Kim Curry ordained as a Pastor

SOUTH BEND—Come As You Are Community Church and Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church held a church planting service, April 10, for Pastor Eugene C. Staples Sr. of Capernaum Community Church and his family. The Rev. Anthony Payton, pastor/ teacher of Come As You Are Community Church of Fort Wayne, preached a dynamic message to encourage the new church members and community to get ready for what God is going to do through this new ministry. In time like these, he said, God is still advancing His kingdom in reaching lost souls, who will become devoted followers of Christ.

The Rev. Staples preached his “first Resurrection” sermon at his new church Capernaum Community Church, “Connecting People In Christ” on April 12.

Capernaum Community Church is being supported by a church planting collaborative effort with Come As You Are Community Church and SBC Indiana Baptist Convention over the next four years in leadership development, encouragement and mentorship.

Mother's Day Speaker
Sunday, May 10, 2009
10:00 a.m.
at
Come As You Are Community Church
7910 S. Anthony Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN  46816
(260) 447-6036

Kim Hardy is an inspirational communicator and a unique combination of author, speaker, worship leader, singer, and Bible teacher.
Her down-to-earth presentation style makes participants feel as though they've just met a new friend.

Whether she's speaking about prayer, evangelism or challenges women face in their daily lives and spiritual walk, Kim shares with genuine and heartfelt sincerity. Her messages are rooted in the Bible and woven with humor and energy that make her listeners laugh, cry, and gain a new understanding of God's faithfulness.

As a frequent conference speaker, Kim has had the privilege to speak to thousands in such venues as the Michigan Theological Women’s Conference, South Carolina Women’s Evangelism conference and workshops for The North American Mission board in Alpharetta, Georgia. She has shared the platform and program with such personalities as Liz Curtiz Higgs, Michelle McKinney Hammond, Patricia Ashley, and Richard Blackaby.

In addition, She has over 20 years of experience in women’s ministry. She has been an instructor at the Detroit Bible Institute, worked as a consultant for the LifeWay’s women division in Nashville Tennessee, and served on several boards in her community.

To continue to spread God’s message of hope, Kim has released her new book entitled: Spiritually Sassy (Serious About Serving the Savior-Yes). This book provides four secrets to living bold for Christ to women who are serious about serving the Savior.

Currently, she is working side by side with her husband Pastor Dexter at Connections Community Church and as a missionary for the North American Mission Board.

Heart2Heart/Sisters Who Care Ministry

MALL OF AMERICA SHOPPING TRIP

March 26-29, 2009

Over 520 Stores – shop till u drop!

Shuttle 2 downtown Minneapolis

No sales tax on clothing!

Round Trip Motorcoach (American Heritage Trails)
3 Night Hotel (free breakfast, free shuttle to Mall, 2 24 hour restaurants on site, each room with fridge/microwave/2 indoor pools, 24 hr fitness center...

• Double Occupancy  $440 per person
• Triple Occupancy    $390.00 per person

**Deposit ½ to reserve – bal paid by 3/1/09

Contact:  260.447.6036

Anthony Montrell Washington is currently a Senior at Paul Harding High School.  He is a proud member of the 2007-2008 State Champion Football Team and a 3-year participant in marching band.  Mr. Washington is a Youth Leader at Come as You Are Community Church Chain Breakers, under the direction of Pastor Anthony Payton and Ezekel Easton.    

Anthony joined the 21st Century Scholar Program in 2003.   Using this and the knowledge he has gained in the Black College Club, he plans to attend a historical black university to pursue a career in business with a primary focus on becoming an entrepreneur.

He gives all thanks on this successful spiritual journey to God and those angels here on earth; his father, Anthony Sr., mother, Denita, brother, Quintin, Auntie, Angie, Favorite teacher and mentor Gylnn Hines and last but not least, Grandma Bell.

 A scripture in the Bible that I live by is “No weapon formed against me shall prosper”. I have endured many weapons that attempted to form against my life the past year,but I refuse to bow down to them. As my mom always says to me “Success is not an option for the Washington’s it is a mandate! High school graduation is just a train stop on the journey God has for me, but thank god to all of you who created a fence of love and support in this stage of it!

Peace & Blessings, Anthony Washington

Terrie A. Jordan has 12 years experience in various leadership positions serving in organizations, ministry, and educational capacities. She graduated with honors from Wayne High School in 1997, where she was involved in Student Council, African American Club, National Honors Society, Track and Cheer block. Ms. Jordan joined the United States Marine Corps shortly their after, where she served her county for 8 years. In 2003, Sergeant Jordan was deployed to Iraq for one year, heroically servicing as Platoon Commander in Bagdad, Asnaria, and Kuwait. In 2004, Terrie achieved her Bachelor Degree from Purdue University in Psychology. While doing so she served in several organizations to include: Student Government, Black Collegian Caucus, Omicron-Psi National Honors Society, American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, Tap Tap Outreach Ministry, and Rainbow Push Coalition.

