Historic Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church |
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This Week's Latest News!
Greetings Pleasant Green Family,
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"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16 KJV
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CELEBRATION OF SEPTUAGENARIAN & OLDER BIRTHDAYS IN FEBRUARY
Happy Birthday to HPGMBC Family members, who are 70 Years Old or Older who are celebrating their birthday this month: Sisters Liz Brooks, Gloria Hatchett, Anna Jaber, Eleanor Smothers, Barbara Underwood and Castella Washington and Brother Marvin Thomas. (If a member who is celebrating a 70th or greater Birthday this month and their name is omitted from the above list, please call (859) 254-7387 to give us the name. Thank you.)
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WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
-
Radio
broadcasts Saturdays 9:00 am and 3:00 pm as well as Sundays at 7:30
am on WJMM FM 99.1
(This Sunday's Lesson: "Ezra Seeks God's Law" Ezra 7:1-10 ,23-26) (Next Sunday's Lesson: "Bildad Misunderstands God's Justice" Job 8:1-10, 20-22)
- Join our Virtual Bible Study Class on Saturday at 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Zoom - Computer/Smart Cell Phone Meeting ID: 685 433 0718 Phone: 253-215-8782
- In- Person Worship Service on Sundays at 10:30 am and Streaming on the Church Facebook Page,
YouTube, and Zoom. It can also be viewed on demand on the
church
HPGMBC
website under
the Services Tab.
-
Thank
you for giving Tithes and Offerings by mail or the Givelify App. Our
address is:
Historic
Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church
PO
Box 11845
Lexington, KY 40578
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Upcoming Events
Virtual Prayer Service, Tuesday, February 15,
6:30 pm
Call: 253-215-8782;
Meeting ID: 685 433 0718
Young Adult Bible Study, Wednesday,
February 16, 7:00 pm
Join with Zoom using Computer, Tablet, or Smartphone or
Call: 312-626-6799;
Meeting ID: 852 1591 0976
Virtual Bible Study, Saturday, February 19,
10:00 am
Join with Zoom using Computer, Tablet, or Smartphone or
Call: 253-215-8782;
Meeting ID: 685 433 0718
40 Year Christians Group, Saturday, February 19,
11:30 am
Join with Zoom using Computer, Tablet, or Smartphone or
Call: 253-215-8782;
Meeting ID: 685 433 0718
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Keep Your Contact Information Updated
Please keep your contact information up to date. In cases of emergencies, changes of service times, etc., every attempt will be made to contact church members as expeditious 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.
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In-Person Worship Guidance
- Sunday Service at 10:30 AM
- Church Entry 9:45 am to 10:45 AM ONLY
- Attendance Limited to 100
- Pre-Registration (Optional)- Wednesday through Friday 9 am - 6 pm (please provide name(s) and phone number(s) for all who will attend):
Email: In-PersonWorship@hpgmbc.com . or
Call (859) 321-1728
- Health Screening prior to entrance (Temperature & Questionnaire)
- Face Masks/Coverings Required
- Social Distancing ( 3 foot radius individuals or family units)
- Controlled Seating (Usher direction)
- Congregants are asked to cooperate for the Health and Safety of all
Our prayer is that we will continue to be prayerful, patient, vigilant, safe, and adhere to all of the CDC and KY COVID-19 Guidance.
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Today's Bible Study Lesson
“Ezra
Seeks God’s Law”
Aim: Understand
historical
and spiritual significance of Ezra’s return to Jerusalem;
Value
how
God works through various types of people to bring His plan to
fruition; and Thank
local
leaders and teachers of God’s Word.
Background:
Ezra 7:1-26
Bible Lesson:
Ezra
7:1-10, 23-26
Memory
Verse:
“For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the
LORD, and to do [it], and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.”
Ezra 7:10 KJV
Some
Highlights:
-
The Book of Ezra is part the Books of History: Joshua, Judges, Ruth,
1&2 Samuel, 1&2 Kings, 1&2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah,
and Esther. The book of Ezra records the return of the Jewish
people to Jerusalem after 50 years of Babylonian captivity. The Book
of Nehemiah records the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem. In
the Hebrew Old Testament, Ezra and Nehemiah were combined as one
book. Due to many similarities of these books, many scholars believe
that Ezra served as editor and compiler of Ezra, Nehemiah, and 1&2
Chronicles. Our lesson focuses on Ezra Chapter 7:1-10, 23-26. Ezra
Chapters 1- 2 chronicles the return of the first group of captives
to Jerusalem; Chapters 3-6 records the rebuilding of the temple in
Jerusalem. Chapters 7-8 records the second group of captives
returning to Jerusalem. Chapter 9-10 records the reformation and
restoration of the people.
