March 31, 2017
 

Images for Second Anniversary


Happy 2nd Anniversary Pastor & Mrs. Watson!

Dear Pastor Watson,

With hearts of thanksgiving, the Metropolitan Baptist Church Family celebrates your second Pastoral Anniversary as Senior Servant!

Two years ago, you accepted God's Call to pastor Metropolitan Baptist Church during one of the most challenging times in her history. You came with bold preaching power and the assurance that God has great things in store for her.  Today, we celebrate the first two years of a journey blessed by God.

Planted firmly in the Largo, MD community, we celebrate you and the miracles that come through the uncompromising Gospel you preach. Like Paul, you preach the mystery of Christ, and every time you preach you make Christ plain to all who hear.  We pray diligently, with eyes wide open in gratitude for the manifestation of God's favor in our lives.

We pray God's continued blessings on you, our beautiful First Lady Mrs. Janice Watson, and your daughters Marcia and Jessica. We pray you continue to stand strong and firm in all that you do, and whenever you look behind or beside you, you will see Metropolitan standing with you. When, together, we look ahead, may we always see God leading the way as we "Go Forward!"  in ministry and service.

For your patience, humility, faith, vision, and holy boldness, for all you do in Jesus' name, Thank You! Happy Anniversary!

With love and appreciation,

Your Metropolitan Family
Pastor's Anniversary - April 2, 2017

2nd Pastoral Anniversary - April 2_ 2017


Metropolitan Baptist Church will celebrate the 2nd Anniversary of Pastor Maurice Watson & First Lady Janice Watson on Sunday, April 2nd.

The Guest Speaker for the day will be Pastor Carlos Kelly of Beulahland Bible Church in Macon, GA.

Rev. Carlos L. Kelly
Rev. Carlos L. Kelly was born the fourth of five sons to the late Rev. Don A. Kelly and Jewelene Kelly in Little Rock, Arkansas. With his affection for basketball and the talents to compliment such, Rev. Kelly accepted a basketball scholarship to attend Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi immediately after high school. There, he continued to find success and graduated with honours receiving his Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice and his Masters of Education in Sociology. His intentions were to pursue a law degree; however, God orchestrated his steps in another direction and called him into ministry.

Read more about Rev. Kelly
The Women's Ministry Celebrates Women's History Month

March is Women's History Month.  Our theme this year is "Faith @ Work!" It is undergirded by James 2:17 (NKJV): "Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."  This year Lent begins the first day of Women's History month. As we embark on the Season of Lent, the Women's Bible Study is exploring the importance of living an authentic life. Join us every Thursday evening in the sanctuary at 6:30 p.m. for our 10-Week Series on Authentic Living.  In addition to the Bible Study, we also have the following activities planned:

Our Book Club is currently reading "The Shack - Where  Tragedy Confronts Eternity" and will discuss the book and movie at our next gathering on Friday, April 7, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.

Sistahs of all ages are encouraged you to show your faith at work by actively participating in the events throughout  Women's History Month!  We guarantee you if you get fully involved you will be extremely blessed!

Rev. Dr. Kimberley A. Turner
Chair, Women's Ministry
Ministry Announcements


SAVE THE DATE: 7 Preachers | 2 Churches | 1 Night  
Good Friday Joint Service hosted at The Sanctuary at Kingdom Square combined with Metropolitan Baptist Church April 14, 2017 at 7:00PM #GoodFriday #SevenLastWords 


Thank You for Your Kindness! 
The Christian Discipleship Council (CDC) and The Street Ministry thank you, our Metropolitan Family for your donations in support of "Supper Bowl" Sunday. Because of your abundant generosity, we were once again able to make a difference in the lives of others by contributing to the DC Capital Area Food Bank and the Bowie Interfaith Food Pantry.

