THE FRIENDLY CONNECTION NEWSLETTER FRIENDLY TEMPLE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST

“WHERE EVERYBODY IS SOMEBODY AND JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!” 16570 “E” STREET VICTORVILLE, CA 92395 -- (760) 245-8788

BISHOP ROGER THOMAS, PASTOR - DR. MARIE THOMAS, FIRST LADY

September 2017

Volume 8, Issue 9

Published Monthly

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Newsletter Staff:

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Deborah Ealy

ASSOCIATE EDITOR:

Evangelist Henrietta

Givens

STAFF MEMBERS:

Elder Larry Ealy

Bettie Young

Sherease Durden

Mary Jackson

COLUMNISTS: Charmayne Moore

WRITERS

Elder Loren Due, PhD,

DMin, MA, and

Evangelist Arjeana Due

Off-Site Correspondents: Evang. Isarene Doyle

Moriah Washington

NOTICE TO OUR READERS:

The views expressed by the

authors/originators of materials

in this publication are not

necessarily those of The

Friendly Connection or

Friendly Temple Church of

God in Christ.

Please address any concerns

or errors noted in this

newsletter to

larrydeborah@gmail.com

IN 2017, YOUR VICTORY IS IN YOUR WORSHIP! “Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged

sword in their hand…...” Psalms 149:6,7 ================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================

“… let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doeth easily

beset us, and run with patience the race that is set before us.”

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

“Walking by Faith and Not by the Facts”

(conclusion)

Matthew 14:28-31, 2 Cor. 5:7 Matthew 14:28-3: And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water. So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” and immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt? 2 Corinthians 5:7 – “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

First thing you need to do when dealing with hard cold facts is to get hold of your fears. Fear will destroy your faith. As humans. when things happen to us we become afraid; only people who are not in their right minds fear nothing. But when you have purpose in your life you’ve got to control your fears. Many times, we cannot hear God for looking at the facts. Some people in the congregation today are going through hell and high water right now, telling themselves “I don’t know what I am going do, this issue is going to take me out”. Some run to the liquor bottle, some talk to the wrong people, instead of drawing closer to God. Fear will grip you and cause you to miss your blessing. Stand still. Stop. Stop and tune out everything and seek God. He wants to speak to your spirit. Quiet your spirit. God is telling you “I know the facts.” Get quiet in the mist of the storm and see God being bigger than your problems, situation, sickness, or circumstances. Stop listening to yourself and start speaking the Word. “Call those things that be not as though they were.” Stand still and know that God is God. Quiet yourself and get in a holy place and rest in Him so you can hear Him saying everything will be alright. Start praising God, don’t wait until the battle is over, shout now. God knows how bad things look but He is an all-powerful mighty God who made you. You can overcome the facts by faith in the all-powerful King of Kings He is mighty in battle. Psalm 24:7-10 7 “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and

the King of glory shall come in.10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory.”

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CONGRATULATIONS!!

IN THIS ISSUE Featured Writers: Bishop Roger Thomas

Deborah Thompson-Ealy Evangelist Henrietta Givens

Charmayne Moore Loren Due, DMin, PhD.

Moriah Washington Mary Jackson

CONTENTS

…...to all of our new members who joined Friendly Temple during the month of August. We also extend a welcoming embrace to all who accepted Jesus as their Savior and Lord of their lives, or rededicated themselves during the month of

August.

Welcome…

Pastor’s Desk 1 In This Issue 2 Congrats Award Recipients 2 You’ve Been Spotted 3 Family of the Month 3 Happy Birthdays 4 Did You Miss It? 5 Did You Miss It? Cont’d 6 Did You Miss It? Cont’d 7 Did You Miss It? Cont’d 8 Our Heavenly Crowns 9 Your Spiritual Health 10 Marriage from My Perspective 11 Answer/Mystery Member 12 And a Time to Laugh 12 What Did You Forget? 13 Bible Mystery Person 14 For Your Information 14 Medical Corner 15 How to be a Successful Student 16 Answers Bible Mystery Person 16 Children’s Corner 17 Bettie’s Picks 18 Prayer Requests 19 Announcements 19 Our Daily Bread 20 How Can I Be Saved? 21

Bishop Roger Thomas – Bishop of the Year!

