The Church of St. Thomas The Apostle (Liberal Catholic)

Location: 177 Dreiser Loop, second foor, Room 2.

Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The congregation and clergy of St. Thomas pray that you are enjoying the Christmas season and will experience blessings in the new year! “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and good will toward men.” (Luke 2:14) You are invited to worship with us. Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20)

This Sunday, we will be having our annual Kwanzaa celebration. There will be special readings and music presented by the congregation and clergy as the seven principles of Kwanzaa are explored. These principles are: Unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

Notice of Annual Meeting: The annual meeting of the membership of The Church of St. Thomas The Apostle, Inc. will be held on January 21, 2024 following a brief service for Covenant Sunday. The service will begin at 11 a.m.

Sunday, December 31, 2023:

● 11 a.m. – Kwanzaa Celebration

● Fellowship with light refreshments following the service

Bible Lessons:

● Isaiah 7:14, 9:2, 3, 6, 7 ● Luke 2:1-14

Prayer for New Year’s Day: Lord Christ, the new-born Child, who yet art the ancient of days, we dedicate this new-born year to thee, praying that in it the holy church may love thee more and more and serve thee better, growing ever in thy heavenly wisdom as the years roll by, who throughout eternity dost live and reign, one God with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Rev. Dorian Miceli

St. Joseph’s Episcopal Anglican Church

St. Joseph’s is located at 155 Dreiser Loop, lower level, Co-op City, Bronx, NY 10475. E-mail: stjosephsepc@aol.com. Church phone number: 718-3200844. Priest-in-Charge: Fr. Simeon O. Johnson; cell; 917-227-4303.

Greetings! Due to the ongoing pandemic and related repairs to our space, St. Joseph’s Church has made some adjustment to our schedule of services until further notice. We are gradually getting back to normal.

In-person worship service for the frst Sunday after Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, will be conducted by Father Simeon Johnson at the church on Sunday, December 31, at 9 a.m. as well as via teleconference. Best wishes for a Blessed and Happy New Year to all. Please also remember to tune in for the usual teleconference weekday prayers at noon. To participate by teleconference, dial 1-425-436-6344, Access Code: 509 898, followed by the # sign.

It is that time of year again when we collect, complete and return our Pledge Cards. These cards are meant to refect our fnancial pledge as well as an offer to volunteer our time and talent where and when possible. Please remember to pray about these commitments and do the best that you can.

Sincere condolences to our members, families and friends who have recently lost loved ones. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.

To our sick and shut-in, we extend our well wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery.

Happy Birthday and best wishes to all the December birthday celebrants.

We at St. Joseph’s are collecting food (cans and dry goods) for the food pantry at Grace Episcopal Church, West Farms. If you can, please contribute for those in need.

Grace and Peace!

—Merville Chambers

Co-op City Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Sheldon E. Williams and the Co-op City Baptist Church family invite you to join us for Worship Service tomorrow at 8 a.m. in person only and at 11 a.m. in person and on Zoom. Sunday School classes for all ages will not be held for the next two weeks. Classes will resume on January 7th at 9:30 a.m.

We are located at 135 Einstein Loop, Room 50 (lower level), Bronx, NY 10475. Telephone: 718-320-3774. Masks are required.

The service is also available on Zoom at https://us04web.zoom. us/j/9623430102 or Zoom Telephone Conference Line: (646) 568-7788, Conference ID: 962 343 0102#, Password: 788175#.

The Church Free Conference Call Line dial in number is 857-357-0254, Access Code is 660065#.

Rev. Williams asks everyone who calls into the Sunday Worship service to use Zoom through your computer or dial in using the Zoom information shown above.

On Sunday, December 31, at 10:30 p.m., we will have our Watch Night Service by Zoom. Everyone is invited.

The Wednesday, 1 p.m. Bible Study class and the 5 p.m. Bible Study Class will be held on January 3rd via Zoom

The Prayer Warriors Prayer Service will be held on Thursday, January 4th. The Friday Mid-Morning Prayer Service will be held on January 5th. The 7:30 p.m. Friday Evening Prayer Service will not be held on January 5th. It will resume on January 12th. All are on the church’s conference call line.

The Scholarship Ministry invites you to cruise with them aboard the Celebrity Equinox Ship on Tuesday, July 30, to Thursday, August 8, 2024. Ports of call are Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Price for inside double occupancy staterooms is $3,995.00 per person. Only two staterooms in this category remain. To make the required deposit, contact Ms. Hermena Smith, travel agent, at 646-7809813. If still interested in acquiring a balcony stateroom, contact Sis. Claudette Cutlar Day at 718-379-0541.

The church has a free app available on your app store by putting in Co Op CBC. This App is open to all.

GOD will strengthen us as we continue to travel through this storm. GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Wishing everyone a Happy and Blessed New Year!

