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106th Issue * Version 9 Monrovia, CA 91016
Second Baptist Church Evangelical Orthodox Communion Bishop Wm. La Rue Dillard, PhD 925 So. Shamrock Monrovia, CA 91016
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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.
Dear Church Family,
Nadine O. Harris, MBA, Founder/Chief Editor Ferrari Y. Green, Production & Design Dr. Precious Flemings, Writing Editor Sherry Joiner, Operations & Distribution Vera Frazier, Operations
Contributing Consultants: Peggy LaBon / Eric Johnson Jessie Anderson / Vera Reeves / James Ella Harvey Betty Thomas / Anita J. McCulloch/ Felicia Dickson
Photographers: Robert Anderson Adele Davis Robert Hamilton Rasheedah Ruffin, 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. T h e
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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
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s we pray for a prosperous New year, let’s remember to pray for our Bishop. Pray for his personal needs, for his family and for wisdom and power as he oversees this parish. Let the Holy Spirit lead you.
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Keep Family Worship Alive in Your Home!
Holy Ones of God’s Family, Grace to You!
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he Subject is family worship! The Bible says:
“For I have chosen him in order that he may command children and his household after him, to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice in order that the Lord may bring upon Abraham what He has spoken about him” (Genesis 18:19 NASB).
In the grounds and propriety of it is grounded in the laws of nature. God has stamped upon human nature the principle parental regard and affection. Hence, parents should feel pleasure in the tooling to supple the needs and some wants of their offspring. He who neglects this does violence to his own nature, denies the Christian faith, and is worse than an infidel. But are the minds, the precious souls of our children, of less value and importance than their bodies? Think about a time of worship in the home! We know that to worship God is to recognize who He is. To praise God is to thank Him for what He has done! What Should Family Worship Be Comprised Of? There should be the reading of the Holy Scriptures. Focus should especially include the Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, the Gospels, and the Epistles of the New Testament-songs and praises. The offering up of prayer and supplication for ourselves, the family parish (church), friends, and world leaders are all found in these Scriptures. The Mode in Which It Should Be Conducted! As to the frequency of times, mornings and evenings if possible; and at least, once a day. The service should be short and varied so as not to tire and fatigue the younger members of the family who cannot be expected to feel much interest in it. However, all members of the family, if possible, should be present, and it should be conducted with regularity and constancy, but not to exceed ten minutes at most. The Advantages Which Maybe Expected to be Derived From It! (1) An increase of family knowledge; (2) The general possession of family harmony; (3) An exemption from family calamities; and (4) The enjoyment of blessedness. Amen. Until He Comes, I Am Serving Christ Joyfully,
Bishop Wm. LaRue Dillard Parish Under-Shepherd
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he Diakonos Ministry of Second Baptist Church is available to parishioners to help Bishop Dillard with members concerns and needs. Feel free to contact your representative below. The Diakonos are assigned alphabetically by last name. We are available to “Pray with You”, “Consult with You”, and “Assist You” in any way we can to help you in your Christian walk.
A—Robert and Jessie Anderson B—Dennis and JoAnne Craig Betty Brown, Rodney Bough C—A. G. Harrison, Shirley Robinson Larry and Deborah Hayes D—James and James Ella Harvey Venda Hawkins
H— Thelma Jones, George and Tamara Lewis I-J—Ellis and Thelma Johnson Eva McLaurin, Walter McDonald K-L-N-O-T—Lonnie and Josephine Stokes, Terrence Williams M—Chuck and Martha Williams Melva Hill
E-F—Ron and LaVonne Husband Adrienne Hurst
P-Q—Carrie Walker, Nadine Harris
G—Minnie Manning, Valeria Burwell
R-S—Larry Willis, Oscar Woodard
Ellen Clark, Eric Johnson
UVWXYZ—Robert Hamilton, Ron Demps, Michael Dickson
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Features
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EXTRAS 6 7 10, 11 12, 13 14, 15 16 , 17 18 , 19 21—24 25 26, 27
The Bishop’s Epistle
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Every Month Editor’s Comments Diakonos Praying with You Contents Blast from The Past/Footprints/Birthdays
Celebrations-Anniversary Fruit Baskets Community News Movies /Health Corner Angel Tree Celebration Reading / Remembering Bernice Holefield Celebration—Baptism / Prayer Calendar A New Star Encore Mission Corner
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Diakona Ron and LaVonne Husband January 22nd Then & Now Celebrating 46 years of Marriage - God has been Good to Us! "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." Ephesians 5:31 ~
God's grace is what substains us, God's word gives
"wives, submit to your own husbands as to the Lord, for the husband is head of the wife as also Christ is head of the church. Epheof direction:
sians 5:22-23
Husbands, love your wives, just as alsoChrist loved the church and gave himself for her, to make her holy, cleansing her in the washing of water by the word"....Ephesians 5:25a Second’s Gazette
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Second Baptist Church, Inc. Bishop Wm. La Rue Dillard, Parish Under-shepherd 925 So. Shamrock, Monrovia, California 91016
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Thank you to all the Volunteers that helped prepare the fruit baskets, Second Baptist Church and Premier Youth Opportunity Center. Volunteers not pictured : John Sr., Dr. John, John III, Nadine, Apryl and Ferrari.
