Good Friday Service: The Seven Last Sayings of Jesus Christ

Posted on April 18, 2014 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Worshipers celebrating Good Friday during the community-wide Seven Last Sayings of Jesus Christ service have another place to go and give this year! In addition to the special church service today at noon, April 18, at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Eatonville (Kennedy Boulevard) and St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church in Orlando (Bruton Boulevard) , St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Orlando (Fred L. Maxwell Boulevard) will also host the service sponsored by the African-American Council of Christian Clergy. Leaders are asking people to bring non-perishable food items such as canned and dry goods to help stock Orange County School District’s Food Pantry . . . for students who may be homeless or just don’t have food at home. Happy Good Friday!

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Come Good Friday, there will be some Good Preaching.

That’s when local congregations will gather together for a special program called the “Seven Last Sayings of Jesus Christ.”

The program, sponsored by the African-American Council of Christian Clergy (AACCC), will be held this Friday, March 29, at two locations: Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Eatonville and St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church in Orlando.

Starting at noon, somewhere in between the worship and praise, seven preachers at each location will share scriptures on events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the words he uttered from the cross.

This type of program has been held for many years and is well attended, organizers say. It started at Macedonia, where Willie C Barnes is the pastor. When extra chairs, the balcony and the overflow room filled up, a second location was later selected: St. Mark, where Terence Gray is the Pastor.

This year, the AACCC (led by its…

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Easter Holiday Greeting from Orlando Community News

Posted on April 18, 2014 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Oh, What Love! God has for All of Us! 

“But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us.”

– Romans 5:8 (Amplified Version, The Holy Bible)

Just as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ (Christmas), we can celebrate his death

On the table, wine, bitter herb, lamb and boiled egg. Similar to a Jewish Passover meal, this represents Jesus' last supper with his disciples. For Christians, the Thursday before Easter Sunday is known as Maundy Thursday and usually ends with foot washing. Photo by: Reginald B. Johnson Sr., Pastor, Historic New Bethel A.M.E. Church, Ormond Beach, FL

On the table: wine, bitter herb, lamb and boiled egg. Similar to a Jewish Passover meal, this represents Jesus’ last supper with his disciples. For Christians, the Thursday before Easter Sunday is known as Maundy Thursday and usually ends with foot washing. Photo courtesy of Reginald B. Johnson Sr., Pastor, Historic New Bethel A.M.E. Church, Ormond Beach, FL

(Easter/Resurrection) because we believe he fulfilled the purpose God had for his life — to redeem man back to himself. Believe that God raised him from the dead with all power in his hands. Believe that he will return for his church, those that believe in him. (If you don’t believe, think about this: Miracles happen everyday. You don’t have to look very far to know that.)

This man, Jesus, is special – God’s only begotten son. John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” To believe in him, you believe in who he is. In John 14:6, Jesus says, “…I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

My greeting is also an invitation to get to know this Jesus, personally, for yourself. To accept him in your heart, according to the scriptures: ”That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

It’s an open invitation that you can accept wherever you are. Pray and confess to God, that you believe the miracle, which is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Now you can truly celebrate Easter! I also recommend that you connect or re-connect yourself with a local Christ-centered church so that you can learn how to live for God and lead others to Christ.

Happy Easter. Happy Resurrection.

 

 

© Orlando Community News, 2014

 

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Election Connection: Run-off Election for Orlando District 5 Commission Seat

Posted on April 9, 2014 by OrlandoCommunityNews

As the dust settles from the General Election in the City of Orlando,  two candidates continue their campaign to face off in a May 6 run-off election for District 5 Commissioner: E. Juan Lynum and Regina Hill. ejuanlynum

Lynum, son of retiring District 5 Commissioner Daisy Lynum, got right around 39 percent of the total number of votes, while Hill got roughly 37 percent.  Basically, Lynum, an attorney, got 36 more votes than Hill, a home nurse.

Thirty-six. That is another reminder that every vote counts. reginahill4

The third candidate in the race, Cynthia Harris, who runs a non-profit organization, ended up with close to 24 percent of the votes.

Members of the Orlando City Council are Mayor, elected at-large, and six city commissioners who elected from respective districts. All are elected for four-year terms. There are no term limits.

District 5 is home to some of Orlando’s oldest communities: Parramore, Rock Lake, Malibu, Clear Lake, Ivey Lane, Lake Sunset, the Willows and Mercy Drive. The District is also home to Jones High School, Nikki’s Place Restaurant, the Amway Events Center, the Florida Citrus Bowl and the new Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center (opening in the fall).

