Black Folks: Why Do You Attend Watch Meetings?

Article II, Volume IX                     December 31, 2019
                                                                                               (Mrs. Elizabeth Hall funeral information
                                                                                             is on the previous page (Article 1, Vol IX}


                                                           Watch Meeting

It is a long-time practice for black folks to be in a church when the New Year comes in. It is said by many that this practice started in December  1862 to celebrate the Emancipation Proclamation that was signed by Abe Lincoln on September 22, 1862, to free slaves, (not all), effective on January 1, 1863.  The story goes, the slaves went into the church on New Year Eve as slaves and came out on January 1,1863, after midnight, free from slavery.

(This story was originally published on my blog, All in All, Expressions of Grady E. Bryant on December 30, 2012

You can continue reading it at  www.myopinions999.blogspot.com


Me? I'm headed to a watch meeting.  I'm going to be late but I'll be on time.
 You must read my Watch Meeting experience at www.esh60.blogspot.com

Happy New Year!

People who visit this website, also visit:  www.esh60.blogspot.com
                                            and,  www.churchmatters999.blogspot.com 
                                            and,   www.myopinions999.blogspot.com







Disclaimer: The news and views expressed on this site are strictly those of Grady Bryant, obtained from information made available to the general public through bulletins, public events, announcements, and services that were open to the general public. This website is not officially endorsed by Warner Baptist Church.

Elizabeth Hall, 89, Bailey's Crossroads, Va Community Activist, Passed Away

Article 1, Volume 1X                                                          December 30, 2019



Mrs. Elizabeth Hall, Community Activist, Civic leader, and spokesperson                                                                                                                                                              

Mrs. Elizabeth Hall, a long-time resident in Baileys Crossroads, Virginia died on December 26, 2019, in Alexandria Hospital, Alexandria, Virginia.

She was a long-time member (over 60 years) of Warner Baptist Church. Reverend Matthew J. Pearson is the Pastor.

Mrs. Hall was a retired Federal Government worker and at the time of her death, she was an employee and a volunteer worker at the Baileys Community Center in Baileys Crossroads, Virginia.

Funeral arrangements are pending. Upon completion, they will be announced by some communication means.

Update from family:  6 P.M. 12/31/19,  funeral service will be on Thursday, Jan 9, 2020. No decision on the place and time.

Update: 4:30 p.m. 01/02/2020. Funeral services will be on Thursday. January 9, 2020, at  Warner Baptist Church, Lacy Blvd, Falls Church, Virginia.  The viewing will be from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and the service will commence at 10 a.m. 

              People who visit this site also read:  www.esh60.blogspot.com
                                                    and: www.myopinions999.blogspot.com


Disclaimer: The news and views expressed on this site are strictly those of Grady E. Bryant, Sr, obtained from information made available to the general public through bulletins, public events, announcements, and services that were open to the general public. This website is not officially endorsed by Warner Baptist Church.

Warne Baptist Vacation Bible School is in session this week June 18-22, 2018. Lesson Outline for Thursday June 21.

Article 3 Volume 8

       Topic for Week:  God Makes a Way 24/7, 365!

 All of the lessons this week in all of the classes relate to the topic.

The subject for the adult class lesson on June 21:  Dressed by God

Following is the lesson outline for the adult class

Scripture:  Luke 12:22-31

                    Phil 4:5-7

            

                              1. Treatment of all people

                            

                              2.  Don't be anxious about anything (Pray)

                           

                              3.  I GOT SHOES

                                 

                                   a. Slave Ancestors

                                       (Sing about shoes) (clothes) (gold) (shouting)

                                 

                                   b. Look for a brighter day

                           

                                   4.  Anxiety about our needs

                                       (food, clothes, rent, mortgage, car note, tuition, clothes)

                                  

                                        (Do you have enough?)

