Read about our Missions and Outreach Ministry on

Read about our
Missions and Outreach
Ministry on page 4.
Empowering Disciples Magazine | Volume 07
from the
BISHOP’S PEN
By: Bishop Walter S. Thomas, Sr., Pastor
The year 2016 is off to a great start.
God has done so much for us and I
am grateful. I pray that each of you
have had a moment to reflect and
plan how you want your year to go.
Make sure you spend time with God
and write the vision for this year.
Plan to succeed and watch God
bless your life.
At New Psalmist we strive to make
life better for someone else. The
Missions and Outreach department
does this on a consistent basis.
They work tirelessly to ensure that
others are taken care of and shown
the love of Christ. I invite you to
read about what they are doing and
pray about where you can serve in
this department.
Before you know it, the snow will be gone, and spring will be here. As busy as
life gets, remember to make time to attend church every week, and spend time
with family and friends. God has done too much for you not to come and worship
him. As a matter of fact bring your family and friends with you and worship God
together.
God Bless You.
Bishop Walter S. Thomas Sr., Pastor
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NewPsalmist.org
from the
EDITOR
By: Joi Thomas
What a wonderful year this has been
so far. Bishop Thomas began the year
with his series Light the Fire. I don’t
know about you but that series showed
me just what I need to do to get on
the path God has ordained for me. We
have to make sure our Fire for Christ is
always lit so we can minister to others
and help make life better for them.
This edition of Empowering Disciples
Magazine is dedicated to our Missions
And Outreach Ministries who work
tirelessly to show the love of Christ to
those beyond our walls. There is so
much we do for others as a church. I
encourage you to read and find a place
in the Missions and Outreach ministries where you can work and help make life better
for someone else.
Continue to enjoy this winter season with family and friends. I know the snow slows
us down, but it gives us a chance to rest and connect with those we love. Spring will
be here before you know it and everyone will be out and about again. Thank God for
his divine timing.
Continue to Be Blessed,
Joi Thomas
Empowering Disciples Magazine | Volume 05
NEW PSALMIST BAPTIST CHURCH
6020 Marian Drive
Baltimore, MD 21215
(410) 945-3000
www.newpsalmist.org
PUBLISHER
Bishop Walter S. Thomas, Sr., Pastor
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Joi Thomas
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Gayle Watkins
WRITERS
Teresa Hall
Elliott Jenkins
Deanna D. Johnson
Gregory Logan
Daryn Ramsey
Deborah Ramsey
Emma Sellers
Theresa Smith
Jabari Walker
Gayle Watkins
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jerome Coates
Eugene Daniel
Gary Lee
Tracy Ross
Greg Stansbury
Daryl Taylor
Quadre Veney
Ray Winston
GRAPHIC DESIGN
The Church Online
www.thechurchonline.com
PRINTING
New Psalmist Baptist Church
A Quarterly Publication
CONTENTS
missions and outreach Ministries
4 Missionary Humanitarian Enrichment
6 Homeless Humanitarian Enrichment
9 Prison Humanitarian Enrichment
10 Social Action Legal Team (S.A.L.T.)
12 Missions and Outreach
15 Global Policy Social Action Improvement
17 Stewardship Educational Empowerment
18 Financial Empowerment
20 Community Partnerships
22 Armed Forces
NewPsalmist.org
Empowering Disciples Magazine | Volume 07
New Psalmist Baptist Church
MISSIONS AND OUTREACH
NewPsalmist.org
HUMANITARIAN ENRICHMENT:
Missionary Ministry
By: Deborah Ramsey
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father
has sent me, I am sending you.” - John 20:21 (NIV)
Minister Kenneth Colvin, Sr., lead
minister of the NPBC Missionary
Ministry, shared his thoughts in
an interview with Empowering
Disciples Magazine, about the
aspects of this ministry and the
servant-hearted missionaries that
make up this wonderful team.
EDM: What is the purpose of the
Missionary Ministry?
Minister Colvin: The purpose of
the Missionary Ministry is to bring
the word of God to those who are
sick and shut-in, and are not able
to attend a formal worship service.
EDM: Who serves on the
Missionary Ministry?
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Minister Colvin: The ministry
consists of discipleship and
leadership graduates, and
members of the Minister’s in
Training Ministry of the NPBC.
This collaboration makes up
our worship service teams. Our
partnership with the Ministers
affords them an opportunity
to preach and enhance their
ministerial experience.
EDM: What aspects of the
Missionary Ministry are most
enjoyable?
Minister Colvin: I believe that we
get joy in knowing that we are
making a difference in someone’s
life. It’s in seeing “the light come
back on” in someone’s Christian
journey as they remember those
Old Songs of Zion; and their
enjoyment in hearing the word of
God.
