Beyond Herodism

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Beyond Herodism

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t a recent anti-racism protest, Black participant Patrick Hutchinson saw a white counter-protester fall.

Fearing for the injured man’s life, Hutchinson hoisted him over his shoulder and carried him through the crowd to seek help. Hutchinson was called a hero but says he just wanted to do the right thing.

“The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest.”

—William Blake

Second’s Gazette Issue 138

According to Jesus, the right thing is to “love your enemies [and] do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27). It’s easy to love and be kind to our friends and people with similar beliefs. But when someone shows kindness to a member of an opposing group, we witness more than a hero; we see Jesus’ love in action.

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Free COVID Testing Page 6 Happy Veterans Day Page 8, 9

SBC Bookstore

SBC Information

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Footprints

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55 NEED PRAYER, call the church office and obtain the telephone number of the Deacon according to the first letter of your last name (See below). If your name starts with ...

A Call Robert & Jessie Anderson B Dennis & JoAnne Craig, or Betty Brown or Rodney Bough C A.G. Harrison, or Shirley Robinson, or Larry & Deborah Hayes D James Harvey or Venda Hawkins E/F Ron & La Vonne Husband or Adrienne Hurst G Minnie Mannings or Valeria Burwell or Ellen Clark H George & Tamara Lewis or Thelma Jones I/J Ellis & Thelma Johnson or Eva McLaurin or Walter McDonald K/L/N/O/T Terrence Williams or Lonnie & Josephine Stokes M Chuck Williams or Melva Hill P/Q Carrie Walker or Nadine Harris R/S Larry Willis or Oscar Woodard

U/V/W/X/Y/Z

Robert Hamilton or Ron Demps or Michael Dickson

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You are Chosen to Make a Difference, Join Zoom MEETING : https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83464895984? pwd=Z0xNTUJVNGp2ZGE2bWovUTZXaFBUZz09 ID: 834 6489 5984 PASSWORD: 350497

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Experience the Power of the Cross

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dozen different souls—all moving in different directions, all longing for something more. As their lives unexpectedly intersect, they each are about to discover there is power in the Cross of Christ ‌ even if they don't believe it. Yet. When a local pastor is shaken to the core by the visible faith of an old street-corner preacher, he is reminded that true belief always requires action. His response ignites a faith-fueled journey that powerfully impacts everyone it touches in ways that only God could orchestrate.

This stirring new film from the creators of God's Not Dead arrives in theaters Spring of 2015. More than a movie, it's a question we all must answer in our lifetimes: DO YOU BELIEVE?

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*The movie Carmen Jones debuted on this date in 1954. (Thursday, 10/28/1954) This was an American musical film starring Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte, produced and directed by Otto Preminger. The screenplay was based on the lyrics and book by Oscar Hammerstein II, from the 1943 stage musical of the same name, set to the music of Georges Bizet's 1875 opera Carmen.

Because the producer/director was sensitive to the issue of racial representation in the film, the script was first submitted to Walter Francis White, executive secretary of the NAACP, who had no objection to it. Belafonte, a folk singer who recently had introduced Calypso music to a mainstream audience was cast as Joe. Pearl Bailey was assigned the role of Frankie. Joe Adams was Husky. Diahann Carroll auditioned for the title role, but she was so terrified of the director she could barely focus on the scene and Preminger cast her in the small supporting role of Myrt instead.

Finally, every Black actress from Eartha Kitt to Joyce Bryant was tested for the role of Carmen. The film had its world premiere at the Rivoli Theatre in New York City. The following February, it opened in London and Berlin, and in both cities, it played for more than a year in exclusive first-run engagements. Because of a technicality in French copyright laws on order of the estate of composer Georges Bizet (who wrote the opera on which the film was based), the film was banned in France until 1981. However, it was permitted to open the 1955 Cannes Film Festival, where for the first time Preminger and Dandridge openly flaunted their relationship.

Soon after Cannes, Dandridge was offered the role of Tuptim in the screen adaptation of The King and I, but Preminger, acting as both lover and mentor, urged her not to accept a supporting role after proving her worth as a star. Dandridge complied but later regretted her decision, certain it had been instrumental in starting the slow but steady decline of her career. Carmen Jones had begun shooting within the first year of Twentieth Century Fox's venture in 1953 to CinemaScope Technicolor as its main production mode. Carmen Jones was released in October 1954, exactly one year and one month after Fox's first CinemaScope venture, the Biblical epic The Robe, had opened in theatres. In 1992, Carmen Jones was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".