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“Looking for a Better Life “
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his year marks the 106th Anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. And after all the stories told about this ill-fated ship that some people said that even God, Himself could not sink, it sunk! But did you know there was one person of African ancestry who was on the Titanic at the time of its sinking. His name was Joseph Philippe Lemercier Laroche, an educated Haitian engineer who was traveling with his wife and two daughters, heading back to his homeland in Haiti. Mr. Laroche was looking for a better life back in his homeland because he could not find work in the racist society of the late 1900s, in spite of an engineering degree. Although he had a wife, two daughters, and another on the way, he could not provide for his family because of the color of his skin. After all of these years since the sinking of the Titanic, some people still believe in human power and their own ability to make things happen. Moreover, some people still don’t believe in the power of God and His ability to make their life better, our life better. We are entering a New Year with many possibilities for a better life if we put our trust in God and not in man. Amen!
Dr. Precious Blackthen.com/josephephilippelemercierlaroche
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
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ere we are at the beginning of a New Year, yet somehow it’s not as exciting as past New Years. Is it me? Is it the weather? Is it the climate in America; the world? Or maybe we’re just not as optimistic about our future as we use to be. Listen! I have good news for you…THE WORD OF GOD IS STILL ALIVE ANDWELL!!!!
If we would allow ourselves, as Christians, as Believers, as Followers of Christ, to remember two scriptures from the book of Romans: Romans 8:28 (NKJV) “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” And Romans 8:38-39 (NKJV) “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” When I read these words or hear this message, I do a “happy dance” and then I remind myself that this is not my home (Hallelujah)! I’m reminded that even the leader of the free world can receive salvation, so let’s pray for that! Let’s also see if we can help some other folks know about Christ’s salvation too, ok? Now my future, our future looks brighter than ever before. “Happy Dance!” Love you, Peggy LaBon
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A note about Epiphany The three Kings (Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar) represented Europe, Arabia and Africa respectively.
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he Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Student Leaders® Program is accepting applications for the 2018 Student Leaders® program. In light of your affiliation with serving families and youth throughout Greater LA, we would like your help spreading the word. Please share the Student Leaders info with your high school partners.
Since its inception in 2005, the Bank of America Student Leaders Program has recognized more than 2,500 exemplary high school juniors and seniors who have a passion for improving their communities. The program helps students gain a greater understanding of how nonprofits create impact in the community and helps develop them as the next generation of community leaders through two components: A summer eight-week paid internship with a nonprofit organization selected by the bank. This internship is designed to provide opportunities for the students to develop and apply leadership skills through hands-on work experience, while raising their awareness of community issues addressed by their Host Organization.
The week-long, all-expense paid Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C. from July 8-13, 2018. Conducted in partnership with the Close Up Foundation, the Summit introduces students to aspects of civic, social and business leadership and provides them with knowledge and skills they will use throughout their life to create positive community change.
In order to spread the word about the opportunity to your members, partners, and affiliates, please distribute the attached flyer. We appreciate your help spreading the word about the Bank of America Student Leaders Program. Students can apply for the program by going to www.bankofamerica.com/studentleaders. Please note the application opens on October 30, 2017 with a deadline of February 2, 2018. There will be no
deadline extensions.