                                

                                        (Gospels directed at certain groups)

                          

                               5.  Rich worry about dying rich than they do about living rich

                               6.  Tell brother to share family inheritance 

                

                               7.  Brief discussion about inheritance

                               8.  Rich man wanted more! !  Was he motivated by greed or worried about

                                      not having enough?

                                

                               9.  Never consider unclean what God has made pure (Acts 10:15)

                             10.  Lilies like dandelions or wildflowers

                            11.    Pray and give thanks ( Phil 4: 6)

                            12.   How can you simplify your life?

                          

                            13.   I'm going to leave you in the hands of the Lord  (two minutes)

                           14.   Amen

          Teacher:  Deacon Grady Bryant

                             

                               

Disclaimer: The news and views expressed on this site are strictly those of Grady Bryant,obtained from information made available to the general public through bulletins, public events, announcements, and services that were open to the general public. This website is not officially endorsed by Warner Baptist Church.

Black History Month: We are Black History

Article 2fo

 The folks of yesteryear paved the way for many of the changes we see.  The changes they influenced made the doors ajar.  But the trail blazers of  following years have helped open the doors a little bit more.
                             (To be continued)

Disclaimer: The news and views expressed on this site are strictly those of Grady Bryant,obtained from information made available to the general public through bulletins, public events, announcements, and services that were open to the general public. This website is not officially endorsed by Warner Baptist Church.

Sick: The Trials and Tribulations Endured by Many Sick People

Article 1, Volume 9

                                                        Sickness Come in So Many Ways

I have been blessed to walk this earth for more than 75 years.  There has not been a day, that I can recall when I was unable to get out of bed and move around nor has there been a day when I absolutely had to use a walking cane or some other instrument for to get around.  I don't know about tomorrow or the future.  I am thankful to God for the blessing.

Through **13 years of elementary and high school, I don't believe I missed more than 7 days of school.  I remember the times when most of my siblings had chicken pox or measles and it just passed me by, though I was in the household with them and didn't do anything special to avoid getting sick.

I was a home delivery paperboy of a weekly newspaper for 11 years.  My route required walking about 3 miles to deliver, and hope to get paid in some cases, papers at least once a week. Sometimes, I had go back the next day or during the week to collect .15 cents or in some cases maybe .30 or .45 cents owed me. I earned .05 cents for each paper sold at .15 cents per paper.

Looking back, although I was sick sometimes, I never missed a week delivering newspapers.

During the whole period mentioned above, I was in Sunday School and morning church services at Pleasant Union Baptist in Suffolk, Virginia virtually every Sunday.  I did not have to wait for anybody to pick me up or go with me to church.  I just walked.

I believe my faithfulness in attending church and sharing God's Word with others, was a reason, in part, all of the other blessings, I mentioned above, were bestowed upon me.  

Despite all that I write, in my lifetime I have seen people incur a lot of suffering in homes, hospitals, churches, on the job and many more places.  We pray for them and ask if we can help, in most cases they probably say No or whatever you do will be helpful.

 If a person is sick and has been unable to really work for a few weeks, you should probably figure he or she need some help.  How much?  It may be $3,000 or $300 or $50.  It is hard for them to express what they really need, so they leave it up to you to offer what you can or is willing to offer.( Read chapter 42 of the book of Job)

I have witnessed my wife endure a lot of pain and multiple operations  through the years.  Sometimes she could barely move.  But through God's grace and blessings she can still get up and about.  

Recently I spent 10 days in the hospital. It was the first time in over 75 years of living, that I had to spend time as a patient in a hospital.  Until after my admittance, I did not have a first hand sense of being sick.  I could identify with sickness through empathy I felt in discussions or talking with others who were sick.

My illness, in part, is  dealing with a foot matter that may have roots going back more than 40 years.  

Now I have a better sense of the pain my wife experience every day, the visible suffering church members and people from all walks of life endure.  Sometimes they do not talk about it, because that can bring more pain.  However, in some cases the reverse is true.