"We Are One Body" 
The "We Are One Body" table will be set up in the far, right corner of the Sanctuary (Behind the organ) on Sunday, April 9, 2017. It will only be open after the 9:30 a.m. and the 11:30 a.m. Worship Services.  As always, if you need something from the table, take it! If you would like to be a blessing to someone, we ask that you bring non-perishable items (small/ medium sizes only). Give your offering to one of the One Body Team members so we can add your contribution to the table.  God is in the blessing business. Bring a blessing and be blessed. Together we will make this happen! See you at the table. Remember, Jesus said, "In as much as ye have done it for the least of these ye have done it unto me."

DIG IN with EMERGE Young Adult Ministry
 
Join Us for our monthly meetup, DIG IN with EMERGE Young Adult Ministry.  This month, we will be led by Minister Derek Jackson.

We aim to assist young adults become grounded, holistically in the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let's work to develop, deepen and strengthen our relationship with God. See you there!!    

Worship with the Men at Central Union Mission!
The Street Ministry invites the Metropolitan family to attend its monthly worship service at   Central   Union   Mission. Service is held the first Thursday of every month.

Please join us on  Thursday, April 6, 2017 at 7:30 pm. 
 
WHAT: Monthly worship service at   Central   Union   Mission
WHEN: First Thursday of the month - April 6, 2017
TIME: 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm
WHERE:   Central   Union   Mission, 65 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC  20001

Come spend one hour with us as we serve God by serving His people! Contact Cecilia Walker at   cecwalker@gmail.com   for additional information
 
Entrepreneur Ministry Meeting  
The Entrepreneur Ministry will hold its next meeting on April 8, 2017, at 12:30pm. Please let Timothy Johnson skyshooter4life@yahoo.com or Servant Michelle Arnold travelwithmichellea@gmail.com know that you will be joining us no later than April 1st to make sure we can all sit together.
 
This is a planning/working lunch so please be sure to come out with your ideas, as we move this ministry forward. Thanks
 
Teppanyaki Grill 
Enterprise Plaza
9343 Annapolis Road
Lanham, MD 20706
 

Women's Bible Study 

And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? As we prepare for the Season of Lent, the Women's Bible Study is exploring the importance of living an authentic life. Join us every Thursday evening in the sanctuary at 6:30 p.m. for our 10-Week Series on Authentic Living


Join the Multimedia Ministry and Learn New Skills!
Our final Pro-Presenter Training has been rescheduled to Saturday April 1, 2017 from 2:30 - 4 PM. Even if you missed the other sessions, you may join us for this session. 


Let's Get Moving, Metropolitan! 
"Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well." 3 John 1:2 (NIV)    
Family in the park
 Join the Health Watch Ministry on Saturday morning walks through the beautiful parks in Prince George's County.

Beginning April 8th and each Saturday thereafter in April and May, we will explore the trails at Watkins Regional Park, located at 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774.
Walks will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 10 a.m. We will meet in the parking lot adjacent to the Administrative Building, which is the first right turn entrance into a parking lot.

For further information, you may contact Phyllis Davis at phyllisfd@aol.com, 301-806-1613, or Denise Brown at dpricebrown@outlook.com, 301-502-3386. We hope to see you there!

Don't Stay Stuck: Learning to Live Victorious 
Feeling stuck? Trying hard to "get over it", but not making any progress? Many people suffer silently and secretly with a whole range of difficulties that have arisen because of unpleasant, painful or traumatic events that have occurred in their lives. Some people feel ashamed or angry and are desperately trying to "get over it" without any support. Whatever IT is, we are here to help you move forward.

In this 90 minute session, we will offer strategies and provide support for helping you get "un-stuck" by overcoming painful or traumatic events, learning to forgive yourself and others and identifying tips for moving foward. We've all been hurt, but we don't have to stay there.

