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A Prayer of Thanks for TPCBC 40th Anniversary
By Deirdre Coleman, Prayer Ministry Coordinator

Almighty and Eternal God,

We thank you for the blessing of 40 years of fruitful ministry at The People's Community Baptist Church. We celebrate today because You have brought us this far by faith and by Your power to answer prayer. Your Word confirms that all things we ask for in prayer, we will receive if we have faith. (Matthew 21:22 NLV)

Father, before there was a church building, You provided a vision that You planted in the heart of our founding Pastor Dr. T.J. Baltimore. When God sounded the call for the need, he answered the call to go, by faith. God, You were the idea creator, the dream builder, the way maker and every provision. And by Your mighty hand, the seed that was planted grew and became the Kingdom-focused ministry in which we serve today.  Read more >>

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Dr. Haywood A. Robinson, III

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Voices of the Next Generation

It's Time to Rise: Equipping and Empowering the Next Generation

Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them-to the Israelites. Joshua 1:2

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Joshua said to the priests, "Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on ahead of the people." So they took it up and went ahead of them. Joshua 3:6

This month, we are celebrating the 40th Anniversary of The People's Community Baptist Church (TPCBC). In consideration of the Church Anniversary theme, "It's Time to Rise: Equipping and Empowering the Next Generation," we asked TPCBC young adults - members of the next generation - to respond the following questions:

1. Briefly describe the impact of your experience at TPCBC on your life.
2. Looking toward the future, what more do you need/want from your TPCBC experience to feel equipped and empowered to fulfill the roles of tomorrow's leaders?

You will find throughout this July/August 40th Church Anniversary eNewsletter special edition their insightful and timely responses. 

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Marissa Washington Msefya

Joseph Family
TPCBC Member since 2011

I grew up attending church regularly and was always active, but joining People's in 2011 helped me to foster a close relationship with Christ. My first Bible Study, "Discipleship of Christ," opened my eyes to what it really means to be a Christian. From that point on, I truly began to pursue Christ and became a regular attendee of Bible Study on Tuesdays and a member of the Chancel Choir. Participating in these two activities exposed me to more scripture, which has contributed to my growth in faith and worship.

Fast forward to 2017...I had the opportunity to participate in my first TPCBC short-term mission trip with 11 women of God and attend the Pinky Promise Conference with members of the young adult ministry. And now in 2018, as a home-based small group co-leader with my husband, I can say I am blessed to be in a position to pour into others and continue to expand the kingdom with fellow members. I'm thankful for TPCBC.

Mentorship and continued encouragement from current ministry leaders are important. A seat at the table is even more important. I think the more young adults are included (and respected) in all aspects of ministry, the more we will feel we have a place and voice at People's. Additionally, a young adult minister could help serve as an advocate and mentor.

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In 1831, Samuel Francis Smith penned the now-familiar hymn, "My Country, 'Tis of Thee," as a tribute to the United States of America. Twelve years later, abolitionist A.G. Duncan rewrote the words to the classic to challenge America's enslavement of African descendants. Pastor Robinson recently shared parts of Duncan's version from the pulpit.

As we recognize the July 4th holiday this month and reflect on the history of our nation, let us consider the contrasting lyrics of the two versions:

My Country, 'Tis of Thee By Samuel Francis Smith My country, 'tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing; Land where my fathers died, Land of the pilgrims' pride, From ev'ry mountainside Let freedom ring!

My Country! 'Tis of thee By A.G. Duncan My country! 'tis of thee, Stronghold of slavery, Of thee I sing: Land where my fathers died, Where men man's rights deride, From every mountainside, Thy deeds shall ring.

Read more >>

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J. Paul Myers

Dan Family
TPCBC Member since 1989

As a whole, my experience at People's has been a great learning process. The church leadership and membership have all contributed to my development over the years. I appreciate that many people took the time to help shape and then harvest my gifts. The ministries that I participated in, such as Boy Scouts and the choir also made an impact. I especially appreciated the scholarship support when I was in college.

Keep open the lines of communication with young adults, and be open to progressive change. I like that People's is increasingly more inclusive. I look around at the congregation these days and see more races and nationalities represented, and that's great. That we are located in the Washington, D.C., hub, helps support this continued growth in inclusivity.

On a personal level, I turned 30 years-old last year, which was an awakening. I want to be sure my life is on track. To that end, I would like more one-on-one time with the elders of the church. The current leadership is quite strong. Spending more time with them would be beneficial to young adults like me.

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Derrick Harrigan

Joseph Family
TPCBC Member since 2000

I've been coming to People's for 18 years. My grandmother brought us here for the first time in 2000. We had New Members class with Deacon Bill Clardy. I remember walking into the sanctuary for the first time and seeing Dr. Baltimore - tall, friendly and inviting. Dr. Baltimore was VERY well-connected in Montgomery County. Everyone knew him - council members, state delegates, etc. I thought that I needed to be well-connected, too. So I went on to mirror that in my own career, not because I felt that it would get me things, but because I could help others as well as myself.

