Blogging Black Miami

A Time For Renewal

 
by Oliver Gilbert

As a Christian, the Easter Holiday represents the resurrection of Christ and renewal of a covenant that is so sacred that our very salvation depends on it.  As we renew our Christian covenant, we should also renew our communal covenant, with a constant eye towards improving our discourse and interaction with each other.  How can we be better parents, children, neighbors, or friends? In what way are we responsible for the community’s collective success? What more can we offer to make more delicate the discourse of differing ideas?  The answer to all of these questions was given to us thousands of years ago.  Luke 6:31 says do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  I take this Bible verse to mean that if in our interactions we offer mutual respect and regard, we can together make more perfect our families and friendships; our neighborhoods and, yes, even our nation.  In this way we can all, without regard to religious affiliation or race, be reborn in service to one another.   

Happy Easter Holiday  

TGIF with Karen Clark Sheard & Mt. Hermon - Miami Gardens

Mt. Hermon AME Church - Miami Gardens is the place to be for TGIF: Thank God It’s Friday, April 22, 2011, 7 PM for the Seven Last Sayings of Jesus, featuring guest psalmist Karen Clark Sheard.

Located at 17800 NW 25^th Avenue, Mt. Hermon will host seven of South Florida’s anointed preachers, sharing the last words of Jesus on the cross.

 

Karen Clark Sheard will bring God’s Word Through song. Come and thank God for a Friday like no other.

 

For more information: Call Mt. Hermon at 305.621.5067.

SONSHINE CEO TO SERVE AS FEATURED SPEAKER OF CHURCH OF THE OPEN DOOR’S WOMEN’S WEEKEND 2010

( BLACK PR WIRE) There are numerous women of God living and working to promote God’s will. This is the resounding theme of the Church of the Open Door’s Women’s Weekend 2010, scheduled from Saturday, October 16th through Sunday, October 17th. Both events will be held at the Church of the Open Door, located at 6001 NW 8th Avenue in Miami, Florida.

The power and praise filled event will consist of two sessions: a FREE workshop on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Workshop presenters will include Bernadette A. Morris, CEO, founder and owner of Sonshine Communications; Rev. Vanessee J. Burns; and Rev. Dr. Sheila Guillaume. The Sunday Service, which begins at 10:30 a.m. features a message by Bernadette Morris.

“I am excited about what the Lord has to share at this Women’s Weekend,” says Morris. “It’s going to enlightening, informative and loads of spiritual fun!”

A devout Christian and role model, Morris is recognized for providing and delivering effective marketing, media and public/community outreach services on a daily basis to her many clients consisting of corporations, social service organizations, government agencies, and churches/ministries.

In addition to creating Sonshine, she also owns Black PR Wire, America’s FIRST and LARGEST black news media distribution service, and is the creator/owner of Women Grow Strong, a 501 (c) 3 Christian-based organization that sows seeds of mercy, grace, provision and love into the hearts and souls of women seeking empowerment, self esteem and confidence.

The Church of the Open Door, United Church of Christ, is a steady growth church which has a rich legacy and history spanning over fifty years. Its mission is to holistically empower the members of its church and community, while serving as an Oasis of Resources for those who are in a Desert of Need. South Floridians are encouraged to visit the church, where the doors are always open in the spirit of Christian love.

Registration is required for the Saturday workshop. To register, call 305-759-0373. Donations will be welcomed at the event. For more information on Bernadette Morris, please contact Sonshine at 305-948-8063 or 1-877-BLACKPR.

Mt. Hermon AMEC Celebration Service Community Day 10 AM Sun. May 30, 2010

Message NAACP on Census Sunday March 14

The NAACP has designated March 14 as Census Sunday. The NAACP is urging all Pastors to highlight the importance of everyone mailing back the Census forms they have received in the mail. 

Over 600 billion dollars are distributed on the basis of the Census numbers and the traditional undercount in the Black community ensures that monies that should go to these areas goes elsewhere.  The return rate of mail in forms in some predominantly Black areas is about 45% while communities such as Hialeah and Sweetwater return almost 80 percent. In April the Census workers will try to go door to door to get the persons who did not respond but that is difficult and persons are missed. 

In addition to the allocation of Federal dollars the numbers are used to draw voting districts.  Be sure and count everyone in your household as they are not likely to be counted elsewhere.  For the Black vote to have the greatest influence all persons of African descent need to check the box African American/Black.  

We urge everyone to bring this important issue to be brought to the attention of their Pastor. Let us know if your church needs fliers and is participating. Visit the NAACP web site for more information.  www.NAACP.org.

 

Heavenly Angels gospel concert in the heart of Liberty City [VIDEO]

Last Sunday I stopped by Blessed Catering in Liberty City to get a couple of dinners for my parents. Chef Denise had planned a special day of entertainment. Little did I know I would be treated to a gospel concert and church. Help me somebody!

