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105th Issue * Version 5 Monrovia, CA 91016
Second Baptist Church, Inc. Evangelical Orthodox Communion Bishop Wm. La Rue Dillard, PhD 925 So. Shamrock Monrovia, CA 91016
Nadine O. Harris, MBA, Founder/Chief Editor Ferrari Y. Green, Production & Design Precious Flemings, Writing Editor Sherry Joiner, Operations & Distribution Vera Frazier, Operations
Contributing Consultants: Peggy LaBon / Eric Johnson Jessie Anderson / Vera Reeves / James Ella Harvey Betty Thomas / Anita J. McCulloch/ Felicia Dickson
Photographers: Robert Anderson Adele Davis Robert Hamilton Rasheedah Ruffin
Children’s Church Staff: Jaylyn A. Harris
Second’s Gazette is published and
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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 Christ.
Dear Church Family,
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hristmas is a reminder of the awe-inspiring, world-changing, life-altering gift that is Jesus; but we are also reminded of our need for this Jesus to heal us in our brokenness. That is indeed why He came, wasn’t it? To bring peace between God and man. This is why the angels declared triumphantly“ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace , goodwill toward men. Luke 2:14 NKJV. What an exciting year it has been for our family, my husband John’s health revival, the birth of another grandchild, Joelle, by God’s grace I retired and Second’s Gazette published its 100th issue in July and continues to share the news at SBC. Every step of the way God has been good.
distributed monthly, every First Sunday, to provide parishioners with information about our church, the community, and the world.
Please continue to pray for my family and the staff of Second’s Gazette.
We welcome your comments. Contact us at Secondsnewsletter@gmail.com
May you be filled with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the magi, and the peace of the Christ Child.
T h e
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Second Baptist Church Schedule of Worship Services Sunday Morning Services 10:45 AM Sunday Church School, Baptism and New Member’s Orientation Classes from 9:45 AM—10:30 AM ————————————————— Ordinance of the Lord’s Supper Celebration is served every First Sunday after the 10:45 AM Worship Service and at 4:45 PM in the Sanctuary ————————————————Mid-Week Bible Study and Prayer Services Bible Study, Prayer, Praise, and Testimonies at 10:45AM & 6:45 PM On Wednesdays Except Holidays
Second’s Gazette
I want to close with a benediction I read recently:
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all, God
bless you now and forever.
Diakona Nadine O. Harris, MBA SBC Trustee
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CHRISTMAS IS A HOLY DAY, NOT A HOLIDAY! (Matthew 1:17-4-17) Sons and Daughters of My Flock, Grace to you!
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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 2,020 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 2:17-18; 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 say so!” Amen. Until He Comes, I Am Serving Christ Joyfully, Bishop Dr. Wm. La Rue Dillard Parish Under-Shepherd
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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 below. The Diakonos are assigned alphabetically by last name. We are available to “Pray with You”, “Consult with You”, and “Assist You” in any way we can to help you in your Christian walk.
A—Robert and Jessie Anderson B—Dennis and JoAnne Craig Betty Brown, Rodney Bough C—A. G. Harrison, Shirley Robinson Larry and Deborah Hayes D—James and James Ella Harvey Venda Hawkins
H— Thelma Jones, George and Tamara Lewis I-J—Ellis and Thelma Johnson Eva McLaurin, Walter McDonald K-L-N-O-T—Lonnie and Josephine Stokes, Terrence Williams M—Chuck and Martha Williams Melva Hill
E-F—Ron and LaVonne Husband Adrienne Hurst
P-Q—Carrie Walker, Nadine Harris
G—Minnie Manning, Valeria Burwell
R-S—Larry Willis, Oscar Woodard
Ellen Clark, Eric Johnson
UVWXYZ—Robert Hamilton, Ron Demps, Michael Dickson
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Features
Every Month 2 4 5 8,9, 17
EXTRAS 6 7 10, 11 12, 13 14, 15 16 18 20, 21 22, 23 24, 25 26, 27
The Bishop’s Epistle
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Editor’s Comments Diakonos Praying with You Contents Blast from The Past/Footprints/Birthdays
Celebrations-Joelle’s Dedication Health Care Community News Movies / Angel Tree Brotherhood Laymen’s League Health Right Hand of fellowship UWFG Annual Conference Thanksgiving Food Drive Christmas Stories / Missions
