The Southeast City Mission Outreach Ministry “Meals On Wheels”  is a partnership with the local City Mission organization that is an umbrella for many outreach programs in the Cleveland community. We have been working with Men’s crisis center since 2010 and have been providing hot meals once a month to the homeless men’s shelter.  Every 2^nd Saturday the ministry meets from 4-6 pm to prepare and serve these men. Come out and, not only be a blessing but to receive a blessing. We also provide spiritual literature for the men weekly and for 2011 we were able to provide Christmas gifts to the men with the generous help of our church members.

Feeding My Sheep: A Labor of Love

In John 21:17, Jesus admonishes his disciples to “feed my sheep.” Margaret Reed, Community Service Director, has been feeding the Lord’s sheep for longer than she can remember.

According to Sister Reed, more than 2,000 people from the community are fed from the Southeast pantry every year. That is an amazing number, but the Lord has blessed this ministry to continue to grow and serve. It has an amazing history.

Community Service began in the late 1970s shortly after Southeast was established. The first leaders were Verdais Johnston and Rachel Sales. According to Sister Reed, Verdais Johnston taught me everything I know about Community Service.

There wasn’t a food pantry in the very beginning. In fact, the mission began as a clothing outreach. We would place clothing on tables in the parking lot and serve sandwiches. People came needing help and we would ask them what they needed. We would go to the congregation and they would help. Some people bought coats. I remember Bette Robinson even bought Christmas presents, said Sister Reed. (Right)

Later the mission evolved and became mobile. Once a month, Community Service would go downtown to feed the homeless. On Thursday nights, Sister Reed, Mattie Parham, Judith Denton and sometimes others would cook huge pots of spaghetti or chili and make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. On Sabbath evening, Community Service volunteers would form a caravan and transport the food down to 18th & Superior.

They literally stood on the cold streets and fed the homeless until the food ran out.

According to Sister Reed, word of mouth spread so quickly, that within 20 minutes of their arrival, men were lining up on 18th street people were coming from everywhere. We would even feed the people laying on the grates. Many people would sacrifice and buy blankets to give out to provide additional warmth for those men laying on grates.

In the summer time the volunteers served hot dogs and baked beans and lemonade. At Christmas time they served turkey and dressing, brownies and candy canes. There was always something special about the ministry. But there was more change in store.

Community Services volunteers at work: (left) packing bags on Saturday night and (bottom) preparing to serve individuals on Sunday afternoon.

At some point, the ministry moved from the street to the men’s shelter at 2100 Lakeside. This time the ministry was able to provide more spiritual food with the physical food. A program of singing and encouragement was created. Sister Reed noted that, We brought hope and food. She added, Elder Gilleylen would have his table filled with books and bibles and everything they could take…and of course there was his song, This Little Light of Mine. Sister LaJuan Marshall would lead the singing and Elder Gilleylen would read scriptures and pass out tracts. At Southeast, LaJuan was also the enforcer. She would go around collecting money from members to buy badly needed hats and scarves for the homeless. She was a true Christian soldier.

According to Judy Denton, It has been a real ministry. I will never forget the time Gary King, Sr., took us to the lake after feeding the homeless one evening to watch the sunset. I remember meeting young people and telling them about Jesus. And now the ministry has come full circle. It is back at Southeast and every third Sunday there is a food giveaway to feed families and individuals. Sister Reed added that Southeast is a loving church, a giving church. We are always grateful for the canned goods and non-perishable items that the congregation provides to the pantry. As the Lord’s ambassadors on earth, Christians are all members of Community Service.

- Cecily Anitah Bryant and Judith Denton

At Southeast we have a very active Deaf Ministry Department. This department utilizes the skills of deaf and hearing members to glorify God. “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost.” II Corinthians 4:3. It is our prayer that no one is lost, and that includes our deaf brothers and sisters.

It is for this reason that we teach sign language to our members as well as to those in the community. We offer sign language classes at the beginners, intermediate and advance level. Our current class, which is held on Tuesday evening has 18 students.