Nevertheless, we just don't know until we have a first hand experience.  We can have empathy for others, but we just don't know.

Being sick does not mean that you are down and out and unable to do anything.  Sickness comes in so many ways.  It can be any part of the human body.  The pain can be so sever that it will stop you as much as any major sickness.  Therefore, we must seek help for the small as well as the big pains or injuries.  Because untreated, the small also can have a devastating affect on our lives.

Pray, eat well, exercise, and don't take anything for granted, because life is a journey full of challenges.

Are you really prepared for the journey? 

___________________________________________________________________________

 **I was a slow learner, so I had to repeat the kindergarten/first grade combined class.
The next two grades, I virtually memorized all the class material. Repeating was good,
  __________________________________________________________________________

      Copyright 2018.  Grady E. Bryant, Sr.  All rights reserved.

Disclaimer: The news and views expressed on this site are strictly those of Grady Bryant,obtained from information made available to the general public through bulletins, public events, announcements, and services that were open to the general public. This website is not officially endorsed by Warner Baptist Church.

Looking back at the Good News and Favorable Outreach attention this blog site has attracted for Warner Baptist

Article 18, Volume 8

        Good News and Information spread through this news outlet

In the year 2011, I looked back at my newspaper writing experience and investigative report  

writing skills and decided I wanted to cover news at WBC on a limited basis. The church was not familiar with my newspaper and report writing skills.

So, I decided to take full responsibility for all my articles and write a disclaimer.

Now, 104 articles and 7 years later I'm still writing.  Many of my articles, have been picked up by other news outlets and shown around the world.  

The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th most views are from Russia, France, and Germany respectively with 1200 collectively.  There are views from more than 25 countries.  This viewership is not only good news for Warner Baptist but also for the pastors and churches that are featured in the articles.

Rev. Robert Yancey sermons have attracted the most viewers, nearly 500, followed by sermons by Reverend Elton Wilson and Reverend Darrell White.

My favorite articles include the coverage granted to Revival services by Reverend Yancey, Reverend Eugene Pearson and Reverend Shep Bridgett.  We covered all five nights in each case.
Also, the sermon by Reverend Stanley Bradby this year, in January on "Willing Workers" is a favorite. I called it a Martin Luther King Celebration speech. (google,  "Martin Luther King. Stanley Bradby.Warner Baptist).

I cannot forget the article about the church member who was hit by a bus. After a few moments on the ground, she hopped up, got on her bicycle, and went on about her business. She refused to seek or wait for any type of medical assistance.

Also, there are many pictures and video (some unpublished) from a variety of events.

Many churches have beautiful websites that cost $500 or more a month to publish church news and events.  In many cases they just publish announcements.  My journal is different.

Interestingly, my journal is not included in the bulletins or mentioned in the announcements of the church. This action, may be because of the disclaimer.  Therefore, most members are unaware of  My Journal publication. I sometimes think I have more viewers in Russia than at my church.

The viewership of nearly 12,000 is not bad when you consider the limited number of articles I write. 

This is my last article for this year. Let me think about continuing next year.  I have three other blog sites. 

Happy New Year!

Disclaimer: The news and views expressed on this site are strictly those of Grady Bryant,obtained information made available to the general public through bulletins, public events, announcements, and services that were open to the general public. This website is not officially endorsed by Warner Baptist Church

Rev Norman W. Smith passed away on November 6, 2017. Limited funeral details are available

Article 17 Volume 7         

Rev. Norman W. Smith, Sr.

Limited Details on Funeral Arrangements are provided on website.

 Go to:     www.nvbass.blogspot.com

Disclaimer: The news and views expressed on this site are strictly those of Grady Bryant,obtained from information made available to the general public through bulletins, public events, announcements, and services that were open to the general public. This website is not officially endorsed by Warner Baptist Church.

