"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."  Luke 2:10 KJV

A Willing Heart…

The angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon while he was hiding from his enemies in fear. Yet, in Judges 6:12, the angel’s message was, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior”.

Gideon did not feel strong or courageous. But God wasn’t speaking about Gideon’s past or his ability. He was announcing what he could do through His powerful presence.

God called Gideon “mighty warrior” before he even fought a battle. God wasn’t dependent on human ability but His own ability. God was declaring what was possible through His own strength.

It’s always about trusting that God is faithful and about believing that God is able to work through each and every one of us. A willing heart doesn’t wait for perfect circumstances. It simply says “Yes, Lord. I’m ready to meet You here.”

When Gideon obeyed and prepared his heart, the Bible says in Judges 6:34, “Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon.”

To God Be The Glory for Gideon’s story which shows that God often calls the unlikely. Moses felt inadequate, Jeremiah thought he was too young, and the first messengers of the Gospel were ordinary tradesmen. Yet God moved through each of them to testify of His power and strength. Create in us clean hearts and willing spirits. Lord teach us today to rest, to listen, and to obey! Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays!

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:
    
  "Christmas: What Makes Jesus' Birth So Special?" Luke 2:1-17
  
  Lesson Nugget:
  Today's lesson shares the narrative of the birth of Jesus, the Savior of the world, who is the greatest Gift of all eternity!

      During this season, do we as Christians                    diligently remind all we encounter the real                  reason for the season ... Celebration of the                advent of the Savior of the World?                  

• Next Sunday's Lesson: "A Choice To Be Just: Is It Ever Too Late To Do Right?" Jeremiah  7:1-15

• 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

NO Virtual Prayer Service 

Tuesday, December 23, 7:00 PM

Call: 253-215-8782;

Meeting ID: 685 433 0718

NO Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, December 25, 6:30 pm

 NO Bible Study,

In-Person & Virtual

Saturday, December 27, 10:00 AM

Call: 253-215-8782;

Meeting ID: 685 433 0718

New Year's Eve Service

Wednesday, December 31, 

11:30 PM

In-Person

This morning Historic Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church celebrated the gift of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ during the 2025 Christmas Cantata entitled “Heaven’s Best Gift: Then, Now & Forevermore!”

The Call To Worship was given by Reverend, Dr. Samuel Peoples. “We’re grateful for the grace He has rendered unto us!”

Reverend Herbert T. Owens Jr. read today’s scripture from Luke 2:8-14.

Reverend Tony Laine offered up the morning prayer. “We thank you God for blessing us with an awesome experience just to sit in Your awesome presence!“

Sister Dawn Offutt presented our 2025 Christmas Cantata, “Heaven’s Best Gift: Then, Now & Forevermore” and reminded all, that we as believers know that Jesus is the reason for the season and because of Jesus, we can have Joy!
Heaven’s Best Gift: Then, Now & Forevermore: Deacon Jarold Jackson, Narrator
“The Christmas Medley & You Are The Living Word” led by Sister Shuchenia “Angel” Coleman
“Go Tell It On The Mountain” led by the children of Historic Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church (WHO YOU GONNA TELL, GO TELL SOMEBODY!)
“The 12 Days of Christmas” led by Brother Joseph Jackson
“Special Gift” led by Sister Diana Mabson
“Hallelujah You’re Worthy” led by Sister Linda Gates
Thank you to all members and friends who joined the Mass Choir in participating in this year’s Christmas Cantata.

Reverend Samuel Peoples sang, “The Goodness of God.”

This morning’s sermonette was delivered by Reverend Dr. Samuel Peoples. He shared the thought, “The Gift of Joy” from Luke 2:10. He posed the question, “What comes with the Joy?” He went on to share, “This gift. You didn’t earn it. You couldn’t have paid for it. You can’t work your way up to it. You don’t have enough lineage to reach it. You certainly don’t have enough grace to touch it. It’s a gift from God. All of us who are here are recipients of that gift.”

