3rd Quarter 2023

The Christian Proclaimer Quarterly Newsletter of New Antioch Church of God in Christ 3rd Quarter 2023 NAC Celebrates Our 2023 Graduates IN THIS ISSUE:  Cover Story: 2023 Graduates  Friends and Family/Firefighter’s Appreciation Service  Men’s Corner: Out Front, On Top, and In Charge  Sunday School 3rd Quarter 2023  How to Keep Your Brain Sharp 7826 S. VERMONT AVENUE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90044 - WWW.NEWANTIOCHCOGIC.ORG - 323.778.7965

NEWSLETTER STAFF The Christian Proclaimer...2 Superintendent Jeffrey M. Lewis Editor’s Senior Pastor Voice Director, E-Church This is the day that the Lord has made; Dr. Sonya Simpson-Lewis let us rejoice and be glad in it. -Psalm 118:24 ESV Editor-in-Chief Deacon Terry Owens This quarter has truly been a time for celebration. In this edition, we recognize Copy Editor and celebrate our 2023 Graduates, Sister DaLoria Mondesir welcome our Family and Friends, and host an Appreciation service in honor of our Photo Editor neighborhood Firefighters. Elder Edward Cunningham, Sr. Also In This Issue: Health Editor  Don’t Lose Your Savour Dr. Evelyn Bruce  Lord Help Me to Surrender  Monthly Community Feeding Church News Editor Dr. Constance Jordan Enjoy this quarter’s newsletter. If you are a writer, please email me at: Young Adult Editor [email protected]. Elder Darryl & Missionary Felicha Ragsdale We would love for you to join The Pastor’s Perspective Christian Proclaimer writing team. Brother Rodrick Flowers Deacon Terry Owens Poetry Editor Deacon Terry Owens Sunday School Editor Sister Lori Colson Staff Writers Missionary Tamika Spells Henderson Brother Anthony Sharp

The Christian Proclaimer...3 PASTOR’S PERSPECTIVE Superintendent Jeffrey M. Lewis It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, Because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: Great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV To God be the glory for the things He has done. I greet you my New Antioch family with the excitement and Jesus joy that comes from being a child of the King. God is continuing to prosper and bless our ministry and each of you, and for that we give Him all the praise. Friends, as we navigate these summer months and enjoy vacations, kids home from school, and just time with our families, remember to be intentional about sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Call someone today and invite them to church. Take a co-worker to lunch and share with them all God has done for you. As we get closer and closer to the return of Christ, let's be about our Father's business and work hard to build up the Kingdom. Love you family, stay safe, and stay strong. Yours in Christ, Superintendent Jeffrey M. Lewis

The Christian Proclaimer...4 Cover Story: New Antioch Celebrates the 2023 Graduates By Dr. Eddye Rambo and the Education Committee New Antioch continues to be inspired by the accomplishments of our New Antioch Graduates and wish them the best as they continue to pursue their educational goals. The speaker and recipient of the Bishop James A. Lewis Scholarship was Reginald Julian Windley, Jr. Our 2023 graduates are as follows: PRESCHOOL Name: School/Grade: Accomplishments Future Endeavors: Lay ’La McIntyre West Vernon Perfect Plans to become a Elementary School Attendance teacher. Payton Bell Enlightenment Child Completed Preschool Payton aspires to be a Development Center with the knowledge of veterinarian and a addition and dog watcher. She subtraction says that she wishes to be a queen as well.

The Christian Proclaimer...5 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Name: School/Grade: Accomplishments Future Endeavors: Antonio Gillings Baldwin Hills On the weekends Antonio will begin his Elementary School Antonio plays Club Middle School Soccer. Journey at Palms Mid- dle School. He is praying that they have a school soccer team so that he can join and be a star player. Argeniz Herrera Victory Elementary Best Reader, Kind and Argeniz plans to Jada Johnson School Caring Student, Acting attend Jefferson and Singing in Skits, Middle School where Virtual Academy of Played Soccer and he will participate in Technology Baseball. His Advanced Math and Soccer Team won the Band. Championship in 2019. Participated in Professional Acting Classes. Math Facts all 3 Jada plans to become Trimesters, Reading an Adult Cardiologist Award, Perfect and open her own Attendance, and Private Practice. Responsibility Award.

