BBC e-Voice Magazine December 2017

BOULEVARD BAPTIST CHURCH |december 2017 edition | issue 63

Filled with the spirit

the

merry christmas from roun’ a boulevard

A lil Christmas humour

Devotions on the ROCK

new deacons ordained

| BBC eVoice

testimonies of the saved

CHRISTMAS

Boulevard Baptist Church

PASTOR: Devon Dick.

EDITOR: Dorrett R Campbell.

DESIGN & LAYOUT : Dorrett R Campbell.

CONTRIBUTORS : Sir Patrick Allen. Omar Archer. Devon Dick. Jennie Connor. Alwyn Clarke. Thelma Ferguson.

Everton Jackson. Joseph McIntyre. Debbie Morrella Parker. Rohan Phillips. Sadieki Pitter.

Barbara Spence. Jo– Hanna Taylor. Dennis Towsend. Jeneita Townsend.

COVER PHOTO: The gifts under my Christmas tree OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORSHIP Sundays: 9:00am and 6:30 pm Sunday School: 8:00am – 8:50am Prayer meeting: Wednesdays at 9:30am Community Bible Study each Wednesday at 6:45pm Prayer and Fasting: 1st Saturdays at 7:00am PUBLISHED BY THE BOULEVARD BAPTIST CHURCH. 2 Washington Boulevard. Kingston 20 Tel: 905-2422 / 905-0118 Email: boulevard.baptist@yahoo.com | Website: www.boulevardbaptist.org.jm © 2017 2 | BBC eVoice

The message of peace

T

HE SONG OF THE ANGELS WAS ARGUABLY THE FIRST PUBLIC PREACHING of the

Gospel of Jesus Christ. It brought with it the assurance of something new, special and life-altering. It resounded in lyrics never before heard from the hearts of men: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men But…that was a long time ago. Of what relevance is this message to us today, when there’s so much turmoil in our beleaguered country and around the world?

Everywhere, egregious acts of violence, causing paralyzing fear, harrow people by day and haunt them by night. We have no peace; neither within nor without...

And yet, my friends, it is in the face of such gloom and doom; in the face of a narrative that says, ‘earth a run red;’ amidst the rubble of lawlessness and social anarchy that I am asserting that the Christmas message of hope for peace and goodwill toward all who pleased God is still relevant to, possible and attainable in our times.

How do we achieve this peace?

The Trappist Monk Thomas Merton sums it up succinctly for me: "Man is not at peace with his fellow man because he is not at peace with himself. And he is not at peace with himself because he is not at peace with his God." The broken relationship with God has led to a world of aggression, vulgarity, mistrust and indiscipline. And some would say, it is a “trumped -up” world. The bitterness, hatred and revenge and the manifestations of evil of all sorts that have marked our world over the centuries, are as a result of the distortion of the divine image of Christ in His creation.

To attain true peace, we need to mend that relationship so that we are in harmony with our God.

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Harmony with God leads to Love: God’s redemptive goodwill extends to all men, irrespective of rank, class, colour, gender, religion, political ideology, lifestyle or alternative lifestyle.

God’s love affirms the dignity of all peoples.

This love of God makes possible a climate of respect and tolerance for the other; for the hurting and the hurtful. This is the kind of love that defuses tensions in our communities, among families, in the work place and yes, tensions between churches and among our congregations.

When we experience the love of Christ in our hearts, we are inclined to do good without ulterior motives; communities become inclusive; we empower and value others; not discourage or devalue them; we TALK through our disagreements; not FIGHT through them.

Harmony with God also leads to forgiveness: Forgiveness allows us to stop using past wrongs to form the basis of present judgments; to let go the hurt and pain caused by the offender, so that both the offended and offender may experience the God induced spirit of liberation.

For us to create a culture of peace, we must first let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. According to the Rev Luke Shaw “We must create a place of healing for people who are broken and hurting. We must replace the hate, hurt and pain in our midst with the love of Jesus Christ.

We must counter arrogance, brutality, injustice, inequality and exclusion with compassion, kindness and forgiveness.”

