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91st Issue * Version 3 November 2016 Second Baptist Church, Inc. Evangelical Orthodox Communion Bishop Wm. La Rue Dillard, PhD 925 So. Shamrock Monrovia, CA 91016
Nadine O. Harris, Founder/Chief Editor Precious Flemings, Writing Editor Ferrari Y. Green, Production & Design Sherry Joiner, Operations & Distribution Contributing Consultants: Eric Johnson Jessie Anderson Peggy LaBon Renee Willis Photographers: Robert Anderson Robert Hamilton Rasheedah Ruffin Adele Davis Children’s Church Staff: Jaylyn A. Harris
Second’s Gazette is pub-
lished and distributed monthly, every First Sunday, to provide parishioners with information about our Church, the Community, and the World. Contact us at: Secondsnewsletter@gmail.com
Second’s Gazette
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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.
A Season of Glory
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ow has come the glory season. Glory in the bountiful fruits of God's earth. Glory in the breathtaking multi-colored leaves of the trees. Glory in the invigorating smells of Fall. Even glory in the sparkling frostblanket covering the grass and putting it to sleep for the winter. Glory, glory everywhere we look.
Page 1 ……………….………..……………….Cover 2 ……………….……Cover Story / SG Staff 3 …………………………….Bishop’s Epistle 4 / 5 ...……………Prayer / Footprints / Blast 6 / 7……………….…………………...…Events 8 / 9…….…..Remembering Mother Pulliam 10 / 11………...Spirit Buzz /Community News 12 /13 ……………………….... Sponsors/Health 14 / 15 ……………………Honoring Our Bishop 16 / 17 ……………………..... Announcements 18 / 19 …….…………..………Birthdays/Outing 20 / 21 ……...Movie / Remembering My Sister 22 / 23……….…….…Kids Zone / Acts of Faith 24 ………………..………Church Information
Your Faith Grows in Trouble
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Times! (II Thessalonians
1:3-12) Sons and Daughters, Grace to You!
In
all of my Epistles, I try to unfold God’s Word in its proper contextual setting for your growth in the Word of the Lord
and the pleasure you will experience while journeying toward heaven. God’s Word to the Thessalonian Saints helps us in our faith as we journey forward. Faith grows in trouble. Trouble is the crucible in which we can grow in greatness in the Lord’s work for His kingdom. God says: “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father” (I Thessalonians 1:3). I know that from my own life, “Trouble” has made me depend on the Lord. He constantly presses me out into new challenges in which I have no visible means of support --but I have Him!
In trouble I have learned to depend on the promises of two of my life’s Scriptures verses: “Let not your heart be troubled (John 14:1), and “I am leaving with you a gift—peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you … I will come to you” (John 14:27, 28). The trumpet blast of the New Testament Church is that He is able. He is with us when we are tempted to give up. He is able to aid those who are tempted (Hebrews 2:18). He is our High Priest making intercession for our strength in trouble.
“He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God by Him (Christ), seeing He ever lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). He will never allow trouble to defeat us. Verse 24 says: “… because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.” The Good Lord wants me to remind you that His power is greater than Satan’s beguiling use of discouragement. “He is able even to subdue all things to Him-
self” (Philippians 3:21). He keeps His promise to overcome the demons of despair when we surrender our troubles to Him and are willing to grow through them (II Timothy 1:12). Amen!
Until He Comes, I Am Serving Christ Joyfully, Bishop Dr. Wm. LaRue Dillard
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For Information and Visitation for the Diakonos Ministry of Second Baptist Church The 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, Arlethia Craig 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
Second’s Gazette
Wole Soyinka
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First Black Person to Win the Nobel Prize in Literature ole Soyinka was born on July 13, 1934, in Nigeria. His Father was an Anglican minister and his mother, a prominent local activist known as the “Wild Christian.” This is probably where he got his artistic ability to articulate his thoughts in essays, poetry, and prose writings.
