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MARCH 3, 2019
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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.
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, 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
120th Issue * Version 7
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How Time Flies
eople say the “Time flies when you are having fun” . I have had immense pleasure watching the growth of Second’s Gazette (SG) over the past ten years. The first newsletter we printed 5 pages and today, 44. The
reality of SG has exceeded my dreams and expectations. The success has been due to a sound concept and good execution, all to the Glory of God. Our proudest expectation is doing it right, following the rules, being truthful with the information we receive and printing it as correct as possible. You know, “decently and in order”. We made typos along the way, but, we work together to get it right. So, this month we will figure out how we should tell our story in April so all can understand why we stayed in the game for a decade. Let’s watch as our leader shows us how it is to be done while he celebrates 45 years at this church. Who knows, maybe SG will be around for 35 more years then, we will know how it feels to put in that kind of time. That would make me exactly 100 years old. I will have something to really say then….
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Satan’s Psychological Warfare Against Christians! (I Peter 5:8 NKJV)
Sons and Daughters of Christ Jesus, God’s Grace to You!
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he Scripture text affirms my premise where God speaks through the Apostle Peter as he pens this Epistle warning the Saints by saying: “Be sober; be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
The word “devour” describes what the Red Sea did to the pursuing Egyptians against the Israelites in 1446 BC (Hebrews 11:29 NKJV). Satan wants to completely drown or swallow up the testimony of the Saints. I found some old notes from a symposium I attended back in the summer of 1970, sponsored by Christian Psychologist, Dr. Jim Dobson. In his lecture, he spoke about a poll he took among a large group of women. Most of them were married, in excellent health, and happy. According to their own statements, they had happy children and financial security. Dr. Dobson listed ten sources of depression on the test. He asked the women to number them in order of how the ten affected their lives. The results were as follows: Absence of romantic love in marriage In-law conflicts Low self-esteem Problems with children Financial difficulties Loneliness, isolation, boredom Sexual problems in marriage Health problems Fatigue and time pressure Aging The woman rated them by the amount of depression each possessed. What came out ahead of all the others was “low self-esteem.” Fifty percent of these Christian women rated it first, wasted emotional and spiritual potential. These women were battling depression which came chiefly from the downward pull of feelings of low self-worth. Let the mind of Christ possess you completely and you will win the warfare. Amen. Until He Comes, I Am Serving Christ Joyfully,
Bishop Dr. Wm. LaRue Dillard Parish Under-Shepherd
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STANDARDS Pg.
Descr.
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Editors Note
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Bishop Epistle
FEATURES
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Contents
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Prayer Assign.
Student Wins Writing Contest
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Blast and Past
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Footprints
See page 23 Father Appointment See Page 24 Wedding Anniversary Pg. 26 Praise & Paint In Bailey Hall See Page 38 Sunday School Special Pg. 41
24-25 Spirit Buzz 27 Community News 28 Movie Pick 29 Birthdays 32-33 Reading 40 Health 42-43 Children’s Church
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he first hourglass or sand clock was invented by a French Monk by the name of Liutprand around the 8th Century A.D. The first mechanical clock was invented in Europe around the start of the 14 th Century, which became the standard timekeeping device until the pendulum clock was invented in 1656. Fast forward a hundred years and the timekeeping device is a pocket watch. There are many other designs of watches, expensive and not so expensive; all designed to keep time. But who created time itself? Genesis 1:1-5 states, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light;” and there was light. And God saw the light that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night.” This was the creation of “Time,” God’s Time! Amen!
Dr. Precious
Referencwww.guinnessw orldrecords.com/world-records/first-hourglass/
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March is a very important month to the family, members, and friends of Second Baptist Church in Monrovia, California, because of the introductory statement. Bishop Dillard is an icon in the San Gabriel Valley and many other areas in Southern California, and the world. He has taught an innumerable amount of Ministers/Preachers, Deacons and Parishioners how to understand and teach the Word of God; and he is truly worthy of double honor (1Timothy.5:17). I salute you Bishop Dillard!!! My thoughts for this month’s Footprints; as I am home recovering from back surgery, the words of the prophet Habakkuk in this Hymn of Faith, “Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olives may fail, and the fields yields no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls. Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills” (Habakkuk 3:17-19 NKJV). This scripture encouraged me to no end! I got excited about my recovery after reading this scripture. This is what the word of God is supposed to do for us, encourage us to look past our current circumstances and know that this too shall pass; then encourage someone else!
In Christ, Peggy LaBon
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Happy 117th Anniversary, Second Baptist!