Supt. Johnny Lewis – Honorary Doctorate

District Missionary Gloria Sterling - Honorary Doctorate

Evang. Faith Sims – Honorary Doctorate

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YOU’VE BEEN

SPOTTED

FAMILY OF THE MONTH

Eld. Tracy and

Sis. Marvette Griffin

Marvette and Tracy met in Nov. 2012 where they are employed at the Veterans Home of California-Barstow. They sometimes worked side-by-side in the Housekeeping Dept. She is now in the Transportation Dept.

They went on their first date in May of 2013. They became close friends. On July 22, 2017, they were united in Holy Matrimony by Bishop Thomas here at Friendly Temple. From this union, they now have 2 sons, 5 daughters and 4 grandsons.

They both love the LORD with all their hearts. They enjoy fellowshipping, family time, enjoying time with one another and being a blessing to others!

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Sis. Nichelle Lawrence

My name is Nichelle Lawrence. I am currently a member of Friendly Temple. I serve on the Usher Board and enjoy being a doorkeeper for the Lord. I attend Friendly Temple with my father and a few of my siblings. I am a full-time student at Capella University. I am studying to get my Masters in Psychology and become a board-certified Behavior Analyst. I serve the high desert as a Behavior Specialist doing in-home therapy with autistic children. I am truly thankful for how the Lord has kept me and grown me since I have been at Friendly Temple. My prayer is that as I continue to seek God, I will develop into the woman Christ desires to use and serve Him.

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DID YOU MISS THESE

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS?

Happy Birthday to our

Assistant/Youth Pastor Elder Corey

Thomas… We love you!!

Dist. Missionary Dr. Gloria Sterling

Sis. Pam Green

Sis. Rosie Askins

Sis. Mary Jackson

Sis Paula Pollard

The Twins

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USHER BOARD AND GREETERS ANNUAL DAY

DID YOU MISS IT??

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DEACONS & DEACONESSES ANNUAL DAY

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DEACONS ANNUAL DAY continued

GREETERS BACKPACK GIVE-A-WAY

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CWC CREATIVE CANVAS PAINT NIGHT

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When thoughts become words…... A personal commentary in the opinion of Charmayne “Char” Moore

WE WILL RETURN NEXT MONTH! BE BLESSED!

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-Char Submitted by Bro. Brian Thompson

"What are the five heavenly crowns that believers can receive in Heaven?"

There are five heavenly crowns mentioned in the New Testament that will be awarded to believers. They are the imperishable crown, the crown of rejoicing, the crown of righteousness, the crown of glory, and the crown of life. The Greek word translated “crown” is stephanos (the source for the name Stephen the martyr) and means “a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally.” Used during the ancient Greek games, it referred to a wreath or garland of leaves placed on a victor’s head as a reward for winning an athletic contest. As such, this word is used figuratively in the New Testament of the rewards of heaven God promises those who are faithful. Paul’s passage in 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 best defines for us how these crowns are awarded.

1) The Imperishable Crown – (1 Corinthians 9:24-25) “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate [disciplined] in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown” (NKJV). All things on this earth are subject to decay and will perish. Jesus urges us to not store our treasures on earth “where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19). This is analogous to what Paul was saying about that wreath of leaves that was soon to turn brittle and fall apart. But not so the heavenly crown; faithful endurance wins a heavenly reward which is “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-5).

2) The Crown of Rejoicing – (1 Thessalonians 2:19) “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?” The apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:4 to “rejoice always in the Lord” for all the bountiful blessings our gracious God has showered upon us. As Christians, we have more in this life to rejoice about than anyone else. Luke tells us there is rejoicing even now in heaven (Luke 15:7). The crown of rejoicing will be our reward where “God will wipe away every tear . . . there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

3) The Crown of Righteousness – (2 Timothy 4:8) “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” We inherit this crown through the righteousness of Christ which is what gives us a right to it, and without which it cannot be obtained. Because it is obtained and possessed in a righteous way, and not by force and deceit as earthly crowns sometimes are, it is an everlasting crown, promised to all who love the Lord and eagerly wait for His return. Through our enduring the discouragements, persecutions, sufferings, or even death, we know assuredly our reward is with Christ in eternity (Philippians 3:20). This crown is not for those who depend upon their own sense of righteousness or of their own works. Such an attitude breeds only arrogance and pride, not a longing, a fervent desire to be with the Lord.

