Metropolitan Seventh-day Adventist Church - Latest blog entries

Photo Blog: Ridgecrest Clothing Drive - May 16, 2013

info@metrosda.org (Metro Blogger) — Sat, 18 May 2013 20:40:14 -0400

Metro members showed they truly connect to their community by their generous response to our adopted school's request for help with their winter clothing drive. Here are some pictures Latey Bradford took at the event. Read the blog that goes along with the pictures.

[Metro's Bundles for Ridgecrest on the benches - these are girls' bundles, tied with yellow and pink ribbons]

[Bundles for boys]

[Close-up of a boy's bundle; bundles included a Won-by-One label and size of the clothing]

[Close up of a girl's bundle]

[Waiting for the children and parents]

[The doors open to parents and students]

[

[Baldwin Williams, Sr - helped us transport our donations to Ridgecrest - and Pastor B survey things]

[Baldwin Williams, Sr., Pastor B, and Principal Dunn]

Blessings by the Bundles

l.lateyjones@gmail.com (Latey Bradford) — Sat, 18 May 2013 20:21:02 -0400

Metropolitan has committed to being a church that prays, that loves, that serves. More and more I am delighted to see how this theme becomes more than just the backdrop to our rostrum or the lyrics to our welcome song. I am so proud to be a part of a church that is bringing prayer, love and service to the needy souls in our surrounding community.

This week it was Ridgecrest Elementary, our newly adopted neighborhood school, that received with such gratitude blessings by the bundles…quite literally! When Principal Dunn reached out to our pastoral team to request Metro’s help with their clothing drive we knew that this was a divinely appointed opportunity. We had to act... and fast! With only one week to spread the word, collect the donations and distribute the goods, Metro members showed incredible enthusiasm and support through generous donations of clothing and monetary gifts. I still remember quite vividly the tears that streamed down Ms. Andrade’s face (Community Outreach Assistant for Ridgecrest) as she watched us bring in all the items that had been given to support their clothing drive! She was simply overwhelmed by our church’s response. Principal Dunn reiterated their joy and tremendous gratitude as she marveled at the generosity and thoughtfulness that had been given to support their program. I could see in that moment how God’s love was reaching across the street and building a relationship between our church and Ridgecrest elementary.

I was both surprised and excited to see how many parents and students lined up outside the school doors, anxiously awaiting the drive to begin. As we unloaded the cars with Metro’s contributions the waiting faces grew brighter with anticipation. We were able to donate 84 bundles of clothing (each bundle contained underwear (2), socks (2) and a sweater/outfit), 20 winter coats, 17 pairs of winter boots, and an additional 246 pairs of underwear, 81 pairs of socks, and an assortment of adult clothing as well. Once the doors were opened and the people flooded inside, the school gymnasium bustled with energy and excitement as kids picked out new clothes and school books to take home. It only took a matter of minutes for the tables which had been completely covered with clothing to become quite scant and bare. Pastor B and I stood back and watched the happenings with much joy and satisfaction, knowing that this is what Jesus would be doing if he were walking the Earth today—clothing the naked!

Ridgecrest has many other needs so our commitment to them does NOT stop here! This is our community, this our school… we will continue to pray for them, love them and serve them.

We have more pictures in the Ridgecrest Clothes Drive Photo Blog. THe photo above shows Pastor B and Ms. Andrade sharing a hug.

** Many thanks to all who gave clothing donations and monetary gifts. And I would especially like to acknowledge the team that helped prepare the bundles of clothing: Melissa Andrews, Lishel Souvenir, Keisha Stubbs, Jenny Laquinte, Krystal Tomlin, Trevonna Gibbons, Patrick Audain, Michelle Malveaux, Jermella Matthews, Ric Tobias.

TASA Visits Metro

arlette.thompson@gmail.com (Arlette Thompson) — Sat, 11 May 2013 22:33:31 -0400

Metro Teens 4G is pleased to present Teens Against the Spread of AIDS (TASA) on Saturday, May 18 at 10:45 a.m. TASA is a non profit group that is part of the National Children's Hospital in Washington, DC. TASA trains high school teens from the Metropolitan DC area on how to create and present high energy, creative, informative and fun performances and workshops for teens that address topics including sexually transmitted diseases, testing and medical care, problem solving and and other problem areas teens face.

