	This Weeks

	SPIRITUAL LIFE
	NEWS AND EVENTS
	STEWARDSHIP
	NEXT GENERATION
	CARE AND PRAYER
	MEDIA
	COMMUNITY

MISSISSIPPI BOULEVARD CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Dear Fellow Servant:

Invite somebody, call somebody to worship with us during Holy Week. We will have four powerful and dynamic worship services including Palm Sunday, this Sunday. Below is a recap of our worship services:

PALM SUNDAY WORSHIP

8:30 a.m. - BLVD East

10:00 a.m. – BLVD Midtown

MAUNDY THURSDAY WORSHIP

6:00 p.m. – BLVD Midtown

with Seder Meal, $5.00

EASTER SUNDAY WORSHIP

8:30 a.m. - BLVD East

Family Focus Worship Service

with Children’s Easter Program

10:00 a.m. – BLVD Midtown

Celebration Worship Service

Drama, Dance, Brass Ensemble

and THE BLVD Choirs

11:00 a.m. – BLVD East

Jazz Brunch Worship Service

with Kirk Whalum

During Holy Week, our Midweek worship, Wednesday, April 4, is cancelled; as well as, no Bible Study classes on Easter Sunday. Even though we have these cancellations, we have a powerful week planned. As Contagious Christians, share what’s happening at THE BLVD to all persons you come in contact with, especially our Holy Week worship services.

As Easter culminates, I would like us to focus on Umoja 2012, continuing our evangelism as we sell our Umoja tickets. Each ministry was asked to sell tickets. How is your ministry doing? Did you consider giving an Umoja Ticket as an Easter gift? It’s not too late. If you are not selling tickets, tickets are available for purchase after worship service each Sunday in the BLVD East and Bellevue Lobbies, Bookstore and at the Montgomery Welcome Center. During the week, tickets may be purchased at the Montgomery Welcome Center, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Click here to view and share our Umoja promo video

I am looking for you this Sunday as we commemorate His Triumphant Entry. Let’s celebrate His journey that continues to give up Hope, a journey of Grace and Agape Love.

With a Servant’s Heart,

Blessings!

You don't want to miss Umoja

Get your tickets today @ THE BLVD!!!!

Tickets $10.00 for a limited time

DR. FRANK A. THOMAS Senior Servant

SPIRITUAL LIFE |

MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE

The BLVD, is celebrating Maundy Thursday on April 5, at 6:00PM in the Fellowship Hall. Come experience a combination meal and worship service known as The Christian Seder Meal. We will travel back in time to remember how Jesus changed the world; recounting the final moments leading to The Last Supper, Betrayal, and Crucifixion of our Lord. This will be an encounter like none other. We ask that you leave a $5.00 donation for the meal. Contact Pastor Virzola Law at 901.272.5603.

PASTORAL STAFF AND HOLY WEEK

· Wednesday, April 4, 2012, 7:00PM: Pastor Janae Pitts-Murdock will be in Revival at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 216 Lincoln Street, Sardis, MS, Rev. Cedric Von Jackson is Host Pastor.

· Friday, April 6, 2012, 12:00PM: Pastor Janae Pitts-Murdock will be preaching at Seven Last Words Service at Anointed Temple of Praise Outreach Ministries, 3939 Riverdale Rd, Memphis, TN. Dr. Thomas L. Murray is Host Pastor.

· Friday, April 6, 2012, 5:30PM: Pastor Janae Pitts-Murdock and Pastor Virzola Law will be preaching at Service of the Cross at Lindenwood Christian Church – 2400 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN. Dr. Ron Buck is Host Pastor.

