The Meaning of Christmas

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SECOND’S GAZETTE STAFF Nadine O. Harris, MBA, Founder/Publisher Ferrari Y. Green, Production and Design

Editors: Sharon Durall, Jaylyn Harris, Kathy Jackson Sherry Joiner, Operations and Distribution

Contributors: Peggy LaBon, Lois Gaston, Jessie Anderson, Vanessa Jenkins, Vera Reeves, Betty Thomas, Felicia Dickson, Keith D. Holmes, Judy McCulloch, Donna Burke

Photographers:

The Meaning of Christmas

Adele Davis, Jerel McLendon

Children’s Church Consultant: Avian Westby

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hat is the real meaning of Christmas? Is it the presents, the lights, the tree, or the time spent with close friends and family? During this time

Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. A little over 2,000 years ago, God sent his Son to the world to provide sal-

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vation for us all; the best Christmas gift ever given. You can receive this gift if you believe that Jesus died for your sins and ask him into your life.

Second’s Gazette Issue 138

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December 2020 | WHERE IS PASTOR CHRIS NOW

SBC THANKSGIVING SPECIAL

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L. Stokes Retires

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Laughing Pew

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Call To Action

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Director’s Retirement

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Birthdays

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SBC Bookstore

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UWFG

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SBC 411

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Health/Footprints

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SBCCM Rocks

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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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r. Stokes stepped on campus and started his journey at Second Baptist Church in February 1987 and was taught the Unadulterated Word of God from Emeritus Bishop Dr. William LaRue Dillard. During his tenure he has served as trustee for 32 years, Co-Director of the 24 Hour Prayer Vigil, Building Commission and Jubilee Commission. He currently serves with The Evangelism Ministry, Laymen’s League and The Board of Deacons. His favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5-6 5

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall [b]direct your paths.

Trustee Stokes has been responsible for the distribution of keys and security of all the church buildings. Trustee Stokes also had a hand in training newly appointed Trustees. Diakona/Trustee Stokes was the Sergeant of Arms and would “hunt you down” on campus to make sure you were at your Trustee post at the appointed time.

With the leadership of Building Commission Deacon Chuck Williams and Lonnie Stokes coupled with the Commission and the congregation's support and faith, resulted in our being able to move into the $1.6 million dollar state-of-the-art Fannie M. Goodwin (FIG) Education and Conference Center in 1993 and open our bookstore in 1998.

Emeritus Bishop Dr. Wm. La Rue Dillard shared the following: I know it is always difficult for a person to decide to change the direction of his life. Even so, there are times when a person, family, or a group of people must experience a new dimension in living.

Reflecting on the labor of Diakona/Trustee Lonnie Stokes’ service to God through Second Baptist Church; It is with pleasure that I salute him for a job well done.

7 His retirement from the “Board of Trustees” after some 32-years of membership of faithful, devoted service, Trustee Stokes served with honor, integrity, dignity, devotion, and caring about the advancing of the Church’s goals with perseverance.

I therefore joyously commend him to the Lord Christ as a brother beloved, friend, and trustworthy soul. My heartfelt thanks to Diakona Stokes, as he served as one of my Under-shepherding deacons, and trustees for many years as I led the congregants from realm -to-realm during my tenure.

Diakona/Trustee Stokes, was loved by many of the congregants for his tenacious spirit, fortitude, and character in the life of the parish church. He persevered even as he traveled from Los Angeles, and punctuality was important to him. a venture the most part on time for worship, Trustees’ meeting, Joint Board conference, and the general Parish church meetings.

I am sure his presence will be missed, but others will carry on the legacy he left as a member of the Board of Trustees. Again, thank you Diakona/Trustee Lonnie Stokes, for your faithfulness and devotion to me, Pastor Christopher Bourne, and the parish church. May you live long and enjoy the fruits of his past labor for God and His kingdom through Second Baptist Church, Monrovia, CA. You can be assured of my prayers during this time of transition.

Until He Comes, I Am Serving Christ Joyfully, Bishop Dr. Wm. LaRue Dillard, SBC., Under-shepherd Emeritus Christopher A. Bourne, Sr. Pastor shared the following: Isaiah 22:22 - The key of the house of David I will lay on his shoulder; So he shall open, and no one shall shut; and he shall shut, and no one shall open.

Diakona Lonnie Stokes, Thank you for your faithfulness of service on the Trustees Board.

