!mpact Blog Scoop

Greetings Impactors!

Spring is officially here and what a great time we’re having at Impact Church!

In the season of March Madness, Impact reflected on the positions in a basketball team. Everyone should have a dream team for assistance and spiritual guidance, but sometimes it’s not just about the players. Having a support system, like a manager, cheerleaders and coaches is essential to winning games. Last month we were encouraged to build a squad that’s behind you 100%. We should depend on players and a supporting cast that can lead us to victory and provide the inspiration and encouragement that helps propel us into greatness.

Now, with Easter right around the corner, Impact could not have chosen a better theme to be motivated by, “Lift”. Based on the biblical verse John 12:32, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people unto myself”, this Easter Impactors and attendees are sure to be moved and renewed! Rejuvenate your life by recognizing your greatness. Don’t be your own worst enemy and the cause of your own failure through “Self-Sabotage”. Trust and believe in Him, so that you may be lifted up from the darkness of the earth and drawn into the light of His son. This month and throughout your spiritual journey, we want everyone to discover the love and power of God. Cast away all of your troubles and worries on Him by relying on your faith.

Be sure to join us on Easter Sunday, April 24 for a special treat!

Check us out every Sunday at Brown Middle School, 765 Peeples Street SW Atlanta, GA 30310. Worship experiences begin at 10am & 12 noon. Impact Kidz is now worshipping every Sunday at 10am & 12noon! Live streaming on the web and electronic mobile devices, at 9:55am & 11:55am. Visit impactdcd.org/live! For more information, email info@impactdcd.org.

Challenge yourself to make an impact. Lift yourself with the power of God.

Be Blessed,
Word Warrior

www.impactdcd.org

A personal testimony that prayer works.

I once heard a saying, “If you’re going to pray, why worry? If you’re going to worry, why pray?” I believe that there is a healing message in that statement. I believe in it without reservations.

In my opinion, I think that this nation, this world is in turmoil because there is not enough praying going on. I don’t think there is enough belief and having faith in a higher power. I raised my son alone, without any financial help from anyone. There were times when I wondered how we were going to make it through the month; how were we going to survive? But prayer got us through. God always made a way.

There were days once when prayer was allowed in schools. Time was set aside for prayer and meditation. Now, because so many people worship other gods or have totally different beliefs, some protested so loudly that prayer has been removed from public schools. However, some public schools (not all) allow what is called, “a moment of silence”. This is a moment where students, teachers, staff, and other personnel can pray silently. And it is just that. A “moment”, not even a full two minutes.

I think that prayer is essential to our existence. We should pray and give thanks to Him, for He is worthy to be praised! Our nation was built on a belief in God. It is even written on all our money, “In God we trust”. So let us not forget whence we came and let us give praise and honor to the Lord above.

When I rise each morning, I go into my bathroom and look in to the mirror. I read aloud a phrase that I have taped to the mirror, “Good morning! This is God. I will be handling all of your problems today. I do not need any of your help, so have a good day.” So I say to the world and you, the reader, Pray, Believe, Trust Him, and Claim it, and have yourself a good day!

Be sure to check us out every Sunday at Brown Middle School, 765 Peeples Street SW Atlanta, GA 30310. Worship experiences begin at 10am and 12 noon. Also check out Impact Kidz at 10am and 12 noon. Now streaming live on the web and mobile electronic devices! Visit impactdcd.org!

I believe that Prayer is the answer to everything.

Peace & Blessings,
B.J.

Greetings Impactors!

When I started to write this blog,  I began to reflect on the thought of is there such a thing as a perfect gift. What is the perfect gift? Is it something you’ve wanted since childhood? Is it something that will last a lifetime? Generally, a gift can be considered something tangible that you can hold in your hand or something innate; something you were born with. But is that gift perfect? According to Webster, perfect means “without fault or defect; flawless; satisfying all requirements”. So with this in mind, what would be the perfect gift?