THE LENTEN SEASON

The Lenten Season continues through Saturday, April 7 and we are currently honoring three traditional practices: 1) Prayer: Monday - Thursday. 12:00PM – 1:00PM, MT Chapel; 2) Daily Fast: 6:00AM – 6:00PM (Fruits & Vegetables or the Daniel Fast) and 3) Almsgiving: committing to doing good deeds for others. Contact Pastor Virzola Law with questions or concerns.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY BIBLE STUDY

The Women’s Ministry is hosting a transforming Bible Study, “Just Enough Light for the Step I’m On: Trusting God in Tough Times,” by Stormie Norman. Classes are Wednesdays, 5:30PM – 6:45PM, April 11 – May 2 in Room 03A. Sign-up opportunities are available following Sunday’s worship service in the Midtown Montgomery Lobby and the East Lobby; books are available for purchase in the Midtown Bookstore. Contact Pastor Virzola Law with questions or concerns.

STEPHEN MINISTRY SERVICE

Stephen Ministry is a Christian care giving group specifically designed to assist people through difficult times (i.e., bereavement, divorce, job loss, etc.). If you are in need of this service, you may contact Rev. Vivian Henry at 901.752.5379 or Pastor Virzola Law at 901.272.5603.

NEWS AND EVENTS |

PASTOR FRANK THOMAS TO SPEAK AT NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM

Pastor Frank A. Thomas, Senior Servant, Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church is keynote speaker for the 20^th Annual Commemoration to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Wednesday, April 4 at 5:30PM at the National Civil Rights Museum, 450 Mulberry Street, Memphis, TN 38103. Theme: Remembrance and Rededication: The Moral Character of our Nation. Program participants include Rabbi Ben Kamin, author of new book “Room 306: The National Story of the Lorraine Motel.” Boulevard’s own Crystal Brown is the special guest. The Brotherhood of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (MLK was an Alpha) will honor the fallen leader through song and wreath placement. Student essay contest winners, sponsored by the India Community Fund for a Greater Memphis, will read excerpts from their entries on the role of government in creating a peaceable and just society. Admission is free.

PASTOR FRANK A. THOMAS PREACHES AT CTS
Pastor Frank A. Thomas will be preaching at Christian Theological Seminary in celebration of the remarkable ministry of Fred Craddock’ Thursday, April 12, 2012. The “Craddock in Context” conference at CTS will explore the influence of his ministry.

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS LISTENING SESSIONS

In April of 2011, The Church Council appointed a Governance Team to review our Constitution and Bylaws. During the last eleven months, the Governance Team has worked very hard in examining the Constitution and Bylaws and recommending to the Church Council proposed revisions. The Church Council approved the proposed revisions on March 15. It is now time for the Congregation to participate in Listening Sessions prior to seeking approval of the final Constitution and Bylaws at the Congregational Meeting scheduled for June 12, at 6:00PM. We are asking for your approval of these revisions at the June meeting as we move from “Mediocrity to Greatness for God”. Every member is encouraged to participate at one of the Listening Sessions scheduled from March through May 6. Click here to view our Listening Session opportunities schedule. You can obtain a copy of our Listening Session opportunities schedule on our website: www.theblvd.org or Church information Center. Please note our special BLVD East Campus Listening Session is Sunday, April 29. Please avail yourselves accordingly as we continue to listen and discern what God has for our Church.

NEW SERVANT BRUNCH

A New Servant Brunch will be held Saturday, April 14 at 10:00AM in the Fellowship at the Midtown Campus. Contact Pastor Janae Pitts-Murdock at 901.272.5602 with questions or concerns. Don't miss this opportunity to meet the pastoral team, learn more about your new church, and get to know other BLVD servants! We've planned a special time of recognition, fellowship, and celebration. Please RSVP by Sunday, April 8, 2012.

UMOJA

UMOJA IS BACK and it is still not too late to become a sponsor (sorry no ads). Sponsorships start at $100 with tickets and reserved seating at the performance of your choice. The deadline for sponsorship is April 3. Information is available at Midtown in the CIC and at Blvd East Umoja table. Any questions, contact Bettye Boone at 901.272.5650.