The Co-op City Baptist Church exists to glorify God and to establish a living community of people who follow the teachings of Jesus the Christ through Worship, Prayer, Bible Study and Fellowship. We seek to meet the spiritual and physical needs of the church through ministry.

—Marilyn C. Williams

Circle of Christ Church Iglesia Circulo de Cristo

God Interrupts Your Plans to Test Your Faith

Luke 1:13 The angel said to him: Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son; you are to call him John. 18 He asked the angel; How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years. 19 The angel said to him, I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.

Luke 1:28 The angel Gabriel went to Mary and said, Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 34 How will this be, Mary asked the angel since I am a virgin? 35 The angel answered, The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 37 For no word from God will ever fail. 38 I am the Lord’s servant, Mary answered. May your word to me be fulflled. Then the angel left her.

What happens when God interrupts your plans? Is it an inconvenience or a divine visitation? Do you want God’s way or your way? Bob Sorge: “God offends the heart to reveal the mind.”

1 Zechariah and Mary received messages from heaven while they were going about their business. Zechariah doubted and was made mute. Mary responded with faith.

2 Sometimes our theological understanding gets in the way of our faith. We limit God because we don’t understand him. We don’t receive miracles because we can’t believe.

3 Zechariah and Mary did not fully understand what Gabriel said and Zechariah analyzed it while Mary cherished it. He wanted more information, but she absorbed what was given.

4 In the end, Zechariah and Mary received greater than they hoped. The gifts came with suffering and tears. Their children were great and their children were murdered. However, there is still the promise of their resurrection. We await a reunion with them both.

Schedule: 147 Dreiser Loop (lower level)

Every frst Sunday of the month – Bilingual Communion Service

Sunday: Spanish, 9 a.m., & English Service, 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday: Prayer, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Wed. & Thurs.: Non-perishable food distribution from 12-2 p.m.

Thursday: Prayer/Bible Study, 6:30-8 p.m.

Friday: Youth Service (Operation Grace), 6:30-9 p.m.

Saturday: Women’s Fellowship, second Saturday of the month, 12-3 p.m. Young Adults, third Saturday of the month, 12-3 p.m. Men’s Fellowship, fourth Saturday of the month

Blessings in Christ, —Pastor Luis F. Ramos Jr.

Report (Continued from page 7)

Substance Abuse: Substance abuse issues within families or caregiving relationships can contribute to elder abuse, as the caregiver’s judgment and ability to provide adequate care may be impaired.

Identifying elder abuse is challenging, given that victims may be reluctant to report mistreatment due to fear, shame, or dependency on the abuser. However, recognizing the signs and understanding the reporting process are crucial steps in addressing elder abuse. Physical signs include unexplained injuries, bruises, fractures, or changes in the elder’s physical appearance may indicate physical abuse. Emotional signs can include sudden changes in mood, behavior, or withdrawal from social activities may suggest emotional abuse. Financial signs, such as unexplained withdrawals, missing funds, or sudden changes in the elder’s fnancial situation, may indicate fnancial exploitation. Poor hygiene, malnutrition, untreated medical conditions, or living in unsanitary conditions, may signal neglect.

Noticeable changes in the behavior of the elder, such as fear, anxiety, or avoidance of specifc individuals, may indicate abuse. Reporting elder abuse is a civic responsibility that requires immediate action. Local adult protective services, law enforcement, or helplines can provide assistance and guidance on how to report suspicions of elder abuse.

Addressing elder abuse necessitates a multifaceted approach that combines prevention, intervention, and support for victims. Key strategies include:

1. Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about the different forms of elder abuse, its signs, and the importance of reporting is crucial in preventing mistreatment.

2. Training Caregivers: Providing caregivers, both family members and professionals, with training on proper care techniques, stress management, and confict resolution can reduce the risk of abuse.

3. Legal Measures: Strengthening legal frameworks to protect the rights of older individuals and prosecuting perpetrators is essential in deterring elder abuse.

4. Community Support Programs: Establishing community support programs that provide resources, respite care, and social engagement for older individuals can reduce social isolation and the risk of abuse.

5. Financial Safeguards: Implementing measures such as regular fnancial audits, power of attorney oversight, and legal protections can prevent fnancial exploitation.

6. Counseling Services: Offering counseling services for both victims and perpetrators of elder abuse can address underlying issues and contribute to breaking the cycle of mistreatment.

Elder abuse is a complex and pervasive issue that demands urgent attention from individuals, communities, and policymakers alike. By understanding the various forms of elder abuse, recognizing the associated risk factors, and actively working towards prevention and intervention, society can create an environment where older individuals can age with dignity, respect, and security. It is the collective responsibility of communities, caregivers, and governments to ensure that elder abuse is eradicated, allowing every individual to enjoy their later years free from fear and harm.

Crossword Puzzle ––––– (Continued from page 4)