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overed California’s fifth open enrollment period began on November 1, 2017 and will conclude on January 31, 2018. It is important for the public to know that California’s open enrollment period will last longer than the national enrollment period. Families and individuals should also know that if they want their coverage to start on January 1, 2018, they will need to enroll by December 15, 2017. During recent Covered California open enrollment periods, a significant number of people who purchased a Covered California plan qualified for financial assistance to help pay their premiums. ChapCare’s Certified Enrollment Counselors will help answer health insurance questions and assist members of the community to enroll in a low or no-cost health insurance plan, including a Covered California plan, and Medi-Cal or the Los Angeles County My Health LA (MHLA) Program for those who do not qualify for a Covered California plan. “Having low or no-cost health insurance is the first stop on the path to better health,” said Margaret B. Martinez, MPH, ChapCare’s CEO. “Individuals with health insurance can access free preventive screenings, and an annual wellness exam, among other benefits they previously were not able to access.” ChapCare offers health insurance screening and enrollment services at three locations: Lime Health Center - 513 E. Lime Avenue, Suite 102, Monrovia, CA 91016, Monday and Friday, from 8am – 5pm, (626) 486-9729 Del Mar Health Center – 3160 E. Del Mar Boulevard, Suite 100, Pasadena, CA 91107, Tuesday from 8am – 5pm, (626) 486-9729 El Monte Enrollment Shop – 11635 Valley Boulevard, Suite D, El Monte, CA 91732, Monday – Friday from 10am – 7pm and Saturday 10am – 2pm. Saturday hours begin November 5, 2016, (626) 486-9696 To enroll in a health insurance plan, people need to bring the following: • • • • Cards) •
Identification (Driver’s license, state ID, passport) Proof of California Residency (CA driver’s license/ID, utility bill) Proof of current income (recent paystubs, last year’s tax return, etc) Proof of Legal Residency (Social Security Card, Naturalization Certificate, Employment Authorization Card, Residency Know birthdates and home zip code
ChapCare prefers appointments, but accepts walk-ins at all enrollment locations. People who already have health insurance through Medi-Cal, Medicare, Covered California, or My Health LA can schedule an appointment for primary healthcare services at one of ChapCare’s eight health center locations by calling (626) 398-6300.
About ChapCare ChapCare was founded in 1995 by a group of community residents, city officials, and health care agencies to establish primary healthcare services for low-income, uninsured residents in the Pasadena area. ChapCare began providing medical services in 1998 and dental services in 2001. Today, ChapCare is a network of HRSA-funded community health centers, with a mission is to provide excellent, comprehensive, and innovative health care that is accessible to all residents of the San Gabriel Valley. ChapCare operates 4 health centers in Pasadena, 1 health center in Monrovia, and 3 health centers in El Monte/South El Monte. ChapCare provides 64,000 primary healthcare visits annually to 15,000 patients. The organization has been recognized by Covered California as one of the leading enrollment entities in California, and is currently funded to provide enrollment services through Covered California’s Navigator grant program. For more information on ChapCare and its services please visit www.chapcare.org or contact League member Emily Stork at estork@chapcare.org.
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The Father in the Son
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group of alumni gathered together for their 50th-year class reunion. After dinner, the master of ceremonies suggested that the group engage in a guessing game. First, one person was to stand up and wait until someone called out the name of the graduate. Then the next person was to rise and wait for identification. The game began, but some of the people had changed so much over the years that it took awhile to identify them.
One rather quiet fellow in particular had suffered from the ravages of ill health and age. No one seemed to recognize him. His identity was a mystery. As the minutes ticked by it became almost embarrassing. Who was this man? Finally, the unidentified man decided to help out the class. "Let me give you a clue," he said to the puzzled group. "My son drove me here tonight. He's out in the lobby. Give me a minute to find him. When you see him, you may remember me." Well, when the son entered and stood by his father's side, people immediately called out the father's name. The son's face and body looked much like his father's had 50 years before. This story brings to mind several extremely relevant New Testament verses that are rarely read during the Christmas season. The Letter to the Hebrews begins: "In many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets; but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son .... He reflects the glory of God and bears the very stamp of his nature ..." (Hebrews 1:1-3 rsv). Christmas offers us the revelation of the Father through the Son.