Mr. Soyinka wrote his first play in 1950, “A Dance of the Forests,” and from 1958 to 1959, he played the role of a dramaturgic at the Royal Court Theatre in London. He has published more than a hundred pieces of works that include essays, dramas, novels, and poetry. In 1986, he became the first Black person to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature works. In 2011, the African Heritage Research Library and Cultural Centre built a writer’s enclave in his honor, located in Adeyipo Village, Ibadan, Nigeria, which includes a Writer-in-Residence Program for writers to stay up to six months to pursue creative writing projects. His writings represented a concern with oppressive government for people in his country. For this reason, he fled to America to keep from being executed by the Nigerian government. Christians know that we are subject to the governing authorities, because there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God (Romans 13:1 NKJV). Amen!
Dr. Precious Ref: http://www.biography.com/people/wole-soyinka-9489566#synopsis
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t is always my hope that we learn to love each other beyond the family ties, the blood lines, and the friends of mine and yours. But because they are another human being who may need your love and compassion!
“All wars are civil wars because all men are brothers...” “The history of the world suggests that without the love of God, there is little likelihood of a love for man that does not become corrupt.” “The wind of God is always blowing... but you must hoist your sail.” Francois Fenelon
Mark 29: 30-31 (NIV), “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with your entire mind, and with all your strength.” The second is this: “Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” We cannot “love” anyone without GOD! Because … I Corinthians 13:4-10 say, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.”
God bless,
Peggy
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Mother Berdie Elizabeth Mitchell Pulliam
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March 29, l934 -- Berdie Elizabeth Mitchell was born to Willie and Ettie Mae Mitchell, in Greenwood, Mississippi. Berdie was her parent’s only child. Berdie received Jesus Christ as her Savior at an early age. On May 29th 1952 Berdie graduated High School and relocated to California. While living in California Berdie took this opportunity to go to college to obtain her master’s degree. While attending College Berdie met and married Charles H. J. Pulliam on May 23 rd, 1954 at the age of 20. After marriage Charles and Berdie relocated to Pasadena, CA where they became members of Metropolitan Baptist Church. As a member of Metropolitan Baptist Church, Berdie and Charles loved to sing in the choir. In 1990 Berdie reolocated to Duarte, CA where she became an active member of Second Baptist Church of Monrovia. Berdie volunteered in the Pantry Ministry (feeding the homeless), for Vacation Bible School, in the Church Office attended weekly Bible Study and remained involved in church activities. Berdie later became a Mother of Second Baptist Church.
Second’s Gazette
Berdie worked for Nash’s, dept. store, Bank of America and she retired as an employee for the State of California. Berdie enjoyed fishing, camping and spending time with those that loved her. Berdie added something special in the hearts of everyone she knew. Berdie word was everything to her. This is a characteristic that was instilled in her at a very young age. It was also characteristic that set her apart from others. At 10:10 a.m. on October 16, 2016, in Duarte, California Berdie Elizabeth Pulliam was called home to be with the Lord, Berdie was an inspiration to many. We can all be at peace knowing she is no longer in pain. Berdie was preceded in death by her parents, ex-husband, aunts, uncle and grandparents.
