When we count our many blessings; It isn't hard to see that life's most valued treasures are the treasures that are free. For it isn't what we own or buy that signifies our wealth. It's the special gifts that have no price: our family, friends and health.

We'd like to take this opportunity to tell you just how much your friendship and business means to the BRC. Many of us have lost dear friends and loved ones this past year and our country as a whole has suffered great losses also. In times like this, it gives us a chance to stop and reflect and think about what is really important to us in this life; just how precious and fragile life is, and to not waste what time we are given with the special people in our lives.

For many, it is the gift of family and friends that are the riches in our lives. Those precious times that we hold dear to our heart and memories and special moments that can never be replaced, neither by time nor all the wealth in the world. Perhaps you have planned a grand feast with friends and family, or even an intimate candlelight dinner for two, or maybe a simple frozen dinner or takeout, it is not really the food, but rather who we share them with that count most of all. That may be the true value and meaning of Thanksgiving.

The BRC remembers each of you during this season of Thanksgiving. We give thanks for you all, our member churches, our member businesses, our valued alliances, your families and our supportive friends. You make this journey on the Overground RR!! a pleasant and worthwhile cause. For those of your families, businesses and congregations who passed on to be with the Lord, we know there will be a special place for them in the hearts and minds of many of us as we observe Thanksgiving this year.

We remember our men and women, family and friends who are serving our country and can't be with their loved ones this year. We wish you safe travel and many blessings for a day of Thanks.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus Concerning you.-Ist Thessalonians 5:18

TAG TEAM Marketing invites you to expand your Black business into the Atlanta market during the 2006 holiday season. Start by attending free, weekly events which allows Black business owners to sell products to positive Black consumers through the end of 2006.

The goal of TAG TEAM is to recycle at least $100,000 in Black consumer holiday spending to Black-owned businesses in November and December 2006.Some of the events sponsored by TAG TEAM Marketing include the following:

Tag Team Family Feast. Saturday, November 25, 2006 from 7 pm - 10 pm. Come feast with TAG TEAM! Try foods from a variety of food vendors. Fun, games, prizes and more. Socialize, network and have a good time. Bring the whole family! Dressy casual attire (no jeans or sneakers). Only $10 per person. All you can eat!

Black Business Networking Social. Friday, December 1, 2006 from 7 pm - 10pm. Shop for holiday gifts, network, socialize and meet lots of positive, Black people. Promote your Black- owned business. Vending spaces available for only $100 Business attire required and admission is FREE.

TAG TEAM Marketing Atlanta Production Center is located minutes from Atlanta airport at 3465 North Desert Drive, Building 4, Suite 102, East Point, GA. Take I-285 to Camp Creek Parkway exit. Office located in Airport Office Park, behind Comfort Inn Hotel. For information or directions, call Patrina Roy (404) 305-0300, e-mail atlanta@tagteammarketing.com.

Gospel Recording Artist James Bignon highlighted the 1st Pastoral Anniversary of Jesus Is Lord Ministries (JCIL) in McDonough, GA, on Sunday, November 5, 2006 honoring Pastor Sherri S. Davis. Bignon conducted a mini choir workshop at JCIL, a BRC church center, to prepare for Pastor Davis’ anniversary. The choir performed two songs in tribute to Pastor Davis during the evening celebration.

Pastor Eric D. Jackson, Sr., founding pastor of the Greater Heights Christian Church, Snellville, GA., a BRC Church Center, preached an inspiring message in celebration of Pastor Davis’ anniversary. Pastor Jackson, who is married to Elder Evette Jackson, heads a multi-cultural, diverse, and Christ-centered church where everyone can feel a part of and take part in a meaningful worship and praise! Dr. Frank Bozeman of Global Word in Montgomery AL, brought the worshipers to their feet during his resounding sermon at the morning worship service.

JCIL Ministries is located at 15 Hampton Street, McDonough, GA 30253. Call 678.521.7219 or 678.596.7407.

Share your Pastoral and Church anniversaries with fellow BRC Church Centers. Contact the BRC office at 404.346.0808.

Girl Scouts Troop 9216 is one of the BRC newest alliances. Troop 9216, under the leadership of Cynthia Martin, currently has seven members: Jaliah Cook, Daja Fedrick, Amanda Jackson, Phallen Jackson, Tamia Johnson , India Martin, and Sirrell Newton. November 11th marks the troops first regularly scheduled scouts meeting at the BRC. BRC’s graphic artist, Larry M. Newton, gave the girls a brief history of the BRC later the girls voluntarily assisted with assembling some BRC materials.

Scout leader Martin will be visiting various schools in the south west Atlanta community to recruit new members.