Newsletternewsletter 2002.
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Merry Christmas to All!
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his is the most wonderful time of the year! The weather is cooler and the hearts of most people are warmer and desiring to give.
It is my desire that everyone will enjoy this Christmas and New Year holiday season; and remember that any gift should be appreciated. Accept your gift with gratitude, because someone thought enough of you to want to give you one. God gave His Son for our sins. There is no gift that we could give that is greater than this, so we give of ourselves to show we are thankful to Him. Ephesians 5:20-21 (NKJV) says, “Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.” There’s no magic formula for giving, when the opportunity presents itself, we follow through, being led by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, being led by the Holy Spirit, give accordingly and be thankful for what we have already received, eternal life! Merry Christmas to All! Peggy LaBon
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hristmas commemorates the most momentous event in human history—the entry of God into the world He made, in the form of a baby. John witnessed to the Incarnation through his words, turning Greek philosophy on its head with his affirmation, "The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us" (John 1:14, KJV).
H O L I D AY P A R A D E & T R E E LIGHTNING DECEMBER 7, 2017 The parade is sponsored by the Monrovia Old Town Advisory Board.
Parade Begins: 7:00 p.m. Parade Route: Myrtle Avenue from Chestnut Avenue to Palm Avenue (Old Town) Monrovia, CA
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Community News What: 2015 Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Holiday Winter Celebration When: Saturday, December 12 from 9:00am to 1:00pm Where Baldwin Hills Crenshaw— parking lot on the corner of S. Victoria Ave. & Stocker St. Los Angeles, CA 90008 Enjoy!
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Precious’
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Movie
Pick of the Month
Welcomes donations of any size. Please make checks payable to
Second Baptist Church
SUPPORTERS Second Baptist Church Diakona Nadine O. Harris Lady Betty G. Dillard Eleanor Harrison Mother Deloris K. Bridges Ferrari Green Diakona Melva Hill Barbara Jean Grant Shirley Towler – Hayes Elder Robert Craig Cameron & J.P. Dixon Dr. John & Apryl Harris Diakona Larry & Debra Hayes Christine Mathis Marva E. Hogan Ophelia M. Harris Barbara M. Harris Mildred Cross Diakona Carrie Walker Geneva Douglas Phylicia Stroud Diakona James Ella Harvey Laura Bullock
There is room for you too, Donate! Today! Second’s Gazette
“The Star”
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e all know the story about the birth of Jesus. Moreover, lots of movies have been made about the birth of Jesus Christ. But “The Star” is a whole new version that was released on November 17, 2017. This version of the birth of Jesus is told from some animals’ point of view. A brave donkey and his friends become unlikely heroes of the first Christmas story. I won’t spoil the story by giving out too much information, but this is a wonderful movie for the entire family. It is in theaters now and will probably not be available on any other platform for awhile. So if you can, go see it at your local theater soon. My grandchildren and I enjoyed it, and I believe that you and your family will enjoy it to.
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Philemon Ministry needs your help with the Annual Angel Tree projects
CHRISTMAS PARTY Help is needed wrapping Angel Tree Gifts December 6,
December 10, 2017
2017 @ 5 pm
1:30 to 3 pm
Fannie M. Goodwin Bldg., Upstairs
We are now welcoming committed members to join and be trained for the Angel Tree Christmas and Angel Summer Camp programs; those that are interested in going into prisons and learning a totally different aspect of SBC Philemon Prison Ministry.
Witnessing for understanding the gospel, or reading the Christmas Story and Family Fellowship. Contact: Emelbra LeBlanc-Redd, President Philemon Prison Ministry
626 -359 -9442
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Using Good Hand Hygiene Can Protect You from Illness
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ur hands are tools we use every day to dress and feed ourselves, to write and create things. You can say that they are very important tools that we use to perform activities of daily living. But our hands can be used as weapons against us. How, you may ask? Let me explain!
