"When Jesus heard [that], he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. ... And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him." John 11:4, 15 KJV

1 Timothy 4:12 reads, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”

If we’ve ever felt too young or too old to do something important, too small for a big job, too inexperienced to contribute to something worthwhile or too under qualified to make a difference, this scripture through Paul is speaking to us!
In the book of 1 Timothy, Paul encourages Timothy in doctrine, leadership and in living fully for God.

As young people we are reminded through scripture that God has purposely put us here at this specific time and place in history. He wants to use our passions, drive, vision, energy and ideas to magnify His glory. We have a unique vantage point.
Similarly, God uses people throughout their entire lives, regardless of age. Old age in the Bible is often associated with wisdom, experience, and continued productivity in God's service.

Job 32:7 says, “Those who are older should speak, for wisdom comes with age”.

And Isaiah 46:4 reminds us that God promises to sustain and carry his people even into old age. It reads, “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”

Psalm 71:18 asks God not to forsake the psalmist in old age so that they may declare His power to future generations. It reads, “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.”

And Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

As older people we are reminded that God has purposely placed us here at this specific time in history. Blessed with wisdom, leadership and the gift of life experience, we too see things from a unique vantage point.

No matter the age, God has empowered us to love Him and to love others and to live a life that points people to Him. There is always work to be done for God regardless of age.

To God Be The Glory for scriptures that encourage us to embrace our lives at any age while sharing the good news of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May we continue to set an example in the way we talk, act, love and live. May our daily walk be a shining example as we live our lives representing Him!

Sister Cathy Black

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES

• Join our Virtual Prayer Service by phone on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm Bible Study from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
  
  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:
  
  "The Messenger Prepares: What Does It Mean To Be Faithful With Our Resources?" Malachi 3:1-10
  
  Lesson Nugget:
  In today's lesson, the prophet Malachi, under the inspiration of God, tells the people that God will send prophets to prepare them for His Son's arrival to judge the deeds of the people. He further admonishes them bring their tithes and offerings to His storehouse and promises that He will bless them beyond their expections.
  
  Are we as Christians, daily preparing for the time when our Savior will return for His Church?
  
  

• Next Sunday's Lesson: "Jesus Overcomes Temptation: How Do We Overcome Temptation To Sin?" Matthew  4:1-11

• 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 by selecting "Watch Us Live."
  
• 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, March 17, 7:00 PM

Call: 253-215-8782;

Meeting ID: 685 433 0718

Choir Rehearsal

WEDNESDAY, March 18, 7:00 pm

 Bible Study,

In-Person & Virtual

Saturday, March 21, 10:00 AM

Call: 253-215-8782;

Meeting ID: 685 433 0718

40 Year Christian Group Meeting,

In-Person & Virtual

Saturday, March 21, 1:00 PM

Call: 253-215-8782;

Meeting ID: 685 433 0718

Installation Service

Sunday, March 29, 2026

Pastor Elect Rev. Freddie Moody, Jr.
First Baptist Church

Lebanon, KY

Pleasant Green Historic Highlight:

 (Davis Bottom & Baptism)

Churches were the center of life in most African American communities. Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church, located on W. Maxwell Street, provided spiritual, social and educational services for many residents of Davis Bottom. Today, Historic Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church continues to provide spiritual services from the building (1931) at its original location.

Respectfully submitted by: Sister Cathy A. Black

Article Source: The Davis Bottom History Preservation Project

For the month of March, the Youth Ministry will begin our study of the genealogy of Abraham, the father of the Hebrew nation and of "many nations."We will dive deep into his patriarchy and how this led to the 12 tribes of Israel and its importance in today's world."  

We invite ALL middle and high schoolers to join us at the church at 7 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of this month.  We encourage you to bring a friend and join us as we find engaging ways to study God's Word.  All reminders and events will be posted in our GroupMe messaging app.  

Contact Sis. Heather Happy (859.509.2927) for further details.

Yours in Christ,
Youth Directors 

WE ARE ONE!

