It's Almost February

40.8 inches of snow and we are still here. It has been light so far but I know Indiana can catch up quickly on totals. Can't believe it is almost February, the time has been flying by.

Had a great preaching and ministry Month at Macedonia, Great way to kick off the new year. Looking forward to great things celebrating our 90th Year.

Was blessed to be nominated for membership to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission of Indiana. I thank Governor Mike Pence for the consideration and his staff for the observation regardless of the outcome.

Blessed to have the opportunity to share with Goshen College in their MLK Celebration. The Voices-N-harmony Gospel Ensemble was amazing. DaVonne Kramer did an outstanding job as the Diverse Student Program Coordinator..

Ewuare Osayande, the anti-Oppression Coordinator from the Unite States Central Mennonite Committee was the keynote speaker and gave a moving message on "The Language of the Unheard: I Can't Breathe".He certainly was the embodiment of the theme "BE BRAVE, SHOW GRACE: ADVANCING INTERCULTURAL ACTION.

I am honored to be a part of the Center for Intercultural and International Education at Goshen College. Thank you Gilberto Perez for partnering with our church.

My name is submitted for consideration of becoming the next moderator of the Northern Indiana Missionary Baptist Educational District Association. I have a lot to say about that in upcoming posts.

I was honored to be named Regional Instructor of the Tear by the Sunday School Publishing Board, The Division of Christian Education and Credentials of the National Baptist Convention USA, INC. Thanks to my regional coordinator Dr, L.D. Tate for his consideration and my Madame Dean Sister Lawana F. Griffin for her support.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST, My beautiful oldest daughter Rachael Owens who will be 14 in march was recently inducted into the National Junior Honor Society from her school Summit Intermediate School. To be a member of this class, one must have maintained a minimum of 3.83 grade point average the 6th and 7th years and the first semester of the 8th grade year,

My daughter maintained a 4.1 grade point average. COME ON SCHOLARSHIPS. SHOW DADDY THE MONEY.

Lots of things going on and It's Almost February.

2011 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Celebration

I am writing this blog to thank the wonderful people of the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center Mishawaka Campus for allowing the Macedonia Church family to participate in their 2011 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration "Journey to Excellence Program".

I want to thank Mr. Aaron Austin, who is the Chief Human Resource Officer and Executive Vice President of Support Services for allowing our church to partner with Saint Joseph to make this program a success.

I also want to thank God for members of our church whose dedication to the ministry help to Make Macedonia what God wants it to be. We were blessed on last year to add to our membership the Rice family. Mr. and Mrs. Robin Rice have been a God-send to our church. Mr. Robin Rice serves as the Director of Environmental Services (EVS). I am honored and overwhelmed that he loves Christ and his church so much that he choose to make a spot for us on this program.

I also want to thank God for a faithful Deacon, an honest Finance Manager and an incredible man in the person of Deacon Luther Taylor. Words can not express how much the Taylor family means to me personally and Pastorally. Luther Taylor has served as the FIRST Black Fire Chief in South Bend, Indiana. He also served as the Director of St. Joseph County Emergency Management Agency. Currently, he serves as the Director of Emergency Preparedness for the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center.

With all of these accolades, the best one-word description for Deacon Taylor would be SERVANT. He is a humble man with a non-assuming spirit and I am honored he is a member of the Macedonia Family.

I also would like to thank our Minister of Music, Brother Javon Lewis and the Praise Team for filling the corridors of the hospital with Praise and Inspiration. We never know who we are ministering to so we can not be afraid of the doors God opens for us. Our ministry is larger than 1862 N. Olive Street. I am proud of you for living out our Motto: WE ARE MACEDONIA AND WE ARE CALLED TO HELP SOMEBODY.

Finally, I want to thank the members and Deacons who came out today and supported your church family. I am so proud that God has given me the privilege of being your Pastor. I pray that you will continue to follow me as I follow what God has for me.

Owens