A vision that has become a milestone. In 1873, Rev. Hill and interested persons be-

gan worshipping on Orme Street. From 1873 to 2009, Greater Springfield Baptist

Church has been blessed under the Pastoral Leadership of 11. A blessing for many

of our sister churches to pattern behind…136 years and we are still growing strong.

As a reflection on the timeline and history of Greater Springfield Baptist Church,

longevity for so many enriched events, leadership and dedication surrounds us and

this community.

Morning service was just like old times...the Deacons Ministry set the order of wor-

ship by sending up praises with a heartfelt devotion, prayers and hymnals raised.

Allowing such a mixture to enter the atmosphere, our Master and Mistress of Cere-

monies came from the Youth Ministry and led us through the day with their smiles,

laughter and sincerity about God. Justin McLoud and Chaquil Brown, you did an

excellent job. The message on that Sunday was brought by our very own, Pastor

Wheeler. As always, setting the house in order, we were served with a full course

meal of God’s Holy and Divine Word.

Our celebration was one to never forget. Wishing all a happy 136th year anniver-

sary and many, many more to come.

Submitted by: Evangelist Kenya Taylor, Editor in-Chief

Entering Into A New Season Elevated By God

Special points of interest:

CELEBRATING 136 YEARS

REV. HILL FIRST PASTOR

LONGEVITY IN LEADERSHIP AND

COMMUNITY

136TH ANNIVERSARY 1

PASTOR’S CORNER 1

WALK FOR CHRIST/HEALTH FAIR 2

PERRY COUNTY FAIR

2

MISSION MINISTRY ON MOVE 2

GSBC SPOTLIGHT 3

CHRISTMAS 09 GIRL SCOUTS

4

Inside this issue:

Volume I, Issue 4 December 27, 2009 December 2009

G R E A T E R S P R I N G F I E L D B A P T I S T C H U R C H 7 2 1 J O N E S A V E N U E N W A T L A N T A , G A 3 0 3 1 4

GSBC Gospel Gazette…”PREPARING THE TOTAL MAN”

Seek, Save, Support, Shape, & Serve

REFLECTIONS FROM THE PASTOR

Greetings in the name of OUR LORD, SAVIOR and JESUS CHRIST……

Another year and another milestone. We are bridging the gap by Pre-

paring the Total Man. I would like to extend my sincere thanks and ap-

preciation to the entire Greater Springfield Family. It seems as only yes-

terday I placed my path this way and here now a year and a half, we are

a beacon of hope in this community once again. There are many more

goals and plans we must accomplish to achieve that which God has placed

on my Heart as His Under Shepherd. With the help of the “sheep”, I know we will not let the Father down.

Wishing you all a Blessed and Prosperous New Year. With much love, Reverend Tracy B. Wheeler, Sr.

Greater Springfield 136th Church Anniversary

If you missed this trip,

you missed a hot and fun

day in the sun. Rides,

food, fun and games and

most of all FELLOW-

SHIPPING. This was

not just a day for the

kids but for the seasoned

members as well. Many

of our seasoned saints

enjoyed the bus ride and

they really had a blast

walking the park to eat

those “good-ole smoked

turkey legs and funnel

cakes.”

Written by: Sheikita

Forehand, Co-Editor

WALK FOR CHRIST/HEALTH FAIR

Page 2

GSBC Gospel Gazette…”PREPARING THE TOTAL MAN”

Seek, Save, Support, Shape, & Serve

Perry County Fair 2009

Do you stand for what you

live for? Do you walk and

pattern your life what you

proclaim to others?

On October 10, 2009, the

Anniversary Committee

for the church’s 136th cele-

bration hosted the very

first Walk for Christ in a

conjunction with an all-

around Health Fair. Al-

though the morning

started out to be dreary

and wet, there were faith-

ful and dedicated persons

that decided to join us in

this event. Members and

friends walked the “Walk

for Christ”, fellowshipped

and relaxed in a day of

Free massages, Seminars

on stress management,

Free Yoga classes and an

opportunity to receive

Free vital checks and

health information.

Brochures were also

shared for “Awareness on

various types of can-

cer”...how to cope and deal

with cancer and being a

support person. College

resources were also pro-

vided at the event.

Thanks to our chairper-

sons, Sis. Patricia Lati-

more and Evang. Kenya

Taylor for spearheading

this event. We look for-

ward to your participation

in 2010!