EDM: How often does the
Missionary Ministry visit nursing
homes?
Minister Colvin: The Missionary
Ministry conducts six (6) worship
services per month at five (5)
nursing home facilities throughout
Baltimore City and County.
EDM: Are there certain things
about the Missionary Ministry that
make it unique?
Minister Colvin: The uniqueness
of our ministry lies in the worship
service that we provide. We try to
bring a full worship experience
at our services. The residents
are brought into a worship
environment where scripture is
read, prayer is given, testimonies
can be shared, the gospel of
Jesus Christ proclaimed, and the
opportunity for salvation is given.
We model our services after the
worship experience we receive at
the New Psalmist Baptist Church.
EDM: Does the Missionary Ministry
demonstrate a servant-hearted
concern for those to whom they
minister?
Minister Colvin: Without question,
I believe this is the essence of
our ministry. You have persons
volunteering time, talents, and
passion to make a difference
in someone’s life. There is a
compassionate spirit within our
members and a willingness to
serve the spiritual needs of the
Empowering Disciples Magazine | Volume 07
people we visit. Whether it’s in
singing songs, reading scripture,
providing prayer, or simply being
a listening ear. Our members
truly exemplify a servant-hearted
concern for the people we serve.
our services serve as church for
them, as well. But our greatest
joy is the blessing of witnessing
a resident or staff member, give
their lives to Christ, during our
worship services.
EDM: During your visits, what
reactions are witnessed by
members of the Missionary
Ministry from nursing home
residents and staff?
EDM: How does the Missionary
Ministry minister to nursing home
residents upon arrival on site?
Minister Colvin: Our visits are
always met with excitement by
the residents. So many of them
are church members and having
a worship service where they
can continually hear the word,
and singing those old songs,
bless their hearts. For many
of them we’ve become family,
family whom they know will visit
and family that makes them feel
cared about. The staff, I believe, is
equally excited. There is genuine
respect for the authenticity of our
commitment and in what we do.
I believe that the staff also gets
delight in seeing the enjoyment
of the residents during and after
our services. For many of them,
Minister Colvin: We minister
through prayer, song, the
proclaiming of God’s words, and
the concern we show His people.
We minister by visiting the rooms
of those who are not able to attend
our services, offering prayer
and the ministry of presence,
when presence is needed. We
minister by bringing hope and
the knowledge that Jesus has not
forsaken them and that His ear IS
inclined to their prayers.
EDM: Is there a favorite scripture
that the Missionary Ministry uses
regularly?
Minister Colvin: One of the most
comforting scriptures we use is
one that is familiar to all; Psalm
23. It is one that reminds them
that the Lord is watching over
them, and He’s with them always.
Our mission scripture is Matthew
25:35, “for I was hungry and
you gave me food; I was thirsty
and you gave me drink; I was a
stranger and you took me in; I was
naked and you clothed me; I WAS
SICK AND YOU VISITED ME.”
EDM: What is the one thing you
would like others to remember
about the Missionary Ministry?
Minister Colvin: Servanthood, a
willingness to give of ourselves
so that we may be a blessing
to someone else. The NPBC’s
Missionary Ministry desires to
exemplify the commitment of
our church to be, “brothers and
sisters ministering to brothers and
sisters, and our mission is to make
life better for someone else”. That
is the essence of our Ministry!
Missionary Ministry: A worship
team that exemplifies a concern
for others, bringing the word of
God to those who are sick and
shut-in.
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NewPsalmist.org
HUMANITARIAN ENRICHMENT:
HELPING TO HEAL THE HOMELESS
Did you know that Homelessness can be a constant state of transition?
When one is displaced by circumstances such as unemployment, loss of income, sickness, physical and mental
abuse, and the death of a loved one, it can lead to no permanent place to call home. Add financial, physical
and emotional challenges and the lack of familial ties, these once-very healthy and productive individuals
become crippled by delusion and helplessness. The lifestyle once known, and the safety and security of a
roof, are no longer present but a distant reality.
No one is really exempt from becoming homeless because situations, problems, circumstances and
lives can change instantly.
The mission and mantra of NPBC’s Homeless Ministry is to “minister like Jesus” by donating food, clothing and
blankets while spreading the Good News. Homeless Ministry members include Bro. D.J. Roberts, president,
Bro. McDonald Hines, vice president, Bro. Tavon Manning, chaplain and Sis. Joyce Flowers, secretary, health
coach, and former social worker identified as the “go to person” for information about the ministry. The ministry
members hail from unique cultural, social and professional backgrounds with core graduate competencies in
discipleship training and leadership school.
