When Your Ducks Aren't in a Row by Second's Gazette

“O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. (Psalm 34:3, NRSV). Welcome to worship at Second Baptist Church of Monrovia!

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

When Your Ducks

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

Aren't in a Row

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

Photographers:

n the surface, people, like ducks, can seem to glide effortlessly through life. We’re often the picture of calm, in perfect control. But underneath, we may be paddling like mad to keep up a façade — or just to keep up.

Adele Davis, Jerel McLendon

Children’s Church Consultant: Avian Westby

Although we like to look and feel as if we have it all together, the truth is we often don’t. Think how much better we’d feel if we could just admit our weaknesses and doubts. Think how much more genuine our churches would be if we didn’t have to pretend we’re okay when we’re actually struggling. Surely, God wants the pretense to stop. Set an example for friends and fellow worshipers by ending the mad paddling, embracing honesty and helping one another.

n September 12th,

2021 Pastor Chris along with our

Beautiful 1st Lady celebrated 2 years with Second Baptist Church of Monrovia. This was an especially warm and loving time for all involved because his first anniversary was only virtual. We love you guys! Happy 2nd Pastoral Anniversary!

Need Prayer

The Art of Being a Good Neighbor

12-13

Baking with Lula

NEW

Take Your Bible to School

Celebrating with Pastor C

22-25

Children’s Page

28-30

Amazon Smile

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 & Lavonne 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

The Laughing Pew TM

“Is it safe yet Dad?”

very time I pray that things would get better in the world, they don’t! I know it’s not me, so it must be the world!

Despite all the awful, inhumane, despicable, and catastrophic events that are happening in the world today, there is still HOPE in JESUS on the horizon! We can sometimes take hope for granted. As Christians, we are full of hope, but have you ever wondered what hope looks like when you’ve walked hundreds of miles fleeing your birth country because there’s no clean water or enough food to eat? Or when you watch your home, your neighbor’s home and your whole community burn up and there’s no time to save anything but yourself! Or watching a volcano erupt that hasn’t erupted for hundreds of years, and hot larva is headed down a hill to destroy the only place you’ve ever called home! Oh wait, rain is coming and flooding areas that have never been flooded before, and your home was just invaded by massive amounts of water that brought the walls down and dug up graves! How’s your Christian hope looking now? As for me, I will hold on to God’s unchanging Hand, as I pray for these worldwide situations, and I believe, at one time or another, every Christian is praying for the same things I am. That the Lord, in His Infinite Power and Glory, will change the majority of those people’s lives for the better. I know He’s Able, and my faith and hope will remain in Him. Now that we are all praying, the next thing we do is love our neighbor. Who is our neighbor, you ask? Anyone in need, and we have the ability to help. From a homeless person on the street to someone who just needs to pay for a live scan to get a job, or Doctors without Borders, whatever God puts on your heart to do. Because when we do things for others, we are showing Christ’s Love for His people, until He returns. Lastly, I want to leave you with this Scripture from 1 Peter 4:7&8, “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore, be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins’.” NKJV For Love of Christ, Peggy LaBon

