"BLACK FIRE".... Book Review....

BOOK REVIEW: (via:IVP Academic)

Black Fire: 100 Years of African American Pentecostalism

Ⓒ By (Dr.) Estrelda Y. Alexander

Anyone knowing me knows I read voraciously! (Usually around 13-15 new books per month); I especially love to read: History, Theology, Biography, and Church or Religious expressions related History. This book had me reading later than usual--into the night! For me, it's an amazing read! Thank you Intervarsity Press!

A Google Search for "Black Fire" likely will not net results showing this Black Fire title by Dr. Estrelda Y. Alexander, for Intervarsity Press-Academic. THIS "Black Fire" is the real deal, for those wanting a history of the Black Pentecostal movement, and/or the 'feel' of what its history was like. "The Struggle Is Real"! 

Alexander (Ph. D, Catholic University) grew up in a "Oneness" Pentecostal movement, but her grasp of her subject matter is outstanding. Her first-hand-knowledge, and research on this book documents clearly the at times warm- at times, blustery relationships between the so-called 'holiness' movements. Struggle and strife, and growth and sometimes ugly disputes within (Black, and White) Pentecostalism. Mostly over differing 'beliefs', doctrines and dogma.  

While she recognizes William J. Seymour (Azusa Street Revival), as the 'founder' of African American Pentecostalism, she does not discount the contributions of Charles Fox Parham.

Dr. Estrelda Alexander is an Associate Professor of Theology at Regent University, School of Divinity. She is also Executive Director of the Wm. J. Seymour Pan-African Pentecostal Project. Additionally, Alexander is author of The Women of Azusa Street (2006), Limited Liberty (2008), and this volume; Black Fire.

Though published in May 2011, this book is timeless. I received it from Intervarsity Press Public Relations only yesterday, I was some 215 pages in before I could put it down. My 'search' began looking for books related to the 'history' of Pentecostalism; including Seymour, Parham and others like Smith Wigglesworth, (British) "Apostle of Faith" instead, thankfully, I 'stumbled' across this title while choosing selections for my Book Club Membership.

I recommend this title, not only for the 'academics' it presents, but as a "Good Read" for a general understanding of the oft misunderstood, misinterpreted "Pentecostalism" and "Black (or Latino) Pentecostalism and its passion and charisma. "Black Fire: 100 Years of African American Pentecostalism is available wherever you usually purchase your books; but through Inter Varsity, whether the "Book Club" or a direct purchase from IVP Academic, you'll save anywhere from 10-30% on the current purchase price.

Additionally, Dr. Alexander's "The Black Fire Reader" is an additional source of much information on the fastest growing segmenc©t of global Christianity. (2013, Cascade Books). Available as a Kindle e-Book, and from Amazon.

Good Reading friends! 

RELATED: "Smith Wigglesworth..." (Collected Works) Whitaker House (CBD) 2008

Wigglesworth Devotional, (Whitaker/CBD) 1999

"God's Generals" By Wm. J. Seymour (Whitaker/CBD) 2000 (E-Book) 

"Azusa Street Project" (DVD) CBD/Whitaker House 3/17/17 (Ships 03.17.17 when available)

Related Searches: International Four Square Gospel, Kenneth Hagin, Jack Hayford, R. W. Shambach, Kenneth Copeland 

© DMB, O.S.L

DISCLAIMER: Opinions expressed here, and on my Twitter account (@GoWestYoungMan1) are entirely mine, (DMB) and do not necessarily represent the views or beliefs of the leadership or membership of ONE Feltonville CCDC, and/or Feltonville Town Watch. When in Juniata News, my views do not represent the opinions of the newspaper.
I assert my Copyright privileges under International Copyright Law, and further assert that I am the sole author of this work. 

Save-The-Dates: (Future) August...2017...

ONE Feltonville CCDC & Local Church, Agencies Plan 2 "National Night Out" Events
Two Events Scheduled in 2 Locations; Two Communities
Feltonville Town Watch


National Association of Town Watch sponsors the Annual National Night Out on the First Tuesday of August. Each year Town Watch Integrated Services in Philadelphia hosts a NNO "Kick-Off" at a central location.