2012 WORSHIPPING WOMEN’S WORKSHOP

Pastor Janae Pitts-Murdock, Lead Pastor at MBCC, is the guest speaker at the 2012 Worshipping Women’s Workshop, Saturday, April 28 at The University of Memphis, Fogelman Executive Center, located at 330 Innovation Drive. You are encouraged to “come, learn, and GROW STRONG” as we explore prayer life, Bible Study and family and friends relationships. Click here for registration information.

MBCC VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE

We are looking for persons 18 years and older with prior volleyball league experience; male and female players. If interested, please contact Helen Darling or June Johnson at 901.272.5640.

BLVD EAST BRIDGE LIFE GROUP

THE BLVD East Life Group is requesting persons ages 25 – 40 to contact Pastor Virzola Law at 901.272.5603.

WATSA

Wholistic Approach To Substance Abuse is a Christ-centered recovery support group for addictions, co-dependency and compulsive behavior. Meetings are Tuesdays at 6:00PM in 04N. If you or someone you know is looking to drop the “baggage” of addiction, discover how to do so through Bible Study, prayer, and fellowship. Contact Essie Clay for more information.

BLVD SERVANT RELEASES SECOND BOOK

THE BLVD congratulates our own Dr. Denita Hedgeman on the release of her second book, “While I Wait,” released February 28. The author gives practical and spiritual insights of waiting in every area of your life along with personal testimonies. It will help you make better decisions about your job, relationship, business, ministry, life purpose and how to understand how God operates during your waiting period. “While I Wait” is on-line at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, any bookstore, Tate Publishing and coming soon to the author’s website. The Foreword was written by Pastor Frank A. Thomas, Senior Pastor, MBCC. Sheri Jones-Moffett (National Gospel Recording Artist – “Not Too Late To Dream”/”Encourage Yourself”) wrote one of the endorsements.

LOVE CONNECTION

Love Connection/Cocaine Anonymous is a citywide support group for men and women of all ages, races and socio-economic backgrounds. Meetings are Thursdays at 7:30PM in THE BLVD Family Life Center. Contact Clarence Boone at 901.355.1603 for additional information.

ARE YOU A BFF?

THE BLVD Facebook Family is open to you. Get the latest news, get inspirational quotes and get to know other like-minded people. You belong! Join us online!

FAMILY LIFE CENTER

Family Life Center exercise classes are canceled during Holy Week.

STEWARDSHIP |

NAMED SCHOLARSHIPS

The MBCC Scholarship Program is now accepting donations ($500 Minimum) for our Named Scholarship Program. Names: Scholarship applications are available at THE BLVD Midtown Church Information Center and THE BLVD East Welcome Table. Deadline for applications and funding is April 29. For additional information, contact Bettye Boone at 901.272.5650.

NEXT GENERATION |

STUDENT EAST LIFE GROUP

BLVD East Student Life Group, grades 7 through 12, will meet in THE BLVD East Parlor on the following Sundays: April 1, April 15, May 6 and May 20. Contact Pastor Daniel White at 901.272.5638.

MIDTOWN YOUTH CHURCH WORSHIP SCHEDULE

Midtown Youth Worship meets 4/01 and 4/15 at 10:00AM, MT Bookstore. Message: “Teens, Are You a Fan or Follower of Christ?”

BLVD EAST CHILDREN’S MINISTRY NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

THE BLVD East Children’s Ministry needs volunteers (grandparents, parents and others) to work with nursery (2 years – Kindergarten) and Discipletown (grades 1 – 6) children. Please sign up today at the volunteer servant table. Email Diane Young or call Pastor NaKeesha Weston at 901.272.5631 for additional information. The Children’s Ministry is looking for you!

BLVD MIDTOWN NURSERY FACE LIFT: “WE’RE REDECORATING”

We are so excited about the ways in which we are moving from mediocrity to greatness for God! Please be patient with us over the next few weeks as we "reorganize" our nursery space. For more information, questions, or concerns please contact Pastor NaKeesha Weston at 901.272.5631.