For more information on the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, please visit www.bankofamerica.com/foundation or feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Millie Yamaki Vice President Community Relations Manager Enterprise Business & Community Engagement Bank of America CA9-193-23-26, 333 S. Hope St., Suite 2340, Los Angeles, CA 90071 T 213.621.4895 F 213.457.8788 millie.yamaki@bankofamerica.com
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Precious’
Welcomes
Movie
Pick of the Month
donations of any size. Please make checks payable to
Second Baptist Church
SUPPORTERS Second Baptist Church Diakona Nadine O. Harris Lady Betty G. Dillard Eleanor Harrison Mother Deloris K. Bridges 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 Geneva Douglas Phylicia Stroud Diakona James Ella Harvey Laura Bullock
There is room for you too, Donate! Today! Second’s Gazette
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he “Un-Miracle” is a movie about a suburban town that is torn apart due to an accidental drug overdose by a popular teenage girl. The story is told from several intertwining stories in which each family has to come to turns with their faith and the possibility of loosing someone they love. The Un-Miracle is packed with faith, truth, and inspiration that everyone can relate to. Watch it now on Netflix!
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Poor Sleep Can Block the Ability to Learn!
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ost people know that getting a good night’s sleep is important to the ability to perform daily tasks and healthy living. However, a new study has revealed that the brain area responsible for learning new skills can be affected by poor sleep.
A team of researchers at the University Of Zurich, Switzerland and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology have examined the effect of disturbed deep sleep phase on the brain’s ability to learn new things. The evidence revealed that the brain is affected by poor sleep, or sleeping habits. The team discovered that the motor cortex is the part of the brain area responsible for developing and controlling motor skills and the deep sleep phase, also called slow-wave sleep, is the key to memory formation and processing, as well as for helping the brain to restore itself after a day of long activities. The study also showed the brain’s ability to change and adapt to stimuli that it receives from the environment, or neuro-plasticity in the motor cortex, which is affected by deep sleep can change. Overall, it is important to get a good night’s sleep every night; and if sleep does not come easy, try reading your Bible, not counting sheep. http://www.nature.com/sleep disorders articles
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oday the Magi gaze in deep wonder at what they see: heaven on earth, earth in heaven, humanity in God, God in humanity, one whom the whole universe cannot contain now enclosed in a tiny body. As they look ... their symbolic gifts bear witness: incense for God, gold for a king, myrrh for one who is to die. —Peter Chrysologus (5th century)
The Freedom of Forgiveness
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artin Luther King Jr. called forgiveness “a permanent attitude,” as opposed to “an occasional act.” Maintaining a forgiveness mind-set leads to peace and freedom.
Author and pastor Max Anders experienced that freedom in seminary. After cheating on a Hebrew final, he was distraught and confessed his sin to God and the professor. “I felt deeply cleaned. Pure. Holy,” Anders writes in 21 Unbreakable Laws of Life. “I wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. I wanted to run and jump and dance. The burden was lifted. … I was free!” By contrast, he writes, “If we don’t ask for forgiveness when we wrong someone, we lose our moral authority; the debris of sin begins to accumulate in our hearts, choking our conscience …. Others know when we sin against them, and if we don’t make it right, it hurts our reputation as well as God’s.”
Resolve to “be there”
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et our New Year’s resolution be this: We will be there for one another as fellow members of humanity, in the finest sense of the word. —Goran Persson
United In Diversity
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lthough early Christians had much in common, they also dwelt in diversity. Each of their leaders emphasized certain parts of the gospel and favored certain worship styles. They all believed in the resurrected Jesus, and they all celebrated the Lord's Supper and baptism. But Christians in Corinth had a unique approach, as did those in Ephesus, Philippi, Galatia, Rome and so on.
It might be boring if we all believed and practiced completely alike. Variations don’t need to be an impediment to Christian unity. As pastor Charles Best said, “If we’re going to be in heaven together, we might as well get along now.”