our mouth – also known as the oral cavity – shapes the appearance of your face and helps you eat, speak and breathe. It takes many parts working together to handle so many important jobs. Get to know the functions of the different parts of your mouth and you’ll gain a greater appreciation for the importance of great oral health. Most adults develop 32 permanent teeth. Your teeth have hard enamel crown along with roots that anchor them in your jawbone. The alveolar bone surrounds the roots to stabilize the teeth in your month, which gum tissue also holds the teeth in place and protects the roots from decay. Gum health is important because gum disease can lead to loss of teeth and bone support. The main function of your teeth is to tear and chew food so it can properly undergo digestion, but teeth also give your face its shape and help you pronounce certain sounds. The tongue, a powerful muscle is anchored to the floor of the mouth. The tongue is a key component in chewing and swallowing food. Adjusting the shape and position of your tongue helps you form certain words. In addition, your tongue helps clean food from your teeth. There are six major salivary glands and hundreds of very tiny minor salivary glands in your mouth that product saliva to break down food, making it easier to swallow. Saliva also moistens your mouth for speaking and chewing, in addition to washing bacteria from your teeth and gums to help prevent cavities and gum disease. Keep the many parts of your mouth healthy with a consistent oral health routine and regular dental visits so you can maintain a healthy smile. Healthy teeth and gums make it easy for you to eat well and enjoy good food. Several problems can affect the health of your mouth, but good care should keep your teeth and gums strong as you age. Teeth are covered in a hard, outer coating called enamel. Every day, a thin film of bacteria called dental plaque builds up on your teeth. The bacteria in plaque produces acids that can harm enamel and cause cavities. Once a cavity forms, to avoid further damage, a dentist must fix it with a filling. Gum disease begins when plaque builds up along and under your gum line. Plaque causes an infection that hurts the gum and bone that hold your teeth in place. A mild form of gum disease may make your gums red, tender and more likely to bleed. This problem, called gingivitis, can often be fixed by brushing and flossing every day. A more severe form of gum disease, called periodontitis, must be treated by a dentist. If not treated, this infection can lead to sore, bleeding gums, painful chewing problems and even tooth loss. Your smile and your overall health depend on simple dental care habits, such as brushing and flossing. Oral health begins with clean teeth. Keeping the area where your teeth meet your gums clean can prevent gum disease, while keeping your tooth surfaces clean can help you stave off cavities and gum disease. Typically, babies get their first tooth when they’re around 6 months old. These baby teeth let your baby chew and talk well. Your baby’s first set of teeth also holds the space where permanent teeth will eventually be. They help permanent teeth grow in straight. Here are some tips on caring for your baby’s and children’s teeth. Clean baby’s new teeth every day. When the teeth first come in, clean them by rubbing them gently with a clean wet washcloth. When the teeth are bigger, use a child’s toothbrush. Limit the use of pacifiers. They can worsen oral health and affect how teeth grow in. Don’t let a baby go to sleep with a bottle. This can leave milk or juice sitting on the teeth and cause cavities known as “baby-bottle tooth decay.”

Teach your children how to brush their teeth properly and the importance of keeping their teeth clean. Children should brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss their at least once a day. Brush the tongue, too. The American Dental Association recommends that children see their dentist starting at 1 year of age. Children should see the dentist every 6 months for regular check-ups and cleaning. Continued oral care is important as your children become teens. They now have adult (permanent) teeth. Maintaining good mouth and tooth care as an adult can help you avoid tooth loss, painful gums or other problems. Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. When you brush, don’t rush. Take about two minutes to do a thorough job. Don’t forget to clean your tongue, which harbors bacteria. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth comfortably. Consider using a battery-operated toothbrush, which reduce plaque and a mild form of gum disease (gingivitis) more than does manual brushing. Remember to brush the outside, inside and chewing surfaces of your teeth. Invest in a new toothbrush or a replacement head for your battery-operated toothbrush every three months. You can’t reach the bacteria in the tight spaces between your teeth and under the gum line with a toothbrush. That’s why daily flossing is important. Guide the floss between your teeth using a rubbing action. When the floss reaches your gum line, curve it against one tooth, making a c shape. Use the floss to gently rub the side of the tooth in an up-anddown motion. If you find it hard to handle floss, use an interdental cleaner – such as a dental pick, pre-threaded flosser, tiny brushes that reach between teeth or a water flosser. As long as you do a thorough job, it doesn’t matter if you bush or floss first. In addition to daily brushing and flossing consider using mouthwash to promote oral health. Adults should see the dentist every 6 months for regular check-ups and cleanings. Tell the dentist about any medical conditions you have and medications you take. Do not use tobacco products, such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff, pipes or cigars. They can stain teeth, give bad breath and cause cancer. Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are relatively new, and scientist are still learning about their long-term health effects. However, it is known e-cigarette vapor contains cancercausing chemicals. Be careful what you eat and drink. Unsurprisingly, sugary foods are villainous to your teeth, put sticky candies are particularly harmful. Other foods like soft starches that get trapped between teeth should be avoided in excess. This includes food like potato chips or soft bread. And soda, which is both loaded with sugar and has phosphoric and citric acids, likes to wear down your teeth. Choosing the right dental insurance plan can be intimidating, but it’s not difficult – so long as you’ve done your homework. Take time to evaluate your dental needs, budget and anticipated level of care. There are resources available for low-cost dental care. Universities with dental schools have clinics where students get experience treating patients at a reduced cost. Qualified dentists supervise the students. Call your county or state health department to find dental clinical near you that charge based on your income. Taking care of your teeth and mouth isn’t complicated, but it does take discipline. The great news is the rewards of healthy teeth are lifelong.

