Jan 2017 newsletter

2

93rd Issue * Version 2 January, 2017 Second Baptist Church, Inc. Evangelical Orthodox Communion Bishop Wm. La Rue Dillard, PhD 925 So. Shamrock Monrovia, CA 91016

Nadine O. Harris, Founder/Chief Editor Administrative Mgr. Precious Flemings, Writing Editor Ferrari Y. Green, Production & Design Sherry Joiner, Operations & Distribution Contributing Consultants: Eric Johnson Jessie Anderson Peggy LaBon Photographers: Robert Anderson Robert Hamilton Rasheedah Ruffin Children’s Church Staff: Jaylyn A. Harris

S

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.

M

A Vow for the New Year aking plans for your life in the new year? Could it be that God already has a plan for you and is patiently waiting for you to make that plan a reality?

When one considers how everything seems to have a purpose in nature (atoms, genes, plants, animals, etc.), it makes sense to believe that each of us has a purpose as well. On the other hand, if all of creation seems to have just happened without any reason, then this means our minds and spirits must have no reason or purpose as well. How can we trust them?

But believers trust that there is a great Intelligence that brought everything into existence.

There is a Mind and a Heart at the center of all creation. If that’s the case, then life can only make sense when we seek what the Creator has in mind for us.

Jesus, who knew the Mind and Heart of God better than anyone who ever lived on Earth, once said to the erring Peter: “You are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things” (Mark 8:33, NRSV).

Setting our minds on human things can get us into trouble. That’s why it often seems we live in a crazy mixed-up world. How can life ever be fulfilling, without the purpose God has for that life?

To set one’s mind on divine things leads us to consider the one vow we should take seriously for the new year. Your will, Lord. Your will and nothing else.

Second’s Gazette is published and distributed monthly, every First Sunday, to provide parishioners with information about our Church, the Community, and the World.

1………………...…..………..……………….Cover 2 ….………………..……Cover Story / SG Staff 3 ………….……….…………….Bishop’s Epistle 4 / 5 ….…………….…Prayer / Footprints / Blast 6 / 7……...………….…..Angel Tree Celebration 8 / 9……………...………...….. Community News 10 / 11…...…..........................Happy New Year 12 /13 ………….……..…Poetry/Movie/Sponsors 14 / 15 ………….………………In Loving Memory 16 / 17 ……………...…Health / Announcements 18 / 19 - 23……..…….……Birthdays/Kid’s Zone 24 ……………….…….……..Church Information Second’s Gazette

3

(I Thessalonians 5:12—28)

Sons and Daughters of My Flock, Grace to You!

W

hen I think of you as sons and daughters of my flock coming to worship each Lord’s Day, I think of you as thirsty souls for the Water of Life!

When you are fed the Word of God, it should lead to spontaneous living.

The Bible says, “Test all things; hold fast to what is good” (I Thessalonians 5:21). Spontaneous Christian living is not being open to do whatever the whim of the moment dictates. Spontaneity is freedom to respond to what God has guided.

Because we are Christians, clearly defined goals in ministry are to the spontaneous Saint what sails are to a boat. They catch and concentrate on the wind of the Spirit. They also help Saints to know what the maximum is for us. We can quickly decide between alternatives and be positive in moving forward with God’s direction. Knowing that what God guides, He provides!

Since I became a clergyman, I have believed in goal setting; ten-year, five-year, three-year, and one month goals. I can respond to or reject opportunities based on my one-month goals, considering my short-and-long range goals. This is part of the reason I set before you the goals to be attained for our building project.

I believe the reason many of us get frustrated and lose our spontaneity is because we don’t know where we are going, or what we want to accomplish monthly. Creativity is concentrated power from the Holy Spirit.

A good rule to follow with your goals is at the beginning of each month write out what you must do in those days to move forward to your one-year goal in the context of your ten-year plan.

We all need a basis of testing all things and holding fast to what is good. The word “good” is kalon from agathos, meaning noble, beautiful, winsome, and attractive. We have an irreducible maximum for our primary goals. What will help us grow to the measure of stature of the fullness of Christ? It is yielding to the power of the Holy Spirit within you. Amen.

Until He Comes, I Am Serving Christ Joyfully, Bishop Dr. Wm. LaRue Dillard Parish Under-Shepherd

4

Diakonos Ministry of Second Baptist Church Prayer and Visitation Information

T

he Diakonos Ministry of Second Baptist Church is available to parishioners to help Bishop Dillard with members concerns and needs. Feel free to contact your representative below.

