Moving to Mount Pleasant's FACEBOOK and TWITTER sites

Dear Members of the Mount Pleasant 34-39 community. We aren't posting here at this time, but we are following the Mount Pleasant Facebook and Twitter sites:
http://www.facebook.com/mpcmbaltimore and https://twitter.com/#!/mpcmbaltimore .
So if you have a facebook account, please "like" the page, and if you have a Twitter account, please "follow" Mount Pleasant. Many of the 34-39 members are there. We'll look forward to seeing you over there as well.

Celebrating Bishop Johnson's 40th Anniversary: Israel Houghton Leads Praise & Worship Sun. 7/25, 9AM

Join us at Mount Pleasant Church & Ministries, 6000 Radecke Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21206 for the 9AM service on Sunday 7/25/10. Israel Houghton will be leading the Praise and Worship portion of the morning service. This is part of Bishop Clifford M. Johnson's 40th Anniversary celebration.

Of course, members of Mount Pleasant are very used to singing "Friend of God" on Sunday mornings.

Join us for a wonderful worship service. It's Sunday morning, so of course, there is no charge to come to church. We continue the celebration at 5:00 with special guests, Baltimore's Church of the Redeemed of the Lord. Happy Anniversary Bishop Johnson!

No MPCM Service - Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010

Good morning 34/39,

Today's services have been canceled due to snow. 
We received an email from Mount Pleasant asking
all members to inform family and friends.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Red Dress Sunday: Feb 14
• Trip To Sight and Sound: April 10
• Couples Night Out: Feb 19
• Rise Up Friday: Feb 19
• Evangelism Nursing Home Outreach: Feb 20, 4-5pm

Service WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Dec. 23, 7 PM (In place of missed Sunday Service due to snow)

As most of you now know, yesterday's Sunday worship service was not held due to the record-breaking snow fall. However, we will have service this week! Mount Pleasant will have a worship service on Wednesday, Dec. 23, at 7 PM! Please spread the word to family and friends.

Sermon Notes: Let Peace Rule & Don't Worry (Dec. 6, 13)

Over the past few weeks, Bishop Johnson has been reminding the congregation about the real reason for Christmas (Christ!), but he has really been making sure that all know that this should not be a season for stressing out over "things" or the "acquisition of things." He said that no one should spend beyond their budget, don't worry about gifts to get or whether you can't afford gifts. Do not be stressed over anything this season.

Review of Sermon Notes:
----------------------------

Let Peace Rule!

Colossians 3:13-15,16

¹⁵And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Don't be anxious about anything!
(Matt. 6:25, 28, 31, 34)

²⁵Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

²⁶Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

²⁷Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

²⁸And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

²⁹And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

³⁰Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

³¹Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

³²(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

³³But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

³⁴Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Don't worry!

Worry:
1) Keeps you from enjoying what you already have
2) Makes you forget your own worth
3) Is a complete waste of energy
4) Erases the promises of God from your mind
5) Doesn't look good on you.

First seek the kingdom of God. Put your care upon him. Why carry something that HE has already carried for you?

Vicky Yohe comes to Mt. Pleasant

Vicki Yohe is coming to Mt. Pleasant on Dec. 13!
Bio: http://www.vickiyohe.org/bio.php

Mount Pleasant will recognize Vicki's cover of Martha Munizzi's song "Because of Who You Are" (The Praise and Worship Team sang this yesterday), and her version of the worship song,"He's Been Faithful."


Vicki Yohe is signed to CeCe Winans' PureSprings label. Christian Music Monthly has published this interview with Vicki, it will introduce you to Vicki and her ministry:
http://www.webspawner.com/users/cmmonthly/vickiyoheaworsh.html




Vicki Yohe sings "Because of Who You Are."





Interview with Vicki Yohe by BET's CocoBrother
____________________________________________

CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT MOUNT PLEASANT WITH VICKI YOHE
SUNDAY, December 13, 2009
5:00 PM
Tickets: $10 + 1 unwrapped toy.
Approved list of suggested toys:
http://www.mountpleasant.org/events/Christmasconcert-toylist.htm
Tickets may be purchased at Lifeway Christian Bookstore. Toys to be donated should be brought to the concert. Monetary donations will be accepted in place of the toy donations.
Toys will be donated to the Johns Hopkins Children's Center and surrounding communities.

Series on INTEGRITY - summary from Sun. Nov. 29, 2009

Over the last few weeks, Bishop Johnson has been talking about integrity.

Here is a summary of the points that he has been giving us.

Building Integrity in Our Lives

1. Deal with your past
2. Commit to discover what the scripture says about justice and honor
3. Examine your daily walk with God (Be quick to repent and confess sin, seek God's enabling grace to help you change direction.)
4. Judge yourselves
5. Listen to your conscience
6. Seek Godly counsel from someone who understands your circumstances is is living by Godly values.
7. Obey what you know (don't ignore it, respond to it).

We are reminded to "Be a doer, not just a hearer" (James 1:22.)

Our power source for life, a life of integrity, is Jesus Christ.


Scriptures used: Phil 4:13, Acts 17:28a, Psalm 107, Psalm 92, 1 John 4, Psalm 24, Psalm 27:1, Psalm 18:28-34, Isaiah 41: 10, 13, Psalm 102:27, Acts 17:28.
Bible Online: http://www.biblegateway.com/

34/39 Member Highlight

34/39 Member Sis. Whitney Stansfield creates baked goods for your enjoyment! Her business "Taste and See" was featured at Mount Pleasant's Family & Friends Celebration this summer.