Girl Scouts Troop 9216 currently meets in the BRC conference room every Saturday between the hours of 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

M.E.N.S. Wear, Inc. (Making Employment the Next Step), one of the BRC’s newest Alliances, seeks to provide low-income men graduating from various job training programs, with new or like-new professional interview clothing, and personal support services in preparation for obtaining and retaining employment and becoming self-sufficient individuals.

M.E.N.S. Wear, Inc. (MWI) is a member agency organization founded on the principle that clothing and personal appearances are essential pieces of the job-preparation process. The Wardrobe & Work program is the core program for the organization. Member Organizations that are registered with MWI may refer clients. The MWI’s Employment vs. Entrepreneurship Program offers monthly training workshops and seminars and has developed structured monthly training workshops that educate Alumni clients in self-enriching skills.

“There are limited services provided to the male population for interview clothing...most male customers feel that they are limited in resources to assist them in returning to work and/or retaining employment,” says K. Raines, Unit Supervisor, Georgia Department of Labor.

MWI hopes to help in this area by becoming a world- renowned new “dress for success” initiative designed exclusively for men and male youth. Incorporating the development of personal image and style, MWI will provide a continuum of career development and life skills services that will educate and coach males to become reconnected with mainstream society and become productive individuals within the community.

Angelia O’Neal is Founder and Executive Director of Mens Wear, Inc. A native of Detroit, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing from Eastern Michigan University. Upon graduation, Angelia started a career in retailing as a Merchandising Manager for a major retailer. In addition, she assisted with launching a fashion publication. Soon after, Angelia worked as a teacher for Detroit Public Schools and later worked for a major mall developer—assisting with launching a mall’s website. After relocating to Atlanta in 2002, Angelia began working at Greenbriar Mall as the Marketing Assistant and later became a Warm Spirit Consultant. Afterward, she served at the American Red Cross as the Minority Recruitment Representative for Metro Atlanta.

For more information about M.E.N.S. Wear, Inc. or to make a tax deductible donation, visit MWI’S website or email aoneal@menswearinc.org.

The BRC utilizes volunteers to help with operations and special events. We introduce you to two of them in this issue of the Sparks.

Jacqueline Dowie is the owner of Memorable Moments by Jackie. She is a Certified Consultant and Events Planner. She also does gift baskets. Jackie, a retired Nurse that has worked throughout the U.S., has a degree in substance abuse and has worked as a counselor for several years. She is a member of Salem Bible Church in Atlanta, under the leadership of Pastor Dr. Jasper Williams Jr. Jackie is the Assistant to the Supervisor of the God First Door Keepers. She is the mother of six children 10 grandchildren. She has been self-employed for the last 5 years.

Diann Hanna is owner of A Regal Event Consultant Group in Jonesboro, a one stop for for all your wedding and event needs. Her company specializes in all occasion gift baskets, anniversary and all occasion events, such as birthday, company grand openings, office and private dinners, retirement and Sweet 16 parties. Diann has been a member of New birth Missionary Baptist Churchfor nine years. She is a greeter there and has been in business for herself for two years. She is the mother of one daughter, Silka.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for the BRC, please contact Sherri Davis at 404.346.0808.

The Ray of Hope Christian Church 2006 Christmas Gala will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 15, 2006 at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel Atlanta Airport. The theme for this Black and White affair is “A Ray-diant Christmas – Celebrating our Platinum Year.”

The entertainment will include talented members of the Ray of Hope. The featured entertainment is the dynamic group Kevin Bond and F.L.O.W. Tickets are on sale now and the cost is $40 for adults and $15 for children. This is going to be a GALA you don’t want to miss! So get ready now! Go to www.rayofhope.org to download the flyer.

The Music, Dance, and Drama Ministries of Love Life Christian Fellowship Church, Ellenwood, GA, present "A Soulful Christmas" in the R. J. Henley Educare Complex at Love Life Christian Fellowship Church on Wednesday, December 13, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.

Come early to get a "good" seat! Dinner will be served. For this and other LLCFC events, visit us online at www.lovelifecfc.org. Rev. Grace C. Washington is organizer and pastor of LLCFC.

Elizabeth Baptist Church, Rev. Craig Oliver, Pastor, presents "Breaking the Holding Pattern Conference" (Deuteronomy 2:1-8) December 3-6, 2006. Featured speakers include:

• Pastor Craig L. Oliver, December 3rd
• Bishop Joseph Walker, December 4th at 7 p.m.
• Bishop Eddie L. Long, December 5th at 7 p.m.
• Bishop Neil Ellis, December 6th at 7 p.m.

Visit www.elizabethbaptist.org for more information.