© Orlando Community News, 2014
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Election Connection: City of Orlando District 5 – Today, April 8

Posted on April 8, 2014 by OrlandoCommunityNews

 

April 8, 2014 (Orlando) — It’s going down in the City of Orlando today, as residents in District 5 select their commissioner. One thing’s for sure, each one of the candidates have very different personalities and bring very different skill sets to the table. The key here is voter turnout. There are about 40,000 people living in the district and about half are registered to vote, according to reports. Many people stay home during mid-term election years…when just about every other political office except the U.S. Presidency is voted on, especially local and state offices.

But locally, residents vote on representatives and issues that more closely affect them and their families’ livelihood.

In this race, current District 5 Commissioner Daisy Lynum abruptly announced her ejuanlynumretirement in February, after serving in the position for 16 years and paying the filing fees to run again. Shortly after that, her son, E. Juan Lynum, jumped into the race which already had two other candidates: Cynthia Harris and Regina Hill.

All sorts of allegations have been tossed around in the local media about the candidates’ Cynthia Harris (21)1legal residence, background and experience.

Today is the day voters get to speak up and voice their opinion, by voting.

Depending on where they live, voters will cast ballots in one of four polling places: Rock Lake Community Center, 440 N. Tampa Ave.; John H. Jackson Community Center, 1002 Carter St.; Orlando Fire Station 12, 1588 Park Center Drive; or Northwest Community Center, 3955 W.D. Judge Drive. reginahill4

Polls are open today until 7 p.m.

If no candidate earns more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two would compete in a runoff on May 6.

The District is home some of Orlando’s oldest communities: Parramore, Rock Lake, Malibu, Clear Lake, Ivey Lane, Lake Sunset, the Willows and Mercy Drive. The District is home to Jones High School, Nikki’s Place Restaurant, the Amway Events Center, the Florida Citrus Bowl and the new Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center (opening in the fall).

 

© Orlando Community News, 2014
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All Hands On Deck: Habitat for Humanity Needs You

Posted on March 3, 2014 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Pine Hills, FL — Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando Area and Orange County needs you.

They are looking for volunteers to help them with their “Fixing Up the Neighborhood” (F.U.N.) project which started today, Monday, March 3 and will continue this week through Friday, March 7.

During the project, which is part of Habitat of Greater Orlando’s Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative (NRI), 450 volunteers will help paint and make minor exterior repairs to 22 homes in the Meadowbrook Acres community in five days. This project is open to groups and individuals ages 16 and older.

Here is how you can get involved:

Show up and meet with other volunteers from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Dwarf Lake, 3921 Westgate Road, Orlando, FL 32808. Dress appropriately to paint or do minor repairs.

For more information, contact Jennifer Gallagher, the group’s Director of Community Outreach. Email: jgallagher@habitat-orlando.org. Phone: (407) 648-4567.

© Orlando Community News, 2014
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Election Connection: Local Elections Coming Soon – Registered?

Posted on February 12, 2014 by OrlandoCommunityNews

It’s often said that people who don’t vote, lose their voice when it comes to who they want in public offices and what they want their representatives to do when they get into those offices. Before going to the election polls and voting, you have to be registered. Save time and frustrustion: If you have moved – update your records with your local election’s office before election day.

Here is a list of some important election deadlines, specifically within Orange County.

(Source: Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office website)

  • Orlando General Election – April 8
    • Voter registration deadline: March 10. Deadline to request an absentee ballot to be mailed (registered voters): 5 p.m. on April 2. 
  • Eatonville General Election – March 1
    • Registration closed. If you are registered and you want to vote by absentee ballot, you have until 5 p.m. on February 23rd to request a ballot to be mailed to you.
  • Municipal Election Day – March 11
    • For Apopka, Belle Isle, Edgewood, Maitland, Winter Garden and Winter Park
      • Registration closed. If you are registered and you want to vote by absentee ballot, you have until 5 p.m. on March 5 to request a ballot to be mailed to you.
  • House District 44 Special Primary Election- March 11
    • Registration closed. If you are registered and you want to vote by absentee ballot, you have until 5 p.m. on March 5 to request a ballot to be mailed to you.

Find more details at the elections office website: http://www.orangecountyvotes.com.

 

© Orlando Community News, 2014
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Election Connection: Commissioner’s Son Files to Run in Same Race

Posted on February 9, 2014 by OrlandoCommunityNews

February 8, 2014 (PINE HILLS, FL) — Since day one, the City of Orlando’s District 5 Commission race has been dramatic, with two candidates running against long-time Commissioner Daisy Lynum.

There are about two months left in the race and judging from recent news reports, it has turned into something like a TV reality show, especially with Lynum’s son filing Friday to run, in the same race. E. Juan Lynum said there would be only one Lynum name on the ballot, according to news reports. It has not been confirmed who will actually stay in the race. Commissioner Lynum had just paid the qualifying fee for the race on last week, reports say. ejuanlynum

The city’s General Election will take place on Tuesday, April 8, for city commission districts 1,3 and 5. The other two incumbent commissioners Jim Gray (District 1) and Robert F. Stuart (District 3) will not face any opposition. (The qualifying period to run ended on Friday).