The Homeless Ministry’s foundational scripture is Matthew 25:35-40 (NIV).
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to
drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and
you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer him,
‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When
did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see
you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for
one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
As this missions and outreach ministry “makes life better for someone else,” it first engages in active prayer at
least four times every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month prior to visiting approximately four commonly-populated
homeless “living spaces” in Baltimore City. During the winter months, NPBC Homeless Ministry members
distribute soup, sandwiches and toiletries to homeless individuals, which are funded by the Discipleship Ministry.
Donations of bedspreads and blankets from the church-at-large are also given to homeless individuals before
lifting them in prayer and offering divine hope as they transition through the cycle of poverty, addiction and
homelessness to self-sufficiency.
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Be encouraged to support NPBC’s Homeless Ministry because no one is too great, too small, or ill-qualified to
be an effective link in this ministry. Remind yourself that you have the capacity to activate your power and ability
to do whatever it takes to help someone less fortunate. “Life is a mission, not an intermission.”
Empowering Disciples Magazine | Volume 07
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Empowering Disciples Magazine | Volume 07
HUMANITARIAN ENRICHMENT:
PRISON MINISTRY
By: Elliott Jenkins
“I WAS IN PRISON AND YOU CAME TO VISIT ME”
Matthew 25:36 (NIV)
Matthew 25:36 teaches us to serve God by ministering to prisoners. God offers forgiveness and salvation
to those who are incarcerated.
The mission of the NPBC Prison Ministry is to minister to inmates and ex-offenders, and encourage
their faith in the Word of God. Prison services are also provided to empower those who are due for
release to transition back to society. The Prison Ministry has 35 members comprised of ministers and
lay members who visit two women’s correctional facilities and six male correctional facilities.
A typical visit includes praise and worship songs, followed by words of exhortation and a sermon.
When the “doors of the church are open,” the invitation to accept Christ as Lord and Savior is given.
Members of the prison ministry say that it is always a joy when someone makes the decision for Christ.
“Serving God comes with a blessing to the one who is serving,” said Min. Patricia McKenzie. “The
Prison Ministry has been a blessing to me because it gave me the opportunity to see hope and faith
in action through inmates who are enduring severe hardship and imprisonment, yet still have a praise
for the Lord and worship Him in spite of,” she continued. The experience and servitude seems worth
the inconveniences of security checks and protocols that go along with visiting correctional facilities.
Min. Mary Thomas said, “This ministry has impacted my life because it has helped me see how God
uses the spiritual gifts he has given ordinary people, like each of us in the ministry, to preach the Good
News of Jesus Christ to those who are incarcerated, and to see firsthand how the Word can set people
free.” “They may never be released from prison but are at total peace with their relationship with God.
In some cases, this is enviable,” she added.
Are you interested in joining NPBC’s Prison Ministry? Visit www.newpsalmist.org\Ministries\connectwith-a-ministry and send an email via the Prison Ministry Group. Ministry meetings are held every 2nd
Saturday at 11 a.m. in room 1003.
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NewPsalmist.org
SOCIAL ACTION IMPROVEMENT:
Social Action Legal Team (S.A.L.T.)
By: Daryn Ramsey
The Social Action Legal Team, S.A.L.T., seeks to
empower people with information and resources
to make their voices heard on social issues. The
ministry also seeks to educate and empower the
congregation and community through the Love of
Christ by identifying and facilitating social action
seminars and workshops, which can make a positive
and substantive contribution to the community.
was renamed the Social Action Legal Team (S.A.L.T.)
and then blossomed into a ministry with a heart
for people, partnerships, learning and knowledge.
One thing led to another and before long,
workshops, informational sessions and trainings
were developed to enhance the congregation and
community’s awareness about social issues that
affect their lives.
EDM: Minister Stewart can you briefly tell me about
the ministry; its inception, purpose, mission and vision?
EDM: Does the legal ministry partner with any other
organizations and if not, are you looking to do so?
Minister Stewart: During an Associate Minister’s
meeting, Bishop Thomas shared his vision of
partnering with the criminal justice and legal
communities to educate the congregation and
others about the judicial system, which would create
societal awareness about laws and procedures
that affect the lives and well-being of everyone.
Because of our law enforcement experience,
Bishop Thomas tasked Minister Warren Harding and
me with developing this partnership. After meeting
with New Psalmist Member Judge Wanda Heard the
Legal Ministry was birthed.
Minister Stewart: The ministry has partnered with
many organizations including the Baltimore Police
Department’s Northwestern District, The Governor’s
Task Force on Human Trafficking, and the Baltimore
City State’s Attorney’s Office. Partnering has
produced socially-conscious projects based on
current events that invigorate the community’s
awareness of social concerns, as well as the need
for Christ’s sustenance in daily living.