Welcome to the 40 Year Christians' Cooking Corner! 

Here we will feature recipes from the 40 Year Christian Group. This week's recipe comes from Sister Alyce Emerson.

Blessings to all.

Sister Linda Gates, President

Name: Jake Curry

Current Focus: My main focus is trying to strengthen my relationship with the LORD. I grew up in the church. My grandfather was the pastor of Little Flock Baptist Church in Jeffersonville, IN. I was baptized at 17. Immediately after baptism, the challenges started coming. I wasn’t doing what I knew I needed to do to get closer to HIM. I didn’t really try to get closer until I came to college. When I first came to Lexington, I went to Southland. It wasn’t for me. I prayed to the LORD. I asked HIM to lead me. HE led me to Pleasant Green

Career: I am an Elementary Education major with a minor in Political Science. I work with first graders at William Wells Brown Elementary. I am scheduled to graduate next year.

Why this Career?: I switched several times before college. My first choice was Communications. Initially, I wanted to walk in the footsteps of my grandpa, the late Ken Rowland. He was a news anchor in Louisville. Then I worked in a summer camp with children. That’s when I acknowledged my calling. My real joy is working with children. I know GOD can use me in the classroom.

What do you want your church family to know about you?: I joined HPGBMC by watch care in August 2024. Learning more about myself and more about GOD - both have been big parts of my time at in Lexington. Since being at HPGMBC, I have grown. I am not where I need to be, but I am closer to the LORD. The relationship is stronger. It is better.

My activities on campus focus around my major. I am in the Elementary Educations Student Association. I work with fundraisers like Dance Blue. It supports children with pediatric cancer.

I also like to go to the gym and to watch sports. Football is my favorite. I am a football player. I don’t play at UK—but I wanted to! I’ve played since 6th grade. I’m passionate about the game. Minnesota Vikings fan. My college team is GA. My family, my dad’s side, is from Elberton, GA. That’s my second home. I am there as much as I can be.

I am from Louisville. I never thought I would attend UK! 😊 My mother is a UK alum. She said I really needed to “just visit.” 😊 She was right. I came to the campus and UK moved to the top of my list. But I am still a Cardinal. 😊 I like to go to basketball games. I am still a Cardinal even though I am in Big Blue Nation. 😊 My pro basketball team is Miami Heat. We stink right now. They’re still my team. Things will change. 😊

I believe things can always change for the better. I welcome being able to make changes whenever, wherever and however I can. My career will let me change children’s lives. At some point in my career, I want to help in new ways. I want to pursue leadership roles such as being a principal or superintendent. I also want to make change in the community. Being an elected public servant is an interest. I’m praying about it.

Is there anything special your church can do for you?: Pray for me! I need it to help me through. With everything going on with school and social life, I need prayers to stay on the straight and narrow! Also, pray that I help these kids in the way that they need most. Pray!

What do you want your church family to know about GOD?: GOD is loving. Sometimes when you don’t feel that HE is looking over you, know that HE is. HE is always looking over you. Sometimes I feel like I’m walking this journey alone. Then I pull out my Bible. I draw on my favorite scriptures to remember that HE is walking with me. HE is always with me. HE is always walking with us! My favorite scripture on this part of my journey is Psalm 27:1. It blesses me. Let it bless you too!

Grandparents: Pastor William Curry and First Lady Jerolene Curry; Bro Ken Rowland and Sis Edith Rowland

Parents: Ty Curry and Nicole Kinder Curry

Sibling: Kendall (17)

Recent Requests

• Family of Brother Sherman Greene, who passed. (Father of Sister Janice Owens) Service was Friday, March 13.
  