In addition, Ms. Jordan occupied many roles in church ministries to include, Sunday school teacher, choir director, youth coordinator, and out-reach leader. In her spare time she occupies the role of dance choreographer, personal trainer, and youth mentor.  She presently is graduating with her Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Indiana University. She intends on attaining her licensure for Mental Health Counseling in September.  She currently is employed at Crossroad Fort Wayne Children’s Home where she has served as assistant director, director, program manager and currently case manager of the male intensive secure-care division.

She presently leads the spiritual life division at her facility, is the secretary of The Ministry in Jesus Christ, Vice President of S.T.A.N.D. Ministries, and is apart of the leadership staff of Chain Breakers Youth Church. Terrie intends on continuing her passion of advancing God’s kingdom through educating, leading, serving, and mentoring others to Christ.

Regena Hardy

My name is Regena Hardy. I have been led to serve the Lord by providing integrity, spirituality, and excellence to the social service industry. I have an anointed seven year old blessing named Isaiah who brings joy to my life! This is a year of completion and new beginnings for me as I am recently a graduate from the University of Cincinnati receiving my Master’s Degree from the School of Social Work and am looking forward to continuing my knowledge through the completion of my licensure within the next two years.

Currently, I have been offered full time employment as a Clinical Provider with a well known Social Service Agency here in Ohio. However, I want to be certain that I remain on the path that God has mapped out for me. It is my heart’s desire to be placed in an arena that the Lord would have me serve him during this season of my life! Regardless of where HE places me, I am truly blessed for the opportunity to work in a field where my professional goals so easily coincide with my spiritual lifestyle.

I am Sandra Thomas a proud Come As You Are Community Church member since 2004. I currently work as an Intake Coordinator for a Specialized Foster Care Agency.

In June 2005 Indiana University’s Masters of Social Work part time program came to the Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne campus. I immediately applied for the program because for years I thought about obtaining a Masters in Social Work. However, I was unwilling to travel to the campuses that offered the program and I did not feel confident because I had not been to school in 21 years. The last time I was in school was when I received a Bachelor’s in Public Affairs from Indiana University in Bloomington.

After I applied, I thought what did I do? What was I thinking? I can’t do this.
Well with the direction of the greatest navigator of my life, GOD and the people HE strategically place in my life I successfully obtained a Masters in Social Work.

While in school and at times feeling discouraged I often thought about what First Lady Sandy said to me; “If GOD brought you to it, HE will see you through it”.

I shared this to say; to anyone contemplating going back to school; ALL things are possible…only Believe and Trust in GOD.

“GOD is before you, he will be your guide; GOD is behind you no ill you can betide; GOD is beside you to comfort and cheer, GOD is all around you, so have no fear.” Anonymous

I like to take this opportunity to thank my CAYACC family for their support, encouraging words and prayers.

My name is Melody Burnett, and I love the Lord, His idea for my life is becoming mine. I was born in Cincinnati OH in 1964, that makes me 43 years young. I'm now divorced with three beautiful children, two of my children have already left the nest and seek God now directly for their path. (Praise the Lord) . I'm Owner/Operator of Style of Melody. I'm looking forward to becoming a graduate from Concordia University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice this summer. My next objective will be to open up a group home, Purpose Driven Disciples. The thought of returning to school for my masters in Social Work or going to Law school has come to mind, but I have learned to wait on the Lord. I just want to leave this earth with the legacy God has predestined me for.

Brittani Whitaker

Graduate of Ravenscroft Beauty College, daughter of Karen Whittaker, and granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Whittaker.

Franzita Woods

My name is Franzita Woods. The youngest daughter of Faye Woods. I was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I attended four years of high school at North Side taking academic courses and graduated in 1994. I have received my Associates Degree in Business Management from IVY Tech Community College in 2006.

I will receive my Bachelors Degree in Business Management from Tri-State Community College on May 3, 2008. This degree will help me to make a positive impact organizationally through utilizing and refining my professional expertise in a leadership capacity in the working industry. A Master Degree is in the forecast in a couple of years.

Encouragement message from Sis. Rhonda Riley

Joyce Caldwell - State Student VBS Multiplier

January 2008

One year ago, God put a vision in the heart of Jimmie Ruffin to start a new work where the Word of God would be lifted high. A small group of dedicated saints affirmed that vision and with God's provision Pastor Jimmie and approximately 30 charter members launched New Life Community Church on January 7, 2007. Today, the members of NLCC are reaching out evangelistically, edifying the body spiritually and exalting Christ supremely as they celebrate their one-year anniversary.