More specifically, we appreciate your ministry in the Lord by keeping the 'keys' of Second Baptist Church. Your professionalism and integrity are evident that our God entrusted the right person with the 'keys' of this house. May God continue to bless your life!

We love and appreciate you!

Pastor Chris Enjoy this new journey of your lives. Cherish every moment and have fun!

The vacancy you’ll leave behind may be filled in, the position you had may be held by others, but in our hearts, you’re simply irreplaceable. We’re going to miss you!

D. Craig, R. Bough, N. Harris, S. Robinson, G. Douglas, B. Laird, J. Anderson A. G. Harrison, M. Dickson, L. Hayes, L. Ridley

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The Laughing Pew

Mom: “Why so much meat, son?

Son: “My Sunday School teacher said the Bible says …”Man shall not live by bread alone.”

Illustration idea courtesy of Diakona Carrie Walker

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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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Second Baptist Church of Monrovia Pastor Christopher A. Bourne, Sr., Under-shepherd & SBC Family Honor and Commend New Members’ Department Director, Diakona Josephine Stokes, and Co-Directors Diakona Melva Hill & Diakona Robert Hamilton

On Their 30 Plus Years of Service

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Diakona Josephine Stokes

he is graceful, elegant, classy, poised, and in love with the Lord God. It is evident in her demeanor, whenever she eloquently speaks that her footsteps are ordered by our Sweet Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She has made it her life-long task to ensure that any new member, who walks through the doors of Second Baptist Church is made to feel welcomed, taught the Clarion Holy Word of God, and definitely loved. If it is in the midst of class on an early Sunday morning, a hug, a personal phone call to share encouragement, or a small discussion to let you know how special you are to God and her, Sister Stokes diligently follows her par for the course.

Diakona Josephine Stokes got her start at SBC on February 1, 1987, where she was taught the Unadulterated Word of God from Emeritus Bishop Dr. William LaRue Dillard. She served as CoDirector of the 24-Hour Prayer Vigil, Jubilee Commission and then New Members’ Director for 30 years. Since March of 1988, she has been a member of the United Women’s Fellowship Guild, as well as a New Members’ Teacher in the New Members’ Department.

Diakona Josephine Stokes is “stepping to the side,” in her role as Director, and even though she will be greatly missed, we are grateful to have many future opportunities to call upon her to teach new members and view her presence in many facets of SBC. “Teaching in the New Members Department has been my greatest joy. My objective has always been to encourage, assist and anchor the New Members in God’s Word. I will continue to stand on the premise moving forward,” said Diakona Josephine .

Second Baptist Church of Monrovia

Diakona Melva Hill

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n Sunday mornings, she arrives to the campus of Second Baptist Church of Monrovia with love and care in her heart. That love and care is seen and experienced in the New Members’ Bible Class Hour. A Woman of God, elegantly poised and ready to share His Love with everyone, including new members to SBC, Diakona Melva Hill so diligently evinces.

Melva joined SBC on January 1, 1989, arriving at 31 years of service at SBC thus far. She was named Teacher of the Year in the Teen Discovery Class, appointed Co-Director and Director of The New Members’ Department over 29 years. She was active in the Voices of Unity Choir, a Beloved SIster of the Diakonos Ministry, Building Commission, United Women’s Fellowship Guild and Editor to Bishop’s New Members’ Orientation Bible Study Course Training Manual, which has been known to the SB congregants to be a blessing and conduit in our study and understanding of God’s Holy Word.

Diakona Melva Hill is also “stepping to the side,” in her role as Co-Director, and even though she will be greatly missed, we are grateful to be able to call upon her and view her presence in the many facets of SBC. “It has been an immense pleasure serving under Emeritus Bishop Dr. William LaRue Dillard and Pastor Christopher A Bourne, Sr. To God Be The Glory!!!” proclaims Diakona Melva Hill.

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Second Baptist Church of Monrovia

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Diakona Robert Hamilton

e can be seen distinctively attired, with head held high, proudly marching around Second Baptist Church of Monrovia’s Sanctuary, as one of the SBC Ushers. A resident of Victorville, California for 21 years, never kept him from driving the 70 plus miles, every Sunday, to serve at SBC for more than 30 years. His dedicated his service in the Ushers’ Ministry, Evangelism, Jubilee Chairman, Fashion Show Chairman, Laymen League, Personnel Committee, Security Chairman, and the Photography, and New Members’ Second Co Director /Teacher. Diakona Hamilton is currently serving within the Diakonos Ministry.

