"[Let] love [be] without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good."  

Romans 12:9 NKJV

NAOMI

IN CONCLUSION: THE POWER OF INFLUENCE
“WHO CAN FIND A VIRTUOUS WOMAN?” Proverbs 31:10

Naomi is Ruth’s mother-in-law in the Hebrew Bible in the Book of Ruth. (One biblical scholar suggests that “the Book of Ruth depicts the struggles of Naomi and Ruth for survival in a patriarchal environment.”)

Her name is not certain, but it is possible that it means "good, pleasant, lovely, winsome." Naomi is married to a man named Elimelech. A famine causes them to move with their two sons, from their home in Judea to Moab. While there Elimelech dies, as well as his sons who had gotten married in the meantime. Near destitute, Naomi returns to Bethlehem with one daughter-in-law, Ruth, whom she could not dissuade from accompanying her. Her other daughter-in-law, Orpah, remains in Moab, (nothing more is written as of Orpah in the Bible). The beautiful story of Naomi’s influence from her God given gift of spiritual influence is recorded in the Book of Ruth 1:8-18, the end result of Naomi’s wisdom stands as a tremendous example of faith and godly persuasion is recorded in verses 16-18

16 “And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.
18 When she saw that she was steadfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.”

In the often-quoted words of Paul Harvey, “You know the rest of the story…”

Naomi adopted Ruth as a daughter and guided her, as she was led by the Lord. Ruth, heeds Naomi’s influence and follows her instructions and eventually married Boaz. And they had a son. That son was Obed, who was the father of Jesse and thus later the grandfather of David. All are in the linage of Jesus of Nazareth.

“FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS!”
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH 2025

HISTORIC PLEASANT GREEN MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH, REMINDS ALL OF HUMANITY TO NEVER DOUBT THE POWER OF INFLUENCE THAT THE LORD IMBUES THOSE THAT ALLOW HIM TO EXPRESS INFLUENCE THROUGH HIM.

WOMEN!

Mothers, grandmothers, great grandmothers, aunts, sisters, daughters, wives, friends, doctors, lawyers, teachers, nurses, policewomen, fire fighters, bus drivers, uber drivers, jet pilots, coaches, chiefs, congresswomen, senators, judges, Supreme Court Justices, mayors, principals, superintendents of schools, just to mention a few, wield a multitude of influence. Women have made and continue to leave an indelible legacy of positive contributions from Eden’s Eve (Gen. 1:18) to women now. History “intreats us” never to forget them and give them the respect that they deserve and have rightly earned.

Rev. Herbert T. Owens, Jr.

Church Historian

Historic Pleasant Green

All this month we have highlighted historical contributions of women in the Bible. As Women’s History Month draws to a close we meet a Canaanite woman, a harlot, who was an ancestor of Jesus. Her name is Rahab…

Rahab was a prostitute who lived in the Canaanite city of Jericho. She became a worshipper of God and her faith is one of the most remarkable examples of belief in the Bible.

Rahab hid two Israelites who were spying out in the land. She did this because she had heard reports of how Israel’s God, delivered his people from Egypt and later from an attack by a tribe called the Amorites.

She demonstrated profound faith by recognizing the power of the God of Israel. Even before meeting the Israelite spies, Rahab had heard of God's mighty deeds and believed that He was the true God. This faith led her to risk her life by hiding the spies and misleading the king's men who were searching for them.

James 2:25 notes, “In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?”

Rahab helped the spies and pleaded with them to spare her and her family when the Israelites came to destroy Jericho. They agreed, but on certain conditions. Rahab obeyed every instruction, and she and her family survived when the Israelites captured Jericho.

Joshua 6:25 reads…”But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho—and she lives among the Israelites to this day.”

Rahab later married an Israelite and became an ancestress of both King David and Jesus.

Rahab’s decision to align herself with God and His people, despite her background, saved her and her family from destruction when Jericho fell. Her story is celebrated in both the Old and New Testaments as an example of living faith.

