March 6,2022
Adult Sunday School @ 8:00 AM Sunday Livestream Worship Service @ 10:45 AM “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.” Matthew 5:14 NRSV
The Church on the Hill, Near the Cross, In the Word, and On the Move for Christ
&KXUFK ,QIRUPDWLRQ 7KH 5HYHUHQG 'U :D\QH ( &URIW 6U Senior Pastor 2IILFH 6WDII $GPLQLVWUDWLYe 0DQDJHU Minister Robin Hinton %RRNNHHSHU Carlene Mahan 6H[WRQ Stanley Edwards
6XQGD\
0RQGD\
Youth Church on Zoom @ 9:30 AM
Pastor’s Prayer Call @ 7:00 AM
(except first Sunday)
M – F: KAIROS Call @ 1:00 PM
Adult Sunday School on Zoom @ 8:00 AM :HGQHVGD\
Sunday Service on Livestream @ 10:45 AM
Bible Study on Zoom @ 7:00 PM
&KXUFK 2IILFH +RXUV Monday through Friday 9AM - 4 PM One Hagerty Blvd. West Chester, PA 19382 610.692.2446 www.stpaulsbaptist.org
2
Table of Contents
Page
Order of Worship…………………………………………………………….........4-5 Scripture…………………………………………………………………….…… .. .6 News & Announcements………………………………………………………… ... 7 Pastor’s Sermon Series “The Parables of Jesus” …………………………………...8 Pastor Croft preaching at “Preaching with Power” Series...………………………. 8 Wednesday Bible Study Series “Journeying Through Lent” ……………………....9 Adult Sunday School New Hours……………………………………………….. ... 9 New Members Ministry Classes and Right Hand of Fellowship ……………..… . 10 The Pearls of Distinction Foundation and AKA Scholarship……………………..11 United Lutheran Seminary “Preaching with Power” Series...…………………12-13 St. Paul’s Scholarship Fund………………………………………………………. 14 Giving…………………………………………………………………………….. 14 Marriage Ministry Couples Bowling…………………………………………….. .15 2022 Chester County Voter Action Guide………………..…………….……...16-17 Registration for In-Person Worship Service……………..……………………….. 18 Health & Wellness COVID Isolation and Quarantine Guidelines ……………… . 19 Church School Corner…………………………………………………………… . 20 Prayer Line Monday – Friday………………………………………….…………. 21 Pastor Croft’s Monday Prayer Call……………………………………………… . 22 Health & Wellness Ministry……………………………………………………... . 23 New St. Paul’s Mail Delivery Location ………………………………………... 23 Members in Nursing Homes and Hospitals……………………………………… . 24 Ministry Volunteers – AV Ministry, Safety & Security, Ushers, Youth Ministry….. . 25 Men’s Fellowship………………………………………………………………... . 26 Mail Addressed to the Church…………………………………………………… . 26 YouTube…………………………………………………………………………. . 27 Instruments of Praise…………………………………………………………….. . 28 COVID-19 Funeral Assistance………………………………………………….. . 29 Social Security…………………………………………………………………... . 30 Reach Out to St. Paul’s………………………………………………………….. . 31 3
Order of Worship The First Sunday in Lent Sunday, March 6, 2022 Reverend Orville Brissett Minister of Music and Worship Arts
Reverend Farrah Gaskins Worship Leader
Praise and Worship The Call to Worship The Choral Introit……..…..…… Holy, Holy, Holy…..…...………..Congregation Prayer of Invocation…………..........……........................Reverend Farrah Gaskins Prayer Chant………….……….The Lord’s Prayer…….…………..Congregation ** *** Musical Interlude……………………….…………………………………… The Hymn of Consecration ..............“ Amazing Grace”…..……….…..Congregation ** *** Installation of Officers ………………………………………………………. Greeting our Visitors………..…………….....….…...Deaconess Akita Woodford Pastoral Emphasis & Scripture Lesson.……...… Reverend Dr. Wayne E. Croft, Sr.
The Ministry of Giving Offertory Prayer……..…...…………..…….……..….. Trustee Donald Williams Announcements ……………………....................................................................... Prayer of Intercession……….......................……………Deacon Mark Woodford 4
Choral Response ……….....…………….………………….................................. ** Ministry of Music …….…………………………………….………................ Sermonic Selection..................“The Lord is Blessing Me Right Now”…..................... “We don’t need another political uprising. We don’t need another conqueror on the scene. What we need is a special word, that will bond within our hearts and give us direction from above. We need a Word from the Lord. A Word from the Lord. Just one Word from the Lord, will remove all the doubts and cause the sun to shine and give peace of mind. Speak Lord, Speak Lord.”