This year ONE Feltonville CCDC RCO will host TWO Events on Tuesday, August 1st and Wednesday, August 2nd. On August 1st we are partnering again with Iglesia Cristiana Monte Olivar our "faith-rooted" community partner. That evening will focus on "Crime & Immigration" and assist those perceived to be "Illegal" (Undocumented) learn about Immigration Options. Many times these perceived 'Illegal" persons are the victims of crime--but fear to report it for fear of repercussions or being questioned about their immigration status. WE want Everyone to feel safe, and be able to call the Police in the event of a cime or emergency without apprehension.

Besides United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) we will be joined by "DHS" Dept of Homeland Security to discuss recent "Presidential Actions on Immigration. Additionally, Esperanza Immigration Legal Services | "Esperanza" will join us at BOTH events.

The second of the 2 events will be held on Wednesday, August 2nd. Wyoming Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia and Feltonville-Intermediate School are our community partners for this event. Both the new Children's Librarian "Mr. Sam" (Sam Perduta) and Intermediate School Principal, Dr. Donald Anticoli, Ed. D. have been active participants with us and other community agencies like Esperanza Housing and Economic Development -(EHED) and Town Watch during their tenure and employment here. Both going above-and-beyond to help the neighborhood they serve.

The 25th Police District  as well as Philadelphia Fire Department will be on hand at both evening's events. Other City, State and Non-profit organizations like Casa Del Carmen - CSS "Family Center" , The Mayor's Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO), Dept. of Streets- PMBC, etc.  are also scheduled to participate.

These events are open to ALL, regardless of residency, status, or any other 'barrier' to participation. ONE Feltonville CCDC (Christian Community Development Corporation) maintains an ALL Inclusive "Non-Discrimination" Policy and Practices and any and all incidents are reported to and investigated by City of Philadelphia,HumanRelations/Discrimination And Enforcement and other legal enforcement agencies. This is a #NoPlaceForHate community, and Philadelphia is a #SanctuaryCity. We welcome ALL our friends and neighbors.

We look forward to full evenings of information, community engagement and meeting and greeting new neighbors and involved, caring, concerned community members who want an improved 'quality of life' together.

For further information, contact ONE Feltonville at 267.650.4720 or via email: ONE.Feltonville@gmail.com Folow me on Twitter @GoWestYoungMan1 use #ONEFeltonville or #WyomingAvenueCorridor to see some of our community goals and objectives.

Get Involved. Get engaged with your neighbors, and neighborhood resources. Be in the know, and know where to go in and around the Feltonville-Hunting Park communities.

UPDATED: Non-Discrimination Clause....

ONE Feltonville **UPDATED** Acceptance/Non-Discrimination Policy/Clause Addition....

ONE Means ONE! ALL means ALL! 

"ONE Feltonville CCDC RCO (Christian Community Development Center/Registered Community Organization) complies with all applicable Federal Civil Rights Laws; and, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability status, creed or religious affiliation or belief, (or lack thereof) ancestry, sexual gender, gender identity, or expression, or sexual or affectual orientation."

Further, we welcome and embrace all cultures, faith expressions and languages within our growing, changing, city and community.

For Further information about our Non Discrimination Policies and Statements; Please, request an excerpt of our "By-Laws" via email at: ONE.Feltonville@Gmail.com

This UPDATED Statement/Addendum to our already existing non discrimination/inclusionary policies and actions was adopted and ratified by the Leadership Team of ONE Feltonville CCDC RCO as of August 16, 2016. 

Reference: PCHR Phila. Commission on Human Relations

Communicated By:

D. Michael Blackie, O.S.L
Facilitator,
@GoWestYoungMan1 #ONEFeltonville

ONE Feltonville Hosts "Job Corps" for Youth Job Info...

"Job Corps"Joins ONE Feltonville Next Tuesday Evening....

ONE Feltonville CCDC RCO will Host "Philadelphia Job Corps" for an "Executive Community Briefing" on Tuesday, February 21st 6:30PM 

YOU are Invited! 

At: Iglesia Adventista del Septimo Dia; located at 200 A East Wyoming Avenue at "A" Street. 

Also on the AGENDA: 
UPDATES: Zoning, Esperanza Projects: Feltonville War Memorial, Wyoming Avenue Corridor Plan, and a "Proposal" for a "Feltonville Historical Committee". 