“I’ve been a member at Second Baptist since September 1986. When Diakonos Lonnie Stokes, Josephine Stokes and I first started participating in the New Members’ Bible Class, we deemed it “Dillard University” because of how much learning took place. It has been more than a blessing to serve under the tutelage of Emeritus Bishop Dr. Wm. LaRue Dillard. Whenever he spoke, it easily made me feel like going on to Heaven, right from where I was sitting, especially the Lesson 12- “The Raptured Saints Before The ‘Bema’ Seat Judgment” and Lesson 13- “The Tribulation, Satanic Trinity, and Armageddon, ”said a humble Diakona Hamilton. He further proclaims, “As long as any Pastor follows Christ, I will follow him. To God Be The Glory.”

Diakona Hamilton is also “stepping aside” as Co-Director of the New Members’ Department. He will be missed greatly, but we are thankful that his presence will be obvious during our Bible classes.

When requested to share comments on these three Faithful and Godly people, our Beloved Emeritus Bishop Dr. Wm. La Rue Dillard shared the following: “Thank you for the opportunity to offer my sincere gratitude to Diakonos: Josephine Stokes, Melva Hill, and Robert Hamilton, for a job well done over the years of their spiritual leadership in the New Members’ ministry of the Parish of Second Baptist Church educational department.

Second Baptist Church of Monrovia The Good Lord assigned to me the spiritual development of the souls whom He sent under my shepherding oversight; they made themselves available unto the Lord Christ, and He directed them in their task. It is always a pleasure to say, “Thank you for a job well done over the years.” However, when valuable saints of God work, such as these have finished their term and time has come for them to make a U-turn in their task, It is always regrettable to lose them. Serving as their Undershepherd for many years, their labor made my task much easier because of their devotion and I am sure that I speak on behalf of the entire Congregants of the Parish, as well as Pastor Christopher A. Bourne, that their many hours of dedicated work have been deeply appreciated. They have been an asset to the parish church and it was my privilege working with them Further; Let me welcome the new team of leaders who are coming aboard; I know each of you: Sharon Durall, Director, Co-directors: Walter McDonald, and Toulonne (Newhouse) Thomas, who have also been faithful, and each of you bring your spiritual gifts and fervent talents of smiles, friendliness, openness, and inclusion to all in your noble work. May the Lord Christ reward you richly for the faithfulness you will give as dedicated leaders, for you have had good examples in the ones you are replacing.

Thus, I commend you to God for your being available to be used by Him! The Lord’s Parish Church needs devoted, Spirit filled, sons and daughters to step forward just as you have done. What you do for God gives Him pleasure!”

Bishop Dr. Wm. LaRue Dillard It was a pleasure that our Beloved Pastor Christopher A. Bourne, Sr. shared the following: “To God be the glory for the things He has done! With thanks and appreciation to:Diakona (Mother) Jo Stokes, Mother Melva Hill, and Diakona Robert Hamilton. Thank you for your years of introducing and teaching the Word of God to the New Members Class of Second Baptist Church. Your love for God and His people are evident in the fruit of your labor being manifested by the people who came under your tutelage.

As you continue serving God in other areas of ministry, I want to say Thank You for your love and faithfulness under my shepherding. I know that God will reward you greatly for your time of service. Hebrews 6:10, “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. May God continue to Bless and Keep you in His care!”

On behalf of Pastor Christopher A. Bourne Sr., our Under-shepherd, The New Members’ Department, and the entire Second Baptist Church of Monrovia Family, we Love, Honor, Commend, and say, “God Bless You, Diakona Josephine Stokes, DIakona Mother Melva Hill, and Diakona Robert Hamilton on a Marvelous Job well done!”

Article Written By Sharon F. Durall

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Second Baptist Church of Monrovia As a part of the honor, each Diakona will be honored with a ravishingly, beautiful bouquet of flowers, gift card and an eloquently engraved glass plaque with the engraving as follows: Second Baptist Church of Monrovia Pastor Christopher A. Bourne, Sr. Emeritus Bishop Dr. William L. Dillard & The SBC Family Give Love, Blessings, & Commendation to Diakonos Josephine Stokes, Melva Hill, Robert Hamilton for 30+ Years of Dedicated Service as Director, Co-Director and Teacher To the New Members’ Department 1 Corinthians 3:14 “If anyone’s work which he has built

on it endures, he will receive a reward.”

