Renowned Gospel Artist Karen Clark Sheard Returns to Orlando for Christmas Concert

Posted on December 7, 2023 by OrlandoCommunityNews

December 7, 2023 (Orlando) – Good God! After Karen Clark Sheard and her sisters (members of The Legendary Clark Sisters) in October graced the CFE Federal Credit Union Arena (UCF arena), Sheard is coming back to the Orlando area tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 8! She is the guest gospel artist for the King of Glory concert, sponsored by Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church and held at Calvary Orlando, 1199 Clay Street, Winter Park, 32789.

The King of Glory concert is a long standing Christmas production in Central Florida, celebrating the birth of Christ Jesus – God’s gift to the world. It’s a 35-year-old live production, with a 100-plus cast of singers and musicians, according to organizers at Macedonia and Pastor Willie C Barnes often says it is a gift to the entire community.

Indeed, having Karen Clark Sheard here as the guest artist is a gift, a treat! The world renowned, anointed “sisters” got nothing but positive feedback on social media about their ministry at the UCF event as a part of the nationwide Reunion Tour: Kirk Franklin, The Clark Sisters, Israel Houghton, David and Tamela Mann and Tye Tribbett.

Sheard, a four-time Grammy Award winning gospel artist, is known for her unique multi-octave powerful voice. She recently released a single with rave reviews, “Send it Down”, on her family’s own record label, Karew Records. (Daughter Kierra Sheard-Kelly and The Clark Sisters are on the company’s artist roster, according to reports.)

Sheard is the wife of Bishop J. Drew Sheard, presiding bishop of the Church of God in Christ organization. They are partners in ministry at Greater Emmanuel Institutional C.O.G.I.C. in Detroit, where he serves as pastor. They have two children music artists Kierra (a.k.a. KiKi) Sheard and J. Drew Sheard II; they also have some singing grandchildren, as well as a new granddaughter born to Kierra and her husband Jordan Kelly.

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Word For Fourth Quarter 2023: Purpose

Posted on November 2, 2023 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Have you ever wondered what your purpose was? I mean, have you ever pondered: ‘why am I here’ or ‘what was I created to do while living on this earth?’

Our Word or Nugget to hold on to for the Fourth Quarter is PURPOSE. If you feel your life has purpose, you will have hope for the future and you will do things to fulfill your purpose. That’s my encouragement to you for this last quarter of the year: be purposeful.

For believers in God, scripture teaches that we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (from Ephesians 2:10) To do good works – that’s purpose.

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God (worship Him with awe-fill reverence, knowing that He is Almighty God), and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14) To worship God and keep his commandments – that’s purpose.

In his bestselling book Purpose Driven Life, Pastor Rick Warren said: “Anything you do that brings pleasure to God is an act of worship.” The question is, “Will you make pleasing God the goal of your life. There is nothing God won’t do for the person totally absorbed with this goal.”

We can only know what pleases God (live on purpose) by hearing, reading and studying his Word. We grow in our faith by doing what he said. That gives us a sense of purpose. That gives us a sense of hope. It just feels good to know, I’m pleasing God! Holy Spirit reveals to us the paths to take to live a purposeful life.

I pray you know God and know your purpose in life – how to please God in your own life. And not just know it. I pray we all are sensitive to Holy Spirit in order to Live it out. Do what He said. I declare: We are purposeful and we are fruitful – for God’s glory. Amen.

Ephesians 2:10

Romans 8:28

II Timothy 1:9

Matthew 28:19

Matthew 6:33

Jeremiah 29:11

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City of Orlando: Early Voting Started

Posted on October 29, 2023 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Orlando – If you live in the City of Orlando and you are registered to vote, you can vote early now through Sunday, Nov. 5. Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Locations: Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office, 119 W. Kaley Street, Orlando, FL 32806. Alafaya Branch Library, 12000 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32826 and Valencia College-Lake Nona Campus, 12350 Narcoossee Road, Orlando, FL 32832.

What’s at stake: Office of Mayor. Voters will decide who will represent them as mayor or chief executive, for the next four years. Three people are challenging long-time Mayor Buddy Dyer who said this (his sixth term) will be his last, according to reports. He has been Orlando’s mayor since 2003. His contenders are: Samuel B. Ings, former Orlando city commissioner and Orlando Police Department veteran, personal trainer and business owner Tony Vargas and past Florida Senate candidate Steve Dixon.