  
• Sister Alyssa Burns (Home) (Daughter of Rev. Ron & Sis. René Burns)
  
  
• Sister Charlie Peoples Brown (Home)
  
  
• Sister Debra Collins (Home)
  
  
• Brother Austin Harris (Kalamazo, MI) (Son of Sister Addie Celeste Harris)
  
  
• Brother Michael Horton (Home)
  
  
• Sister Kemona Johnson (Home)
  
  
• Sister Norma Johnson (Home)
  
  
• Sister Dawn Gay Martin (Home)
  
  
• Sister Lucy Persley (Home) (Sister to Sisters Bonnie Shelton, Mary Thomas, and Brother Rodger Williams)
  
  
• Sister Sharon Scarber (UK Samaritan Hospital)
  
  
• Sister Lynn Smith (Home)
  
  
• Brother Rodney Taylor ( Stanford Crossing Rehabilitation Center, Stanford, Ky)  (Nephew of Sister Juanita Black and Cousin of Sister Cathy Black)
  
  
• Sister Dawn Williams (Home) (Daughter of Sister Thelma White)
  
  
• Brother Robert Williams (Home) (Uncle of Sisters Lucy Persley, Bonnie Shelton, Mary Thomas, and Brother Rodger Williams)
  
  
• Brother Rodger Williams (Home) (Brother of Sisters Lucy Persley, Bonnie Shelton, and Mary Thomas)
  
  
• Brother William "Bill" Young (Home)
  
  

Ongoing Requests:

• Brother Willis K. Bright, Jr. (Indianapolis, In)
  
  
• Brother Bruce from Tates Creek Golf Course Clubhouse
  
  
• Brother Levi Fishback (Harrodsburg Health & Rehabilitation Center, Harrodsburg, KY)
  
  
• Sister Anna Jarber (Homestead Nursing Home)
  
  
• Sister Thelma Masterson (Homestead Nursing Home)
   
• 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 Ruby Branham (Prestonsburg, KY) (Mother of Sister Jackie Peoples)
  
  
• Sister Beverly Bowman (Home)
  
  
• Sister Bonita Brown (Home)
  
  
• Brother Byron Brown
  
  
• Sister Patricia Brown (Home)
  
  
• Sister Carrie Clay (Home)
  
  
• Sister Charmaine Collins (Home) (Daughter of Sister Debra Collins)
  
  
• Sister Gloria Coleman (Home)
  
  
• Brother Lonnie Cowan (Home)
  
  
• Crutcher, Jones, & Payne Family (especially Little Brother Vince Crutcher III and Sister Brittany Payne)
  
  
• Sister Laura Dunaway (Home)
  
  
• Brother Billy Edwards (Home)
  
  
• Sister Shirley Alcorn Edwards (Portsmouth, VA)
  
  
• Sister Jessica Embry
  
  
• Sister McKinley Emerson (Home)
  
  
• Brother Greg Forrest (Kevil, KY) (Nephew of Sisters Janice Jackson and Barbara Ridgeway)
  
  
• Sister Johnetta Frazier (Home)
  
  
• Rev. Jerry Gumm (Home)
  (Friends of the late Dr. Charles Black's family)
  
  
• Brother Darius Hall, Jr. (14 year old Grandson of Sister Marion Hall) (Home)
  
  
• Sister Sheryl Haskins (Home)
  
  
• Sister Jeanette Higgins (Home)
  
  
• Sister Gwendolyn Holloman (Home) (Wife of Bishop J. B. Holloman)
  
  
• Sister Iris Horice (Paducah, KY) (Niece of Sisters Janice Jackson and Barbara Ridgeway)
  
  
• Brother Daron Houtman, Jr. (Wichita, KS) (Nephew of Sister Lisa Leath)
  
  
• Brother Julian Jackson (Home) (Father of Brother Jarold Jackson)
  
  
• Sister Vera Johnson (Home) (Sister of Sister Marion Hall)
  
  
• Brother Vincino Johnson (Home)
  
  
• Brother Travis Jones (Home ) (Brother of Sisters Liz Brooks, Trina Morton, and Sobona Sweat)
  
  
• The Kierra Joseph Family
  
  
• Sister Janet King (Classmate of Sister Norma Johnson)
  
  
• Brother Larry Leath (Home)
  
  
• Sister Lindsey Leath (Home)
  
  
• Sister Patricia Leavell (Home)
  