The Diakonos are assigned alphabetically by last name. We are available to “Pray with You”, “Consult with You”, and “Assist You” in any way we can to help you in your Christian walk.

A—Robert and Jessie Anderson B—Dennis and JoAnne Craig Betty Brown, Arlethia Craig C—A G Harrison, Shirley Robinson D—James and James Ella Harvey E-F—Ron and LaVonne Husband Adrienne Hurst G—Minnie Manning, Valeria Burwell H— Thelma Jones, Tamara Collins I-J—Ellis and Thelma Johnson K-L-N-O-T—Lonnie and Josephine Stokes, Terrence Williams

M—Chuck and Martha Williams Melva Hill P-Q—Carrie Walker R-S—Larry and Renee Willis UVWXYZ—Robert Hamilton, Ron Demps Second’s Gazette

5

Quotes to Inspire and Help Us Think of the Possibilities in 2017 “Look not back on yesterday so full of failure and regret. Look ahead and seek God's way. All sin confessed you must forget.” Dennis DeHaan“Instead of making a New Year's resolution, consider committing to a biblical solution.” -Mary Fairchild“We spend January 1st walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched.

Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives...not looking for flaws, but for potential.” Ellen Goodman“An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.” -Bill Vaughan“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

-C. S. Lewis “Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right.” -Oprah WinfreyRef: Spiritualquotes.com

~Dr.

Precious~

Happy New Year!

I

was reminded in a devotional to not fear who can kill the body, but rather who can condemn the soul to hell; and that God knows every hair on my head. So I should not live in fear of man, but Reverence to our Creator! Matthew 10.

I hear many people talk about their concerns with our new President and his choices of Cabinet members; I guess you can be concerned, but don’t worry! God is still in control! He knows what is happening and what will happen; He knows every hair on eve ryone’s head!

Continue to live your beautiful lives and be grateful for each day the Lord blesses you with, tomorrow is not promised so we praise Him today! The Lord still has plans for His people; He wants our faith to grow stronger as this world seems to diminish. His power is as strong and valid today as it was from the beginning of creation!

Let us not forget our primary purpose as Christians, which is to tell others about Christ! The one who died for our sins, and rose with all power in His hands!

Let’s spend the New Year showing others how Christ lives in us.

Love You,

Peggy LaBon

6

Second’s Gazette

8

H

ouston based recording artist Cheryl Fortune is set to embark on her solo recording career with the release of her Lucius B. Hoskins produced debut single “Fighters” set to impact gospel radio January 2017. “With this single I created an anthem for women that would offer A sense of hope, strength and boldness, states Cheryl.

Ms. Cheryl Fortune is widely known throughout the gospel music industry as a former member of GRAMMY-nominated and Stellar Award winning recording group James Fortune & FIYA. As the sound of the ensemble Cheryl lended backing vocal, co-writing and vocal production on projects such as, LIVE THROUGH IT (2014), GRACE GIFT (2012), IDENTITY (2012), ENCORE (2010) and TRANSFORMATION (2008). Cheryl contributed backing vocals on other artists projects including Kirk Franklin (Hello Fear), Shirley Caesar (Good God), Zacardi Cortez (The Introduction, Reloaded), Bishop T.D. Jakes (Sacred Love Songs, Vol 2) and Isaac Carree (Uncommon Me). She recorded a song “Running To You” (composed by Terence Vaughn) for the 2013 released compilation project KINGDOM MUSIC, VOL 1 (FIYA World/Light) among many other compilation projects as well. Most recently she toured with Kirk Franklin on the 20 Years In One Night World Tour.

M

y husband and I always try to find news ways to include all of our children in the fun. We are all about creating memories. Our tradition is coming up with something new. Since we no longer go out for New Years this is how we bring the fun to us These “Clock Countdown Cookies” are the perfect way to showcase the night’s festivities! How cute to make the clock and serve it up with frosting showing hours and minutes, as well!

B

ible Journaling is taking on a new form that is perfect for the artist in all of us. With quality colored pencils you can make your Bible pop out literally. By journaling in this artistic way you can bring God’s Word to life in a whole new way. If you do not want to mark up your Bible you can get a separate thin sheet journal to correlate with what you have read.

Second’s Gazette

Know Before You Go Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, but we recommend purchasing them in advance online to get a better rate and ensure entry on the date you want. While it’s not necessary to dress like you’re headed to a ski lodge, you should definitely come loaded with jackets, warm pants and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. We also suggest packing along a change of clothes so your little snow bunnies can change before heading indoors. Soggy socks = cranky kids!