Ref. The African American Registry (AAR). Retrieved October 28, 2020 https://aaregistry.org/search-the-registry/writtenarticles-references/

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The Harvest od has a way of showing you what you need to see in your own personal darkness. There is always a message in the mess.

Colossians 1:10 states “That you may walk worthy of the Lord fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” You must plant good seeds for a great harvest. If you wonder sometimes why you are not being blessed, check your spiritual seeds that you are planting. Unlike farmers, our personal growth isn’t dependent upon the season, but how we apply the seeds that God originally planted in us which will produce good fruit during the Harvest. When we love one another, help those in need, encourage or show compassion, those are good seeds.

What you plant is what you produce.

Butta Buttafly Burke

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Bibles, All Occasion Cards, Gifts, Children’s Books, Big Bible Cover Selection, Large Print and Extra Large Print Bibles, Candles, Jewelry, Purse and Credit Card Holders

Author: Bishop Dr. Wm. LaRue Dillard

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Comments/Questions, Email: SBCBookstore925@gmail.com

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relative newcomer to the Christian rap scene, Hulvey has made incredible

waves with this year of releases. Scoring placements on both the Reach Records Summer’19 playlist and digital deluxe edition of The Gift: A Christmas Compilation, Hulvey’s impact is already being felt across the space. While some fans have clamored for a major label to sign the young artist, it remains to be seen where Hulvey’s journey will take him, but one can safely assume he will continue to build his personal brand in 2020.

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hile this list has assembled ten of the artists representing the incoming generation of Christian rap, there is an abundance of other tal-

ented creatives entering the movement. Now, we bring the conversation to you. Who are you keeping your eye on in the 2020s? What do you hope to see from Christian hiphop moving forward?

Referrence: https://rapzilla.com/2019-12-10-christian-rap-artists-watch-2020/

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A Meaningful Month

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onsumerism can prevent us from noticing needs, writes Walter Brueggemann (The Prophetic Imagination). A culture steeped in materialism and greed can “block out the cries of the denied ones … so that no one discerns misery alive in the heart of God.” In November, we celebrate Thanksgiving, Christ the King Sunday and the start of Advent.

What does it mean that Christ is our King? How can we truly give God thanks and prepare for Jesus’ coming? It’s a good time to ponder what hurts God’s heart — and how we can help.

If someone is lonely, perhaps we can invite them to Thanksgiving dinner. If we sense inequality saddening God, we might advocate for fair policies. If God is in pain because some of his children have too little, we can share our resources. In so doing, we welcome Christ the King among us, and give him meaningful thanks.

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Covered

ecently, hundreds of people who’d previously gotten tattoos symbolizing racism, gang activities or hate have come to regret it. But tattoo removal is painful and expensive, and some ink can’t be easily covered by clothing. Recently, tattoo parlors such as Kentucky’s Gallery X Art Collective and Maryland’s Southside Tattoo have come up with a solution: They offer to cover up any racist or hateful tattoos with new, creative art — at no cost. According to the Good News Network, such tattoo artists want to “support those who have had the courage to leave their hateful past behind.”

Jesus offers all people the chance to leave our hateful, sinful, self-serving past behind — for free!

When we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and accept Jesus’ gift of transformation, his cross and empty tomb completely cover over our sinful lives, remaking us in his image. As 1 Peter 4:8 says, “Love covers a multitude of sins.” God’s creative, redeeming love frees us to start anew.

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Debt-free, by Grace

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isiting with her passenger, Uber driver Latonya Young mentioned her determination to finish college — and a $700 debt that barred her from enrolling in more classes. “Every time I got ready to pay the money, my kids needed something,” she said later. “I said, ‘Okay, I’ll just wait.’”

To Young’s great surprise, a few days after that Uber conversation, she learned that her customer, Kevin Esch, had paid her debt; she could reenroll! In response, Young persevered to finish her degree with strong grades. “When he paid the balance, I had to do this for him,” she said of Esch, who attended her graduation.

Young’s self-sacrifice for her children and Esch’s self-sacrifice for a stranger both pale, of course, in comparison to Jesus’ sacrifice of his very life to save us. Like Young held back by debt, we were captive to sin until “the Son of Man came … to give his life as a ransom” (Matthew 20:28, ESV). Young did nothing to earn Esch’s gift, and we can do nothing to earn salvation. But as she responded by using the gift to its fullest, we embrace God’s gift by living in thanksgiving and praise, love and service.

Little Word, Big Difference

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od says to give thanks in everything. That doesn’t mean you need to give thanks for everything. You don’t need to give thanks for that bad day. Or for that bad relationship. Or being passed over at work. Financial hardship. Whatever it is — you are not to give thanks for the difficulties but rather in the difficulties.

