Issue 5
May 2012
In This Issue
Highlight
Inspiration
Money Matters
In The Mix
Monthly Emphasis
GCT Career Corner

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Pick of the Month

From the moment you hear that raspy voice you know it's Dorothy Norwood. "The Great Storyteller" has been singing gospel for more than 50 years and after 40 albums she is showing no signs of putting the mic down anytime soon. Her newest project, "He's Been Just That Good," hit the shelves March 20, 2012 and is nothing short of miraculous.

Of course she employs her trademark narratives in her prelude to the popular hymn "Praise Him," as well as when she pays tribute to fellow Caravan Albertina Walker in her introduction of "Just That Good."

It wouldn't be a Norwood album without some old time, foot stomping, hip slapping cuts; "We've Come A Long Way" and "Somehow I Made It" delivers. Madam Norwood - true to her calling to save lost souls for Christ - shares the altar call that was offered during this live recording with "Come to Jesus Now."

She saved the best for last. The final cut on the project takes us back as she performs a medley of the traditional hymns: "Just As I Am," "Pass Me Not," and "I Need Thee."

There aren't many gospel artists nowadays who present a project you can put in your CD player and let it run. Dorothy Norwood's "God's Been Just That Good" is definitely one of them.

Zacchaeus Hayslett
Contributing Writer

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Welcome! It seems like just yesterday that 2012 began; now spring is here.

Once again we have the privilege to greet you in our monthly Inspirer newsletter. Take your time and peruse each article because there is a lot of good information for you and yours. We have tidbits from many areas of ministry we know you will enjoy. So don't just scroll down to the end and look at pictures; you'll miss some very valuable information.

Our theme this year is "Embracing Perfection Through Passion." To us, EMBRACE stands for Empowering Ministry, Building Relationships and Advancing Christians Everywhere! In Ephesians 4:11-13 Paul expresses that God gave passionate ministry gifts "...For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ..." I believe that the foundation of successful ministry begins with a true love for God and His people. Yes, where there is true Passion, there can also be Perfection!

Always remember, if ever you are in our area, we would love to have you and your family come by and visit with us.  

 

 

EMBRACE,

Bishop Brandon B. Porter
Senior Pastor www.bbporterministries.org

 

 

 

Highlight

COGIC Loves Memphis Memphis Loves COGIC

Inspiration

The Anointing Makes The Difference!

You have been given a specific assignment/appointment/work in the kingdom of God.
Souls await your conception because in your birth, strongholds will be dissolved.

What an awesome responsibility God entrusted to this spiritual being. What a wonderful privilege that these natural eyes will see differently than the normal seeing. It's a good thing God did not give our small minds the whole drawn-out task, but in strands. He didn't show us how the enemy, in and around us, is contending how to stop God's plan.

Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will hear him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand (Psalms 20:6). I have been anointed with oil many times in a prayer line, believing the power of Jesus would break every fetter. Anointing simply means God is doing those things only He can do through a flesh and blood, earthen vessel, like me (2 Corinthians 4:7).

In essence, God has empowered us to complete that which He called us to do. We do not have time to ask for details. We just have to endure the journey and keep the faith in a God that never fails. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

Thank God for the boldness of the Holy Spirit. The anointing is God's presence by the Holy Spirit. The anointing on Jesus Christ was by The Holy Spirit. The anointing we have received is by the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38; 1 John 2:20, 26, 27; John 14:26).

Contributing Writer: Evangelist Judy Carol Ibezim

Money Matters

A Gift for Any Occasion

After establishing your financial plan and sticking to it, you noticed a little excess cash or surplus beginning to accumulate each month. Now is a good time to modify your plan and look for other ways to benefit from that excess. Ever considered donating to charity?

The benefits of making charitable contributions vary and are relative to your purpose in giving. Aside from the tax break, people give to fill a need - their own and someone else's. It feels good to give and those in need are blessed by it. But let's explore the taxable deduction a little deeper. Some things to consider when donating to charity:

 * There are so many frauds out there. Which organization should I donate to? How do I know if they are legitimate?  

o The IRS.gov website maintains a list of exempt organizations that are eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. If they are not listed, they may not qualify and you may not be able to claim the deduction. So be cautious!
o Does your employer participate in a contribution matching program to sponsor a particular charitable organization?


 

* To which cause should I donate? 

o What area interests you most? Least? You can also target organizations by type, but there are too many to list each one. Here's a start:

 

-Religious
-Education
-Scientific
-Medical Research
-Private foundation
-Etc...