Warner Baptist noninclusive Schedule of Events and Services for November 12-30, 2017

Article 16 Volume 7                                                                           November 11, 2017                    

 November 2017 Schedule of Services and Events 

      Date                 Event                Time                     Info

             

   Nov 12        Sunday School           9:15 a.m.       ** Every Sunday

                       Worship Service       11 a.m.            ** Every Sunday

                       Women Annual Day  3 p.m.            Special annual service

 Nov 14          Noon Day Prayer Svc  12:00 p.m.     **Every Tuesday

 Nov 14           Bible Study           7 p.m.                 ** Every Tuesday  unless otherwise scheduled.

                        Prayer Meeting    8 p.m.                 **

 Nov 18           Bible Study         10 a.m.                  This is not a weekly class

Nov 19           Leadership meeting  1 p.m. or after a.m. service whichever occurs last.
vvv Nov 23           Thanksgiving Day

Nov 26           Holy Communion inclusive with 11 a.m. service   ***Monthly

                                               **Weekly- Unless scheduled otherwise

                                             ***Every 4th Sunday
________________________________________________________________________________

People who read this website also read:  www.churchmatters999.blogspot.com,  and
www.nvbass,blogspot.com  and www.esh60.blogspot.com
________________________________________________________________________________

Disclaimer: The news and views expressed on this site are strictly those of Grady Bryant,obtained from information made available to the general public through bulletins, public events, announcements, and services that were open to the general public. This website is not officially endorsed by Warner Baptist Church. Published by G.E. Bryant LLC

Warner Baptist celebrated their annual Deacon's Day, Rev. Robert Yancey, St Paul Baptist,was the guest speaker

Article 15 Volume 7                                                                                   11-10-2017

Deacon's Day Celebrated

Rev. Robert Yancey was the guest preacher for Warner Baptist annual Deacon's Day service on Sunday, 11-5-2017.

                                    (to be continued on ll-15-2017 or an undetermined date)
       ______________________________________________________________________
People who read at this website also read:   www.churchmatters999.blogspot.com 
   and....  www.nvba.blogspot.com   and   www.esh60.blogspot.com
       ______________________________________________________________________
Disclaimer: The news and views expressed on this site are strictly those of Grady Bryant,obtained from information made available to the general public through bulletins, public events, announcements, and services that were open to the general public. This website is not officially endorsed by Warner Baptist Church.

Midnight Prayer Meeting at Warner Baptist Church, Falls Church on Friday, November 3, 2017

Article 14, Volume 7                                                              November 1, 2017

Midnight Prayer Meeting

Warner Baptist Church (WBC) members will be convening on Friday, November 3rd at 9 p.m. for their semi-annual Midnight Prayer Meeting.

The service is slated to end at Midnight.  (three hours)

This special prayer meeting practice started in the 1970's at WBC. It was during the time when there was a lot of problems in the USA. 

 Until recently the time of the event was from 12:01 a.m. until 6 a.m.

What happens?  Church members and concerned citizens from other churches or any walk or lifestyle in life, who believe that Prayer can change things, come together and pray, testify, and sing hymns or songs of praise and thanksgiving.

Promises in Scripture:

The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.  He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. -- Psalm 145: 17-19 Holy Bible KJV   

_________________________________________________________________________________

                Copyright 2017. Grady E. Bryant, Sr.  All rights reserved.
_________________________________________________________________________________

   People who read this website also read:  www.nvbass.blogspot.com   and

      www.churchmatters999.blogspot.com   and www.esh60.blogspot.com
_________________________________________________________________________________

Disclaimer: The news and views expressed on this site are strictly those of Grady Bryant,obtained from information made available to the general public through bulletins, public events, announcements, and services that were open to the general public. This website is not officially endorsed by Warner Baptist Church.

Warner Baptist to celebrate its Annual Deacons Day, Sunday, Nov 5,2017, guest Preacher,Robert M. Yancey, Pastor of St Paul Baptist Church, Arlington, VA

Article 13 Volume 7                                                                                October 31, 2017

            Annual Deacons Day

Reverend Robert M. Yancey, pastor, St Paul Baptist, Arlington, VA will be the guest preacher for the Deacons Day Service on Sunday November 5, 2017.