EDM: Am I right or wrong in saying that the Social
Action Legal Ministry is concerned about legal
education and accessibility to justice for all citizens?
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Minister Stewart: Initially, our mission was to
provide information about criminal justice and the
legal system to associate ministers to share with
the congregation and community. However, Bishop
Thomas broadened the scope of the mission, and
the ministry joined the Social Action Committee. It
EDM: What life / legal situations could benefit from
the services of this ministry?
Minister Stewart: Our sessions include topics
like: what to do when stopped by police, domestic
violence, elder affairs, behavioral health and child
custody. As we engage the community, our belief
is that the church can assist in many of the life
situations that occur by showing the community
the various options that exist and directing them to
relevant resources and services in the community.
EDM: What jurisdiction if any does the ministry
serve?
Empowering Disciples Magazine | Volume 07
Minister Stewart: The ministry does not serve any
particular jurisdiction as we are simply a resource
for the community at large.
EDM: Beyond the community assistance that the
social network provides, does the ministry look for
evangelism opportunities in its interactions with
groups and individuals?
Minister Stewart: Christ first
is the main thrust of S.A.L.T.
In all endeavors, we educate
and empower with the love of
Christ to make life better for
someone else.
EDM: Has the legal
profession been thankful
for the assistance that you
all have provided in serving
the community, and if so
what ways have they shown
gratitude?
Minister Stewart: Many of
our presenters are judges,
lawyers and officials of
federal, state and local
government as well as
professionals from renowned
organizations. To show their
support, they have offered their expert tutelage
pro bono.
EDM: Does the ministry ever work in concert with
the prison ministry of NPBC?
Minister Stewart: Earlier this year, S.A.L.T. partnered
to create the seminar, “Re-Entry: Returning to the
Community after Incarceration.” The session was
a huge success as federal, state and local officials
discussed opportunities for those returning to
society after incarceration and the programs that
were available to them.
EDM: Besides being spiritually led, what skillsets
are used in this ministry and what gifts, talents and
skills are the ministry in need of, to fulfill the mission
and vision to touch more lives?
Minister Stewart: The ministry is unique in that it
uses a vast array of individuals with a plethora of
talents and gifts, because the ministry interacts with
the many challenges facing
our communities. As such,
whatever skill set a person
has been blessed with will be
an asset to S.A.L.T.
EDM: Approximately how
many members are currently
serving in the ministry and
how often do you all meet?
Minister Stewart: The Social
Action Legal Team currently
has 10 members. We meet
once a month.
EDM: How would a member
of New Psalmist go about
seeking assistance from the
ministry?
Minister Stewart: If a person
is in need of information, they
may contact our ministry liaison, Rev. Alfred Bailey
at 410-945-3000.
EDM: What should someone do who has an interest
in this ministry? Also, is the ministry pursuing
assistance in particular areas to improve its
effectiveness?
Minister Stewart: The ministry is always expanding
its scope and improving its effectiveness, we
invite all who have a passion to stimulate societal
cognizance with a passion for Christ. If someone is
interested in serving in this area, they should call
the church and ask for Rev. Alfred Bailey.
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NewPsalmist.org
MISSIONS AND OUTREACH
MINISTRY
“From the time that I was a little kid, I had always dreamed of traveling around
the world but I never imagined that hanging out with God would make my
dreams become a reality. Now, I am living my dream while serving a great God!”
- Rev. Alfred Bailey, II, director of Missions and Outreach Ministries at NPBC
By: Gayle Watkins
Rev. Alfred “Al” Bailey, II, followed his dad
Alfred Bailey, Sr. to NPBC years ago and soon
afterwards, was called by God into ministry. He
immediately enrolled at Howard University’s
Schools of Divinity and for three years, worked
full time and attended school full time. This
rigorous routine prepared him for the fast pace
and long hours of full time work in ministry. Rev.
Al’s father’s passion for God and his mother’s
strong work ethic, both contributed to how he
always sought to minister like Jesus and look for
doors of opportunity to build upon God’s kingdom;
develop kingdom-partnerships with communities
and organizations; and make kingdom-impacts
on the lives of all people. Rev. Al has been
married more than 20 years to Tracey Bailey, and
they have two sons, Khari and Christian. A giant,
wall-size whiteboard faces Rev. Al as he sits in his
church office at his desk. Using color markers, he
drew diagrams containing the new structure of
NPBC’s Missions and Outreach Ministry, a credit
he gave to educators and course developers
of Coppin State University, who recommended
better ways of piecing elements of missions and
outreach together to ensure a cascading and
complementary effect on the big picture. The
new structure looks like this:
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NPBC’S MISSIONS AND OUTREACH MINISTRY
SOCIAL ACTION IMPROVEMENT
Ministries:
• Foreign Outreach
• Global Policy
• Social Action Legal Team (S.A.L.T.)
