1st Sundays - Pastor's Love Offering

This month our member spotlight shines the Music Ministry Leader of our Sweet Home family - Sis. Rachel Caruthers!

Sis. Rachel has many favorite scriptures, but the one that she lives by is Proverbs 18:16 - "A man's gift maketh room for him, And bringeth him before great men." She humbly states that her gifts have made and are still continuing to make room for her! We see those some of those gifts displayed in her service at The Home every Sunday, whether she is leading Praise and Worship, encouraging others with her infectious smile, or blessing us with her famous Peach Cobbler!

Sis. Rachel is the mother to two beautiful daughters, Jalynn and Rylee, a licensed Cosmetologist and Cosmetology Instructor, and the owner/operator of Rachel's Beauty Bar located in Merrillville, IN.

When asked what keeps her going when the storms seem to be overwhelming or insurmountable, her answer was clear. "My daughters keep me going. I know they're paying attention to me, so I have to be the example and live it."

As she operates in another one of her many gifts, Sis. Rachel wants to leave us with a short, but powerful command, "BE ENCOURAGED!" To God be the Glory!

For the month of April, we celebrate the newest member of our virtual Sweet Home family - Sis. Krystal Paige! She is the daughter of our very own Rev. Reginald Paige, and her favorite scripture is Psalm 91. She says that the whole passage relieves her anxiety when things are falling apart and reminds her that she doesn't have to worry about anything, especially getting back at those who do her wrong, because that is for God to handle. "The only thing I need to do is trust that God will handle it and have faith that he will not give me more than I can handle which give me room to breathe peacefully." 

Sis. Krystal is 24 years old, and a new mother to a beautiful son, Kairo Paige. Being a single mother, she is most thankful for the support of God and her family. With being only one semester away from completing her bachelor's degree in Biology, Sis. Krystal will be transferring from Grambling State University, which is a HBCU in Louisiana, to an online university once her son is older. She displays her commitment to education when she states, "I’m still debating what I want to do with my degree, but the most important part for me is to finish because I have dedicated a lot of years to accomplishing my goals."

Being a single mother isn’t the only storm that Sis. Krystal has survived in her life, but it has been the hardest. The thing that keeps her going is her faith and the knowledge that no matter how hard it gets God won’t let her drown. She is resolute in her stance. "At the end of the day, things can always get worse, you just have to focused on the positive until it does. Bad times don’t last forever and no matter what I go through as long as I’m breathing, I know I can make it." 

This faith-filled young woman speaks from a place of inspiration. "For those reading this newsletter, I just want to say that no matter how hard it gets you can always push through. When you have faith in God, you’re never truly alone, and when you do feel alone the best thing to do is pray. If you have to cry it out, there’s no shame in that because without releasing that negative energy there’s no room for positive energy and blessings. I’m excited to join the church and I will be there as soon as I am healed from my c-section. God Bless everyone." God bless you as well, Sis. Krystal, and we look forward to seeing you and little Kairo!

The Pastor's Support Ministry leads our faith family in showing appreciation for our Pastor. Through their efforts, as a church we are able to provide support to our Pastor as he offers leadership by serving us. Whether it be through prayer, financial assistance, or encouragement and exhortation, this ministry makes sure that our Pastor is able to lead in a spirit of peace, joy, and love. We thank God for the efforts of Sis. Juanita Adams, Sis. Rachel Caruthers, Sis. Shanta Mack, Min. Stephanie Harden, and Rev. Johnny Henderson.

Sweet Home Community News - April 2022

*Family and Friends Day

*Fellowship with Beth-Eden MBC

To our church family and friends, the Christian Education Ministry greets you with these words: The love of our God is ever present, just look up and out, receive and bathe in Him. I John 4:7 says, "Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God."

In this ministry, we work to show the love of God to all no matter what your conditions or circumstances are, and no matter what state your life is in. We are here for you, and if you have anything or something that you want to share with us, please do. We are here to encourage and build up. Feel free to contact Pastor Mack at (219)977-1400, or Rev. Beauty at (219)977-1101.

Please continue to pray, worship, and study with us. Our Youth Church-At-Study is every Sunday morning at 9:30am, and the Adult Church-At-Study is every Tuesday night at 6:30pm. Parents and Guardians, we welcome your children to come and fellowship with us, as we strive to plant the seed of Christ in their hearts.

Special Note: If there is a different day that will be better to encourage faithful attendance, we are open to working with families to ensure the presence of the youth. God Bless you!

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right." Ephesians 6:1

Yours for the Cause of Christ,