Surviving relatives: Children/Step-Children: Clarence R. Pulliam(wife Kathy Pulliam), Kenneth Pulliam, Sr.(wife Von Pulliam), Gloria Pulliam Herron Tullos, Ettie Pulliam, Charles H.J. Pulliam III(wife Stella Pulliam) and Glovera Pulliam Jordan Reed Grand-Children: Terence Pulliam, Naima Pulliam, Jelani K. Pulliam, Asha Pulliam, Kenneth L. Pulliam, Jeffrey Pulliam, Kenitha Pulliam, Chanae Samuels(Husband: Andre Samuels), Kenn Pulliam, Kenya Pulliam, Kendra Pulliam, Rocky Pulliam, Kenisha Kandy Pulliam, Parish Pulliam, Kendall Pulliam, Amaris Herron, Marlena Herron, Zaneta Herron Igbinoba(Husband: Uwagiahano Igbinoba), Joshua Tullos, Anthony P. Herrera, Jr., Jelani M. Pulliam, Kenya I. Pulliam Sabbat (Husband: Joseph Sabbat), Jabari O. Pulliam, Christopher Jordan, Yonnine Jordan Larry(Husband: Joe Larry), Karland Reed(Wife: Danielle Reed), Marland Reed. 53 Great-Grand Children 1 Great-Great-Grand Child
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ontemporary Chris-
tian and gospel artist Travis Greene -- a rawly expressive singer and songwriter who incorporates several genres into his sound — was first driven to express himself through music as a youngster, following the death of his father. He had a brush with his own mortality as a child and was pronounced dead after a fall from the fourth floor of a building in Germany. In addition to developing as a musician, Greene worked as a youth pastor and worship
Black Madonna and Child, located in a Chapel in Europe. Orthodox Christian Churches, for the most part, unlike Catholic and Protestant Churches, have allowed the original Black Christians to remain.Black..
director.
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n her new memoir,
Cookie Johnson, wife of NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, shares details of her marriage, motherhood, faith, and how an HIV diagnosis twenty-five years ago changed the course of their lives forever. On November 7, 1991, basketball icon Earvin “Magic” Johnson stunned the world with the news that he was HIV-positive. For the millions who watched, his announcement became a pivotal moment not only for the nation, but his family and wife. Twenty-five years later, Cookie Johnson shares her story and the emotional journey that started on that day—from life as a pregnant and joyous newlywed to one filled with the fear that her husband would die, she and her baby would be infected with the virus, and their family would be shunned. Believing in Magic is the story of her marriage to Earvin nearly four decades of loving each other, losing their way, and eventually finding a path they never imagined. November 7, 2016 will mark a quarter-century since the announcement and Cookie’s survival and triumph as a wife, mother, and God-fearing woman. Cookie has never shared her full account of the reasons that she stayed and her life with Earvin
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‘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:
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Second’s Gazette Welcomes donations of any size. Please make checks payable to
Second Baptist Church
SUPPORTERS Second Baptist Church Nadine O. Harris Tinisha McDonald 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 ****Mother Hortense Anderson**** 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 ****Gone, but not forgotten****
There is room for you too, Donate! Today!
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Celebrations Begin with Good Food and Friends! This month begins a season when we start to celebrate with family, friends, and others often around a big meal. You’ll arrive at the Thanksgiving table with the best of intentions. You are going to sample just a smidgen of each of the offerings laid out. But who can stop at a smidgen of turkey, stuffing and gravy? Mashed potatoes and candied yams? Buttered rolls, and--best of all—the green-bean casserole with fried onion rings on top? And then the pies: pumpkin and pecan, topped with whipped cream. You eat, and eat, and eat; all the while you know that you will end up feeling just like the turkey: stuffed. All you can do is loosen your belt, maybe toss back some Tums, and wait it out. The good news is! No matter how much you cram into it, your stomach is not likely to explode-- though it may take action to relieve the pressure! There are debates among some experts about the stomach capacity, but the average stomach ordinarily can hold about one or two cups of food. But on Thanksgiving, your stomach may be contending with twice that amount or much more. To accommodate the added bulk, the stomach stretches like a balloon. If you are accustomed to overeating, frequent expansion and contraction will have exercised this muscle, allowing it to expand more easily. If not, you will feel the discomfort of a muscle stretched beyond its normal capacity by overeating. Once your stomach starts to stretch, it releases hormones that send signals to the brain, announcing that you are full. This is likely to happened fairly early in the meal unless you are too busy eating, laughing, and giving thanks to pay attention. You could take a short walk to help get things