HUMANITARIAN ENRICHMENT
Ministries:
• Armed Forces
• Homeless
• Missionary
• Prison
• Christmas Outreach
• Project 100
• Project 200 - Job Training Center
EDUCATIONAL EMPOWERMENT
Ministries:
• Archives
• Associate Ministers & Ministers in Training
• Black History
• Evangelism
• Choose to Be GREAT Summer Camp
• God’s Messengers
• Stewardship (Financial Academy)
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Ministries:
• Fitness
• Cancer Support
• Health Empowerment
Empowering Disciples Magazine | Volume 07
The mission of the Outreach Ministries of New Psalmist Baptist Church is to save the lost
and nurture believers in the faith by providing outreach services and resources to empower
our community and world. For more information about becoming a member of any Missions
and Outreach ministry, contact Rev. Al Bailey at 410-945-3000.
NewPsalmist.org
SOCIAL ACTION IMPROVEMENT:
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Empowering Disciples Magazine | Volume 07
Global Policy and the WASH in Schools Initiative
By: Gayle Watkins
New Psalmist Baptist Church is accredited by the
United Nations Environment Program, the leading
global environmental advocate and authority that sets
the global environmental agenda, and promotes the
environmental dimension of sustainable development
within the United Nations system. Accreditation was
a lengthy application and screening process that has
allowed the church as an organization to participate in
global civil society meetings and weigh in on policies that
protect our planet. “New Psalmist Baptist Church’s Global
Policy Committee is proud to be a part of this process,”
said Rev. Al, director of Missions and Outreach Ministries
at NPBC. “It is wonderful being in the kitchen when a
cake is being made and having input on what is added
in the cake before it is cooked and served. The same is
true with global environmental policy development – we
[NPBC’s Global Policy Committee] sit in conference rooms
at roundtable discussions as civil society thought leaders
expressing our views to global policy makers on the main
ingredients that alleviate human suffering, safeguard
human dignity, empower disenfranchised people, build
institutional capacity, and honor the earth by being good
stewards of the environment,” Rev. Al continued. He also
surmised that global policy makers pass environmental
solutions to the U.S. government for action, which trickles
down to state government, then to local government for
implementation in communities.
One of the most noteworthy achievements under Rev. Al’s
leadership include partnerships with the United Nations
Children’s Fund (UNICEF), a program that provides longterm humanitarian and developmental assistance to
children and families in developing countries – and the
Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC), a secular body
that helps the world’s major faiths develop environmental
programs based on that faith’s core teachings, beliefs and
practices. Paired in 2009 with Shadrack Kimalel Primary
School in Nairobi, Kenya, New Psalmist Baptist Church
stepped in to improve water, sanitation and hygiene in
that area. “All major faiths include water, sanitation and
cleanliness in their texts.” In collaboration with UNICEF and
ARC, the Foreign Outreach Ministry of NPBC continually
works to gather global mapping data for the WASH in
Schools initiative. The WASH in Schools initiative focuses
on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) inadequacies
among the “poorest, most vulnerable, and hardest-toreach children and families in the world.” Data about water,
sanitation and hygiene practices is collected, documented,
and published on www.washinschoolsmapping.com, a
virtual library of water, sanitation and hygiene experiences
of children in 53 countries around the world. This website
is managed by NPBC’s foreign outreach and global policy
teams, who also respond to website inquiries from
interested people all over the world wanting to gather
water, sanitation and hygiene data to increase advocacy
and investment in the WASH in Schools initiative. Rev.
Al leads the mapping group for the UNICEF-ARC-NPBC
Call-to-Action for WASH in Schools. In 2015, UNICEF
sponsored a publication called, “Putting Clean Hands
Together: Changing children’s lives around the world by
working with faith schools to improve Water, Sanitation
and Hygiene.” Shadrack Kimalel Primary School was
featured in the publication as a case study under the
Christianity and WASH category, based on an interview
Rev. Al gave to the writer. Bishop Walter S. Thomas, Sr.,
Rev. Al, and NPBC received acknowledgment in the 2015
publication for editorial contributions, peer reviews, and
publication support. For more information, visit www.
faithinwater.org or www.washinschoolsmapping.com.
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Empowering Disciples Magazine | Volume 07
EDUCATIONAL EMPOWERMENT:
THE STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY
By: Theresa M. Smith
There comes a time in almost all of our adult
lives when our finances seem to spiral backward.