"We praise God for the support and prayers of Come As You Are Community Church," said Pastor Jimmie. "Their fellowship has given us great joy and encouragement."

Weight Watchers Led by Deb Powers

Arise, Illuminate, Conquer 2007 Womens Conference a huge success!

Come As You Are Community Church, Inc., presented it’s plans to develop 80 acres of land on Sunday June 3, 2007 to a group of approximately 100 interested community residents, including Councilman Glynn Hines. The meeting, which was held at the church at 7910 South Anthony Blvd. in southeast Fort Wayne, was a prelude to a Public Hearing on a rezoning, primary plat and primary development plan request for the project that will be held June 18, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. by the City’s Plan Commission.

Come As You Are, led by Pastor/Teacher Anthony Payton, is proposing a mixed-use development that will include 124 premium single-family homes, restaurants and other retail space, professional and medical office buildings, and a relocated area within the development for a new home to Come As You Are Community Church and the existing Timothy L Johnson Academy. This fully integrated “village” would provide a number of amenities including pedestrian greenways, a nature preserve, common areas and an athletic field area for the school and neighborhood.

The project, called South Anthony Pointe, is located next door to the Church, and would be the first of its kind for the Southeast Quandrant. The development is adjacent to SouthTowne Center and the new Public Safety Academy.

The response to the proposal was overwhelmingly positive. One abutter applauded the initiative, and thanked the Church for holding the meeting. Several participants tried to reserve particular parcels. According to Pastor Payton, “South Anthony Pointe is a reflection of the good and positive synergies occurring on the Southeast side of Fort Wayne. This development helps build the market, but the analysis undertaken to date shows a strong demand for a market based mixed use development in this area in response to publicly funded initiatives previously undertaken by the City of Fort Wayne. We see this as an extension to the mission of the Church in helping to build a stronger community in Southeast Fort Wayne, thereby helping the Fort Wayne community as a whole.”

Come As You Are Community Church is the owner and sponsor. The development team is lead by Lawrence Dean, Project Manager, (of First Financial Holding Corporation in Boston, MA), and includes Curtis Davis – Master Planner (Founding Principal – Rebuildit Collaborative in Boston), Tom Niezer and Josh Neal of the law firm of Barrett and McNagny in Fort Wayne, and Todd Bauer, Civil Engineer, of Foresight Consulting in Fort Wayne. Also presenting were Merl Code, President, and Gabriel Thomas, Vice President, both of MSMC Consulting, a national Financial Services Company.

These creative methods are generously compiled in Fresh Ideas for Your Church, a handy guide to inspire "how your church does church." Featuring seventy-five unique categories and scores of ideas within each one, this resource will help everyone in the church from volunteers to the senior pastor.

A sampling of topics: Baptism, Children's Area, Christmas, Fall Festival, Greeters, Library, New Member Assimilation, Prayer Ministry, Scripture of the Year, Sports Evangelism, Web Site, Youth, and more.

Click here to purchase on Amazon.com.

Click to download full-size poster (.pdf, 853kb)


Click here to download the full-size poster (.pdf, 853kb)

Guest Speaker & Guest: Pastor Keon Henderson, New Horizon Baptist Church, Fort Wayne.

FORT WAYNE - Eleven people graduated from Project Blueprint Oct. 25 at Fort Wayne Urban League.

Project Blueprint, a United Way of Allen County initiative, recruits and trains diverse groups of people to serve on nonprofit boards, committees and other decision-making bodies in the community. Since Project Blueprint's start in 1995, more than 140 people have graduated from the six-week course.

This year's graduates are: JoAnne Alvarez, Jamie Bankert, Dorothea Bragg, Deanie Bright-Johnson, Velda R. Davidson, Mary Dye, Zakia Kyles, Tamera Mizzell, Shaquala Reese, Kimberly Schleider and Mary Starks.

They will intern for a year on the boards of these organizations: United Way of Allen County, Early Childhood Alliance, Vincent House, Fort Wayne Urban League, Lutheran Social Services, Fort Wayne Women's Bureau, AIDS Task Force, Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, Girl Scouts of Limberlost Council and Neighborhood Health Clinics.

"This is an awesome experience for the participants," said Tamyra Kelly, who coordinates the sessions for United Way. "I think every person who is interested in serving on a nonprofit board-or any board for that matter - should consider participating."

Applications for the next class will be accepted in July 2007.