If you're a teen 14 or older, we encourage you to come on out and join us (due to the sensitive nature of the material that will be discussed, only those 14 and older will be admitted). Admission is free and th event is open to our community. The program will take place at the Metropolitan Activity Center - 6307 Riggs Rd, Hyattsville. For more information, email info@metrosda.org

Ridgecrest Clothing Drive

l.lateyjones@gmail.com (Latey Bradford) — Thu, 09 May 2013 00:02:14 -0400

Family: Many of us have been praying for the Holy Spirit to reveal how we can be used as a church (and as individuals) to meet the needs of our community. Have you been expecting an answer?! Well, good news!! God has just presented us with an opportunity to bless Ridgecrest Elementary in a very tangible way, so I hope you all are ready to respond.

The school is asking for donations of clean COATS, SWEATERS, SOCKS, and UNDERWEAR. Preference is given to CHILDREN'S sizes, but feel free to bring adult sizes as well-- the kids' parents will greatly benefit from these items.

These donations need to be collected no later than Wednesday, May 15. This is just one week away, so let's all work together and make this happen!! There will be donation bins in the Fellowship Hall beginning TONIGHT, so please get your gently-used clothing in order and let the donations pour in!!!

If you don't have any clothing to donate, but would like to help, we are collecting monetary donations as well so that we can purchase some of the items the kids need. Please give all monetary donations to Latéy Bradford or Melissa Andrews. For more information about the drive please contact Latéy (l.lateyjones@gmail.com or 937-554-9725).

May 4 Announcements

info@metrosda.org (Metro Blogger) — Fri, 03 May 2013 17:07:02 -0400

Read this week's announcements. Looking for the bulletin or want to submit an announcement online? Click here.

Ministering to the Homeless: May 25

jenlaq@hotmail.com (Jenny Laquinte) — Fri, 03 May 2013 13:46:38 -0400

If you were a part of our March homeless outreach event, you will recall what a truly blessed event it was for all present. We are inviting our church family to join us as we return to CCNV Shelter on May 25 to minister to the homeless.

We will host a worship service that will include praise and worship and a sermon. We will also eat lunch and fellowship with the residents, and then distribute free items to them.

We will leave Metro after the 11:00 a.m. service. Transportation will be provided. We will also provide directions for those who choose to carpool. CCNV is located at 425 2nd St NW, Washington, DC 20001.

We are encouraging our members to support our ministry! There are many ways that you can contribute! We are looking for volunteers to help with set-up, serving, fellowshipping with residents, and clean-up. We are also looking for musicians (pianist, guitarist, drummer), singers and members to assist with various aspects of the worship service. If you're interested in helping, please complete our volunteer form.

We are also requesting contributions of the following: rolls of toilet paper and cases of bottled water. These items can be placed in the containers found in the Fellowship Hall. The deadline for donations is Sabbath, May 18.

We are looking forward to this outreach and hope to see see many of you there. We encourage everyone to wear our "Prayer, Love, Service" t-shirts. Please see Melissa Andrews if you need a t-shirt.

You can reach the Homeless Ministry Outreach Event Planning Team at HomelessOutreach@metrosda.org with questions. If you will be volunteering, we would appreciate it if you would complete our volunteer form. Completing the form will help us make sure that we have enough food for all of our volunteers.

If you'd like to support our ministry by making a donation, click here. **Please mention that it's for Homeless Outreach.**

If you'd like to subscribe to our new mailing list, click here.

April 27 Announcements

info@metrosda.org (Metro Blogger) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 08:39:14 -0400

Read this week's announcements. Looking for the bulletin or want to submit an announcement online? Click here.

2013 Cotillion Pics

info@metrosda.org (Metro Blogger) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 16:40:27 -0400

La Cour Royale's 2013 Cotillion / Beautillion took place at the College Park Marriott Conference Center on Sunday, April 14. Here are some pictures from the event, courtesy Myron S. Ottley.

