press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (Philippians 3:14)
I never met John Legend. I never met Martin Luther King, Jr. or Richard Allen, but they all have persevered so that I can join with all God's faithful people in worship with great thanksgiving! I hope and pray you'll join me in celebration and dedicate yourself to the purpose for which Jesus died on the cross and calls us, for God's glory.
Heavenly Father of all peoples, we so desperately need you. We have failed to be the people you created us to be. Individually, as families, as citizens of every nation, we need to confess our sins and repent of our ways that lead to death instead of life. Help us. We proclaim the forgiving power of Jesus and in his name we work for the salvation of all people. Come Holy Spirit. Amen.
Keep scrolling to see upcoming events to love, serve, and engage our neighbors with good news!
Roger Frederick
Lead Pastor
Membership classes will be held Feb. 5 on Zoom and Feb. 19 at 4PM both days. Contact April Loper-Brown to sign up. Click this link to send an email to April. aloper@ctcde.church
Don't let another season go by feeling without financial peace. Click the image to connect Darren today.
Learn and talk honestly about scripture and living it today. This is a group for any age, men, women, singles, or couples.
Join Joyce Maack at Elsmere Campus Sunday Mornings with genuine friends and experience God's greater love. Click to email Lisa Kelly with questions.
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