To God Be The Glory for Rahab. The Bible refers to Rahab as an outstanding example of faith. Hebrews 11:31 says, “By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.” Her story illustrates that God is both forgiving and impartial, blessing those who trust in him, regardless of their background.

Sister Cathy Black

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES

• Join our Virtual Prayer Service by phone on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm Bible Study.
  
  Call: 253-215-8782 or 301-715-8592;
  Additional Phone Numbers:
  564-217-2000; 646-558-8656;
  646-931-3860
  Meeting ID: 685 433 0718
  
  
• Radio broadcasts Saturdays 9:00 am and 3:00 pm as well as Sundays at 7:30 am on WJMM FM 99.1
  
• International Sunday School Lesson
  
  This Sunday's Lesson: "Accountability For Leading Justly" Malachi 2:1-9; 3:5-6
  
  Lesson Nugget:
  The Jews had returned to Jerusalem and had rebuilt the Temple and had now settled into their comfortable homes; however, their economic situation and their spiritual lives were still lacking. They wondered whether God still loved them. The prophet Malachi proclaimed to the leaders, including the priest, that their behavior had damaged their relationship with God which resulted in their present state of dissatisfaction and if they would come back to the ways of God, again He would bless them as in times past.
  
  Do the circumstances of our world today cause us to wonder whether God still loves us and is He aware of our situation? If we return to God's ways and seek to improve our relationship with Him, will He not again bless us as in past times?
  
  
• Next Sunday's Lesson: "Jesus Teaches About  The  Right Attitudes That Bring Blessings" Matthew 5:1-12

• In - Person Worship Service on Sundays at 10:30 am  and  Streaming on the Church Facebook Page and YouTube. It can also be viewed on demand on the church
  historicpg.org website under the Services Tab.
  
  
• Thank you for giving your Tithes and Offerings In-Person, by mail or with the Givelify App. 
  
  
• Give with CashApp: $1790pgchurch
  
  Our mailing address is:

Historic Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church

PO Box 11845
Lexington, KY 40578

Upcoming Events

Virtual Prayer Service, 

Tuesday, April 1, 7:00 PM

Call: 253-215-8782;

Meeting ID: 685 433 0718

Virtual Bible Study, 

Saturday, April 5, 10 AM

Call: 253-215-8782;

Meeting ID: 685 433 0718

Greetings to our Church family and friends!

We greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! On behalf of the Youth Ministry, we ask that you help and bless our Youth with a “unique” opportunity. With the help of the Lord, we will be traveling to Black Wall Street in Tulsa, OK, and the Little Rock Nine historic site in Little Rock, AR, during this spring break in early April 2025. It is OUR duty to teach OUR Youth OUR history because there are those out there who want to erase it! So, that’s where you can help us by participating in our in-house fundraising project “Count Your Blessings.” It’s very simple. All you have to do is take inventory of your house, count your many blessings, by following a list of household items worth a certain amount, tally it up, add it up and that is the amount you can donate OR if you would like to donate a flat amount, then we appreciate that too. Whatever God places on your heart to do, we are thankful for it. Please place your donation in an envelope and turn it in to one of the Youth Directors. We will accept cash, check and donations via our Church’s CashApp and Givelify App. We just ask that you notate your donation to a particular Youth member or to the Youth Ministry. Please ask any Youth for a form or you can pick them up at church.

Also, if you have a Youth who would like to join us in our service and mission, please let us know as our discipleship is ongoing and they are welcome any time!

We thank you in advance for sharing in this wonderful opportunity for our Youth and we ask for your continued love and support because remember, IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD! Thank you and God bless!

Yours in Christ,

Bro. Charles Happy & Sis. Heather Happy, Youth Directors

Rev. Wendell Emerson, Spiritual Leader

Bro. Desmond Duncan, Assistant Youth Director

Sis. Kellye Emerson, Assistant Youth Director

Welcome to the 40 Year Christians' Cooking Corner! 