To some, the perfect gift may be a marriage proposal topped with the “perfect” engagement ring. To others it may be a new car, new clothes, or a dream vacation get-a-way. However, some may still see the “perfect” gift as having good health, a hot meal, or a safe and comfortable place to rest your head at night. And there are still those who solely just want their “perfect” gift to be peace, happiness and love. I remember when I was young, the perfect gift to me was simply a toy, or a brother or sister to have by my side (I was an only child for years). So, we all don’t need something tangible to be our perfect gift. Many of us just simply enjoy the company of others.

As we enter this holiday season and the spirit of giving, think about something that can be given that may cost little to nothing at all. That gift is LOVE. Not only give it to others but bless yourself with it. Sometimes before we can love others, we must love ourselves. Focus and take care of yourself for a change. Accomplish this and it will be that much easier to share the gift of LOVE!

Be sure to check us out every Sunday in the New Year at Brown Middle School, 765 Peeples Street SW Atlanta, GA 30310. Worship experiences begin at 10am and 12 noon. Now streaming live on the web and mobile electronic devices! Visit www.impactdcd.org/live.

Given every day of the year, love is one of those gifts that will last forever. After all, it is the gift that God gave to us. So maybe we’ve all received the PERFECT GIFT!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU AND WISHING YOU HAPPINESS, JOY AND LOVE THROUGHOUT 2011!!!

Peace & Blessings,
B.J.

Greetings Impactors!

In October, Impact focused on redirecting your attention to God. With the sermon series entitled “Not the Headliners”, Impactors were encouraged to celebrate others and adopt a new sense of selflessness. We were challenged to take a new outlook on life, considering God and others first, before ourselves. Often times we get caught up in the spotlight, demanding attention from everyone around us. We must reflect on our personal generosity towards God, and as we celebrate our generosity towards God, as a result we become generous toward others.

In most communities putting one’s own needs first is considered selfish. In others, it may be considered self-preservation. I believe that selfishness is a learned attitude and behavior within one’s own society or community. It is a matter of your own set of ethical principals or rules that you live and abide by daily. Now, we’ve all the Golden Rule, “Treat others as you would want to be treated”. We apply this to life and its multitude of circumstances, but what does it really mean? Should we not be selfish and always think of others? Should everyone be treated equally no matter the circumstances? Finding the answer isn’t always easy, but if we choose to live and be Christ-like, then the finding the answer may easier than we think.

With the holiday season right around the corner, let’s enter it with a new spirit of love and generosity. Head in a new direction by starting each day with God. Find a reason to celebrate His love and generosity.

Be sure to check us out every Sunday at 10am or 12 noon. Worship experiences are held at Brown Middle School 765 Peeples Street SW Atlanta, GA 30310. Now streaming live on the web at 9:55 am and 11:55 am!

Love and generosity can be one of the greatest gifts we can ever possess.

Be Blessed,

Word Warrior
www.impactdcd.org

Please do not quote me, I think it goes like this… Give and it shall be given    unto you pressed down, shaken together and running over.

Why is it so hard to give, share or care for or to our friend, neighbor, neighborhood. Do we not know He will give it back to us in measures untold.    As we hold onto the little for fear we will run out, we block and lose site of     what could be waiting for us on the other end of what we feel is a sacrifice. Really, it’s our Obedience.

Take a journey with us this month as we care a little more, share a little more and most definitely give a little more.  September is a movement of its own with; “Who So Ever Will” touching on topics like What Really Matters, Building A Stronger Impact plus great avenues to Volunteer with opportunities from Mentoring children to enjoying a walk and great story with a grandparent.

Join us  every Sunday at 10 am or 12 noon. Worship experiences are held at Brown Middle School 765 Peeples Street SW Atlanta, GA 30310.  Streaming live on the web every Sunday! See you there www.impactdoingchurchdifferently.org/live/whosoever-will/ at 9:55 am and 11:55 am.

We are given an ultimate gift, while being cared for by an unwavering father, who shares his love unconditionally with us each and every day. Could it really be that bad to give, share and care?

