May 9, 2021
Youth Church @ 9:30 Adult Sunday School @ 9:30 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
The Church on the Hill, Near the Cross, In the Word, and On the Move for Christ 1
Church Information The Reverend Dr. Wayne E. Croft, Sr. Pastor
Office Staff
Administrative Assistant to Pastor Croft: Minister Carol J. Hicks Administrative Manager: Valerie McGruder – Cortes Bookkeeper: Carlene Mahan Sexton: Stanley Edwards
Sunday
Monday
Youth Church on Zoom @ 9:30 AM st
(Except 1 Sunday)
Pastor’s Prayer Call @ 7:00 AM M – F: KAIROS Call @ 1:00 PM
Adult Sunday School on Zoom @ 9:30 AM Sunday Service on Livestream @ 10:45 AM
Wednesday Bible Study on Zoom @ 6:00 PM
Church Office Hours 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 Scripture……………………………………………………………………………5 Reverend Valerie Andrews Bio…………………………………………………….6 Chat with Pastor………………………...………..…….…………………………..7 Women’s Fellowship Activities……………...……..………..………………...…...8 Men’s Day……………………………………………………….………...….....…9 Tree of Life……………………………...……………….………………………..10 May is Mental Health Awareness Month……………….……………..………….11 Bible Study……………………………………………….……………………….12 Project Hope …………......…….…………………………..………..……………13 Scholarship Application……………………………………………….…………..14 News & Announcements……………….…………………......…………………..15 Volkswagen Internship Program……………………………...…….……………..16 Office Announcement……………………………………….………………...…..17 Incoming Mail ……………………………………….…………………………...18 Peer Support Expansion Initiative……………………………...…………………19 Instruments of Praise……………………………………………………………...20 Affirmation of St. Paul’s Building Closure……………………………….……....21 St. Paul’s Baptist Church Re-opening Update………...…………..….…………..22 CDC Guidelines for Fully Vaccinated People……………..……………………...23 COVID-19 Funeral Assistance………………………………………….………...24 PA Revises Masking Order……………….…………...…………………………..25 Is Your All on the Altar?..........................................................................................26 Pastor Croft’s Monday Prayer Call……………………………………………….27 How to Give……….…………………………………………………...…………28 Prayer Line Monday – Friday…………………………….……………………….29 You Tube……………………….………………………………………………….30 Social Security………...…………………………………………………………..31 Church School Corner…………..………………………………………………...32 Sick & Shut In…………………………………………………………………….33 3
Order of Worship 10:45 AM
Praise & Worship
The Call to Worship HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
Invocation……….…....................................................Reverend Bethany McCabe Hymn...…………………......................................................Faith of our Mothers
Welcome.…............................................................................................................... Offertory Prayer…………....…......................................Trustee Willa Hightower Intercessory Prayer…...........................................................Deacon Juliette Davis Sermonic Scripture…............................................................................................... Sermonic Selection………………….....………………………......…Praise Team
Sermon....….................................................................. Reverend Valerie Andrews "Mothers, Be Wise" Exodus 2:1-10 (NRSV) Invitation to Discipleship Closing & Benediction
4
"Mothers, Be Wise"
Exodus 2:1-10 (NRSV) 1
Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a Levite woman. 2The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that he was a fine baby, she hid him for three months. 3When she could hide him no longer she got a papyrus basket for him, and plastered it with bitumen and pitch; she put the child in it and placed it among the reeds on the bank of the river. 4His sister stood at a distance, to see what would happen to him. 5
The daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, while her attendants walked beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid to bring it. 6When she opened it, she saw the child. He was crying, and she took pity on him. ‘This must be one of the Hebrews’ children,’ she said. 7Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, ‘Shall I go and get you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?’ 8Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, ‘Yes.’ So the girl went and called the child’s mother. 9Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, ‘Take this child and nurse it for me, and I will give you your wages.’ So the woman took the child and nursed it. 10When the child grew up, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and she took him as her son. She named him Moses, ‘because’, she said, ‘I drew him out of the water.’