Photos from 34/39 Breakfast in the Park

Photos from 34/39 2009 ZipZone Sunday

New Holiday Worship Schedule. 9 AM services from Nov. 29 - Dec. 27

Greetings 34/39 ZipZone! We have been away from the blog for a little while, but we are still here to serve you! Please note that Mount Pleasant is launching a new Worship Schedule for the Holiday Season. Morning Service will begin at 9 AM each Sunday starting November 29 (after Thanksgiving) until Dec. 27 (before the New Year.) Our New Year's Eve, Dec. 31 Watchnight Service will also begin at 9 AM.

Living Life in the Love of God, May 17 Sermon Quotes

Sunday Sermon Quotes from Bishop Johnson, Sunday, May 17, 2009

Scripture References:
I John 3: 1-3, I John 3: 14-16, I John 4: 6-12.

• Love is a realm
• The realm of love is not subject to the natural world
• It's a realm where you can experience God continually.
• It's where faith becomes natural, where faith becomes understandable.
• You will not live a life of love accidentally. You have to choose. Making a choice to love, sometimes you have to do it everyday, several times a day.
• Christ died for us, we must live for Him. (I John 3:16)
• Most precious words: "I love you," "I forgive you."
• Love will paralyze fear.
• Love is a realm where fear has no power.
• The only cure for a painful environment is to allow God to love it away.
• Love is not an action, it's a dimension.
• When you love your enemies, you provide a conduit for God to love them.
• You have to be in the right posture, the right realm for miracles.
• Perfect love casts out fear ((I John 4:18)
• You are committed only to the degree that you are committed to love.

PURSUE THE LOVE LIFE WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART!

Prayer for families in our Zip Zone

We are thankful for the life of Mount Pleasant's 100 year old member, Mother Mary Davis, who went to be with the Lord after so many years! We also ask continued prayer for Bro. Aaron Pitts on the passing of his mother. Please continue to pray for your 34/39 Deacon, Deacon Richard Lewis who is healing. We look forward to his return to MPCM soon!

Good Friday Services Today

Good morning.

Mount Pleasant will be celebrating Good Friday with services today, Friday, April 10, at 10:45 a.m.

2nd Annual 34/39 Breakfast in the Park! May 23, 2009

It's a Spring 2008 21234 & 21239 Event!

The Deacon Care Team for the 21234 & 21239 Zip Zone would like to invite all 34/39 Members to the:

2nd Annual 34/39 Breakfast in the Park

34/39 will have breakfast and walk around the Lake on Saturday, May 23, 2009. Whether you decide to walk, sit and talk ... jog, or toss a ball ... we're looking forward to seeing you there!

Saturday, May 23, 2009.
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Location: Lake Montebello at Montebello Park in Baltimore.

The cost is FREE! We'll bring the breakfast food: fruit, pastries, yogurt, juice, and more! We'll bring the table and some seating. Feel free to join in and bring your blankets and lawn chairs as well.Eat! Fellowship! Join us at the park!

We'll see you at the park on Saturday, May 23!

Directions from MPCM:

• Make right onto Radecke
• Turn left at Cedonia Ave. changes to Sinclair Lane
• Turn right at Moravia Rd
• Turn left at Walther Ave.
• Turn left at Harford Rd.
• Turn right at Lake Montebello Terrence
• Turn left at Curran DriveTurn left onto school parking lot, (you will see playground equipment)

Lake Montebello is surrounded by Hillen Rd (which changes to Perrring Pkwy), 33rd, Harford Rd. This entrance is off of Harford Rd.

-Your 34/39 Deaconcare ZipZone Team:

Deac. & Sis. Lewis, Deac. & Sis. Moore, Deac. & Sis. Tull

ZIPZONE Sunday, Part II. This Sunday, March 29!

This Sunday, March 29, is our ZIP ZONE Sunday. This Sunday, at 7:45 and 10:45 services, we will sit with our zip zones. This will provide us with a chance to continue to recognize one another as members of 34/39! We'll have signs and will look forward to welcoming you!

Prayer and Support for Loss in the Family

Dear 34/39 Members,

We are in prayer Deacon Barry Moore and his family on the death of Deacon Moore's father, Andre Moore. The wake for Deacon Moore's father was yesterday and the homegoing service will be today Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 11 AM:

Vaughn Green
8728 Liberty Road
Randallstown, MD 21133
410-655-0015
http://www.vaughncgreene.com/randallstown.htm

We also pray for the family of 34/39 member Sis. Juanita Addison; she went to be the Lord. Her daughter is Arnita Addison.

Gang Awareness - Coming Sunday, Feb. 16

Bishop Johnson has named Feb. 16, 2009, "Gang Awareness Sunday." The 10:45 service will have local police, testimonies, information, and more. Please plan to come this Sunday at 10:45 and bring others with you.

Coming soon: postings from other services

Notes from the following services:

• Jan. 11 (Entire Sanctification, 1 Thessalonians 6:16-24)
• Feb. 1 (2 Corinthians 4:1-8)
• Feb. 8 (Experiencing Holiness, Experiencing Sanctification, 2 Corinthians 4:3, 1 Corinthians 10, Ephesians 4:17-24)

will be posted soon. Some of these services contain unique demonstrations that should be experienced via the DVD. Please consider getting the DVD for the full messages.