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March 3, 2019 hristian Education’s motto for this year is “God Giving Us What We Need In 2019”.
We believe God has always given our church what we needed. First and foremost, He gave His Son, Jesus Christ who died so that we could be saved. Not just us, but all who believe, confess and allow Him into their hearts, are assured salvation and eternal life. Our history is our proof!
Founders Deacon Willie and Deaconess Pinky Watkins Many of you have heard this church’s historical story before. As your Church Historians, this is the time we retell it and add another chapter about our newest members.
In March of 1902, prayer warriors met at Willie and Pinky (aka Pinkie and Pinkey) Watkins home at 423 E. Maple Avenue .
SBC’s 13 Founders 1. Deacon William H Watkins - 423 E. Maple Ave.
13 men and women started Sec-
2. Deaconess Pinky Watkins - 423 E. Maple Ave.
ond Baptist Church. From census
3. Brother Wm. M. Burleson - 525 E. Cypress Ave.
records, we have some of their
4. Sister Betty or Bettie Burleson - 525 E. Cypress Ave.
addressed.
5. Brother Robert Gordon 6. Sister Gordon 7. Brother Eli Charles Lyle - 525 E. Cypress Ave. 8. Sister Loretta Lyle - 525 E. Cypress Ave.
We are indebted to
those faithful Christians who organized this historical church 117 years ago. Today we enjoy the fruits, not only their faith and ef-
9. Brother William Monroe
forts, but of all who followed their
10. Rev. William Robinson - 1242 Sherman Ave.
lead.
11. Sister Amelia Richardson - 1224 Sherman Ave. 12. Brother E. D Stogland 13. Sister A. C. Terrill
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Lt. Col. Allen Allensworth City of Monrovia’s Hidden Treasure Artwork Designed by Ron Husband
Installed on Shamrock Ave. at Almond in 2018.
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Rev. Allen Allensworth
SBC’s 1st Pastor, Rev. Allen Allensworth was born a slave. He became a prominent Baptist minister and was one of the few African American Chaplains in the U.S. Army.
First Lady Josephine Allensworth He married Josephine Leavell in 1877. They lived in army supply forts in Indian Territory, from Oklahoma to Montana. They had two daughters. During SBC’s 100th Anniversary Celebration, their granddaughter came to an elegant banquet held in a beautiful tent on our Maple Avenue parking lot. We have no records of when Rev Allensworth started pastoring at Second Baptist Church. We do know that by 1904 our church had been established and he had retired from the U S Army in 1906. By 1908, he and his had founded the town of Allensworth, CA located some 40 miles north of Bakersfield to operate as an independent and self-governed ranching and farming colony for free Blacks. Complete with its own school, a church, and a bank, the town offered a safe haven for over 300 families. Bigoted whites refused to allow trains to stop there.
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Josephine Blodgett Smith and Mother Sylvia Polk
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We have no records of when Rev. Allensworth started pastoring at Second Baptist Church. We do know that by 1904, our church had been established and he had retired from the U S Army in 1906. By 1908, he and his wife founded the town of Allensworth, California, located some 40 Miles north of Bakersfield, to operate as an independent and self-governed ranching and farming colony for free Blacks; complete with its own school, a church and a bank. The town offered a safe haven for over 300 families. Bigoted whites refused to allow trains to stop there to deliver essential supplies and transport farm goods to market elsewhere. Pastor Allensworth was hit by a moving motor side-car, here in Monrovia, on what is now Myrtle Avenue near the 210 Freeway. Because of his race, he was refused treatment at a Monrovia hospital. After being taken to Los Angeles he died September 14, 1914. The town of Allensworth, California ceased to exist without his leadership but has been preserved as an historic state park. Visitors are needed and welcomed. Monrovia’s all-white congregation, First Baptist Church, gave us $500 to buy lumber. Around 1904 we built our first sanctuary two blocks north of here on what is now called Royal Oaks Drive.
SBC Building and Congregation by 1904-1924 By 1925, that building had been moved here to Shamrock and Maple Avenues. Here’s how SBC looked while going through major renovations and expansions between the 1940s and early 1970s.
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SBC Sanctuary and Bailey Fellowship Hall
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SBC’s 12th Pastor G. G. Bailey
Rev. George Godfrey Bailey was called to pastor here in 1943. This sanctuary and Bailey Fellowship Hall next door were built during that time. After a brief departure in 1962, he came back the next year and stayed 11 more years until his health failed and he retired. In his early tenure, Second Baptist Church was THE Place to worship. We had Harvest Homecomings each October. The men always tried to outdo the women. Folks came from near and far to our revivals, Easter Sunrise services and to hear the choirs.
