"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  For by it the elders obtained a good report."  

Hebrews 11:1-2 KJV

Throughout the month of January we are featuring familiar church songs and their biblical references. This morning we meet one songwriter and two heartwarming, timeless classics that continue to encourage and resonate with believers throughout the world!

“Leaning On The Everlasting Arms" and "I Must Tell Jesus" are two very popular hymns about finding strength and comfort in faith. Both songs were written by Minister Elisha A. Hoffman.

The first hymn focuses on finding security by trusting in "everlasting arms." Joy and peace are attainable when we lean on the divine strength of our Lord and Savior.

The songwriter reminds us through poignant lyrics…
"What a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arms," and "Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms".

The phrase "leaning on the everlasting arms" is most directly taken from the Bible.
Deuteronomy 33:27 states, "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms".
Many other biblical passages speak to themes of divine support, refuge, and trust like those in Psalm 91, Psalm 46, and Isaiah 41:10, and they resonate with the sentiment of "leaning” on God.

A second hymn written by Elisha A. Hoffman is a more direct plea of the confession of burdens to Jesus.

According to Hoffman, he was inspired to write “I Must Tell Jesus” after listening to a parishioner who was in great distress. He told her, "You cannot do better than to take it all to Jesus—you must tell Jesus".

I Peter 5:7 teaches us to…
Cast all your anxieties on Him, for He cares about You.”

This hymn is a true prayer of confession and emphasizes the need for us to confide all our cares and worries to Jesus. The famous lyrics say in part, "I must tell Jesus all of my trials, I cannot bear these burdens alone. I must tell Jesus. I must tell Jesus. Jesus can help me. Jesus alone.”

To God Be The Glory for these beautiful hymns of encouragement and hope. And what a blessing to serve a true and living God who we can share our burdens with as we lean on HIS Everlasting Arms!

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:
    
  "Faithfulness Under Pressure: How Can We Remain Faithful When Facing Pressure?" Daniel 1:8-21
  
  Lesson Nugget:
  In today's lesson, Daniel chose to stay faithful to the dietary regiment that had been his from birth rather than  be forced by the king to change to his dictated diet. After being permitted to maintain his diet, Daniel's health proved to be better for him than that of others who had followed the king's diet. It was obvious to the king, that both the physical and mental status of Daniel and his companions were far superior compared with others who had followed the king's diet.

      Do we as Christians hold to doing what is right          even when faced with pressure to do                          otherwise ?                  

• Next Sunday's Lesson: "Israel's Disobedience and God's Redemption: How Does God Feel About Believers' Disobedience?" Hosea  11:1-11

• 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, January 13, 7:00 PM

Call: 253-215-8782;

Meeting ID: 685 433 0718

Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, January 15, 6:30 pm

 Bible Study,

In-Person & Virtual

Saturday, January 17, 10:00 AM

Call: 253-215-8782;

Meeting ID: 685 433 0718

40 Year Christians Group

Virtual

Saturday, January 17, 1:30 PM

Call: 253-215-8782;

Meeting ID: 685 433 0718

Greetings from the Youth Ministry and Happy New Year! We pray that all is well with our Church family! We are thrilled to begin another year of learning about God's Word and witnessing about His goodness. We look forward to continuing our study of the Great Characters of the Bible by Alan B. Stringfellow and growing a stronger relationship with God. With the help of the Lord, this year, the Youth Ministry is pleased to present the newest piece of our ministry, Sisters In Christ and Seekers, in which the Youth will as young women and men, respectively, begin to learn and sharpen essential "life skills." Led by scripture, we will incorporate different weekly activities and events that will help them from now into young adulthood, from cooking, to lawncare, financial literacy, trades, and more, as well as volunteer opportunities! We are excited to be able to share these important skills with our Youth and we ask for your continued support and prayers.
Beginning this month, the Youth will meet EVERY Wednesday at the church at 7pm, as well as other locations (to be determined.) We welcome ALL Youth and please bring a friend! All reminders and events will be posted in our GroupMe messaging app. Contact Sis. Heather Happy (859.509.2927) for additional 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 by way of the UK Cooperative Extension Service.

Blessings to all.

Sister Linda Gates, President

Kickin' Greens

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

8 slices turkey bacon, cut into bite-sized pieces 1 large onion, chopped

6 cloves garlic, minced

2 pounds fresh greens (collards, turnip or mustard)

3 cups low sodium chicken broth

½ teaspoon

black pepper

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium high heat. Cook turkey bacon in hot oil until crisp. Add onion and garlic. Cook until onion is tender, stirring occasionally. Add greens and stir until greens start to wilt. Add chicken broth, black pepper and red pepper flakes. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer 25-30 minutes, or until greens are tender.

Yield: 8, 1 cup servings

Name: Valerie Marshall

Current Focus: My current focus is to be a better version of myself and to serve GOD to the best of my ability. GOD has been so amazingly good to me and to my family. I am grateful for HIS compassion and love for me. When I am not what HE expects me to be, GOD is so very patient. HE waits for me to come to my senses and acknowledge that I can do nothing without HIM. But as the scripture says, I can do all things with HIM. GOD has led me to work in the church and community in various aspects, such as musician, women’s ministry, and the missionary department. My service has included working in a regional capacity for the Consolidated District and as past president moving through the appropriate levels. In these roles GOD continues to allow me to learn more about our purpose. That purpose includes serving not only the one and only true GOD but also encouraging, enlightening and promoting our churches, our young people and all those -including myself- who benefit from the blessings of walking in our GOD’s marvelous light.

