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115th Issue * Version 6
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
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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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s a small church, our website serves as a place to cast your vision and help potential visitors understand how their families can plug in. The Website Ministry wants to help you accomplish that goal and attract people to our church at the exact time they are looking. As we take off with these communication tools, let’s remember God is still in charge.
Matthew 28:19-20 states, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen
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
Therefore, use social media for the glory of God, inform others about His way of life and His redeeming love! Bring many souls to His throne through your presence online!!
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
“God made you as you are in order to use you as He planned.” —J.C. Macauley
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In Life’s Vicissitudes, As Well As Victories, Stand Firm! (I John 2:18-23 NKJV)
Holy Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Grace to You!
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icissitudes have to do with irregular, unexpected, or surprising changes in your life. When things become worst during your Christian pilgrimage, that’s when God gives His best to His own.
I encourage you to look at the vicissitudes in your life as signs of new hope. Realize that God is in charge and He will use everything for His glory and to bring us closer to Him and to each other. I can’t tell you when the history will occur, but I can tell you when a new life for each of us begins. It begins the very moment when we are Spirit Baptized. We are placed into the kingdom of God, which is the rule and reign of Jesus within you. Right now, is the last hour; our finest hour; the only hour we have. We can identify the last days because of the difficulties the church is facing. There is a magnificent lacking of truth in our day, and in many of our churches. We often associate times of blessing with successes or delights. If this is true, then we rule God out of most of our hours. The holy Christian life is not all fun and games. We all face hours that are filled with anxiety, difficulty and pain. We must decide whether these are death throes or birth pangs. The text supports signs of new hope. We are to be drawn closer to Him and to each other through worship, and praise and fellowship in His Word. Surrender of the future is the key to freedom in the present no matter what is going on in our lives. I challenge you to shout the next time vicissitudes visit your life by saying, “The Lord is blessing me right now!” Amen.
Until He Comes, I Am Serving Christ Joyfully,
Bishop Dr. Wm. LaRue Dillard Parish Under-Shepherd
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Editor’s Comments Bishop’s Epistle
Diakonos Praying Contents Blasts and Footprints Movie Pic / Serving As A Usher Good Reading Spirit Buzz Community News/ Diakonos / Fathers & Mothers Annual Day Visiting Pastors Birthdays SBC Got Talent SBC Promotions What It Says/Prayer Calendar Grandparents Celebration SBC Youth Chamionship/Local Celebrations Health News Children’s Church Back Cover
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The Right to Vote! How Important Is This to Black Americans of African Decent?
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n about four weeks from now, many of our Fifty United States will hold their Midterm elections. But after gaining the right to vote in 1965, how important are Midterm elections to Black Americans? Do we feel the need to exercise this right in the Midterm election, or only to cast a vote to elect a President of the United States?
Some people have mixed emotions about the Midterms because they feel that Midterms are not important. However, the Midterms are just as important as voting for the President of the United States every four years, because the Midterms determine the number of Senators and members of the House of Representative that will go to Congress to represent us in getting our voices heard which affect our communities, our societies, and ultimately, our nation. Black Americans have a duty to vote in every election because in times like these, we need to have our voices heard and the only way we can do this is to exercise the right that our Ancestors fought and died for, “the Right to Vote!” When you think that your vote, as a Black American, doesn’t count, think about some of our ancestors like Joseph Hayne Rainey, the first Black American of African Decent to serve in Congress, who is quoted as saying, “We ask for [civil rights] because we know it is proper. Not because we want to deprive any other class of their rights and immunities they enjoy, but because they are granted to us by the law of the land” (Black Americans of Congress, 1). God gave us a right too, this is the right to eternal life by sending His only begotten Son to die for the “whosoever will” (John 3:16), meaning whoever will accept Him as their Lord and Savior. Don’t forget to Vote!
