Calling All Youth Step Groups: Big Step Show on June 27 in Orlando

Posted on June 11, 2015 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Parents, church youth leaders and community leaders! Here’s an opportunity for your young people to have a little fun this summer and show off their stepping skills. WOKB-1680 AM Radio is putting on its 1st Annual Step Show on Saturday, June 27, at Frontline Outreach in Orlando. The step show, themed “Go Hard or Go Home,” will feature step dancers from local middle and high schools as well as area churches. The show starts at 6 p.m. and admission is: $10 for anyone age 6 and older and $5 for ages 5 and under. Proceeds to benefit a worth while organization. Frontline Outreach is located at 3000 C.R. Smith Street, Orlando, FL 32805. Call (407) 293-9652 to sign up or get more information.

© Orlando Community News, 2015
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Walking and Praying: Churches On Move for Reconciliation

Posted on May 22, 2015 by OrlandoCommunityNews

 

open-praying-hands-drawing-662769_origPeople frequently ask, ‘Where’s the church?’ during social upheaval/racial tension as we see going on now throughout our country. Well, some pastors at several churches west of downtown Orlando, have decided to gather together, to walk in unity and to pray together.

The Prayer Walk, planned for Saturday, May 23 at 8 a.m., will start at First Baptist Church of Orlando (3000 South John Young Parkway, Orlando, FL 32805). The goal is to “impact the community by making the hope of Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God first through the proclamation of the gospel and the invitation to experience new life in Jesus Christ,” according to organizers.

Seven pastors – Derrick L. McRae (The Experience Christian Center), David Uth (First Baptist Orlando), Allen Wiggins (The Hope Church), Kelvin Cobaris (The Impact Church), David Jacques (The Kingdom Church), Leroy Rose III (New Covenant Baptist Church) and Jimmy King II (Proclamation Church), plan to stop at each church for prayer.

The walk, covering a six-mile route, will end with a time of joint worship at the Student Center of First Baptist Orlando, according to organizers from the Experience Christian Center.

“We can no longer read the devastating news headlines, look into the pews of our congregations directly affected and not unite with neighboring churches to support each other in such a perilous time. Our faith binds us and our community needs to see us come together,” said Pastor McRae, who is hosting a free gospel concert later Saturday evening at Jones High School.

Anyone can take part in the Prayer Walk and parking is available at the start of the event and along the way at the individual prayer sites. Bus or van transportation will be available to those not able to walk the entire way.

 

© Orlando Community News, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Good Grades Equals New Car For Apopka Student

Posted on May 14, 2015 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Good stuff! Nadidra Phipps of Apopka High School on last Saturday won a new Honda Fit from Holler Honda in Orlando. She was one of 10 scholar students with top grades in Orange or Seminole high schools selected as finalists for the Honda Fit for College Program. She picked the key that started the car.

Also, Winter Springs High School student Brecca Miller won a $1,000 book scholarship as a part of the program, according to the program’s Facebook page. All finalists got Apple watches and other prizes during the grand finale. Five finalist from each county qualified by earning great grades on their report cards.

hondafitchallengewinner

 

© Orlando Community News, 2015

 

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Guest Editorial: Social Media Etiquette

Posted on May 7, 2015 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Editor’s Note: Parents: School’s out soon. You’re most likely in the midst of planning for summer camps of all sorts and vacation for your child(ren). That’s great! What about what they are doing online (when they say they are ‘bored’)? More specifically: what are they posting on social media via their cell phones or their laptops at home? Orlando-based Communications Guru Wendy Gustama agreed to share a recent discussion she had with some young people at her church on Social Media Etiquette. I thought these tips would be helpful for the entire family, but especially for young people. Thank you Wendy! This is one of OCN’s occasional Guest Editorials.

What does your online presence say about you?

wendygustamaRecently, I was given the privilege to speak to my church youth group about social media etiquette. From a professional standpoint, communications is what I do. In the spiritual sense, I also consider myself a devoted woman of God. But putting the two together? Though it was a tough task, it wasn’t impossible.

Here are some tips that I shared with the teens that evening:

  • Your Name. Throughout the Bible, we see that names mean more than what we are called. In some cases it defines one’s purpose (Matthew 1:21) and in others, signifies authority (Exodus 5:23). Our profile names may be something we take lightly, but in addition to a first impression, it sends a strong message on how we see ourselves. My rule of thumb: keep it simple and either go with the name your parents gave you or something respectful. No need for @DaRealist407 or @FlyChick89 (for example).
  • Your Profile Photo. Remember how we were taught to not judge a book by its cover? Although we are called not to judge others, we can’t control how others think. And for that reason, it’s important to make sure your profile photo is appropriate. Even the full body photo of yourself – replicated three times side-by-side – can give off the wrong impression. For a safe profile picture, imagine your graduation photo … without the awkward tilt of your head, of course.
  • Your Posts. When in doubt, don’t post it. Often times we feel that if we don’t share something it’s the end of the world. Let me assure you that your evening at Chipotle still happened even if you don’t Snapchat your meal. If your pastor, parents or future college admissions director would cringe at a particular post, consider taking it down.