Date: Wenesday, April 26, 2017
Time: 7-8:30 PM
Location: Overflow Room

To register, contact Rev. Jamie Eaddy, jfeaddy1@aol.com or sign up in the church office.
IAMA Counseling Ministry


SAVE the DATE: Graduate Sunday - June 25, 2017  
Graduates Celebrating
The Christian Discipleship Council is pleased to invite all members of the class of 2017 to register for Graduate Sunday.  Your Metropolitan Church family is looking forward to celebrating your academic achievements on Sunday, June 25th during the 11:30 AM worship service! All graduates from Preschool through Ph.D. are encouraged to register. Registration forms are available in the church office and will be accepted through Sunday, June 18. For more information, please contact Rev. Barbara Walker at bwalker@mail2barbara.com or Rev. Adriane Wise, Minister of Christian Spiritual Formation at awise@metropolitanbaptist.org.

Celebrating the H. S. Class of 2017 with Scholarship Opportunities! 
The Christian Discipleship Council is requesting the names and contact information for Metropolitan members who are graduating high school seniors. There are several scholarship opportunities available to you, including the Mamie O. Smith Scholarship, Lena Price Smith Scholarship, Hampton University Alumni at Metropolitan Scholarship, and the Eleanor Frazier Hicks Oratorical Contest. If you are a member of the High School Class of 2017, please email Rev. Barbara Walker bwalker@mail2barbara.com or Rev. Adriane Wise, Minister of Christian Spiritual Formation at awise@metropolitanbaptist.org.

 
40 Days of Power: NOW - April 16, 2017
Are you ALL IN?
If Jesus is not Lord of ALL then Jesus is not Lord at ALL.
It's all or nothing. It's now or never.

Join us every Tuesday night for Church-Wide Bible Study in the Sanctuary. Prayer Service begins at 6:30 PM, Praise and Worship at 7:00 PM Bible Study at 7:30 PM.

Register and pre-order your book ALL IN by Mark Batterson by stopping by the church office or contacting Rev. Adriane Wise at awise@metropolitanbaptist.orgBooks are $12.00 and cash & checks are accepted  (checks made out to Metropolitan Baptist Church).
 
Batterson writes, "For many years, I thought I was following Jesus.  I wasn't.  I had invited Jesus to follow me.  I call it inverted Christianity.  And it's a subtle form of selfishness that masquerades as spirituality.  That's when I sold out and bought in.  When did we start believing that the gospel is an insurance plan?  It's a daring plan.  Jesus did not die just to keep us safe. He died to make us dangerous."
 

ARK Challenge During 40 Days of Power 
Are you ready to put your faith to work?

During 40-Days of Power each member is asked to participate in the ARK Challenge.
ARK is an abbreviation for Acts of Random Kindness. For your convenience, as you exit the sanctuary, ushers will distribute ARK cards for you to share with persons God leads you to bless.

The card reads:
God cares about you and I do too! That's why I blessed you with this Act of Random Kindness.

This is an opportunity for us to demonstrate the love of Christ.

Bible Challenge 
Metropolitan, the Bible Challenge is Back!

During 40-Days of Power, read through the 13 New Testament books authored by the Apostle Paul. We challenge you to put down the remote control, take a break from social media, and reach for your Bible instead! 

Download the Bible Challenge Form  

Public Policy Ministry's Social Justice Update

Documentary Screening & Panel Discussion
We invite you to join us for an interactive discussion and screening of the documentary "13th" directed by Ava DuVernay. This documentary examines why the US has produced the highest rate of incarceration in the world, with the majority of those imprisoned being African American. The title of the film refers to the 13th amendment to the constitution: "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States." The screening will be followed by a panel discussion.
 
Date: April 22, 2017
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: 1200 Mercantile Lane
 
 
 
Health Care Update
On Friday, March 24, 2017, Republican leaders pulled their replacement bill, the American Health Care Act when it became clear they did not have the votes to support it. Millions of Americans currently benefit from the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and counted this a victory, especially for those who benefit most - children and the elderly.

Please continue to let your voices be heard. Your elected officials need to hear from you. Need help reaching out? The Public Policy is here to help. Email Rev. Jamie Eaddy @ jfeaddy1@aol.com and stay tuned for tips for engaging your elected officials in next week's Daily Bread.