General admission tickets are $10 at the door or $8 online. You will still need to purchase separate admission to get into the Cube for $12.95. The Winter Wonderfest is open daily, now until January 8, with a closure only on Christmas Day.

Discovery Cube LA 11800 Foothill Blvd.

Sylmar 818-686-2823 Online: la.discovery cube.org

10

1. Forget the past and honor God more.

2. Live for Christ in the world.

3. Trust God with a strong faith.

4. Remain faithful to my church.

5. Witness to the lost.

6. Cultivate the talents God has given me for His glory.

Second’s Gazette

12

Second’s Gazette Welcomes

Your Surrender

donations of any size.

Please make checks payable to

Second Baptist Church

SUPPORTERS Second Baptist Church Nadine O. Harris Mother Deloris K. Bridges Ferrari Green Dr. Precious Flemings Lady Betty G. Dillard Melva Hill Barbara Jean Grant Shirley Towler –Hayes Elder Robert Craig Dr. J.P. & Apryl Harris Geneva Ward-Douglas Larry & Debra Hayes Christine Mathis Marva E. Hogan Ophelia M. Harris Barbara M. Harris

There is room for you too, Donate!

Today!

Second’s Gazette

Your Mercy, I don’t deserve.

Your Grace, is free for me.

Your Peace, surpasses all understanding.

Your Strength, mounts up like eagles wings.

Your Power saves, resurrects, and forgives.

Your Patience hears our prayers, and bring us through the trial.

Your Countenance is placed upon my face, to draw the sin sick soul.

Your Favor, rest upon our lives, so we achieve your goals.

Your Direction, is what we need to navigate the stormy seas.

Your Purpose drives my inner man to heed your every command.

Your Healing, delivers me from hell and constant concupiscence.

Your Repentance, breaks the stony ground, hard from years of sin.

Your Holiness is achieved only upon belief.

Your Holy Spirit lives inside us to accomplish your will.

Your Son died that we all might live forever in His Presence.

Your Salvation is the free gift that Christ died to give.

Your everlasting renewal of the Body sacrificed.

Your Holy and acceptable service unto God. Your non-conformed, but a transformed mind.

Your Good, acceptable, and perfect will.

Your surrender.

By Eric M. Johnson

Precious’ Movie Pick of the Month

W

hile on a family vacation, Mack's daughter Missy is abducted and murdered in an abandoned shack in Oregon. Four years later, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to the shack for a weekend. When he goes back to the shack, what he finds there changes his life forever. This is a different Christian themed movie, the only problem is this movie will not be released until March 2017. But you can watch the trailer on the internet at: familychristian.com, click on the trailer and watch!

M

artin Luther King, Jr., (January 15, 1929-April 4, 1968) was born Michael Luther King, Jr., but

later had his name changed to Martin. His grandfather began the family's long tenure as pastors of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, serving from 1914 to 1931; his father has served from then until the present, and from 1960 until his death Martin Luther acted as co-pastor. Martin Luther attended segregated public schools in Georgia, graduating from high school at the age of fifteen; he received the B. A. degree in 1948 from Morehouse College, a distinguished Negro institution of Atlanta from which both his father and grandfather had graduated. After three years of theological study at Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania where he was elected president of a predominantly white senior class, he was awarded the B.D. in 1951. With a fellowship won at Crozer, he enrolled in graduate studies at Boston University, completing his residence for the doctorate in 1953 and receiving the degree in 1955. In Boston he met and married Coretta Scott, a young woman of uncommon intellectual and artistic attainments. Two sons and two daughters were born into the family.

In 1954, Martin Luther King became pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. Always a strong worker for civil rights for members of his race, King was, by this time, a member of the executive committee of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the leading organization of its kind in the nation. He was ready, then, early in December, 1955, to accept the leadership of the first great Negro nonviolent demonstration of contemporary times in the United States, the bus boycott described by Gunnar Jahn in his presentation speech in honor of the laureate. The boycott lasted 382 days. On December 21, 1956, after the Supreme Court of the United States had declared unconstitutional the laws requiring segregation on buses, Negroes and whites rode the buses as equals. During these days of boycott, King was arrested, his home was bombed, he was subjected to personal abuse, but at the same time he emerged as a Negro leader of the first rank.