As we reflect on the Christ in Christmas, let us resolve to help create and sustain peace on earth, by first welcoming the message of peace in the birth of Jesus Christ and by embracing him as our Lord and Saviour.

May the peace of God and the God of peace be with you this Christmas and beyond.

FROM THE PASTOR Devon M Dick

O

n Monday, we celebrate the birth of Christ, which marks God appearing in flesh (John 1). For some persons to believe that God became flesh and dwelt among mankind, is to believe the impossible. But what is impossible with humans is possible with God.

among we do it as unto God.

An all powerful God who made heaven and earth and all that is in it can surely exist as a human. This shows that human life is special, sacred, sanctified and sacrosanct.

For me, every member and visitor is special and their lives sacred. Thanks for your prayers, advice and support during the year.

Therefore, every life has worth and value and should be treated accordingly. And remember when we do it unto the least

us

For some persons God with us is foolishness but to those of us who are being saved it is wisdom and power. Let us never be ashamed of the Gospel because it is hope for humans to experience peace and prosperity.

I hope that you will all have a peaceful and safe Christmas season.

As we celebrate with family and friends, let us remember those who live alone, especially the elderly, and have no one to visit them or to celebrate with them. We should make every effort to bring some cheer to at least one shut-in.

Mary, Deon, Duvaughn, Dana-Marie and I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year with attendant peace which is beyond all human understanding.

You pastor and friend

4 | BBC eVoice Pastor and Kathleen with the newbies named on pages 12 & 13

FROM THE DIACONATE Dennis Town-

“B

ehold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people” (Luke 2:10 KJV). This was the wonderful and liberating message that the angel of the Lord heralded to the shepherds as they watched their flock by night.

This was good news not only to the shepherds, but also to the world. This was no fake news. This was and continues to be gospel truth. The wise men confirmed it when they affirmed, “… we have seen His star in the east, and have come to worship Him” (Matthew 2:2 KJV).

The message was about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (God incarnate) to dwell among us, to lib-

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erate us from the shackles of sin and to pave the way to our redemption.

As we celebrate Christmas, let us rejoice and be glad. Let us recognize that we are beneficiaries of God’s redeeming grace and mercy. Let us spread the good news of God’s generous gift of salvation.

The members of the Diaconate extend to our dear Pastor, Rev Dr Devon Dick, members of the Boulevard Baptist Church and other readers, a holy and peaceful Christmas.

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE GG His Excellency, The Most Hon Sir Patrick Allen, ON, GCMG, CD, KSt.J,

MY

FELLOW JAMAICANS AND RESIDENTS ALL:

As the year draws to a close, we share with people all across the world, the Christmas promise of peace and goodwill among us wherever we are.

This year Jamaica has had its share of unrest, anxiety and other social turbulence which have been occurring within and across national boundaries and of which we are reminded every day.

But our history of resilience, and our traditions of religious faith and individual courage, continue to inspire us to press on, with gratitude, for the blessings we enjoy and the confidence in the prospect of a brighter future.

We cherish the season of Christmas as a special time to celebrate what is truly joyful and positive in our experience. We recognize and focus on the true meaning of the Season, which is to bring hope into our lives and light to shine on darkness.

So let our celebrations therefore be centered on humbly serving each other not only in our families, with friends and neighbours, but also those whom we know are in need.

Let us:  remember to be peaceable in our deal6 | BBC eVoice

ings and conversations with each other, to uplift and affirm each other, and  stand together to protect everyone in our communities, work places, and places of worship.

Let us also:  use the celebrations of the season to build bridges of forgiveness, tolerance and understanding, and to  create partnerships to ignite hope and comfort to those who may be sad or lonely.

We must continue to commit ourselves to nurturing a nation family in which our people, especially our children and the elderly, can feel safe, and our citizens can amicably live, work, and create the preferred future that each one desires.

My fellow citizens and well wishers, as you enjoy the merriment of the season and bask in the filial bonds of love, do not forget to be safe in your homes and exercise your best judgment as you travel on the roadways.

And, may the love of God inspire us all to walk humbly before Him and all humanity with reverence and respect.

Lady Allen joins me in wishing for you and yours a safe, happy and peaceful Christmas Holiday!