Our Deaf Ministry also has a sign choir, Hands-In-Ministry (H.I.M.). This is a choir that exists for the purpose of knowing Jesus Christ and making Him known to others. Our choir is a family. The music that we select has deep meaning to us. It reflects our commitment to the Lord and hopefully it gives inspiration to those who watch us sign.

We are often invited to fellowship with other churches in the community and most recently we have been on programs at Lee Memorial A.M.E. Church, Mt. Gillion Baptist Church, Affinity Baptist Church, Holy Trinity Baptist Church and Progressive Baptist Church.

We are always looking for new choir members and you don’t have to know sign language. We will teach you!

Selah is an interpretive dance ministry for girls’ ages 9 and up, focused on teaching young ladies to be an integral part of worship by ministering through expressive praise.

This ministry includes praise dance, interpretive dance, and worship using banner, flags and streamers. Through the expression of praise and interpretive dance, we transform our praise, love, thankfulness, and loyalty to the Father.

Our mission is to teach young ladies the importance of worship and how they can dedicate their bodies wholeheartedly to open and expressive praise to God.

What does Selah mean? Selah is a word that appears seventy-three times in the Psalms and is also in Habakkuk Chapter 3. It is a musical terms and it means to pause or reflect. When we see Selah in scripture it means we should pause and reflect on these words. It is also believed that when the word Selah appears it indicates and instrumental interlude because the Psalms are poetry often to music.

The mission of Steps2Christ is to minister the Word of God by using creative movement to encourage and fulfill a worship experience that exemplifies love, expresses gratitude and joy. Through this ministry, we use our temples as an instrument of worship to bring honor, glory, and praise to God.

Our Vision

Not to entertain the church, but to offer up a sacrifice of praise and worship to the Lord, so we may usher in the body of Christ into the Holy of Holies where they can sit at His feet and know Him more. Letting their praises be a sweet fragrance to the Lord. We will be a Royal Priesthood Ministering to God. Through our Dance we will prepare the way for the presence of the Lord.

Our Purpose

This ministry will be directed towards  the young ladies of Southeast from ages 15 and up, yet open to any young lady in the community that  has a desire to worship and praise God.

The more seasoned women are responsible for mentoring the young ladies to become great women
of God by encouraging them to see God through prayer, bible studies and to use their gifts of worship/creative movement to honor God.

In addition, we desire to translate the value of praise dance to both pastors and church congregations.

• Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. Psalm 149:3
• Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Psalm 150:4

Step2Christ is called as priests under the new covenant. Our dance will be the ministry of a High Priest before the Lord. Expressing an intimate relationship with an eternally loving Father, dance becomes an outward expression of the inward covenanted relationship with our Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

A Poem by Laurence David Sterling III

How beautiful are the dancer’s feet

That dance to the music of God.

How lovely are the dancer’s hands

That move to the direction of Christ.

How delightful is the dancer’s body

When it moves to the choreography of the Spirit.

Each leap of faith, Each flight of hope,

Each fall in love, Intensifies the splendor of the Holy Dance.

Come experience another form of worship and praise with us as we use our temples to lift up the name of Jesus!!

Maria A. Meredith -Director
Email: stepzchrist@gmail.com
Phone number: (440) 527-3286

We are Sight and Sound

ENHANCING THE WORSHIP SERVICE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

Media Ministry is an important and vital aspect of the worship experience. The media ministry team uses a combination of sound, video, and computer technologies to present a message of Christ. We are the silent group that uses our talent in audio, graphic, video and lighting. We provide live text, graphics, and video for worship services. We record and archive videos of each and every service. We push ourselves to stay on the cutting edge of technology and expand according to the church’s needs. During church service, the media ministry is a support service for the pastor, music ministry and the church members. The Media Team is composed of two primary areas: sound and visuals. The sound and visuals personnel provide audiovisual technical support for worship services.