Sermon Notes: 7:45, 10:45, 5:00 Jan. 4, 2009

These notes contain highlights from both of Bishop Johnson's messages at 7:45 and 10:45 on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009. Some brief highlights from the 5:00 Communion Service are also included. You are always encouraged to get the tapes and DVDs from the Narthex (on the side of the Narthex/Lobby closest to the elevator, going toward the Resource Center.)

Morning Services
Scripture References: Deut. 8:17-18

The people were taking credit for all of the wealth that they had. "In Abraham shall all of the nations of the earth be blessed." The Word is inot just for them, it is for us.

Proverbs 10:22
The emphasis is not on the wealth, the emphasis is on the blessing (the covenant relationship that God had with Abraham and put on his seed.)

We are the spiritual seed of Abraham; we are qualified for the blessing.

Hebrews 6:16-18
What God promises, He is able to perform. Wealth doesn't necessarily have to do with money, it can be a relationship.

True freedom only happens when I obey His command.

Deut. 8:1. Be careful to follow every commandment that I have given to you.

He led us through '08. It was hard, difficult, and tight, but God led us.

We have to remember that we didn't come through on our own. He led us even when we were kicking and screaming. You're right where you need to be right now.

When ends are meeting, remember, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth our to the mouth of God. Remember: life and death are in the power of the tongue; God hates murmuring.

Deut. 8:5-6. Keep God's commandments by reverencing Him.

Don't despise the chastening of the Lord. When God is disciplining you, He's training you to be equipped to go through difficult places. God loves me the way I am, but He doesn't want me to stay that way.

v. 11. Be careful that you don't forget the Lord your God by keeping His commandments. When we eat and are full, we tend to forget. Example: When you get a new home, don't forget God.
v. 13. Modern day ... [remember God] when you get a raise on your job. Increase doesn't necessarily mean money, you may have been increased in some justice or health. Be careful that your heart doesn't become proud.
The reason why we have issues: We don't want to obey the covenant. He doesn't need your help, He just needs your obedience. The freedom is in the blessing. It is the blessing that brings the wealth. It's not you, it's He that is doing it. Your money, relationships, family - it's all tied up in the covenant.

I'm already blessed. Live in the confines of the blessing. Remember that it is God who sustains you. It doesn't matter how it looks, you just need to know that he's sustaining you. I may not have everything that I want, but He's positioning Himself to take cre of our needs. In God's Word, you can find a hiding place - everything you need. The promised land - The Lord already said that you can have it, but when you there, you have to obey. In my weakness, He becomes my strength, In those moments, I have to stand on the Word of God.

Deut. 8:17-18, Hebrews 6:11-18.

It's the blessing that brings that riches, not the riches that bring the blessing (Galations 3:29, Ephesians 1:2). Understand how to live in and stay in the blessing. It's hard for most people to have complete dependence on the Word of God and God's ability and faithfulness to provide everthing that we need. We say "He's faithful" when it's convenient, we have to know that He's faithful when it's tight.

Deut. 8:1

• Be careful to follow every one of His commandments
• Remember how God humbled you when He tested you.
• Keep God's commandments by fearing Him, reverencing Him (v. 5-6.)

God's Word will always work. When you reverence God, it evidences that you are in a covenant relationship. The time to reverence Him is when it's tight. When the oxygen is out of my environment, it's God's Word that makes me breathe again.

verse 11. Take heed not to forget God by not keeping His commands. DON'T FORGET! When you get the things, don't let the things take God's place. True freedom comes only in the confines of the covenant. Disobedience yields consequences that will hold you longer than you want to be held. The enemy get us involved in "dead works", "Fleshly works" ... God will always sustain you.

5:00 p.m. Communion Service

Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 11: 23-31

Communion can be a life-giving, life changing experience.

Examine [definition]: To inspect, look inside, not to find disapproval. Key: to look inside and remind us of the Lord Jesus Christ. Look inside to find what's right with me. I get approval in Jesus. He's provided a way to put me back in fellowship and nothing can take me out of relationship.

Come to the table and remember you are approved. Luke 16. [when you know you've been wrong] The wrong doesn't disqualify you, it lets yo know how qualified you are. Why am I sick and weak? Too much negativity in the body. The Lord says, When I chasten you, I'm training you. Activate the release valve - Communion.

Sermon Notes: Bishop Johnson, New Year's Eve, Dec. 31, 2008. "God's Time Made Personal"

(This message contains references to the kairos and the chronos. Throughout January, you've been hearing Bishop Johnson refer to kairotic moments. This is the message where he introduces that topic.)

Scripture Reference: I Cor. 15: 1-10 (Entire scripture texts are found in the comments section of this post.)

Nothing happens in the sovereignty of God by accident. God gives us His word forinstruction. There's nothing in the Bible by accident. No one is on this earth by accident. You're here on God's time.

Everyone in the room can find yourselves in the scripture.

Fullness - fulfillment, completion of time.
Time:

• Chronos (Quantitative) - period measured by the succession of objects and events and denotes the passing of a moment. (Time moves and nobody can stop it.)


• Kairos - time, seasons. Time moves but there is something passing in chronos. (Time of accomplishment.) Something happens (Qualitatively.)

