Page 2 Volume a _ TAKE OFF THE MASKS el “— 2 Issue 3 : word MARCH as one of the 12 months of a year; we can see it as a command to0 go oflwe be see it as progression. his month is leading up to the remembrance of the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. © pete ae Back home in Moses and museich a Arand march was sclabrated last Boi felled Mardifi Grae ‘Participants line the road on each side, eager to get a look at the parade progressing down the street. Some sit high on stands and perhaps even in trees, just to see and partake of the festivities. Loud shouts of “Throw me something Mister’ ring throughout the crowd as those in the parade throw out candies and trinkets known as Mardi Gras Throws. Mind you--Mardi Gras actually sets the start of Ash Wednesday: "Mardi Gras" means "Fat Tuesday.” Traditionally, it is the last day to indulge—and often overindulge—before one starts the sober weeks of fasting that come with Lent [thus the 40 days of Lent). In Christianity, Lent is a time of penance, prayer, preparation for or recollection of baptism, and preparation for the celebration of Easter. On Ash Wednesday the faithful are to be reminded of death, of the sorrow they should feel for their sins, and of the necessity of changing their lives, after they have overindulged on Fat Tuesday. However, the parade goers are actually there to see people in masks--not portraying their true selves, and to see what they can get out of it. But Jesus wore no mask! He never denied who He was...and all came out to see ‘The Man’. But in the crowd of bystanders ‘shouts’ were going out. Shouts that soon became shouts of ‘Crucify Him! Do we find ourselves as parade-goers in the Worship Service--those who attend with masks on for the occasion, and later become shouters of crucifixion? Keep focus on following Jesus. Take your mind off self as one in the parade to be seen by others. Keep your focus on Jesus and others will see Christ in the procession. Not a mask-covered Christian. As we progress or go forth in the Lord, remember that it's not about you, but it's about Jesus. Remember that others are standing on the side of the road (in the pews) watching you, shouting out in their hearts “Throw me something Mister”. And what A WORD FROM THE PASTOR‘ they want to catch is a glimpse of a way to make it when there seems to be no way; food for their hurting soul; something real when all around them seems false; something that they've never tried before when all else has been tried and failed. What they are looking to catch is some Jesus. Jesus should be the only ‘throw we cast out at New Zion. The pastor is not the only one marching in this parade--you too are in the processional. build the Knog Take your mind off self and let the Jesus in you help Throw off the masks and let the light of Christ be passed in truth to those seeking Him. we. Forever in His Service, > = i Revelation 8:4 Bro. Calvin English Bro. Marion Carter Sis. Gwen Jackson Bro. Willie Daniels WHY AN EFFECTIVE le Te oe “The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God.” ‘s a SUNDAY rae a . s Se Dae ase SCHOOL IS VITAL! It carries out the great commission. It teaches God’s word systematically. It produces growth toward spiritual maturity. It protects the churches future. Bro. Dan Harris, AL Sis. Doris Jones, VA Sis. Rena Holden Bro. Pat Ray TOPIC FOR MARCH 2009 IS Sis. Jacqueline Bumfry, VA Bro. Brian Daniels “The Promise of New Life” Bro. DeWayne Carrington Sis. Reese Lee The phrase new life strikes people in different ways. Bro. Ramsey Lewis, IL Sis. Jerry Johnson bottom” are desperate for some kind of new life. Those who are “flying Sis. Viola Clark, LA Sis. Lucy Donaldson no need for a new life. But we ALL need a new life! Bro. Bobby Smauldon, GA Sis. Doris Green Sis. Lillie Green, CA Sis. Alicia Taylor Bro. Johnny White Bro. Angel Duran Sis. Laticia Anderson Bro. Robert Taylor Bro. Michael Scott Bro. Thomas Long, Jr. Bro. Obie Ardis The Burrell Family Bro. L.C. Watson Bro. Griffin Brock, Sr. Sis. Delores Bennett Sis. Betty Massey Bro. Cicero Scott Bro. Johnny Carpenter Sis. Clora White Sis. Ruby Green Bro. Jimmy Ross Sis. Kim Brehm Sis. Shenoa Taylor Sis. Nioka Martin Bro. Edward Cooper, Sr., LA sis. Daisy Eason Your prayers are most appreciated! Dates: 08 ie 22 29 Ezekiel 34:23-31 Ezekiel 36:22-32 Ezekiel 37:1-14 Ezekiel 47:1-12 A Scripture Reminder: ‘Gather the people together, men, andw that is within thy gates, that they may he God, and observe to do all the words o * Nursery Worker nee information, pleas ic Those who