  
• Sister Wanda Frazier (Home) (Sister of Brother Wayne Frazier)
  
  
• Sister Karisma Lockhart (Los Angeles, CA) and her family (Niece of Rev. Freddie Moody)
  
  
• Sister Danise Madison (Seattle, WA) (Sister of Sister Bonita Brown)
  
  
• Sister Penny McCann (Austin, TX)
  
  
• Sister Charlet McLellan & Family
  
  
• Sister Genice Moody Mays (Los Angeles, CA) (Youngest sister of Rev. Freddie Moody)
  
  
• Sister Irene Sykes McKenzie (Home)
  
  
• Sister Elnora Miller (Home) (Mother of Sister Lisa Miller)
  
  
• Sister Lisa Miller (Home)
  
  
• Brother Daryl Moberly (Uncle of Sister Marva Eubank)
  
  
• Sister Tyailan Moberly (Home) (Cousin of Sister Marva Eubank)
  
  
• Brother Charles Moore, Sr. (Denton, TX) (Brother of Sister Shelia Williams)
  
  
• Sister Dorothy Offutt (Home)
  
  
• Sister Ashanti Owens (Granddaughter of Sister Mary Thomas)
  
  
• Sister Brittany Payne (Home)
  
  
• Brother Stevie Pepper (Columbus, OH) (Cousin of Sister Mary Thomas)(Home)
  
  
• Brother Steven Prater (Richmond Hill, GA)
  
  
• Sister Ruth Rawlings (Friend of Sister Kim Bond)
  
  
• Veronica Ridgeway (Louisville, KY) (Cousin of Sisters Janice Jackson and Barbara Ridgeway)
  
  
• Sister Annette Reid (Home)
  
  
• Brother Ashley Roach
  
  
• Sister Gayle Rush-Coleman (Home)
  
  
• Sister Tamika Sales (Home)
  
  
• Sister Candace Hayes (Home) (Daughter of Sister Sharon Scarber)
  
  
• Brother Donald Scarber (Home)
  
  
• Brother Doug Smith (Brother of Rev. Michael Smith) (Home, Louisville, KY)
  
  
• Sister Pennie Smith (Home)
  
  
• Sister Eleanor Smothers (Home)
  
  
• Sister Delores Spencer (Home)
  
  
• Sister Tonia Stewart (Home)
  
  
• Brother Adrian Tatman (Home)
  
  
• Sister Anna Tatman (Home)
  
  
• Sister Cheryl "Midge" Taylor (Home)
  
  
• Sister Kendra Taylor (Home)
  
  
• Sister Carol Thomas (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 Melvin Williams (Home)
  
  

• Brother Leon Wilson (Home) (Brother-in-Law of Sister Mary Thomas)
  
  
  
• Each person listed on our Sick List
  
  
• HPGMBC Full Time Pastor Search Committee Members, their families and their work
  
  
• Victims of the Wildfires
  
  
• 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 responders, etc.
  
  
• The Entire Pleasant Green Church Family
  
  
• Our Local and National Government Officials

Heavenly Father, please deepen our commitment to know You and to boldly share You with others. Thank you for Jesus. In His Name. Amen 

{Adapted from Our Daily Bread,  March 12, 2026}

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.

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.

VOL. 17 COMMON SENSE REVISITED 3 15 2026

“WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS TO BE SELF-EVIDENT” …AND THEN SLAVERY?!?

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness ( The second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence).” All thirteen states voted to adopt on July 4, 1776.

A committee of 5 white men, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston wrote these words.

These men were selected to draft a declaration of separation from Great Britain. Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston owned black slaves Benjamin Franklin and John Adams did not own any slaves. Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin were chosen to be the wordsmiths for the committee. Jefferson was a huge slave owner he owned over 100 slaves, and Franklin was an abolitionist (opposed to the institution of slavery).

Jefferson and Franklin both associated and fellowshipped with the French Philosophes/Philosophers when they were ambassadors prior to and during the American Revolution.