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Ezra was a scribe and a priest. His name means “Help.” The
Priesthood was established in the family of Aaron and
included his sons. Priests interceded between God and man. Scribes
copy
the law, classified it, and arranged it. They possessed a thorough
knowledge and understanding of the law which qualified them to
interpret and to teach it.
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After the reign of King Solomon the Jewish Kingdom of Israel split
into a Northern Kingdom, with the tribes of Asher, Dan, Ephraim,
Gad, Issachar, Manasseh, Naphtali, Reuben, Simeon and Zebulum and a
Southern Kingdom with the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, and Levi. The
Assyrians took the Northern kingdom into captivity 722 BC and the
Babylonians took the Southern kingdom into captivity 619 BC. While
Judah was in Babylonian captivity, the Babylonians were overthrown
by the Persians. The Babylonians and the Persian controlled their
captives differently. The Babylonians tried make their
captives adopt Babylonian culture including religious practices
(e.g., Daniel and his friends) while the Persians placed
ruling governors over their subjects and allowed them to maintain
their own culture and exercise their religious beliefs and
practices. The Persians hoped their benevolent treatment would
garner loyalty from their subjects which would in turn provide added
protection for themselves. The Persian Ruler Cyrus permitted the
captives from Judah to return to Jerusalem under the leadership of
Zerubbabel, the leader of the tribe of Judah. About 50,000 captives
returned with him. About 80 years later, the Persian Ruler
Artaxerxes permitted Ezra with less 2,000 captives to return to
Jerusalem. Zerubbabel focused on rebuilding the altar and the temple
while Ezra focused on rebuilding the people spiritually and morally.
About
14 years later, Artaxerxes permitted Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem
to rebuild the wall around the
city.
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Godly
Heritage (Ezra 7:1-5)
Ezra’s
genealogy includes fifteen
priest between his birth and Aaron the
brother of Moses,
who
was the
first Jewish priest from the tribe of Levi. Several of his ancestors
were high priest. High priest were responsible for entering and
serving priestly duties in the Holy of Holies once a year. Hilkiah,
one
of Ezra’s ancestors, during the reign of King Josiah, found the
misplaced scroll of God’s Law in the temple while it was being
repaired. Another relative, Phinehas, whose
zealous spirit recognized by God halted a plague which was spreading
among the Israelites. Eleazar assisted Joshua in the allocation of
parcels of land to the twelve tribes of
Israel in
the Promised Land. It
goes without words that Ezra had a
priestly
heritage.
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Personal Commitment (Ezra 7:6-10)
There is a gap of almost 60 years between the events of Ezra
Chapter 6 and 7. The people are in a state
of
spiritual confusion
and they had
taken to themselves foreign wives, which was forbidden by God
because
of
their
worship
of idol
gods that
led to idolatry. Ezra left Babylon with the blessings
of King Artaxerxes along with everything needed for his journey to
Jerusalem. He was well versed and knowledgable of God’s Law given
to Moses for the Hebrew people. Not only was he equipped
educationally and doctrinally, but he was in the Will of God as
described by the phrase “the gracious hand of the Lord was upon
him.” Oh to know that you are in the Will of God! What comfort and
empowerment one experiences when carrying out a task. Some of the
ordinary people, priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers and Temple
servants accompanied Ezra on his nearly 900 mile journey from
Babylon to Jerusalem. All that was needed to worship the Lord and
to care for His temple were included in the company. This five month
journey required perseverance and determination by Ezra and his
companions. What
motivated Ezra? It was his sincere desire to study, obey, and to
teach the Law of the Lord to the people of Israel. He had a burning
desire to be in God’s Will and to help others to do likewise.
-
The Favor of God and Man (Ezra 7:23-26)
Verses
11-16, recounts the content
of the letter
that King Artaxerxes penned and gave to Ezra. It
outlined his mission and gave decrees for
provisions needed by
Ezra during
his journey as
well as
after
his
arrival
in Jerusalem. Artaxerxes stringently demanded that whatever was
required for God’s Temple must be provided. Even though Artaxerxes
was not a believer in
God he
feared the wrath of God. He sought safety and protection for himself
and his sons. Perhaps he was aware of the providential care that God
had provided for His people Israel.