Written by: Evangelist Kenya

Taylor, Editor-in-Chief

“GIVE AND I’LL GIVE IT BACK TO YOU”: MISSION MINISTRY ON THE MOVE

During this holiday season,

many seem to forget the

source from whence this all

comes from. A dedicated min-

istry here at GSBC is always

on the move. We are so thank-

ful that the Mission Ministry

never forgets to remind us of

these things.

Providing all year long to vari-

ous non-profit organizations

and nursing homes and OUR

Community. From warm

clothes, blankets, sweaters

and much more to food bas-

kets and LOVE from door to

door of these areas.

We would like to say to our

MISSION Ministry, you are

much appreciated from your

supporting church here at

Greater Springfield Baptist

Church.

Respectfully acknowledged by:

Evang. Kenya Taylor

?? Guess what

column

Dea. Isaac Daniel

Page 3

December 2009

GSBC SPOTLIGHT : Queen’s Avenue Mother Doris Thrasher-Thomas has been a member for 30

plus years of Greater Springfield Baptist Church. She

joined under the leadership of Rev. O.C. Woods and has

served faithfully and actively as a sheep in the vineyard.

Mother Thomas has two children (Edward and Brenda).

Mother Thomas testifies that she is a “real child of God

and when miss coming to church, she’s lost.” Her most

favorite moments are when she enters the doors of Greater

Springfield Baptist Church and she enjoys the Sunday sermons by Pas-

tor Wheeler. Mother Thomas proclaims that when she first heard Rev.

Wheeler preach, she knew he would become the next Pastor. Mother

Thomas says to you, “If you are not a member of Greater Springfield

Baptist Church, join up now!”

Submitted by: Evangelist Kenya Taylor, Editor-in-Chief

Tyesha Chantis Mahone has been a member of Greater Springfield Baptist

Church for 8+ years. She is the daughter of Mr. Robert and Mrs. Angela Ma-

hone. She is the youngest of three kids and the granddaughter of Ms. Dora

Printup. Tyesha is currently a senior at Benjamin E. Mays High School and

was recently crowned Miss Benjamin E. Mays 2009-2010, on October 19, 2009.

It was an evening I am sure she will remember, for I will not forget...she was

gorgeous. As tears of joy and happiness flowed, she was surrounded by friends

and family that watched her while she received her crown. Miss Mahone is a

member of our very own GSBC Dance Ministry (Captain). She is also an active

student and holds high honors at Benjamin E. Mays while performing with the

marching band on the Blue Diamond Flag Corps. Tyesha will be commencing

her last year of high school in May 2010 and continuing her studies to become

a Registered Nurse or Educator/Cosmetologist. When I asked Miss Mahone

what is her goal, she replied, “A legacy to keep an image to uphold.” As we

(family, friends and church) help guide her in the right direction, by prepara-

tion of the Holy Spirit we pray that she continues to allow GOD to use her.

Submitted by: Sis Minka Parker, Staff Writer

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3295217&id=504021890&op=2&view=global&subj=713132456

GSBC GOSPEL GAZETTE….“PREPARING THE TOTAL MAN”

G R E A T E R S P R I N G F I E L D B A P T I S T C H U R C H 7 2 1 J O N E S A V E N U E N W A T L A N T A , G A 3 0 3 1 4

Girl Scouts Troop #9624

A positive involvement for your girls has hit the press at GSBC. Girl Scouts Troop #9624 is on the move

and we are preparing the young girls and teens and inspiring them about Positive Character, Confi-

dence and Courage all while serving God.

On December 19th, the troop went out on their first outing with GLEA, Inc.

to assist with setting up and distributing toys to children of those persons

disabled/low income/elderly. Partici- pation and involvement was with a

great number from both our scouts, parents and volunteers.

Haven’t signed your child up? Want to volunteer? Wish to sponsor a

girl? ...see Sis. LaKecia Hunter (Asst. Troop Leader) or send an email of

interest to kenyaavon@yahoo.com, to do so and find out more details.

Support your troop in their Cookie Sale: December 21, 2009 thru March 1, 2010.

December 20, 2009 we celebrated the real and true meaning of Christmas. With songs of

praise, speeches, dance and skits, the corner of Jones and Griffin brought much joy in the

hearts of those surrounding. We thank Sis. Beverly Davis and

her committee for such a

job well done.

Christmas 2009 “The True Meaning of Christmas is Christ”

Next Newsletter: 3rd Sunday in March

Deadline for Articles: 2nd Sunday in February