Here we will feature recipes from the 40 Year Christian Group. This week's recipe was submitted by Sister Linda Gates.

Blessings to all.

Sister Linda Gates, President

BAKING POWDER BISCUITS

Ingredients

2 cups flour

4 teaspoons baking powder

2½ tablespoons

1 teaspoon salt

shortening

¾/4 cup milk or water

Directions

Sift the dry ingredients together. Work shortening into the flour with a fork or tips of fingers. Make a well in the center; pour in the milk all at once. Stir well for 20 seconds until all the flour is moistened. Toss dough on a floured board at once and knead for 20 seconds. Pat or roll until ½" thick. Use as little flour as possible on the board when shaping the dough. Cut into rounds, place in pan and bake in very hot oven (450°) for 10 to 15 minutes.

Makes 20 medium-sized biscuits.

Recent Requests

• Sister Cheryl Dabney Duncan (Houston, TX)
  
  
• Brother Greg Forrest (Kevil, KY) (Nephew of Sisters Janice Jackson and Barbara Ridgeway)
  
  
• Sister Iris Horice (Paducah, KY) (Neice of Sisters Janice Jackson and Barbara Ridgeway)
  
  

• Sister Dawn Gay Martin (Home) 

• Sister Ruth Gaylord (Home)
  
  
• Brother Joseph Grant (Hospital St. Louis, MO) (Father of Sister Jessica Grant)
  
  
• Sister Norma Johnson (Home)
  
  
• Sister Beverly Horton (Home)
  
  
• Sister Thelma Masterson (Mayfair Manor Rehabilitation Area)
  
  
• Sister Irene Sykes McKenzie (Home)
  
  
• Brother Charles Moore, Sr. (Denton, TX) (Brother of Sister Shelia Williams)
  
  
• Brother Steven Prater (Richmond Hill, GA)
  
  
• Brother Edward & Sister Ruth Rawlings (Friends of Sister Kim Bond)
  
  
• Veronica Ridgeway (Louisville, KY) (Cousin of Sisters Janice Jackson and Barbara Ridgeway)
  
  
• Sister Sharon Scarber (Home)
    
• Sister Lynn Smith (Home)
  
  
• Sister Delores Spencer (Home)
  
  
• Sister Tonia Stewart (Home)
  
  
• Sister Anna Tatman (Home)
  
  
• Sister Kendra Taylor (Home)
  
  
• Brother Deryl Washington (Home)
  
  
• Sister Mildred White (Home)
  
  
• Brother Johänn Wiggington (Home)
  
  
• Sister Jamesetta Wilson (Eastern Kentucy - Floyd County) (Relative of the Owens Family)
  
  
• The Youth Ministry young people and their counselors as they travel to Black Wall Street in Tulsa, OK, and the Little Rock Nine historic site in Little Rock, AR, during the Fayette County Public School Spring Break.
  
  

Ongoing Requests:

• Brother Levi Fishback (Harrodsburg Health & Rehabilitation Center, Harrodsburg, KY)
  
  
• Sister Anna Jaber (Homestead Nursing Home)
  
  
• Sister Karisma Lockhart (Los Angeles, CA) and her family (Niece of Rev. Freddie Moody)
  
  
• Brother Drery Shelton (St. Joseph Hospital) (Friend of Sister Bonnie Shelton)
  
  
• Brother Glenn Allen (Home) (Relative of the Brooks Family)
  
  
• Sister Mary Ann Banksden (Florence, AL) (Sister of Brother Sammie Brooks)
  
  
• Sister Lillian Bell (Ruston, LA)
  
  
• Sister Darlene Booker (Los Angeles, CA) (Sister of Rev. Freddie Moody)
  
  
• Sister Bonita Brown (Home)
  
  
• Brother Byron Brown
  
  
• Sister Patricia Brown (Home)
  