* How much should I give? 

o Use your own discretion, but prior to making a donation seek the advice of your qualified tax advisor and/or the IRS.gov website for contributions you cannot deduct.
o Proper records must be maintained of all cash contributions of $250 or more. Again, seek the advice of your qualified tax advisor and/or the IRS.gov website for required documentation.



Always be prepared to modify your financial plan when you recognize a significant change in your finances. Knowing when to spend is as important as knowing when not to. If your circumstances allow for a little extravagance, consider a gift for any occasion - the gift of love or charity. 1 Peter 4:8 says, "And above all things, have fervent charity among yourselves, for charity shall cover the multitude of sins."

Sis. Ramona Coe,
Contributing Writer

In The Mix

Current Events

Let Me Entertain You!

Whether you're looking for an inexpensive family outing or an economical way to impress a date, many local attractions offer free or reduced price admission on particular days or for particular events. Please remember that these deals are subject to change. Be sure to verify admission information before visiting.

The Pink Palace Museum
View the city's largest collection of historical, cultural, and archeological exhibits at the Pink Palace for free on Tuesdays from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm.

The Fire Museum of Memphis
Learn about fire safety and the history of fire fighting in Memphis at The Fire Museum of Memphis. On Tuesdays, admission is buy one get one free.

Lichterman Nature Center
Take a stroll through nature and see native wildlife in the heart of the city. On Tuesdays from 1:00 p.m. until closing, admission to Lichterman Nature Center is free.

Brooks Museum of Art
See the largest fine arts collection in the state of Tennessee at The Brooks Museum of Art on Wednesdays when visitors are invited to "pay what they can." Any amount from one penny and up will pay for your admission.

Dixon Gallery and Gardens
The Dixon Gallery and Gardens houses a nice collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, other artwork and beautiful gardens. Admission to the Dixon is free on Saturday mornings from 10:00 a.m. until noon. On Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., the Dixon offers Pay-What-You-Can admission.

Playhouse on the Square and Circuit Playhouse
Enjoy a night at the theater! For each of its productions, Playhouse on the Square and the Circuit Playhouse offer one "Pay What You Can" night.

Orpheum Classic Movie Series
It may not be a Broadway show, but you can still enjoy the ambience of the theater for a mere $6.00 at the Orpheum Classic Movie Series.

Stax Museum
Stax Museum of American Soul Music offers free admission to Shelby County residents every Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. In order to take advantage of this fun and free activity, museum goers must provide proof of residency. The free rate is not applicable for group tours and not valid during holidays or special events.

Contributing Writer: Sis. Beverly Parish
Monthly Emphasis

Holy Spirit

The monthly focus for May is the Holy Spirit. The most accurate definition of the Holy Spirit is found in the Bible. The Holy Spirit is a person in the Holy Trinity and He is the same as the Heavenly Father and Jesus. He is eternal, omniscient and omnipresent. It is God's desire that everyone come to know Him, so He enters into every person who accepts the gift of salvation.

Romans 8:14 says, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God." As believers, our role is to spend time with Him in the Word and in prayer. There are specific results the Holy Spirit has designed for each person, but every believer must develop his/her character through the gifts of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). When He convicts us of our sin, we are to ask for forgiveness and repent so that He can cleanse us. 1 Thessalonians 3:13 says, "...so that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before God our Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints." When we live for Him fully, the Holy Spirit guides us in all truth.

The Holy Spirit faces opposition in winning our attention. As Jesus said, false prophets are coming with false doctrines to deceive many. For example, the Word of Faith Movement and Prosperity Gospel are false doctrines, but they are not the last. Jesus says in Matthew 24:4 "See to it that no one misleads you." For greed, they spread deceit about things that are to happen on the earth. 2 Peter 2:3 says, "And through covetousness they shall with feigned words make merchandise of you: judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not."

False prophets pose as mediators between us and God. Jesus is our Mediator and the Holy Spirit gives us access to God. We must study the Word of God as the final say and not mimic concert fans who want to hear what is popular and good to our ears, causing us to miss God. Since the Holy Spirit dwells within us, we have all we need. We must follow Him and the Word of God. 

Contributing Writer: Minister Sylvester Person

GREATER COMMUNITY TEMPLE'S mission is to impact its community through evangelism, discipleship in order to change the world. We are committed to developing the believer in their faith of the Lord Jesus Christ through the consistent and systematic study of God's word. We exist to celebrate God's presence, to demonstrate God's love, to communicate God's word, and to educate God's people.

Bishop Brandon B. Porter
Senior Pastor