 Join Us! LEARN! Participate, and have a voice in the community. 

D. Michael Blackie OSL @goWestYoungMan1
Facilitator Member: CCDA
#SustainableFeltonville 

Why Seek The Living Among The Dead....?

Dear friends, Pastors, Christian Fellowship Leaders:

I received sad--yet glorious greetings from Germantown HOPE Church today: 

"Today we mourn the passing of Rev. Dr. Manny Ortiz, pastor of our Germantown Hope's parent church, Spirit and Truth Fellowship in the Hunting Park neighborhood of Philadelphia. Manny was a shepherd, mentor, and friend to our church's leaders and a support to our congregation from the beginning. He faithfully led Spirit and Truth as a local church focused on the gospel and the needs of the local community, but also sent out teams of leaders and families to plant churches in 8+ other locations in Philadelphia.We will all miss his warm heart and spirit of wisdom and integrity.

Please pray for his family and for the extended church family now in mourning, and may we honor him by loving God and loving others as he did in living out these verses from 1 Peter 5:

'To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away'."

---

Manny was an avid bicyclist, an author-teacher at Eastern University in the city at Esperanza College. In addition to his "Pastor" responsibilities at Spirit and Truth Fellowship he raised a family, supported others in their ministries and with his church was a big supporter of Whosoever Gospel Mission and Shelter on Chelten Avenue in Germantown. 

He personally "Mentored" several men in his congregation, including my friend and former house-mate. Manny radiated the Love and Peace of Christ! He lived The Greatest Commandment" and worked "The Great Commission". 

Pastor Manny was a personal inspiration to me when I breifly attended his Fellowship with house-mates when I lived in a intentional community in Hunting Park (circa 2005). 

Today, word of his passing to Glory made me think; "What are WE doing to advance the Kingdom of God on our watch?". 

Though we mourn our 'loss' of this vibrant, encouraging brother--we at the same time rejoice in his passing on to Glory and completeness in The Lord.  I have to ask "Why Do WE Seek The Living Among The Dead?"

May we strive to imitate Rev. Dr. Manuel "Manny" Ortiz in his love for the Lord, his neighbors and the community. May he rest in peace in the love and fellowship of the saints. AMEN. 

With Regard,

D. Michael Blackie (MSW, M. Ed), OSL 

ONE Feltonville CCDC-RCO 

UPDATED: InterVarsity Press Remembers Dr. Manny Ortiz

ttachments area

Get To Know Us, .... Me....

Get To Know ONE Feltonville CCDC-RCO 

and, .... Me! 

Working Hard: 'Sustaining' Change; Results...

We're not trying to be 'all things, to all people'. But, we WELCOME ALL PEOPLE. Bienvenidos Todos! That includes you! 

Reach Out; get to know us. Become a part of the 'community' of our Community. The "fabric of Democracy" was knit together by a diverse offering of self, some selfless giving, some not so selfless...or willing. But, we are ONE! ONE Nation. ONE City. ONE Country, ONE UNITED VOICE, ONE People, in ONE Neighborhood lifting our combined voices to maintain a sense of 'neighborliness' and familial, intentional living. 

And, while living "Among The People" we advocate the practice of "Love Your Neighbor As Yourself" ("Love Your Neighbor As Yourself" ) This "Commandment" was very important in Biblical times; and should be today!. Even when it's far less than easy to do so; even when folks aren't so so lovable. It's hard, 'tough-love' but necessary to get by. I mean, "Who IS Our 'Neighbor'?"...

By "Doing" this (James 1:22 NKJV) and living it out among, and with our neighbors, valuable friendships, relationships and enduring memories are formed. "Family" is made. And, for many, many who have estranged family relations, or no family, this makes all the difference in the world. But, we have to be careful, and approach with caution; We live "As Sheep.... "Among Wolves". 

In my 'practices' in Feltonville the past 3 years and across this great city over the past ten years, I've found, these 'principles' and actions work! It's not all 'deep' and about 'religion' or religiosity--as the Biblical "Pharisees" had. No, it's really ALL about you- and how we can serve you best in your life journey. 

At the end of the day, our entire "Mission" can be summed up in the title of CCDA Founder John Perkins awesome book "Making Neighborhoods Whole" and other great titles like "The New Parish" By Paul Sparks, et al.... 