Happy Birthday!

 
April 2
Mrs. Patricia Adkins
Mrs. Othello Arthur
Mr. Darren Fulmore, PhD
Ms. Rose Mitchell
Ms. Francine Williams

April 3      
Master Bijon Brown
Mr. Isaiah Gillums
Ms. Karen Hughes
Ms. Yvette Johnson

April 4      
Ries Francis
Mrs. F. Denise Gibson-Bailey
Ms. Benzena Lewis

April 5    
Servant Sharon Hilliard 
April 6
Mr. Matthew Bailey
Mr. Keith Beale
Ms. Francina Bell
Mr. Clinton Carroll, IV
Ms. Winifred Dotch
Mrs. Loretta Garrett

April 7
No Birthdays

April 8
Mr. John Branch
Dominic Harold
Mr. Jerald Lassiter
Ms. Cecilia Walker



Congratulations to Willa-Jo Greene on New CD Release


Our very own Willa-Jo Greene, a member of the Young and Adult Fellowship Ensemble, has released her first CD project, entitled Sunday Morning!  This album contains four choir songs with music and lyrics written by Willa-Jo and arranged and produced by Phillip Carter.  This collection contains three songs which were debuted here at Metropolitan and all four songs are sung by several members of our own Metropolitan Music Ministry.  Sunday Morning will be available for sale on Palm Sunday after all three services.

Willa-Jo  will present her song, "Lord You Are Amazing" at The Hymn Lovers Conference in Tampa Bay, Florida on April 20-22. If anyone would like to register and find out more about the conference, go to http://www.hymnloversconferenceatl.com/



Thank You Usher Ministry! 
Special shout out to Charlotte Brookins-Hudson and the Usher Board for their act of kindness, providing a chair for my mother, who is 99 years old, while waiting to enter the sanctuary.  These kind acts often go unnoticed. I would like for you to know how appreciative I am of the kindness extended to her.   Thanks for your service and thoughtfulness.

Lois Bowe 

Healing and Recovering
Please keep the following members and their family members in prayer.

William Amey
Mrs. Othello Arthur 
Rosanna Baker
Gladys Blair
Dorothy Blanding
Catherine Blue
Gawin Blue
Gregory Bolton 
Joyce Brake
Anderson Bray
Susan Browner
Wilma Burke
Lamont Butler
Francis Carter 
Denise Cherry-Gaskins 
Helen Chestnut, Raleigh, NC
The Clowers Family 
Lillie Hammonds
The Harold Family 
Bessie L. Hiler
Beatrice H olloway   
Thelma Hauser
Darlene Hopkins
Elsie Ivey
Edward Jackson
Ronn Jackson 
 
 
Arnold "Tony" Jones
LaVenia J. LaVelle
Wilhamena Logan
Lorenita Lucas
Barbara McDougald
Rev. Nawanna Miller
Albert Murray
Connie Murray

Elizabeth Norwood
Derrick Oates
Amelia Parker, Greensboro, NC
Gloria Simmons
Edna Simons
Elder Ann Sloan
Ruth C. Smith
Mattie Taylor
Roy Taylor
Albert Terry
Juanita Thornton
Dorothy Toulson
Shante Westmoreland
Dana Williams
Harrison Williams 
Reese Williams
 
Dear Pastor Watson and Metropolitan,

Thank you for your calls and expressions of sympathy when my grandmother passed. Special thanks to Charlotte Brookins-Hudson, Elder Diane Day and the Women's Bible Study group for prayers and words of encouragement.

With Appreciation,
Davina Biddle and Family


Condolences


Please keep Dr. Jesse Wood and family lifted in your prayers in the sudden passing on the passing of his first Cousin, Mose Terry, Jr. in Chicago, IL. Final arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Please keep Michelle Barnes and the family of Rick Washington, a very faithful member of Metropolitan and the Usher Ministry, lifted in your prayers, in Rick's passing.