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Remake of the Cary Grant classic where an angel comes to earth a few days before Christmas to help a disillusioned reverend regain control of his life. Stars Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston and Courtney B. Vance.

Watch this classic with family this holiday!

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Among the many verses in the Quran that mention Christians, it is mentioned twice that they are equals to Muslims and will not grieve on Judgment Day.

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Today, Grammy and Tony Award-winning vocalist, songwriter, author and actor Leslie Odom, Jr. drops his brand-new holiday album, The Christmas Album. The 10-track album features a collection of beloved traditional favorites together with newly penned, original tracks “Snow” and “Heaven & Earth” that are sure to become instant holiday classics for years to come.

On The Christmas Album, Leslie reimagines timeless holiday hits including “Last Christmas,” “O Holy Night,” “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas” and more. Coinciding with the album announce, Leslie celebrated Christmas early with the release of “Winter Song” featuring Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Award-winner Cynthia Erivo, which showcases both artists’ unparalleled talent. The album also features Leslie’s version of the Christmas classic, “Little Drummer Boy,” performed with the Mzansi Youth Choir, who offer a beautiful, youthful sound, providing a unique blend of energy, spirit, and devotion to South African music.

Broadway star, singer, actress, and Leslie’s wife, Nicolette Robinson, joins him on a traditional Chanukah song, “Ma’oz Tzur,” which pays homage to their own diverse, extended family coming together around the holiday season. By including a few non-Christmas songs on the album, Leslie’s goal was to spread the message of inclusion, stressing how important it is to respect and celebrate our differences, now more than ever.

Of the album, Leslie shares, “Man lemme tell you…we sang our hearts out on this album. We needed to. I believe you’ll hear it and feel it when you listen.” The Christmas Album marks Leslie’s second holiday album following Simply Christmas, which he re-released in winter 2017 as a deluxe edition in winter with new arrangements and new songs. The holiday album hit #1 on iTunes and Billboard Jazz Charts.

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The Christmas Album follows Mr., Leslie’s third album and first of all-original maThu, 10 Dec 2020, terial, released in November 2019. Most recently, he teamed up with nine-time 11:00 PM PST Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum artist Sia to debut a re-recorded, new version of standout track “Cold”

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Give Friends, Co-workers and Family a gift that matters and will keep on giving. A gift from the SBC Bookstore to help them in their walk. Every Saturday from 11AM-3PM to check it out. 925 S. Shamrock Avenue Monrovia, CA 91017

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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If You Look for Me at Christmas…

Author Unknown If you look for me at Christmas, you won’t need a special star; I’m no longer just in Bethlehem, I’m right there where you are.

You may not be aware of Me amid the celebrations.

You’ll have to look beyond the stores and all the decorations.

But if you take a moment from your list of things to do, and listen to your heart, you’ll find I’m waiting there for you.

You’re the one I want to be with, you’re the reason that I came, and you’ll find Me in the stillness, as I’m whispering your name.

Love, Jesus

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Seasons of hope

@ 10 am YouTube

The Christmas message is that there is hope for a ruined humanity — hope of pardon, hope of peace with God, hope of glory — because at the Father’s will Jesus Christ became poor, and was born in a stable so that 30 years later he might hang on a cross.

—J.I. Packer

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and peace throughout the year!

Fear not!

On that first Christmas night, the angel said to the shepherds: “Do not be afraid” (Luke 2:10). What is there to fear from a baby? A baby is powerless, with no guile, no anger and no judgment, only needing from us without fearing we will not provide: simply trusting, and content to be resting in our arms. This is how God came. This is Christmas. This one child, and for a time, perhaps too brief, our fears are taken over by our love for this child, and he is able to change our hearts. …

In Jesus, we are free to live life as fully and as joyfully as we will allow ourselves. For it is only we who hold ourselves back. God does not. For God has forgiven us in this baby and will not restrain us from living with sheer abandon, trusting in this gentle and gracious God, who keeps telling us: “Do not be afraid.”

—Gary Westgard, At Break of Day

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Why Advent?

Waiting can be hard, and not just for children. But I do love Advent: this four-week time when the Christian church prepares for Christmas.

Maybe I like Advent so much because it involves active waiting, not thumb-twiddling.

It is a gift the church offers the world, to be active (which isn’t the same as busy) in ways that open our hearts — and the hearts we touch — to the true meaning of Christmas.