 

  • Your Time. If you’re checking your news feed and timelines before brushing your teeth, we’ve got a problem. I won’t preach about an ideal time to spend on social media, but what I will say is that balance is essential. Social media is not the bad guy, but if it gets to a point where we’re putting it before God, it’s time to reevaluate how we’re approaching this medium.

 

  • Your Friends. Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33. In other words, and I’ll use another quote “you can’t keep a clean reputation hanging around messy people (Anonymous).” This holds true for real life and virtual connections.

 

Whether someone meets us in-person or find themselves perusing through our social media platforms, they should be able to recognize the character of Christ. Since you have the power to post, like, comment and share, YOU control what people see.

So, what does your online presence say about you? 

© Orlando Community News, 2015
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Second Quarter 2015 Focus: Family

Posted on April 22, 2015 by OrlandoCommunityNews
Photo credits: Top Row, Second from Left  – Angelo Davis. Top Row, Third from Left – www.PhotobyRhonda.com

At the end of the day, especially a rough one, what you have is your faith in God and the love and support of your family and close friends. Can I get a witness? We talked about and focused on Prayer in the first quarter, so in this quarter (Q2/2015) , we will highlight activities for and accomplishments of families – from the community. The goal is for everyone to stay connected or reconnect with their family. God gave us our families; let’s continue to be good stewards over them. Some people are blessed to have their mothers, fathers, grandparents; siblings and spouses, for instance  – still with them. As believers, we have to remember that everyone in the family has a responsibility to the family, even children (Read Ephesians 6:1-4 and Ephesians 5: 22-33) It’s my belief that strong families make strong communities. In such a time as this, we need stronger neighborhoods/communities. So what’s good family? Submit your family’s good news to: Trish Martin at orlandocommunitynews@gmail.com. (Family could be immediate or extended.) Thanks and God Bless! -Trish Martin

© Orlando Community News, 2015
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In Remembrance of Him: Seven Last Sayings of Christ From the Cross

Posted on April 3, 2015 by OrlandoCommunityNews

It has become an annual “must worship experience” around this time in Central Florida: The Seven Last Sayings of Christ (From the Cross). The special worship program typiimagecally takes place on Good Friday from 12 to 3 p.m. to coincide with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and what scripture reveals he said from the cross. imagePreachers from the local community expound on Christ’s words and deliver powerful sermonettes, packed with new revelations of the same scriptures highlighted each year. It’s when Pastor Randolph Bracy Jr. (Retired, New Covenant Baptist Church, Orlando) paints the picture with words of the scene at Calvary and when he takes out his handkerchief and swats at another preachers bringing their messages real good. It’s when a soloist belts out the traditional  “Calvary” Gospel song until the people in the congregation rise to their feet and get happy (clap, dance and/or shout unto The Lord). It’s when Pastor Terence Gray (St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church, Orlando) talks back to whomever is preaching, shouting, “work!” While the Good Friday program got started locally at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Eatonville (Pastor Willie C Barnes), it or some variation of it has spread throughout Central Florida. This year it will not only be held at Macedonia in Eatonville but at other churches including St. Mark and St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Orlando (Pastor Rolous Frazier Jr.). Several other churches such as The Truth Nation Church, Orlando (Pastor Andre Williams) will host a Seven Last Sayings of Jesus Christ program in the evening around 7. Over the past several years members of the local ministerial alliance – African American Council of Christian Clergy – have participated in some sort of community outreach as a part of the Seven Last Sayings of Christ worship. This year the focus is on stopping illiteracy. In the past, participating churches collected non- perishable food items to stock pantries at local schools for students and their families, most likely homeless and often with little or no food. Here are several of the  locations for Seven Last Sayings of Christ – Good Friday worship: Macedonia: 412 E. Kennedy Boulevard, Eatonville, FL 32751 St. Mark: 1968 Bruton Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32805 St. John: 30 Fred L. Maxwell Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32805 The Truth Nation Churxh, 6831 Edgewater Commerce Parkway, Orlando, FL 31810. Check your local church for other Seven Last Saying of Christ and Easter /Resurrection Sunday events.

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Bridging the Gap Community Forum April 9

Posted on April 2, 2015 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Florida Community Outreach (FCO) is sponsoring a forum April 9 for community leaders, business owners/operators and residents to get together and talk about resources available in the community. Get there! Get involved! You never know: The help you need may be right around the corner from you.

