"Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law."  Romans 13:8 KJV

LEGACY OF CHARACTER STRENGTH

Mary of Bethany was the sister of Martha and Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead (Lazarus). She hosted Jesus in her home.

Mary of Bethany represents Jesus’s clear message that he cuts through cultural expectations and desires to extend fellowship to all human beings, despite the hierarchy humans are often tempted to put into place which marginalize and suppress others.‍

Mary of Bethany was one of the first women to break through the glass ceiling by defying a longstanding sexist social practice. “Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. (John 12:3)”

Mary was Moved by the Spirit of God to worship Him in Spirit and in truth, God endowed her as He did man. As per Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Mary was moved by the capacity of her faith, that God passed on through the rib of Adam, from which he created Eve, to do what she did.

Therefore, Mary of Bethany was a forerunner for all women of strong faith, conviction, and character.

Kamala Harris

Attorney and former Vice President 

of the United States

Kamala Devi Harris is an American politician and attorney. She served as Vice President of the United States  from 2021–2025 under the 49th President Joe Biden. Former Vice President Harris was born on October 20, 1964 in Oakland, CA. to Shyamala Gopalan Harris and Donald J. Harris.

Former Vice President Harris graduated from UC Law San Francisco (1986–1989), Howard University (1986), and Westmount High School (1981).

On January 20, 2021, Kamala Harris was sworn in as the 49th Vice President of the United States — the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American to be elected to this position.

As Vice President, she brought people together to advance opportunity to deliver and protect fundamental freedoms for families. She led the fight for the freedom of women to make decisions about their own bodies, the freedom to live safe from gun violence, the freedom to vote, and the freedom to drink clean water and breathe clean air. She took particular focus on job creation through the investment in our nation’s small business and community banks. She also presided over the vote to confirm the first Black woman, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, to the Supreme Court. While visiting 36 states and making history at home, she represented the nation abroad — embarking on 17 foreign trips, traveling to 21 countries, and meeting with more than 150 world leaders to strengthen critical global alliances.

On July 21, 2024, former Vice President Harris announced her campaign for president after President Joe Biden withdrew his bid for reelection. She officially became the party’s nominee on August 5 after a formal roll call vote of DNC delegates and made history again as the first Black woman and first South Asian woman nominated for president by a major U.S. political party.

Former Vice President Harris’ campaign promised a future where we protect and fight for fundamental freedoms, including a women’s right to make decisions about her own body, and focused on a vision of ensuring all Americans can climb the ladder of economic opportunity, including by bringing down the cost of living and making housing more affordable. In just 107 days — the shortest general election presidential campaign in modern American history — Vice President Harris rallied the country around a “new generation of leadership” earning the votes of 75 million Americans.

We of ebony hue will be remiss if we fail to lift former Vice President Harris during Women’s History month. She follows in the footsteps of all women like Mary of Bethany in tearing down barriers of sexism. Genesis 2:18 & 23 succinctly rules against sexism between men and women:

18. “Now the Lord God said, It is not good (sufficient, satisfactory) that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper (suitable, adapted, complementary) for him. Meaning: “The concept of "help meet" highlights the idea that man and woman are designed to work together as equals, complementing each other in fulfilling God's purpose

23. Then Adam said, This [creature] is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of a man.

Many more women that are of the caliber of their forerunners will continue to lead other women in seeking their true status as joining men as first class citizens.

1 John 3:2 is quite appropriate in describing these leaders in their quest to obtain on this earth the true status The Lord intends for all women: Beloved, we are [even here and] now God’s children; it is not yet disclosed (made clear) what we shall be [hereafter], but we know that when He comes and is manifested, we shall as God’s children] resemble and be like Him, for we shall see Him just as He [really] is. Thanks to Mary of Bethany and former Vice President Kamala Devi Harris for inspiring and leading, the noble effort thus far.

Rev. Herbert T. Owens, Jr.

Church Historian

Historic Pleasant Green

Throughout the month of March we’re highlighting key women in the Bible who have had a role in the story of God’s redeeming and liberating work. This morning as we continue our Women’s History Month celebration, we meet Deborah, one of the most influential women in the Bible.

Deborah is mainly known as a prophetess and a judge in Israel. Her story is primarily found in the Book of Judges…chapters 4 and 5.

As a prophet, Deborah was said to hear God's voice and share God’s Word with others.

Deborah has an impressive resume of judge, warrior, poet, and prophet as well as singer and songwriter. She was a wife, as well.

Judges 4:4 says, Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time.

She was only one of five women described as a prophet in the Old Testament and was the only female judge mentioned in the Bible.

Deborah was known for her wisdom and the Israelites would come to her to settle disputes and seek guidance.

One of the most famous aspects of Deborah's story is her role in leading the Israelites in a military campaign against the Canaanite general Sisera. Under her guidance, the Israelite forces, led by Barak, won a significant victory over the Canaanites at the Battle of Mount Tabor.

