2
92nd Issue * Version 3 December, 2016 Second Baptist Church, Inc.
S
Evangelical Orthodox Communion Bishop Wm. La Rue Dillard, PhD 925 So. Shamrock Monrovia, CA 91016
Mission Statement econd’s Gazette serves as a monthly newsletter to inform the congregants of valuable information happening on the campus of Second Baptist Church and in the community, as well as spotlight individuals and events that edify our parish church, but most importantly; glorifies the name of Jesus
Isaiah 9:6 6
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Nadine O. Harris, Founder/Chief Editor Ferrari Y. Green, Production & Design Precious Flemings, Writing Editor Sherry Joiner, Operations & Distribution Contributing Consultants: Eric Johnson Jessie Anderson Peggy LaBon Photographers: Robert Anderson Robert Hamilton Rasheedah Ruffin Adele Davis Children’s Church Staff: Jaylyn A. Harris
Second’s Gazette is published
and distributed monthly, every First Sunday, to provide parishioners with information about our Church, the Community, Page 1 and the World. Contact us at: Secondsnewsletter@gmail.com
Second’s Gazette
……………….…...……..……………….Cover 2 ………………….……Cover Story / SG Staff 3 ………………...…………….Bishop’s Epistle 4 / 5 ...………………………….…Prayer / Footprints 6 / 9……………………...……………………....UWFG 10/11……………….…….. Thanksgiving Food Drive 12/ 13…………….....Spirit Buzz /Community News 14 /15…………………………………...…….. ADVENT 16 /17…………………………….……Birthdays/Event 18/ 19 ………………………………..... Health / Blast 20/21…….………………...Articles/Announcements 22/23 …………………….……………….....Kid’s Zone 24 ……………………………….Church Information
3
CHRISTMAS IS A HOLY DAY, NOT A HOLIDAY! (Matthew 1:17-4-17)
Sons and Daughters of My Flock, Grace to you!
M
y desire for you has always been to see you grow in the Word of the Lord that He may be pleased with you. This celebrated Holy Day, Christmas, ought to be a day of joyful praise unto God from all of us because of who He is and who we are in Him. Christmas prophecy was fulfilled 2,019 years ago on this date that we celebrate as the day Jesus was born in Bethlehem Judah. It stimulates our minds and hearts because of what he means to Christianity. In the first section of Matthew’s gospel He employs the number seven. For example, there are seven creation days, Joshua and his men marched around Jericho seven times; and the book of Revelation features seven letters written by Jesus to seven churches, as well as seven seals, seven bowls, and seven trumpets. Seven is often referred to as a “perfect number.” Even the infamous number 666 is alluding to the fact that it is not 777. Matthew employs the number seven in the first section of his gospel (Matthew 1:17-4:17). As he describes the birth of Jesus and the period before Jesus begins to preach in A.D. 27, he cites seven Old Testaments; the child Jesus is born of a virgin (Matthew 1:22-23); His birth in the city of Bethlehem (Matthew 2: 5-6); the flight to Egypt and the consequent return (Matthew 2:15); the slaughter of the innocent in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1718; the home-base of Nazareth (Matthew 2:23); the ministry of the forerunner, John the Baptist (Matthew 3:1-3); and the start of Jesus’ ministry in A.D. 27. Thus, I declare, that from eternity, the Lord has loved His people. Christmas is the visible demonstration of it; Calvary, the cost of it; the Resurrection and the Ascension, the triumph and effectiveness of it. No wonder then that creatures surrounding the throne in heaven exclaim and our choir sing about it: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” Now, “Let the redeemed of the Lord says so!” Amen. Until He Comes, I Am Serving Christ Joyfully,
Bishop Dr. Wm. La Rue Dillard Parish Under-Shepherd
4
A—Robert and Jessie Anderson B—Dennis and JoAnne Craig Betty Brown, Arlethia Craig
For Information and Visitation for the Diakonos Ministry of Second Baptist Church
T
he Diakonos Ministry of Second Baptist Church is available to parishioners to help Bishop Dillard with members concerns and needs. Feel free to contact your representative THANKbelow. YOU, LORD,
for the gift of Your love. May I be a shining The Diakonos are assigned alphaexample of that loveWe to are betically by last name. availableothers. to “Pray with You”, “Consult with You”, and Amen. “Assist You” in any way we can to help you in your Christian walk.
Second’s Gazette
C—A G Harrison, Shirley Robinson D—James and James Ella Harvey E-F—Ron and LaVonne Husband Adrienne Hurst G—Minnie Manning, Valeria Burwell H— Thelma Jones, Tamara Collins I-J—Ellis and Thelma Johnson K-L-N-O-T—Lonnie and Josephine Stokes, Terrence Williams
M—Chuck and Martha Williams Melva Hill P-Q—Carrie Walker R-S—Larry and Renee Willis UVWXYZ—Robert Hamilton, Ron Demps
5
M
erry Christmas! To Bishop Dillard, Mrs. Betty, and to all of SBC Monrovia family and friends, I pray this will be a joyous season for you!
