Academic Scholars Honored…

On Sunday morning, June 24, 2007, time was taken out to honor those who had excelled during the Spring 2007 quarter and the 2006-2007 academic school year.  Sis. Jamala Sampson was again this year’s coordinator of the program.

On 4^th Sunday mornings, the Youth Department is in charge of the morning worship service, therefore the time was quite appropriate to recognize our youth for the hard work and achievements they had made.  The program included songs of worship from the youth choir, a beautiful printed program, thanks to Sis. Kriss White, and the recognition portion of the service.  Please see the honorees’ information below as well as the poem printed on the program by Langston Hughes.

"Mother to Son"

Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor --
Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark Where there ain't been no light.
So boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you set down on the steps
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now --
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin',
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.

The youngest person to participate on the program was little Michelle U. Moses, graduating from K-3 to K-4 at Grace Heritage Christian Academy.  Michelle proudly donned her cap and gown and recited two bible verses she  learned in school. We are proud of all of our students and especially our recent college graduates.  These students all excelled in their college courses while holding down jobs and taking an active part in various aspects of the church’s ministry and remaining faithful in their church attendance.  No one took a “sit down or I’m too busy attitude.” Bro. Eldrin Deas, Sis. Kriss White, and Bro. Lamonte’ Jackson gave short testimonies as to some of the things they encountered while in college, but in the end, they all admonished the other young people that “they too can make it.” Sis. Alisha Alford, who also graduated in May was out of town and was unable to be on the program.

After the death of her daughter, Kretia Shante’ Brown, Sis. Verlene Brown helped to establish a scholarship fund to be given in her daughter’s memory.  The scholarship award had never been given before.  Sis. Brown and her committee chose Sis. Ariel Smith to be the first recipient of The Kretia S. Brown Scholarship Award.  Sis. Brown, along with her family presented the $500 scholarship award to a beaming Sis. Smith during the program.  Sis. Smith is currently pursuing her Masters Degree at Georgia State University in Secondary Mathematics Education.

After the scholastic achievement recognition, Pastor Deas gave the sermon of the hour.  His scripture text was Colossians 3:16 (Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; Colossian 3:16a) and the message centered on “Getting the word of God in us.”  He stated that the entire book of Psalm 119, which is the longest book in the bible is primarily a book written on “the Word.”   Pastor Deas referred also to various verses in Psalm 119, verses 105, 107, 133, and 153.  He expounded on how the Bible contains The Law, Precepts, Statues, Commandments, and Judgments and gave definitive information on each of those aspects of the Word. Other scripture references used were Psalm 107:20 and II Chronicles 20:15-20.  He stated that the Word is an all embracing term for God’s revelation in any form and yes, the BIBLE is our Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. He admonished us that we should want to be conformed to God’s Word! Pastor Deas left many other nuggets with us concerning the Word!

Pastor Deas stated during the program that he is especially interested in seeing young people achieve academic excellence, but more importantly seeing them “not forgetting to do the work of the kingdom,” is extremely rewarding! (paraphrased)

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A reception was held downstairs after the service.