The Christian Proclaimer...6 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: K’den Weeks West Vernon Shakespeare Club, Plans to become a Elementary School and Perfect Firefighter. Attendance. MIDDLE SCHOOL: Name: School/Grade: Accomplishments Future Endeavors: Kailyn Jones Frederick K.C. Price Awards: Math Olym- Held a perfect 4.0 111 Christian School pics, Social Studies, GPA; Principal’s Science and Robotics Honor Roll, and was Sponsored by Best Captain of the Buy. Middle School Cheer Squad HIGH SCHOOL: Name: School/Grade: Accomplishments Future Endeavors: Derrius Bell Gardena High School GPA 2.8, Baseball To attend Trade Tech Team, Volunteer at College in the Student Support Electrical Program Center

The Christian Proclaimer...7 HIGH SCHOOL: Amasjah Gillings DaVinci Connect Amasjah graduated Amasjah received an Regional Windley, Jr. High School with a 4.1 GPA. Athletic Scholarship During her years at to play Division II DaVinci, Amasjah Volleyball at Central played Varsity State University in Volleyball all 4 years. Ohio. Amasjah plans She was a part of the to major in starting six. Psychology with hopes of becoming a Animo Watts College Honor Roll, Member therapist in the Preparatory Academy of Associate Student future. Body, Participates in Multiple clubs, To become a full-time Associate Student Entertainer Body Spirit Team, and Newscast Team. COLLEGE: Name: School/Grade: Accomplishments Future Endeavors: Daschale Bell CSD COLLEGE B.S. in Criminal Jus- Law School to tice Admin. w/3.0 become a Family Pre-Law. Society Attorney Treasurer of Peace Club. Internship at Stanley Mask Court House.

The Christian Proclaimer...8 UNIVERSITY/GRADUATE SCHOOL: Name: School/Grade: Accomplishments Future Endeavors: Rachel A. McCall BA Degree from Master’s Degree from To start a Non-Profit California State California State Organization to University. Major/ University support families in Study: Broadcast Dominquez Hills- Underserved Journalism/TV, Film Major/Study: Special Communities. and Media Studies Education in the Fall of 2023. Don’t Lose Your Savour by Tamika Henderson Use just enough to flavor. As cooks, chefs, and others that work in the food industry, all I will say to you is, flavor matters. Just like in the Body of Christ, Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith what it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. (Matthew 5:13 KJV) Think about your seasoning. Have you been flavoring others that may not have taste? We must be that flavor. Sprinkle Jesus (seasoning) all around those that may not even know they are in need of the sprinkle. It's time out for being quiet. We must stay salted in prayer, in the Word of God, and fasting in order to kill our flesh. Be the voice that has just enough flavor that will give life. Tell the world that their deliverance is nigh, Jesus is soon to come back, and there is hope. That “seasons” people in thoughts, deeds, and in speech. When those that need season- ing realize they do need what flavor you have, that's when you are the salt of the earth. Use just enough to flavor. We don't desire to be overbearing. Godly flavor can be lost through having a judgmental spirit, being so heavenly minded you are no earthly good, or your approach can be over the top or controlling. That turns people away and makes our salt lose its savour because no one wants to use or even taste (hear) from us. Re- member, with lovingkindness God got our attention (Jeremiah 31:3). So with love and kindness, that's how we get other’s attention. Jesus is our example. Jesus did not force anyone to listen or receive what He had for them. Jesus simply poured out His flavor by speaking truth from the Word of God. Not opinions, conspiracy theories, or by trying to change people that did not want to change. Being seasoned is simple. Be available to be used by God however He sees fit. When we are living the life that God desires for us to live, we will never lose our flavor. Men and women will listen to what God has placed inside us to become salted. Let's be salted for God's use. Don't lose your savour.