Betty Thomas, RN

WELCOMES DONATIONS OF ANY SIZE Please make checks payable to

Second Baptist Church Second Baptist Church Diakona Nadine Harris John P. Harris, Sr. Lady Betty G. Dillard

Mother Deloris Bridges Sherry Joiner Marcus & Ferrari Green Elder Robert Craig Dr. John & Apryl Harris Diakona Larry & Debra Hayes Ophelia M. Harris

Diakona Carrie Walker Mother Mary Bourne Pastor James & Brenda Walker Diakona Mother Melva Hill Diakona Lonnie & Josephine Stokes

Donations can be dropped off at the SBC Bookstore.

Christmas Everlasting Lucy gets the best Christmas news ever when she learns she's made partner at her law firm. However, when her sister with special needs, Alice, passes away, Lucy must return home to learn the terms of her sister's eccentric will. Starring Tatyana Ali, Dondré T. Whitfield, Dennis Haysbert, and Patti LaBelle. Approx. 82 minutes.

The Art of Being a Good Neighbor The Art of Loving Your Neighbor September 28, 2021

by Suzanne Gosselin

Living in modern times, we can drive miles from home to participate in activities, connect with friends and attend church. The concept of an actual physical neighbor has been displaced.

I haven’t been a good neighbor. Let me explain. I abide by our neighborhood covenants. I say “hello” when I pass a neighbor while walking to get the mail. I even occasionally take in the neighbor’s trash can along with my own. I suppose I am a model neighbor, but that doesn’t make me a good one. Near the start of Summer, a new family moved in across the street. J.P., the mom, is around my age, and we were both born in Columbus, Ohio. J.P. is an extrovert and loves spending time in her front yard chatting with neighbors. She knows the name of everyone in the neighborhood, including significant others who come and go. She loves Jesus and has already had me over three times for homemade sodas on her back patio. I don’t think I realized what a mediocre neighbor I was until I met J.P. Clearly, she has the gift of hospitality and is more extroverted than I. However, her simple kindnesses to those around her revealed to me how little effort I have been making. Who is my neighbor? If you’ve been around Christianity for any length of time, you have probably heard the saying, “Love your neighbor.” You have probably also heard the story of a lawyer asking Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” Scripture says the man wanted to justify himself. Jesus went on to tell the story of the Good Samaritan, illuminating that everyone — including our enemies and those who are different from us — is our neighbor. We are called to love all people. Here’s the rub. Living in modern times, we can drive miles away from home to participate in activities, connect with friends and attend church. The concept of an actual physical neighbor has been displaced. I may think, I’m loving my neighbor because I’m showing love to those I encounter “out there.” But what about my actual neighbor? Do I drive my car into the garage, shut the door without giving my physical neighbors a second thought?

Alan Briggs stated this well in his article, “The Mission Field Next Door:” There are cracks right here in the places we live among the people we see every day. After putting on missionary lenses, I noticed the crack of disconnection spidering through my neighborhood. Next-doorneighbors who were once close had grown apart. Front porches were empty. I began to think, What if that friendly neighbor is actually dying of loneliness? What if that mom walking her child to school is going through a divorce? Once we identify cracks, God invites us to start filling them with the redemptive mortar of the Gospel. We all see massive cracks in this broken world, but the place where we already live is the most obvious place to make an impact. As followers of Jesus, we need to learn how to not just occupy places, but to become faithfully present in them.