E. Juan Lynum, an attorney, ran unsuccessfully for the Orange County Commission in 2006.

As it stands, according to the City Clerk’s office, four candidates have qualified to be on the ballot for City Commissioner, District 5: Cynthia Harris, Daisy Lynum, E. Juan Lynum and Regina Hill.

In other 2014 local election news:

  • Val Demings, former City of Orlando Police Chief, is not the last person to announce their candidacy for Orange County Mayor. According to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office, Christopher John Barros filed to run also on January 29. He lists himself as the treasurer of his campaign on the elections office website. That bumps the number of people running in the mayoral race to five, including incumbent Mayor Teresa Jacobs and Demings. The others are: Dunel A. Cadely and Nathaniel Wren Glover.  The Primary Election for this race (and all Orange County races) is August 26. 
  • For Orange County Commission District 2, candidate Patricia Rumph has qualified by petition to be on the ballot in August. She’s early; the qualifying period for all local county elections is June 16-20.
  • For Orange County Commission District 6, candidates Derrick Wallace and Virginia Whittington have qualified by petition to be on the ballot in August. 
  • For Orange County School District, Board Chair,  one candidate has stepped up to compete against incumbent Bill Sublette. Gene Vernon Hair of Oakland filed papers with the elections office on January 22. 

Stay connected: The Election Connection at Orlando Community News online.

Trish Martin
Email: trish.martin@att.net
© Orlando Community News, 2014
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Fathers Matter: How to be Better Dads

Posted on February 8, 2014 by OrlandoCommunityNews

February 8, 2014 (ORLANDO) — A group of fathers plan to get together this morning at 11 and talk about how to be better dads.  It may not seem like a big deal to some but for many, especially in the local African-American community, it is because many are searching for better ways to communicate with children and train them properly, to eventually live productive adult lives. This, no doubt,  can lead to stronger families and stronger communities.

The gathering will take place at the Northwest Community Center, 3955 W.D. Judge Dr., Orlando, FL 32808.

Called Fathers Matter, this gathering will give fathers a chance to discuss and take part in activities such as “Digital Integrity (Cell Phone Texting and Social Media,” “Birds and Bee’s with Daddy” and “Change Your Words, Change Your House.”

Sponsored by The Sanctuary Church (Pastor Justin Felton), the event is geared toward fathers but anyone, including single mothers and grandmothers as well as mentors, can benefit from attending this event, organizers say.

© Orlando Community News, 2014
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New Year, Changes in Central Florida Elections

Posted on January 12, 2014 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Val Demings is in. The former Orlando Police Chief, after much valdemingsfromfbpagespeculation, announced last week that she will vie for the Orange County Mayor position, currently held by Teresa Jacobs. Until now, there has been little fanfare about the top county public office up for grabs later this year. (The Primary Election is set for August 26 and the General Election is November 4).

In Orange County, seven elected members serve four-year terms on the Board of County Commissioners, including the mayor who is elected at large. The mayor and commissioners serve overlapping four-year terms. The mayor and commissioners for districts 2, 4, and 6 are elected during alternate years (2006, 2010, 2014) and commissioners for districts 1, 3, and 5 are elected in presidential election years (2008, 2012, 2016), according to the elections office. Jacobs, a former county commissioner, was first elected mayor in 2010.

This is going to be an interesting race. Jacobs has enjoyed receiving major endorsements and funding, especially in the last quarter, according to news reports. She also has enjoyed no strong competition since launching her campaign last April, with less than a handful of candidates, who have no prior political experience.

This is a non-partisan race, but Jacobs, a Republican, can expect Demings to gain the support of many of her Democratic voters and donors. There are still more registered Democrats than registered Republicans in the county. But there are also over 150,000 voters registered with no party affiliation.

Demings, married to Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings, announced her candidacy January 9 at Lake Eola Park in Orlando. She served as Orlando’s Police Chief from 2007 until she retired in the fall of 2011, after 27 years with the department.  She ran unsuccessfully for a congressional seat in 2012.

In other local election news:

  • Another candidate has filed to run for Orange County Commission, District 2: Prince Brown. He also lists himself as Treasurer of the campaign. That brings the total number running for the seat to six. The seat is currently held by Commissioner Fred Brummer, who will reach the term limit this year.
  • For the District 6 seat, one candidate withdrew: Joshua Paladino. That decreases the total number running to five. The seat is currently held by Commissioner Tiffany Moore Russell, who will also reach the term limit this year. She is running for Orange County Clerk of Courts.
© Orlando Community News, 2014
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2013 in review

Posted on January 3, 2014 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Thank you for your continuous support. Please remember to share this good news and information with others! God bless you! -Trish Martin, Founder & Editor. The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2013 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 4,100 times in 2013. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 3 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

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