The Ministry of Preaching Reverend Dr. Wayne E. Croft, Sr. Persistent Prayer Luke 18:1-8 NRSV
*Call to Discipleship Holy Communion
The Words of Institution The Purpose of our Gathering The Prayer of Confession and Thanksgiving Closing Prayer And They Had Sung A Hymn
Departing to Serve
* Please Stand
** Ushers May Seat Worshippers
*** Congregation Be Seated 5
1 Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. 3 In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Grant me justice against my opponent.’ 4 For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, ‘Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.’” 6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? 8 I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
Lent Begins
6
News & Announcements
7
8
9
New St. Paulians !!! Please register for New Members Class
Date: Saturday, March 12, 2022 Time: 9:00 a.m. – Noon Registration Email: demarobsr@aol.com
Class will be VIRTUAL (Zoom link TBA) New Member Orientation and Assimilation Ministry: Ministry Servant Leader-Reverend Farrah Gaskins Executive Administrative Support-Sister Denise Robinson
St. Paulians !!! Please join us
Sunday, March 20, 2022 Join us to welcome, celebrate and rejoice as one body in Christ with our new brothers and sisters in receiving the Right-Hand-ofFellowship, receiving recognition of Baptism, and recognizing those who have completed the New Member Orientation Class.
VIRTUALLY (Zoom link TBA) New Member Orientation and Assimilation Ministry 10
THE PEARLS OF DISTINCTION FOUNDATION, INC. in cooperation with ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY INCORPORATED IOTA TAU OMEGA CHAPTER OF CHESTER COUNTY Scholarship Application
To graduating high school students, class of 2022, Chester County, PA, the Pearls of Distinction Foundation, Inc., in collaboration with the Iota Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Scholarship Application is now available. Please visit the Pearls of Distinction Foundation (www.pearlsofdistinction.org) for more information. The deadline for submission is April 4, 2022. “Believe in yourself, learn, and never stop wanting to build a better world.” Mary McLeod Bethune 11
�
Unlted Lutheran - - - - Seminary
I Urban Theological Institut�
p
Preaching with
T� R
Preaching with Power events can be viewed at YouTube.com/unitedlutheranseminary To make a gift, visit uls.edu/give or mail a check payable to "United Lutheran Seminary" to UTI Office, United Lutheran Seminary, 7301 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19119
12
�
United Lutheran ------- Seminary
Urban Theological Institute
I
I
13
14
15
2022 Voter Basics Primary Election Tuesday, May 17, 2022 • In Pennsylvania ONLY Democrats and Republicans can vote in the Primary for their nominees to represent their respective Party in the General election.
• ALL Registered Voters can vote on ballot HOW do I register? By cell phone or computer at: www.vote.pa.gov Or use the form from Voter Services
What are the voter registration DEADLINES?
questions, if there are any, in the Primary.
General Election Tuesday, November 8, 2022 • All Voters pick the winners for each position on the ballot.
Susan B. Anthony
2022
Chester County
By May 2, 2022 for the Primary By October 24, 2022 for the General
How do I CHECK to see if I’m registered? Your registration may have been purged if you have not voted in the last 5 years. You can register again! Check on: www.vote.pa.gov
“Someone struggled for your right to vote. Use it.”
YOU can vote in Pennsylvania if you are: • A U.S. citizen for at least 30 days before election day • A resident of PA for at least 30 days before election day • At least 18 years old on or before election day (you can register when you’re 17) • Convicted of a misdemeanor, or a convicted felon who has completed your sentence • Homeless • Registered to vote by the deadline for each election
Voter Action Guide Prepared by
Chester County Marching Forward and
#OurVoiceShouldBeHeard 16
Vote by Mail OR In Person! Where do I go to vote in person? Your polling place is on your voter registration card OR Search “Where’s my polling place?” on: www.vote.pa.gov
Do I need an ID? NO unless you are a first-time voter, or if you are voting in a new precinct. Acceptable ID: driver’s license, US passport, voter registration card, military, student or employee ID, firearm permit, current utility bill or bank statement, paycheck or government check, any ID issued by PA or federal government.
How do I vote by mail? Step 1 – APPLY FOR a Mail-in Ballot Go to www.vote.pa.gov • Deadline to apply for a Primary ballot is May 10, 2022 • Deadline to apply for a General ballot is Nov 1, 2022 • A ballot will be mailed to your home. !!!IMPORTANT TIP!!! Chester County Voter Services must RECEIVE your application for a mail-in ballot by these dates, so if you are applying for one less than 3 weeks before the election date, go in person to Voter Services to request your ballot on the spot. Step 2 – Complete and return your Mail-in Ballot • Use black pen to fill in the oval next to your choices. • Put ballot into the plain secrecy envelope and seal it. Do not write on this secrecy envelope. • Put secrecy envelope into the mailing envelope, then SIGN and DATE it where indicated. • MAIL BACK RIGHT AWAY or you must bring it yourself to a Ballot DROP BOX (locations are on the Voter Services website). • Ballot must be received by 8:00 pm on election day to count.