How can we be faithfully present in our neighborhoods? Here are three ideas: Make time. My biggest hurdle to loving my neighbors is a full (and often too-full) schedule. However, I can choose to intentionally spend time in my driveway or walking around my neighborhood each week. The times I have done this, my visible presence often leads to spontaneous interactions with those who share my street. Learn names. J.P.’s initiative in learning her neighbors’ names (and having their phone numbers!) is inspiring. This makes people in the neighborhood feel seen and known, which was obvious in how they meandered over for a friendly chat. When I think about what Jesus would do if He lived in my neighborhood, I believe He would notice the people who live there. He would know their names (obviously!). And He would seek to meet their needs — a few of those being loneliness and a need for connection.

Initiate conversations. I recently heard a man at my church share that after many years, he had never gotten to know his mailman. One day they randomly struck up a conversation. A few conversations later they were discussing their faith backgrounds and the man was able to share the Gospel. To be good neighbors, we must talk to those who live nearby. We need to ask them questions and listen to their answers.

Connecting at the Cross A few days ago, J.P. texted me after dinner and told me to come out front if I could. She, her husband and two daughters were using masking tape and chalk to create a large stained-glass cross on their driveway. For close to an hour, I knelt beside the Cross filling in the colorful sections and talking to my neighbors. The single mom who lives next door came out and chatted with us for a few minutes. A few minutes later, her daughter and her daughter’s boyfriend came out and lingered for a bit.

And the neighbors across the street waved and said hello before climbing into their car. J.P. invited everyone to join us and sign his or her name by the Cross. When the project was completed the following day, J.P. signed off with Joshua 24:15, “But as for me and my house, we will serve he Lord.” Part of serving God where you live, is the act, and art, of loving your neighbors. I’m thankful God brought J.P. into my life to show me how it’s done. \\ “Originally published in Boundless.org”

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Matthew 25:34:-36

any people have complex relationships with their pastors because faith, church and God involve a mix of emotions. We have particular ideas about church practices, congregational priorities, the minister’s use of time, money, authority and more.

But most pastors are deeply devoted to Christ and believe that God has called them to serve in a certain place. They have the best of intentions and work hard to share the good news of the gospel. So in honor of Pastor Appreciation Month in October, consider the following: God doesn't call the qualified; he qualifies the called. Your pastor may need time to learn and develop certain skills. (Everyone does!) Bless pastors with your patience. We don't change the message; the message changes us. You probably won’t like all your pastor’s sermons or newsletter columns. But instead of complaining, ponder that something may rub you the wrong way because God is trying to change you. Keep an open mind and heart. If a church wants a “better” pastor, it just needs to pray for the one it has. Pray often and caringly for your pastors, church leaders and their families. The role is challenging, so support them spiritually and ask God to reveal his love and grace to these special servants.

Mixed Signals

A newcomer approached the pastor after worship and said, “I’d like you to pray for my hearing.” Placing hands on the man’s ears, the pastor said a very passionate, earnest prayer and then asked the visitor, “How’s your hearing now?” With a confused look, the man said, “Well, it’s scheduled for tomorrow.”

Grace — what a gift!

ne way Satan attacks Christians is by reminding us of our sins, both of commission (wrongdoing) and omission (neglecting to do right). And one way we can fight back is by remembering our baptism. The reformer Martin Luther recommended pondering that sacrament daily, whenever we wash our face, because “in baptism sins are drowned.” Getting dressed can serve as another frequent reminder, Luther says, because baptism is the “daily garment … the Christian is to wear all the time.” He writes, “Christ instituted holy baptism … to clothe you with his righteousness. It is tantamount to his saying, ‘My righteousness shall be your righteousness; my innocence, your innocence. Your sins indeed are great, but by baptism I bestow on you my righteousness; I strip death from you and clothe you with my life.’”

race strikes us when we are in great pain and restlessness. It strikes us when we walk through the dark valley of a meaningless and empty life. It strikes us when our disgust for our own being, our indifference, our weakness, our hostility, and our lack of direction and composure have become intolerable to us. It strikes us when, year after year, the longed-for perfection of life does not appear, when the old compulsions reign within us as they have for decades, when despair destroys all joy and courage. Sometimes at that moment a wave of light breaks into our darkness, and it is as though a voice were saying: “You are accepted.” —Paul Tillich

Mixed Signals

Time to Hit Delete?

