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Bible Study,
Family Meetings &
Corporate Prayer
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Corporate Prayer and Bible Study will resume in January 2020. Please watch The Teller for details.
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Prayer Ministry
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Join the Prayer Line each morning, Monday through Friday, 6:00 am to 7:00 am Call Numbers:
1-202-800-7729
No bridge number necessary
1-805-309-2350
Conference Bridge Number: 183063#
And...don't forget the
Hour of Power in Prayer: Prayer in the church sanctuary every Friday morning, 6:00 am to 7:00 am
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Weekly Services
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Worship Service and
Sunday School Saturdays at 6:00 pm Sundays at 7:45 am and
11:00 am
Sunday School is available for all ages every Sunday at
9:30 am
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Live Stre
aming
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Worship online with us during our Sunday services at www.tpcbc.org 
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Subscribe to the
Newsletter
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To receive future editions
of the Newsletter,
please forward your
email address to [email protected]
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Contact Us
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The People's Community Baptist Church 31 Norwood Road Silver Spring, MD 20905 Phone: 301-384-2601 Fax: 301-989-2242 Web: www.tpcbc.org
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Pastor's Welcome
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For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,
which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 (KJV)
The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone,
was coming into the world. John 1:9 (NLT)
One of the inspiring activities of each Christmas season is the singing of beloved carols and hymns. Many of them contain poetic language describing the celebrated Christ-child, Jesus.
O, Little Town of Bethlehem describes Him as a gift: "How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven." The revered
Silent Night refers to Him as "Son of God, love's pure light." Again, in
O Come All Ye Faithful, this picture of deity and light is painted: "True God of true God, Light from Light Eternal, Lo, He shuns not the Virgin's womb; Son of the Father, begotten, not created; ...." Another treasured carol is
Hark, the Herald Angels Sing. Its second verse includes the following characterization of the Savior: "Hail the Heaven-born Prince of Peace; hail the Son of Righteousness. Light and life to all He brings, risen with healing in His wings."
The content of each of these songs is based on Scripture. The central biblical truth is this: In His Son, Jesus, God the Father has given a special gift to the world...the gift of light. Light, itself, is rather indescribable, isn't it? Think about it. How would you describe it? Brightness? Radiance? I'm not so sure those terms really capture it. What we can describe is its impact, especially on darkness. Not only is darkness contrasted with light, it is consumed by it. Light can be most appreciated in environments where darkness once prevailed. And it was into such a world, bound by darkness, despair and death, that the babe of Bethlehem was born. No wonder the angel announced to the shepherds, "...I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior - yes, the Messiah, the Lord - has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David" (Luke 2:10-11 NLT). The apostle, John, recorded it this way: "The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world" (John 1:9 NLT). Read more >>
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Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Whatever you do,
Take the time to acknowledge that Christmas is for
you.
Regardless of your circumstances
Or that "trial" that you are going through,
Remember that Jesus came to Earth
To bless and protect
Both me and you!
With all the shopping and partying
That folks are going through,
None of that carries the true message
That Jesus was born to bless
you!
During this blessed holiday season
Some folks tend to forget
"The reason for the season"
That "Christmas" stands for "Christ's Mass"
And that celebration of His Birth
Is the first and foremost reason for this season.
Oh, yes, Santa Claus and Frosty
And all that so-called holiday stuff
May be their major focus,
But God knows
That "stuff" is not enough.
Oh, there is little wrong, I guess,
With celebrating in their own way,
But Santa Claus, Frosty, and Rudolph
Certainly aren't going to save us
When we meet the Lord
On Judgment Day.
So, Brothers and Sisters and Young Folks, too,
Take time to acknowledge
That Christ was born for
you.
