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117th Issue * Version 5
Second Baptist Church Evangelical Orthodox Communion Bishop Dr. Wm. La Rue Dillard 925 So. Shamrock Monrovia, CA 91016
Nadine O. Harris, MBA, Founder/Chief Editor Ferrari Y. Green, Production & Design Dr. Precious Flemings, Writing Editor Sherry Joiner, Operations & Distribution Vera Frazier, Operations & Edit
Contributors: Peggy LaBon / Jessie Anderson / Rasheedah Ruffin / Vera Reeves / James Ella Harvey/ Betty Thomas / Anita J. McCulloch/ Felicia Dickson
Visual Effects / Creation: Marquise Robinson
Photographers: Robert Anderson, Rasheedah Ruffin, Adele Davis, Robert Hamilton, Gerald McLendon
Children’s Church Consultant Jaylyn A. Harris
Second’s Gazette is published and distributed monthly, every First Sunday, to provide parishioners with information about our church, the community, and the world. We welcome your comments. Contact us at Secondsnewsletter@gmail.com
Second Baptist Church Schedule of Worship Services Sunday Morning Services 10:45 AM Sunday Church School, Baptism and New Member’s Orientation Classes from 9:45 AM—10:30 AM ————————————————— Ordinance of the Lord’s Supper Celebration is served every First Sunday after the 10:45 AM Worship Service and at 4:45 PM in the Sanctuary ————————————————Mid-Week Bible Study and Prayer Services Bible Study, Prayer, Praise, and Testimonies at 10:45AM & 6:45 PM on Wednesdays Except Holidays Second’s Gazette
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Mission Statement econd’s Gazette serves as a monthly newsletter to inform the congregants of valuable information happening on the campus of Second Baptist Church and in the community, as well as spotlight individuals and events that edify our parish church, but most importantly; glorifies the name of Jesus Christ.
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o you stress about finding just the right gift for everyone on your Christmas list? Does it make the season more a hassle than a joy? Christmas isn’t about perfect presents for people, as if it were their birthday — or ours. Christmas is about the perfect presence of Immanuel, God with us, through the birth of Jesus; it’s His birthday, after all! If Christmas Is Not Your Birthday (Abingdon), Slaughter writes, “How funny that it can be so hard to find gifts that will please certain family members or friends — the people who seem to have everything — and yet it is so clear what the Lord of lords and King of kings wants for His birthday. God wants you — your time, your talent and your treasure — used in service to others.”
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Vacancy in The Heart, But No Room for Jesus Holy Ones of God’s Family, Grace to You!
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uring this Celebrated time, honoring the Birthday Anniversary of Jesus, the Christ, our hearts are saddened when we read: “And she brought forth her first-born Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room in the inn” (Luke 2:17).
There was no room in the inn. I believe that there was one room left. The innkeeper’s own private room was still available in his over-crowded caravansary. Chamaan, the innkeeper, was not sold out, he was “soul’d out!” Though there were weary travelers occupying every available room and nook, surely his own quarters could have been made available. When Mary and Joseph arrived, weary from the arduous journey, why didn’t the innkeeper move out for the night? It was obvious that Mary was about to give birth and Joseph probably had told him that her contractions had already begun; and what about the entire caravansary? Why didn’t they give up their spaces and clear a place for Mary? Surely, they saw the emergency. Why didn’t no one object when Chamaan said, “There’s a cattle cave down the path, use that if you like?” They too were “soul’d out.” There was no room in their hearts for sympathy or compassion. The Son of God was born in a cattle cave and a feeding trough became His crèche, and the world was no more hospitable all through His life’s ministry. The Jewish leaders rejected Him and many of His followers turned away when the cost of discipleship became clear. Today, most people are “Soul’d Out!” Their souls are occupied by the busy concerns of life. Worry, fear, and stress fill every waking and sleeping moment; and yet, the Son of God continues to come seeking to reign in our hearts. There is a room left. It’s in your heart. Let this Christmas be a time for Him to be born in you for His glory and for your proper Celebration of His Birthday Anniversary! Amen. Until He Comes, I am Serving Christ Joyfully, Bishop Dr. Wm. LaRue Dillard Parish Under-Shepherd
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Editor’s Comments
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Bishop’s Epistle
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Diakonos Praying
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Contents
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Blasts and Footprints
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Movie Pic / Ministry Info
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Good Reading
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Community News / Birthdays
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Spirit Buzz
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Health
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Announcements/Celebrations
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Gratitude
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November Celebrations
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Children's Church
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Back Cover
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AN ACCIDENTAL CLASSIC Did you know that “Joy to the World” was not written as a Christmas carol? In its original form, it had nothing to do with Christmas. It wasn’t even written to be a song. Isaac Watts was one of the great hymn writers in church history, and I guess nothing shows that better than the fact that he wrote one of his most famous hymns by accident. In 1719, Watts published a book of poems in which each poem was based on a psalm. But rather than just translate the original Old Testament texts, he adjusted them to refer more explicitly to the work of Jesus as it had been revealed in the New Testament. One of those poems was an adaptation of Psalm 98. Watts interpreted this psalm as a celebration of Jesus’s role as King of both his church and the whole world. More than a century later, the second half of this poem was slightly adapted and set to music to give us what has become one of the most famous of all Christmas carols:
Joy to the world, the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King! Let every heart prepare him room And heaven and nature sing! And heaven and nature sing! And heaven . . . and heaven . . . and nature sing.
Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns! Let men their songs employ While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains, Repeat the sounding joy! Repeat the sounding joy! Repeat . . . repeat . . . the sounding joy!
No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make his blessings flow Far as the curse is found! Far as the curse is found! Far as . . . far as . . . the curse is found! He rules the world with truth and grace And makes the nations prove The glories of his righteousness And wonders of his love! And wonders of his love! And wonders . . . wonders . . . of his love! Reference: A Brief History of "Joy to the World" | Crossway Articles Retrieved November 29, 2018, from https://www.crossway.org/articles/a-brief-history-of-joy-to-the-world
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Merry Christmas to all…
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hat a wonderful time of year! December brings about JOY, even when you are wrestling with other “not so joyful” events.
During this time of year, our focus and church services; plays and musicals are based on Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Jesus came … I Timothy 1:15 “… into the world to save sinners; of whom I am the chief” (says Paul, and so say I.) Luke 19:5 “… and looked up and said to Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at your house.” (Who will you abide with this season?) Mark 6:34 “… because they were as sheep not having a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things.” (Jesus taught us to love our neighbor as ourselves.) John 19:5 “… wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe; and Pilate said unto them, behold the Man!” (Jesus came to die for our sins.) What makes this season so special is we are more willing to give to those who are in need because we know this is why Jesus came into the world. There’s no greater love than a man who would lay down His life for a friend. Nowadays all we have to do is give out a few more dollars. It would be nice if you could take in a stranger, but it probably may not safe! So enjoy this season of fellowship, food and fun, because Jesus came that we may have a more abundant life in Him! Merry Christmas again!
Peggy LaBon
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Second’s Gazette Welcomes donations of any size. Please make checks payable to
Second Baptist Church
“INDIVISIBLE” One Marriage, One Family, Under God.
SUPPORTERS Second Baptist Church Diakona Nadine O. Harris John P. Harris, Sr. Lady Betty G. Dillard Mother Deloris K. Bridges Sherry Joiner Diakona Thelma Johnson Ferrari Green Diakona Melva Hill Barbara Jean Grant Shirley Towler – Hayes Elder Robert Craig Cameron & J.P. Dixon Dr. John & Apryl Harris Diakona Larry & Debra Hayes Christine Mathis Marva E. Hogan Ophelia M. Harris Barbara M. Harris Mildred Cross Diakona Carrie Walker Dr. Yulonn M. Harris Geneva Douglas Diakona James Ella Harvey Laura Bullock
There is room for You to Donate! Second’s Gazette
The Grace Card is a seven year old movie, but it still attracts an audience. Released on February 25, 2011, The Grace Card is a story about making hard decisions and having strong faith. Two men with different lifestyles and values become unlikely partners on their job. Mac McDonald has become a miserable person after his son was killed in a hit and run accident. His anger has impacted his family life and his job as a policeman. His new partner, Sam Wright, is a part-time policeman, and a parttime pastor of a local church. Sam is Mac’s new partner. What they don’t know about each other is that they both are in life-crisis mode, trying to decide which way to turn. Sam relies on his faith in God and the guidance from his grandfather, played by Lou Gossett, Jr. I am not going to be the spoiler; you have to watch it to get the ending. Great movie for the Holidays! It can be viewed on Netflix or, http://www.turnbacktogod.com/the-grace-card-movie-review/ #ixzz5XB7swauP
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Prayer Vigil “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14
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rayer is communicating with God, talking to Him about our personal problems, seeking His help, giving thanks to Him for answered prayers, and adoring Him for who He is; He is God all by Himself, and interceding on behalf of others. This is Second Baptist Prayer Vigil.