What positions are on the Ballot this year? Federal: • U.S. Senate • U.S. House of Representatives State: • PA Governor • Lieutentant Governor • PA State Senate • PA State House of Representatives • PA Supreme Court Judge
WHO is running for these positions? This will depend on your address. If you are voting by mail, your mail-in ballot will list all the party candidates. If you are voting in person, call Voter Services for a sample copy of your ballot before the election. Research candidates before you Vote! Visit their websites or social media pages to read about their platforms.
Chester County Voter Services 601 Westtown Road West Chester, PA 19380-0990
610-344-6410 www.ChesCo.org/156/Voter-Services 17
S U N JOI N I FOR N O S R PE P I H S R WO E C I V SER
Register Online to Attend or call the church office
https://stpaulsbaptist.org/join-
us-for-in-person-worship/
18
HEALTH AND WELLNESS COVID GUIDELINES Based on new scientific data, the CDC has revised its isolation and quarantine guidelines regarding COVID-19 infections and exposures.
Important terms used in these guidelines. · ·
Isolation- refers to the behavior after a confirmed COVID infection via testing Quarantine- refers to the time following exposure to the COVID virus Length of Isolation
If test POSITIVE AND REMAIN ASYMPTOMATIC If test POSITIVE AND SYMPTOMATIC
5 days
Length of Quarantine N/A
5 days as long the N/A individual does not have a fever and other symptoms are resolving If and individual is N/A 5 days EXPOSED to COVID, *If symptoms develop, ASYMPTOMATIC, the individual should and is unvaccinated immediately quarantine or completed until testing can confirm primary series, but that symptoms are not has not received caused by COVID booster N/A Does not need to If an individual quarantine is exposed to *If symptoms develop the COVID and is individual should fully vaccinated immediately quarantine and boosted until testing can confirm
How long to wear Mask when around others
When to Test
5 days after completion of isolation
5 days after completion of isolation For a total of 10 days after exposure
5 days after exposure
10 days
5 days after exposure
that symptoms are not caused by COVID
19
Church School Corner DAILY BIBLE READINGS Babylonian Captivity Ends BIBLE BACKGROUND- Ezra 1; 2:64-70 DEVOTIONAL READING - Amos 5:14-15 MONDAY Prepare the Way of the Lord (Isaiah 40:1-11) TUESDAY Being God's Instrument (Isaiah 45:1-10) WEDNESDAY God Will Provide for Every Need (Philippians 4:10-19) THURSDAY Lift Up Your Eyes to God (Isaiah 40:12-15, 21-31) FRIDAY Live Freely but Responsibly (I Peter 2:13-17) SATURDAY Light Dawns for the righteous (Psalm 97) SUNDAY Cyrus Permits Jews to Return Home (Ezra 1:1-8,11; 2:64-70)
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV)
20
21
22
NEW ST. PAUL'S MAIL DELIVERY LOCATION
Our members and the United States Postal Service
will be using the mail slot. The mailbox on Haggerty Road has been removed.
-
23
Members In Nursing Homes and Hospitals Pembrooke Sister Deedra Matthews - Room 226 1120 West Cheter Pike West Chester, PA 19382
Members Convalescing at Home Sister Carol Anderson Sister Janet Anderson Brother Guy Calloway Deacon Jesse Craig Sister Lurerlene Crook Sister Bridget Dudley Sister Renee Golden Brother Lynell Laws Sister Arden Olsen Sister Geneva Porter Sister Betty Ringgold Sister Judith Thomas
24
25
26
27
ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY
WWW.GERALDCHAVISMUSIC.COM
OR CALL 302-319-3977
AVAILABLE ON CD & USB
28
COVID-19 Funeral Assistance The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families. At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. We are dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus. Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. We are working with stakeholder groups to get their input on ways we can best provide this assistance, and to enlist their help with outreach to families and communities. FEMA will begin to implement COVID-19 funeral assistance in April. Additional guidance is being finalized and will be released to potential applicants and community partners as soon as possible. In the meantime, people who have COVID-19 funeral expenses are encouraged to keep and gather documentation.
FEMA will begin accepting applications for Funeral Assistance on Monday, April 12, 2021 through the dedicated call center. Who is Eligible? To be eligible for funeral assistance, you must meet these conditions: The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020. There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.
How to Apply
COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number Applications begin on April 12, 2021 844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585 Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time
If you had COVID-19 funeral expenses, we encourage you to keep and gather documentation. Types of information should include: An official death certificate that attributes the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. Funeral expenses documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that includes the applicant’s name, the deceased person’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses happened. Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. We are not able to duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other sources.
How Funds are Received
If you are eligible for funeral assistance you will receive a check by mail, or funds by direct deposit, depending on which option you choose when you apply for assistance. 29
30
31
ST. PAUL’S BAPTIST CHURCH MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PLAZA
ONE HAGERTY BOULEVARD * WEST CHESTER, PA 19382 PHONE: (610) 692-2446 * FAX: (610) 692-7582 EMAIL: CHURCHOFFICE@STPAULSBAPTIST.ORG WWW.STPAULSBAPTIST.ORG