Mother Teresa said, “At this Christmas when Christ comes, will he find a warm heart?

Mark the season of Advent by loving and serving others with God’s own love and concern.”

When I take time during Advent to remember in prayer and with gifts of money and time those who have less food than I do, those who are lonely, those without a home; when I pause to share love with a child or an elder, or gratitude for a healthcare worker, pastor or teacher; when I wait for justice to replace oppression but, while I wait, find ways to work for that result … the Spirit’s warmth fills my waiting heart. I am ready to welcome Jesus.

—Heidi Mann

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

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Veterans and Mental Health

By Keith Holmes, AMF

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eterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their experience that last long after the traumatic event has ended. They may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares; they may feel sadness, fear or anger; and they may feel detached or estranged from other people. According to a 2016 study published in the American Journal of Public Health, over 1.1 million veterans who were treated in a VA Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) were diagnosed with at least one of five mental illnesses—bipolar/ depression, PTSD, substance use disorder, anxiety, and schizophrenia.

PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four types: Intrusive Memories, which forces one to think about the trauma even when they don’t want to. Avoidance, which involves withdrawing from potential activities that may resemble the veteran’s trauma. Negative changes in thinking and mood, which prohibit one from enjoying themselves in familiar environments. The fourth type of symptom is changes in physical and emotional reactions. One may become more aggressive in their communication.

Symptoms can vary over time or vary from person to person. If left untreated the condition could amount to a person experiencing more frequently and intense incidents of PTSD symptoms.

To best combat PTSD symptoms and incidents of episodes is to simply acknowledge the trauma.

Positive self-talk and having a support system of family and friends is vital in maintaining and minimizing symptoms. Sometimes symptoms can escalate to where a veteran can be a danger to themselves or a danger to others. If you’re experiencing or know of a veteran who is experiencing potentially crisis like PTSD symptoms and seeking assistance, call the Veteran’s Crisis Hotline1-800-273-8255. VA responders are standing by 24-hours per day, 7 days a week.

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here’s only one gift that keeps on giving, that gift is Jesus the Christ! He gives in this life and gives you eternal life.

Before we get into Merry Christmas (too late, decorations went up before Thanksgiving), I wanted to make that point about remembering Jesus!

We’re still in a pandemic and now in the holiday season; trying to work it out the best way we can, while social distancing and wearing a mask. (take a breath) Most of us want to follow the CDC guidelines, and do the right with social distancing and wearing mask, but it’s Christmas!!!(frown) If we continue to do the right thing, we’ll have many more Christmas’s to celebrate (smile). Or we can gather in a small group and with your household and enjoy others via zoom, like the rest of the world.

The other side of this equation is that alcohol consumption is at an all-time high these days, there’s more domestic violence and our nation is still divided.

I hope and pray that this season of celebrating our Savior’s birth will help people to realize what’s real and what’s fake!

Everlasting life is real, according to God’s word and hell is NOT fake, according to God’s word.

Merry social distance Christmas 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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God’s best to you!

Christ’s blessings on you!

Philemon 1:3 Thank You, Vaughn McClure

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SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

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34 OOn Saturday, October 31st, 2020 Dr. Harris hosted the 1st Annual SBCCM Show & Tell event, showcasing 11 creative, unique and awe-inspiring acts (Categories: Talent, Pets & Accolades). These youth shared their God given talents with the world and invited guest offered words of encouragement to each youth who performed.

If you missed the show, you missed a treat!

Darren Rogers

Jaden Bradford

Christopher Bourne Jr. (Half Court King)

(King Beats)

(Old Man Jaden)

Neveah Jones

Roxanne Johnson

Royelle Johnson

McKenzie Green

(Treats for Duke)

(Johnson’s Gift)

(Johnson’s Gift)

(Spoken Word)

JayCee Marshall

Jessica Chavers

MaKeo Green

(Children Who Praise)

(Jessica Spills The News)

(Spoken Word)

Brianna Smith (Children Who Praise)

Jenniah P. Dixon (Essential Workers Donations) Special Thanks to Invited Guests: Bro. D. Burwell, Diakona J. Craig, Sis. R. Willis, Bro. S. Darden, Sis, K. Dantzler

Jaylynn Marshall

Keileigh Holmes

Brooklyn Coleman

(Children Who Praise)

(Gymnastics)

(South Bay Divas Gymnastics)

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