There may be a disconnect between the amount
of money coming in and the amount going out.
Bishop Thomas sometimes refers to this as, “your
money acting funny,” or maybe you just cannot
seem to save enough for emergencies, start a
retirement account, pay off student loans, or save
for your children’s college education.
Don’t we all have a vision of what we desire
our finances to look like but often lack the skills
needed to accomplish our goals? In the Book of
Titus, a letter of encouragement and instruction
was written to Titus by the Apostle Paul. This letter
served as a reminder of how Titus was to build up
the people in the faith and teach them to live as
Christians who had received God’s grace. Some
of Paul’s final remarks are a wise reminder of how
the people of God should be living today, “Our
people must learn to devote themselves to doing
what is good, in order that they may provide for
daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.”
(Titus 4:14 NIV)
In an effort to encourage and fulfill this need among
God’s people, Bishop Thomas has launched the
New Psalmist Baptist Church Financial Academy
beginning in January 2016, under the leadership
of Rev. Alfred Bailey, Minister of Missions and
Outreach, and Deaconess Sharon Lockley. The
Stewardship Ministry will dedicate themselves
to teach God’s people how to become good
stewards of not only their finances but also the
reality that stewardship is a function of their
work life, family life, and spiritual growth.
The mission of the Financial Academy as described
by Deaconess Lockley, will be “to provide financial
education and counseling for the people of God
who are seeking financial freedom and desiring
to be faithful stewards of God’s gifts.”
It is the hope of the ministry leaders that,
“Stewardship will be evident in the lives of each
participant by their management of time, talent
and treasure for Kingdom purposes to the glory of
God.” The current ministry members have begun
developing a program that focuses on budgeting,
investing, and debt relief. A churchwide survey
was conducted to help determine what specific
financial interests members had. Classes and
counseling will soon be offered in groups and
with individuals.
If you BELIEVE there is a blessing in store for
you by participating in this ministry, check the
church’s website often for upcoming events www.newpsalmist.org.
Anyone with a financial background or those who
would like more information about how to use your
spiritual gift(s) for God’s purposes, can leave their
contact information at the Member Services desk
in the church narthex.
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SOCIAL ACTION IMPROVEMENT:
Financial Empowerment Ministry
“The man who had received the five talents went at once and
put his money to work and gained five more.” - Matthew 25:16
By: Gregory Logan
The New Psalmist Baptist Church Financial
Empowerment Ministry began in the mid-1990’s
when the church was located in downtown
Baltimore. Its purpose is to encourage better
stewardship for God among church
members by teaching them how to
manage their finances.
The Financial Empowerment Ministry
members include Minister Yolanda
Bethea, her husband, Deacon Jerryl
Bethea (co-presidents) and Sis.
Diana Fowlkes (vice president), who
explained that the ministry is structured
similar to the Discipleship program.
There are classes and workshops on
different topics, such as planning,
budgeting, investing and retirement.
Class registrants are organized by age. Rev. Al
Bailey is the ministry liaison.
Financial Tips for Young People:
1. Create a financial goal and write it down. It could
be to buy a house, to travel or to start a family.
2. Develop a budget for achieving those goals.
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3. Get your spiritual house in order by paying tithes.
Once you get used to paying God what you owe,
paying yourself through saving is easier. God has
given you this money. If you don’t give to Him, why
should He give you more?
4. Set your budget before deciding
whether to begin investing in such
things as stocks and mutual funds.
5. Start a long term savings plan, such
as a 401K. Invest a minimum of $25
per pay period. The earlier you get it
started, the better. Time is money and
money is time.
6. Consider an automated savings
plan that will be difficult to access for
withdrawals, such as through a credit
union. When your money is out of
sight, it’s also out of mind.
Deacon Bethea added that younger income earners
should “max out life insurance coverage. It’s
cheaper when you’re younger.”
Advice for Senior Citizens Looking Forward
to Retirement:
1. Decide what post retirement lifestyle you want.
Do you want to leave a legacy to the church? Provide
for your children and grandchildren? Travel? Move
to a new location?
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2. Ask yourself: How many years away from
retirement am I? How much money will I need to
live comfortably?
3. Eliminate as much of your debt as possible. Most
people who want to retire early can’t because of it.
Look at paying it off as an investment in your future.
4. Determine how many expenses you will have
and what they will cost.
In January 2016, the Financial Empowerment
Ministry introduced the Financial Academy
under the leadership of Minister Sharon Lockley.
Bi-weekly classes are designed to help members
move toward financial freedom. Spring semester
began January 30 – May 21, 2016. Spring Break
is the week of March 20. If you would like more
information about Financial Academy 2016, call
NPBC at 410-945-3000.