SBC’s 1st Lady Eva Etta NewtonBlount Bailey Rev. Bailey and our 1st Lady Eva, positioned Second Baptist to be a leader among Baptist churches in the TriCounty District and the Western Baptist State convention. This sanctuary was built to accommodate the growing membership and Bailey Fellowship Hall next door was constructed to house additional ministries. Rev. Bailey retired in 1974 and recommended Dr. Wm. La Rue Dillard to succeed him, an anointed, articulate young man who wore a bushy Afro and drove a brown Buick.
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Wm. La Rue Dillard with His Afro in 1974 For the past 45 years, Bishop Dillard has led us as he followed Christ. He has taught us more and brought us farther than our 13 founders ever imagined. He made available to those who would come and hear, his unadulterated Bible-centered preaching and teaching on all occasions – from the cradle for baby dedications to the grave at homegoing celebrations. Here on SBC campus he and/or men and women he trained, ministered to us – at Midday Prayer and Bible Study; and on Sundays – during New Members Orientations classes; in the sanctuary during morning worships and at supper time during Holy Communion; on once in a lifetime special occasions like baptisms, weddings, anniversaries and jubilees. His weekly epistles, monthly homilies that lasted “5 minutes” or more, his books and ministry development syllabuses taught us to “always be accurate in proclaiming the word of Jesus Christ”.
New Bride & SBC 1st Lady Betty Dillard
For 45 years, 1st Lady Betty Dillard’s sweet singing, steadfast support of her husband and the enthusiastic involvement of the entire 1st Family has caused us unspeakable joy and some tearful emotions. There have been so many unique memories – a baby born to a SBC pastor while he was in that office.
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Dedicated Children
BaLinda and Son Dylan
Stephanie
Raven and Devon Johnson A preaching son-in-law
Caleb and Aubrey Johnson
In Loving Memory
Tirrell
Herbie
A Minister of Music who grew up and was always asking us to harmonize and praise louder!!!
Beautiful grandbabies added to the 1st Family; Aubrey was born on Bishop’s 80th birthday!
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44 Jubilee Celebrations
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Bishop’s Return With A New Heart God revealed a miracle on Shamrock Avenue when He blessed us and brought our Bishop and his new heart back on campus in December of 2014. We wore red and black. We cried and smiled. Thank you Bishop, Miss Betty and 1st Family! Your sacrificial contributions and love will never be forgotten. Your influence has changed lives for the better - adults and children.
SBC’s Children & Voices of Unity Choir aka Dillard Chorale Bishop Dillard, on May 19, 2019 when you retire to become Second Baptist’s Bishop Emeritus, please know you have captured our hearts and left SBC in much better shape, spiritually and financially, than it was when you first came here.
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On this Historic Church’s 117th Anniversary, please note that God is giving us what we need at this time. Pastor Chris and First Lady Heather Bourne, someone who will allow our Bishop and his Apple Blossom to get some needed rest. Let the records show that on February 1, 2019, Pastor Christopher Andre Bourne Sr. officially accepted the call to share the pastoring lead. Monrovia is where he was raised. We welcome him home with his soul-stirring preaching and his “I’m Saved” smile.
First Lady Heather and Pastor Chris Bourne - SBC’s Future
SBC 1st Family – Savannah, Chris Jr., Lady Heather and Pastor Chris
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Between 1904 and 1935, Second Baptist had nine pastors. Our last two have served 30 + 45 = 75 years combined. We thank God for Second Baptist. He is given us 117 years of favor. In return, our faith and financial steadfastness has brought this historic congregation safely to this day. There are many noteworthy events in our past on our 2019 calendar. We avidly await Bishop Dillard’s Retirement and Worship celebrations on May 18th & 19 th and Pastor Chris’ Installation to follow. But remember, the Second Baptist Gazette, named by City of Monrovia Councilmember and long time SBC member Larry Spicer, will celebrate it’s 10 th anniversary. Congratulations to Diakona Nadine Harris and staff for photographing our history as we make it and recording and printing our stories. To our eloquent, educated, exemplary pastors, our beautiful, Bible-guided and blessed 1st Ladies and the talented offspring of our first families we salute all of you! SBC 1st Lady Heather & 1st Lady Betty
1st Lady Eva Bailey & 1st Lady Betty
SBCs 1st Ladies - Notice the Resemblance?
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Again, thank you Bishop for 45 marvelous years!!!
If it is God’s will to have that trend continue, guess how long Pastor Chris might be here?