Dr. Precious Ref. www.ourdocuments.gov
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olossians 3: 8-10 But now you yourselves are to put off all these; anger, wrath , malice, blas phemy, filthy language out of your month. Do not lie to one another, since you
have put off the old man with his deeds and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him. NKJV I’m so glad to know that if I will confess the Lord Jesus, and believe that God raised Him from the dead, I will be saved! I made that confession and it changed me. We all know that change is not always easy, but sometimes necessary in order to grow. If I could have a relationship with Christ without changing, I may not have gone through what I went through. But, I know you cannot hear the word of God, go to church every Sunday, study to show thyself/myself approved, and not change! Either one will stay and the other will go, or the other will stay and one will go. You can-not please God and mammon, so the bible says. I’m one that was made a believer, after trying to live a duo life-style; I know better now! (lol) We hear things on the news regarding our current politics now that sounds almost comical, therefore change needs to happen there as well, everybody needs to change something! So let’s keep them in prayer, because at the end of the road, Jesus will make the last broadcast! Love you in Christ,
Peggy LaBon
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Second’s Gazette Welcomes donations of any size. Please make checks payable to
Second Baptist Church
Same Kind of Different As Me
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 Yulonn M. Harris Geneva Douglas Diakona James Ella Harvey Laura Bullock
There is room for You to Donate! Today! Second’s Gazette
“Same Kind of Different As Me” is based on a true story of a homeless man, Denver Moore, played by Djimon Hounsou, who changes a couples life who is struggling with their marriage and trying to figure a purpose for their togetherness. After meeting Denver at a homeless shelter, they strike up a friendship that is unwelcoming at first. But by the wife’s persistence in helping Denver, Ron, the husband discovers that Denver is the same as him; a strong man who just needs a helping hand right now. Denver Moore died in March 2012 at the age of 75. This is a compelling movie with an excellent cast who gives great performances. “Same Kind of Different As Me” is one you must see, because you will discover that we are more alike than different. Watch it free on Netflix!
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istributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. ~Romans 12:13 (NKJV)
Ushering is an opportunity to serve God by serving His people, and is a marvelous way to actively and faithfully participate in the functioning of Second Baptist Church. The role of the usher is often underestimated for its importance. In order to be a good usher, you must be a “people-person” who makes sure people coming into the Second Baptist feel welcome and appreciated. In doing so, ushers contribute greatly to making everyone’s church experience a positive one.
Goals of an Usher
At least five (5) members are needed to serve as ushers per worship service Provide a warm smile and greeting to all Introduce self and be available for questions Hand out the bulletins Ensure guests and members needs are respectfully handled
Be attentive to the service: watch for late-comers, keep an eye on the Bishop in case he needs anything
Responsibilities of an Usher
Arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of worship for prayer Greet each person with a warm hello Offer a bulletin to every guest If needed, show guests the pew for wheelchair accessibility Assist and direct with seating
After the worship service, go throuh each pew and pick up fans and trash, etc ~~Vera O. Frazier United Usher’s Ministry
Stick with It!
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“If I’ve learned anything about friendship, it’s to hang in, stay connected,” says journalist Jon Katz. “Don’t walk away, don’t be distracted, don’t be too busy or tired, don’t take them for granted. Friends are part of the glue that holds life and faith together.” This applies to church life too. When we’re annoyed by some aspect of congregational life or caught in conflict with other members, it’s tempting to drift away to another church — or no church. Even when all is fine, we sometimes let church take a back seat. But our bonds with the family of God are “part of the glue that holds life and faith together.” For the sake of the benefits we gain and give, may we “hang in [and] stay connected” with our church family. May we not “walk away [or] be distracted, ... be too busy or tired.” May we not take one another for granted but thank God for this “glue” — even when things get a bit sticky!
Servant Leadership
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rom Christ’s perspective, a true leader is a servant, committed to the success of each individual in the group. Jesus did not criticize his disciples’ desire to lead; he just showed them how to do it by washing their feet. ... The essence of spiritual leadership, therefore, is following Jesus and serving people. People rebel against controlling leaders, but it is impossible to rebel against a servant. —Geoff Gorsuch, Brothers! Calling Men Into Vital Relationships
Make It Count
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his is our time on the history line of God. This is it. What will we do with the one deep exhale of God on this earth? For we are but a vapor and we have to make it count. We’re on. Direct us, Lord, and get us on our feet. —Beth Moore
All-around Trust
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pitfall to trusting God, which we are prone to fall into, is to turn to God in trust in the greater [crises] of life while seeking to work through the minor difficulties ourselves. A disposition to trust in ourselves is part of our sinful nature. It sometimes takes a major crisis, or at least a moderate one, to turn us toward the Lord. A mark of Christian maturity is to continually trust the Lord in the minutiae of daily life. If we learn to trust God in the minor adversities, we will be better prepared to trust him in the major ones. —Jerry Bridges, Trusting God Second’s Gazette
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Sainted Stilettos
Music 101
SAY THAT!
Quandra Banks is the latest YouTube sensation doing Shana Wilson’s 2012 cover, “Give Me You”. Her hairstylist asked her to do a snippet of the song and let’s just say the Holy Spirit took over this press and curl! Ladies, going to the shop to get our hair done can be very spiritual, but let’s just say Quandra took it to a whole new level. With over a million views, Quandra popularity has been soaring with more calls and shows than ever. Her authentic and natural sound makes anyone stop doing what they are doing. Her hairstylist who was not expecting her to sing like that said it best, “You gonna make the dope boys stop selling dope.” Until Next Time, God’s Good!
