March/April 2020
Featured Articles
From the Editor
Touchpoint
In His Hands
Isaiah 41:10-13/Joshua 1:9
Let's Define Good News
Lenten Season Devotional
Holy Week Schedule
Philippians 4:6-8/John 14:27
We Went to See Where Jesus Walked
Sunday School Community Service
Psalm 46:1-7
VOTE 2020
Work as Worship
Psalm 86-2:3/Jeremiah 33:6
TPCBC on Social Media
Tony Evans Bible and Commentary
Matthew 6:31-34
Parents' Corner
Small Groups Going Virtual
2 Chronicles 7:13-14
Easter Word Search
Bible Study,
Family Meetings &
Corporate Prayer
Open bible glowing with cross on the background

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Bible Study classes are currently meeting virtually. Please check with your Bible Study Instructor for details. 

Prayer Ministry

 
Join the Prayer Line each morning, Monday through Friday, 6:00 am to 7:00 am, and Corporate Prayer every Tuesday evening at 6:30pm.
 
Call Numbers:
1-202-800-7729
No bridge number necessary

1-805-309-2350
Conference Bridge Number: 183063#

Weekly Services
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
   

Live Stre aming

Worship online with us during our Sunday services at www.tpcbc.org 

 

livestreaming 


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Contact Us

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 



Pastor's WelcomeTop
 


The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Matthew 28:5-6

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Revelation 3:20

Some experiences in life seem to take all the wind out of us. They sap our energy, suffocate our enthusiasm and steal/shatter our expectation. We're left listless, lame and loathsome. We're fearful about the present and the future. We're frozen, paralyzed by the pain, shock, or disappointment of it all.

Whatever the life altering event, it disrupts our rest and has the potential to deplete our resources. Hopelessness moves in and brings its kin: despair, disillusionment and depression. As much as we would like to hide from, ignore or self-medicate this new, dark reality, we do so to our own peril. Isolation, starvation, intoxication, are among the many escape routes traveled, resulting, more often than not, in more extensive deception and destruction. There is a safe path, however, that can lead to light, liberty and laughter again.

Acknowledge Grief Together

It begins with acknowledging the grief we share. Grief stricken and tormented by memories of the gruesome suffering their master, teacher and friend had undergone just days earlier (Matt. 27:55-56), the women found little consolation throughout the weekend. Coming to grips with their grief, they discussed next steps. Since they were powerless to rescue Jesus from the persistent crowd or the cross itself, perhaps they could pay respect to Him by washing and anointing His body. Surely, they could do more than sit and sulk in sorrow. Read more >>

From the Editor
Darchelle M. Garner

The impact of the coronavirus can be seen and felt around the world and right here in our community. Most of us are affected in some way by this pandemic, and the uncertainty and life changes have brought about for many new levels of stress, fear and anxiety. 

Although we do not know what the future holds, we do know Who holds the future. So, as we navigate social distancing, manage work-at-home, facilitate remote learning for our children, struggle with less (or no) income, shutter our businesses, strive to avoid infection, and support those who have been infected, let's remember to keep our trust firmly rooted in, and our eyes squarely trained on, the One Who knew all about coronavirus before He laid the foundation of the world, Who is with us throughout this season and always, and Who has already planned its end. We are grateful for a loving God, who watches over His children, provides for us always, and will protect us in this storm. Glory to God!

Throughout this edition of the TPCBC Newsletter, you will find Scriptural antidotes to the coronavirus and its impact. According to the dictionary, an "antidote" is something that "relieves, prevents or counteracts." It is a "remedy that counteracts the effects" of a poison - or in our case, a virus. If ever we needed and antidote, we need it now. Thankfully, the Lord is our antidote; His Word confirms it. So, we encourage you to pray the verses presented here, meditate on them and share them with others. May they encourage you, and bring you peace and hope in these troubled times.

Be safe, be healthy and be blessed!



Stay in Touch on Touchpoint

Don't miss Church email communications about the coronavirus and other important matters. Make sure your Touchpoint profile includes your current and accurate email address.

Login to TouchPoint today through the Church website at www.tpcbc.org and click on "Update Profile" to update your email contact information. Stay connected!