SOUND Technicians

Gary King

Our Sound Team consists of technicians who support the audio needs for speakers, musicians, actors, video/DVD presentations, etc. The sound board operator is a key element in our church worship. The person has direct control over all audio output during service, church productions, and special events. Potential team members have the opportunity to shadow and work alongside current team operators before making any commitments. Typically, those that make the best sound techs are very detail oriented, can stay focused under pressure, and can think quick on their feet. It is also necessary to have had some measure of musical training or experience.

 CAMERA Technicians

Tracey Olgesby

We currently have four video cameras that we use for worship service and other programs here at Southeast. Our live video feed is later edited and uploaded to our website. We also send live feed to our “mother’s room” and the main halls during services and special occasions; like baptisms and baby dedications.

Mario Castaneda 

Throughout the year there are many opportunities to video major events and special projects. Those that make good camera techs are very detail oriented, can stay focused, and can operate a camera for over an hour without physical fatigue.

COMPUTER SUPPORT Technicians 

Supported by three large front‐and one rear projection screen in the Sanctuary, our Computer Support Team uses the computer software program MediaShout to provide song lyrics, Bible verses, video graphics, PowerPoint presentations, and sermon outlines for our services.

Team members should have intermediate level computer skills (including the ability to navigate between computer directories), be able to work well with others, be flexible and be able to work under time constraints. A “feel for music” is helpful, but not required.

PHOTO Team
If you have ever been to an activity at Southeast, you might have noticed photographers taking pictures so that we can capture the special moments of the event. The Photo Team helps us see what happens in the life of Southeast Seventh‐day Adventist Church.
The Media Team is a great place to serve if you like to listen to music or if you like to work with computers and video equipment. If you are interested in finding out more about serving on one of these teams, there is an opportunity to observe the team for a couple of weeks prior to making a commitment. Training generally takes place “on the job” working alongside a veteran member of the team. Come and join a fun and creative group of people using their gifts and talents for God.

For additional information about any of the technical teams contact Keith Dixon.

H2M: Healed and Hopeful Ministry is a program designed to help meet the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of the whole individual in overcoming death of a loved one, divorce, unemployment, foreclosure and health. Solid biblical principles that aid in everyday practical living are strongly emphasized within the program.

2M Mission

Healed and Hopeful Ministry endeavors to contribute to the spiritual and relational solutions to individuals by providing biblical enrichment, spiritual guidance, and motivational resources. Our ministry will enable Christians to overcome personal obstacles and limitations and adopt a zeal for growth in trusting God, no matter what the circumstance.

H2M Vision

At Southeast Seventh‐day Adventist Church, our vision is to make Jesus known to ALL nations and to reach the lost so that they can be saved. We believe by bringing others to Christ, their lives will be changed, healed and set free.

The Purpose of the H2M: Healed and Hopeful Ministry:

Thinking about the past will never change the past; however you can change your future and become free from your past. As you deal with your past and present hurts, you can both embrace the truth and let go of the burdens you carry, or carry your burdens and reject the truth and the freedom it brings. The choice is yours! Getting real with God is the first step you need to always take as you face deep, dark hurts that have chipped away at your peace for 1 year or 50 years.

This ministry is designed to encourage healing from hurtful life situations including the loss of a loved one, divorce, loss of employment, home and/or health. We will utilize solid biblical principles that will encourage everyday practical living and provide tools to enable one to be victorious in all of these situations.

This ministry is designed to support not only the individual primarily affected by their loss, but other family members and friends that are affected, as well.

Spiritual Gifts and Qualifications:

H2M: Healed and Hopeful Ministry is a program designed to help meet the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of the whole individual in overcoming death of a loved one, divorce, unemployment, foreclosure and health. Solid biblical principles that aid in everyday practical living are strongly emphasized within the program.