Wee, another Christmas season is upon us, as well as another year ending! Thank you Lord for coming into this world as a man, and showing man how to be Christ-like. We need you now more than ever before! When we focus on the “good” that still exists in this world and keep our minds stayed on Him, He will give us peace. (Paraphrase Isaiah 26:2 & Philippians 4:7). So, again, Merry Christmas everyone! The Lord has come! He is here with us now, and He knows all of our sorrows. For this season, let’s show each other and the world how to behave during an awkward political season. Let’s continue to be about the Lord’s business, remembering that the book of Revelations was written for a reason. There are still people who need to know Jesus Christ is REAL! There are still people who are hungry, homeless, mourning, hospitalized, and in general need of things we take for granted daily. So share what you can, however the Lord leads you. Let’s have a very Merry Christmas, Love you with Agape love! Peggy LaBon
5
5
66
Second’s Gazette
7
18
8
Second’s Gazette
9
10
Second’s Gazette
12
Once again it time for me to figure out something to have my children go to school with that not only represents Christmas, but the opportunity to display the Faith we prac-
Grammy Awardnominated singer, songwriter Kenny Lattimorecelebrates the most wonderful time of the year with the release of his first Christmas album, “A Kenny Lattimore Christmas.”
S
hirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm (November 30, 1924 – January 1, 2005) was an American politician, educator, and author. In 1968, she became the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress,and she represented New York's 12th Congressional Districtfor seven terms from 1969 to 1983. In 1972, she became the first black candidate for a major party's nomination for President of the United States, and the first woman to run for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination. In 2015, Chisholm was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Second’s Gazette
A Picture: Family or Biblical Setting
Small Candy Cane
And The Following Poem or Variation
This candy cane turned upside down, is the letter J. To remind us of that Jesus was born on Christmas Day!
11
T
he Pasadena Ice Skating Center offers public skating sessions open to the general public with convenient times throughout the week. Public Skating is a leisurely skating program open to anyone of any age and skill level. For your safety and enjoyment each public skating sessions is supervised by an "onice" staff member. Individual Admission Admission - All Ages $ 10.00 Skate Rental $ 4.00 Cheap Skate $10.00 Includes admission and skate
F
or the fourth year, Grand Park + The Music Cen-
ter’s N.Y.E.L.A. will be the go-to central gathering place in Los Angeles where Angelenos from all over the County ring in the New Year. This unique civic event, which has been recognized alongside major New Year’s Eve celebrations around the world, brings Angelenos and their family and friends together around the common purpose of looking forward to the future. Grand Park + The Music Center’s N.Y.E. LA will include music, dancing, large-scale art installations and a unique only-in-Los Angeles New Year’s countdown, featuring 3-D digital video mapping on the side of the iconic City Hall with an integrated light show. 210 W Temple St ., Los Angeles 12/31/2016 to 01/01/2017
14
Second’s Gazette Welcomes donations of any size. Please make checks payable to
Second Baptist Church
SUPPORTERS Second Baptist Church Nadine O. Harris Eleanor Harrison Mother Berdie Pulliam Mother Deloris K. Bridges Ferrari Green Dr. Precious Flemings Lady Betty G. Dillard Mother Mae Lean Buckley Melva Hill Emelbra LeBlanc Redd Barbara Jean Grant Shirley Towler –Hayes Elder Robert Craig Cameron & J.P. Dixon Dr. J.P. & Apryl Harris Geneva Ward-Douglas Larry & Debra Hayes Christine Mathis Marva E. Hogan Ophelia M. Harris Barbara M. Harris
There is room for you too, Donate! Today!
It was written thousands of ye our daily b
be
And iIt was written thousands of years ago, He would bruise the serpents head, The Seed of a woman would eventually be our daily bread, And in time many things would point to His arrival, Lamb without blemish, sacrifice for soul survival, A virgin shall conceive and bear a son and you shall call His name Immanuel, Unto us a child is born, a son would be given to save us all from hell, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace, A baby leaps in the belly of a cousin of the virgin, That would give birth to the King, Crying in the wilderness “prepare the way for His coming,” The Lord, Prophet, Savior, King, is coming in His Glory, Born to die for all our sins, God’s relationship restoring, Was the Word, Word with God, the Word was God, is God, The light of every human being, The Creator of everything, Just the vision of the child brought wise men from the east, Just to see this wonder of the Prophecy of peace, We must not ignore that God’s own son was born, Our sins were forgiven by the Christ who was born, Out of time into this world, acquainted with our lives, Let’s celebrate the birth of the only begotten Son of God that would die, Be buried, raise, and ascend on high, So we can live forever with God.