The forum, held from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., will be held at the Soiree Event and Conference Center. The forum will include topics such as Hospice, Addition & Mental Health, Life & Health Insurance; Economic Empowerment and Youth Empowerment. Featured sponsors include Vitas Health Group (Casman Flowers) and Gospel Radio WOKB 1680AM (Shanti Persaud).

For more information, call (407) 810-6520.

 

© Orlando Community News, 2015

 

 

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Four Vie for Eatonville Mayor Job

Posted on March 7, 2015 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Charles Bargaineer, Anthony Grant and Alvin Moore all want Eatonville Mayor Bruce Mount’s position. But voters will decide on Saturday, March 7, who will be mayor in the town’s General and Special Election.

If you are a registered voter in the town, don’t forget to exercise your right and responsibility to vote on Saturday.

The election, which also includes town commission seats 2, 3 and 5, will take place at Eatonville’s Town Hall, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The mayor and commissioners serve three-year terms. The special election is for seat 5, which is open for an unexpired term with two years left.

This is an interesting mayoral race with the four men running to serve the small town of about 2,000, north of Orlando, nestled between Winter Park and Maitland. Mount beat long-term mayor Grant several years ago for the seat and now Grant is running against him to get it back.

In other Eatonville news: the town, alongside Mayor Mount, is mourning the loss of his wife Winifred K. Mount, who passed earlier this week. Her Home-going  celebration will be held 11 a.m. – also on Saturday, at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church.

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World Day of Prayer

Posted on March 5, 2015 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Source: TheReason4HopeFriday, March 6, is World Day of Prayer and some churches around Central Florida plan to be open throughout the day and well into the evening for people to come in and pray. Yes, there are several “days” of prayer worldwide and in the United States, designated by various groups, on different days each year. (Check your local church for this WDP participation and hours.)

That’s Ok. Scripture says that men should always pray, that we should pray without ceasing. Good reason too: With all that’s going on in the world, we all need God – at all times.

Wikipedia describes World Day of Prayer as a Christian laymen’s initiative. “It is run under the motto “Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action,” and is celebrated annually in over 170 countries on the first Friday in March. The movement aims to bring together women of various races, cultures and traditions in a yearly common Day of Prayer, as well as in closer fellowship, understanding and action throughout the year.”

© Orlando Community News, 2015
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Gathered Together to Pray and Reflect on the Lives of Men Who Made a Difference

Posted on February 9, 2015 by OrlandoCommunityNews
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U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black at 24th Annual Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast

About a thousand or so people showed up for the 24th Annual Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast at First Baptist Church of Orlando.

Held on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, the prayer breakfast sold out again this year, according to Roberta F. Walton, president of the Southwest Orlando Jaycees which co-sponsored the event with the YMCA of Central Florida.

The breakfast has become a staple in the area with people from various backgrounds, cultures, races and faiths gathering to commemorate the life of Dr. King and Kennedy, Orlando’s first Black elected official.

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Rev. Randolph Bracy, Jr.

This year’s event featured keynote guest speaker Rear Admiral Barry C. Black (Ret.) – U.S. Senate Chaplain, various prayers, addresses from local public officials, gospel songs; tributes as well as award presentations.

Congratulations to Rev. Randolph Bracy Jr., honored during the prayer breakfast as the 2015 Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Hard to list all that he’s accomplished as a leader in our community and abroad. Many know him as co-founder and retired pastor of New Covenant Baptist Church of Orlando, past president of the Orange County NAACP and other local organizations.

Four students were awarded scholarships at a part of the event: Samuel Santiago, Colonial High School, Joshua Willliams, Edgewater High School; Winifred C. McKendrick II, Lake Mary High School and Shayla Rhodes, Maynard Evans High School.

From this editor’s seat, the breakfast was over the top with good feelings and fellowship. To top it all off, Chaplain Black, who has served as guest speaker at the breakfast before, delivered a Sunday morning message that caused many in the audience to put down their forks early to listen.

Looking across the audience shortly after taking the stage, he commented that the event was really a worship experience, with Sisaundra Lewis kicking off the event with an upbeat gospel tune.

Black shared his memories in the 60’s trying to fight for equality and told of the institution that resisted the most – the church. To say he said a mouthful would be an understatement.  He quoted and recited several of Dr. King’s speeches, saying people forget that civil rights leader was also a Baptist preacher.

The main thing that stuck out in my mind from the message was this: As children of God, we are called to love and respect one another. We have to stand for justice for all. Make a positive difference in our sphere of influence.

Leave this earth better than we found it. Amen.

© Orlando Community News, 2015
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