December 2014 SBC Second's Gazette

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the gov-

ernment shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

December, 2014 / Issue 68, Version 8

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God Is First At Second Baptist Church Nadine O. Harris, Founder/Chief Editor Tinisha McDonald, Administrative Mgr. Precious Flemings, Writing Editor Ferrari Y. Green, Production & Design Contributing Consultants: Jessie Anderson Peggy LaBon Gregory D. Smith Sherry Joiner Mercedese Hervey Eric Johnson

Mission Statement

S

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.

Children’s Church Staff: Christa Moreland Jaylyn A. Harris MyReeanna Wade Second’s Gazette is published and distributed monthly, every First Sunday, to provide the congregation with information about the Church, the Church Family, the Community, and the World.

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CONTENTS Page 2

Cover Story

Page 3

Bishop’s Epistle

Page 4, 5

Prayer Calendar

Page 6, 7

Community Events/Spotlight

Page 8, 9

Ministry Events

Page 10,11 Birthdays / Sick / Special Events Page 12,13 Church Events Page 14, 15 Health / TIP

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ark Lowry, who wrote the lyrics to the Christmas song “Mary, Did You Know?” says he’s always been amazed

by Mary’s silence at the cross, as her son was being crucified. Maybe she was remembering back to that first Christmas, he wonders, when she counted Jesus’ fingers and toes.

“I wonder if she realized then that those were the same fingers that had scooped out the oceans and formed the seas. I wonder if she realized those were the same feet that had walked on streets of gold and been worshiped by angels. Those little lips were the same lips that had spoken the world into existence. When Mary kissed her little baby, she wasn’t just kissing another baby; she was kissing the face of God.” Mary silently watched her son die 33 years later, Lowry notes — not just for the world but also for his own mother. “The baby boy she had delivered on that first Christmas was now on a cross delivering her.”

Page 16, 17 Kidz Page / Children Page 18,19 Footprints/Blast From The Past / Music/Book/DVD Page 20

Church Worship

Second’s Gazette

Discover Jesus, Read the Bible!

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“The Eclipse of the Saint’s Power”

Brothers and Sisters,

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his is the Lord’s Day. Let all the Saints rejoice! Our faith in Him, directed by His Word, ought to be a significant time in our lives considering what the Lord has done with our faith by His Word! However, I caution you to beware of “The Eclipse of the Saint’s

Eclipse: “Total or partial obscuring of one celestial body by another,” just as we witnessed a few weeks ago. A human example of this is seen in Judges 16:20. We read: “And she said, ‘The Philistines are upon you, Samson!’ So he awoke from his sleep and said, ‘I will go out as before, at other times, and shake myself free!’

But he did not know that the Lord had departed from him.”

The foundation of this Love Epistle is to encourage you to be steadfast in the faith of our Lord Christ. The Eclipse of Power in Samson was gradual, first partial, then total. We can trace the deterioration in Samson’s character, as well as our own.

Let me warn you of the powers of Satan in our midst. He desires to destroy our unity of togetherness in the work of God through His Church.

In Samson, we can see great powers devoted to frivolous and petty use. Make sure your time for God is acceptable to Him. In Samson, we see a man devoting his powers to his own amusement. Count it up! How much of your time each week is devoted to God’s work through the church? You have your answer! Your commitment to do His will is important for the advancement of the kingdom!

In Samson, we can see a man forgetful of the true source of his strength. Remember all that you have, and all that you are comes from God. UntilSoHe Comes, I Am permit the blessings of God to rest upon your changed character. Let this worship experience Serving Joyfully, takeChrist you out of the holding pattern of self interest and place your life in the hands of the living Lord universe!

Bishop, Dr. of Wm.the LaRue Dillard Amen.

Parish Under-shepherd Until He Comes, I Am Serving Christ Joyfully,

Bishop Dr. Wm. LaRue Dillard Parish Under-shepherd

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Membership Assignment for

Information and Visitation for the Diakonos Ministry of Second Baptist Church The Diakonos Ministry of Second Baptist Church is available to the members to assist Bishop Dillard in meeting the needs and concerns of each parish member. Feel free to contact a representative. Diakonos representatives are assigned alphabetically by last name. The Diakonos Ministry is available to “Pray with you, Consult with you and Assist you” in any way we can in your Christian walk.

A—Robert and Jessie Anderson B—Dennis and JoAnne Craig Betty Brown Arlethia Craig C—AG Harrison Shirley Robinson D—James and James Ella Harvey E-F—Ron and LaVonne Husband Adrienne Hurst G—Earl and 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

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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 Shermanika Roland

There is room for you too, Donate!

Today!

Second’s Gazette

Dec. 12-14, 2014 UCLA Royce Hall Contact Ticketmaster for more information!

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iakona Carrie Walker has lived in California for many years and has been a member of Second Baptist Church for many years. She was here when our Bishop first arrived, and is quoted as saying, “I remember Bishop driving up in his shiny Cadillac, with his bushy Afro, and a Bible in his hands.” This is one piece of history Mrs. Carrie can tell anyone about, her tenure at SBC. Mrs. Carrie was born on December 17, in a small town located in Marshall, Texas. She is the third of eight children; five has preceded her in death. Mrs. Carrie has accomplished much in her life. She has a degree in English and earned a Master’s Degree from La Verne University. She loves her family, and is constantly giving to those she love and people in general. For example, as Director of Christian Education at Second Baptist, she, along with other parish members sponsors children education in Africa.