Upon receiving instructions from God, Deborah called Barak, an Israelite warrior, to bring 10,000 troops up Mount Tabor to attack Sisera.

Barak responded in Judges 4:8 by saying, "If you will go with me, I will go; if not I will not go".

In the next verse, Deborah agrees to go to battle with Barak and the troops but shares with him in Judges 4:9: "However, there will be no glory for you in the course you are taking, for then the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman".

After the battle, Deborah composed a song of victory, which is recorded in Judges 5. This song, often called the "Song of Deborah," celebrates the triumph of the Israelites over their oppressors and praises God for His role in the victory.

To God Be The Glory for Deborah's story in the Bible which serves as an example of a woman who played a key leadership role during a crucial period in Israel's history. Deborah will forever be remembered for her wisdom, prophetic insight, and courage in times of crisis.

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: "Our Responsibilty For Peace And Justice To Reign"
  Zechariah 8:11-17
  
  Lesson Nugget:
  While the Temple in Jerusalem lay in ruins, God directed Zachariah to give the comforting word to the people of Judah that they again would see a brighter day, even though all appeared to be lost. God's message was that the people must change their wayward, disobedient behavior and resume rebuilding the Temple.
  
  Our world and circumstances appear to be equally as hopeless as that of Jerusalem at the time of Zachariah's prophesy. Could it be that the prophet's message from God can give us hope, if we will change our wayward, disobedient behavior and will resume rebuilding our spiritual lives, God's Temple?
  
  
• Next Sunday's Lesson: "Accountability For Leading Justly" Malachi 2:1-9; 3:5-6

• 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, March 25, 7:00 PM

Call: 253-215-8782;

Meeting ID: 685 433 0718

Virtual Bible Study, 

Saturday, March 29, 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 Karen Taylor.

Blessings to all.

Sister Linda Gates, President

SAUSAGE COFFEE CAKE

Ingredients

1 pound bulk sausage

½ cup chopped onions

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ cup grated Swiss cheese

1 egg, beaten

¼ teaspoon Tabasco sauce

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

2 cups biscuit mix

¾ cup milk

¼ cup mayonnaise

1 egg yolk

1 tablespoon water

1 teaspoon salt

Directions

Brown sausage and onions; drain. Add next 6 ingredients. Combine biscuit mix, milk and mayonnaise. Spread half of batter in a 9"x 9" x 2" greased pan.

Pour in sausage mixture and cover with remaining batter. Mix egg yolk and water and brush on top. Bake at 400° for 25 to 30 minutes until cake leaves sides of pan. Cool 5 minutes before cutting into 3" squares.

Note: This recipe doubles easily in a 9"x 13" pan. It also freezes well.

Recent Requests

• Family of Deacon Richard Briscoe, who passed (Father of Sisters Beverly Bowman, Sandra Figgs, Dorethea Briscoe-Doss; Brothers Richard Briscoe, Jr., Rev. Robert Briscoe, and Darwyn Briscoe ) Arrangements: Visitation: Wednesday, 5 pm, March 26; Service, Thursday, 12:00 noon, March 27, at HPGMBC
   
• Family of Brother Thomas Moore, Jr., who passed. (Brother of Sister Shelia Williams,  Charles Moore, Sr. and Uncle of Sisters Kimberly Winn, Camelle Moore and Brother John Moore, Jr.) Arrangements:  Thursday, March 27, Visitation: 11:00 am; Service 12:00 noon, Smith & Smith Funeral Home
  
  
• Sister Cheryl Dabney Duncan (Houston, TX)
  
  

• 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)
  
  
• 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)
  
  

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 seek unity  with other believers in Jesus. Thank you for Jesus. In His Name. Amen

 {Adapted from Our Daily Bread, 

March 10, 2025}

Name: M’Kiyah “Ki” Baird

Current Focus: Graduating Senior at Transylvania University. Double Major in Digital Arts and Computer Science with a Minor in Studio Art

Career Goals: I want to do either mobile app development or web development.

What do you want your church family to know about you?

I just got accepted into New York University for the Masters of Science program for Integrated Media and Design.

My activities at Transy have included becoming a charter member and President of Upsilon Lambda of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. Sigma Gamma Rho is the first historically black sorority on Transylvania’s campus.

Is there anything special the church can do for you? As a Senior at Transy, I have a Senior Project. It is on exhibit now as part of a Gallery Show that runs until April 11^th. The exhibit is open Monday – Friday, noon to 5. I would love for my church family to see it!

What do you want church family to know about GOD?

One thing is that GOD is definitely always there –even if you haven’t spoken to Him in a while. GOD is always there - even when others are not. God is constant! That is an especially important for young people to know, particularly in the current climate. Things are falling apart all us. It is good to know there is one thing you can depend on. That is GOD! Knowing you can depend on GOD helps keep you grounded.

Parents: Bro. Joe and Sis Kimberly Baird

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

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.