Knowledge is Power

Truth

Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received – only what you have given: a full heart, enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage.

~Saint Francis of Assisi

During the month of September, Impact celebrates Volunteerism and encourages everyone to fill your heart, enrich your life and donate your time. One of our goals is to help and give back in any way we can. Whether it’s for a day or just an hour, volunteering can make a world of difference to you and the lives you touch. At Impact, we believe volunteering is one of the most selfless things we can do that doesn’t cost one penny. From feeding the homeless to building homes for Habitat for Humanity, there’s something that each of us are good at and can ultimately offer to others in need. Not to mention that when we volunteer our time, there’s generally an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction and reward that comes from knowing I did something for the greater good that extends beyond my own personal wants and needs. Not only are we rewarded spiritually, but we can then share with others the sense of fulfillment that comes from knowing at least one person has benefited from our labor of love.

Throughout the month and holiday season, Impact invites you to join us in the spirit of volunteerism as we donate our time with various non-profit and community organizations. Whether it’s tutoring an after school math session or spending time with the elderly, volunteering shows reverence through the spirit of love. We encourage you to drop by our Servant Leader table every Sunday at 10 am or 12 noon to learn more information about how YOU can be of service to others. For more information about how you can Get Involved, visit www.impactdcd.org.

Be sure to check us out every Sunday at 10am or 12 noon. Worship experiences are held at Brown Middle School 765 Peeples Street SW Atlanta, GA 30310. Now streaming live on the web! Visit www.impactdcd.org/live at 9:55 am and 11:55 am.

Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something.

Be Blessed,
MK

Take me to the water
Take me to the waaa-ter
Take me to the waaaa-ter
To be Baptized

Greetings Impactors!

“Take Me to the Water” is a common song sung by congregations across the world, witnessing the baptism of a loved one. It was sung at my baptism and probably at the baptisms of some of you reading this entry.

In November 2009, Impact held its first baptism ceremonies. Over 7 people were baptized and had been prepared to enter a new phase in their lives. Historically, baptisms were an outdoor ritual. Performed in rivers, lakes or ponds candidates were led to the water by a deacon, and the actual ritual was performed by the pastor and/or ministers of the church. Dressed in all white cotton gowns, candidates were completely submerged under water. However, in the United Methodist Church candidates are not completely  submerged under water, instead having only the forehead sprinkled. Now, in more modern and urban settings, churches hold baptisms in indoor facilities. Although baptism facilities and routines have changed, the meaning has not.

Baptism is a symbol. It is a symbol and reflection of your faith and commitment to renew your life. I remember growing up, my parents having a large influence on my baptism. As a child I knew what baptism was and what the process consisted of, but as I got older I was able to better understand the meaning and purpose of why “I” was baptized. I knew that I had made a commitment to be closer with God and would begin to acknowledge his love, grace and mercy in my life. This has been the case for many of you. As children we do what we are told, even with little understanding of what we are doing. But as we age, we reflect on the choices we’ve made or have been led to make and gain a clearer understandings. Everyday many people ask themselves, why did I or why should I be baptized? Does this mean that I must do a complete 180 with my life? Does this mean I have to go to church all day, everyday? The answer lies with you. Baptism is a declaration of God’s grace and mercy in your life and reflects the changes you are ready to make.

Be sure to check us out every Sunday at 10am or 12 noon. Worship experiences are held at Brown Middle School 765 Peeples Street SW Atlanta, GA 30310. Now streaming live on the web! Visit www.impactdcd.org/live at 9:55 am and 11:55 am.

What does baptism mean to you?

Be Blessed,

Word Warrior
www.impactdcd.org

Greetings Impactors!

Have you ever been to church, didn’t understand, wanted to  ask  a question?

Here,  we talk about it ALL… From Pass The Mantle, Live.Move.Be, Upon This Rock and now we want to get in touch with your sensitive side with “Sexuality & Spirituality”. Should we continue to avoid this topic or touch on it when it seems to affects us? How about we prepare ourselves for the reality that they both exist and can properly and powerfully be a part of our lives.