In kairos time, something ought to happen. Chronos is measured time. Chronos time embraces all possible kairos time.

All measured time is not always accomplished time.

Make your kairos person. KAIROTIC MOMENT.

Acts 7:51-60, 8:1

How many times has God spoken to us and we refused to do what God had for us in the kairotic moment? Don't miss your kairotic moment when God speaks. Whenever kairos comes, it leaves a residue.

Acts 9:1-5

[Recall the stories of] Saul (hebrew name)/Paul (greek name)

Acts 9:5, Acts 26:14. In chapter 7, when Stephen was being stones, there was a kairotic moment, rejected.

Paul's conscience was being violated. "It's hard to kick against the goads/pricks" which means that there's no need to kick against what you can't stop anyway.

Whenever you get a kiss from heaven, your eyes are opened. Acts 9:18.

I Cor 15: 8-9 (Like a premie, born dead, living among living people.) Phil. 3:12-14.

What about God's fullness of time for your dreams, business, family, aspirations?

[God says] What are you going to do with My Son? I've given you all of the chronos that you need. Would you give Him your life and see what God will do next?

Please note that these sermon notes are a summary. The entire message is available on CD or DVD. It can be ordered through the church's website, by calling the office. You can also get a copy immediately after any service. As as you exit the sanctuary, go toward the right side of the Narthex (church lobby) next to the elevators to find the booth with media resources.

Condolences and Prayer Requests

Please keep the following families in prayer as they are missing their family members who passed in December. Please find them in church on Sunday and share your love and encouragement with them.

* Sis. Mae Edwards and family on the passing of her daughter, Sis. Denise Bates.

* Bro. Ed Neal on the passing of his aunt.

* Sis. Nadine Neal on the passing of her father.

Please keep all of our 34/39 members in prayer. There have been requests for prayer for healing (physical and emotional), children, family issues, recovery, and restoration.

Sermon Notes: Min. Brace, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008

The following highlights come from Min. Brace's sermon, 7:45 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 28.

So much of what we do to celebrate Christmas does not honor Christ, it's honoring ourselves. Most of what we do is nothing more than a veiled, vain attempt to avoid rejection. We spend money that we don't have to give gifts to people that we don't even talk to half of the time. We measure our value by the gift that we give. What is the value/quality of the gift that you give to The King?

[This Christmas] made me look at my celebratory acts, the reason for the season. [I] found that Jesus Christ is our best example for dealing with rejection (Isaiah 53:1-3.) The same way that He was despides and rejected, He still IS despised and rejected. He did not allow the rejection of man to prevent him from doing what God told him to do.

Despised - looked down upon. Hebrew definition: "Hold in disdain or disrespect, prefer something more that the thing you despise."
Rejection - refuse to submit to, refuse to hear, receive. Hebrew definition: "stop, desist, leave someone alone, lacking men, forsaken by men.

• Rejection started in heaven. Lucifer preferred his own lordship and wouldn't submit to (rejected) the Lordship of God.
• It continued in the garden. Adam sinned out of a fear of rejection. He preferred acceptance from Eve more than he preferred obedience from God. All of mankind as a result is sold into sin because of the spirit of rejection.

At every turn and circumstance, man has rejected God because we have sought acceptance from man more than we have preferred God. But Jesus Christ is our example. He created everything, knows everything, knows that He will face rejection and despisement, comes to a cruel earth and submits to rejection. He preferred the acceptance of His father more than acceptance by man. He fulfilled His mission. He who was rejected, gave His life for those who were rejected. He who is rejected, does not reject those who reject Him. God owes us nothing! God sent his son who was rejected by the very ones who reject Him. How can I, how dare we shrink back from loving our enemies when God demonstrated His love toward us by sending His son. The rejected one died and hung on a cross for us even when He is rejected.

Hebrews 4:14-15:

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Since Jesus is our example, how did He oevercome? How shall WE overcome?

It was overcome through faithful obedience. Faith requires obedience. Obedience requires faith. He was faithfully obedient to the command, mission, purpose of His father. he was not concerned about man's acceptance, He was concerned about God's acceptance.

When God calls you and you stop and retreat because of rejection, that's when you prefer the acceptance of man.

When it is easy --> faithfully obey. When it's hard --> faithfully obey. Through the fire --> faithfully obey. Through the flood --> faithfully obey. When family walks away --> faithfully obey. When it seems like you don't have a friend in the world --> faithfully obey. When ends don't meet --> faithfully obey.

He promised to see you through your expected end with joy. All that it requires is that you faithfully obey. Jesus Christ - our example.

Merry Christmas

Good morning 34/39 and friends,

We wish you a very

Merry Christmas!

We pray that you will truly have peace, comfort, and joy on this day as you remember the birth of Christ. He came to carry our loads, relieve our burdens, and prevent us from suffering in eternity. No matter what is going on in our lives, we can be grateful for JESUS, the son of God. The sun is shining so brightly in Baltimore this morning. Let your acceptance and remembrance of the SON shine in your heart today.

Passing of 34/39 Member, Denise Bates

Our 34/39 member Sis. Denise Bates went home to be with the Lord on Friday. Sis. Bates is the daughter of Sis. Mae Edwards. The viewing will be today, Wednesday,December 17, 2008 between the hours of 4 and 8 p.m. The service will be tomorrow, Thursday, December 18, 2008 wake 10:30 a.m. worship to follow.

Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.

Arrangements for mother of 34/39 member Sharon Moore

Information for Sis. Sharon Moore's Mom's services:

Viewing:
Thursday, December 18th from 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
@ Vaughn C. Greene Funeral Home
4905 York Road
Baltimore, Md. 21212


Wake, Funeral and Repast:
Friday, December 19th
@ St. James Free Baptist Church
3916 Old York Road
Baltimore, Md 21212
From 6:30 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. and funeral service and repass to follow

Burial Saturday morning @ Woodlawn

Please keep the family in prayer.

Food sales and deals at the local Ravenwood Giant

Don't forget sales and deals at the local Giant on Loch Raven and Taylor Avenues (Ravenwood.) Our 34/39 have noted that this is one of their grocers of choice. Here is the link for the weekly circular:

http://giantfood.shoplocal.com/index.aspx?pagename=shopmain&pagenumber=1&fsid=f02de5e4-e3ad-4e58-a94f-22e4f9f45589&storeid=1038630&circularid=14421

Mount Pleasant's College Students

Mount Pleasant's college students and mentors are invited to join the MP COLLEGE CONNECTIONS group on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=28974774299

MP College Connections is a network of full-time and part-time college and continuing education students (approximate ages: 18-30) who live and/or participate in the community served by the Mount Pleasant Church and Ministries in the city of Baltimore. College Connections is designed to provide peer support, professional development, and academic mentoring to undergraduate and graduate students seeing any certificate or degree (Associates through Ph.D.) in any field of study. College Connections will provide mentoring from a Biblical perspective and seeks to encourage and empower students to excel in their work, progress in their programs, and graduate with a plan to use their God-given gifts to serve.

Tree Trimming with Mount Pleasant Family: Tuesday, 12/16

Come on out and trim the tree and see the wonderful children's exhibit of biblical history and the birth of Christ. This Tuesday, 12/16 at 7 p.m. in the Family Life Center of Mount Pleasant.

Semon Notes: Overcoming Depression - 7:45, Dec. 14, 2008

The following highlights are from Bishop Johnson's 7:45 service. All members are encouraged to get the full context from the CDs.
Scripture context: Psalm 102:1-4, Romans 8:25-29, Hebrews 4:14-16

• The spirit of rejection leads to depression. Depression is anger surpressed. It comes from feelings of anger, guilt, hopelessness.
• [Depression] Leads to a place of cessation of activity.
• Depression is a deeper level of emotional turmoil. 1 person in 5 will experience levels of persistent depression. Depression is a major risk factor after heart attack and stroke.
• Depression not only affects you, but it affects those around you.
• Depression can be caused by a variety of factors:

--> Stress. God didn't create our bodies to handle much stress. God didn't give us the spirit of fear, but fear unrecognized can lead to stress.

--> Unconfessed sin. When sin in going on in your life unchecked, the enemy will lead you to a place of depression.

--> Other physical things. You may need to get a good check-up. Some things to check: overactive thyroid, female hormones, diabetes, vitamin B12. The Bible tells us to take care of our temples. These things can create a deficiency, a sadness.

--> Sometimes prescription drugs will cause you to be in a place of sadness and depression (overmedicated) ... may not always be possessed by a demon.

--> Recreational drugs: alcohol, cocaine. Depression comes later ... you keep crashing, it gets worse.

"I always want to have a clear mind so that I can make good decision, make wise choices, to deal with the matter at hand."

Feelings of depression are described in the Bible as: * Fallen countenance * Broken spirit * experiencing despair * being broken hearted * losing heart * becoming faint or weary.

(Be careful of depression right after you're on a great victorious high.)

No one is exempt. No one is completely immune. All are vulnerable. Remember to put on the whole armor of God - it protects you from depression. (Ref. Ephesians 6:10-18)

READ Psalm 143: 1-3.

Depression takes a person's spiritual freedom and power. Remember to pay attention to what has your attention. Remind yourself, "I am a child of God."

Don't let depression get you this year - you already have power - you're already free.

READ Romans 7, Romans 8: 1-2.

The joy of the Lord is my strength. He who the Son sets free is free indeed! All things work together for good ... [for those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose!] Remember the good times - remember how He brought you out. Weeping endures for a night ...[but joy comes in the morning.] Meditate, muse on how the Lord made a way out of no way. Think about all of the good things he has done.

To do:

1. PRAY (Get down to where the rubber meets the road, where you mean business with God. He will come to your rescue.)
2. PRAISE (Praise = Thanksgiving - which ushers you into worship. Remember Psalm 103: 1-5 --- "Bless the Lord, Oh my soul!" Tell my soul to get up out of that darkness. Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord.) Remember: Psalm 127, Revelations 3:20.
3. WORSHIP (In God's face; behold the beauty of Him. Worship takes you into a place of supoernatural transfer.)
4. PRAISE Again (Thank Him for what took place in worship.)

Study the life of David: every place you look, he comes out of that despair and praises God. The end of the Psalms - he says "Let everything that has breath [praise the Lord.] (Psalm 150.)

During the holiday season. Don't concern yourself with who's not here, only with who is there. Set your sights on one who will never fail you.

Read Romans 8, Hebrews 4.

