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September 3, 2023
We have completed 245 days in 2023. We began the ninth month of September on Friday. Here we are at the first Sunday of the month having been made aware of the continuation of the struggle for equality, freedom and justice for all as a nation founded on the Judeo-Christian heritage. However, we realize that no success is final and no failure is fatal. We continue to be reminded with the poem, “Present Crisis” by James Russell Lowell, written as an anthem against slavery and by extension, other racially-induced crimes in 1845. Penned in 1845 as a protest against the permission of slavery in Texas. This poem serves as a voice for all people who continue to face discrimination, demonization, denigration and devaluation of their humanity, freedom and rights.
“Once to every man and nation comes the moment to decide,
In the strife of Truth with Falsehood, for the good or evil side;
Some great cause, God's new Messiah, offering each the bloom or blight,
Parts the goats upon the left hand, and the sheep upon the right,
And the choice goes by forever 'twixt’ that darkness and that light.”
We do not look back in anger or go forward in fear, but in the strength of the Lord our helper and keeper who will equip, empower and encourage us to fight the good fight of faith. We believe in the adages that inform our understanding of life with all of its challenges, crises, and circumstances: Truth crushed to earth will rise. The moral arch of the universe is long but it bends toward justice.
We believe from the Word in Exodus 3:7-8, “LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey.
What a word / God is concerned about your circumstances / God cares about you in your situation / God knows what you are going through / God engages you as a participant in freeing you from bondage and captivity.
There are a few dates I would like to call to your attention.
Sunday, September 3rd we will be worshiping in-person at 2412 Griffith Avenue in Griffith Hall at 8:00 am. All worship services will be held at this location for the month of September.
Monday, September 4th is Labor Day. Celebrate responsibly and safely. Labor Day weekend signals summer is ebbing into yesterday making way for autumn.
Sunday, September 17th is the 49th Anniversary of Christian Women On The Move. Najuma Smith-Pollard will bring the message from scripture on that Sunday for the broadcast as well as the in-person service at 2412 Griffith Ave., in Griffith Hall at 8:00 am. Be sure to give a special offering for CWOM Anniversary observance.
September 23rd, 2023 / Autumn Begins / the only season that by two names is called / It is a constant reminder that we live betwixt and between / On one side is strength / While the other side is lean.
Sunday, September 24th is Christian Education and Theological Education Emphasis. Members of the Christian Education Commission will be leading in worship. I think it incumbent that Christian and Theological Education Emphasis has as its purpose responsible biblical interpretation as it communicates the message of the Bible to the contemporary concerns of life. Given how easily scripture gets misinterpreted and misused to alienate, isolate, perpetuate petty prejudices, proclivities and practices, it is absolutely necessary to responsibly interpret scripture and make the appropriate application to our lives. Ernest Young will bring the message as a word from sacred writ.
As we continue with the challenges, personally, politically, communally and collectively, let us continue to trust “the One who has bought us out of darkness into the marvelous light.” I Peter 2:9. Continue to develop your discipline, foster your faith and put weight in your witness to your allegiance, commitment and loyalty to the Lord Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Savior.
Love and blessings,
-Pastor
Dr. William S. Epps, Senior Pastor
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