The stuff you read in the paper
Is usually anything but "good news."
As a matter of fact,
Most of the newspaper fare
Does nothin' but give you "the blues,"
With their practice of "If it bleeds it leads."
Newspapers tend to feature the worst
Features of life, such as
Disasters, tragedies, and economic strife.
And the broadcast media does exactly the same
With its obsession with scandal and turmoil
And the political "game."
So, if you are looking for "good news,"
Turn to the words of our Lord
With the Good News of our Savior
And the wisdom of His Word.
Now, that's the Good News
That will do your heart some good
And enhance your soul with joy,
And will strengthen you
As good news should.


From the Grave: A 40 Day Lent Devotional

It's not too late to join the TPCBC congregation this Lenten season as we explore the writings of famed theologian and writer, A.W. Tozer, in his book, From the Grave: A 40 Day Lent Devotional. This 40-day Lent devotional features A.W. Tozer's best insights on faith, repentance, suffering, and redemption. Gleaned from transcribed sermons, editorials, and published books, the book addresses themes such as:
  • Christ's passion, death, and resurrection
  • Mortification of the flesh
  • Self-denial and cross-bearing
  • New life in Christ
  • Christian obedience and resurrection hope
Each day provides a brief portion of Scripture for meditation followed by a reflection from Tozer. Together the entries take you on a journey from the garden to the grave to light of day - the "pain-wracked path" to life.

A self-taught theologian, A.W. Tozer was a pastor, writer and editor whose flowing prose, Spirit-filled words, and deep conviction, grip the intellect and stir the soul. Among his best-loved books are the classics The Pursuit of God and The Attributes of God.

For more information and for more of Tozer's writing, visit www.awtozer.org.

Source: www.amazon.com



Due to the uncertainty of our current times, please check the Church website and monitor Church-wide communications via TouchPoint for updates regarding the Holy Week Schedule and Resurrection Sunday worship.





My 2020 Pilgrimage to Israel
By Min. Sharon Prather

From February 27 through March 7, 2020, eight pilgrims traversed the airways to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. We were led by Min. Gerald Robinson, Executive Director of Know The Truth International Ministries, Inc., and an experienced leadership team of three women: Japera Rahming, of The People's Community Baptist Church; Bridgett Brown, of Fort Foote Baptist Church in Fort Washington, Maryland; and Mildred Wilson, of Mt. Sinai AME Zion Church in Waldorf, Maryland. Valerie Ellis, also from Ft. Foote Baptist Church; Dara Rahming and Annisa Cline-Thomas (from TPCBC) and I made up the remainder of the group - a total of seven women.

One might wonder why God brought together this particular group of women to travel this journey. He definitely doesn't have to tell us His reasoning, but here's my opinion. Jesus values women and mightily uses them. He showed me why Japera left her "good government job" to serve full time in missions. Her service to God and her attention to detail afforded the ministry leader, Min. Gerald, the opportunity to train some, that they may bring others to see Jesus. Read more >>




TPCBC Sunday School and Youth Connections at the Weinberg Housing Facility
By Mark Smith, Jr., Member, Youth Connections

On January 19, members of The People's Community Baptist Church Sunday School youth classes, Youth Connections and youth ministry together participated in serving the community. Students made over 80 sandwiches and packed 40 lunches for Montgomery Coalition for the Homeless. They decorated the lunch bags with creative art and included inspiring messages on each one for the Weinberg Housing Facility in Baltimore, Maryland. Over 25 students participated and received Student Service Learning (SSL) hours.

Students ranging in age from six to 18 participated. The TPCBC youth also blessed this event with prayer and scripture that reminded us all about giving and good works. All participants were blessed by the giving and receiving that took place on this day.

Lynn Rose, Community Engagement Specialist with Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless, has partnered with the youth of our church many times to help facilitate this event. Lynn provided an interactive session with a question and answer format that created positive dialogue about homelessness, which is a terrible but common condition that many people face. The youth ministry hopes to continue this partnership and participate in other outreach efforts to share God's love.