If not that, the Persians sought the loyalty of their subjects and
certainly this would be a good faith gesture
and effort toward
that end.
King
Artaxerxes decreed that priests,
Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and Temple servants were exempt from
taxation and tolls. Again, this would garner loyalty of the Hebrew
people. Artaxerxes admonishes Ezra to use his wisdom along
with his
vast and thorough knowledge of God’s Laws to form a governmental
structure of magistrates and judges to govern the people. Ezra was
also to make sure that those who did not know God’s Law were
taught. Finally,
Artaxerxes states the consequences for
anyone who does not obey God’s Law along with the King’s law.
Punishment
for
disobedience could be
death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment.
Take
Aways:
-
Our
heritage can be good or not so good but it does not have to
determine our
destiny. We can have a humble
heritage and still do extraordinary
things with God’s Help!
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Our
lives should
be a
reflection of God’s influence on us.
Others are watching and
the only Bible our neighbors may read may be that
of our
lives.
-
We
all need a zeal, hunger, and thirst to understand God’s Will, to
do it and to share/teach it
Bible
Verses to Keep in Mind:
“Study
to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV
“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures,
which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which
is in Christ Jesus. All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God,
and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect,
throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:15-17 KJV
“Thy word [is] a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Psalms 119:105 KJV
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine
own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall
direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV
“Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from
evil.” Proverbs 3:7 KJV
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end
thereof [are] the ways of death.”
Proverbs 14:12 KJV
“But
he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be
beaten with few [stripes]. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him
shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him
they will ask the more.” Luke 12:48 KJV
“Let
your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Mat 5:16 KJV
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Bible Lesson Study Questions
We thank Rev. Ron Jones for faithfully teaching the Bible Study Lesson following our Virtual Prayer Services each Tuesday evening. The Bible Study Lesson is broadcast on WJMM 99.1 on Saturdays (9:00 AM and 3:00 PM) and Sundays (7:30 AM). If there are Bible Study Lesson questions, you can email them in advance to Rev. Jones at rwilljones@gmail.com for discussion following Bible Study.
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Prayer Requests
- Family of Brother Terry Williams, who passed (Brother of Sisters Lucy Persley, Bonnie Shelton, and Mary Thomas and Brother Rodger Williams)
- Brother Paul Coffey (UK Samaritan Hospital)
- Sister Joyce Hanley (Baptist Health Hospital)
- Sister Mary Sykes (Homestead Nursing Home)
- Sister Gloria Tompkins (Homestead Rehab Facility)
- Sister Barbara Underwood (Baptist Health)
- Brother Glenn Allen (Home) (Relative of the Brooks Family)
- Sister Lanndrea Banksden (Home - Alabama) (Niece of Brother Sammie Brooks)
- Sister Lenise Beatty (Home) (Sister of Sister Gloria Hatchett)
- Brother Samuel Bethel (Miami, FL) (Cousin of Brother Michael Horton)
- Brother Richard Briscoe (Home)
- Sister Bonita Brown (Home)
- Brother Gary Wayne Clark (Home) (Brother of Sister Vicki Laine)
- Sister Gina Burns Coffey (Home)
- Sister Charmaine Collins (Daughter of Sister Debra Collins)
- Sister Lenora Combs (Home) (Sister of the late Brother John Combs)
- Sister Linda Gay (Home) (Sister of Sister Lisa Leath)
- Sister Connie Godfrey ( Home) (Sister of Brother Steven Prater)
- Rev. John Haddix (Home in Arizona)
- Sister Jackie Gay Howard (Home)
- Sister Audrey Jackson (Home in North Carolina) (Sister of Sister Delores Spencer)
- Brother Julian Jackson (Home) (Father of Brother Jarold Jackson)
- Sister Arlinda Jacobs (Home) (Elizabethtown, NC) (Friend of Brother Carl Wright)
- Sister Norma Johnson (Home)
- Sister Odis Johnson (Home)
- Sister Kaye Jones (Home) (Wife of Rev. Lamont Jones)
- Brother Larry Leath (Home)
- Brother Everett Martin (Home) (Husband of Sister Dawn Gay Martin)
- Sister Rita Maxberry (Home) (Sister-in-Law of Sister Dorothy Haskins)
- Sister Irene Sykes McKenzie (Home)
- Sister Lisa Miller (Home)
- Sister Dorothy Offutt (Home)
- Sister Joann Perry (Home) (Aunt of Brother Derrick Winn)
- Sister Josephine Primous (Home - Palm Beach Gardens, FL) (Sister of the late Brother John Combs)
- Sister Tamika Sales (Home)
- Sister Bonnie Shelton (Home)
- Brother Doug Smith (Brother of Rev. Michael Smith) (Home, Louisville, KY)
- Sister Delores Spencer (Home)
- Sister Anna Tatman (Home)
- Sister Cheryl "Midge" Taylor (Home)
- Sister Mary Thomas (Home)
- Brother Calvin Underwood (Home)
- Brother Tony Vinegar (Home) (Son of the late Sister Patricia Thompson)
- Sister Castella Washington (Home) (Texas)
- Sister Tassa Wigginton (Home)
- Brother Carl Wright (Home)
- Each person listed on our Sick List
- COVID-19 Victims around the world
- Western Kentucky Tornado Victims and Families
- Healthcare workers, First respondents, etc.
