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October 24, 2021

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 NRSV

The Church on the Hill, Near the Cross, In the Word, and On the Move for Christ

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6XQGD\ Youth Church on Zoom @ 9:30 AM (except first 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

:HGQHVGD\ 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

Table of Contents

Page

Order of Worship ........................................................................................................ 4 Sister’s Promise. ......................................................................................................... 5 Guest Preacher: Reverend Brianna K. Parker Bio ..................................................... 6 Scripture ...................................................................................................................... 8 News & Announcements ............................................................................................ 9 Bible Study ............................................................................................................... 10 Project Hope ............................................................................................................. 10 Project Hope Conference.......................................................................................... 11 Ministry Volunteers – AV Ministry, Safety & Security, Ushers ............................. 12 Usher’s Thanksgiving Outreach ............................................................................... 13 Health & Wellness Ministry. .................................................................................... 14 Youth Ministry Volunteers. ...................................................................................... 14 Men’s Fellowship ..................................................................................................... 15 Mail Addressed to the Church .................................................................................. 15 St. Paul’s Hiring – Online Digital Minister ............................................................. 16 Instruments of Praise ................................................................................................ 17 Affirmation of St. Paul’s Building Closure.............................................................. 18 St. Paul’s Baptist Church Relaunch Update ............................................................. 19 COVID-19 Funeral Assistance................................................................................. 20 Pastor Croft’s Monday Prayer Call .......................................................................... 21 Ways to Give ............................................................................................................ 22 Prayer Line Monday – Friday .................................................................................. 23 Subscribe to the St. Paul’s YouTube Channel ......................................................... 24 Social Security Information...................................................................................... 25 Church School Corner .............................................................................................. 26 Sick & Shut In .......................................................................................................... 27 How to Join ............................................................................................................... 28

Women’s Day Order of Worship 10:45 AM Rev Orville Brissett Minister of Music and Worship

Rev Farrah C. Gaskins Worship Leader

Praise & Worship The Call to Worship HOLY, HOLY, HOLY Sister’s Promise .................................................................................... Congregation Hymn of Consecration ......................................................................... Congregation Welcome ................................................................................................. Sister Young Offertory Prayer ........................................................................... Trustee Hightower Moments of Remembrance .............................................................................. Video Sermonic Scripture ........................................................................ Reverend Gaskins Introduction of Guest Preacher ...................................................... Sister Bazemore Intercessory Prayer ........................................................................... Deacon Rowell Sermonic Selection.....................................................................Women’s Day Choir The Ministry of Preaching The Reverend Dr. Brianna K. Parker “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 NLT

Invitation to Discipleship Closing & Benediction 4

SISTER'S PROMISE I AM YOUR SISTER I WILL NOT JUDGE YOU, IF AND WHEN YOU FALL; I WILL BE THERE TO HELP RESTORE YOU, IF AND WHEN YOU OFFEND ME; I WILL FORGIVE YOU AND WHEN YOU HURT; KNOW THAT I WILL BE THERE, BUT MOST OF ALL, I WILL LEARN TO LOVE YOU AS CHRIST, SO THAT WE TOGETHER CAN BECOME THE WOMEN THAT GOD HAS CALLED US TO BE. WRITTEN BY DR. LISA CROFT

Rev. Dr. Brianna K. Parker (Rev. Bri) is a faith leader, scholar and data activist. She is CEO of Black Millennial Café, LLC (BMC), a consulting practice and data resource center for Black churches, communities and organizations. She is also currently the lead researcher for Barna Group’s State of the Black Church study and creator of the first of its kind ministry development subscription program, BlackChurchLeader.com. Through the Black Millennial Café, Rev. Bri intentionally gathers data for understanding and transformation of Black communities. She lectures and presents empirical data on faith and Black communities concerns nationwide. BMC resources include commissioned data on the Black Church, Black millennials and abuse, gun violence in the Black community, the impact of incarceration on millennials and more, as well as a suite of services for churches and organizations interested in growth and impact. Significant research backs Rev. Bri’s work as she was the first to hold extensive quantitative and qualitative data on Black millennials and faith, a neglected research demographic. The lessons from that research and experience as a millennial engagement coach have been used to create her digital Bible study curriculum for young adults titled, “Open Table: Where Everyone Gets a Seat” and has been culled into a book, “What Google Can’t Give.” She’s currently writing her first book from the State of the Black Church Study, “I Still Believe in the Black Church. 6