4) The Crown of Glory – (1 Peter 5:4) “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” Though Peter is addressing the elders, we must also remember that the crown will be awarded to all those who long for or love His appearing. This word “glory” is an interesting word referring to the very nature of God and His actions. It entails His great splendor and brightness. Recall Stephen who, while being stoned to death, was able to look into the heavens and see the glory of God (Acts 7:55-56). This word also means that the praise and honor we bestow to God alone is due Him because of who He is (Isaiah 42:8, 48:11; Galatians 1:5). It also recognizes that believers are incredibly blessed to enter into the kingdom, into the very likeness of Christ Himself. For as Paul so eloquently put it, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18 NKJV).

5) The Crown of Life – (Revelation 2:10) “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” This crown is for all believers, but is especially dear to those who endure sufferings, who bravely confront persecution for Jesus, even to the point of

death. In Scripture, the word “life” is often used to show a relationship that is right with God. It was Jesus who said, “I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). Just as things such as air, food, and water are vital for our physical lives, Jesus provides us what is required for our spiritual lives. He is the One who provides “living water.” He is the “bread of life” (John 4:10, 6:35). We know that our earthly lives will end. But we have the amazing promise that comes only to those who come to God through Jesus: “And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life” (1 John 2:25).

James tells us that this crown of life is for all those who love God (James 1:12). The question then is how do we demonstrate our love for God? The apostle John answers this for us: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). As His children, we must keep His commandments, obeying Him, always remaining faithful. So, as we endure the inevitable trials, pains, heartaches, and tribulations—as long as we live—may we ever move forward, always “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2) and receive the crown of life that awaits us.

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YOUR SPIRITUAL HEALTH….

In the opinion of spiritual philosopher Loren Due, DMin, Ph.D. www.lorendue.com

Who wants the “Gift?” Article 37

Loren Due, DMin, PhD.

Those who fight the “gift” obviously are not into believing and receiving the promises of God. Deeper than that is the fact these individuals are more than likely the rebellious types. I must also admit there are those who believe that you will go to heaven without exercising the promise of the Father. I do not see anywhere in the whole Bible that says you must have the Holy Ghost with the evidence of tongues in order to be saved. What I do see is that you are saved by grace and not of works. The word says this: Ephesians 2:8 (KJV) 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: The elements for salvation are: Romans 10:9-10 (KJV) 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. If you are willing to obey Jesus’ command let’s see what His disciples and even His mother and biological brothers did to receive the gift. These next verses share with us what they did after Jesus returned to heaven. They saw Him go up in a cloud and immediately they followed His instructions to them: Acts 1:12-14 (KJV) 12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey. 13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. They immediately went back to Jerusalem to the

upper room and began their wait on the promise God the Father promised and what Jesus had told them to go and wait for: The Holy Ghost. I believe obedience is better than sacrifice which means to me that it is better to obey the Lord Jesus Christ rather than sacrifice by disobeying His command. I believe when you disobey you are saying “I believe I can make it on my own, I do not need the power in my life to live holy.” A lot of people think that when they accepted the Lord Jesus Christ according to Romans 10: 8 - 10 they received the Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. They received Him but they were not filled with the Holy Ghost according to Acts 1:8. To receive Him is a critical step in the process of becoming close to Him but it does not equip you to do the work of dealing with the enemy (the Devil). The reason we know this to be true is because if the disciples and all those following Him had what they needed when He ascended back to heaven He would told them to go save people and cast out devils as soon as He left. If God had told them that, that meant they had obeyed Romans 10:8-10 and could do everything He did with no power to do it. Instead God gave them a detour to do before they were to go into all the world as stated in Matthew 28:19. Here is an experiment you might try at your own risk: Go and cast some devils out before you receive the power as stated in Acts 1:8 and see what happens to you and the person you are trying to cast the demons out of! (TO BE CONTINUED...)

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MARRIAGE, from my perspective.

A commentary in the opinion of Moriah Washington

PROVERBS 31:28

Proverbs 31:28 – “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also,

and he praises her.”

This is my goal in life: to live a life that is pleasing to God and my family.