May God bless us Jamaica, land we love.

FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT Jeneita Townsend

O

ur worship service on Sunday, December 10 was truly joyful celebration in which we welcomed five new members through baptism, transfers and restoration.

Young Ashley Clarke's brisk and purposeful walk to the pool for baptism reflected her spontaneous expression of a joyful desire for the Lord. Other members received into the fellowship were Kelleen Ayton, Sheryl Hill, AnnMarie Toomer Gayle and Dawn Gunter.

Referring to the foundational text from Ephesians 5: 18 - 20 , Pastor Devon Dick entreated the new members and others to be filled with the Spirit in their worship and service to God. He stated that being filled with the Holy Spirit would transform every aspect of our lives, in a similar manner as the effect of yeast on an entire dough.

Pastor Dick explained the difference between being filled with the Spirit and drunkenness: Drunkenness he stated, is wasteful and useless state in which the individual is under the influence /control of alcohol. Being filled with the Spirit is a rational state of consciousness, in which the individual is under the direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Our Pastor further told us that Ephesians Chapters 5 and 6 provide instructions and guidance on wholesome relationships between husbands and wives , parents and children, employers and employees.

What is this Joy?

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The Pastor noted that.

Joy is not achieved extrinsically through the giving and receiving of material things. Joy is a warm emotion, a fruit of the Spirit that cannot be manufactured. It can only be generated through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, regardless of our circumstances or who is troubling us. It is about praising God for life, pardon, protection and provision.

He encouraged us to go beyond just admiration for God and his goodness to a deep and passionate yearning to know , worship and to serve God. We should have the desire to study and mediate on the Word , pray and fast as we seek to know His will for our lives.

He entreated us to be joyful and to make our public worship be joyous.

Joyful Songs of praise For the remaining segment of the service, our Pastor invited our music directors Joseph McIntyre to lead us into a time of total praise and thanksgiving . Indeed this was a rich experience in which the congregants joined in a medley of joyful songs to include: This is my desire, I give myself away and Agnus Dei. What a sweet offering it was, as praises and hallelujahs reverberated throughout the sanctuary by the congregants who expressed openly their thanks and praises to The Most High, the Lord Jesus Christ.

FROM THE MUSIC MINISTRY Joseph McIntyre, Music Director

E

very

Christmas, in music and readings, we hear those familiar words from Isaiah, “unto

us a son is born, unto us a child is given.” But do we grasp the amazing statement which follows, “and the government shall be upon his shoulder?”

Isaiah was looking forward to a child who would be King. It’s true, as Jesus said, “my Kingdom is not of this world.” But Christ’s kingdom is one that transforms this world.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ this Christmas, we think of that sacred time when the Word became Flesh and came to earth as a new born babe.

Like the Wise Men, who

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sought the Christ child and offered Him gifts, we too should seek Jesus and lay before Him our most precious gifts: a broken heart and a contrite spirit, our love, and our willingness to take upon ourselves His name and walk the path of discipleship.

That fact is this: Christmas is solely about God. Christmas is about God fulfilling his promises, saving his people, coming to us - as one of us - in Jesus. Christmas is nothing but Jesus.

And if Jesus is not in Christmas, then Christmas is nothing at all!

We thank you members for your continued love and support as we exercise this

ministry. We continue to receive, with humility and deep appreciation, your commendations and prayers, and pledge that we will continue, under God, to faithfully proclaim the Word in song to the glory of God and His church.

On behalf of the Music Ministry, we wish for all a blessed and peaceful Christmas, and pray that the joy and hope that transmit from the announcement made by the angels to the shepherds; will be experienced not only in this season but throughout the year.

FROM THE SUNDAY SCHOOL Thelma Ferguson, Superintendent

A

s another year draws to a close we give thanks to the Almighty for His continuous mercies and blessings. We give thanks for what He did: kept us safe and alive as he provided for us and allowed us to have our classes every Sunday morning, rain or shine.

The Sunday School is grateful to all teachers, who show their unwavering commitment by preparing and turning up for their classes to the satisfaction of the eager students.