If we really have too much to do, there are some items on the agenda that God did not put there. Let us submit the list to him and ask him to indicate which items we must delete. There is always time to do the will of God. If we are too busy to do that, we are too busy. —Elisabeth Eliot

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34% of teenagers don’t share the same beliefs as their parents, but their parents don’t know.

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1 IMPLODED 2 HOLY SMOKE! by Indie Tribe., nobigdyl. & Jon Keith 5.4K

3 CLEAR by Indie Tribe., DJ Mykael V & Jon Keith (Ft. Mogli the Iceburg & nobigdyl.) Lyrics 4 TOPDOWN by Indie Tribe., nobigdyl. & DJ Mykael V (Ft. Jon Keith & Mogli the Iceburg) 5 CIRCLE OF TRUST 6 OUTSIDE by nobigdyl., Mogli the Iceburg, Indie Tribe. Lyrics

7 24K by Indie Tribe., Jon Keith & Mogli the Iceburg Lyrics 8 POPFUNKO by Indie Tribe., nobigdyl. & Jon Keith (Ft. DJ Mykael V) Lyrics 9 SALTWATER by nobigdyl., Mogli the Iceburg, Indie Tribe. (Ft. Jon Keith) Lyrics 10 FOREVER 11 TRIBAL COUNCIL by Indie Tribe., nobigdyl. & Jon Keith (Ft. DJ Mykael V & Mogli the Iceburg) Lyrics

hristian hip-hop collective indie tribe is bouncing back. After losing video equipment in a robbery and having previous members leave the group, the progressive and melodic tribe is on the move with two new artists. Now comprised of four members, nobigdyl, Mogli The Iceburg, Jon Keith and DJ Mykael V, the diversified tribe comes in full-force on their newest album, “U P P E R H A N D.”

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1 cup butter, softened 3 cups sugar 6 large eggs, room temperature 3 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup sour cream 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Confectioners' sugar, optional

SOUR CREAM POUND CAKE

- Directions

1. In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-

7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream and vanilla. Beat on low just until blended. Pour into a greased and floured 10-in. fluted tube pan.

2. Bake at 325° for 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours or until a toothpick

comes out clean. Cool in pan 15 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar if desired.

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“Take care that you do not forget the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 8:11

y Grandmother use to say, “ Don’t sit so high on the hog where you forget where you came from or who brought you this far,” and I would look at her like, “Grandma what are you talking about?” Through the years, and as I got older in life, I got it. Basically what she was saying was, “God Is…. period, and don’t out grow Whose you are by thinking and acting like you can do it and you got here all by yourself.” The most basic or simple needs in your life were met by the Grace of God, when you could do nothing on your behalf but pray. Sometimes I sit back and just look and listen to people boast and think every achievement they have made is because how great they are. God is always working behind the scenes on your behalf and a simple “ Thank You Lord” will carry you through.

Buttafly Burke

For Love of Animals St. Francis of Assisi, known for his affection for animals, is honored on October 4. Some congregations observe this day by blessing pets, remembering that God pronounced animals — along with all creation — good. God saved not only Noah’s family but animals of all kinds from the Flood. And despite Jonah’s protests, God had compassion on Nineveh — “and its many animals” (Jonah 4:11). How intriguing that the prophet adds this point! Care for all living creatures is clearly part of the divine character. Animals don’t do anything to earn God’s favor except be themselves. From this, we can learn that God pours out love unconditionally. As Psalm 36:6 (CEV) declares, “All people and animals are under your care.” At this time I remember our 135 pound Rott, Jazz who passed last month on September 21. She was 10 years old and always protected us. Jazz spent a lot of energy running around the pool to rescue us when we would swim during the summer; she was convinced in her “dog mind” that we were drowning. So long Jazz, we miss you, but, are glad you are no longer in pain.

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