Commission District Four seat. Two people are challenging long-time City Commissioner Patty Sheehan for her district four seat, which includes neighborhoods in the heart of downtown Orlando and the Mall at Millenia. She was first elected to the city council in 2000. Her contenders are: business owner Katie Koch and conservative talk show host Randy Ross.

Commission District Six seat. One person is challenging City Commissioner Bakari F. Burns for his district six seat, which includes neighborhoods in the southwest portion of the city (International Drive, MetroWest, Washington Shores and Carver Shores, along with Richmond Heights, for example). Burns is seeking his second term. His contender is: businessman and community activist Rufus Hawkins.

The mayor’s seat is voted on “at large,” meaning, every registered voter who lives in the city limits can vote for mayor. There are six city commission seats which are elected to legislate issues from respective districts. If you don’t know what district you reside in, contact the City Clerk’s office at (407) 246-2251.

Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 7.

For more election information, contact the elections office. https://www.ocfelections.com/

Orlando Community News, 2023
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City of Orlando Voters Gear Up for November 7 Election

Posted on October 9, 2023 by OrlandoCommunityNews

It’s election time if you live in the City of Orlando or in parts of Orange and Osceola counties.

In the city, voters will decide if they want to keep long-time Mayor Buddy Dyer or select a new mayor and to keep commissioners for districts 4 and 6 or get new ones. Early voting starts Oct. 28 and election day is Tuesday, Nov. 7. The deadline to register: this Tuesday, Oct. 10.

Mayor Dyer, along with Commissioner Patty Sheehan and Commissioner Bakari Burns all have contenders. Commissioner Tony Ortiz was re-elected without opposition, according to reports.

A Special Primary Election for Florida House of Representative District 35 will also be held on Nov. 7, with the same early voting start date and registration deadline date.

If you live the district, which covers most of Osceola County and a portion of Orange County (east), you should have received a sample ballot from the elections office with the names of people who want to represent YOU in the House of Representatives. Your ballot will be based on the political party for which you are registered. The seat belonged to Rep. Fred Hawkins, Republican, who resigned to become the president of the South Florida State College, according to reports.

If you need to know if you qualify to vote in either one of these elections or both, contact the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office: (407) 836-2070 or http://www.ocfelections.gov

IF you have questions about the City of Orlando election, contact the City Clerk: (407) 246-2251 or cityclerk@orlando.gov

Remember: the deadline to register to vote is this Tuesday, Oct. 10.

Orlando Community News, 2023

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Back to School Benefits and Tax Savings Wrapping Up

Posted on August 4, 2023 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Orlando – With most public schools in Central Florida opening up for students next week (Aug. 10), parents can still take advantage of back to school benefits and save money during Florida’s sales tax holiday which ends this weekend.

Here’s a list of upcoming events and details of the sales tax holiday:

  • Winter Garden: Back to School Bash. Saturday, Aug. 5, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Hosted by the City of Winter Garden. Winter Garden families can get free food and entertainment, right along with backpacks and other school supplies. While supplies last. Location: Zanders Park & Bouler Pool, 362 11th Street.
  • Eatonville: Back to School Community Resource Fair. Saturday, Aug. 5, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sponsored by the church, the resource fair will have giveaways – food, school supplies such as backpacks and computers. While supplies last. Location: 412 E. Kennedy Blvd. (Lias Fellowship Hall)
  • Lake Nona area: Back to School Bash. Saturday, Aug. 5, from 1 -3 p.m. School supplies, free hair cuts and music. Child must be present. First come, first served. Location: LIV Realty Inc., 10783 Narcoossee Road, Suite 113.
  • West Orlando/Pine Hills: Back 2 School Bash. Friday, Aug. 4, starting at 11 a.m. Registration on Eventbrite required and the event is for 4th and 5th graders only, according to organizers. Pre-filled backpacks, snacks and other gifts. Organizer: Daily Bread Distribution Center. Location: 2532 Silver Star Road.
  • East Orlando: 3rd Annual Back to School Festival. Saturday, Aug. 5, from 12 – 3 p.m. Day in park with games, food and a backpack giveaway. Sponsored by: The Outpouring Orlando. Location: Blanchard Park, 2451 N. Dean Road.
  • North Orlando/Rosemont: Annual Backpack Giveaway. Saturday, Aug. 5, from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Voices Community Outreach. Registration required. Location: Charity & Love, 4300 Clarcona Ocoee Road, Suite 101.

*These, of course, are not all events being held before school starts! This is just a list from various searches online (Google). Please reach out to individual organizations if you have any questions or concerns. All of the events listed are free. Registration maybe required. Supplies are available while they last.