[Sharah Baker]

[Andrew Allen]

[Brandon Allen]

[Chontal Carrington Bryant]

[Alaina Gentles]

[Marissa James]

[Debs, beaus and their sponsors]

[The coordinators]

April 20 Announcements

info@metrosda.org (Metro Blogger) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 16:33:12 -0400

Read this week's announcements. Looking for the bulletin or want to submit an announcement online? Click here.

A Spectrum of Prayers

divisionofstyle@gmail.com (Denise Dixon) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:33:16 -0400

Metropolitan has several families with children on the autism spectrum. On April 6, in recognition of Autism Awareness Month, the church along with Moore Communications, F.A.C.E. (Facing Autism with Children Everywhere), and Denise Dixon (Tayten’s Troop) hosted a spiritual event called “A Spectrum of Prayers”. The event brought together several church families, as well as families from the community, to openly discuss and pray for parents and children affected by autism/ASD, and was very well received.

“Although our children may be different in their needs and development, I realized that we parents share very similar emotions, fears, and joys. One of the parents who spoke referenced John 9:1-3, and drove it home for me that my daughter was created to bring God a special brand of glory,” said Jermey Matthews, a parent of an autistic child.

“As a speech-Language pathologist I'm active on the professional end of autism, however, this ministry service was a joy and a moving spiritual experience of shared love with these families. I'm honored and excited that my church has taken the lead in this ministry,” said Marva Shand-McIntosh, one of the presenters at the event and the recipient of the 2013 Distinguished Leadership Award from the District of Columbia Speech Language Hearing Association.

During the program, parents sharing their personal autism stories and words of encouragement. Shand-McIntosh shared a video of hope that featured Stephen Wiltshire, a child of West Indian parents diagnosed with autism at age 3 in 1974, who has an amazing gift for drawing. Pastor Billingy led out in a special prayer presentation that involved a candle lighting ceremony. Billingy told those in attendance that Metropolitan can be considered a place of support for parents who are tired and need a break. She said that the church will continue to advocate for autism awareness by hosting future events and starting a support group for parents and caregivers.

Childcare was provided so that parents who brought their children could focus fully on the program. By the end of the event, the room was filled with positive energy, motivation, and hope. Families were appreciative to Metropolitan for taking the time to recognize and pray for the needs of parents with children with disabilities.

Special thanks to Cherry Sorzano for coordinating what turned out to be a memorable event.

[The above image is Ms. Joycelyn Walls of the Joy of Life Developmental Institute. Here are some other pictures from the event]

[Handouts were available for attendees]

[Attendees watch the Stephen Wiltshire video]

[Childcare was provided so that parents could fully participate in the program]

[Gavrielle Sween provided special music]

Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are complex disorders that are characterized by a variety of difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. Therefore a group of individuals with autism or autism spectrum disorder can be in a room and each one of them will differ in personality, communication capability, and even sensory sensitivity. According to science research, the causes of autism/ASD are unknown, and there are no cures. These disorders are so common that 1 in 50 school-aged children are diagnosed with autism and/or autism spectrum disorder. Interestingly enough, one of the common factors of autism and other related disorders is that many parents, who face innumerable challenges dealing with the disorders, rely solely on their faith to bring them through their journeys.

Lifted: X's & O's

pastorquis@gmail.com (Marquis Johns) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 21:58:37 -0400

Before every game, coaches and players go through a game plan. This is especially important if the they've never played the opposing team. To have a chance at winning, they need to know their opponent's strengths and weaknesses. They develop this knowledge by studying their opponents, by spending time looking at footage from several games, and developing an understanding of how the other team plays. They then adapt their game plan to counter what their opponents will bring. For example, if the opposing team has a strong running game, they know they need to focus on protecting the line, not sacking the quarterback, or preventing deep throws down the field. If the opposing team has strong perimeter shooters, they don't prepare to defend post plays.

As we prepare to fight for the community around us, we too have to develop a game plan. We need to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the people we are trying to reach. This will allow us the best opportunity to reach them - to win them for the Master.

If they lack education, what will we do? If they are struggling with poverty, how can we help? If they haven't experienced love, how can we show them it exists? If they don't believe God is real, what's our counter-attack?