  
• Sister Carrie Clay (Home) Upcoming surgery
  
  
• Sister Charmaine Collins (Home) (Daughter of Sister Debra Collins)
  
  
• Sister Debra Collins (Home)
  
  
• Brother Lonnie Cowan (Home)
  
  
• Crutcher, Jones, & Payne Family (especially Little Brother Vince Crutcher III and Sister Brittany Payne)
  
  
• Sister Laura Dunaway (Home)
  
  
• Brother Marvin Emerson  (Home)
  
  
• Sister Wanda Frazier (Home) (Sister of Brother Wayne Frazier)
  
  
• Sister Sheryl Haskins (Home)
  
  
• Sister Jeanette Higgins (Home)
  
  
• Brother Branson Irvin (Indianapolis, IN) (Cousin of Sister Mary Thomas)
  
  
• Brother Julian Jackson (Home) (Father of Brother Jarold Jackson)
  
  
• Sister Mary E. Jackson (Paris, KY) (Sister of Brother William Jackson)
  
  
• Sister Kemona Johnson (Home)
  
  
• Sister Vera Johnson (Home) (Sister of Sister Marion Hall)
  
  
• Brother Vincino Johnson (Home)
  
  
• Sister Janet King (Classmate of Sister Norma Johnson)
  
  
• Brother Travis Jones (Home ) (Brother of Sisters Liz Brooks, Trina Morton, and Sobona Sweat)
  
  
• Rev. Tony Laine (Home)
  
  
• Brother Larry Leath (Home)
  
  
• Sister Lindsey Leath (Home)
  
  
• Sister Patricia Leavell (Home)
  
  
• Sister Jackie Lindsay (Home) (Sister of Brother Wayne Frazier)
  
  
• Sister Danise Madison (Seattle, WA) (Sister of Sister Bonita Brown)
  
  
• Brother Ronald Moberly (Home) (Uncle of Sister Marva Eubank)
  
  
• Brother Everett Martin (Home)
  
  
• Sister Elnora Miller (Home) (Mother of Sister Lisa Miller)
  
  
• Sister Lisa Miller (Home)
  
  
• Sister Dorothy Offutt (Home)
  
  
• Sister Ashanti Owens (Grand daughter of Sister Mary Thomas)
  
  
• Brother Stevie Pepper (Columbus, OH) (Cousin of Sister Mary Thomas)(Home)
  
  
• Brother James Prather (Home) (Brother of Sisters Tassa Wigginton and Eleanor Smothers)
  
  
• Brother George Ray (Home)
  
  
• Sister Annette Reid (Home)
  
  
• Brother Ashley Roach
  
  
• Sister Gayle Rush-Coleman (Home)
  
  
• Sister Tamika Sales (Home)
  
  
• Brother Donald Scarber (Home)
  
  
• Sister Shirley Sharp (Maysville, KY) (Cousin of Sister Mary Thomas)
  
  
• Brother Doug Smith (Brother of Rev. Michael Smith) (Home, Louisville, KY)
  
  
• Sister Pennie Smith (Home)
  
  
• Sister Eleanor Smothers (Home)
  
  
• Brother Adrian Tatman (Home)
  
  
• Sister Cheryl "Midge" Taylor (Home)
  
  
• Sister Carol Thomas (Home)
  
  
• Brother Pete Thompson (Home)
  
  
• Sister Anna Ison-Walker (Home)
  
  
• Brother Kevin Walker (San Francisco, CA) (First Cousin of Rev. Freddie Moody)
  
  
• Sister Martha Warner (Home) (Mother of Sister Catherine Frye)
  
  

• Sister Tassa Wigginton (Home)
  
  

• Brother Leon Wilson (Home) (Brother-in-Law of Sister Mary Thomas)
  
  
• Each person listed on our Sick List
  
  
• HPGMBC Interim Pastor Search Committee Members, their families and their work
  
  
• Victims of the California Wild Fires
  
  
• Families of the Children affected in war torn countries around the world
  
  
• Children orphaned due to war and worldwide crises
  
  
• Families affected by gun violence in our community and abroad
  
  
• COVID-19 Victims around the world
  
  
• The People of Ukraine
  
  
• Healthcare workers, First respondents, etc.
  