They are a source of germs that we encounter with each touch of an infected object or person. Some of the germs that we pick up can manifest as mild illnesses which can be debilitating, but others can progress to deadly diseases which can wreak havoc on the body, mind, and eventually cause death. Unknowingly, we introduce these germs into our bodies by touching our eyes, nose and mouths. The best way we can limit our risk of contracting many diseases is by practicing good hand hygiene – washing our hands. The first week of December is recognized as National Handwashing Awareness Week. We often think we need to wash our hands to prevent the spread of the common cold. Yes, this is true, but there are other bacteria and viruses we pick up just by touching an elevator button, a door handle, handrails, and by shaking someone’s hand and so forth. Noro-virus, a virus that we often hear about on cruise ships, nursing homes and schools can affect anyone who becomes infected. It is a very “resistant” virus that can survive on surfaces for weeks and can withstand temperatures up to 140 degrees. It is a common source for the stomach flu (gastroenteritis) which causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. After you recover from this illness, the virus can last in feces for up to two weeks, and can continue to be spread to others if you practice poor hand hygiene. Other conditions that can be spread by contaminated hands include pink eye (conjunctivitis), the common cold, influenza (flu), hepatitis A, rashes and skin infections to name a few. The fluid from the blisters of chicken pox and shingles can infect others. We can become infected by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mucous membranes of our eyes, nose and mouth, or by openings (cuts) in the skin. Good hand hygiene begins with washing your hands properly. Start with using clean, warm running water. Lather the palms, back of your hands, between your fingers and under your fingernails with soap for at least 15 – 30 seconds to remove most germs. Thoroughly rinse your hands with clean running water and dry your hand with a clean towel/paper towel, or air dry. Do not re-contaminate your hands by touching contaminated faucets or door handles, use a paper towel. As we move into winter, ensure you reduce your risk of infections by washing your hands and never touching the mucous membranes of your eyes, nose and mouth with contaminated hands. If your hands are not clean, wash them, especially before you prepare food or eat, wash your hands. If you are sick with a cold or a respiratory infection, do not cough or sneeze into your hands and always wash your hands. God Bless! Felicia Dickson, PA
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Bishop Dr. Wm. LaRue Dillard Extends the Right Hand of Fellowship (RHF) Diakona Ellen Clark (far left), taking the RHF are Left to right Paige Jenkins, Shelia Denise Woods, Bennie Carter Woods, Warrent Williams and Sherri Lynn Williams, Diakona Tamara Lewis (far right).
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Mother Lois Gaston Recipient of the 2017
“Woman of the Year Award” Presented by Second Baptist Church’s United Women’s Fellowship Guild Valeria Burwell, President
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Come Back to Christmas
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Sharing Jesus
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hen January comes along, we can continue that sense of comfort and warmth that comes at Christmas by returning to the Christmas story, which gives us two great promises: God understands you, and God can redeem you.
he true story is told of two men sitting together on a train. When one shared with the other, a committed Christian, that he was heading home to donate a kidney to his father, the Christian listened intently. Sensing his seatmate’s genuine interest, the speaker confided that he didn’t know his life’s purpose.
I encourage people to make it a point to reread the Christmas story every month, and allow Christmas to be Christmas every month. We need to keep coming back to it.
Sensing an openness in his new friend, the Christian told him about Jesus and the purpose Jesus had given to his life. The Christian man said later that he’d never met someone so appreciative of hearing the Good News.
—Max Lucado, Publishers Weekly interview
Upside Down?
A key Epiphany theme is sharing the news of Jesus. “Ordinary” Christians can do that best by listening for an opening when visiting with someone and sharing part of their faith story in relation to something the other has said. There’s no need to accost strangers on street corners. Just be yourself, let the Holy Spirit guide you and invite your listener to follow Jesus, too.
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ven amid increased secularization, God makes the core Christmas message known. Take, for example, the story of a “winter pageant” a mother attended at her son’s grade school. Songs of reindeer, snow and Santa included one titled “Christmas Love,” in which the youngest performers held up letters as the song progressed: “C,” “H,” etc. When a little girl unknowingly held her “M” upside down, the older kids snickered and the adult audience smiled acceptingly. But as the song drew to a close and all the letters were revealed, surprised recognition struck the Christians in the room. “CHRISTWAS LOVE,” read the string of student-borne letters. God’s truth had penetrated the human clutter and confusion around Christmas — as it has power to do throughout our lives: “Christ was love.” And of course, he still is. NewsletterNewsletter:2014
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