One of Mrs. Carrie’s little known secrets is that she loves anything by Aretha Franklin and Luther Vandross. She also loves Gospel music and will break out in a gospel song at any given moment, when she is not yelling at the television for someone making a wrong bid on the Price is Right, or cheering for her favorite dance couple on “Dancing with the Stars.” She is a huge fan of Western movies and loves Mexican food, and will eat any food that someone else cooks. She says, “When I get rich, I am hiring a chef and a chauffeur.”

Mrs. Carrie’s daughter is quoted as saying, “My mother is the backbone of our family. We all would be lost without her because she keeps it all together when things seems to fall apart. Even her siblings in Texas would be lost without her.” She adores her children and affectionately calls them by their pet names: Lois (Mija), Jason Sr. (Son); grandchildren Khalil, Paije and Jason Jr. respectively, (Skeeter), (Paijie Poo), and (TWO aka. Lil J).

What else can one say about this woman who will give you her last dollar if you need it? Well, just a few more words, she loves the Lord, she loves her family, and she loves her church family.

So we will “Say-That” to Mrs. Diakona Carrie Walker.

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Second’s Gazette

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Authored By: Mother Lois Gaston

Dates:

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Jesus is the Reason for the Season

•12/6-BLL & UWFG Brunch 10 a.m.

•12/7-The Lord’s Supper Celebration •12/13-Ministry to Children Christmas Party •12/14-Angel Tree Christmas Party •12/25-Christams Day Worship Service •12/31-New Years Eve Worship service 9p.m.

Birthday Anniversaries Willie Cross 12/01 Shana Jackson 12/01 Raevon Cross 12/08 Marilyn Croft 12/10 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT Brenda Walker 12/10 Ruby Sims 12/12 Jenniah P. Dixon 12/13 1 2 3 4 5 6 Jessie Anderson 12/13 Jayden T.K. Dorby 12/13 Carrie Walker 12/17 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 June Johnson 12/17 Marilyn Croft 12/18 12/20 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Elouise Davis Chuck Williams 12/21 Lametra Spicer 12/22 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Jeffrey Partridge 12/23 JESUS CHRIST 12/25 Danyelle Rucker 12/27 28 29 30 31 Lonnita Wilson 12/27 Second’s Gazette

Members of Second Baptist Church: Sick and Shut-In “Now is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask anything according to his will, He hears us. And if we know that he hears us, then whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him” 1 John 5:14-15 Arcadia

Bernice Holefield

Altadena

Eloise David

Diamond Bar

James E. Harvey

Duarte

Grace Jordan

Los Angeles

Chester Walls

Betty Brown

Brenda Warmsley

Gregory White Monrovia

Bishop Dillard

Mother Eldora Polk

Earl Manning San Dimas

Mother Ruby Sims

Melva Hill

Rialto

Ursula Martin

Matter Simpson

Frankie Platt-AZ

Mother Maylean Buckley-NV

Out of State

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THANKS to ALL

who supported SBC’s

Annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Food Drive on Tuesday, November 25 th, 2014. For several years, the Pantry Ministry has been faithful to the mission of feeding men, women and children seeking a warm meal and Fellowship. A few years ago The Pantry Ministry teamed up with the Mission of Mercy Ministry, combining our efforts to host an annual event and it has truly increased the giving efforts during the holiday season.

This year, we served approximately 50 families by way of a warm meal and/or food box. We realize giving on this level can only be accomplished with the support of the SBC congregation. We thank each and every SBC member who supports our outreach efforts.

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Healthy Living:

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Health Means Having Health Insurance

t's impossible to predict whether someone will get sick or have an accident, and with the average cost of a three-day hospital stay priced at $30,000, it doesn't make sense to take the gamble of going without health insurance; particularly, if it can be found at an affordable price. Those who are healthy today can benefit from having health insurance coverage.

Covered California makes it simple and more affordable for millions of Californians to have health insurance coverage, including Medi-Cal which can not be canceled or denied because of a pre-existing medical condition or if someone suddenly becomes ill.

Covered California offers a range of insurance plans that consumers can choose from to meet individual needs and financial situations that can be attained online, in person or by phone. If a consumer already has insurance coverage through an employer, it only gets better due to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This comes under the Federal Health Law that created health insurance exchanges such as Covered California. The Affordable Care Act provides a sense of security and protection for health insurance if a person decides to quit or leave his/her employment for any reason.

Open enrollment for Covered California Health Insurance Plans happens once a year. For coverage that begins on January 1, 2015, open enrollment begins on November 15, 2014 and ends February 15, 2015. (Medi-Cal enrollees are not limited to this time period and they do not need to renew their enrollment in Medi-Cal during this time because Medi-Cal enrollment is open year-round).