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Bernice “Sue” Holefield
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he earthly life book of Bernice “Sue” Holefield was opened
on August 15, 1940, when she was born to the union of Callie and Fannie Jackson. She was the baby of eight children who were raised in Northport, Alabama. Bernice and her siblings were raised in a loving Christian home and at the age of eight she accepted Christ; was baptized at the New Zion Baptist church in Northport, AL, under the leadership of the late Rev. Johnson. On September 14, 1957, at the tender age of seventeen, she married her high school sweetheart, Franklin Holefield. To this union three children were born. In 1969 the family moved to Arcadia, CA, the home Bernice resided in for more than forty-eight years. In 1980 Bernice joined Second Baptist Church, Monrovia, where a new acquaintance that she met, Sister Thelma Mosley, was a member. She embraced the Second Baptist congregation and their pastor, Dr. Wm. LaRue Dillard. This of course has been her church home ever since where she actively served in the Usher’s Ministry, United Women’s Fellowship Guild, Co-chair Coordinator of Church Events. On December 6, 2017, after a prolonged illness, God eased Bernice’s earthly suffering and allowed her to cross on over to eternal rest. Preceding her in death are her parents, Callie & Fannie Jackson, five of her siblings, Louis Jackson, James Jackson, Willie Lee Jackson, Thomas Jackson and her only sister, Luveta Burrell. Bernice leaves behind to cherish her memory: her son Anton Holefield (Tina) of Arcadia, CA; daughter, Monica Holefield of Arcadia, CA; son, Zerry Holefield (Renee) of Fontana, CA. Three grandchildren, Desaraee Holefield, Danielle Holefield, Noah Holefield and one great-grandson, Ayden Lee Jones- Holefield; two brothers, Callie Jackson of West Covina, CA and Kelly (Swain) Jackson of Chicago, IL; three sister in-laws, Salome Holifield Collins, B’Ham, AL, Lue Ethel Holifield, B’Ham, AL, Mary Holefield, Los Angeles, CA; adopted daughter, Laura Bullock and godson, Ryan Crawford, along with a host of relatives and special friends.
Expressions of Appreciation The family would like to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude for the love, acts of kindness, prayers, flowers, cards, telephone calls, text msgs, visits and meals which have been greatly appreciated. We are especially indebted to the Bishop and First Lady Betty Dillard, the Second Baptist Church Family, the Ushers and Culinary Ministry. A special thanks to mom’s dear friend Diakona Betty Brown; her two devoted nieces that assisted in her care, Joanne CollinsCrawford and Balinda Jackson, Beverly Brown (mom’s caregiver), Onnie Pointer mom’s prayer partner and the doctors and staff at Methodist Hospital, Arcadia, CA. Finally, to our family, friends and neighbors who have always demonstrated their love and support throughout our mother’s illness and now during her time of transition, we love and cherish all of you. May God abundantly bless you and keep you in His care.
The Family of Bernice Sue Holefield
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Left to right
Right to left
Diakona Jessie Anderson & Sister Lillie Jane Tucker
Diakona Thelma Jones & Master Jaden Austin Bradford December 31, 2017
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Calendar of Ministry Events Saturday, January 6th Sunday, January 7th Monday, January 8th Sunday, January 14th Thursday, January 18th Thursday, January 25th Tuesday, January 30th
BLL Breakfast 8-10 AM The Lord’s Supper Celebration 4:45 pm UWFG Officers Meeting 6-7pm Martin Luther King Jr. Presentation Board of Trustees Meeting 730 pm Bishop’s Advisory Council meeting 7:30 pm Annual Convocation
SAVE THE DATE—Providence Missionary Baptist Church Women’s Ministry Fashion Show Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 11 am at Second Baptist Church in the Fannie Goodwin Hall.
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THE MISSION CORNER Donate to one of many efforts in 2018
MONROVIA (626) 358-3486 PASADENA (626) 584-7420
HEALTH SERVICES FOOD SERVICES CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
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The new king and queen of Children’s Church!
KING JEREMY COLEMAN & QUEEN STARIEANNA WOODS
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Sundays LIVE at 10:45 AM
Call 626-358-2136 or 359-7188 Fax 626-357-2477Email: secondsnewsletter@gmail.com/ sbcmon@aol.com / Visit us www.Secondbaptitmonrovia.org/Livestream https://livestream.com/accounts/10332936
Second’s Gazette