Church Historians: Mother Lois Gaston and Tinisha McDonald Power Point: Newt Oliver SBC Newsletter Editor/Founder: Diakona/Trustee Nadine Harris
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Jaylyn
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Anna H. Jones Annual Breakfast Fundraiser
Saturday, March 16, 2019 8:00a.m-11:00a.m Contacts: Lapedtra- 951-990-4819 Joyce- 909-233-1490 Diedre-909-437-2663 Stacy- 909-717-5830 Phyllis- 626-664-0261 Elizabeth- 909-904-6702 Monrovia Community Center 119 W. Palm Ave. Monrovia, CA Cost $10 per ticket
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Second’s Gazette Welcomes donations of any size. Please make checks payable to
Second Baptist Church
SUPPORTERS Second Baptist Church Diakona Nadine O. Harris John P. Harris, Sr. Lady Betty G. Dillard Mother Deloris K. Bridges Sherry Joiner Ferrari Green
NEVER HEARD “LET GO OF HATE” While surfing Netflix one rainy weekend, I came across a movie that I had not seen before. The title got my attention, “Never Heard, Let Go of the Hate.” After a few minutes of watching the movie, I discovered that it was one that I didn’t want to watch, but felt compelled to see it through. The movie is about a man, Aaron Davis, who is accused of murder and incarcerated for a crime he swears that he did not commit. His son Jalen is forced to grow up in the streets of Los Angeles without his father’s guidance, and is raised primarily by his mother Shala and Grandmother Camilla. Jalen finds himself in trouble and his life at risk after his best friend Diggy decides to partner up with one of the biggest drug dealers in the city. Aaron learns about his son’s fate and wants to help, but how can he help from prison. Aaron is reminded to put his faith in God and use the power of prayer to help solve his problems. I finished the movie and thought about all the Aarons in the world. “Never Heard, Let Go of Hate” has a story to tell. The movie was edited and co-produced Jeffery Osborne. Check it out on Netflix and let me know your thoughts! Dr. Precious
Barbara Jean Grant Shirley Towler – Hayes Elder Robert Craig
Second Baptist Church
Cameron & J.P. Dixon
Schedule of Worship Services
Dr. John & Apryl Harris
Sunday Morning Services 10:45 AM
Diakona Larry & Debra Hayes Christine Mathis Marva E. Hogan
Sunday Church School, Baptism and New Member’s Orientation Classes from
Ophelia M. Harris
9:45 AM—10:30 AM
Barbara M. Harris
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Diakona Carrie Walker
Ordinance of the Lord’s Supper Celebration is served every First
Dr. Yulonn M. Harris Geneva Douglas
There is room for You to Donate! Today!
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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“It's better to bite your tongue than to eat your words.” —Frank Sonnenberg
“Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping him up.” —Jesse Jackson
To God You Shall Return The traditional Ash Wednesday words “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return” might seem depressing. But in our often death-denying culture, some might find it refreshing to hear the frank statement that we can do nothing to save ourselves, physically or spiritually — that, no matter how we try to avoid sin, we can’t untangle ourselves from self-interest. How liberating, then, to know we don’t have to! God loves us as we are and sent Jesus to break sin’s power over us. A pastor described Ash Wednesday as the point you can pinch in the middle of a long piece of ribbon, such that when you lift it high, the two ends — one symbolizing our baptism and the other, our funeral — meet and touch. We come from dust and will return to dust, but we also come from God and will return to God. Ash Wednesday reminds us that we’re always safe in God’s love.
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Special dates A family was heading on vacation: two little ones were nestled in car seats; the van was packed. As Dad locked the house and Mom secured the garage, an adult neighbor the kids knew walked up and spoke through an open window. “Where are you going?” The kids shrugged. “Well, what road are you taking?” the friend asked with a knowing smile. Of course, they had no idea. “Do you know where you’ll eat today, or where you’ll spend the night?” Blank stares. Then the friend asked, “Who are you traveling with?” The children broke into grins and shouted, “Mommy and Daddy!” On the journey of faith, we don’t know precisely where we’re headed or how all our needs will be met. But we know who we’re traveling with: our loving God who is fully aware of the twists and turns ahead; the loving Parent who promises to care for us wherever we go.
• World Day of Prayer, March 1, 2019 • Transfiguration of Our Lord, March 3, 2019 • Ash Wednesday, March 6, 2019 • First Sunday in Lent, March 10, 2019 • Daylight-Saving Time begins, March 10, 2019 • Second Sunday in Lent, March 17, 2019 • First day of spring, March 20, 2019 • Third Sunday in Lent, March 24, 2019 • Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 31, 2019
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arch is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month! The National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is held every year in March. It offers healthcare providers who care for patients with diseases of the colon and rectum cancer a valuable opportunity to educate their community about these diseases, and promote awareness of the importance of colorectal cancer screening, prevention, and treatment.