ZipZone Sunday Photos from Nov. 30, 2008

Sermon Highlights: Sun. Dec. 7 - The Spirit of Rejection

The following notes are highlights/summary points from the 12/7/08 7:45 and 10:45 services. All members are strongly encouraged to get the CD so that you can hear Bishop Johnson's message in its complete context.

Recognizing and Dealing With the Spirit of Rejection
Scripture context: Isaiah 53:3-6, Hebrews 4:13-16.
(These scriptures will be provided in full text in the comments section of this post.)

• Rejection is one of Satan's favorite tools to use against God's people. He doesn't waste time inflicting us with the spirit of rejection.
• If we allow our emotions to be filled with the spirit of rejection, we limit the favor of God and the power of God in our lives.
• Rejection keeps us away from people, and keeps us away from God.
• When God blesses us, he doesn't bless us an an island. He blesses us to be a blessing.
• Children may be affected as young as in the womb. [Pregnant] women must be protected mentally, emotionally, and physically - her attitude affects both her and the child ... in the womb. Watch what you eat, what you watch, where you go.
• People who have the spirit of rejection look for approval in the wrong places.

Points about looking for the favor of God, the blessings of God in all of the wrong places:

• Approval [desired] from other people. The approval should come from God. Approval and acceptance seekers have a fear of rejection - they live in your opinion of them, rather than who they really are.
• [They would] rather have your love and approval than God's.
• [They are] addicted to approval. Approval addicts believe:

1. If I'm accepted by others, I'll be satisfied.
2. If I'm accepted by others, I'll be blessed.
3. If I'm accepted by others, I'll have their favor, and their favor will give me the favor of God ... then my life will be fulfilled.

• God is not limited by any outside approval. No experience of human approval leads to permanent satisfaction.
• You need to look at the right face and get approval from the right place!

[With the spirit of rejection] You pay a high price.

• [You're] vulnerable to whims and suggested opinion of those around you. (Managers need approval. Leaders want approval but don't need to have it.)
• Others can take advantage of your vulnerability and mistreat you in every way. When folks know that they can control you, they will control you which leads to more rejection. Sometimes THEY will have the spirit or rejection, they want what you have. The arm of flesh will fail you - no matter who they are. Don't make your expectation too high. Make no provision for the flesh (not even yours!) - Phil 3:4. Nobody can take advantage of you unless you let them.

The enemy uses your fear of rejection to isolate you.

Ask yourself, "Why do I do what I do?" People with the spirit of rejection may appear to be shy, timid, may dodge close relationships - translates to "I'm afraid of being rejected." People don't connect because they'd have to open up.

Results of the spirit of rejection:

1. No relationships
2. No blessing and receiving from others
3. No blessing given to others, no opportunity to give to others

More results:

1. Rebellion
2. Anger
3. Bitterness
4. Guilt
5. Escapism
6. Negative criticism
7. Judgemental/critical
8. Distrust
9. Competitiveness
10. Jealousy/envy

Anger unchecked will soon become depression. Depression unchecked --> bitterness. Bitterness unchecked --> inferiority. Inferiority --> escapism.

Jesus gives us good news! Luke 12:32, Matt. 7:11, Galations 3:14

* Isaiah 53:3. Nobody was rejected like HIM. No rejection you have can ever measure up to what our savior went through. (Your Holy father will re-father you.) Jesus had to endure God rejecting him because of our sins. He was rejected by the very creation that he made in their mother's wombs! Isaiah 53:5 - He was wounded for our transgressions -- our weaknesses --- rejection is a weakness. Why carry what he has already carried for you? He was rejected so that we can move out of rejection. He cried, "It's finished!" Just for you. GOOD NEWS!

• We need to get the limits off of God so that favor can flow. He healed me before I was wounded.
• Hebrews 4:13-16. He sees and responds. Don't let it slip. Strengthen your grip on your faith. He feels it with you. He knows exactly how you feel.
• During the holiday season, it doesn't make a difference who leaves, He won't! Talk to yourself, "I've got a high priest!"
• Bruised blood takes care of deep-seeded emotions - releases you from that deep feeling of rejection. (Sorrow = wound. Grief = wound. Rejection = bruise.) Bruised blood hurts for a long time. He became grief for you. He became sorrow for you. The next time you're feeling down in the dumps, feeling like murmuring and complaining, take a look at Calvary.
• I'm blessed whether I feel like it or not.

In '09, everything will be fine!

Highlights: Sunday Nov. 30 Message, 7:45 & 10:45 services

Bishop Johnson's topic: Let Us Enter In And Possess, But Watch Your Step.