The Philosophe’s played a prominent role in advancing political philosophy during the Enlightenment era (1685-1815). The Philosophe’s were impressed with the advanced intelligence of Jefferson and Franklin. They respected both Americans for the “content of their characters” and their educational and philosophical understanding.

One interesting discord that goes against Thomas Paine’s pamphlet, “Common Sense” and the French Philosophes beliefs is the word slavery (which made NO SENSE AT ALL).

One French historian recorded that, “The Philosophes believed, that no religious, moral, or economic consideration therefore could justify black slavery in the eyes of the Philosophes. The group of Philosophes were called Encylopedists/ chief among them were, Voltaire, Rousseau, Diderot, and Louis de Jaucourt.

These men and women “Sought to spread enlightened ideas, champion progress, and reform society through reason.”

They also are “credited with influencing the intellectual atmosphere that led to the French Revolution.”

Regarding black slavery (French word for slavery: escalavage) in America Louis de Jaucourt defined black slavery in America as “ces organs vivans et anime’s de l’economique ( Translation: “These living and animated organs of the economy.”

The Encyclopedists unapologetically broadcast, and “revealed, in detail, to an often unsuspecting and gradually shocked public the shameful and barbarian treatment of other human beings (black people), the religious fallacies permitting it, and the fundamental economic motives that actually instigated it.”

Jefferson and Franklin’s exposure to these Encyclopedists is reflected in the Declaration Of Independence, which is a stellar example of Enlightenment literature.

In my two years of graduate studies in History I have poured over many documents and books that document Jefferson’s work in writing the pivotal document that launched the, then colonies, into a war with, at that time, war with the most powerful nation in the world.

My research also led me to discover Jefferson’s beliefs about black people's status as human beings. I was saddened when I read that Thomas Jefferson strongly believed that black people were inferior to whites in both body and mind, most especially in reason and imagination. Jefferson went further and vociferously denounced blacks by saying blacks were a distinct and lower race.

I was further saddened when I read his book entitled, Notes on the State of Virginia. In that book he wrote that blacks, so-called “inferiority justified slavery and that emancipation required the removal of Black People from the United States due to fundamental incompatibilities.”

Jefferson claimed that he arrived at his conclusion about Black People based on his astute observation of them. One might wonder if he held these thoughts before or after his liaison with 14 or 16 year old Miss. Sally Hemings , his black mistress?

According to many historians, “At some time during her 26 months in Paris, with Jefferson it is believed that he had intimate relations with her. Subsequently Sally agreed with Jefferson that she would return to Virginia and resume her life in slavery, as long as all their children would be freed when they came of age.” Uh…she was not inferior enough for Jefferson to resist raping her because she was a black enslaved person?

The “Peculiar Institution of slavery” dictated: “Hemings would not have been able to refuse sexual access without risk of punishment, sale, or violence, and any absence of recorded force reflected the structural secrecy and power imbalance inherent in slavery rather than evidence of voluntariness.”

Many historians and scholars therefore describe “Jefferson’s actions as sexual exploitation or rape within chattel slavery. (In some colonies and states the law labeled relationships between whites and blacks as beastiality (having relations with animals which was unlawful because black African slaves were classified as being half animal. It was illegal for a white person to have relations with a black person also because they classified them as being sub-human in the subsequent second constitution that declared that blacks were considered only 3/4’s of a human).

“Research revealed that four of Hemings' children survived into adulthood and were freed by Jefferson or his will as they came of age. Hemings died in Chancellorsville, Virginia, in 1835 in the home of her freed sons.”

How much common sense does this aforementioned information make…seeing how this erudite scholar, (he who hung out with the French Philosophes while living in France), founding father of the United States of America,Governor of Virginia, minister to France, Secretary of State, Vice President, and third president of the United States of America. He who penned those iconic words that generation after generations of Americans celebrated with fireworks, barbecue, and “Buddy how are yahs!”

“WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS TO BE SELF-EVIDENT” …

AND THEN SLAVERY?!?”

COMMON SENSE REVISITED: TO BE CONTINUED