5
REVEREND VALERIE ANDREWS M.Div., M.Ed. Valerie Andrews was born in Pompano Beach, Fl. She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and was baptized at the age of twelve while attending the Mt. Bethel Baptist Church. In 1977, her family relocated to Philadelphia, PA. She attended William Penn High School graduating as the Class Salutatorian. Rev. Val, as she is fondly called, furthered her education at Millersville University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts English and a Master of Counseling Education degree. During graduate school, Rev. Val attended the Bright Side Baptist Church, where The Rev. Dr. Louis A. Butcher, Jr., served as her pastor. She was called to the Gospel Ministry of Preaching and was licensed by this congregation on January 24, 1986. Returning to Philadelphia in 1988, she joined the Triumph Baptist Church, serving for 17 years under the pastorate of The Rev. Dr. James S. Hall, Jr. In 2005, she was ordained by the Philadelphia Eastern Keystone Baptist Association, and began her studies at the Palmer Theological Seminary, graduating in 2008 with a Master of Divinity degree. Rev. Val served as an intern at The Church of the Redeemer Baptist, and in 2007 she joined this body of believers, serving on staff as Business Manager until 2016. In this role, she managed the day-to-day operations of the church under the leadership of The Rev. Dr. Wayne E. Croft, Sr. and later, The Rev. Omari Hughes. She also served as Executive Administrative Assistant to Dr. Damone B. Jones, Sr., Pastor of the Bible Way Baptist Church, and is currently the Program Director of the Program for Urban Leaders and Pastors in Transition (PULPIT) at the Missio Seminary in Philadelphia, PA. Currently, Rev. Val is a student at the Thomas Jefferson University (East Falls Campus) formerly, Philadelphia University, pursuing a doctoral degree in Management of Strategic Leadership. She serves on the United Theological Institute’s Committee of Advisors, of the United Lutheran Seminary, and most recently was appointed as one of six consultants for the Thriving in Ministry Project for Black Pastors by Duke University. Rev. Val is exceptionally gifted in managing church operations and highly skilled in training church leadership. In 2015, she began serving as an instructor at United Lutheran Seminary’s Urban Theological Institute’s Certificate Program, teaching Servant Leadership, Church Administration and Managing Church Conflict at their West Chester, PA satellite campus, St. Paul’s Baptist Church. Rev. Val was an Associate Minister at the St. Paul’s Baptist Church of West Chester, PA under Dr. Wayne E. Croft, Sr., and currently serves as the Pastor of the Eternal Life Missionary Baptist Church; a Liberian-Baptist congregation in Southwest Philadelphia. Rev. Valerie Andrews is the proud mother of three children: Joy, Jasmine and Ronald Jr. Her life scripture is Isaiah 40:31, “But they that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.” Her passion in ministry is to enhance leadership for the Kingdom of God by providing training and tools for church effectiveness!
6
7
8
9
Please email churchoffice@stpaulsbaptist.org for the appropriate forms. Thank you.
10
ST PAUL’S BAPTIST CHURCH HEALTH AND WELLNESS MINISTRY
MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH 1 in 5 People Live with A Mental Illness in A Given Year Key Findings • Youth mental health is worsening. 9.7% of youth in the U.S. have severe major depression, compared to 9.2% in last year’s dataset. This rate was highest among youth who identify as more than one race, at 12.4%. • Even before COVID-19, the prevalence of mental illness among adults was increasing. In 2017-2018, 19% of adults experienced a mental illness, an increase of 1.5 million people over last year’s dataset. • Suicidal ideation among adults is increasing. The percentage of adults in the U.S. who are experiencing serious thoughts of suicide increased 0.15% from 2016-2017 to 2017-2018 – an additional 460,000 people from last year’s dataset. • There is still unmet need for mental health treatment among youth and adults. 60% of youth with major depression did not receive any mental health treatment in 2017-2018. Even in states with the greatest access, over 38% are not receiving the mental health services they need. Among youth with severe depression, only 27.3% received consistent treatment. 23.6% of adults with a mental illness reported an unmet need for treatment in 2017-2018. This number has not declined since 2011. While rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation are increasing for people of all races and ethnicities, there are notable differences in those changes over time. Black or African American screeners have had the highest average percent change over time for anxiety and depression, while Native American or American Indian screeners have had the highest average percent change over time for suicidal ideation. THE FULL REPORT ON MENTAL HEALTH 2021 is located @ www.MENTALHEALTHAMERICA.net
11
12
13
14
News & Announcements Please Pray for our Church Family Deaconess Beverly Smith Craig is convalescing at home after she incurred a broken kneecap and abrasions from a serious fall.
Brother Frederick Price is home from the hospital and convalescing at home.
============================
With a heavy heart we notify you of the death of Paul Chambers, who passed on Wednesday, April 21st.
It is with deep regret that we notify you of the death of Brother Emanuel Kenny.
Sister Latoya Strickland’s uncle Mark Rogers passed on Sunday, March 28, 2021.
It is with a heavy heart that I notify you of the death of Deacon Kevin Tucker’s mother, Opal Tucker of Philadelphia. Sister Tucker passed on Friday, March 26.
Sister Rosa Collins brother, Preston Hicks passed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on March 25th.
==============================
15
There are 50-60 opportunities open for college Jr’s. This is a virtual position that pays $16/hr. Any questions, please reach out to Joseph Harvey at 610-476-7896.
16
17
18
19
ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY
WWW.GERALDCHAVISMUSIC.COM
OR CALL 302-319-3977
AVAILABLE ON CD & USB
20
Affirmation of St. Paul’s Baptist Church Building Closure As an outcome of the Covid-19 pandemic, and an abundance of caution in supporting the safety of St. Paul’s members and visitors, our leadership appropriately determined it was critical to cease services and activities at St. Paul’s.
Thankful for the blessing of technology and St. Paul’s Technology Team, we have been able to effectively stay connected as one body in Christ via zoom and most recently live streaming.