New Antioch Church The Christian Proclaimer...9 Every 4th Saturday, from 8:30 am, until 10:00 am, New Antioch continues to serve the community with groceries and when available, masks, hand sanitizer and clothing items. All are welcome! If any NAC member is in need, please email the church office at: [email protected] or Elder Ronald Bruce at: [email protected]. Sister Terri Owens, Monthly Community Feeding Coordinator How to Keep Your Brain Sharp By Dr. Evelyn Bruce, Nurse Practitioner The brain is the most significant and vital organ in the human body. Keeping the brain sharp as we age is important for maintaining overall health and cognitive function. But what exactly is cognitive function? It’s the mental processes our brains use to think, learn, understand, remember, and solve problems. These functions include attention, perception, memory, language, problem- solving, and decision-making. In simpler terms, cognitive function is the way our brain helps us make sense of the world, process information, and interact with our surroundings. Therefore, the more often we do things that truly engage our mental abilities (such as reading and avoiding the couch potato syndrome), the better off we are as we age. Here are some daily habits that can help protect and promote brain health. Exercise Engage in regular physical activity to improve blood flow, release endorphins that enhance mood and cognitive function, and promote neuroplasticity. Think of neuroplasticity as the brain’s natural way of adjusting and reshaping itself to help us better navigate and interact with the world. Eat a Healthy Diet Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. The Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet, for example, have both been linked to better brain health. It may be better to think of both types of eating as just that—eating plans rather than “diets,” per se. The emphasis is more on healthy eating and less on weight loss (although a healthy lifestyle may lead to weight loss). Continued on page ...10

Continued from page ...9 The Christian Proclaimer...10 Get Adequate Sleep Stay Organized Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night Create routines and use tools like calendars or lists to to allow your brain to consolidate memories keep your mind decluttered and focused. Staying and repair itself. And do what you can to organized reduces the amount of mental effort required to ensure you get both adequate sleep and quality remember and track tasks, appointments, and other daily sleep. responsibilities. This allows your brain to focus on more important cognitive tasks and reduces the risk of Stay Socially Active cognitive decline. What’s more, you’ll gain a sense of Engage in social activities and maintain strong accomplishment that, in turn, can boost your self-esteem. relationships to reduce stress, boost mood, and promote cognitive health. Many studies have Protect Your Head proven both the negative effects of isolation Wear proper headgear during activities that pose a risk of and loneliness on our mental health and the head injury, such as cycling or contact sports, to reduce opposite: the positive impact of being sociable. the risk of brain damage or cognitive decline. Even if you’re not active in activities that require a helmet, Challenge Your Brain remember that older adults are more prone to falls, Participate in mentally stimulating activities especially around the home. Rid your home of trip such as learning a new skill, teaching, or hazards, improve lighting in dark areas, and install grab volunteering. People of all ages enjoy problem bars where you need them. Be sure to see a doctor after -solving puzzles such as crosswords or any fall—you may have hit your head without realizing it. Sudoku, but that’s just a start. Beyond problem “Think of your brain like a house. If you take care of it, -solving, seek out activities that involve you can maintain a house for decades. But if you neglect learning, critical thinking and judgment, and it, you’re more likely to have problems over time.” memory skills. Think of balancing your checkbook or making a budget, volunteering Family and Friends Day / on a nonprofit board, taking a class, or joining Firefighter’s Appreciation Service a discussion group (such as a book group). An added brain boost with these types of activities Held on Sunday, July 9, 8:00 am and 11:00 am, the services is that they often involve connecting and overflowed with church members, family, friends, and included a talking with others. special Appreciation Service for our next-door neighbor, the Firefighters from Station 57. Members inviting the most guests Manage Stress received special prizes, while our Honored Firefighters were Stress can have a life-changing impact on our welcomed and honored with appreciation gifts and plaques. mental and physical well-being. Practice healthy stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness and meditation to protect your brain from the negative effects of chronic stress. The mental health benefits of being outside in nature are well documented. Prioritize Mental Health Managing stress isn’t the only element of protecting brain health. Anxiety, fear, sadness, and depression all take a toll—in fact; it’s easy for these negative feelings to accumulate over time. Seek help from a professional to maintain your cognitive function.