For more than three decades, the Prayer Vigil continues to be a vital element to the body of Christ at SBC, a ministry that was implemented, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, by Bishop Dillard. Brothers and Sisters of SBC come together every four months to pray for members of our church, members of the surrounding communities, our government, and our families. The Prayer Vigil has had many spirit-filled leaders down through the years, but no one can measure up to the late Mother Alena Smith, who gave leadership to the Prayer Vigil for over ten years. Mother Smith was a prayer warrior from the “Old Land Mark,” and she could pray and would pray for anyone, at anytime and anywhere. This Trinity Team continues to keep the prayer wheel turning by coming together every four months to pray. The Prayer Vigil is all about, praying! Amen!
Trinity Leadership Associate Pastor Eric Johnson Mother Ruby Dantzler Dr. Precious Flemings
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The Perfect Gift
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o you stress about finding just the right gift for everyone on your Christmas list? Does it make the season more a hassle than a joy? Pastor Mike Slaughter reminds us that Christmas isn’t about perfect presents for people, as if it were their birthday — or ours. Christmas is about the perfect presence of Immanuel, God with us, through the birth of Jesus; it’s his birthday, after all!
“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid” (Isaiah 12:2, NRSV).
In Christmas Is Not Your Birthday (Abingdon), Slaughter writes, “How funny that it can be so hard to find gifts that will please certain family members or friends — the people who seem to have everything — and yet it is so clear what the Lord of lords and King of kings wants for his birthday. God wants you — your time, your talent and your treasure — used in service to others.”
Come Back To Christmas
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hen January comes along, we can continue that sense of comfort and warmth that comes at Christmas by returning to the Christmas story, which gives us two great promises: God understands you, and God can redeem you. I encourage people to make it a point to reread the Christmas story every month, and allow Christmas to be Christmas every month. We need to keep coming back to it.
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Special Dates • First Sunday of Advent, December 2, 2018 • Second Sunday of Advent, December 9, 2018 • Third Sunday of Advent, December 16, 2018 • First day of winter, December 21, 2018 • Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 23, 2018 • Christmas Eve, December 24, 2018 • Christmas Day, December 25, 2018 • New Year’s Eve/Watch Night, December 31, 2018
Where’s Your Security?
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hen A Charlie Brown Christmas debuted in 1965, religious references were unheard of on television. Yet the show’s climax features the Christmas story verbatim. As Linus begins reciting Luke 2, he’s clutching his ever-present blue blanket. Yet, as pastor Jason Soroski points out, Linus drops it right as he utters the words “fear not” (Luke 2:10). Soroski believes the timing is intentional and that “Peanuts” creator Charles M. Schulz sends a simple, brilliant message. “The birth of Jesus separates us from our fears,” Soroski writes. It “frees us from the habits we are unable (or unwilling) to break ourselves. The birth of Jesus allows us to simply drop the false security we have been grasping so tightly, and learn to trust and cling to him instead.”
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hen I feel frazzled amid all the Christmas preparations, God, calm my heart and remind me of the season’s true meaning.