Thanks to improvements in prevention, early detection, and treatment, more than a million people in the U. S. are counted as survivors of colon or rectum cancer (also called colorectal cancer). Learning about any disease that takes many lives is difficult, but the fact is that early detection through prevention and screening has proven to dramatically reduce fatalities from colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum), when discovered early, is highly treatable. Even if it spreads into nearby lymph nodes, surgical treatment followed by chemotherapy is highly effective. In most difficult cases, when the cancer has spread to the liver, lungs or other areas of the body, treatment can help make surgery an option for many, as well as prolonging and adding to one’s quality of life. Research is constant to learn more and provide hope for people no matter what stage their cancer is in. Most colorectal cancers develop first as polyps, which are abnormal growths inside the colon or rectum that may later become cancerous if not removed. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the U. S., and the second leading cause of cancer death. It affects men and women of all racial and ethnic groups, and is most often found in people 50 years or older. However, incidences in people younger than 50 is on the rise. Since the mid-1980s, colorectal cancer survival rate has increased due in part to awareness and screening. By finding polyps and cancer in the early stage, it is easier to treat. Improved treatment options have also contributed to a rise in survival rates. Colon cancer and rectal cancer incidence and mortality rates are highest in African Americans. During 20092013, colon cancer and rectal cancer incidence rates in Blacks were about 20% higher than Whites, and rectal cancer death rates in Blacks 40% higher than of Whites. What Can We Do? If you are 50 to 75 years old, get screened for colorectal cancer regularly. If you are younger than 50 and think you may be at high risk of getting colorectal cancer, or if you are over 75, ask your doctor if you should be screened. Be physically active Keep a healthy weight Don’t drink too much alcohol Don’t smoke Family history, ethnicity, and race can put you at higher risk for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is a potentially fatal disease that is mostly preventable. The Colorectal Cancer Alliance raises awareness of preventive measures by, providing support for patients, caregivers, and survivors; and inspires the efforts that fund critical research—all to end colorectal cancer in our lifetime.
Live life healthy,
Jessie M Anderson, RN BSN
Reference https://www.ccalliance.org/; https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer.html https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/colorectalawareness/index.htm
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The Ministry of Sunday School at Second Baptist Church in Monrovia
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econd Baptist Church is celebrating 117 years as a living organized body of Christ, on March 3, 2019, established in March 1902. Just like the Church, the Ministry Sunday School at SBC will also be celebrating 117 years, teaching students, young and old, the Word of God.
The Ministry of Sunday School is vital for believers who want to grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Sunday School Department has many qualified teachers (25), some were trained by our Bishop, Dr. Wm. LaRue Dillard, and others were catechized by the New Teachers Orientation Training Team, which consist of Diakona Valeria Burwell and Diakona Carrie Walker. There are classes for all age groups, from Pre-School to Kindergarten, First Grade to College level, Young Adults, and Seniors. There is a class for everyone! Past Superintendents of Sunday School laid a good foundation for others to follow. The present Superintendent is Dr. Precious Flemings, who was appointed by Bishop Dillard on January 4, 2002. The Director of Christian Education is Diakona Carrie Walker, who was appointed by Bishop in 2001. They work in concert to ensure that the Ministry continues to grow and thrive all to the glory of God. In 2008, Bishop Dillard implemented a Trinity concept for three people to serve as a team in all Ministries. The Sunday School Ministry has a Trinity Team. Dr. Precious Flemings, General Superintendent Father John Thompson, Assistant Superintendent Ms. Donna Burke, Superintendent Liaison Diakona Carrie Walker, Director of Christian Education Besides having leadership roles in various Ministries in the Church, there are several people who work in this Ministry to ensure this ministry continues to thrive. Church School Helpers are: Diakona & Trustee, Rodney Bough Trustee Bobby Laird Diakona Oscar Woodard Ms. Velma Pratt, also a faithful member of Mission of Mercy (MOMS) On average, about 75-90 learners attend Sunday School every Sunday morning. If you want to learn more about God’s Holy Word, with systematic biblical lessons, and grow spiritually in your Christian faith, come to Sunday School, you will be blessed beyond measure. Please visit us in Sunday School!
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Deuteronomy 6:5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
Quote Corner Birthdays: Brooklyn Coleman March 15 Bishop Dillard March 19 Happy Birthday to you!
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