Minister Bethea said, “First time members feel
overwhelmed by this advice and think that they
can’t follow it. However, after attending about three
of our classes, they say, I can do this!”
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Missions and Outreach:
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
By: Leroy McKenzie, Jr.
Most people already know about NPBC’s
partnership with select schools to provide
students with incentives, resources, information,
assistance, school supplies and opportunities to
excel educationally, but this year there is more!
Partnerships with NPBC not only bring fellowship
among the organizations and communities, but cast
a wider net to meet the greater need, therefore,
impacting various communities in even greater
ways. Where one organization offers a product,
another organization offers services, and then
NPBC, equipped with its resources, creates the
community partnerships that make life better for
someone else.
Comcast Cable has partnered with NPBC to
provide students in our partner schools with laptops
and desktop computers to ensure that students
complete classwork and homework assignments.
Johns Hopkins Hospital has partnered with NPBC
and the Project 200 Job Training Center to prepare
and equip church members with knowledge, skills
and abilities for various jobs in the workforce. This
partnership opened doors for some members to
get jobs, and for others, it created mentorship and
coaching opportunities. Under Armor partnered
with NPBC to assist veterans in finding jobs as they
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return from active duty. And NPBC has become
a certified disaster response site as a result of
its partnership with The American Red Cross.
Many NPBC members serve on disaster relief and
response teams for the Red Cross and respond to
crisis situations daily.
Feedback from these various partnerships has
sparked many compliments and accolades
including how God is using NPBC and its partnership
organizations to make significant impacts in the lives
of children and families in various communities.
The Missions and Outreach Ministry is seeking
membership growth. The goal is to have at least
100 members participating in the 24 Missions and
Outreach ministries of NPBC by the end of 2016.
If you would like more information about joining
this ministry, visit NPBC’s website and connect with
the ministry.
http://www.newpsalmist.org/ministries/
connect-with-a-ministry
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HUMANITARIAN ENRICHMENT:
THE ARMED FORCES MINISTRY
By: Teresa Hall
The Armed Forces Ministry at New Psalmist
Baptist Church began in 2011 as a committee to
provide information and resources about veterans’
benefits, and encourage Christian fellowship and
spiritual support to NPBC members who were
also members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The
committee blossomed into a church ministry
with four members: Brother Damon A. Stinger,
Sr., president, Brother Anthony Hairston, vice
president, Brother John Anderson, treasurer and
Sister Phyllis Smith, secretary.
The Armed Forces Ministry serves Active Duty
Service Members, reservists, retirees, veterans,
and the National Guard component, and honors
their sacrifices and those of their families. While
ministering to homeless veterans in Baltimore and
wounded warriors at the Walter Reed National
Military Medical Center in Bethesda, members of
the ministry also coordinate fun and educational
field trips for school children at NPBC’s partner
schools to visit Baltimore’s War Memorial on Gay
Street and Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
For Christmas 2015, the Armed Forces Ministry
collaborated with Under Armour® and the
Connected Warrior Foundation to provide
Christmas baskets to four Wounded Warrior
Project® families.
The Ministry plans to conduct informational
seminars about veteran benefits, resources,
and changes in the U.S. Department of Veterans
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Affairs (VA) system in 2016. For example, there
are resources available for veterans who own
small businesses; need medical services; or are
interested in home ownership programs and home
improvement grants.
The Prayers for Peace Memorial was created
by the Armed Forces Ministry. Dedicated on
November 10, 2012 to acknowledge the ultimate
sacrifice of thousands of servicemen and women,
it contains colored ribbons that have significant
meaning along with memorial tags hung in front
of NPBC outside on poles.
Gold ribbons represented prayers by NPBC
members for the thousands of U.S. Service men
and women who lost their lives in the Iraq and
Afghanistan wars – and their families. Memorial
tags included the name, rank and age of the
fallen service members. Blue ribbons represented
prayers for individuals and families around the
world who live without freedom. Green ribbons
represented prayers for peace.
How has the Armed Forces Ministry inspired
you as a leader?
“I am a 26-year combat veteran. The Armed
Forces Ministry allows me to share my knowledge
with other veterans and keeps me connected to
my military fraternity. It’s a positive experience
when I can talk to people about military issues and
veteran benefits. Since there is so much negativity
about our armed forces, it is my pleasure to be a
Empowering Disciples Magazine | Volume 07
strong voice and strong advocate for all veterans of
all military branches. Bishop Thomas has always been
a great support for armed forces and serving in this
ministry really ignites my passion. God gave Bishop
Thomas the vision of an Armed Forces Ministry, but
God gave the U.S. Armed Forces the assignment. It is
a really great feeling to serve God through the Armed
Forces Ministry. I love the opportunity to give back
and to help others, especially our veterans.” - Sgt.