moving and stimulating peristalsis, the process by which the stomach and other muscles push food down the gastrointestinal tract. But don't run! On the other hand, you should not succumb to the urge to just lie down, which will make heartburns worse. If you insist on doing so, lie on the right side; your stomach will hang toward the pyloric canal leading to the small intestine; gravity will work in your favor. On a regular day, the food you eat travels down the whole gastrointestinal tract in about 12 to 24 hours. But on Thanksgiving Day, it may take longer. You can outsmart your stomach by eliminating fats, because fat makes food stay in the stomach longer. To reduce discomfort, trim some of the fat from meals by adding lots of low-fat, vegetable-based side dishes. As added fiber passes through the system, it will help food to move through the system and digest it. Finally, instead of putting all the food on the table and having guests descend into a feeding frenzy, serve courses. Start with a broth-based soup, then serve a nice, veggie-filled salad (no croutons, please!) with a low-fat dressing. By the time you have savored the first two courses, you are not as ravenous and less likely to overeat at that one sitting. Your stomach will be thankful. And isn't that what this holiday is really all about, being thankful? Live Life Healthy! Jessie M Anderson, RN BSN
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f the more than 300 friends and National Association of Colored People [NAACP] supporters that filled the Pasadena Hilton’s Ballroom for the annual Ruby McKnight Williams Awards Dinner on Oct 13th 36 were from Second Baptist Church. Our own Bishop Dillard was one of the Faith Award recipients and John Pointer was the keynote speaker. The two of them practically stole the stage as both told the audience about the power of faith, perseverance and service. The audience listened intently as Bishop Dillard reemphasized John’s account of how he (the bishop) had been in need of a heart transplant but was nearing the date when he would be “ineligible” for the surgery due to his age. With only three days remaining before he would no longer be a candidate, this man of faith’s doctor telephoned telling him to rush to the hospital because a donor’s heart was available. Pointer and others have stated, time and time again, how Bishop Dillard is a positive example for us all, especially the youth. “He continued to come to work when he was sick, continued to preach in his church as he awaited the transplant that might never have come. Bishop was not ashamed to say he was scared, and relied on his faith to bring him through surgery and heal him,” they said. Their statements prompted Mother Lois Gaston to nominate Bishop Dillard. “The many years Bishop has preached the Gospel, even when sick, his faith in Jesus Christ, the miracle of how God provided him with a new heart and healed him is a testimony that the world should hear about,” she said.
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Cancer Awareness Celebration
Second’s Gazette
HOW ARE YOUR WRITING SKILLS, PROBABLY BETTER THAN YOU THINK. Second’s Gazette needs you. Please contact us at secondsnewsletter@gmail.com
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Second’s Gazette
Precious’ Movie Pick of the Month
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“My Sister’s Keeper!”
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s we begin the Holiday Season with Thanksgiving, I would like to share a movie that everyone can watch and enjoy. Although it may make you sad, and even shed a tear, it is a movie with a message. The movie is titled, “My Sister’s Keeper,” starring Cameron Diaz, Alec Baldwin, and Abigail Breslin. The movie is about a couple whose daughter has an incurable rare form of cancer. The mother, Cameron Diaz, does everything she can to save her first born by conceiving another child to be a perfect match to save her sister’s life. The movie has a lot of “Take-A-Ways and What-Ifs” about family and life. You can watch the movie at:www.metacritic.com/ movie/my-sisters-keeper
Second’s Gazette
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fter the demise of my sister Derinda, I have been thinking what I could have done to save my sister who also had a rare form of cancer. I would have done it without any second thoughts. But I don’t have any regrets, because I know that God doesn’t make any mistakes. He allowed my sister to live twenty plus years with a rare form of cancer that attack all of her body. Over half of her life she lived with doctors poking, cutting, and injecting all kinds of medicines to relieve the pain and suffering she experienced every day of her life. Now she is resting with the Lord to experience no more pain and suffering. As Revelation 21:4 states, “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain …” Hallelujah! Vaughn, Edna, and I were “Our Sister Derinda Keeper.” Thank you Lord for giving us this opportunity! Dr. Precious
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2016 Winner: Master John P. Harris, III
24 Sundays LIVE at 10:45 AM
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