In 1957 he was elected president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization formed to provide new leadership for the now burgeoning civil rights movement. The ideals for this organization he took from Christianity; its operational techniques from Gandhi. In the eleven-year period between 1957 and 1968, King traveled over six million miles and spoke over twenty-five hundred times, appearing wherever there was injustice, protest, and action; and meanwhile he wrote five books as well as numerous articles. In these years, he led a massive protest in Birmingham, Alabama, that caught the attention of the entire world, providing what he called a coalition of conscience. and inspiring his "Letter from a Birmingham Jail", a manifesto of the Negro revolution; he planned the drives in Alabama for the registration of Negroes as voters; he directed the peaceful march on Washington, D.C., of 250,000 people to whom he delivered his address, "l Have a Dream", he conferred with President John F. Kennedy and campaigned for President Lyndon B. Johnson; he was arrested upwards of twenty times and assaulted at least four times; he was awarded five honorary degrees; was named Man of the Year by Time magazine in 1963; and became not only the symbolic leader of American blacks but also a world figure.

At the age of thirty-five, Martin Luther King, Jr., was the youngest man to have received the Nobel Peace Prize. When notified of his selection, he announced that he would turn over the prize money of $54,123 to the furtherance of the civil rights movement.

On the evening of April 4, 1968, while standing on the balcony of his motel room in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was to lead a protest march in sympathy with striking garbage workers of that city, he was assassinated.

BOOKS BY KING—MANY MORE...

14

Second’s Gazette

16

Happy New Year!!!

2017!!!

Is this the year that you will accomplish all those New Year resolutions? If you are determined to ditch a bad habit in 2017, decide now what you will replace it. As stated in the world of sports

by Wayne Gretzky, “You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.”

It's time to take a shot and try something new!

A New Year presents us with New Opportunities.

H

ere are some thoughts about opportunities. If your bad habit (like my bad habit) is one of the following, you could consider replacing it with one of the options listed below.

Procrastination - Break your work into little steps. Part of the reason why we procrastinate is because subconsciously, we find the work too overwhelming for us. Change your environment. Different environments have different impact on our productivity. One thing to note is that an environment that makes us feel inspired before may lose its effect after a period of time. Hang out with people who inspire you to take action.

Overeating - Eat When You are not Hungry - When you get really hungry, you overeat. If you eat when you are either not hungry or only slightly hungry, you’ll eat less and tend to eat more slowly. Drink Water, not Liquid Calories - Aim to drink at least three-quarters of a gallon of water a day. Also, be sure to drink a glass about 20 minutes before each meal to take the edge of your appetite. Eat Slowly - When you swallow food, there’s a sizable delay before you feel any satiation from it, usually between 10-30 minutes. Because of this delay, we tend to eat more food than we really need and the faster we eat, the more we tend to consume. Try the Front Door Snack Technique -Knowing that your willpower is reduced when you are hungry, fill up on healthy food before leaving home.

Inactivity - Rest - sleep and exercise - sometimes inactivity is due to being tired or lacking energy. Motivation can be strengthen through your affirmations, visualization and thinking about the importance of performing your task or chore, or achieving your goal. Have a vision; think about the benefit instead of thinking about the difficulties or obstacles. And think about the consequences if you don't perform your task or chore.

Isolation -Redefine your Community - Community is what you want it to be, so surround yourself with friends who love you, who you respect, and who you want to share your life with. Kill Your TV (well not literally) and monitor the time on your video games, iPad, lap tops and electronic media. We tend to do these things in isolation. Even if you watch a TV show or play a game online with others in different locations, snap chat, tweet. Explore people, talk to people, share with people by using your voice, explore places and not just stuff, and create a community and not just a career.

Complaining - In those moments when the old seems better than the new, when complaining replaces gratitude, we need to see the full picture; the picture as God sees it. We can conquer a complaining attitude by remembering three things: 1. Remember the lie. Satan is the best marketer in the sin business. He can stretch a thin skin of beauty over a heap of dung and convince us to climb it.

2. Remember the truth. Even when our complaining isn’t for sin, when we grumble about the good things God withholds. Grumbling and complaining about God’s provision amounts to rebellion against God. 3. Remember the value of God’s will. Complaining comes from a failure to see the true value in God’s will. Has not the Lord promised to care for our needs?

And if for some reason, He chooses to wait to do so, He might have a reason? Genuine gratitude can keep us focused on the awesome and incredible blessings of God can turn us around and keep us positive.

Live Life Healthy in 2017

Jessie Anderson, RN BSN Second’s Gazette

18

McKenzie Green

Second’s Gazette

20

Second’s Gazette

22

Second’s Gazette

23

24

Sundays LIVE at 10:45 AM

Call 626-358-2136 or 359-7188 Fax 626-357-2477 –Email: secondsnewsletter@gmail.com / sbcmon@aol.com / Visit us at: www.Secondbaptistmonrovia.org Second’s Gazette