Damon A. Stinger, Sr., U.S. Army (Ret.)
While lots of NPBC members are members of the
U.S. Armed Forces, it is not a requirement for ministry
membership. The Armed Forces Ministry is open to
all NPBC members. The ministry’s goal for 2016 is
to grow to more than 100 members by the end of
the year. If anyone is interesting in serving in this
area of ministry, please contact Rev. Al Bailey at
410-945-3000.
“He said: The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my
deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my
stronghold, my refuge and my savior — from violent
people you save me.” - 2 Samuel 22:2-3 (NIV)
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UPCOMING EVENTS
MARCH 2016
3/5/16, Sat
3/10/16,Thurs
3/13/16, Sun
3/20/16, Sun
3/22-23/16, T-W
3/25/16,Fri
3/26/16, Sat
3/27/16, Sun
9:00am
6:45pm
2:00pm
6:30pm
12:00pm - 2:00pm
Baptism
Holy Communion
Baby Blessings
Palm Sunday
Worship w/Sharon Baptist Church, Rev. A.C.D.Vaughn
Good Friday Service [Office Closed]
Kingdom Kidz Easter Hunt
Easter/ Resurrection Sunday
APRIL 2016
4/3/16, Wed
4/6/16, Wed
4/7/16, Thurs
4/17/16, Sun
4/17/16, Sun
4/19/16, Tues
4/30/16, Sat
6:30pm
6:45pm
2:00pm
6:30pm
9:00am
Bishop's 41st Pastoral Anniversary
Baptism
Holy Communion
Baby Blessings
Ushers 116th Anniversary
Worship w/Sweet Hope Baptist Church [Rev. Terry Thornton-14th]
Baptism
MAY 2016
5/1/16, Sun
5/5/16, Thurs
5/5/16, Thurs
5/7/16, Sat
5/8/16, Sun
5/14/16, Sat
5/15/16, Sun
5/15/16, Sun
5/20-22/16, Fri-Sun
5/22/16, Sun
5/25/16, Wed
5/25/16, Wed
4:00pm
6:45pm
11:00am
8:30am
8:30am
2:00pm
6:30pm
6:30pm
5/29/16, Sun
5/29/16, Sun
5/30/16, Mon
5:00pm
Worship w/Shiloh Baptist Edgemere [Bishop Heber Brown-30th]
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
Holy Communion
Trustee Meeting
Mother’s Day
Discipleship Prayer Breakfast
Pentecost Sunday
Bishop and Lady Thomas 40th Wedding Anniversary
MEN’S MINISTRY RETREAT - offsite
Baby Blessings
Barnabas Memorial Service
Discipleship Commencement
SEASON OF CELEBRATIONS
YOUNG ADULT DAY
Worship with First Baptist Church of Steelton, Harrisburg, PA
Rev. Walter S. Thomas Jr., Pastor
Memorial Day [Building Closed]
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Odell Dickerson, Jr.
odickerson@newpsalmist.org
MINISTER OF MUSIC
Bro. J.D. Alston
ext-3023 | jdalston@newpsalmist.org
MINISTER OF OUTREACH
Rev. Alfred Bailey
ext-3193 | abailey@newpsalmist.org
MEDIA RELATIONS AND PROMOTIONS
Sis. Joi Thomas
ext-3015 | joi@newpsalmist.org
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE OFFICE OF THE BISHOP
Deaconess Renita Fulton
ext-3018 | rfulton@newpsalmist.org
MINSTER OF CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Rev. James Green
ext-3042 | jgreen@newpsalmist.org
MINISTER OF DISCIPLESHIP
Min. Monique Lemmon
ext-3043 |mlemmon@newpsalmist.org
EVENT ADMINISTRATOR
Deaconess Linda Harris
ext-3024 | lharris@newpsalmist.org
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR
Janine Hawes
ext-3002 | jhawes@newpsalmist.org
MINISTER OF WORSHIP ARTS
Bro. Tamba Giles
ext-3195 | tgiles@newpsalmist.org
MINISTER OF FAMILY WHOLENESS
Dr. Dianne Roberts
ext-3192 | droberts@newpsalmist.org
PASTORAL COUNSELING
Sis. Angela Smith
ext-3039 | asmith@newpsalmist.org
MINISTER OF AUDIO, VIDEO AND MEDIA
Min. Joshua Thomas
ext-3020 | jathomas@newpsalmist.org
FOOD SERVICES
Holly Archer
ext-3025 | harcher@newpsalmist.org
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