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The Social Action Ministry Holiday Giving Program
By Deaconess Jacqueline Dennard
The church will again participate in the Annual Montgomery County Holiday Giving Program, which provides for Montgomery County residents in need of Holiday Baskets of food, gift cards, and toys. The Program is coordinated by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. Area schools, social service agencies and nonprofit organizations refer families in need to a centralized database. Led by the TPCBC Social Action Ministry, The People's Community Baptist Church is committed to serving families who live in Zip Codes 20904 and 20905. Each Holiday Basket provides a complete meal, including a fresh turkey, vegetables and dessert, and may also include a grocery store gift card for additional purchases. Assistance is available for families with dependent children in the home as well as for households with only adults.
TPCBC's Thanksgiving Basket distribution was held on Saturday, November 23rd. Each participating family received a Holiday Basket - or SHARE Package - totaling 280 traditional Thanksgiving meals. More than 100 volunteers from the congregation - including the Boys Rights of Passage, Boy and Girl Scouts - and community assisted with setting up the bulk food packages, served as greeters, distributed the baskets, handed out tracts, and assisted the Thanksgiving Basket recipients where needed.
Read more >>
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CHRISTMAS HYMN: O Come, O Come Emmanuel
By Keith Getty
Reprinted from Baptist Press (www.baptistpress.com), news service of the Southern Baptist Convention. The original story can be found at: http://www.baptistpress.com/53991/christmas-hymn-o-come-o-come-emmanuel.
"O Come, O Come Emmanuel" is one of the most perfect hymn melodies ever written. Dating from the 8th or 9th Century, it was originally a medieval Latin antiphon, a short Psalm chanted in Christian ritual, sung as a refrain. It reminds us of the power of singing in the Dorian mode and allows us to participate in a 1200-year-old sacred Advent ritual.
Music and lyrics combine beautifully in this hymn to express a deep sense of longing and lament; the waiting for and the anticipation of God's promised Messiah permeates every line.
The opening verse places us at the heart of the Israelites' captivity, reminding us of their sense of loss and distress, as they cry out to God to rescue and redeem them.
Read more >>
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Kudos: Joseph Msefya and Marissa Msefya
Congratulations to Joseph Msefya and Marissa Msefya on the release of their new children's book, "Jesus is King, Friend and Savior."
According to the publication summary, this book is unique from other children's books about Jesus. In 24 pages, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is summarized and presented in a way that is relatable, entertaining and educational. Children will learn about the Godship of Jesus, why Jesus had to be born and die for our sins, and what He taught us in the time He was on earth. Biblical references are provided on each page for parents and guardians to dig deeper with their young believers. Joseph shares, "We are so excited for our first children's book. We wanted to offer a book that is culturally relevant. We wanted our young believers to see themselves in the God they love and worship. We wanted to begin teaching our young ones the lessons Jesus taught us about how to live."
Married for five years and parents of five-month-old Amani, Joseph and Marissa, also had deeply personal reasons for writing this book. According to Marissa, "Working with Joseph on this book put Psalm 139:14 into perspective: I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. We are raising our daughter to believe that she has purpose and that her identity is in Jesus Christ, the Son of God." This children's book was created to help establish that strong and essential foundation for Amani and for all children. Read more >>
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Fix these words of mine in your hearts and in your minds. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 11:18-19
Dear Parent/Guardian,
We would like to welcome you and your children to Kid Connections Children's Church Ministry. Thank you for trusting us to provide a fun, safe place for your children to learn and grow.
This year the Kid Connections Ministry has been blessed with the oversight of the church's pre-baptism program for the youth. The program is not limited to just participants in Kid Connections, but it is extended to all children who have made a profession of faith in Jesus as Savior, have expressed a desire to be baptized, and whose parents are in agreement with their child's decision. We believe that baptism is an important step of obedience for every person who has accepted Jesus as their Savior.
To prepare for baptism, each child is required to attend pre-baptism classes, which are held for four consecutive Sundays.
The next classes will be held on January 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2020, from 11:00 am to 11:45 am. Classes will be held in Room #105, and light refreshments will be served. Minister Cynethea Cunningham will serve as Instructor. This is our third course offering; 23 children have completed the class and have received baptism so far this year. Let us know if your child is ready to take this important step on his/her walk of faith.