The majority of attendees at the classes are adults who come to deepen their understanding of the Word as we

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fellowship and reinforce our ‘family’ bond. The Sunday School is sincerely appreciative of this and looks forward to having a larger number of young adults, youth and children participate as we seek to grow this department.

Without the dedication and wisdom of parents and guardians, the children’s classes would not exist, hence our gratitude extends also to them for their support of our Sunday School.

Very little could have been accomplished without the assistance and support of our Pastor and the office staff, to them we are most grateful.

Brothers and Sisters the signs of the time are appearing everywhere. It is for this reason that notwithstanding the obstacles which the enemy always places in our way, we must resist and make the sacrifice to be in Sunday School and invite others to join us.

Our Administrative Team, Mevonie, Tamara and I thank everyone for the support and encouragement lavished on us throughout the year and look forward to serving as needed as we seek to effect changes in this area for 2018.

Merry Christmas to everyone!

,

C

hristmas is one of my most favourite times of the year. Families spend the holiday season cherishing human life and relationships more than tangible gifts.

For people of faith, Christmas is a reminder of the coming of Christ and the eternal gift of salvation offered to humanity. Holiday greetings and best wishes are extended to all the leaders and members at Boulevard Baptist Church.

It has been my honour to serve the church and

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serve alongside Rev Dr Devon Dick.

I am grateful for all the support received by church members during my postgraduate journey.

Jamaica is my second home and Boulevard is definitely my Jamaica church home.

Let us be committed to ending the year strong and beginning the new year with zeal, enthusiasm and charisma for a new church year filled

Omar Archer with great opportunities to glorify God. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Boulevard Baptist Church!

Grace and Peace to you all.

Dorrett Campbell

L-R: Issau Bailey, Vince Johnson, Elaine Roulston, Nellie Boxe, Marcel Boyce , Victoria Gibbs, Garth Frater

T

HE BOULEVARD BAPTIST CHURCH ON SUNDAY, De-

cember 3, welcomed into to the Diaconate, seven new deacons: Issau Bailey, Nellie Boxe, Garth Frater, Victoria Gibbs, Vince Johnson, and Elaine Roulston.

After three months of training and preparation of the deacons-elect, the act of ordination was conducted by the pastor, the Rev Dr Devon Dick, in a service where ordinands shared their testimonies; some chronicling their account of salvation and their “call” to the diaconate, while others spoke to their continued walk with God; the challenges they encountered during this sojourn and the consequent strengthened faith in God. 11 | BBC eVoice

Just before the preacher gave the charge, the Boulevard Baptist Church Choir under the masterful directorship of Joseph McIntyre, delivered an unforgettably scintillating musical offering through the Nathan Carter composition, Oh for a Faith.

Inspired by Luke 12: 35-40, the Rev Arnold Parkinson, Pastor of the Bellas Gate Circuit of Baptist Churches told the ordinands that they were waiting servants, therefore, they should exercise patience in doing God’s business.

“You will have to learn how to wait on God, because all your help comes from Him. You will also have to wait on others whom you will serve, perhaps the young and the elderly,” Parkinson exhorted. He further told the ordinands that

they were working servants who should not for one moment think they are at a higher spiritual ground where they can rest on their laurels “It is time for a united effort, in the proclamation of the Gospel, the teaching of the Word, the witnessing of Christ to the world. The telling of your own testimony of salvation, that others may see Christ working in and through you and come to glorify our Lord. Yeah! The work has just begun,” the Baptist preacher declared.

He added that the deacons were watching servants, who should watch for the return of God who will reward them for their faithfulness.

TESTIMONIES ... and told us that it was Hosin’s transformation and capacity to forgive that really convinced her that God’s love was unconditionally extended to all who would receive him.

Debbie Morrell Parker

Ashley Clarke , February We welcomed five new members into the family on Sunday, 10 December; one of whom was baptised while the others joined through restoration and transfer.

They shared their testimonies with us on Wednesday, December 6. eVoice has endeavoured to summarise those testimonies for you.