“No matter where you are, you’re never out of the hand reach of God. The angels said you have nothing to fear. Angels are watching over you. You’re not in this thing by yourself IF you’re a child of God! The Bible says when God is with you, you don’t have to fear. The gift of joy is no fear! The only ones that should trimble in fear of angels are demons. The Bible says when God is with you don’t be afraid of what you have to deal with. Yay though I walk through valleys and shadows of death I will fear no evil for Thou art with me.”

“No fear. That’s the gift of joy. No fear. Every time you put your foot on the ground, hell ought to get upset!”

“You ought to thank God and have Joy. #1 He’s God all by Himself. #2 He does what He wants to, when He wants to, how He wants to and it still gets done.”
“Joy! Herrod can’t stop it. Ceasar’s tax can’t impede it. Herrod’s death threats couldn’t kill Him. No place to give birth wasn’t going to yield Him. God said through the angel, ‘unto you is born this day.’ The gift of joy! Kings can’t stop it.”

“This joy I have, the world didn’t give it and the world can’t take it away. God has been good to me. When I think about the goodness of God my soul gets happy! It’s not Christmas yet, but I got my gift! If they ask you, what do you have, tell them…I’ve got a Name above every name! A Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace. An Everlasting Father. Emmanuel. God with us!”

“I’ve got a gift that surpasses all understanding. What did He give you…Peace, Joy, Love, Hope, Encouragement, A Protective Hedge around me, Watched Over My Children, Paid My Bills, Supplied All Of My Needs. I’m a witness there is no secret in what God can do! Worthy! What a Mighty God we serve!”

Rev Peoples extended the Invitation To Discipleship with the choir and congregation singing “There’s Nothing Better Than Knowing Jesus”.
Sister Jenny Cotton shared her personal testimony after traveling to Texas and Arkansas of how God gave her traveling grace!

Brother Adrian Wilkerson came as a candidate for baptism. Rev. Peoples assured him, “That’s a good gift! That’s the best gift you could give.”

Sister Bettina Wright shared her personal testimony of how grateful she is that she and her family made it through a “rough week.” She shared how despite the challenges, she felt God encouraging her to keep going. She also thanked God for protecting her baby girl who got into a car accident. “But by the grace of God, my daughter is here! Thank God she made it. My Christmas is already here. It’s about loving each other and giving God the praise. He’s worthy. My Christmas is going to be about praising God!”

Sister Shayla Wright shared how grateful she is. “My car hydroplaned and hit the median. It wasn’t about the accident. It was about how God placed people in my presence in order to get me home. Thank you Jesus! Not a wound, not a scratch. He brought me home! I’m here. And it’s by the grace of God that I’m here.” Brother Anthony Wright shared what a father does and how “We’ve got to go all the way. We’re going to thank God all of this holiday!”

The Offertory Appeal was given as the choir sang “Joy”. The Offertory prayer was given by Rev. Peoples.

This mornings announcements are in the church bulletin and weekly newsletter.

Reverend Peoples asked all to pray for Reverend Tony Laine, his daughter and family, and for the Emerson family.

Poinsettias were given to each family today and Reverend Samuel and Sister Jackie Peoples gave all a special Christmas ornament “so you know we love you!”

The Closing Prayer and Benediction were given by Reverend, Dr Samuel Peoples.

Immediately following morning worship, bags of fruit and candy, 235th Anniversary pens, and “Mail Call” Christmas cards were distributed to the congregation!

To God Be The Glory for this year’s rousing, spirit filled, joyful Christmas Cantata focused on “Heaven’s Best Gift”. To God Be The Glory for the birth, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Bread of Life. The Living Word! Truly, “Heaven’s Best Gift!”

Merry Christmas!

Sister Cathy A. Black

CLICK THE PHOTO BELOW FOR CANTATA PHOTOS 

BY

BRIAN JACKSON

For the month of December, the Youth Ministry will continue our study of Joseph, another great character of the Bible. As stated last month, we will see how this man of God overcame obstacles to become great! We will study how he, the son of Jacob, exhibits trust and forgiveness, two important traits of a Christian, through his story told in the book of Genesis.

This is the 4th Bible character who the Youth have done an in-depth study of and each brings more and more enthusiasm and engagement and again, we are so proud of their commitment to learning God's Word and applying these teachings to their everyday life.