CARE AND PRAYER |

GATHER FOR PRAYER AT THE BLVD

Gather for prayer at THE BLVD Midtown on Wednesdays at 6:00PM (Intercessory Prayer) in room 09A, Saturday at 9:00AM (Hour of Power) in the Spiritual Officers’ Room and Sunday at 9:45AM (Time to Talk With God) in the sanctuary.

PHONE A PRAYER

Become a part of an exciting prayer community by utilizing Phone a Prayer. Times are 6:00AM Sunday through Saturday, 12:00PM Monday through Friday with an 8:00AM Saturday Prayer and Praise session. Access number: 218.844.8230 plus access code: 915673#. The Men’s Prayer Call is Saturday, 6:30AM – 7:00AM. Access number: 605.477.2100 plus access code: 1024438#.

PRAYER REQUESTS

THE BLVD Prayer Ministries would like to partner with you in prayer. The Prayer Request Box is located in the Montgomery lobby outside the Chalice Bookstore. Prayer Request cards are available in the pews and in Bible Study Classes. You may also submit requests by clicking here.

VISITATION AND BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY

If your loved one is hospitalized, confined at home, or in a nursing home, you may request visitation by calling 901.729.6222. Please report all emergency hospitalizations and bereavements to the On-Call Pastor at 901.569.7729. Visit our website to view our current sick and bereaved members. Continue to keep our sick and bereaved in your thoughts and prayers.

SHARE YOUR STORY

If you or someone you know has recent news on achievements, community involvement, or overcoming odds, go here and complete the online form. Although we cannot promise that your story will be featured in eNews, we encourage you to keep submitting NEW stories of interest.

MEDIA |

RADIO BROADCASTS

Our Sunday Broadcast is at 10:30AM on WDIA 1070 AM, and our Wednesday 15 Minutes of Faith Program is at 6:00PM on WHAL 95.7 Hallelujah FM.

FIFTEEN MINUTES OF FAITH

The Dr. is in Wednesdays from 6:00PM until 6:15PM on WHAL 95.7 Hallelujah FM. Tune in to Fifteen Minutes of Faith with Dr. Frank Anthony Thomas.

MAIL ORDER SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE AT MEDIA STATION

Sign up for a quarterly media subscription and receive a copy (CD or DVD) of each week’s Sunday sermon. The CD/DVD will be mailed to the address of your choice each week for 12 weeks; no lines, no waiting. With your subscription, you will receive a 20% savings and a free decorative CD/DVD case. CD subscriptions are $48 and DVD subscriptions are $90.

CD/DVD PRICES

You can purchase CDs and DVDs from the media sales stations and Chalice bookstore for $5 (CD) and

$10 (DVD). These products include the Sunday sermon in an unedited form and do not always include music. Help us spread a word of hope and encouragement by giving someone a copy of a CD or DVD today!

WEEKLY WORSHIP SURVEY

We need you! Share your comments and feedback with our Worship Design team each week concerning your weekly worship experience. You can go online after each worship service and complete a short survey. The survey is open until 11:00AM each Monday. We would love to hear from you. Share your comments!

BOOKSTORE HOURS

Sundays: (8:00AM – 10:00AM and 12:00PM – 1:00PM); Wednesdays: (3:00PM – 7:00PM)

UPDATE YOUR MEMBER PROFILE

If you’ve recently moved, changed your address, phone number, or e-mail address…we want to hear from you! Complete this short form to receive the latest and the greatest information from THE BLVD!

HAPPENING IN THE COMMUNITY |

CRISIS CENTER NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

The Crisis Center, a United Way agency and partner with the UT Health Science Center, is in immediate need of compassionate VOLUNTEERS for our solely volunteer powered 24/7 Crisis hotline. Please sign up now for the next volunteer training by sending an email or calling 901.649.8572. You may also click here to visit their website.

To learn more about THE BLVD, Click Here »

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