ASHLEY CLARKE, in sharing her testimony, recalled the sermon preached by Eric Hosin recently 12 | BBC eVoice

Ashley told us of her own typical teenage conflict with her parents and explained that she wanted to experience the kind of love and unconditional forgiveness that Hosin has extended to his father . She realised that only Jesus could give her that kind of love and empower her to forgive so she started attending youth fellowship and doing her own reflection, but at the same time waiting for something dramatic to happen to her.

It was during youth fellowship that she received counselling from Claude and finally decided to surrender everything to the Lord. On Sunday, Ashley stepped boldly and unescorted into the pool to make her public declaration and confession of Jesus Christ as Lord of her life!

Ashley is the first daughter of proud parents, Alwyn and Marjoriana.

KELLEEN AYTON was one of those who re-committed her life to Jesus Christ and was restored. She told us that she was baptised when she was nine years old and was an ardent member of her church

Cordella Facey

Tiffany KelleenSuckie Ayton, July

until she went to study at the University of the West Indies.

Life for her has been an up hill struggle, especially on the Job. She said that there were times when things were so bad she could not even cry out to God, but recently, God reached out to her and she left the job, found peace and decided it was time for her to surrender.

Kelleen has expressed an interest in serving through the Children’s Ministry.

...of

the saved

Debbie Morrell Parker

Dawn Gunter, April Sheryl Hill, November

DAWN GUNTER, who is a transferee from the Anglican denomination told us that she has been attending Boulevard for several years, but didn’t want to transfer her membership because she had an issue with the Baptists’ interpretation of baptism.

She added that she had always tried to live a moral and upright life, modelled after Jesus Christ, doing good and living good. She also had reservations about baptism.

However, she realised that was not enough, she needed to surrender wholly to God and to get involved with His mission.

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SHERYL HILL , who really hails from the Open Bible Church was also restored to fellowship.

Sheryl confessed that for years, she has been attending Boulevard regularly and giving the impression that she had a right relationship with God. However, she was painfully aware that she was leading a double life.

She has finally decided to surrender everything to Jesus Christ and to serve him in truth. She is conscious of the fact that she belongs to God.

Ann Marie Tomer Gayle, Februray ANNMARIE TOMER GAYLE, was also restored. She admitted that she tried serving God on her own without any genuine commitment and every time she heard a sermon she was convicted but refused to surrender.

After surviving four major surgeries in one year, she recognised the hand of God in her life and at her husband’s advice started attending church regularly until she finally on the prompting of the Holy Spirit, she made the decision to recommit her life to Jesus Christ.

A LIL CHRIS’MUS HUMOUR Things you can only say at Christmas...

Y

OU SEE THEM AT STREET CORNERS AND AT THE ENTRANCE AND EX-

of supermarkets and stores, in the malls and just about everywhere, during Christmas, with their brand red kettles and golden bells. They’re called the “Bell Ringers.” They’re not begging for themselves. They belong to an international army of crusaders of the poor, appropriately called the Salvation Army.

ITS

This international charitable organization, although structured along military lines is very much an integral part of the Christian Church. The Army’s doctrine follows the mainstream of Christian beliefs and its articles of faith emphasize God’s saving purpose.

The army has a worldwide membership of over 1.5 million, consisting of soldiers, officers and adherents known as Salvationists. It was founded in 1865 by, Catherine and William Booth, whose vision was to bring salvation to the poor, destitute and hungry by meeting both their "physical and spiritual needs." It is present in 128 countries, running charity shops, operating shelters for the homeless and disaster relief and humanitarian aid to developing countries.

In Jamaica, the Salvation Army is headquartered at 3 Waterloo Road; and the Territorial Commander is Colonel Onal Castor. The current international leader of the Salvation Army is General André Cox, The Salvation Army is at work throughout the Christmas holidays, providing essential services 24/7. They provide Christmas meals and company for people who would otherwise be on their own. They keep homeless people dry, warm and fed. They care for refugees, who may be thousands of miles away from home and tfrom he ones they love .

Look out for the bell ringers and remember that what you drop in their kettles help to feed, clothe and provide shelter for persons who have nothing for Christmas.

Give Love on Christmas day but remember love is also a doing word.

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A lil

A LIL CHRIS’MUS HUMOUR Things you can only say at Christmas...