Final Arrangements for Rick Washington:
Friday, April 7, 2017
Metropolitan Baptist Church
1200 Mercantile Lane
Largo, Md. 20774
 
11:00 a.m. - Family receives Friends
12:00 Noon -  Memorial Service
 
Continue to keep Rick's sister Michelle Barnes and Family lifted in your prayers.

 
Join Our Weekly Prayer Calls

You are invited to join us every Wednesday at 12:00 Noon for Seniors Bible Study and Prayer and again on Friday at 6:00 am for a Prayer Conference Call.

Email prayer requests can be sent ahead of time (please indicate if you want it to be anonymous) to awise@metropolitanbaptist.org. Prayer requests will also be shared with the P.U.S.H. Ministry.

If you cannot call in every time, that's okay; just call in when you can, but keep praying for Metropolitan. Remember, the prayers of the righteous availeth much!

NEW PRAYER CONFERENCE CALL NUMBER

Starting Wednesday, March 1, 2017 the church began using a new Conference Call Number:

1-515-604-9589
Access Code:  251509

If you have any questions please contact Rev. Adriane Wise.



It's Time for Sunday School

God's As Our Shepherd

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want is an immediate introduction of who the Lord is and His role in our lives. Shepherds herd sheep. Sheep depend on the Shepherd. The Shepherd watches over his flock; and conversely the flock learns to trust the Shepherd through the dark valleys. Psalm 23 provides a life lesson on how to follow the Shepherd (God) as we travail through this life's journey.

David is the author of our text this week; he knows a lot about being a shepherd. It was his occupation before God called him to rule over Israel. As a shepherd, David fought with lions and bears to protect his flock (I Samuel 17:34-35.) He was responsible and dutiful in the execution of the daily task of guiding his sheep. He understood all too well how much patience, attentiveness and love that was needed to ensure that his flock reached the green pastures to rest and refresh themselves.
 
Like sheep, we also need the love, protection and nourishment that God provides. As our faithful Shepherd, God offers us safety by leading us besides the still waters were we can rest, refresh and restore our souls.   In Matthew 11:28, Christ tells his followers to, "come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest." As our heavenly Shepherd, God is guiding us through the ups and downs of life offering us rest along the way. At the end of this psalm, David describes the most intimate relationship between God and his people; like that of a host and his guests. God protects us by preparing a table in the presence of our enemies who will see God's divine hand. He anoints us with his love until our cups overflow with grace and mercy signifying that because of His guidance our futures are secured.
 
By the end of this lesson we will,

1)   
EXPLORE Psalm 23's use of the metaphor shepherding for trusting in God;
2)    APPRECIATE ways that God's love provides goodness and mercy to people when they face challenges; and,
3)    CHOOSE to trust God's leading, which transforms challenges and difficulties

In what ways has God been a shepherd to you?

Bible Background: Psalm 23
Devotional Reading: John 10:11-18

Sunday School will begin at the conclusion of the 7:15 a.m. service

"The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not want." Psalm 23:1
Submit Church Announcements

Daily Bread Online announcements are due by 5:00 PM Tuesday prior to the Friday of publication.

Video Announcements must be submitted by April 1st for the month of May and the first of the month prior to the month of publication for future announcements.

Submit ALL announcements to dailybread@metropolitanbaptist.org.

All video announcements must
  • have church-wide appeal 
  • include suggested voice over text - aim for 15 to 20 seconds
  • indicate preferred dates to run the announcements
Image submissions are optional and subject to editorial review. Images must be high quality originals. Announcement slides are 1920 px by 1080 px.

If you have any questions, please contact Minister Lela Harris at lharris@metropolitanbaptist.org.


Metropolitan's 
New Mailing Address

Please note - effective immediately, our new mailing address is:

Metropolitan Baptist Church
P. O. Box 6189
Largo, MD 20792-6189
Metropolitan Baptist Church | 1200 Mercantile Lane, Largo, MD 20774 
  www.metropolitanbaptist.org
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