ALL of this work and practice (Praxis) began for me with ABCD Asset Based Community Development in the mid-to-late-90's... Yeah, what a generation! Books like "The Abundant Community" have informed and fueled my personal praxis. So, while this is MY 'Ministry' and humble sacrifice it does not put you in 'church' to participate. Often misquoted St. Francis of Asissi supposedly said it best: "Preach The Gospel, at all times, Use Words When Necesaary. Meaning; "Preach" with your life. The venerable Saint, whose name Pope Francis claimed actually said: “It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.” So, Come, Walk With us! 

I hope you'll join us on the journey to our "Beloved Community" a resourced community; an "Abundant Community" as we grow and love and serve our neighbors. 

Reach out. We're here! ONE Feltonville: Making Connections, Delivering Results!

Yours In Service, 

With Gratitude

Bro. Michael Blackie, OSL

"Who Are The People In Your Neighborhood...?"...

Who Are The People In Your Neighborhood...?
Or, Your City for that matter?! 
ONE Feltonville CCDC

Do you know the 'movers & shakers' in your 'hood? The "Civic Association" regulars? The "Block Captain" guardians of the sacred trusts of the block, the neighborhood, the community?

In Feltonville, since 2014 ONE Feltonville has worked hard; built capacity and developed a network of friends, neighbors and 'connections' to be that hand that rocks the cradle--the planter and waterer of all things growing.

If you happen to find yourself anywhere near our beloved community--on Tuesday evening, the 21st of February around 6:30PM, we'd love to have you stop by and meet and greet us! Everyone's Welcome Here! Bienvenidos todos aqui!

We meet at the Spanish SDA (Seventh-Day Adventist) Church, Iglesia Adventista del Septimo Dia located at "A" Street and East Wyoming Avenue. (Formerly "Boulevard United Presbyterian Church- PCUSA).

We get a lot done. We learn a lot--together. And, this month--we'll learn about JOBS! jobs for young people....yes, despite rumors to the contrary--many young folks desperately want to work. To find meaningful, substantial, gainful employment--not sell drugs on the corner in 'da 'hood'!

Gail Anderson from the Philadelphia Job Corps will be our Special "Invited" guest, to this otherwise 'closed' "Executive Session" Briefing. So, we're inviting you!

COME. Learn. Chat. Kibbitz!There's always an "Agenda"... but NEVER an 'agenda'.... Conversations ensue, relationships are formed, connections are made and we deliver what we promise: Empowerment--empowerment for you to get what you need to do what you need to do! This is how we do it!

So, be you--but, come, join US and Grow from the experience.

Be Blessed!

Bro. Michael, OSL
@GoWestYoungMan1 #ONEFeltonville
For A More Livable, "Sustainable" Feltonville!

"NextDoor.com" Reviews/Archives Lost!

NOTICE: Any "Reviews" I published on Nextdoor.com are GONE!
Purported "Private 'Social Network' for neighborhoods arbitrarily removes people!

Dear Hearts,

Any of my former "Reviews" written and published directly to the alleged "Private" Social Network known as "Nextdoor" (from 3,000 miles away -- In California!) are GONE!

I posted there DAILY; "Blog" type stuff. Community news, meeting announcements, documents, and my Book Reviews of several fine IVPress Titles - ALL of that was "Deleted", arbitrarily and capriciously by the folks at Nextdoor over alleged "Complaints" about my cross-posts, posting as a "Comment" to 'top-post' my items and as being "Un-Neighborly"!

Meanwhile, over "Community Organizing" efforts I was actually physically assaulted, constantly harassed and harangued; cursed at, defamed and slandered (at a public gathering) by a competing 'community organization!

Things got even more ramped up when in August 2016 ON the Anniversary date of our ONE Feltonville CCDC we were recognized by Philadelphia City Planning Commission as a RCO (Registered Community Organization).