Christmas

Humour

W

hen four of Santa’s elves got sick, the trainee elves did not produce toys as fast as the regular ones, and Santa began to feel the Christmas pressure. Then Mrs Claus told Santa her mother was coming to visit, and that stressed Santa even more.

He went to harness his reindeers; he found that three of them were about to give birth and two others had jumped the fence and were out—heaven knows where.

When he began to load the sleigh, one of the floor boards cracked, the toy bag fell and all the toys scattered. Frustrated, Santa went into the house for a glass of cider and a shot of Jay Wray and his nephew. In his frustration , he dropped the cider jug and it broke into hundred of little glass pieces all over the kitchen floor. He went to get the broom and found that the mice had eaten all the straw off the end of the broom.

Just then the doorbell rang. Santa marched to the door, yanked it open, and there stood a little angel with a great big Christmas tree.

The angel said very cheerfully, “Merry Christmas Santa. Isn’t this a lovely day! I have a beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to stick it...?”

And so began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree...Hmm wonder how it got there...

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Merry Christmas From ...

Alwyn Clarke Finance Committee

Barbara Spence Administrator When I took up the mantle of Administrator last December, I had a very good idea of what my duties would be like, but the fulfilment and joy that I experience from working with others, interacting with them and assisting them is even more than I had imagined it would be.

Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings to you and your Family. May your homes be filled with the joy and peace of the season. Let us share the joy of giving and ensure that as Christ through his Birth gave a special gift to the world that we all can share freely, we open up our hearts and resources to make the lives of other happy throughout the season.

I wish you all Gods Blessings.

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The support we received throughout the year was awesome, and we are grateful.

On behalf of the members of the Administrative department, it is honour to wish our pastor, Rev Dr Devon Dick and his family, the Officers, members, and visitors a peaceful, safe and blessed Christmas and a safe, prosperous and happy 2018.

Everton Jackson

Executive Secretary CBF The peace heralded by the angelic host on the occasion of the birth of Jesus was a prefiguring of the peace attained through the death of Christ on the cross. The peace to which Jesus bore witness in his life and ministry can be best described as Just peace.

The assumption of Just Peace is that there can be no peace without justice. Justice and peace are an inseparable companion in the Bible (Isaiah 32: 17; James 3: 18).

Just Peace unveils anything that violates the dignity of humanity made in the image of God and the created order. Those who are involved in the peace process should at all times preserve the dignity of humanity. May just peace guide our action, speech and behaviour during this Christmas season!

Christmas Reflections from Mission & Evangelism

D

fourth Saturday and assisting with the food preparation for the Outreach program.

As followers of Christ, the mission of the MET is to share His message of hope and love that will lead others to life-changing personal relationships with Jesus Christ.

For 2018, the Mission and Evangelism Team will double its efforts to implement strategies and programs to advance the Church’s mission in obedience to the Biblical command to: Go and make disciples of all of the nations, baptizing them in the name of The Father and of the Son and of Holy Spirit (Mathews 28:19).

uring this advent season the nativity story will be retold as we are reminded that Jesus Christ is the Light of this world.

Two highlights of MET's ministry for 2017 were:  Evangelism month in April 2017 in which the team under the leadership of Sister Maria Campbell walked through several of the neighbouring communities on the Saturdays and Sunday sharing the good news of Salvation and inviting the residents to the special Sunday morning evangelistic services. Encouragingly, we were well received by the persons. 

New Members Fellowship was held on September 30,2017 in which we welcomed in a lively and interactive setting persons who joined the fellowship since April 2016.

We thank Sister Monica Kelly, a member of the MET, for her faithful and sacrificial work in the Soup Kitchen Ministry every 17 | BBC eVoice

We look forward to your continued support.

May the peace of God be with you and your family for the Christmas and have a prosperous New Year.

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM...

The Women’s Federation

Jennie Connor, President

The Executive of the Women’s Federation wants to thank all our sisters for their loyalty, especially those who have worked tirelessly throughout the year. With God’s

divine grace, we worked sacrificially to seek, save and serve.

fortunate, renewing the spirit of hope and happiness.

There were challenges, but we had the confidence that the God whom we serve would take us through and He did.