Satan is constantly trying to make me

feel like I’m not a good wife by saying that I don’t spend enough time with my

daughter, or my husband isn’t happy with me. Every week I am in a spiritual

battle to destroy these lies that the enemy tries to plant in my head. Since

I strive to be a faithful wife and mother,

the enemy is going to do everything he can to ruin that.

Have you noticed that the enemy only

attacks us in the areas that we’re strong in? Why else would I confess

these thoughts to my husband and he tell me they are all lies, and he can

easily remind me of how I’m living a life that’s pleasing to God?

Through my bible reading I am learning

that I am more helpful to my family than I consider myself to be. One of the

most important ways I’ve found I help

is by being the peace keeper in my home. By being the peace keeper, I set

the tone (keep order) for our family and recognize when the enemy is present.

Also, I help my family by submitting to

my husband as the church submits to Christ (Eph. 5:24); honoring my

husband (1 Pet. 3:3) and being his helpmate (support) so he can fulfill the

purpose God has given him (Genesis 2:18).

With my daughter, I am available to her

at all times (Deut. 6:6-7); involved in her life (Ephesians 6:4); teaching her

the Word of God and how to apply it in this sinful world (Psalm 78:5-7);

developing her strengths and spiritual gifts (Romans 12:4-8); disciplining her

(Proverbs 13:24; 22:15); nurturing her in a Christian environment (Proverbs

22:6); and being an example (Deut.

4:9).

After studying these verses, I realized that I am following God’s instructions

on how to care for my family. This confirms why Satan attacks me so hard

in these areas - because these are areas that I am pleasing God in.

It’s not easy having a family based on

biblical beliefs in the world we live in today, but I know that God surrounds

me with everything I need to live a life pleasing to Him.

I did not write this to make you feel bad, but I wrote this to show you how

easy it is to believe the enemy’s lies over God’s written truth!

Galatians 6:9 “Let us not become weary

in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

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AUGUST MYSTERY PERSON

Sis. Ajani Atkins Then Now

MYSTERY PERSON THIS MONTH

Who is this stylish little girl?

“

“AND A TIME A TO LAUGH…”

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What did you forget? Submitted by District Missionary Dr. Gloria Sterling – From

“A Class Act – Being the Best You” -- Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr.

and Lady Mae

___________________________________________________________________

CONCIERGE OR VIP LOUNGE

If you are a guest staying on the concierge floors of a hotel, and have access to the VIP lounge, a complimentary breakfast and snacks may be provided as part of your hotel stay. “Complimentary” does not mean filling extra plates, or obtaining your room tray, that is to be used for the ice bucket and glasses, to fill up with fruit, cheese, meat, and bread to take to your room so that you can prepare lunch for later.

If you and a family member do not eat breakfast at the same time while you are staying at the hotel, ask permission to make up a plate to take to them when they wake up, but do not hoard food for later meals, or stock up for a midnight snack.

The kindness extended in the VIP Lounge is a “treat.” It should not be abused by using it to refrain from purchasing a meal in the restaurant or ordering from room service.

“…Men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing

with them and with everyone else.” 2 Corinthians 9:13 (NIV)

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FOR YOUR INFORMATION -- by Sis. Mary Jackson

Highly Favored

Of all the young women in the world at the time, God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus. The angel informed her that she was “highly favored” of God (Luke 1:28). It is important

for mothers to see that they are highly favored of God just by being allowed to be mothers.

God favors all of us, of course: He saves us, uses us; what a phenomenal privilege and awesome responsibility to make ourselves available to receive His favor. But godly mothers are especially highly favored of God. Biblical stories show almost all the greatest workers

for God had godly mothers.

As Noah’s wife, let mothers instill in their boys God’s principles so they can live righteously when all their companions are evil (Genesis 6: 1-6). As Rachel, let mothers train children to avoid the strong temptations of the teen years

(Genesis 39). As Hannah, let mothers teach children to pray (1Samuel 1:11, 19-28).

As Elizabeth, let mothers teach children to be righteous before God (Luke 1:6). As Mary, let mothers teach children to obey God (Luke 2:51-52; John 2). As the Canaanite woman, let mothers cry to Jesus that He might help their daughters

(Matthew 15:21 -28). As Mary, John and Mark’s mother, let mothers teach children to value worship assemblies

(Acts 12:12; 2Timothy 4:11 As Lois and Eunice, let mothers teach children the value of “unpretended” faith (2 Timothy 1:5).

“Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice” (Proverbs

23:25).

BIBLE MYSTERY PERSONS by Evangelist Henrietta Givens Roots, Fruits, Leaves, Flowers

1. Solomon’s glory was less than this flower______.

2. Jesus is the _____ and His Father is the husbandman.

3. In the parable of the sower, why did the plants get scorched? ____

4. Paul tells us that if the root is holy, this also is holy_____.

5. What two fruit did spies bring out of Canaan? ______

6. What kind of leaf did the dove bring back to Noah’s ark? _____

7. In Revelation what were the leaves of the tree of life used for?

8. Isaiah healed Hezekiah’s boil by applying a poultice of ____.

9. Baby Moses was placed a basket made from_____.

10. After Adam and Eve knew they were naked, what kind of leaves did they cover themselves with?

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Play It Smart: Stay in School for a Healthier Heart

College degree may reduce your risk of cardiac disease by one-third, study suggests

By Mary Elizabeth Dallas HealthDay Reporter

Higher education has been linked to better jobs, greater pay and, now, even a healthier heart.

People who spend more years in school have a lower risk for heart disease, according to an international team of researchers from the University of Lausanne in Switzerland, University College London, and the University of Oxford in England.

"Increasing the number of years that people spend in the educational system may lower their risk of subsequently developing coronary heart disease by a substantial degree," the researchers wrote.

The study results were published online Aug. 30 in the BMJ.

The message to policymakers: "Increasing educational attainment in the general population" could improve the public's health, Taavi Tillmann, of University College London's department of epidemiology and public health, and colleagues said in a journal news release.

Previous studies have tied more education to a reduction in the risk for heart disease. It was

unclear, however, if more schooling provides this benefit or if it's the result of other factors, such as diet and exercise, the study authors noted.

To investigate this association, the research team examined 162 genetic variants linked with years of schooling from nearly 544,000 men and women, mostly of European descent. Using this genetic information, the researchers were able to rule out some other possible contributing factors.

The study authors concluded that a genetic predisposition toward more education was linked with a lower risk of heart disease.

Specifically, 3.6 more years of education, or the equivalent of a college degree, would result in a roughly one-third reduction in the risk for heart disease, the findings showed.

A genetic tendency to obtain more education was also linked with lower odds of smoking, being overweight and having unhealthy levels of blood fats, which could help explain the connection between more schooling and heart disease risk.

The study doesn't show a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Still, the authors of an accompanying journal editorial praised it.

"When taken together with other observational studies and quasi-experiments, their conclusions are convincing," said J. Brent Richards of McGill University in Canada, and David Evans of the University of Bristol in England.

MEDICAL CORNER

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ANSWERS TO BIBLE MYSTERY PERSONS – by Evangelist Henrietta Givens Roots, Fruits, Leaves, Flowers

1. Lily Matthew 6:28 -29

2. True Vine John 15: 1

3. They had no root Matthew 13:6

4. The Branches Romans 11:16

5. Pomegranates & Figs Numbers 13:23

6. Olive leaf Genesis 8:11

7. Healing for the nations Revelations 22:2

8. Figs Isaiah 38:21

9. Bulrushes Exodus 2:3

10. Fig leaves Genesis 3:7

HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT 1. Make good use of your agenda.

2. Stay organized.

3. School is important.

4. School is important, but so is a social life.

5. Get involved at your school.

6. Join a sport.

7. Figure out what your hobbies are and find a club that matches that.

HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN MIDDLE SCHOOL 1. Follow your school's rules and policies. Don't get yourself into unnecessary trouble.

2. if you have trouble finishing your homework or focusing, then reward yourself when you get it all done and put

away.

3. Plan the night before you go to bed every night. Pick out your clothes and pack your materials.

4. Be respectful and don't talk during class it annoys the teacher and classmates too!

5. In middle school, you are bound to be stressed. If you are stressed, talk to someone you trust. They might not

be able to help you, but that will make you feel better. Stay positive!

6. Don't do the wrong thing just because you see others doing it.

7. Don't be intimidated by colleagues' actions. Be yourself and choose your friends wisely.

8. When your teacher tells you to read a long paragraph/extract for homework, put gummy bears in different

places throughout the extract. Then when you reach the gummy bear, reward yourself with a treat.