Every citizen of the United States has the right and privilege to vote in local, state and national political elections. For African Americans, access to voting was hard fought and won through the lives and deaths of many who came before us. Because of them and their sacrifices, African Americans must always cast their vote.

This year, 2020, is a pivotal year for our country because of next fall's Presidential Election. The direction of this nation, its position in the world, and the impact on African Americans - and all Americans - will be determined by who is elected to this highest office in the land. As such, we cannot afford the consequences of failing to vote.

Please plan to cast your vote in the Primary Election in June (new date), then in the General Election on 3 November 2020. Following are details about both elections. Be sure to monitor the website of the Maryland State Board of Elections (www.elections.maryland.gov/elections/2020) for possible schedule changes due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Election Dates

Primary Election | June 2, 2020, 7:00 am until 8:00 pm
Early Voting for the Primary Election
Thursday, May 21, 2020, through Thursday, May 28, 2020, from 10 am until 8 pm
General Election | November 3, 2020, 7:00 am until 8:00 pm
Early Voting for the General Election
Thursday, October 22, 2020, through Thursday, October 29, 2020, from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm

Source: Maryland State Board of Elections



Work as Worship Retreat: Making an Impact in the Workplace

On Friday, May 15, join thousands of Christian business professionals across the country for a livestream event to learn how to connect your faith and your work. TPCBC will be host site for this exciting simulcast Retreat, which will run from 9:00 am to 4:15 pm (lunch included).

Every speaker and real-life story presented at the Retreat will focus on what it means for Christians in the workplace to see their work as an act of worship. Some sessions will offer inspirational stories of leaders who have experience combining their faith with their work. Other sessions will deliver application for practically living out faith at work.

The Work as Worship Retreat promises both illumination and empowerment. It is an event to not be missed. For more information and to register, please visit the Work as Worship Retreat website at https://www.workasworshipretreat.org.

Source: www.workasworshipretreat.org




TPCBC on Social Media

You can now find TPCBC on social media, thanks to the Media Ministry, under the leadership of Director Stacey Ward, and our gracious God.

The Church's Facebook page is live, @ThePeople'sCommnityBaptistChurch! Many thanks to Media Ministry members Briana Coleman, Kayla Dantley, Vertriece Taliaferro, and Jordan Robinson for their dedicated work in getting the page up and running.

Our YouTube channel is also active, @TPCBC! Kudos to Jalen Geason, Aaron Tucker and Derek Walker for the successful launch!

Check out all the TPCBC happenings on these two platforms!



If you are looking to upgrade your Bible reading experience, consider securing copies of the Tony Evans Study Bible and the Tony Evans Bible Commentary. Released late last year, these two publications are a must-have for every Christian's library and night stand.

Dr. Tony Evans is the founder and senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, founder and president of The Urban Alternative and author of over 100 books, booklets and Bible studies. The first African American to earn a doctorate of theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, he has been named one of the 12 Most Effective Preachers in the English-Speaking World by Baylor University. His radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, can be heard daily on over 1,400 radio outlets and in more than 130 countries. Dr. Evans' sermons are also streamed and downloaded over 20,000,000 times annually. With the release of the Tony Evans Study Bible and the T ony Evans Bible Commentary, Dr. Evans holds the honor of writing and publishing the first full-Bible commentary and study Bible by an African American. Read more >>





TPCBC will launch Virtual Small Groups in the next few weeks.
Information will soon be available on the Church website.




By Edwina Neely

The theme for the newsletter this time is "The Road to Resurrection: Drawing Nearer to Jesus." As we prepare to celebrate the most important day in history - The Resurrection of Jesus Christ - let us be mindful of Jesus' daily presence. We serve a risen Savior! Revelation 3:20 reminds us of these words from Jesus: "Here I Am! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with you, and you will eat with me." Jesus wants to be with us. What a wonderful truth!

Since we can't see Jesus with our eyes, it may be difficult for our children to understand these words, so it's up to us to make our homes feel like Jesus' presence is there. He never leaves us! Moment by moment we have the opportunity to show Jesus' love, mercy, grace, joy, peace, hope, beauty, kindness, patience, goodness, faithfulness and self-control. Read more >>




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