The Christian Proclaimer...11 THIRD QUARTER 2023 we listen to the questions and testimonies of our classmates. Ecclesiastes 1:9b NIV says, “There is By Sister Lori Colson nothing new under the sun.” Truth of the matter is that we all have something going on. Maybe you are Not giving up meeting together, as trying to catch your breath from just surviving the some are in the habit of doing, but storm. Maybe you’re still weathering the storm, or encouraging one another—and all the maybe you’re helping a loved one get through the more as you see the Day storm. No matter which category you’re in today, the approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25 NIV) word of God is our SOLID ROCK! God’s word is our powerful weapon. “I have given you authority to Elder Dewitt Brown trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all Sunday School Superintendent the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” (Luke 10:19 NIV). Dr. Eddye Rambo Christian Education Director Sunday School is the place for us to come together and learn how to build ourselves up from the inside Sister Lori Colson out and be equipped to WIN! God said we have the Sunday School Editor/Christian Proclaimer Victory, but sometimes, we need help and encouragement. Sunday School is the place to get Greetings from the Sunday School Department. it. Come to Sunday School and join a community of Soldiers that want to see you win with the Praise God for His faithfulness to us as we enter into our Lord. Please take time to read the great editorials in 3rd quarter of 2023. The year is quickly moving along. our Sunday School book. The writing is on the wall. It’s very clear to see with all the matters that affect our day to day living, that we know Our Bishop J. Drew Sheard has a very transparent we are in the last days. For this reason, it is vital that we word of encouragement as well as Mother Sandra have a clear understanding of who we are in Christ and Smith Jones, Voice of Marketing, sharing how the the steps we should strive to walk in as His Soldiers in COGIC is working on making our Sunday School this fallen world. lessons available online to be able to share our lesson with all of the world. Saints, we’re better together. When we take time to prepare for Sunday School, we are able to come to class Thank you to all of the Saints who continue to strive with an expectation of “BETTER”. We are able to listen and make the early sacrifice to be in attendance. If better, building up our personal foundation of Godly you haven’t had a chance to join us yet, please come wisdom, and also have better empathy for one another, as and be my special guest. Sunday School starts at 9:30 am. *First Sundays-Superintendent Dewitt Brown *Second Sundays-Elder Eric Battle *Third Sundays-Missionary Dinah Tyler *Fourth Sundays-Dr. Mary Perkins *Fifth Sundays-Elder Walter Broom

The Christian Proclaimer...12 Men’s Corner: Out Front, On Top, and In Charge! The Men of New Antioch are on the move and continue to accept the challenge from our founder, Bishop James A. Lewis, Sr. to be “out front, on top, and in charge”! This phrase from our founder is not simply a slogan that sounds good to the members, but it is a call to action and a mandate for the brothers. It is a clarion call to service with the expectation that we, as men, will lead from the front with integrity, accountability, responsibility, and a focus on godly principles that will lead others to Christ. We are proud of the men at New Antioch that continue to serve in the various capacities at our church. Our Pastor, who is a man after God’s own heart, demonstrates what it means to honor God both naturally and spiritually. Under his direction we have men serving in outreach ministries, in the music ministry, as ushers, parking, security, operations, in finance and teaching Sunday School and Bible Study. However, there are other areas where the men are showing their leadership which I would like to highlight below. Out Front: By Elder Eric Battle The Men of New Antioch hosted the first Church Shut-in of 2023, Friday, July 28th. The theme of the shut-in was, “Signs of the Times” which provided the members with an opportunity to lay out before the Lord, fast, pray, study the Bible and petition God for wisdom, direction, healing and a closer walk with Him. While we closed the doors to the church, we opened our hearts to the Master. Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10 KJV) The men are determined to stand out front and be seen modeling Christ and serving as righteous role models for the young men who are looking at us. Organizing and actively participating in a church shut-in is just one way we are determined to demonstrate that we are fully committed to God and desire a closer walk with Him. On Top: Being “On Top” means that the men of New Antioch have taken a leading or dominant position or are executing at the highest level. With that in mind, I can think of no other role that is more meaningful or that can top leading men and women to Christ. The men of NAC are in the process of finalizing an arrangement with Primrose Post-Acute Nursing Home and our internal Outreach Ministry, to establish a new outreach program. This new program is being established to create a path for our men to visit a nursing home facility and minister to the residents that are not able to come out to church. Primrose is excited that we have expressed an interest in establishing this program and the men of New Antioch are praying that we will be able to step Out Front and lead others to Christ. And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. (Luke 14: 23 KJV Continued on page ...13