  
• The Entire Pleasant Green Church Family
  
  
• Our our Local and National Government Officials

Heavenly Father, please help us to submit to You and to let go of our plans for our lives and embrace Yours. Thank you for Jesus. In His Name. Amen

 {Adapted from Our Daily Bread, 

March 28, 2025}

In the coming weeks, our Young Adults Ministry members will be Spotlighted in this section.

Sister Marsha Emerson

Our Historic Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist church family mourns with the loved ones of Deacon Richard Burroughs Briscoe Sr., 100, who was called home to be with the Lord on March 18, 2025. He was born October 12, 1924 in the old Adamstown neighborhood in Lexington, Kentucky. At the time of his death, he was the oldest member and Deacon of Historic Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church.

Pleasant Green was richly blessed in the 1940s to have Richard Briscoe Sr. who became a walking Deacon under Rev. W.A. Jones. He went on to hold the positions of a Deacon, Senior Deacon, Vice Chairman of the Deacon Board and Deacon Emeritus. He was also a longterm Sunday School teacher and participated with the Laymen.

As a congregation, we are truly thankful and grateful for the years Deacon Briscoe worked and served tirelessly in this historic church and throughout the community. 

Deacon Briscoe was always smiling and shining the light of Christ. We will miss his cheerful spirit, and his presence in this church. Whether rain or shine, pandemic or snowstorm, his will, commitment and determination to be in attendance every Sunday morning until his death is a testament and example to us all. 

During this time of grief, we will remember the sure hope we have as Christians: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10 NRSV)

Keep Your Contact Information Updated

Please keep your contact information up to date. In case of emergencies, changes of service times, etc., every attempt will be made to contact church members as expeditiously as possible using text messages to cell phones, phone calls, and emails. You can update your contact information by calling the church at (859) 254-7387.

If you would like to volunteer in assisting with contacting members on the rare occasions when information needs to be communicated to the church membership quickly, please call the church and give your name and phone number.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Resilience When Stressed

To be resilient In stressful situations requires the ability to; Focus on self care, connect with others and practice mindfulness. Prioritize your physical wellbeing and engage in activities you enjoy. Build strong relationships, lean on your family and friends for emotional support and guidance. Connect with others who share your interests and seek professional and spiritual counseling when needed. Practice expressing gratitude for what you have and reflect on the positive aspects of your life. Find meaningful goals and work towards them to completion and learn from past experiences. Remember to avoid negative coping mechanisms and refrain from substances and engaging in behavior that threatens or worsens your mental health. Remember to take care of you!

Excerpts modified from John's Hopkins Employee Rise Program

Presented by Sarah Shelton Speed

FLU

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.

Flu shots are available at local pharmacies. Consult your physician regarding a flu vaccination.

RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common, contagious virus that usually causes mild symptoms. In older adults and adults with certain underlying conditions, RSV can cause severe infections.

RSV shots are available at local pharmacies. Consult your physician regarding a RSV vaccination.

COVID-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age.

The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well informed about the disease and how the virus spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by staying at least 1 metre apart from others, wearing a properly fitted mask, and washing your hands or using an alcohol-based rub frequently. Get vaccinated when it’s your turn and follow local guidance.

The virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe. These particles range from larger respiratory droplets to smaller aerosols. It is important to practice respiratory etiquette, for example by coughing into a flexed elbow, and to stay home and self-isolate until you recover if you feel unwell.

Both COVID vaccines and Booster COVID vaccines are available at local pharmacies. Consult your physician regarding COVID vaccinations.

General Health Information

General Health information can be obtained from the Health Department. Contact information is below:

LEXINGTON-FAYETTE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
650 Newtown Pike
Lexington, KY 40508
(859) 252-2371.