Come out to Lifted this Sabbath afternoon, April 20, at 6pm, as we start developing our game plan, as we put together the X's and O's we will need to win this game. This will be the first of several sessions we'll hold where we learn and practice our plays. As with professional sports teams where developing the game plan is an interactive process - coaches make suggestions and players discuss how they can work together to implement them - we too will have an interactive process where we can develop our strategies.

By the way, the advantage that we have over the Redskins or Lakers or <insert your favorite team here> is that we've got the best Coach in the business. He's won all the championships that count. He's given us a playbook full of offensive plays that are unstoppable, and defensive strategies that folk can't get by. With Him, victory is assured. Let's go out and win our community for Him!

Metropolitan 5k Run / Walk

info@metrosda.org (Metro Blogger) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 07:02:55 -0400

WE'VE POSTPONED OUR 5K BECAUSE OF WEATHER. NEW DATE: JUNE 2.

The festivities will start at 8:00 a.m. Registration costs are $30 for adults and $15 for youth (16 and under); seniors are $25. We also have a special family rate - $60 for a family of 4. Register online or download a registration form today! Online registration will end at 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29; in-person registration will continue until race day. All race participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt.

The starting line is at the Green Meadows Community Park Building at 6301 Sligo Parkway, Hyattsville, MD 20782. Check-in is at 7:30 a.m. and race start is 8:00 a.m. Prizes will be awarded based on the following categories: top male and female ages 5 - 15, 16 - 35, 36 - 50 and 50+ (total of 8). Awards for the 5k will be announced after the race, at the church, at 11:00 a.m.

Post race activities include FREE snacks and refreshments for all participants. There will be health seminars, and smoothies and healthy brunch food and drinks for sale. This will take place at the church while race results are tabulated.

We need RACE DAY VOLUNTEERS to help with the following: registration, race-set up, refreshment and water stations and course patrol. If you'd like to volunteer, sign up today!

This 5k is the first of several events that we will host as we celebrate Metropolitan's 40th year of existence! Come on out - let's celebrate.

Here is the course map (click on the map to see a larger version):

For more information, email us at 5k@metrosda.org. Remember - register online today (download a registration form), or if you don't want to walk or run, be a volunteer!

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

melissa.e.andrews@gmail.com (Melissa Andrews) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:18:19 -0400

On Sabbath, April 27, we're hosting our first "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" of the year. How does it work? It's really easy!!! You choose whether you / your family want to be a guest, or host, or both. You'll complete the appropriate form (guests - click here; hosts - click here). It's fine to complete both forms.

Members of the Family Life Department will make the matches, based on the information provided by the guests and hosts. During the week of April 21, we will contact all of the hosts and let them know how many people they will be hosting, but not who they will be hosting. On April 27, the guests will be given the addresses of their hosts. It's a wonderful opportunity to make some new friends.

If you have questions, email us at info@metrosda.org or see Cheryl Ottley or Melissa Andrews.

G.E. Peters 2013 Spring Constituency Meeting

info@metrosda.org (Metro Blogger) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 10:58:20 -0400

All Metropolitan membere are invited to attend the G.E. Peters Adventist School's 2013 Constituency meeting on Sunday, May 19 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will take place at the school (6303 Riggs Rd, Hyattsville, MD) in the general purpose room. The following reports will be presented to attendees, and there will be time for questions and answers:

School Board Chair’s Report
Principal’s Report
Finance Committee Report
Subcommittee Reports

Please take advantage of this opportunity to find out what's happening at our school. If you have questions or need additional information, please call the school at 301-559-6710.

3ABN Program Features Metro Pastor and Members

melissa.e.andrews@gmail.com (Melissa Andrews) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 22:37:38 -0400

Many of you may not be aware, but one of the things Pastor Johns does in his spare time is function as the host of a 3ABN / Dare to Dream Network program called The New Journey. The New Journey shows how encounters with Jesus can turn people's lives around, often in dramatic, unexpected ways. Many of the participants have spent time in prison. Others have experienced significant hardship in their lives.