I hope to continue to pursue HIS purposes in my current position as 3rd Vice President of the BMWC State position as I continue learning from the amazing women of GOD in this ministry in the journey called Life. I can’t say it enough! I am so grateful for GOD’s love for me! GOD’s love leads me to step out of my comfort zone to do what is asked of me for Kingdom building, which I see as a privilege. Furthermore, but certainly not least, I pray that GOD will continue to use me as an instrument in HIS service. I want to learn from the stumbling steps, the valleys, and the rough terrain that I travel, that we all travel. Each experience builds you up and lets you know that you can make it through all circumstances with GOD on your side.

Nothing is impossible! So, my focus is summed up in a request, “GOD, please use me, in your service. Send me where YOU want me to go and order my steps!”

Career: I am an Administrative Specialist Senior for the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s Department of Public Health, Department for Maternal and Child Health.

Why this Career: This is one of a couple of career changes I have chosen after completing 34.5 years as a USPS employee. I have always worked in public service. My current position is one such example. Public Health is so important, and I love working with and for Dr. Stack. Most Kentuckians became familiar with Dr. Stack’s calm in crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic. I learn so much by being on a team with a leader who is so dedicated to the public.

What do you want your church family to know about you? My church family knows me, pretty much. I am an open book, or so I think! If we don’t know each other well, I want us to know each other better because we are family. We are all children of our Heavenly Father. So, as an open book, I’ll share more about how GOD has shaped me and the things HE created me to enjoy.

I so enjoy collecting my favorite things. One collection is of charcoal drawings of headshots and other folks. I love these. I also have a collection of African American dolls. I started collecting these dolls when my daughter, Courtney, was born, because there weren’t many. I now have a collection of porcelain dolls. One specific doll is called, “The Courtney Doll.” It was made in the image of Courtney when she was about 18 months old.

I also have a very active side. For example, I love to play chess. It can be hard to find others who play. I am currently playing with my 8-year-old granddaughter, Caydence. She’s pretty good! My brother taught me how to play. He checkmated me often. Well, more than often. More like most of the time. I am so glad that Lucas, my son-in-love, enjoys exposing Caydence to chess and so many other extra-curricular activities.

One of my favorite activities is singing. I love to sing. I also love mysteries and old movies. I am an avid bowler! I also enjoy tennis, badminton, volleyball, miniature golf, and horseback riding. On my bucket list is to see a Macy’s Parade in person.

See! I am on open book.

Is there anything special your church can do for you? My church family can keep me in their prayers. I also want them to know that if there is anything I can do to assist them, I am willing to do so. My church has always been there for me, as they have also been for others. We have a very special camaraderie as brothers and sisters in CHRIST. You need never feel alone. My family impressed this upon me. Like most women, my grandmother, the late Pearline Elzy, came to church with her purse in one hand. My hand was most often in the other. She and my father, the late George Stevenson Ray, showed me what it meant to feel at home with your church family. All of the important events in my life - joyous and sorrowful - my church family has been there.

What do you want your church family to know about GOD? I want us to know that there is nothing, absolutely nothing that GOD cannot do. HE hears our prayers and answers them. GOD is so loving, caring, and devoted to us. I could not have made it through these years without HIS presence in my life. I am so very thankful for all the bridges HE provided to sustain me. But that is who GOD is. HE’s our sustainer, provider, comforter, lawyer, doctor, healer, and mind regulator. On those rare occasions when we cannot utter what we need, GOD provides exactly what is needed. GOD is truly the Center Of My Joy, of our joy. That’s why we give Total Praise!

Spouse: La’Temus Marshall

Adult Daughter: Courtney Micale Sweat

Granddaughter: Caydence Sweat

Fur Baby: Ivy (shih tzu)

Recent Requests

• Family of Brother James "Jimmy" Emerson, who passed. Arrangements Pending.
  
  
• Family of Brother George Frazier, Jr. (Cincinnati, OH), who passed (Brother of Brother Wayne Frazier) Memorial Service on Saturday, January 24, in OH.
  
  
• Family of Sister Alberta Mayberry, who passed. (Sister of Brother Marvin Thomas) Service was Friday, January 9.
  
  
•  Family of Brother Drery Shelton, who passed (Friend of Sister Bonnie Shelton) Service was Saturday, January 10.
  
  
• 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 Jackie Lindsay (Home) (Sister of Brother Wayne Frazier)
  
  
• Sister Dawn Gay Martin (Home)
  
  
• Brother Bill & Sister Penny McCann (Austin, TX)
  
  
• Sister Charlet McLellan & Family
  
  
• Sister Sharon Scarber (Home)
  
  
• 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)
  
  
• 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 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

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of today. We trust our future to You. Thank you for Jesus. In His Name. Amen 

{Adapted from Our Daily Bread,  January 10, 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.