That is a very important distinction, and one I think we often miss. Giving thanks in everything shows a heart of faith that God is bigger than the difficulties and that he can use them, if you approach him with the right heart and spirit, for your good and his glory.

—Tony Evans

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Second Baptist Church 925 So. Shamrock Monrovia, Ca. 91016

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HEALTH Be Kind To Your Mind

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Vanessa Dinsay Jenkins MSN, RN, PHN, PMHRN-BC

he COVID-19 pandemic can be very stressful for people. Fear, uncertainty, and lack of understanding about a new disease could cause overwhelming emotions in children and adults. Social distancing and our new lifestyle of wearing masks out in public can make people feel isolated, lonely, and sad. Feelings of anxiety and hopelessness may also occur. Experiences of increased stress during this pandemic makes it essential for people to be aware of their mental health.

Any concerns about your own health and the health of your loved ones, during COVID-19, is a valid feeling.

Therefore, it is essential that you are kind to your mind. COVID-19 may have caused financial strains, changes in job positions, or loss of support services. Eating and sleeping patterns, concentration or difficulty sleeping may also have been affected. Being aware of your current stress levels can prevent the worsening of medical and mental health conditions. How an individual responds to stress during COVID-19 may depend on a person’s background, and their current social support from family or friends. Mindfulness practices on healthy coping skills and alternatives can help you and the people you care about maintain a healthy mind and body.

Although taking care of friends and family, for some, may be a stress reliever; balance is significant for selfcare. Helping others cope with stress by providing social and emotional support can help make the community stronger. Increased social distancing and hand washing helps prevent the spread of the disease. However, keep in mind, there are still many ways of maintaining social connection and caring for your mental health.

Healthy ways of coping with stress during the COVID-19 pandemic includes: Knowing what to do when you are sick or concerned about COVID-19. Contact a health provider for support and treatment.

Knowing where to find treatment. Seek counseling, therapy, support services, and resources with local agencies.

Staying informed. Use reliable sources for information to keep up to date with news.

Taking breaks from watching, reading, or listening to new stories. Social media and hearing about the pandemic can be upsetting. Find a happy balance.

Taking care of your emotional health. Connect with others through video call, phone calls, email and/or text.

Taking care of your body. Eat a healthy, well-balanced meal, exercise and get plenty of sleep.

Avoid excessive alcohol and drug use.

Connecting with others and with your community or faith-based organizations. Communicate your feelings with people you trust. Connect online, through social media, or by phone.

Giving yourself time to unwind. Find activities that you enjoy or learn new hobbies.

References Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Coping with stress. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-lifecoping/managing-stress-anxiety.html Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Taking care of your emotional health. Retrieved from https://emergency.cdc.gov/coping/ selfcare.asp

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Putting our own house in order

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ocusing on what others are doing can provide a momentary relief from having to look at ourselves. It is much easier to talk about what others are doing than to look at what we should be doing.

There are so many negative distractions in our society today and more than enough blame to go around. So, rather than continuing to point the finger, let’s take some time to look inward.

Our Thanksgiving Holiday may seem vastly different this year; Only God knows how many families have additional needs this year than any previous year. He also will provide, if He is sought.

Acts 20:35, “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” NKJV The possibility of change and restoration in our society today feels like Christmas; you know it’s coming, but it’s - taking – so - long (from a child’s perspective).

Moving on to another type of hope, by the time the November edition of Second’s Gazette is released, we hope the U.S. will have a new President, and in time, we may be “restored to sanity” (that’s a recovery phase that applies). (Sometimes I tickle myself.)

I know many people are going through some difficult days, most students are in zoom classes, some adults working from home, thousands are dying from Covid-19 and ten thousands are recovering; but through it all, Jesus said, “I’ll never leave you, nor forsake you.” Hebrew13:5, Deut. 31:8, Joshua 1:5. Etc. Over, and over again, He said it, and we can count on it.

My prayer is that all the churches will re-open before the night clubs; and we will be able to say, “HALLELUJAH” in the house of the LORD. In the meantime, we will keep our own house in order to say, “HALLELUJAH to that!”

Happy Thanksgivings in Jesus!

Peggy LaBon

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How does AmazonSmile work?

When first visiting AmazonSmile, customers are prompted to select a charitable organization from over one million eligible organizations. In order to browse or shop at AmazonSmile, customers must first select a charitable organization. For eligible purchases at AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to the customer’s selected charitable organization. https://smile.amazon.com/ch/95-6121777

Second Baptist Church of Monrovia is an eligible organization.

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SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

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“It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp.” Psalm 92:1-3