The service is slated to start at 3 p.m.

Warner Baptist highly touted Culinary Ministry will serve an on-site prepared meal to attendees before the service.

Deacon Lloyd Saunders, chairman of the Deacons Ministry.

Rev. Matthew J. Pearson, pastor

_______________________________________________________________________________

  Copyright 2017. Grady E. Bryant, Sr.

  People who visit this website also read:    https//nvbass.blogspot.com

and :  https://churchmatters999.blogspot.com

Disclaimer: The news and views expressed on this site are strictly those of Grady Bryant,obtained from information made available to the general public through bulletins, public events, announcements, and services that were open to the general public. This website is not officially endorsed by Warner Baptist Church.

Rev Dr. Donald Simpkins, Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Flint Hill, VA, guest preacher for Warner Baptist's Trustees Annual Day

Article 12, Volume 7                                                                      October 21, 2017

                                 Date of Service:  Sunday, October 15, 2017

Rev Simpkins used for his scripture, 2 Timothy 2: 19-21. His text was "We are vessels found in a great house."

He put emphasis on being an honorable worker in the house of God.  Make yourself available to work for the uplifting of God's name.

Be a willing worker.
         _____________________________________________________________________

Trustee Willie B. Goode is Chairman of the Trustee Ministry.


Disclaimer: The news and views expressed on this site are strictly those of Grady Bryant,obtained from information made available to the general public through bulletins, public events, announcements, and services that were open to the general public. This website is not officially endorsed by Warner Baptist Church.

Rev Charles A. Hall, Pastor of St John Baptist Church, Alexandria, VA, guest Preacher for Warner Baptist Church's 136th Anniversary Service

Article 11, Volume 7                                                                         October 14, 2017

Rev Hall preached the final night, Friday, October 13, 2017 of the week-long

          anniversary services

Rev Hall used Matthews 16:13,18 and other selections for his scripture.  His text was "Who do you say that I am?" and "Are you still standing on the Rock?"

His emphasis was in knowing Jesus for yourself and standing firm in your belief.  Don't go running from church to church looking for God.

Don't get caught up in believing that you need a big building to hear the Word of God. Jesus preached outdoors. You should note that Jesus built his church on a Rock. That rock was not a building.

Regardless of the sanctuary size, type, or inside structure, you need to have the "Spirit of God" instilled in you for your daily walk.

He cited, Galatians 5:1. 

Stand fast in the freedom that Christ has made possible for you and do not tangle up with the yokes that can put you in bondage.

During the sermon, Rev. Hall commented on women and their role in the ministry.

Rev Hall was accompanied by one of his church's choirs.  Included in their selection of songs, was a beautiful rendition of the song, "God is".

________________________________________________________________________________

Christina Adams-Williams and Marjorie Strothers are the Co-hostess of the Anniversary Committee this year.

________________________________________________________________________________

        Copyright 2017. Grady E. Bryant, Sr.  All Rights Reserved.

People who read this website, also read:  www.churchmatters999.blogspot.com
  and, www.nvbss.blogspot.com

  

Disclaimer: The news and views expressed on this site are strictly those of Grady Bryant,obtained from information made available to the general public through bulletins, public events, announcements, and services that were open to the general public. This website is not officially endorsed by Warner Baptist Church.

The Renowned Men Chorus of Mt Zion Baptist Church, Arlington, VA was in concert for Warner Baptist Church's 136th Anniversary

Article 10 Volume 7                                                                            October 13, 2017
                                                                     Date of Event: Wednesday, 10-11-2017

The Renowned Men Gospel Chorus of Mt. Zion Baptist Church

The chorus rendered an array of soul touching songs.  Their selections included, "Send Your Power", "Came Here Looking for a Blessing", "Guide My Feet Why I Run This Race" and "Never Met a Man Like This Before".