The Relaunch Taskforce’s mission is to protect the safety and welfare of St. Paul’s Church family and community against the spread of Covid-19. In alignment with the Centers for Disease Control, State of Pennsylvania and county guidelines the church building has remained closed. As guidelines have continued to be updated, requests have been made for events to take place at St. Paul’s. To ensure your safety, the building and property will remain closed to all activity and events with the exception of work required for live streaming. This can be safely managed by following a strict schedule of tracking and monitoring of a limited number of individuals in the church. This monitoring includes temperature checks, screening for symptoms of Covid-19, social distancing, use of personal protective equipment and disinfecting protocols.
Although our church facility remains closed, the Relaunch Team is working diligently in planning for the day when it will be safe for us to physically join together and fellowship at St. Paul’s. St. Paul’s Baptist Church Relaunch Taskforce Dr. Lisa Croft - Chair
21
ST. PAUL’S BAPTIST CHURCH
RE-OPENING UPDATE MISSION: Protect the safety and welfare of the St. Paul’s family and members of the community against the resurgence of Covid 19. GOALS: To ensure the safety and well- being of Congregants and members of the community, the St. Paul’s Relaunch Team recommends following scientific data using the following metrics to increase the probability of a sustained re-opening: CDC guidelines regarding congregant gathering, including wearing face masks, frequent hand washing and social distancing. Consistent trend in decreases of cases, hospitalizations and deaths based on national, state and local data. Equipment and personnel are available at the church to meet Covid 19 safety guidelines.
We encourage and hope that everyone will get the vaccine when available, although, it will not be required to enter the church. We will keep members apprised of pertinent, accurate information via email blasts, public service announcements and St. Paul’s Relaunch web site regarding Covid 19 and its impact on re- opening St. Paul’s. At this time, there is no projected date or concrete measures to be used for our re-opening. We are still following unstable data and once the data stabilizes more definitive information will be shared. We are taking every precaution to protect the health, safety, and welfare of our congregation and members of the community.
22
CDC Guidelines for Fully Vaccinated People The CDC has stated, “People who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 can now spend time together indoors and unmasked.” The CDC considers Americans “fully vaccinated” once two weeks have passed since they received the final dose of their vaccine regimen. In the case of vaccines developed by Moderna and the Pfizer-BioNTech partnership, which have been authorized for emergency use since December, that means the second of two shots. For the recently authorized Johnson & Johnson vaccine, it means two weeks after a single injection.
Fully vaccinated people can: Visit with other fully vaccinated people indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing Visit with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing Refrain from quarantine and testing following a known exposure if asymptomatic
For now, fully vaccinated people should continue to:
Take precautions in public like wearing a well-fitted mask and physical distancing Wear masks, practice physical distancing, and adhere to other prevention measures when visiting with unvaccinated people who are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease or who have an unvaccinated household member who is at increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease Wear masks, maintain physical distance, and practice other prevention measures when visiting with unvaccinated people from multiple households Avoid medium- and large-sized in-person gatherings Get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms Follow guidance issued by individual employers Follow CDC and health department travel requirements and recommendation
Public health officials have been largely cautious about recommending that people return to relative normalcy even after being vaccinated. Some of their hesitancy has stemmed from fears of “vaccine euphoria,” in which the public abandons Covid-19 mitigation strategies in the wake of good news about vaccine distribution.
23
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. 24
Following CDC, Pennsylvania Revises Masking Order Pennsylvania has revised its mask mandate to bring it in line with new federal recommendations that say fully vaccinated people don’t have to wear them outside anymore unless they’re at a crowded event. The Department of Health said its updated masking order incorporates the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Church School Corner DAILY BIBLE READINGS Isaiah: Offering Hope for the Future Isaiah 29
Devotional Reading * Jeremiah 29:10-14
Monday
Discipline the Immoral Person with Respect
□ 1 Corinthians 5:15
Tuesday
Uphold justice for All People
□ Exodus 23:1-9
Wednesday
Seek and You Will Find Me!
□ Jeremiah 29:1014
Thursday
Lip Service is Not Enough
□ Mark 7:1-8
Friday
Jerusalem Punished and Rescued
□ Isaiah 29:1-8
Saturday
Judah, Blind to God’s Ways
□ Isaiah 29:9-12
Sunday
Israel Will Enjoy a Bright Future
□ Isaiah 29:13-24
“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) 32
Members
In Nursing Homes and Hospitals Pembrooke Sister Deedra Matthews ~ Room 226 1130 West Chester Pike ~
West Chester, PA 19382 (610-692-3636)
Convalescing at Home Sister Carol Anderson Sister Janet Anderson Sister Theresa Battaglia Brother Guy Calloway Sister Janet Christie Deacon Jesse Craig Sister Lurerlene Crook Sister Lucille De’Berry Sister Bridget Dudley Sister Renee Golden Brother Lynell Laws Sister Arden Olsen Brother Frederick Price Sister Betty Ringgold Deaconess Beverly Smith Craig Sister Judith Thomas
33
34
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
35