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hawni LaDawn is apart of that New Gospel generation. She is not the typical gospel songstress singing Amazing Grace, but do not think that she doesn’t know how sweet His Grace is. The gospel femcee is known for taking Top 40 R&B and Hip Hop songs and turning them into beautiful Gospel songs that reach the youth of today. By the age of 19, Shawni admitted on a YouTube video that she came to God one night after working at the strip club being high and drunk but decided to cry out to God that she was tired and she needed Him to show her a way. Within less than 24 hours she had a job at a local Benihana’s. She started praising God the best way she knew how and now with millions of followers she is leading them straight to Jesus with candid videos and truths on real topics. She recently got the attention of Cardi B’s on the Cardi B Money challenge, where people rap over the Cardi B Money beat about what money can do. While most cursed and talked about killing someone, Shawni LaDawn went Gospel and kept it classy winning a tuition check from the rap sensation. She is definitely transparent in her walk and but hold’s God’s hand the entire way! You can listen to her for yourself at the following social media handles: Instagram: @shawniladawn YouTube: Shawni Ladawn Facebook: Shawni LaDawn
Did You Know? The earth free-floats in space (Job 26:7), affected only by gravity. While other sources declared the earth sat on the back of an elephant or turtle, or was held up by Atlas, the Bible alone states what we now know to be true – “He hangs the earth on nothing.”
Advent Conspiracy: Making Christmas Meaningful (Again) Paperback – November 6, 2018
BOOKSHELF
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n updated and revised version of a book that has impacted thousands of churches: Are you tired of how consumerism has stolen the soul of Christmas? This year, take a stand! Join the groundswell of Christ-followers who are choosing to make Christmas what it should be—a joyous celebration of Jesus’ birth that enriches our hearts and the world around us, not a retail circus that depletes our pocketbooks and defeats our spirits. Advent Conspiracy shows you how to substitute consumption with compassion by practicing four simple but powerful, countercultural concepts: Worship Fully— because Christmas begins and ends with Jesus. Spend Less—and free your resources for things that truly matter. Give More—of your presence: your hands, your words, your time, your heart. Love All—the poor, the forgotten, the marginalized, and the sick in ways that make a difference. Find out how to have a Christmas worth remembering, not dreading. Christmas can still change the world when you, like Jesus, give what matters most—your presence. This updated and revised version, with some all-new content, will share stories of the impact this movement has made around the globe as well as giving individuals and churches even better, more practical help in planning the kind of Christmas that truly can change the world. New introduction, new chapter and changes throughout.
REAL TALK
Use this Advent Calendar to count down the arrival of Jesus. What You Will Need: An old picture frame Twine Clothes Pins (24) Envelopes cut in ½ (12) Index Cards cut in ½ (12) How To: Either decorate the clothes pins or the envelops in Christmas fashion Decide on family friendly activities to disclose every night Such as: Hot chocolate by the fire, making a homeless package, family game night) Then add a scripture to tell the story of Christmas and there you have it.
Sainted Stilettoes
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COLD AND FLU SEASON
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t’s that time of the year again, when we have cooler weather and everyone knows that cooler weather is the advent of cold and flu season. Are you really more likely to get sick when the seasons change? Kinda sorta.
If we’re talking about colds and other upper respiratory infections, doctors say infection rates are fairly consistent throughout the year. But there are small upticks in cold and flu contagions in fall, winter and spring — when the weather is chillier. Just know that the cold air itself isn’t making you sick, it’s the virus. The structure of influenza allows it to replicate and spread best when air is cold and dry In a recent study, doctors examined the science behind why we get sick when the weather changes. Research found that the two agents that usually cause the common cold — rhinoviruses and cornoaviruses — replicate more easily in weather that’s cool, but not too cold. Seasonal allergies are also prevalent during the changing seasons and if you’ve ever suffered from allergies then you know the symptoms can mirror many of the same symptoms that result from colds and flus. Allergies definitely do rear their ugly heads when the seasons shift, because different pollens and other allergens are wafting through the air. In addition, the dropping temperature proves friendlier for cold and flu viruses floating through the air. So during seasonal shifts from hot to cold it seems like everyone has the sniffles. And while cold weather can't make you sick — there's no such thing as catching a chill, so to speak — cold weather can make you more likely to get sick in several ways. For sure colder temperatures force you inside where there tends to be dry heat and poor ventilation, which may increase disease transmission and susceptibility. Close quarters also mean more physical contact with others, so people are more apt to spread germs to each other. The seasonal boost in allergies can irritate your lungs and nasal passages, making you even more susceptible to a cold or the flu, and making your symptoms seem even worse if you do get sick. Recurrent allergies can even lead to secondary bacterial infections in your sinuses, which could lead you to feel like you spend weeks or months at a time battling the same cold. Keeping your airway moist with a humidifier at night and treating seasonal allergies as they crop up, instead of just assuming you have an annoyingly persistent cold — can also help keep your mucus in virus-blocking shape and help cold symptoms feel less debilitating if a virus comes your way. Unfortunately, supplements such as echinacea, vitamins E and C and zinc have not been shown to help prevent the common cold in double-blind clinical trials, the gold standard for scientific research. So, what can you do this upcoming winter to avoid the common cold? Wash your hands, most importantly. The cold virus can live on human skin for at least two hours. • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand rub (hand sanitizer)
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Try not to touch your nose, mouth, or eyes. This helps keep germs from spreading.