By Eric M Johnson Second’s Gazette
13
How many wise men followed a star to Bethlehem to worship Jesus? A. two B. three C. four D. We don’t know because the Bible doesn’t say. Answer: D (See Matthew 2:1-12.)
ADVENT TRADITIONS
“T
he way you celebrate Christmas can be a gift in itself,” said Fred Rogers, “handing on traditions that will give your child a feeling of continuity, comfort and joy in all the Christmases to come.” In American homes, common Advent traditions include wreaths, calendars and logs. Did you know about these European traditions? • In Normandy, children used to set fires in fields during Advent. The flames killed caterpillar eggs and drove away rodents. The tradition reflected good conquering evil, just as God’s perfect Son rescues us from sin. • On December 13, Scandinavian countries honor Saint Lucy (or Lucia), a third-century martyr who, according to legend, brought food to people in the catacombs during winter. For light — and to be able to carry as much food as possible — she wore a wreath of candles on her head. On St. Lucy’s Day, the oldest daughter gets up early and brings sweet rolls to family members. The tradition reminds Christians that Jesus is a gift of light and love for our dark world.
MONTH OF DECEMBER
16 16
Happy Birthday to 12/01 12/08 12/10 12/12 12/13 12/17 12/18 12/20 12/21 12/22 12/23
Willie Cross & Shana Jackson Raevon Cross Brenda Walker Ruby Sims Jenniah P. Dixon, Jessie Anderson & Jayden TK Dorby Carrie Walker & June Johnson Marilyn Croft Elouise David Charlie Williams Lametra Spicer Jeffrey Partridge 12/25
Jesus Christ
Second Baptist Sick and Shut-ins Arcadia
Bernice Holefield
Arziona:
Frankie Platt
Corona:
Jacqueline Huezo
Diamond Bar:
Diakona James Harvey
Duarte:
Grace Jordon Greer Mency
Fontana:
John Harris, Sr. Diakona Aralethia Craig Elder Robert Craig
Henderson, NV: Monrovia:
Mother Mae lean Buckley Lucile Mc Lendon Brother Earl K. Dumas George White Ursula Martin
Laverne: Los Angeles:
12/27 Danyelle Rucker Lonnita Wilson Events for the Month of December
Jesus is the reason for the season
Annual Christmas
Saturday 3th
BLL/UWFG & Diakonas Ministry
Sunday 4th
Gathering 9am—12 noon. The Lord Supper Celebration 4:45PM. All are Cordially invited. Last one for the 2016 year.
Sunday 11th
Angel Tree
Christmas Party 1:30-3PM
Thursday 15th Board of Trustees meeting 3:30 PM Saturday 17th Ministry of Children Christmas Party/Play introducing a
A New Star’
new play entitled ‘ a unique telling of the Christ birth. At 1PM in the Fannie Goodwin Building. Tuesday 20th MOM Christmas Care Packages Operation 12 noon Saturday 31st Special Announcement
When youngsters turn 13years of age, they must attend Teen Discovery Class in the upstairs Computer Room of the Fannie M. Goodwin Building.
Annual New Year’s Eve Worship 9:30pm—Midnight. bring in the New Year with Worship
Special Announcements:
SBC Livestreams at https://new.livestream.com/accounts/10332936 Pay tithes at www.secondbaptistmonrovia.org/tithes-offering.htm
Second’s Gazette
17
18 18
December, the Last Month of the Year, Praise God!
D
ecember, it's the last month of the year! Praise God for bringing us to this point! How did you start the year? Did you consider changing some of your habits to ensure a healthier year?
During the month of December, we can review goals that were set earlier in the year and assess how successful we were at accomplishing them! And if we have failed to reach our goal, don't fret - there is no better time to start than today. Remember to have a healthy life, you must live healthy. Many factors can affect our health. Some we cannot control, such as our genetic makeup or our age. But we can make changes to our lifestyle. By taking steps toward healthy living, we can help reduce our risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke and other serious diseases. Things we can do:
Get the screening tests we need
Maintain a healthy weight
Eat a variety of healthy foods, and limit calories and saturated fat
Be physically active
Control our blood pressure and cholesterol
Don't smoke
Protect ourselves from too much sun Drink alcohol in moderation, or don't drink at all Live Life Healthy Jessie M Anderson, RN BSN
https://medlineplus.gov/healthyliving.html
Second’s Gazette
19
Christmas Quotes from Famous People, the Reason for the Season !!!