- The Entire Pleasant Green Church Family
- HPGMBC Pulpit Committee
- Our Nation and our Government Officials
Heavenly Father, please help us fill the roles You've given us and not to covet more. Help us to trust You in everything. Thank You for Jesus. In His Name. Amen
{Adapted from Our Daily Bread, February 7, 2022}
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EXPRESSIONS OF APPRECIATION |
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Thank you Pleasant Green for my birthday card and gift. Your kindness is truly appreciated!
Sister Gloria Conner
__________________________________
Thanks so much for the cards, calls and prayers in the loss of my Dad.
Thankfully yours,
Sister Jacquelyn Maupin
__________________________________
Dear Members of the Loyal Workers Missionary Circle,
It is a wonderful feeling when we are remembered whether we are ill or just feeling down. Thank you for giving me that feeling of happiness. Your gift basket will be cherished.
Thanks again.
Sister Bernadette Salone
__________________________________
It's sometimes
easy to forget
that there are nice people
out there doing nice things
for others.
Thanks for being
such a special reminder.
Sister Thelma White
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4,693 New COVID-19 Cases, 46 Deaths, &
Positivity Rate: 20.09%
Reported in Kentucky for
February 11, 2022
(218 New Cases in Fayette County)
Free COVID-19 TEST KITS
Click --> Free COVID-19 Home Test Kits
____________________________________________________
Can I get a COVID Booster Shot?
The Food and Drug Administration authorized third-dose boosters of Pfizer's Covid vaccine for Americans 65 and older, plus adults ages 18-64 at high risk of severe illness or Covid exposure in the workplace.
More Information on Booster Shots
_____________________________________
Click CDC VACCINE INFORMATION for some information from the CDC on the COVID-19 vaccines.
- Get a flu vaccination as soon as possible but getting it any time in the flu season is beneficial. VaccineFinderexternal icon to find out where to get vaccinated near you.
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick, maintain at least 6 feet from others who are not from your household,
- Wear face masks when in public , if you have not received the vaccine
- Wash your hands frequently,
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and leave home only when absolutely necessary.
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NEED RIDE TO GET COVID-19 VACCINE?
- CALL (859) 258-2722
- Hit 1 for English
- Continue to hit 1 until someone answers to schedule an appointment
- Have information ready ... where you need to go, time of appointment, and address, etc.
- Rides are FREE in Fayette County and insurance/Medicare/Medicaid are not required
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COVID-19 TESTING
Click Here for COVID-19 Testing Location Information
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YOUR HELP IS NEEDED
- If you have not completed the HPGMBC In-Person Re-Opening Survey, please click SURVEY and complete it. In preparation for in-person worship services, the Re-Opening Committee would like each member to complete the survey.
- In an attempt to expand the options for communicating information to HPGMBC Family Members, if you have a cell phone, please complete the Cell Phone Information Form for yourself and encourage others to do the same.
- Volunteers are needed to assist in the HPGMBC Online/Virtual Communications Ministry. Some of the needed knowledge and skills are Facebook and/or YouTube live streaming, video recording, video editing, general computer use, etc. If you are willing to assist, please click and complete this Contact Form. Thank you in advance for your willing spirit to help in Outreach and Kingdom Building.
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