Jesus was human just like you and me. What happens if you find out he faced the same humanly issues as we do? Does it make sexuality okay? What it does is, let’s us know that no one no matter how great or how small their role will always have to choose what is best for them.

As we face the coming of the new generation,would we like to be prepared or continue to be fooled? Fooled by the thought that Sexuality & Spirituality cannot co-exist or should not be addressed by the church. When we are properly prepared we firmly know and understand knowing yourself spiritually is knowing yourself sexually. Therefore we will make the right choices no matter what road is traveled.

Be sure to check us out every Sunday at 10am or 12 noon. Worship experiences are held at Brown Middle School 765 Peeples Street SW Atlanta, GA 30310. Now streaming live on the web! Visit www.impactdcd.org/live at 9:55 am and 11:55 am.

Let us celebrate humanity and be conscience that there will always something we can do about the choices we as humans make.

Knowledge is Power

Truth

Greetings Impactors!

As with the numerous days set aside throughout the year to celebrate something or someone, June is designated for our father’s. Whether he’s your biological father, spiritual father, step-dad, adopted dad, or just a man whose been a father figure, this is the time to celebrate the “dad” in your life. Father’s Day is a time to reflect on family, values and the relationship between you and your dad. It is a day where dad gets to celebrate the joys of fatherhood, whether it is spending time, making amends, or relaxing and getting pampered. Often times it is the men in our lives, our father’s, who are overlooked and undervalued. This year, don’t let the past or negativity get in the way of a relationship with your father.  Let’s make dads feel worthy of being a father because change is sure to come.

Over the years, the definition of father has changed. Dad’s have become more than the stern hand or disciplinarian. Dads have evolved into a nurturing figure, doing more than just providing for his family. He has expanded his role from the hardworking protector to a shoulder to cry on or a listening ear. Many dads have taken on the role of a stay at home dad or the head of a single parent household. With time people evolve and change and begin to fulfill roles never imagined. This is true of our dad’s. So I say this Father’s Day, appreciate your dad. Through the good times and the bad.

Be sure to check us out every Sunday at 10am or 12 noon. Worship experiences are held at Brown Middle School 765 Peeples Street SW Atlanta, GA 30310. Now streaming live on the web! Visit www.impactdcd.org/live.

Celebrate your father. He is more than just a man.

Be Blessed,
Word Warrior
www.impactdcd.org

When one thinks of brands we think of logos, graphics, catchy phrases or slogans that instantly connect us to a particular product, service, or company. For example, “J&J” for Johnson and Johnson, “GE” for General Electric, or even the “!” for Impact Church. These are markers of a certain product or organization. But when it comes to people, are we considered as brands too? When others look at us do they instantly see our personality, characteristics, or what we stand for? A former P&G executive wrote once,

“A brand is the personification of a product, service, or even entire company… like a person, a brand has a name, a personality, character and even a reputation. Like a person, you can respect, like and even love a brand. You can think of it as a deep personal friend, or merely an acquaintance. You can view it as dependable or undependable; principled or opportunistic; caring or capricious. Also, like a person, a brand must mature and change its product over time. But its character, and core beliefs shouldn’t change. Neither should its fundamental personality and outlook on life.”
Robert Blanchard from “Parting Essay”, July 1999

As Christians, we must treat ourselves as a brand. We have to decide how we will represent God’s mission in a society tainted with political correctness, social imagery, stereotypes and reputations. We cannot change or alter what we believe to uphold a reputation that does not truly represent who we are. We must brand ourselves to embody and become spiritually aligned with God’s purpose for our lives.

Be sure to check us out every Sunday at 10am or 12 noon. Worship experiences are held at Brown Middle School 765 Peeples Street SW Atlanta, GA 30310. Now streaming live on the web! Every Sunday at 9:55 am and 11:55 am. Visit www.impactdcd.org/live.

So I’m asking you, reader. What do you stand for as a Christian?

Be Blessed,

Word Warrior
www.impactdcd.org