Best wishes to our pastor the Rev, Dr Devon Dick and family, the executive members, our sisters and the wider church and families for a merry Christmas and a wonderful 2018

Let us all rejoice and enjoy a wonderful season one with joy and peace. The best gifts we can give this Holiday season is to spend time with our loved ones and look out for the less

filled with happiness.

The Brotherhood The National Brotherhood of the Jamaica Baptist Union saw it fit to utilize the following words; “Finding, Following, Fraternizing” as the motto from which we ought to pattern our ministry.

However, one can’t “find” if one doesn’t first intentionally “Seek” and Jeremiah 29:13 sets the framework: “...You will seek me and FIND me when you seek me with all your heart;” while Matthew 18 | BBC eVoice

6:33 declares the promise ...Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.”

The three wise men purposed in their heart to follow a sign - the star- and today we have the God inspired words of the Bible. Let us be obedient as men and follow likewise.

In many instances as Jesus walked among the masses He spoke the language of the people; He ministered

Rohan Phillips, President

to their needs.

Therefore this Christmas, let us recognize the purpose behind our motto and make a difference in life of another demonstrating what we were commissioned to do: Find...Follow...Fraternize.

Merry Christmas!

CHRISTMAS REFLECTIONS FROM...

Stewardship Committee The Stewardship Committee accepts as part of its responsibility to share the need, provide opportunities for stewards to respond, and allow God the opportunity to stir hearts and move spirits

Debbie Parker, Chairman Good news from heaven the angels bring; glad tidings to the earth they sing; to us this day a child is given; to crown us with the joy of heaven.

Thanks to all the members of the committee for serving and for allowing me the time and space to learn, we have all caught on to the vision for the work to be done, your continued commitment and guidance is greatly appreciated..

We thank the general membership for participating in our stewardship awareness and renewal efforts in November 2017.

As another year draws to a close, we thank you for your friendship and good will, and sincerely wish you all the happiness that a prosperous and successful New Year can bring. Make 2018 your year for renewed commitment and service to the Lord.

The Youth Council As the year comes to a close and festivities begin, the Youth Council gives God thanks God for another wonderful year that He has brought us through.

choir at church and other events, participation in the Caribbean Baptist Youth Festival, participation in the JBUYD parish eliminations and other accomplishments.

In light of few challenges, we have grown in numbers and the support for the different youth groups have been overwhelming.

Thanks to the entire Boulevard Baptist Church family, who continue to support and encourage us, especially to Pastor Devon Dick.

In 2017, we have accomplished, a consistent attendance at youth fellowship meetings, the immaculate performances of the youth

In the season of Advent, from the Youth Council Merry Christmas and God's richest blessings for 2018.

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Sadieki Pitter, President

DEVOTIONS ON THE ROCK...

Sophia Williams wrote a 94page devotional titled Devotions on the Rock.

Devotions on the ROCK is described as “the new and different devotional written in the Jamaican context. It uses scripture to relate to our own circumstances, our history and our achievements as a people. It incorporates Jamaican proverbs, the language, culture and quotes of our people - connecting scripture to historical events and our achievements in music and sport highlighting icons such as Usain Bolt, Bob Marley, Louise Bennett Coverley and a national hero such as Marcus Garvey.�

Williams said she was inspired to write the devotional after a conversation with the Rev Dr Burchel Taylor, retired Baptist Pastor, who was one of her lecturers at the United Theological College of the West Indies.

During the worship service on first Sunday, Sophia presented a copy to pastor Devon Dick (pictured here), who edited the devotional.

The Devotional can be bought at Amazon.

Let us support our sister in her endeavours.

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Jo-Hanna Taylor

Have a healthy Christmas the Jo-Hanna way EXTRAORDINARY Christmas displays, complete with lights and tinsel, as well as All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey on repeat on most radio stations — there is no doubt about it, Christmas is here!

But with it comes many Christmas parties, ham, fruit cake, sorrel, liquor, additional pounds, and salty regret.

This time of joy and reuniting of family and friends usually comes hand in hand with overeating. So, instead of throwing caution to the wind for the month of December and starting from scratch in January, here are eight ways you can cut down the calories and stay healthy during the Christmas season while preparing for the new year!

promise you, it's your saviour.