There are at least 185 songs in the Bible About 150 of these are in the book of Psalms. (I say “about” because there’s some debate as to whether a few of the separate Psalms were originally meant to be sung as one.) But throughout both the Old and New Testaments, people will sing songs about God or the events around them. And 185 is a bare minimum—that’s only if you count the portions of Scripture that are specifically labeled as “song,” “psalm,” “dirge,” or “chant.” Second’s Gazette
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here is something going on here at SBC, did you know, have you heard? Yes, there is group of couples that meet to share and encourage one another about marriage. The Couples Marriage Mentoring Ministry is another vision of our Bishop, Dr. Wm. LaRue Dillard.
In marriage, God asks two self-willed sinners to come together and become one flesh - not in body only, but in spirit, in attitude, in communication, in love. We are a ministry of couples affirming one another as we study God’s Word, creating a lifetime investment with measurable returns. All married couples are welcome to join us on campus at SBC the second Saturday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
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Clergy Malik Tyler Morris Associate Ministry Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church Los Angeles, Ca. With Pastor Edward Victor Hill, II Sunday September 9, 2018 Sermonic Message “Put on the “Full Armor of God” Ephesians 6:10-18 10 Finally,
my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God….
Pastor Ron Williams Atlanta Cumberland conference at the Belvedere SDA Church Atlanta, Ga. Sunday September 23, 2018 Sermonic Message “Power of Unity” Acts 1:14 14 These
all continued with one accord in prayer [b]and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. (NKJV)
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DO WHAT IT SAYS
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o not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. (James 1: 22-25, NIV)
Some Christians find it difficult to listen to the Word and obey it. We go to church, Bible study, Men’s Fellowship, Women’s Fellowship, Sunday School, Wednesday Night Bible Study, Women’s Retreats, Women’s Conferences, etc., and yet we do NOT follow the guidelines that have been given to us by the Bible. We pick and choose which parts of the Bible that we will obey. It’s almost like to going to a buffet. We pick and choose the salad, baked chicken, dinner roll, and jello. We pick and choose which of God’s commands that we will obey. All I’m saying is just don’t hear the Word, but be a do-er of the word of God. Do what it says! When the Lord tells us “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6: 33). We must come to know Him through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His Spirit will give us discernment to know when to move, and how to respond to certain situations in our life. When we seek HIS kingdom and HIS righteousness, the Bible tells us that all these things (your life, what you will eat, drink, or what you wear) will be added unto you. Whatever may be going on in your life, God is concerned. He wants us to come to Him regarding any obstacles that may be blocking our way from getting closer to Him. The Lord wants us to cast all of our cares upon Him, because He cares for us” (1 Peter 5:7). His decisions are the best decisions that we can make. We cannot pick and choose which part of the Bible that we will obey. We should be striving toward obeying what we have heard and read. Once we hear the Word of God, if we are not obeying, then we should repent and confess to the Lord, and ask His forgiveness. And ask Him to help us through that which is not of Him or His Word. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1: 9 Do you love Jesus enough to repent of your sins today, knowing that we have done things He told us not to, and did not do the things He commanded us to do? Jesus said,” If you love me, obey my commandments” (New Living Translation, John 14: 15). James 1:22-25 tells us don’t just merely LISTEN to the Word, because in doing that you are only deceiving yourselves. God sees your heart, He knows when the word has been planted in your soul and spirit. When you look in the mirror, what do you see? If you see toothpaste on the side of your mouth, do you just turn away from the mirror and forget to wipe your mouth? The Scripture in James 1: 22-25 tells us that the person who is hearer and not a do-er .... saw it in the mirror, (saw his sin the real him) but did nothing about it, so all during the day the people you come in contact with see the toothpaste on the side of your mouth, on the public transportation, on your job, in the meetings you may have. DON’T forget what you look like when you are examining yourself. What kind of man or woman are you? If you are a do-er of the word, you ask God to help you straighten that tie, comb your hair, get a shorter slip for your dress, put on another pair of pantyhose, put on a suit that zipper is not broke, etc. (That sin). When you look intently in the mirror, (you see what you used to be, and the truth of who you are now in Jesus Christ) into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but one who does good works – this person will be blessed in what he does. Do what the Word says, and you will be blessed in what you do. Happy October! Second’s Gazette
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PREMIER SUMMER TRAVEL BALL CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM 2018
Congratulations to Premier 2018 Summer League Champs Pictured: (Left top row) Coach Naim, Lexi, Kris, Jashion, Jadon, Shamar, John III, Coach Harris, (Bottom row) Joey, Vince, Jason II (SBC Members underlined) THANK YOU SBC FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT
MERCADEL ‘BACK TO SCHOOL’ TOURNAMENT WINNERS
SUMMER TRAVEL BALL TEAM PREMIER 2018
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October! Breast Cancer Awareness Month