The songs were spirit lifting.  The congregation stayed engaged by hand- clapping and expressions of gratitude. 

The chorus consisted of 19 men, distinctly dressed in black suits.  The organist and piano players were exceptional.

The director of the chorus is Eric Green.

Deaconess Sharon Goode, on behalf of the church bestowed special recognition to the Ushers of Warner Baptist.  Deaconess Inez Addison is the President of this distinguish  Ministry.  

Deacon Earl Adams was the Worship Leader.

Sister Marjorie Strother is the chairperson of the anniversary committee.

Rev. Matthew J. Pearson is the pastor of  Warner Baptist Church.

             _______________________________________________________

     Copyright 2017. Grady E. Bryant, Sr.  All Rights Reserved.

People who visit this website also read:  www.churchmatters999.blogspot.com,

   and,   www.nvbss.blogspot.com,  and www.esh60.blogspot.com

Disclaimer: The news and views expressed on this site are strictly those of Grady Bryant,obtained from information made available to the general public through bulletins, public events, announcements, and services that were open to the general public. This website is not officially endorsed by Warner Baptist Church.

Rev James Gibson, Pastor of Chesterbrook Baptist Church, McLean, VA, guest preacher, 10-09-17, Warner Baptist Church 136th Anniv Service

Article 9 Volume 7                                                                        October 10, 2017                                    
                                          Date of Service:  Monday, October 9, 2017

The theme for this year's anniversary is, "Oh Happy Day!"  So, for this anniversary, the opening hymn for each service is "Oh Happy Day"

The preacher, zeroed in on the theme and tailored his message to the art of being happy.

He cited an occasion where he was asked, "Why are you Happy?"  In his sermon he made it clear why he is happy.

Before I go to the sermon, there are three songs, by Afro-American singers, that are ranked in the all-time top 20 songs about happiness.

On the religious front,  the song, "Oh Happy Day" by the Edwin Hawkins Singers in 1969 peaked at No. 4 on the charts.  It was a favorite in churches as well as in secular music circles.
It is ranked No. 12 All-Time for happy songs. The hymn book version is okay, but I believe most of us get more perked up with this version. 

How can we forget Bobby McFerrin song in 1988, "Don't Worry Be Happy".  It was released in July 1988 and quickly became a worldwide hit.  It is ranked No. 2 on the All-Time chart for happy songs.

In 2014, Pharrell Williams' "Happy" rose to the top of the chart.  It is ranked 17 All-Time and still trending upward.

So, there is something about the expression, "Happy" that touches, I believe, virtually all people.

Reverend Gibson's text was, "Hold on to your happiness".  He cited several scriptures, from the Old and New Testament.  Included were Psalm 37:4 and 32:11.

He encouraged the congregation to hold on to their joy. Walk by faith and not by sight.  Do not let nobody steal their joy.

Also, do little things to Bless other persons.  In so doing you will be blessed.

Rev. Gibson shared with the congregation, about the time in his childhood, when the doctors  predicted that he may be unable to walk at an early age.  But through faith God blessed him not only to walk but to run and run some more.  He was able to receive a football scholarship and play college football.

Rev.  Gibson delivered a very good message about joy and happiness.  

The listeners, I believe, were prepared to stay and hear more about happiness and joy from this dynamic speaker.  But he had to conclude at some point.

Prior to the sermon, Sister Carolyn Curseen, WBC's historian, spoke about the history of Warner Baptist.

            Copyright 2017. Grady E. Bryant, Sr.  All Rights Reserved.



    People who visit this website also visit:  www.nvbss.blogspot.com
                        and,  www.churchmatters999.blogspot.com
                                                                      



Disclaimer: The news and views expressed on this site are strictly those of Grady E. Bryant,obtained from information made available to the general public through bulletins, public events, announcements, and services that were open to the general public. This website is not officially endorsed by Warner Baptist Church.