Scriptures: Hebrews 3:1-2, 12-14, 4:1-3

Highlights:

• Sometimes it seems easier to stay in a rut than to let God change us.
• Don't drift away and go back to what was in your past life.
• Many of us are living beneath what God has called us to.
• We often live in defeat. Living in defeat is hard work!
• Struggle is work. Struggle in fear ... is work. Struggle in doubt ...is work. Struggle in anxiety ... is work.
• Do we need some "post-conversion" crisis to come to a place of rest?
• Sometimes we need a crisis point to see how good God is.
• Remember Hebrews 3:19 "So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief."
• When you murmur and complain against the living God, unbelief creeps in.
• We need each other. Be encouraged; God wants you to receive the good news -- the good news is about resting.
• The higher the value, the higher the honor. Value the Word.
• Mix the Word you heard with your faith.
• Faith will counterbalance whatever you're going through, and go to a place of rest.
• The rest of God is not cessation of activity, but it is peace within the work, it is rest within the toil.
• Don't let what's going on take you away from the living God.
• When you have to have it your way, and God can't have His way, you can't have His rest.
• When your heart starts to get hard, your will is no longer stimulated by a desire for God. Your mind sets itself on selfish comfort. your emotions become fixed on easy conveniences. Your emotions become addicted to quick fixes! So watch your step.
• Remember that delayed obedience is still disobedience.
• The Word preached to you should not make you bitter, it should make you better.
• Faith was the pre-requisite for entering into the rest.
• Jesus says, Why should you carry what I've already carried? It is finished. Why should you struggle under a weight that I've already lifted? I will ease, and relieve, and refresh your soul.

Please note that these highlights do not replace the entire message. You are encouraged to get the CD or DVD for the full content.

ZipZone highlights, Bible Study Tuesday, Event Saturday!

We enjoyed seeing you and meeting you during yesterday's Zip Code Sunday! We hope that you enjoyed meeting your neighbors. For those of you who shared your needs, please know that we are praying with you, and we are looking for ways to help to meet your needs.

Special thanks to Bro. Aaron Pitts for taking pictures at 7:45 and Sis. Heretta Stansfield for photos at 10:45. We will post them soon. If anyone else has photos to share of 34/39 members (at church or from your personal collections), please send them to deaconcare3439zipzone@gmail.com and we will post them to our blog!

We look forward to seeing you at the following events this week:

1. Bible Study, this Tuesday, Dec. 2, in the main sanctuary, 7:00 p.m.
We posted the link for Bishop Johnson's Bible Study Workbook below in the "Announcements from Sunday Nov. 9" message, posted Monday, Nov. 10.

2. We will visit the Upward Way Bookstore this coming Saturday, Dec. 6 at 1:00 p.m. to support Bishop Johnson at his book signing! See details below, posted on Sat. Nov. 29.
Book Title: "After You Have Suffered A While."

3. College students (undergrad and graduate students) are invited to a College Connections Fellowship Breakfast on Sunday, Dec. 7, between the 7:45 and 10:45 services in Room 2 (across from the Meditation Garden.) Mount Pleasant's college students are invited to join the MP College Connections group on FACEBOOK.
http://www.facebook.com/inbox/?ref=mb#/group.php?gid=28974774299

We'll see you this week. God bless you!

Mount Pleasant features Kevin LeVar

Mount Pleasant has been featuring worship leader Kevin LeVar and One Sound. They have been our worship leaders for some of our recent services. Here is the video for "You Are Not Alone."




The music home for Kevin LeVar and One Sound is Habbakuk Music:
http://www.habakkukmusic.com/aboutus.html
The CEO of Habbakuk Music is Mount Pleasant's own, Sis. April Washington-Essex.

LeVar appears on BET Cable Television's Bobby Jones' Gospel show, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2009.
http://www.gospelcity.com/news/headlines/1608

Book signing in 34/39!! Saturday, Dec. 6. Join us!

Save the date! Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, 1:00 p.m., We will go to the UPWARD WAY Bookstore (in the 34/39 zipzone!) to celebrate Bishop Johnson's book signing.

UPWARD WAY'S Website: http://www.upwardwayonline.com/home.asp

Location:

5648 The Alameda
Baltimore, MD 21239
(410) 464-9550

ZIPZONE Sunday -- November 30!

Special ZIPZONE SUNDAY -- SUNDAY, November 30.

Members of 34/39, all of us will sit together for each service, 7:45 and 10:45 on Sunday. Look for our sign. We will all be there to greet you! Bring guests from the neighborhood! Bring the whole family. We're looking forward to having a great time!

Please bring your cameras and send the photos to deaconcare3439zipzone@gmail.com.

Thanksgiving Service This week, No Bible Study Tuesday

Thanksgiving Service
This Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008. 7 p.m.
Main Sanctuary.
We will not have Bible Study this week so that everyone can come to the Thanksgiving service.

Special musical selections!

"Meet & Greet" planned for first-time visitors.

Bring friends and family!

Bishop's assignment to us: Read Proverbs, Chapter 3

We've been given an assignment, read Proverbs 3. Here is a link:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%203&version=9
You can also click on "Comments" beneath this post for the full text.

Announcements from Sunday, Nov. 9

Hello everyone,

Please note the following announcements:
Mount Pleasant November Newsletter: http://www.mountpleasant.org/Newsletter/Nov08_Update.pdf

* There is something for everyone on Friday, Nov. 21, 2008

• Singles: Singles Fellowship & Bible Study. 7:30, Room 301.
• Engaged/Married Couples: Marriage Ministry, 7:30. Grand Fellowship Hall
• Teens and Young Adults: R.I.S.E. Up's "Thirsty" event. 7:30, Chapel

* The play "He Arose" originally scheduled for Nov. 22 has been postponed until Saturday, April 11. This will become part of our church's Resurrection Activities -- Good Friday, the play/dinner theater "He Arose" on Saturday, and Worship Service on Sunday.