Clean surfaces and objects that may have flu germs on them, like doorknobs. Use hot, soapy water or a household cleaner.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze – whether or not you have the flu. Throw the tissue in the trash. Having a healthy lifestyle is known to reduce your risk of getting colds. If you get a moderate level of exercise, and you have good sleep patterns — you're sleeping well and sleeping enough — and not under too much physical or emotional stress you're less likely to get sick.
These recommendations are also helpful in treating allergies, though medication may be required. In either case, take care of your body, get sleep, and don't wait to see a doctor if your symptoms don't improve. Don’t forget to get your flu shot! Seasonal flu vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu. For many people, the seasonal flu is a mild illness. But sometimes, the flu can be serious or even deadly. Flu vaccines can help prevent people from getting sick with the flu – and reduce the risk of hospitalizations and death caused by the flu, which can spread easily from person to person. When you get a flu vaccine, you don’t just protect yourself. You also protect those around you. After you get the vaccine, it takes about 2 weeks for your body to develop protection against the flu. That’s why it’s a good idea to get the vaccine before the flu starts to spread in your community. If you don’t get the vaccine by the end of October, it’s not too late. Getting the vaccine later can still protect you from the flu. For many people, getting a flu vaccine doesn’t cause any side effects. If it does cause side effects, they are usually mild and begin soon after the vaccine is given. Side effects from flu vaccines usually last 1 to 2 days. These side effects aren’t the flu. You can’t get the flu from flu vaccines. Flu vaccines are offered in many locations such as at a doctor’s office, health clinic, pharmacy, or your local health department. Your employer may also offer flu vaccines. If you get sick with the flu, your doctor may prescribe medicines called antiviral drugs. Antiviral drugs can help you feel less sick and shorten the time you are sick. They can also prevent serious flu complications. And if you have the flu, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone. (Your fever should be gone without using a feverreducing medicine.) Remember, people with the flu can spread it to others even if they don’t feel sick. Usually, adults with the flu can spread the virus starting the day before they first feel sick – and up to 5 to 7 days after they first felt sick. Live Life Healthy! https://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/doctorvisits/shotsvaccines/protectyourself-from-seasonal-flu#the-basics_4 https://www.medicaldaily.com/change-season-sickness-why-does-weather-influenceourchances-catching-cold-398011
Jessie M. Anderson, RN BSN
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Happy Anniversary! Ray and Victoria November 11th
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Second Baptist Family, May You feel God’s presence in the candles that softly spread their glow at Christmas, and may you experience the wonder of His abiding love, as He guides you, through each day of the coming year. May God’s Blessings be with you. At Christmas and New Year!.
Merry Christmas From Second’s Gazette Staff
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Church Family,
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or God’s mercy and grace, I have been truly blessed. Thank you Bishop Dillard and Second Baptist Church Families for your prayers and cards I received during my recovery. We all know that through God “All things are possible”, if you believe.
May God bless you all abundantly. J.P. Harris, Sr. and Family . Second’s Gazette
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Bishop Dr. Wm. La Rue Dillard
Theme: Christian Women Holding on to God's Unchanging Hand Speakers (Left to right):
Dr. DeDe Teteh - City of Hope Topic Hair-Health-Cancer Theme Speaker - "We are God's Masterpiece, Beautiful and Valuable" Sister LeShon Archer Friendship Baptist/Yorba Linda
Diakona Valeria Burwell Honors (Left to Right) Tina Martin as she continues to serve over 15 Years in the Evangelism Ministry. Second’s Gazette
Inspirational Comedian on ABC World Tonight - Sister Kathy Westfield
Honoring Joyce Chavis and Brenda Boykin having served 15 years as Music Coordinators.
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ACTS OF FAITH 2018 winners “The Boys” for 2018
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