The Christian Proclaimer...13 Continued from page ...12 I believe we are simply doing what we have been instructed to do. In Charge: When you are “In Charge” then you have the responsibility for executing a plan and the accountability for the success or failure of that plan. The Men of New Antioch are, with the help of the Lord, in charge of this year’s Annual Church Picnic! We are excited that this will be our first church picnic since before the pandemic and we are looking forward to August 26th when fun, fellowship, and food will be on the menu. Secondly the men recognize that we are in charge of our own health and with that in mind, we launched a 10- week “Biggest Loser” weight loss competition. Twelve men accepted the challenge and weighed-in to begin the competition. Please encourage the men that are participating and let them know you are praying for them and if you squint really hard, tell us that you think you can see something! This program is building camaraderie with the men as we are encouraging each other to be healthier and experience “Gain through Losses”. As you can see, the men of New Antioch are busy and concerned about the whole man. More importantly, we are determined to stay Out Front, On Top and In Charge! Lord, Help Me to Surrender By Brother Anthony Sharp For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. Matthew 16:25 NIV When you look up the meaning of the word surrender, it says: \"to cease resistance and submit to authority”. When it comes to surrendering to authority, it requires us to give up the one thing we so desperately try to hold onto - control. We cannot control everything. When we surrender to God, we are giving up total control and allowing Him to take control. Control over our lives, behaviors, thoughts, mind, and more. When we re- sist, we end up wavering and trying to do things our way. As a result, we keep getting hurt and messing up all the time. Think about it. When you surrendered to your parents, things worked out. Their leading, teaching, and guid- ance direct you in the right way. When you surrender to any form of authority, things work out well. How- ever, when you resist authority, things can go left quickly. As you look over your life, have you fully surrendered to God? Are there areas that you need to turn over to Him? Be honest. No one is judging. This is between you and God. God isn't going to judge you, He loves you. He wants what is best for you. He plans to give you a future and a hope. Fully surrender to Him today. There are going to be some things that He is going to orchestrate, do, and allow to happen that won't make sense. Remember, His ways are not our ways. No need to worry though. He is going to work it all out for your good. Fully surrendering tells God that you open yourself up; you are giving up everything to follow Him; you want Him and only Him; you want Him to decide what is best for you; you trust Him; you have tried every- thing else, and now you are ready to give Him a try. When you surrender your life and place it in the master's hands, you will never be the same. #fullysurrender #relinquishcontrol

The Christian Proclaimer...14 New Antioch Church of God in Christ 3RD Quarter 2023 JULY Sunday, 9 - Family & Friends Day / Firefighter Appreciation Sunday Saturday, 15—Sister 2 Sister Fellowship – 10:30 am Saturday, 22- Food Giveaway 8:30 am – 10:30 am Friday, 28 - Saturday, 29 - Shut-In and Consecration – 9:00 pm – 6:00 am Friday, 28 - Cannon House – 7:00 pm AUGUST Saturday 5 - Prayer Conference – 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Thursday, 17 - Sunday, 20 - Annual State Women’s Convention Friday, 25 - Cannon House – 7:00 pm Saturday, 26 - Food Giveaway – 8:30 am-10:00 am Saturday, 26 - ANNUAL CHURCH PICNIC – 11:00 am SEPTEMBER Saturday, 4 – Superintendent Jeffrey M. Lewis’ Birthday Saturday, 9 - Men’s Fellowship Quarterly Breakfast - 9:00 am Sunday, 10 - ANNUAL MEN’S DAY Saturday, 16 - Sister 2 Sister Fellowship – 10:30 am Monday, 18 - Mother Barbara McCoo Lewis’ Birthday Friday, 22 - Cannon House – 7:00 pm Saturday, 23 - Food Giveaway – 8:30am Saturday, 30 - CAAP Outreach Event – 10:00 am – 1:00 pm