* The Children's Ministry invites all to come out on Saturday, Dec. 6 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. to build gingerbread houses. (Cost: $10)

* Next Sunday, we have two events:

• 10:45 service: The University of North Carolina's Voices of Eden Choir will join us.
• 5:00 service: We will visit the "Ark of Safety Church" in PG County. If you want to ride the bus, please contact the church office by Tuesday. http://www.thearkofsafety.org/home.html

* Interested in being a foster or adoptive parent? Contact Sis. Janet Allen of the Baltimore Dept. of Social Services. Other information: http://www.dhr.state.md.us/ssa/foster/

* Remember Bible Study, 7 p.m., Tuesday, in the main sanctuary. "The Doctrine of Salvation"

Download your Bible Study "Study Journal" here: http://mountpleasant.org/Ministries/images/Doctrine%20of%20Salvation.pdf

Bible Study Resumes next Tuesday

We took time out to vote on Tuesday. Our Bible Study resumes next Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. All have been asked to consider donating a few dollars to help with the costs of printing our Bible Study booklets.

Remembering 34/39 Member, Mother Earlene Howell

The 34/39 zipone celebrates the life of Mother Earlene Howell! Mother Howell was a long-time member of Mount Pleasant and was an active participant in the activities of the 34/39 zipzone. Our condolences go to Mother Howell's family. We will miss her, but we celebrate her life and her legacy. We rejoice that she is with the Lord.

Bishop's Series on Low Self-esteem, Oct. 19 - Nov. 2

Bishop Johnson has been delivering sermons in a series since the end of October dealing with low self-esteem.

1. Low self-esteem paralyzes your potential
2. Low self-esteem destroys your dreams
3. Low self-esteem ruins your relationships
4. Low self-esteem sabotages your favor for service.

Scriptures: Numbers 13:23-26, 30-33, I John 3:1-3.

We urge you to get the CDs for the series: October 19 - November 2.

Key -- Take your self-estimate from God.

Remember Bishop's words (from I John 3:1) "Say 'I am a champion because I am a child of God!' ... Let God love you!"

Returning to 34/39 Announcements: November activities

Greetings 34/39, We've been away from the blog for a little while, but we have many updates for you!

Upcoming events:

• THANKSGIVING WORSHIP SERVICE

Weds. Nov. 26, 2008, 7 p.m.
The program will include special selections by men of all generations and a "Meet and Greet" for visitors from the community after the service.
Intercessory prayer will begin at 6:45.
The church will be raising money to provide fully cooked, hot meals to 100 families. Each meal costs $49.99. Church members are asked to contribute about $3 each. Each ministry is asked to contribute to sponsor 1-2 families.
If you have questions, please see Minister John Shearin, Deacon Glenn Finney, Deacon Richard Lewis, or Bro. Maurice Carroll.

• ZIP ZONE SUNDAY

Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008, 10:45 a.m. service
We will sit together and worship with our zipzones! 34/39 is looking forward to welcoming you!


Coming in December ...

• FAMILY CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

A very special Christmas Celebration!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008, 7 p.m.
Mount Pleasant's Family Life Center

A wonderful program is planned, but help is needed. The church needs people who can help to build and decorate sets, move furniture, sew, etc. People will be getting together on the following dates:
Friday, Nov. 28, 12 noon - 4 p.m.
Other dates: Sat. Nov. 29, Friday, Dec. 5, Sat. Dec. 6, Mon. Dec. 8.
If you have questions, please contact: Sis. Cheryl Missouri or Bro. Anthony Barnes.

Reading Assignment from Bishop Johnson, 7/13

Psalm 78

1Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

2I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:

3Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.

4We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.

5For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:

6That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:

7That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:

8And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.

9The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle.

10They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law;

Semon highlights: 5/18/08. The Benefits of Saying Yes to God (continued)

Acts 1:8, Acts 2:39

A "YES" keeps you free. A "no" puts you in bondage.

34/39 Breakfast in the Park. This Saturday, May 24!

Greetings Mount Pleasant Members in the 21234 and 21239 zip codes. Yes! We are still
having our Spring 2008 21234 & 21239 Event this Saturday!

The Deacon Care Team for the 34/39 Zip Zone would like to invite all of you to a special

"Breakfast in the Park" this Saturday!

The Church's Women's Ministry is rescheduling their event, but WE, the 34/39 zipzone, are still
going to the park!

'34/39' will have breakfast in the park this Saturday, May 24, 2008.
Time: 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Location: Lake Montebello at Montebello Park in Baltimore.
(Photo credits: promenadedog.files.wordpress.com, and thinkstock (jupiterimages.com))

Look for the 34/39 Balloons near the elementary school.

The cost is FREE!

We'll bring the breakfast food: fruit, pastries, juice, and more! We'll bring the table and some seating. Feel free to join in and bring your blankets and lawn chairs as well.
You're welcome to bring something too!

Fellowship! Join us at the park!

Directions from MPCM:

Make right onto Radecke

Turn left at Cedonia Ave. changes to Sinclair Lane

Turn right at Moravia Rd

Turn left at Walther Ave.

Turn left at Harford Rd.

Turn right at Lake Montebello Terrence

Turn left at Curran Drive

Turn left onto school parking lot, (you will see playground equipment)
Lake Montebello is surrounded by Hillen Rd (which changes to Perrring Pkwy), 33^rd, Harford Rd. This entrance is off of Harford Rd.

We'll see you at the park THIS Saturday, May 24!