It's easy to be dehydrated and mistake that for hunger. Drink your water throughout the day and have a large glass before your meals. This cuts down on overeating and helps to boost your metabolic rate. Also, have a glass of water between your alcoholic drinks as this helps to reduce your chances of a hangover and can cut weight gain.

3. HALVES Are you in the buffet line? Make sure half of your plate is salad and veggies such as lettuce, tomatoes, carrot, cucumber, and broccoli. Make sure your other half is well proportioned with your Christmas faves. Stay away from rice and take it easy with the red meat.

1. DON'T MISS BREAKFAST

4. DON'T OVERDO IT

Eat your breakfast, for goodness sakes. A balanced breakfast cuts down wanting to overeat throughout the day, especially if it's a day of Christmas parties.

Just dial it back. Have that tiny slice of cake; instead of an enormous wine glass, go smaller. Cut down on putting cheese on every single thing. Put your snacks in a container or have a handful so you can keep count instead of finger picking — less is more.

2. DRINK WATER It might not have 'flavour', but I

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5. DILUTE IT If you must have drinks or juices that weren't freshly prepared, dilute them with water.

6. BREAD Swap white bread for its more fibre-rich brother — brown or whole wheat bread. Also, if you usually have two slices of bread, do away with one and eat your food like the pizza you never asked for but are happy you got.

7. GET THE EXTRA MILES IN Apart from your usual exercise regimen, use the opportunity to walk more while shopping.

8. JOIN A WELLNESS COMMUNITY Wellness goals are easier to attain when you have the support of people and friends who want you to be better and are also on that journey with you.

Other than your friend, partner or family members ensuring that you aren't overdoing it, there's 12 Months 24 Dares Wellness 2018.

Jo-Hanna Taylor is an American Council on Exercise-certified personal trainer, National Exercise Trainers Association group exercise instructor, and yoga instructor

A LIL CHRIS’MUS HUMOUR Things you can only say at Christmas...

Friends, There are just a few days left for you to give to Baptist World Alliance ministries before December 31st. Please don’t let this opportunity slip by to make a donation that will impact lives all around the world, and to help us end the year with a strong response to the world’s needs.

We need your support to fight for religious freedom, to encourage thoughtful theologcal reflection, to promote unity, and to help those in need. Your gifts will go a long way toward helping our 177,000 churches in 124 countries and territories express the Gospel in their work. And please remember to pray for us, and for the worldwide Baptist famly encompassed in this wonderful organization.

You can make a gift online at www.bwanet.org/give, or you can call us and give us credit card information over the phone +1 703790-8980 ext. 125; and you can always mail your gift to us: Baptist World Alliance 405 N. Washington Street Falls Church, VA 22046 USA

Thank you and Happy Christmas!

Kathe Traynham Associate Director, Promotion and Development

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BBC Core Values .

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This is the central aspect of our faith.

We acknowledging God as the Supreme Being in our lives and the One who guides our faith and actions.

1st Timothy 4:8

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We strive to show unselfish love for our fellowman inspired by and based on God’s love for us.

1st Corinthians . 13:4-7

We are honest and trustworthy, living rightly; not divided or being a different person under different circumstances. Our word is our bond.

Proverbs 11:3.

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We believe in God and trust Him in and for everything, allowing God to work through us.

1st Corinthians 4:2.

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We submit to God so that we can be forgiving, respectful helpful and and unselfish in our dealings with our sisters and brothers James 4: 10

We give thanks to God for everything that we receive at His hand. We receive from Him our life and provisions to sustain us. Every good thing in our life comes ultimately from God and we owe him thanks for all.

Psalm 100:4

We live a life characterized by prayers to God, acknowledging Him as creator, Lord of everything; who is gracious and forgiving, so that we are able to bring all concerns and requests to Him in His name.

Philippians 4:6

Boulevard Baptist Church 2 Washington Boulevard, Kingston 20 Telephone: 905-2422 Email: boulevard.baptist@yahoo.com Website: www.boulevardbaptist.org.jm 24 | BBC eVoice