Florida’s 2023-2024 Back to School Sales Tax Holiday runs through Sunday, Aug. 6. Parents: You can make certain purchases for your child or children and those items would be exempt from taxes. (Example: clothes, shoes, computers and school supplies.) A second tax exempt period will begin Monday, Jan. 1, 2024 and run for about two weeks through Sunday, Jan. 14. Contact the Department of Revenue for details. Click on Consumers tab at: https://floridarevenue.com/backtoschool/Pages/default.aspx

Orlando Community News, 2023

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Word For Third Quarter 2023: Faith

Posted on July 18, 2023 by OrlandoCommunityNews

From the Editor:

Now Faith.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things that which were seen were not made of things which do appear.” – Hebrews 11: 1-3 (KJV, Bible)

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” – Hebrews 11: 1-3 (NIV, Bible)

Our Word or Nugget for Third Quarter is Faith.

Exhortation: With everything going on in the world, (prophecy being fulfilled), it is my hope that everyone reading this puts their hope, their trust in God Almighty NOW and starts a new relationship with Our Heavenly Father – The Creator of All Things. Have Faith in God. He is the world’s only real hope. Also, my hope is also that those of us who have established a relationship with God, continue to trust him with all things, exercising and growing our Faith – share our faith (the hope that lies within us), help “the least of these” as Jesus Christ taught and live by Faith (in obedience to God).

This is foundational, but it’s needed. We’re hearing too often about people, young and old, leaving this earth, suddenly in many cases. We have to search ourselves, seek God and make sure that “we know that we know that we know” we are saved and have God’s promise of eternal life.

I pray Holy Spirit touch our ears to hear and our hearts to change. Amen, be blessed!

Hebrews 11: 6

II Corinthians 5:7

John 3: 16-18

Ephesians 11: 8-10

Galatians 2: 16

Romans 10: 17-18

Matthew 21: 21-22

Proverbs 3: 5-6

I John 5:14-15

Orlando Community News, 2023
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Mother’s Day 2023

Posted on May 14, 2023 by OrlandoCommunityNews

I really thought I could send a Mother’s Day greeting to all of the special mothers in my life – a phone call, text, Facebook Live post with tags – something. That didn’t work: it’s too many of ya’ll!

So right now, I’m sending a blessing on this Mother’s Day to ALL mothers – on every level, naturally and spiritually. To those of you who are near and dear to my heart: you know who you are! (Mommy, I hope you enjoyed today!) You are blessed. You are loved and appreciated. Thanks for all that you have done and continue to do – for your children, grandchildren and in some cases, great grandchildren as well as other people’s children, like in your neighborhood, local school, church or extended family.

We see you sacrificing for your children everyday and in just about every way. Thank you and please continue because in today’s world, your love and positive influence is NEEDED!

May God bless you real good and keep you in his care!

I also lift a prayer to our Heavenly Father for those who are remembering their mothers who have passed. I pray for your strength to celebrate her anyway. Reflect on the good memories and lessons learned through your mother. If need be, ask God to lead you to another mother, like a family member or even a church mother, who can help you along the way.

Mothers are special in God’s eyes! Today, I heard two great messages on a mother’s significance: “The Divine Gift of Motherhood” from Luke 1: 26-38 through Rev. Jerrold Smith at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church and “A Holy Ghost Filled Mother” from Luke 2: 41-52 through Pastor Reginald B. Johnson at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in DeLand. You can check out the messages online, either on Facebook on those church pages or on YouTube. No coincidence that both messages centered around Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ. She was highly favored and she cared so much for her son that when he went missing at age 12, she was the one to question why he left without telling them (she and Joseph) where he was going. Yes, the message was good!

Check out both messages – you will be blessed!

Happy Mother’s Day!

– Trish Marshall, Founder and Editor

My Mother

Orlando Community News, 2023
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Word for Second Quarter 2023: Continue

Posted on April 4, 2023 by OrlandoCommunityNews

From Editor: Who knew that we would add on to our Word for the Year (which is Joy/Great Joy) and have quarterly nuggets to help us throughout the year? God doesn’t always give us a heads up and he doesn’t have to check with us first when he does something in our lives! So here we go:

Thanks be to God for giving us a new day, a new month – brand new mercies and new grace today! We have entered into a new quarter, the second quarter of the year. Thank you Lord!

I pray that we all continue with God. Continue to Trust in God. Continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Continue in love (love the Lord your God with everything in you and your neighbor as yourself) and Continue the work that God has called you to do. Do not give up! In Jesus name. Amen, Blessings.