Dr. Baltimore always talked about (and so did Deacon Clardy) the picture hung on the wall just before the entrance into the sanctuary. He would reference the diagram and say, "We ought shed self, get off the seat, and let God sit there." I try to emulate this daily in my personal life and in my career. Just last week I was at a Leadership Montgomery event - and whom did I see? Deacon Lawrence Graham! Deacon Graham was giving his LM graduating class address. Dr. Robinson is also a Leadership Montgomery graduate, along with other church members. It is no secret that our church has a heart for community, leadership and "shedding self, getting off the seat, and letting God sit there."  Read more >>

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In 2 Chronicles 15:7, it is written "But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." This principle is a key ingredient of success. Relentless perseverance is often the reason why an aspiring athlete makes it to the professional realm of his sport or a teenager walks across the stage to receive her diploma. It marks a successful marriage and a life of achievement.

This same tenet was a driving force behind the establishing of The People's Community Baptist Church (TPCBC) by the Rev. Dr. Thomas Jeremiah "T.J." Baltimore. In the spring of 1978, a young Pastor Baltimore resigned from his position of five years at Turner Memorial Baptist Church in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to follow a calling to raise up a new church. Dr. Baltimore was led to plant this new church in Silver Spring, Maryland. After meeting with a few close friends, a name for the church was decided upon: The People's Community Baptist Church, to represent a place where people could come from all directions to worship God and advance His will in the community. Read more >>

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Kimberly Mann Young

Benjamin Family
TPCBC Member since 1989

Overall TPCBC has had a great impact on my life. I specially enjoy the Bible Study teachings as they have given me the opportunity to meet more people on a deeper personal level and grow in my biblical knowledge as well. I appreciate also the ministries for the children. Welcoming them in activities from Bible Study to choir to Vacation Bible School has really given them a sense of pride in themselves and their relationship with God.

I feel as though People's is not always catered for my age range. The events and programs available, such as Revival or, early morning lectures, tribal holiday parties, or even cruise trips are not designed for a low-income parent. They are either too pricey, don't have any day care options available or both. I feel this limits a lot of participation for people my age, as most of our time and attention goes to rearing our children.

Also, I feel there is a move among my generation towards less traditional religious talk. We get frustrated when it seems that church is separated from real life. There needs to be more of a focus on the Christian's relationship with God and what it really looks like to walk with God while living in this world. I think real issues need to be addressed, such as sex, finances, child-rearing, employment, and the countless other issues people are focused on daily. There should not be this separation of spirituality and life that I so often see.

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Alicia Faith Thomas

Benjamin Family
TPCBC Member since 2013

I really appreciate the various ministries that TPCBC has to offer. For example, IMPACT has opened opportunities for me to gain personal relationships with like-minded young adults. We are able to share similar experiences, pray for one another, and hold each other accountable. The music ministry gives me an outlet to express myself to others, and more importantly, to God. Singing in the praise team and choir is my favorite way to worship corporately.

I would love to see more opportunities for young adults to be involved in the church. I am noticing an effort within the church, and it is appreciated.

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By George Comer

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DeLunte Lewis

Benjamin Family
TPCBC Member since 1997

Simply put, my experience at The People's Community Baptist Church has forged my identity in Christ. This community has encouraged me since the age of 17.

About three years ago, I reemerged in the church searching for answers. I put a halt to a nonstop cycle of attempting to find satisfaction, identity and purpose any- and everywhere but in the presence of God. My life was empty, and as a result, I felt incomplete. So, like the prodigal son, I set my gaze upon my Father's house and decided I'd make way back to the place where I knew I belonged. The journey God has placed me on since that moment has been nothing short of miraculous.

I can remember arriving to Min. Terri Prayer's Spiritual Gifts Bible Study class and closely observing her commitment to the task God had placed under her stewardship. There were many a Tuesday night where I was the only one who showed up to class; however, I never had the sense that Min. Terri was disappointed or deterred. She simply buckled down and dug deeper into the trench and poured into me all that God had poured into her. Min. Terri's dedication helped to save my life. Read more >>

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Shayla Hines

Reuben Family
TPCBC Member since 1993

TPCBC has been my church home for nearly 25 years. It's been a place where my foundation in Christ has been enhanced throughout the different stages of my spiritual journey. People's has given me a space to explore my passions. I believe that the skills, knowledge, and wisdom poured into me from mentors at church have helped me navigate life and recognize the call God has placed on my life. Ultimately, People's has taught me how to love unconditionally and serve selflessly to those inside and outside of the church, which is what we are all called to do.

I want our church to be more transparent and show a sense of urgency in deliverance and addressing the struggles people go through. I think we have gotten comfortable in our traditions and forget that people are truly hurting. I want to see a future where People's tackles relevant issues that plague our communities and our minds without backlash of being too risqué. The risk in not tackling these issues is that people find carnal solutions to spiritual matters. My prayer is that TPCBC equips the next generation with wisdom and practical steps to be those change-makers for our communities.

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By Allison Ellison, Co-Chair, Yasha Circle Ministry

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By Edwina Neely

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