Jazz guitarist Jaques Lesure returned to The Temple for the Sunday Jazz Vesper Service Sunday, August 14th. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Mr. Lesure has performed with many of the greatest artists in jazz: Kenny Burrell, George Benson, Oscar Brown , Jr., Stanley Turrentine, Oliver Lake among many others.
Not only does this amazingly gifted guitarist have a love and appreciation for original jazz and blues, he confessed that in his relation with God, He is a major component of his performances. Jaques Lesure enjoys giving back to the community and exposes his audience to the history of jazz. His performance was like none other!
For more on Mr. Lesure, appearances and to purchase CD's click the link below.
Saturday,
August
21st,The Temple, among many others from the community, held a tribute for Rev. Ron and Aziza Wright for their outstanding contributions in ministry and social services in the Los Angeles area. For the last 25 years, this familty has witnessed their faith, served our community and promoted healing, wholeness and recovery.
Numerous local and national leaders served as honorary co-chairs: Bishop Charles E. Blake, Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ;
Rev. Dr. Kelvin T. Calloway, Pastor of Bethel AME Church of Los Angeles;
Dr. Bowen Churn, Ms. Loretta F. Jones, CEO of Healthy African American Families; Rev. Dr. Frank M. Reid III, Pastor of Bethel AME Church in Baltomore, MD;
L.A. County Supervisor Mark-Ridley Thomas, Elder Ron Simmons, Rev. Dr. Gardner C. Taylor, Ms. Virgie P. Walker,
Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Pastor Emeritus of Trinity United Methodist Church in Chicago, IL; Rod Wright, California Senator; and Marian Wright Edelman, nationally recognized children's advocate. The Temple was packed to capacity by many who just wanted to say "thanks."
The gospel message was preached by
Rev. Charles Lee-Johnson, Pastor of Corona Community AME Church. Songs were by the Mass Reunion Wright Tribute Choir - a combined choir of singers who previously served with the Wright family, New Vision Church and Bryant Temple's Voices of the Temple. The sermonic hymm was sung by Martha Taylor LaCroix.
More information can be obtained about the Tribute by contacting Pastor Oden at (323)293-6201, emailing wrighttribute@gmail.com or visitingwww.wrighttribute.com. DVD's and CD's will become available in the near future.
Saturday, June 19th, the Mens Ministry featured two guest speakers: Rev. Dr. Swayne Cofield, M.D. and Ministerial Associate of Ward AME Church, and, Roger M. Ford, M.A., C.P.C. of Antioch University, Los Angeles.
Rev. Dr. Cofield Lectured to the Men of the Men's Ministry
about Coronary Artery Disease
Dr. Cofield has expertise in The Lord as well as several areas of medicine including, Heart Disease, Diabetes, and Diabetes Complications. He spoke about coronary artery disease, the cause, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. He also pointed out lifestyle changes that should be incorporated for an individual with coronary artery disease and ways to stay as healthy as possible. He later opened for an informative question and answer period.
Roger Ford, M.A., C.P.C. Introduces Antioch University's
Bridge Program
Roger Ford presented a program from Antioch University. Antioch is recruiting low-income adult students for their Bridge Program. The goal of the Bridge Program is to reach out to the community to move adults into higher education. He indicated that higher education can result into a more promising future.
The bridge program offers a supportive learning community specifically designed for students who have had little experience with higher education. Most of all, the program is FREE! For details, contact Kathryn Pope at (310)578-1080, exentsion 300.
After the presentations, the men ate heartily and fellowshipped.
Special thanks for Matthew Mitchell and Woody Whitaker for preparation of the food and for planning the program.
The Men's Ministry, under the leadership of Matthew MItchell, works to promote Christian growth, fellowship and service among the men of the church and the community. The group meets every third Saturday at 7:00 a.m. All men, young and old, are welcome.
As iron sharpens iron; so one man sharpens another. [Proverbs 27:17 NIV]
For the month of August, the Tuesday Bible Class focused on the topic "Transformation Our Worshipping Communities." Each of the speakers focused on enciting The Church to transform community and the responsibility of the members within. Each week each of the lecturers speak about topics from different perspectives. Each unique perspective offers approaches that provoke thought which could possibly stimulate complex emotions within. Afterwards there is a question and answer period where anyone attending can ask topic-related questions. As Christians we are taught to respect the thoughts and opinions of others as we approach topics on which others may have strong opinions. The atmosphere is welcoming, encouraging, and stimulating.
Bible Study will continue throughout Fall/2011. Classes are open to anyone.