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ctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month where women celebrate and continue the fight to find a cure to Breast Cancer and other cancerous diseases. It is estimated that that 266,000 women will be diagnosed with invasive Breast Cancer, 64,000 will be diagnosed with some early form of the disease such as carcinoma-in-situ, and approximately 41,000 women will die from the disease this year. Moreover, the numbers have increased for men as well. It is estimated that nearly 2,330 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and approximately 480 will die from the disease as well. Alarming statistics! Women with high risk factors or family history of Breast Cancer should start getting check-ups as early as age 40, and continue until the life expectancy is at least ten years. Screening includes clinical breast exams and mammograms. If an abnormality is found such as a lump, more pervasive exams should be conducted such as ultrasounds, diagnostic mammograms, and MRIs of the breast. There are conflicting theories regarding breast self-exams. Studies show that more benign breast lesions are found with self-exams rather than malignant lesions. Consult with a health care provider regarding self-breast exams. However, women should always be vigilant and always inspect your breast for any abnormalities such as discoloration or thickening of the skin around the nipple, retraction or inversion of the nipple, and any lumps felt in and around the armpit. Even swelling around the armpit can be a sign or symptom that something is wrong. Consult your healthcare provider. The risk of men developing breast cancer has increased by 26 percent over the last twenty-five years, but it is still lower than women. If one has a first-degree relative with Breast Cancer, the risk is higher. It is also noted that men with excessive estrogen stimulation which may be due to hormonal therapies with medications that contain estrogen or testosterone increases the risk. Signs men should look for are a painless breast mass, a lump under the areola, which is around the nipple; also skin discoloration and lumps in or around the armpit. For men and women with a family history of Breast and Ovarian Cancer, seek counseling with a Genetic Counselor regrading genetic screening and tests to determine higher risks factors. At Second Baptist Church of Monrovia, we not only dedicate October to Breast Cancer Awareness, but to all cancer. If you have concerns regarding your health, talk to your healthcare provider. Don’t put if off because an early diagnose can provide a better prognosis and prevent further aggression in the early stages. Listed below are some common screening guidelines for most cancer:
Get routine screening tests Maintain a healthy diet in fruits, vegetables, whole grain, and limit fatty foods Stay physically active and make a goal to maintain a healthy weight Don’t smoke or stop smoking, and limit alcohol intake Use Sunscreen and avoid excessive amounts of sun
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Screening Guideline for These Types of Cancer 1. Breast Cancer – routine screening should start at age 40, especially if there is a history and if you feel something usual in the breast. 2. Cervical Cancer – routine screening should start for women who are immunocompetent by age 21-65. This should include a Pap smear every three years, HPV testing every five years if initial tests are normal. For older women who have had negative tests and are not at risk, screening can stop at age 65, but with an abnormal Pap, HPV, smoke, or have new sexual partners, screening can continue until up to age 80. 3. Ovarian/Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer – for ovarian cancer, women who have a family history or have been identified with “hereditary cancer syndrome” breast/ovarian cancer syndrome, lynch syndrome, or have a first or second degree relative who developed ovarian cancer under age 50 are at higher risk and should be tested yearly. Also, women who have had two or more generations of women who had ovarian are at higher risk factors. Risk factors include: History of endometriosis Early menarche Infertility Late Menopause Nulliparity (never giving birth) Hormonal Replacement Therapy, Polycystic ovarian syndrome and the use of IUDS; for uterine, routine screening is not advised; post-menopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding or family history of Lynch syndrome are at higher risks for uterine cancer and should consult a healthcare provider for proper tests. 4. Prostate Cancer – routine screening should start at age 50, earlier with family history of cancer. Black American Men of African Decent with a BRCA1 or BRCA 2 mutations, screening should start at age 40-45. 5. Colorectal Cancer – routine screening for women and men of average risk should start at age 50 with a colonoscopy which visualizes the entire colon. A sigmoidoscopy, which visualizes the descending colon, is recommended for people who have never been screened. For those with higher risk factor for colorectal cancer due to family history or other bowel diseases, consult a provider for screening options and strategies for your healthcare need. 6. Lung Cancer – annual screening is recommended if you have history of using tobacco. Screening should start at age 55, with a low dose of helical CT. 7. Melanoma – screening vary per patient history of melanoma, and if there are multiple lesions. Complete skin exams should be completed if there are multiple moles, White males at age 50, and those who have suffered severe sunburns. Taking steps to prevent cancer is always positive, but is not guarantee that one will not get the disease. Therefore, never put off seeing a healthcare provider to address any concerns and to get a complete routine screening. Remember, early detection can make a difference between a “Good” prognosis and a “Bad” prognosis. “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” III John 1:2 Best Regards, Felicia Markham-Dickson, PA-C
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