Rev. Dr. Brianna K. Parker (continued) (She holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Arizona State University, a Master of Divinity in pastoral care and counseling from Fuller Theological Seminary, a Master of Arts in church-state studies from Baylor University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Virginia Union University’s Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology. Reverend Bri served Friendship-West Baptist Church for nearly a decade with Reverend Frederick D. Haynes, III who ordained her. She served Paul Quinn College as an adjunct professor and as the currently titled Dean of Chapel and Jarvis Christian College as an Associate Professor of Religion. She was awarded the Norman Vincent Peale preaching scholarship and the Mary McLeod Bethune Religion Award from the National Council of Negro Women, and she is a Silver Lifetime Member of the NAACP. When she is not leading BMC, Rev. Bri supports her non-profit in talent and resources to provide statistical data to churches impacting emerging generations and is developing funding for a project on millennials and mass incarceration.

Luke 1: 39-45

”39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “ ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.’ ”

News & Announcements

Thanksgiving Outreach Sharing Our Blessings With Others • The St. Paul’s Baptist Church Good Samaritan Usher Board is continuing it’s yearly outreach by providing families in need with support for their Thanksgiving meal. The need may be greater than ever, and we can’t allow Covid-19 to impact our care for others. • While in the past families have received a food basket which included a turkey, this year they will receive a gift card to a grocery store along with a letter from St. Paul’s sharing our care and God’s word. • If you would like to take part in this Thanksgiving outreach you can donate directly to St. Paul’s online via the drop-down box or by check to St. Paul’s Baptist church designated for Thanksgiving Outreach.

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY

WWW.GERALDCHAVISMUSIC.COM

OR CALL 302-319-3977

AVAILABLE ON CD & USB

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

ST. PAUL’S BAPTIST CHURCH RELAUNCH TEAM MISSION: Protect the safety and welfare of the St. Paul’s family and members of the community against the resurgence of Covid 19. Dear St. Paulians and Friends, I hope this message finds you and your families doing well as we continue to press our way through this global pandemic. Being physically separated has been difficult, nonetheless for the last 19 months you have been faithful in your support of St. Paul’s and her ministries. You have continued to join in our Online Worship experience, and you have envisioned creative ways to do the work of our ministry and even to fellowship together. You are a faithful body and throughout this pandemic I have been proud to be your pastor. The Relaunch Task Force and I believe that with certain protocols and precautions in place it is safe and time to return to in-person worship. We do not take lightly the dangers associated with COVID-19, its variants, or their contagious nature. But we also trust that with proper precautions we can safely worship together. I believe that all of us are anxious to get back to being in one place, raising one voice together to honor, praise, and thank God, without neglecting those who choose to worship with us online. The work of our Relaunch Task Force has been invaluable. Their care for our members, community, and level of thoughtfulness has been exceptional. The Relaunch Task Force will be working diligently this month solely planning for our safe return on the 1st Sunday in November. Every aspect of our church services and our church experiences will be reviewed and adjusted so that we can provide safety for those attending our in-person services. I ask that you pray for God to give our task force wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and discernment. I pray that you are as excited as I am to gather in-person for worship. What am I asking of you as we plan our return? 1. Beginning to pray every day during this month for our church. 2. Set aside time to pray and fast as you are led. 3. If you choose to continue worshiping online, feel comfortable to do so; we recognize that everyone is not ready to return. 4. If you plan to return, share your enthusiasm with others. 5. Make the decision to faithfully give your tithes and offering or return to faithfully giving now. 6. Prepare your heart and mind to return to in-person worship. I, or the Relaunch Task Force, will continue to send important updates. Until then, let us work together to re-open safely, pray for and encourage one another, and support with great confidence our efforts to return to our sanctuary.

With Limitless Possibilities, Pastor Croft 19

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. 20

Church School Corner DAILY BIBLE READINGS The Joy Of Worship PSALM 84 Devotional Reading 2 CHRONICLES 29:25-30

Daily Bible Readings MONDAY God Has Done Great Things (Psalm 126) TUESDAY Joy Fulfilled In Love (John 15:9-17) WEDNESDAY God's Joy Is Your Strength (Nehemiah 8:9-12) THURSDAY Joy Fulfilled In Christ's Sacrifice (Philippians 2:1-11) FRIDAY Rejoice In The Lord Always (Philippians 4:4-9) SATURDAY Fullness of Joy (Psalm 16) SUNDAY How Lovely Is God's Dwelling Place (Psalm 84)

“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) 26

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 Bridget Dudley Sister Renee Golden Brother Lynell Laws Sister Arden Olsen Brother Frederick Price Sister Betty Ringgold Sister Judith Thomas

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