You can register for this class on
Touchpoint.
Yours in Christ,
The Kid Connection Ministry Team
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Annual Walk Against Lung Cancer
My Dear Church Family,
Last month, Open Technology Group joined the fight against lung cancer by participating in our Fifth Anniversary LUNGevity Foundation Breathe Deep DC 5KWalk. I'm thrilled to report that this year we were named Top Team Fundraiser! We exceeded our expectations and ended up raising more than $40,000...far beyond our original goal.
The outpouring of support we received from my TPCBC church family to stamp out lung cancer is both heartening and inspiring. I am proud to be connected to all of you who contributed to and prayed for our success. This goes to show not only that we can make a difference, but we continue making a difference: 100% of proceeds from the event are supporting innovative research that will bring us closer to a cure.
In memory of my husband Leon, and all others affected by this terrible disease, and with inspiration for a future without lung cancer, I thank you for again coming together in community for this year's event. May it be just one of many wonderful Breathe Deep DC events to come.
I hope to see you next year!
With Sincere Thanks,
Debby Burns
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By Arthur Jackson
Hampton University, Class of 1972
Leon M. Burns, III, was recently inducted to the 2019 Class of the Hampton University Forty Under 40 Society for his advances in Computer Science and Community Service.
Forty Under 40 is a group of Hampton University Alumni whose commitment to excellence is reflected in their drive for professional success and personal growth. The prestigious group represents the top forty young alumni who are sharing their gifts and talents with the world. Leon is the youngest inductee since the inception of this awards program. Leon has applied his expertise in technology and his passion for service to make significant impact at Hampton and beyond.
According to Leon, "Since graduating from Hampton in 2012, I've been privileged with the task of building large data modules in both the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Treasury Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Currently, I'm managing data analytics for Dell's PC Refurbish Project, encompassing efficiency of refurbishment and software migration servicing 5,000 employees across seven FDA locations."
Read more >>
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By DeLunte Lewis
One of my favorite times of the year is spring; the earth appears to come alive with vigor and renewal; the seeming revitalization is infectious, as human beings are caught in the rapture of the warmth of the sun, the gentle and life-giving rains, with vegetation, flowers, and trees reaching toward the sky.
Summer follows with its scorching temperatures and sweltering heat; days become longer as the accompaniment of the sun lingers; ice-cream, ice-water, and iced tea are all in vogue.
Fall is a precursor to the chill of winter, as pools close and windbreakers and sweatpants replace t-shirts and shorts. Hues of red, yellow, and orange emanate and color the landscape.
The emergence of winter ushers in harshness and coldness, lending itself to Langston Hughes' barren field, frozen with snow. Life comes to a halt; vegetation, flowers, and trees reaching for the sky now bury themselves in the ground beneath. Growth seems altered for a while...
No matter the reason for these orchestrated and complex changes in the atmosphere, we anticipate the refining hand of God being active in the process, and as such, we deem the changes to be good. And, yet, we keep wondering why...
Read more >>
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Parents' Corner
Our December theme is "Christmas Light: An Indescribable Gift." The following scriptures reveal to us that Jesus is the true Light, our Savior and Lord! Jesus is an indescribable gift.
For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11
That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. John 1:9
During the Christmas season lights are everywhere, on trees and houses, highlighting the time of year. Wouldn't it be wonderful if every light were shining for Jesus?! We could reframe our thinking and, instead of looking at lights as decorations, we can look at every light and thank Jesus for His Light and our light. The scripture does say, "His true Light gives light to everyone coming into the world." Let us remember that we are lights shining out into this world to let others know the True Light.
As parents, we model to our children that we are lights. Sing the song, "This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine!" Take time this season and every season to think of ways we can let our light shine. Children can come up with creative ways to let their light shine. Listen to them! Your children, God's little gifts to you, can shine for Jesus every day.
Read more >>
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Calling All Writers, Photographers,
Editors, Designers
If you would like to write for the Newsletter, email us at [email protected].
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