Thank you for all the love, support, and encouragement you have shown our Youth throughout this year! How blessed we are to have such a loving Church family as you and for that, we say THANK YOU!

We welcome all Youth to join us here at the Church every 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month at 7pm. We would love to have you and bring a friend!

Contact Sis. Heather Happy (859.509.2927) for additional information.

WE ARE ONE!

The Christmas fruit bags shared with the congregation today were lovingly prepared by those pictured in the photos above. Thank you to all who patiently awaited the arrival of the truck that delivered the fruit and for their sacrificial labor of love in stuffing the Christmas fruit bags.  

Stuffing the Christmas fruit bags on the Saturday before Christmas Sunday by the missionaries and the Sundy School Department has become a Joyous Pleasant Green tradition! 

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 "thepioneerwoman.com" website.

Blessings to all.

Sister Linda Gates, President

Congratulations to Sister RayAnne Brown

Recent Requests

• Family of Brother Marvin Emerson, who passed. Arrangements: Saturday, December 27th, Visitation: 10:00 am; Service: 1:00 pm, at HPGMBC.
  
  
• Brother Willis K. Bright, Jr. (Indianapolis, In)
  
  
• Sister Charlie Peoples Brown (Home)
  
  
• Rev. Wendell Emerson (Home)
  
  
• Brother Darius Hall, Jr. (14 year old Grandson of Sister Marion Hall) (Home)
  
  
• Brother Bruce from Tates Creek Golf Course Clubhouse
  
  
• Sister Gloria Coleman (Home)
  
  
• The Kierra Joseph Family
  
  
• Sister Vicki Laine (Home)
  
  
• Sister Jackie Lindsay (UK Medical Center) (Sister of Brother Wayne Frazier)
  
  
• Brother Bill & Sister Penny McCann (Austin, TX)
  
  
• Sister Charlet McLellan & Family
  
  
• Little Brother Braylen L. Moody (2 year old Grandson to Rev. Freddie Moody)
  
  
• Sister Sharon Scarber (Home)
  
  
• Brother Walter J. Speed, III (Home) (Son of Brother Walter J. Speed, Jr.)
  
  
• Sister Kendra Taylor (Home)
  
  
• Sister Carol Thomas (Home)
  
  
• Rev. Tyrone Vinegar (Home) (Son-in-law of Rev. Leo Fain)
  
  
• Brother William "Bill" Young (Home)

Ongoing Requests:

• 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) 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)
  
  
• Sister Christa Dunn (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)
  
  
• Sister Wanda Frazier (Home) (Sister of Brother Wayne Frazier)
  
  
• Sister Erica Gill (Daughter of the late Rev. O. D. Gill) (Home)
  
  
• Rev. Jerry Gumm (Home)
  (Friends of the late Dr. Charles Black's family)
  
  
• 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 Branson Irvin (Indianapolis, IN) (Cousin of Sister Mary Thomas)
  
  
• Brother Julian Jackson (Home) (Father of Brother Jarold Jackson)
  
  
• Sister Kemona Johnson (Home)
  
  
• Sister Norma Johnson (Home)
  
  
• 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)
  
  
• Sister Janet King (Classmate of Sister Norma Johnson)
  
  
• Brother Larry Leath (Home)
  
  
• Sister Lindsey Leath (Home)
  
  
• Sister Patricia Leavell (Home)
  
  
• Sister Karisma Lockhart (Los Angeles, CA) and her family (Niece of Rev. Freddie Moody)
  
  
• Sister Danise Madison (Seattle, WA) (Sister of Sister Bonita Brown)
  
  
• Brother Latemus Marshall (Home) (Husband of Sister Valerie Marshall)
  
  
• Sister Dawn Gay Martin (Home)
  
  
• Brother Everett Martin (Home)
  
  
• 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)
  
  
• Sister Darlene Pope (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)
  
  
• Brother Donald Scarber (Home)
  
  
• Brother Drery Shelton (St. Joseph Hospital) (Friend of Sister Bonnie Shelton)
  
  
• Brother Doug Smith (Brother of Rev. Michael Smith) (Home, Louisville, KY)
  
  
• Sister Lynn Smith (Home)
  
  
• 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)
  
  
• 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 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 our Local and National Government Officials