9. If you finish assignments early, use that time to do homework.

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ROASTES ASPARAGUS WITH PARMESAN Olive oil cooking spray 1pound fresh asparagus, tough ends trimmed ¼ teaspoon garlic powder ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 9x13- inch baking dish with cooking spray. Lay asparagus in a single layer in dish and lightly spray with cooking spray. Sprinkle with salt and garlic powder. Bake, sprinkling with cheese halfway through baking, until a fork easily punctures thickest part of stem, about 10 minutes if asparagus are thin, 20 minutes if asparagus are thick.

ITALIAN PEAS 2 tablespoons olive oil 16 ounces frozen green peas 1 onion, chopped 1 tablespoonful chicken stock 2 cloves garlic, minced salt and pepper to taste Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion and garlic; cook about 5 minutes. Add frozen peas, and stir in stock. Season with salt and pepper. Cover, and cook until the peas are tender, about 10 minutes.

ULTIMATE TWICE-BAKED POTATOES 4 large baking potatoes ½ teaspoonful salt 8 slices bacon ½ teaspoonful pepper 1 cup sour cream 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided ½ cup milk 8 green onions, sliced, divided 4 tablespoons butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake potatoes in preheated oven for 1 hour. Meanwhile, place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside. When potatoes are done allow them to cool for 10 minutes. Slice potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop the flesh into a large bowl; save skins. To the potato flesh add sour cream, milk, butter, salt, pepper, ½ cup cheese and ½ the green onions. Mix with a hand mixer until well blended and creamy. Spoon the mixture into the potato skins. Top each with remaining cheese, green onions and bacon. Bake for another 15 minutes.

ROASTED GARLIC CAULIFLOWER 2 tablespoons minced garlic 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese 3 tablespoons olive oil salt and pepper to taste 1 large head cauliflower, separated into florets 1 tablespoonful chopped fresh parsley

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease a large casserole dish. Place the olive oil and garlic in a large resealable bag. Add cauliflower, and shake to mix. Pour into the prepared casserole dish, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bake for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through. Top with Parmesan cheese and parsley, and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, until golden brown.

WISCONSIN FIVE CHEESE BAKE 1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni ½ cup sour cream 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese ½ cup heavy cream 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese 1 tablespoonful chopped fresh parsley 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese ½ teaspoonful dried Italian seasoning 1 cup shredded provolone cheese ½ teaspoonful garlic salt ½ cup ricotta cheese

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni, and cook until tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain. In a large bowl, toss together the mozzarella cheese, Swiss cheese, Parmesan cheese and Provolone cheese. Remove about ½ cup for topping and set aside. In a separate bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, sour cream and heavy cream. Season with parsley, Italian seasoning and garlic salt. Pour the ricotta cheese mixture and drained macaroni into the bowl with the cheeses and toss lightly. Do not mix too thoroughly, it's better left messy. Pour into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top. Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted, about 10 minutes, then turn the oven to broil. Broil for about 5 minutes to brown the top.

DILL-GLAZED CARROTS 1 ½ pounds carrots, peeled and diagonally ¼ teaspoonful salt cut into ½ -inch-wide pieces ¼ teaspoonful ground black pepper 2 cups water 2 tablespoonfuls chopped fresh dill 1 tablespoon unsalted butter ½ teaspoonful honey 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Combine carrots, water, butter, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a skillet; bring liquid to a boil. Cover skillet, reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid is evaporated and carrots are tender and glazed, about 20 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and stir dill and honey into carrots.

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Sis. Wooten Sis. Pearlena Jones

Viola Briggs

Nelson Taylor Sr. Dea. Jessie

Thompson

Delores Spivery

Cassandra Williams Sis. Mary Ham

Freddy George &

Family

Josiah Hunter

Dea. Brewer

Sis. Mattie Allen

Mother Grace

Robinson

Sis. Rosie Hudson

Diane Drayton

Dea. Odell Jones

Christine Collins Ella McKenzie

Erna Sutton

Kevin R. Jackson

Elder James Ham

Josephine Alsup

Novella Jordan

Sis. Joetta Collins

Michael Ray Philips

Jessica Ogura Diane

Tyler-Fulson

Rick Hawkins

Bereavement

The families in Texas,

Florida, and other

disaster areas

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES:

8:00 am and 11:30 am, Sunday School 9:45 am, YPWW 6 pm (when there are no afternoon

services), Evening Worship 7:30pm (when there no afternoon services)

CORPORATE PRAYER: Every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

at 6 am, Wednesday at 6:30 am. Call (641) 715-3272 and enter code

557700#.