Pastor Johns started hosting the show in March 2012. As he prepared to film his second season, he was able to convince 3ABN that our own Metropolitan Media Ministries could do the production of the program here at Metropolitan. In September and October of last year, we saw that happen. 13 episodes of The New Journey were recorded at Metro, during two Lifted programs and on two Sundays. In addition, four of our members - Orlando Boyd, Darren Cumberbatch, Bernard Thompson and Kenneth Ambrose (now deceased) were interviewed by Pastor Johns as guests on the program. The interview with Mr. Ambrose is especially heartfelt, as it includes his children near the end of it.

Pastor Johns' second season of The New Journey began airing this April. You can see the program every day at http://d2dnetwork.tv - click Watch - at 3:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 8:00 p.m. Here is the schedule of participants for the rest of April:

Daniel McManus - April 6, 19

Kenneth Ambrose* - April 7, 20

Bernard Thompson* - April 8, 21

Darren Cumberbatch* - April 9, 22

Ross Warner - April 10, 23

Shantel Smith - April 11, 24

Samuel Young - April 12, 25

Orlando Boyd* - April 13, 26

Carlos Gomez - April 14, 27

James Jones - April 15, 28

Keith Johnson - April 16, 29

Rainbow Israel - April 17, 30

Wilhelmina Cobb - April 18

*indicates Metropolitan members

Lifted: Stranger Things

info@metrosda.org (Metro Blogger) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 22:45:43 -0400

We typically find ourselves embroiled in deep discussions - even arguments - with people of our own faith family about church reform. In these strange days, how about instead of arguing about how church culture is and what it needs, we work on CREATING culture? Strange Days call for us to do Strange Things...Let's rediscover the Gospel instead of focusing on worship style. Let's become such a light in this community that if we left town, we’d be sorely missed.

Join us this Saturday afternoon for a special edition of LIFTED at 6pm with Pastor Marquis Johns.

Volunteer for VBS 2013: We're Going to Athens!

preciousjeuelle@gmail.com (Jeuelle Ottley Sam) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:25:10 -0400

Following up on the huge blessing of BABYLON VBS last summer, the MetroKidz team is happy to present “Athens VBS: Paul’s Dangerous Journey to Share the Truth” this summer from July 15th to July 19th. Families step back in time at Athens, exploring some of the adventures the Apostle Paul faced. Kids and adults participate in a memorable Bible-times Marketplace, sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, dig into Bible-times snacks, visit Paul, and collect Bible Memory Makers to remind them of God’s Word. Plus, everyone learns to look for evidence of God all around them through something called God Sightings. Each day concludes at Celebration—a time of upbeat worship that gets everyone involved.

Kids and adults at Athens VBS will join nearly a million participants reaching out to needy kids through a hands-on mission project called Operation Kid-to-Kid, in which families will send photos and personalized Bible coloring books to children in India.

The MetroKidz team is looking for volunteers to support their staff during this exciting program. There are many opportunities to volunteer including acting in dramas/skits, working as a craft teacher in the marketplace, singing and leading worship with the Celebration team, preparing and serving authentic Greek food in the marketplace and leading out in the Arena Games. There are also many opportunities to support "behind the scenes", by joining the decoration team or donating supplies or money. Sign up to volunteer today!

March 30 Announcements

info@metrosda.org (Metro Blogger) — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 06:04:37 -0400

Read this week's announcements. Looking for the bulletin or want to submit an announcement online? Click here.

March 23 Announcements

info@metrosda.org (Metro Blogger) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 22:24:56 -0400

Read this week's announcements. Looking for the bulletin or want to submit an announcement online? Click here.

Metro Supports Autism

info@metrosda.org (Metro Blogger) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 20:52:27 -0400

April is Autism Awareness Month. The Metropolitan Seventh-day Adventist Church is pleased to host an hour of spiritual encouragement for families affected by autism or Asperber's Syndrome on Saturday, April 6 at 4:30 p.m. Pastor Brenda Billingy will share words of affirmation and hope with parents and caregivers. Childcare will be provided so that you may fully benefit from the program. Light refreshments will be served. All members of our community are welcome - you do not have to be affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. We encourage you to RSVP to 240-620-2371 or CherAndAssociates@gmail.com, so that we may provide adequate childcare.

This event is sponsored by F.A.C.E. (Facing Autism with Children Everywhere - facethemovement.org), Moore Communication Connections and Spectrum Support Group, in conjunction with the Metropolitan Church.