“I
t is impossible to conceive how different things would have turned out if that birth had not happened whenever, wherever, however it did … for millions of people who have lived since, the birth of Jesus made possible not just a new way of understanding life but a new way of living it. It is a truth that, for twenty centuries, there have been untold numbers of men and women who, in untold numbers of ways, have been so grasped by the child who was born, so caught up in the message he taught and the life he lived, that they have found themselves profoundly changed by their relationship with him.” ~Frederick Buechner “Good news from heaven the angels bring, Glad tidings to the earth they sing: To us this day a child is given, To crown us with the joy of heaven.” ~ Martin Luther “He was created of a mother whom He created. He was carried by hands that He formed. He cried in the manger in wordless infancy. He, the Word, without whom all human eloquence is mute.” ~Augustine “To the American People: Christmas is not a time or a season but a state of mind. To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. If we think on these things, there will be born in us a Savior and over us will shine a star sending its gleam of hope to the world.” ~Calvin Coolidge “How many observe Christ’s birthday! How few, His precepts!” ~Benjamin Franklin “Mankind is a great, an immense family… This is proved by what we feel in our hearts at Christmas.” ~Pope John Paul XXIII “Christmas can be celebrated in the school room with pine trees, tinsel and reindeers, but there must be no mention of the man whose birthday is being celebrated. One wonders how a teacher would answer if a student asked why it was called Christmas.” ~Ronald Reagan “Christmas is a day of meaning and traditions, a special day spent in the warm circle of family and friends.” ~Margaret Thatcher “Christmas is based on an exchange of gifts, the gift of God to man – His unspeakable gift of His Son, and the gift of man to God – when we present our bodies a living sacrifice.” ~Vance Havner “There is no connection between the worship of idols and the use of Christmas trees. We should not be anxious about baseless arguments against Christmas decorations. Rather, we should be focused on the Christ of Christmas and giving all diligence to remembering the real reason for the season.” ~ John MacArthur “The Almighty appeared on earth as a helpless human baby, needing to be fed and changed and taught to talk like any other child. The more you think about it, the more staggering it gets. Nothing in fiction is so fantastic as this truth of the Incarnation.” ~J.I. Packer “Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” ~Norman Vincent Peale
Merry Christmas from Dr. Precious!
20
Precious’ Movie Pick of the Month Christmas Grace
I
T
his movie is about God being at work in the lives of two men, and how God's grace and providence worked out in ways no one could imagine. Christmas Grace tells the story of two toy store owners who become rivals in the business. Gary runs an honest business and has a good relationship with his customers. But just before Christmas, a ruthless businessman by the name of Jim opens up a new toy store across the street from Gary’s store. The new businessman will stop at nothing to make a sale and grow his business. Jim wants to eliminate the competition who happens to be Gary. You have to watch to see how God intervenes in this movie, and in real life situations even today. Great Movie for the entire family! By it for $5.00 at: Family Christian Movies.com. Item #1546427
The Difference A SET for LIFE Workshop Makes Eric Johnson’s Review
have to admit that when I walked into the classroom where the workshop was held at Second Baptist Church, I was surprised, because the room was full of my brothers in Christ. The workshop class was on information needed to sustain the health and prosperity of our African American men, information about prostate cancer. Typically it is a sore subject for men, and one to be avoided. “Let’s not go there!” “I’ll get it checked soon, I promise.” Sore in the since that we, as men of color don’t like going to the doctor. We are strong; we are active, in shape. We take care of ourselves. But what we need to remember is this; getting checked out is actually the best way to show we are taking care of ourselves. The reason we are at the highest risk among all ethnicities is because we are the least available to medical care. Why? Is it the innate fear stemming from centuries of abuse at the hands of the oppressor? Perhaps! But the uninformed operate in fear and that type of oppression is in the past. Special gratitude goes to Dr. Roosevelt Anderson, a Jamaican born of African descent, who was the source of our enlightenment. We looked on with curiosity and expectation that maybe there is hope for the African American male to be more than the leading statistic; the leading death toll! A head count of the room was great to see that the 20 men who attended the workshop found out the exact function of such a vital male organ, one that cannot be transplanted, and if removed along with the nerves, can be detrimental. Thanks to Set-for-Life for giving the men of Second Baptist Church the opportunity to be informed and equipped with enough knowledge to know that we must eat right, exercise, and visit our doctors on a regular basis. May we as men of color, African American men, be motivated by God to do His will by living for Him and taking better care of ourselves. Second’s Gazette
21
22
Second’s Gazette
‘New Star’ Christmas Production coming……… December 17 th at 1:00 PM Fannie Mae Goodwin Bldg. on the campus of SBC Presented by: SBC Ministry to Children SBC Children during rehearsals:
24 Sundays LIVE at 10:45 AM
Merry Christmas from The Staff of Second’s Gazette!
Call 626-358-2136 or 359-7188 Fax 626-357-2477 –Email: secondsnewsletter@gmail.com / sbcmon@aol.com / Visit us at: www.Secondbaptistmonrovia.org See us: SBC LiveStream https://new.livestream.com/accounts/10332936 Second’s Gazette