Second quarter word: Continue

Galatians 6:9-10

I Corinthians 15: 58

Matthew 22: 37-40

II Peter 3:18

Isaiah 40: 28-31 

Orlando Community News, 2023
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Time to Vote: Ocoee and Maitland City Elections – March 14

Posted on March 3, 2023 by OrlandoCommunityNews

If you reside in the city limits of Ocoee or Maitland and you are a registered voter, remember, you have an election on Tuesday, March 14.

Early voting actually starts Monday, March 6 and runs through Friday, March 10 – for both cities. According to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office website, early voting for both cities will be held at the elections office: 119 W. Kaley Street, Orlando, FL 32806. Early voting hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

If you wait to vote on Election Day, you will vote at your polling place. Hours: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

For what or whom are you voting? Hopefully, you had a chance to read literature from your City Clerk about what’s on your ballot. If not, here’s an overview of what’s on the ballots:

In Maitland:

Council Seat 4 – Incumbent Lindsay Hall Harrison faces former Maitland Mayor Dale McDonald.

Charter Amendments – There are five, including one to amend the charter so that the vice-mayor becomes mayor if the mayor’s seat is left vacant.

In Ocoee:

Mayor – Incumbent Rusty Johnson has two competitors: Chris Adkins, property management business owner and current Ocoee District 4 Commissioner George Oliver III.

City Commission Seats 1 and 3 – Seat 1: Hope Bellamy, non-profit and not-for-profit business owner is running against Scott Kennedy, a homeowner association president and member of the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board. Seat 3: Incumbent Richard Firstner faces off against Shante Munns, small business owner.

To find out if you live in your city limits click here: https://www.ocfelections.gov/check-my-info or call the elections office: (407) 836-2070. You can also contact your city clerk for more details: Maitland – (407) 539-6219 and Ocoee – (407) 905-3105.

-Trish Marshall

Orlando Community News, 2023

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Joy: OCN Word for the New Year

Posted on January 27, 2023 by OrlandoCommunityNews

I can say this because I have not talked with many of you since last year: Happy New Year! Yes, Happy 2023! We are blessed to see a new year! Amen, somebody! Join me in telling the Lord, “Thank you!” God has been Merciful, Faithful and Gracious toward each one of us. I can say that with confidence because we – you and I – are still here! We have the ability to read this, to read it on some electronic device and most likely, to read it with a roof over our head. Glory to God!

It’s the season for New Year’s resolutions but a lot people pick a word or phrase to focus on throughout the year and set goals, rather than make resolutions. Do you have a word for the year and if so, what is it? I’ve heard intentional, love and consistency, for example.

My word for 2023 is Joy! You may hear it in my voice! I’ve got the joy of the Lord, down in my heart and I want the world to know this same joy – in fact, to know the Great Joy that the angels proclaimed to the shepherds in Luke 2: 9-11!

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (verses 10 and 11)

Friends, knowing Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior is having JOY. Yes, it’s having GREAT JOY! Since God promised it, let’s embrace it and walk in it daily! I overhead a coworker say once, “I won’t let the devil take my joy.” I didn’t know exactly what was going on but I said to him, “Now that’s the right attitude to have” and I thanked him.

We may not be happy all the time but joy is within us. To borrow a few words from Bro. Kirk Franklin: Happiness is when you have something hap-pen-ing. Some time ago, he wrote a song about having the joy of the Lord: “Joy, Joy. God’s great joy. Joy, Joy. Down in my soul. Sweet, beautiful, soul saving joy. Ohh joy, joy in my soul…” Amen!

If you entered this new year with sadness over situations from last year, yet you know God personally, pray for renewal of joy. That’s what Bro. David in the Bible did. He prayed: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

“Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.”

I am in agreement with your prayer and speak JOY into your spirit. I pray that you are strengthened in your inner man, day by day. (Please share your testimony, when you are restored! I claim it, in Jesus name!)

Again, know that joy is within you when you truly know God. Scripture says God’s Spirit lives in us and joy is a part of the fruit of the Spirit! (Galatians 5:22) People will see the fruit in your life! It’s all because of Jesus!

I declare that we are joyFUL people of God and we will not give our joy away to our adversary, the devil.

For “this joy that I have, the world didn’t give it to me…The world didn’t give it; the world can’t take it away.” -Pastor Shirley Caesar

Amen somebody! 

Orlando Community News, 2023
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