CHURCH PRAYER SERVICES: Monday at 6 am, Wednesday - Friday at

12 noon.

TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY: Prayer and Bible Band at 9 am.

WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY: Pastoral Teaching, Children class and Teen class each at 7 pm

FRIDAY WORSHIP SERVICES: 7:30 pm each Friday evening.

CASUAL DRESS SUNDAYS: Every 2nd and 4th Sunday is now “Casual Dress Sunday.” For those

who want to participate, feel free to do so and come worship in your modest and relaxed

apparel.

Y.A.M. (YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY) MIXER: Wednesday, September 13th at 6:00 pm

ONE NIGHT REVIVAL: Wednesday, September 13th at 7:30 pm. Evang. Connedy

FALL SEND-OFF SERVICE: For Jurisdictional Supervisor Mother Mary F. Hodge, Thursday,

September 14th at Greater Victory COGIC, 253 W. Mill St. San Bernardino, CA. at 7 pm.

SUNDAY SCHOOL PICNIC: Saturday, September 16th at Mojave Narrows Regional Park at

18000 Yates Rd, Victorville, 92392. Parking is $10 per car. Food served 11 am - 2 pm.

3RD JURISDICTION YWCC ONE DAY RETREAT: Saturday, September 23rd 9 am – 3 pm

BROTHERHOOD ANNUAL DAY PROGRAM: Sunday, September 24th at 5 pm

YRC J.O.Y. (JESUS OVER YOU) CONFERENCE: Friday, September 29th – Sunday, October 1st.

For more information see Sis. Tiffany or Sis. Chekesha or pick up a flyer in the foyer.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY AND OUR COUNTRY

Pray also for our missionaries abroad

who are being persecuted.

“THE EFFECTUAL FERVENT PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS MAN AVAILETH MUCH”

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Peace in the Storm

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. —

Isaiah 26:3

Life can seem unbearable at times. Physical pain, difficult decisions, financial

hardships, the death of a loved one, or shattered dreams threaten to engulf us. We

become fearful and perplexed. Plagued by doubts, we may even find it difficult to

pray.

Those of us who know the Lord through personal faith in Christ have in Him a calm

retreat in the storms of life, even while the howling winds of trial are sweeping over

us. We can experience peace of mind and calmness of spirit.

Richard Fuller, a 19th-century minister, told of an old seaman who said, “In fierce

storms, we must put the ship in a certain position and keep her there.” Said Fuller,

“This, Christian, is what you must do. . . . You must put your soul in one position and

keep it there. You must stay upon the Lord; and, come what may—winds, waves,

cross seas, thunder, lightning, frowning rocks, roaring breakers—no matter what, you

must hold fast your confidence in God’s faithfulness and His everlasting love in Christ

Jesus.”

Do you feel overwhelmed by your troubles? Learn a lesson from that old sailor. Fix

your mind on the Lord. Ask for His help. Then trust Him to give you peace in your

storm (Phil. 4:6-7).

Stayed upon Jehovah,

Hearts are fully blest—

Finding, as He promised,

Perfect peace and rest. —Havergal

The secret of peace is to give every anxious care to God.

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Postage

We’re on the Web! Visit us at: www.friendlytemplechurchvv.org. Also, our

newsletter can be viewed at friendlytemple.wordpress.com.

FRIENDLY TEMPLE

CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST

16570 “E” Street

Victorville, CA 92395

HOW CAN I BE SAVED?

You must confess and believe. Romans10:9 says, “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” If you believe that God raised Jesus of Nazareth up from the grave and can confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, you shall – not maybe – you shall be saved.

THE PRAYER

If you desire to be saved, would you pray the following prayer?

Dear God, I know that I am a sinner. And I know that Jesus died for my sins. I believe You raised Jesus from the dead, and I want Him to be my Lord and Savior. Jesus, come into my heart and save me.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Bishop Roger Thomas, Church of God in Christ California Southern Third Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Prelate

Mother Mary F. Hodge, Jurisdictional Supervisor of Women