Excerpts from “Beloved Community News”
May 2007 Volume 8, Issue 1
God Speaks in Every Language
Recently, the UCC began an outreach effort with the message, “God is still speaking . . .” At Beloved, we recognize that indeed God is still speaking and God speaks in every human language. We also know from the teachings of Jesus that He ministered to all people, regardless of their country, culture or language. In accordance with these Christian principles, Beloved launched a new ministry in August 2006 to reach out to the international community.
Originally, we thought we would teach English to persons who did not speak our language. As the ministry developed, however, we realized that just as there are people who need to learn English to function better in our society, those of us who speak English can show our Christian hospitality by learning the languages of others as well. So we began a unique language class where we help members and volunteers have the opportunity to learn Spanish and other languages at the same time.
When you walk into our language classes on Sunday afternoons, you will see and hear a moving scene: Spanish speaking people are teaching English speakers how to speak their language while English speakers teach Spanish speakers to speak their language. Each group learns from the other and no one is made to feel inferior because he or she does not speak the “right” language. You will also see Chinese students diligently practicing English with each other and church volunteers while they share stories, food and tips about their culture and language with others.
Everyone gains an appreciation for each others’ languages and for the challenges of learning a new language. The class reminds me of a miniature version of the Pentecost story where the Holy Spirit spoke to people from all nations and was understood by everyone.
We are aware that non-English speakers face discrimination and limited opportunities in or society. Many in our communities oppose even the presence of these people in our country. These individuals are often economically exploited and relegated to the lowest rungs of society. Given our church’s mission to lift up the poor and oppressed, we hope to equip non-English speakers with tools for self-empowerment. But at the same time, we are mindful that Jesus knew no borders and that English is not inherently superior to any other language. We are all enriched and brought into solidarity when we learn to speak others’ languages.
If you would like to join our classes, or know someone who needs to practice English or Spanish, contact me at the address or number below. Classes are held each Sunday at 4:30 p.m. at the church. No prior experience in any language class is required. Everyone is welcome! Bienvenidos a todos!
Chip Rowan – email: or
Phone: 265-547-9160 or 256-312-3387
The Lord’s Prayer
PADRE NUESTRO
Padre nuestro que estás en los cielos
Santificado sea tu Nombre
Venga tu reino
Hágase tu voluntad
En la tierra como en el cielo
Danos hoy el pan de este día
y perdona nuestras deudas
como nosotros perdonamos nuestros deudores
y no nos dejes caer en el tentación
mas libranos del mal.
Tuyo somos el reino, el poder, y la Gloria
para siempre.
Amos Sperry, Stained Glass Artist, Creates Glass for Beloved Community Church
Have you wondered who created the lovely pieces of stained glass that hangs behind Rev. Angie as she delivers the message? Some even say that when the light hits the heart of the “Beloved” in the center of the glass, it looks as though it’s beating. The “Beloved” is joined by two crosses that are also gifts to Beloved from Amos Sperry. Amos was moved to give the art to the church after Rev. Angie married Amos and his high school sweetheart, Judy, on April 2, 2007, his birthday.
“Stained glass has been my passion since I was 14, 15 years old. I used to stop and admire it in a shop close to my home . . . never dreaming that someday I’d learn to create with glass.” Amos particularly enjoys creating custom pieces, including windows for churches. His favorite piece is two large windows created for a client who wanted the glass from her mother’s chandelier incorporated into something for the windows. Amos worked with the client and created a stunning mermaid scene.
Amos loves the challenge of designing a custom piece and selecting the glass with the exact color and texture he sees in his mind. He has a real gift for selecting glass that flows effortlessly from one piece to another. Interested? You may contact Amos at Sperry Stained Glass, 205-239-5376.
Our Star Music Director, LeNard Brown
Anyone who has been to one of Beloved’s services knows that the music rocks! This is not your grand mother’s gospel music and you aren’t likely to hear a dirge like Doxology. Instead, worshipers are treated to an eclectic mixture of jazz, soul, Negro spirituals and old time hymns with a jazzed up beat. Beloved’s music director, LeNard Brown, is responsible for what is unquestionably the best church music in the South.
Everyone knows LeNard, but did you know LeNard is a star! LeNard is one of the founding members of The Controllers, a soul and R&B group that was formed in the 1970s. The Controllers scored multiple gold records and numerous top 10 hits. The group opened for famed star Anita Baker at such venues as Radio City Music Hall and star Stevie Wonder joined the group on one of its albums.
NeNard came to Beloved as a founding member when Rev. Angie called him and asked if he would lead the music at the new church. LeNard had always told Angie that if he ever found the right church, the music would be something special – not your typical dreary and dragging church music.
And did he deliver! LeNard united some of the best musicians in Birmingham in Beloved’s orchestra: his star quality and music connections bring some of the best guest artists to our church every week.
LeNard says that he chooses the music for each week’s service based on his spiritual insight and in consultation with the pastor. LeNard welcomes special requests and loves to hear from you about what you want to hear. The band and other artists practice every Thursday and Sunday.
LeNard is obviously naturally talented, but he credits his high school choir teacher at Fairfield High School for developing his musical talent and getting him started in his recording career. Nowadays, you can hear LeNard interview some of the most famous soul and R&B artists on his weekly radio show on 98.7 KISS FM each Saturday morning from 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. You’ll hear LeNard trumpet Beloved on his show, which he calls the most loving and accepting church he’s never known.
LeNard is a native of Fairfield and has lived in the Birmingham area his entire life. LeNard Gerron Brown is LeNard’s son, a medic stationed in Okinawa, Japan in the U.S. Navy.
We’re very grateful to have LeNard and his music as such an important part of our church!
Resurrection Story
By Jo Anderson
As Rev. Angie reminds us, Easter is not just a day. It’s not even just a season. It is a way of life. For the next several issues of this newsletter, we will include resurrection stories and testimony from our members. In this issue, Jo Anderson shares her resurrection testimony.
I grew up in a small town in Tennessee. I went with my parents every Sunday to the Baptist church where we were members. When I was 14 I began to question the teachings of our church. God was good but He could also be angry and there was only one way to get to heaven. There was a judgmental attitude within the church that I found disturbing.
I went away to college when I was 17. I left the church and my faith behind. I began to question whether God existed and for a time I decided He didn’t.
When I was 30 I felt a longing within me. I wanted answers to questions like: “Why are we here? What is God and What happens when we die? I began my search for the Truth. I read, meditated and went to spiritual retreats, but not to church. I wanted to know God through my own experience, not someone else’s
It was over 20 years ago that my faith was resurrected. This past December during a meditation, I received the message that I was to come to Beloved Church. I’m here because I’ve learned to listen to that voice.
I believe the Resurrection is about leaving behind our egos and our fears. It is about shedding those beliefs which put limits on us as individuals, as a society and as a world. It is only when our thoughts rise to a higher level that we begin to see positive changes in our lives.
Christ was resurrected to inspire us to live our lives with love, compassion, tolerance and forgiveness for everyone, including ourselves. When we realize our oneness with God, we resurrect the Christ within us. Thus we experience the Second Coming of Christ.