Daily taunts of "Go back where you're from!" and claims of "he's not even from here" (Feltonville). Along with threats, slings and arrows of insults and smutty remarks were hurled my way! Incredible, right? Well, they say "Truth is Stranger Than Fiction". And, of course the famed Jim Morrison, "The Doors" song: People Are Strange (When You're A Stranger) But, Im no 'stranger' to adversity, controversy and/or rejection. No! I've had it before. But, never, ever so much as this community. Oh well. I "Press On", "Press On"!,
despite attacks on me, and on my work and the organization

I wrote greatly about my "Trials and Tribulations" on my HL Mencken "linkedIn" page It seems they took particular offense at my "Popeye" analogy ,well, "If The Shoe Fits..."! But, I digress. I've moved on; learned to Forgive and not "Grow Weary In Well-doing" as the Bible says. I have to continue to "Help Others".

The ONE Feltonville CCDC RCO "Vision" Plan WILL become a "Reality" in spite of these obstacles. I'll read, review books, write about Injustices and Social and moral ills and much, much more here....

Stay tuned, hang on, it may be a bumpy ride! But, It will be well worth the trip*. (Or, your Admission price will be gladly refunded) *I may even post vignettes and "Court" information (Against the advice of "Counsel) about the "Private Criminal Complaint" lodged against me by one of their disgruntled members! (The same 'disgruntled' member who attacked ME with his cane in mid-September).

MORE to come....

D. Michael Blackie,  
Your Community Servant/Leader
The Order of St. Luke (OSL)      
215.239.GROW (4769)
Facilitator,
ONE Feltonville CCDC RCO

ARGO-Liberty Communications~Philadelphia
dba "DMBCommunications"

DISCLAIMER: Opinions expressed here, and on my Twitter account @GoWestYoungMan1 are entirely mine, and do not necessarily represent the views or beliefs of the leadership or membership of ONE Feltonville CCDC, and/or Feltonville Town Watch. When in Juniata News, my views do not represent the opinions of the newspaper.
     

#Race&Place

A MUST READ for Anyone Concerned about "Race" or "Placemaking" In Cities
It's Not Just About #BlackLivesMatter It's About Living Intentionally, Incarnationally 
Race And Place: By David P. Leong, Ph.D

InterVarsity Press publishes a variety of topical, scholarly and leisure reading titles. My favorites are always those about "City-Life", Intentional and Incarnational living, in communities, and in 'community' with our neighbors. "The least, the last, the lost"...among us. The "Matthew 25 Effect"

In Race & Place, Leong hits-the nail-on-the head; hard! And, drives home the point. "The Church" especially the Urban, City dwelling church MUST face up to and discuss issues of race, and step into the fray of the 'immigration', refugees, and confront the things that separate us. "Walls" whether they be visible or invisible...MUST come down.

Leong not only backs up his premise--or 'thesis' with statistical facts, and sound Biblical rationales, he also shares personal and familial vignettes about his observations and experiences as an "Asian-American". His erudite writing and grasp of his subject matter made this a page turner for me. I'm re-reading it--after reading it cover-to-cover in the same day I received it.

In Race & Place you will: Learn about purposeful policies that knowingly divided people--mostly people-of-color, and literal, physical 'walls' that still exist today ("8 Mile Road" in Detroit), and how those decisions by policy-makers and legislators caused some of the deep-poverty that still persists today, in some cases 45, or 75 years later!

Get this book TODAY! Get extra copies for friends, your Pastor and Congregation members. It's not a Black-And-White issue--it's an ALL of us issue.

If you're an avid reader (I read up to 13-15 books per month) you may want to check out IVP's great "Book Club". No Commitment--ever and you always save 30% on most titles from the Book Club.
IVP Book Club SAVE up to 30% I've added around 30 books to my personal library since 2016. I added 12 new titles today!

DISCLAIMER: Opinions expressed here, and on my Twitter account @GoWestYoungMan1 are entirely mine, and do not necessarily represent the views or beliefs of the leadership or membership of ONE Feltonville CCDC, and/or Feltonville Town Watch. When in Juniata News, my views do not represent the opinions of the newspaper.

NON DISCRIMINATION/Fairness & Equity Statement: 
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The Bells Are Ringing, For Me And My Gal.....

The Radical Marriage of a Runaway Nun and a Renegade Monk
A "Radical" Marriage...! 

Martin and Katharina were in love, oh, so in love and so..... Radical!

Available wherever books and ebooks are sold.
Baker Books, A Division of Baker Publishing Group, USA