A group called the Heavenly Angels performed. Their front man, Johnny Taylor --- yes, that's really his name --- put on quite a show. They'll be back on the fourth Sunday in January. If you're a fan of old school gospel, you'll love them.

John Paul II Returns to Florida International University

Official Selections of the JPII International Film Festival will be showcased at some of the theaters and museums in the Modesto Maidique Campus of Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami.

 

Miami, Florida, September 28, 2009.- It was in 1987 that Pope John Paul II celebrated an open aired mass at Florida International University/Tamiami Park. Twenty-two years later the Pope returns within the context of his ideological call to a “New Evangelization” through the John Paul II International Film Festival.

The film festival, in its inaugural year, will be showcasing official selections at some of F.I.U’s finest theaters, such as the Frost Art Museum, the Graham Center’s GC140, RBD 1100 located in the school of Business and many others.

The festival is being co-sponsored by F..I.U’s Program for the Study of Spirituality under the guidance of Dr. Nathan Katz. “FIU’s Program in the Study of Spirituality is very proud to be a co-sponsor of the John Paul II Intl. Film Festival. We are especially pleased to have the opportunity… to bring films of enduring value to our students, our campus, and the community,” stated Dr. Katz

“The last time the Pope was here his mass was interrupted by a huge thunderstorm. He did not let that defeat him however; he proceeded with the mass inside the sacristy. I find an intriguing connection between our Holy Father’s faith and our theme for this year, Faith through the Storm”, said Frank Brenan, Co-Director of the Festival.

For tickets, schedule, and more information of all films being screened at FIU and the other participating theaters, please visit www.jp2filmfestival..com.

The Festival is being organized by 7eventhDay Media, Inc, a tax exempt, non-for profit organization based in Miami, Florida, with the intention of nurturing faith-inspired filmmakers to create high quality productions that serve as witness to their faith.

 

Bishop Isaiah Williams, Jr. passes

Condolences to Dr. Gloria Williams and the rest of the Jesus People Ministries family on the passing of their leader, Bishop Isaiah Williams, Jr. Please keep them lifted in prayer. 

Click photo below for larger version.

 

Celebrating the Resurrection

Easter Joy

Jesus came to earth,
To show us how to live,
How to put others first,
How to love and how to give.

Then He set about His work,
That God sent Him to do;
He took our punishment on Himself;
He made us clean and new.

He could have saved Himself,
Calling angels from above,
But He chose to pay our price for sin;
He paid it out of love.

Our Lord died on Good Friday,
But the cross did not destroy
His resurrection on Easter morn
That fills our hearts with joy.

Now we know our earthly death,
Like His, is just a rest.
We'll be forever with Him
In heaven, where life is best.

So we live our lives for Jesus,
Think of Him in all we do.
Thank you Savior; Thank you Lord.
Help us love like you!

By Joanna Fuchs

A Change Has Come...Happy Birthday, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.!

From one of my other blogs-on the black hand side:

Unless you’re living under a rock, you know that the United States is undergoing a transformation, right now, as I write this. The spirit of unity, respect, inclusiveness and sacrifice will be needed to carry us through the difficult times still to come. The spirit that Barack Obama embodies and spread throughout the world is reminiscent of that of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This is such an exciting time for this country and let me just say, black people, in particular. Barack Obama’s election brings about a sense of pride that is difficult to explain to others. For the first time in my life, black Americans appear to really be included in this country. I have never seen so many black people carrying an American flag who were not in the military or an athlete celebrating an Olympic victory. Now, I’m not trying to get into an argument with anyone because I think the Obama presidency will affect each of differently in some respects, depending upon our personal story, but it is what it is.

When Barack Hussein Obama raises his right hand to take the oath of office as president of the United States tomorrow, it will be because of the tremendous sacrifice and courage of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Of course, it goes without saying that Dr. King’s legendary status was earned because of the support, courage and sacrifice of many like-minded people of all races also.

On this spectacularly awesome celebration of the birth of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 2009, this historic celebration could only be the result of destiny…divine intervention…call it whatever you like.

 I’d like to think Dr. King would also like for us to move beyond the issue of black pride in our first black president and work for the betterment of this nation world. I’d like to think Dr. King would like for us to get more involved in our community consistently, not just on this Day of Service. He’d like for us to become more involved politically and in building our community and raising our next generations.

I’d like to believe that if he could speak to us today, Dr. King would say that he would like for us to be judged by the content of our character and not by our gender, sexual preference, socio-economic status or color of our skin. We are not quite there yet but we have made another step in that direction. Let’s keep on keeping on. Power to the People.

Happy Birthday, Dr. King!

 

© 2009, on the black hand side, www.blackhandside.net

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