“And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Romans 5:5 (NIV)

Tawanna Norton, Leader

A mirage is an optical illusion created by the bending of reflected rays of light. A mirage is a visual phenomenon that creates an illusion of something that is real. Mirage Productions is a drama ministry that reflects the truth of God’s Word through skits, sketches, illustrative sermons, and full length feature plays. This Christian drama group ministers through thought‐provoking drama bringing light to Biblical and moral topics for people of all ages. Dramas are original and unique to Mirage Productions, with all pieces written by its director, Janviere Lavender.

WHY DRAMA?
The use of Christian Drama is a very effective medium to help people understand the message of the Gospel  and respond to it. The Bible is God’s script for mankind and Christian drama that is Scripture based reaches the heart with an anointing to bring salvation, healing and revelation.

MEMBERSHIP
Mirage is open to youth and adults of all ages, but its in‐reach ministry focuses on youth ages 12 to 18. Members  can opt to participate in weekly rehearsals and drama workshops or they may lend their talents for special events, such as full‐length feature plays. No experience is needed to be a member of Mirage Productions  ministry. All members should come with an open and willing heart.

MIRAGE MODE OF MINISTRY
Mirage Productions uses a variety of dramatic presentations, all written for a specific audience. Acting, singing,  dance, mime, preaching are all incorporated into most full‐feature plays and sketches. Monologues, human videos, skits, sketches, interpretive dance, and full feature dramatic productions are our modes or presentation.

OUR VENUES
Mirage talents are used to minister at various types of events. Audiences vary from teen youth groups, church congregations, or young children. Some examples include:

• Divine Worship illustrated biblical themes
• Biblical Holidays (Christmas and Easter plays)
• Children’s Story Hour (Sabbath 11:00 dramatizations
• Adventist Youth Society (Sabbath youth service)
• Vacation Bible School
• Workshops & Drama Ministry Training
• Conferences, Retreats, Outreach & Evangelism
• Special Requests (weddings, memorial services, etc.)

For additional information Mirage Productions contact Janviere Lavender

Southeast has gone green! Early Sunday morning, more than 15 members of Southeast showed up with shovels, hoes and rakes and put real “sweat equity” into our new totally organic community garden. Located at the corner of Lee and Priebe, this garden is a collaboration between Ward 1 and Kaiser Permanente and it promotes better health through healthy eating and living.

The program works by giving the harvested produce to Ward 1, which will return a percentage to Southeast for its Community Service Food Program. Southeast is also able to set aside some of the produce for its own use.

Divided by 10×10 squares, according to Garden Coordinator, John Reynolds, “there is enough space for about 25 plots and we are looking to expand. This project will also bring us together as a church family.” Planned produce includes collard greens, green beans, cabbage and much more!

At this first gardening session, members fertilized the earth with organic materials and will begin planting soon. John the Visionary is already looking into canning and freezing projects! If you are interested, there are still some plots available.

(Right) John Reynolds, Garden Coordinator

Southeast Basketball teams participates in the Allegheny West Basketball League and offers recreation for our youth ages 10 and above who loves playing basketball.

Every year Southeast plays in a youth church basketball league. Players as young as ages 10 can take part. The season starts in the fall and goes through early spring. There are playoffs and a championship game for each group. Our teams have been in the finals for their respective divisions for the past 6 years.

These games provide an opportunity for our young people to engage in fun and competitive activity. It also provides an opportunity for members to fellowship with each other in an environment outside of church. Once you attend one game, we are sure you will be hooked and keep coming back for more fun!

Basketball Teams

Pee-Wee (ages 10 – 13)

Junior Varsity (ages 14 - 18)

Varsity (18+)

We are the champions! On April 25, 2010.

The Southeast Tigers soundly defeated Cincinnati Emmanuel to emerge as the Allegheny West Conference Basketball League Varsity Champions. The final score was 107-98. Some members of the winning team are pictured: (L+R) Joseph Howard, Miles Meredith, Princeton Meredith, Tyler Nickens, Jamal Reynolds, Sr. & Jr., Jonathon Delaney and Elliott Meredith.

CONGRATULATIONS TIGERS!!!