A Message from the Executive Director/Minister

Good Tidings of Comfort and Joy…

In this season of hustle and bustle, I pray you will find some quiet moments to reflect on the power of the incarnation. That God chose to be born and live among humanity is beyond awe-inspiring — it is lifetransforming! Truly, this news should be comfort and joy for us and for others as we share this good, good news near and far! December can be a difficult time of year for many people. Feelings of depression, loneliness, despair and other concerns can arise in the midst of holiday celebrations. Sometimes they are visible and sometimes hidden, even from those closest to the person suffering. I am grateful for the resourcing to address these concerns that was provided at our Annual Gathering this October and for the work of our program committee led by Rev. Dr. Orlando Bego. DCBC is committed to engaging, equipping and empowering you to face mental health and wellness concerns. Our Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator, Rev. Jevon Billups, is planning several programs for the new year. Thanks to the DCBC Foundation, we can offer Mental Health First Aid training at an extremely reduced rate for our churches! I encourage you to host this trainingfor your congregation and community members.

As we journey through Advent to Christmas, join us in the Lessons and Carols (see page 3) shared online by our churches. May your New Year’s Watch Night Celebration be a meaningful time filled with thanksgiving for the freedom we have in Christ. In 2023, may we all find new ways to grow deeper in our relationship with God, and when we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, may we heed his words from the “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” (which Montgomery Hills Baptist Church leader Willie King typed): “…so must we see the need for nonviolent gadflies to create the kind of tension in society that will help men rise from the dark depths of prejudice and racism to majestic heights of understanding and brotherhood.”

May we, by the power of the Holy Spirit, offer comfort and joy even in the midst of tension for the word became flesh and dwelt among us!

Good tidings to you and your kin!

Rev. Dr. Trisha Miller Manarin Executive Director/Minister