Listed Below are Important Dates for 2015 Enrollment:  November 15, 2014: Open Enrollment starts -- the first day you can apply for 2015 coverage  December 15, 2014: The last date to enroll for coverage that starts January 1, 2015  December 31, 2014: Date all Marketplace coverage ends, no matter when enrolled January 1, 2015: The date 2015 coverage can start if you apply by December 15, 2014, or if you accept automatic enrollment in your 2014 plan or a similar plan February 15, 2015: The last day to enroll for 2015 coverage. If you miss this deadline, you can not sign up for a health care plan inside or outside the Marketplace for the rest of 2015. The only exception is if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Choosing the right health insurance plan depends on one’s unique life circumstance. To find out more about coverage options, consumers can browse the categories. All individuals have unique experiences that determine coverage options — whether a veteran, an immigrant, or parent, everyone should have the opportunity to explore health care options and make an informed decision about a health care plan. https://www.healthcare.gov/quick-guide/get-started/ or https://www.coveredca.com Live Life Healthy!

Jessie Anderson, RN BS

Second’s Gazette

Live fe

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By Eric M. Johnson The miracle on Shamrock Street was on this wise, That a Man of God, a Bishop, would find favor in God’s eyes, His heart was failing, His Faith not waning He stood before his flock, With those who didn’t understand saying: “why don’t he just stop?”

Therefore being justified by faith, he found peace with God, Standing on the promises we could see his feet were shod, For he never stopped proclaiming the peace that in all who believe do hope, Glorying in tribulation, and with a persevering character he hoped, Knowing God wouldn’t disappoint, His faith began to grow.

So with Holy Ghost power he kept on preaching, and proclaiming God’s Holy Word, Not rusting out for the enemy, alas the hour came, When the window of opportunity would close the door that claimed….

He needed a new heart.

We all knew the one he had was just fine with us, Kindly-gentle, fatherly-friend, focused, and generous, So his flock began to pray for him, for a miracle to take place, Many prayers and fervent request were raised to our God’s face, Finally an announcement was made, one way or the other, “I’m ready” That’s when God reached down from heaven to let him know “Get ready” We have your new heart.

I thought time was running out for our Bishop but God has the last say Like salvation one had to die, for him to have new days, We celebrate the strength of God, knowing He can do the impossible, There’s no one more deserving of what we view as improvable, Healed by the Savior and strengthened once again, The beating of a new heart, the love of family and friends, We look forward to his testimony of how he firmly stood on God’s Word, How he thought of us as we prayed for him to receive his blessing from the Lord, Make a joyful noise, shout, and bless His Holy name, We’ll rejoice to see the Miracle on Shamrock, “Rejoice! Let us say Amen.”

Monrovia Area Partnership (MAP) Awards Nicole Matthews Volunteer Civic Leader for the City of Monrovia.

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few years ago, my Christmas season centered on the arrival of a baby — our second child, due December 23. Exhausted with pregnancy, I skipped out on holiday gatherings, did less decorating and baking than usual, didn’t send cards and didn’t plan a holiday dinner, assuming — correctly, it turned out — I’d be in the hospital then.

It was a strangely quiet Christmas season, with our focus on the impending arrival. But once our baby was born, in the last hour of Christmas Day, all the missed parties, caroling, cookie-indulging and even present-opening paled in comparison. All that truly mattered was God’s gift to our family of this one very special baby.

Isn’t this how Christmas should always be? Seasonal activities are fun, but they hold meaning only if they deepen our focus on the coming of one very special Baby — the Christ-Child. Hold him in your heart this season, as I held my newborn that Christmas night. If the hustle and bustle distracts you from the Baby, put an end to it. If traditional activities prove more stressful than joyous, consider what you can let go of to embrace the true meaning of Christmas — the birth of Jesus, God’s gift of love.

—Heidi Mann Second’s Gazette

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Blast From The Past

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By Mercedese Hervey

“How beautiful on the mountain are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace.” Isaiah 52:7

“GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN” John Wesley Woods, Jr. (August 08, 1871/83-September 07, 1925)

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he best known African American Christmas song is “Go Tell It on the Mountain” and is in hymnals in many main stream denominations. The chorus possibly dates to the mid-nineteenth century, while the first three verses are recognized as the work of twentieth-century African American Fisk University professor and musicologist John Wesley Work, Jr. He preserved many of the spirituals of the 1800”s that otherwise would have been lost. He was also a director of the renown Fisk Jubilee Singers. Work published his first book, New Jubilee Songs as Sung by the Fisk Jubilee Singers, in Songs of the American Negro, six years later. It was in this second volume that “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” first appeared. The original singers of the song fulfilled the same important task the angels gave the shepherds that first Christmas night outside of Bethlehem, proclaiming, “that Jesus Christ is born!” And thanks to John Wesley Work, so can we.

Ref. “Go Tell It on the Mountain”: Family Christ Online. Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia This story is an excerpt from the Gaither Homecoming Bible, published by Thomas Nelson Publishing (2012).

Go, Tell It On the Mountain John Wesley Work, Jr., 1907 Refrain: Go, tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and everywhere, Go tell it on the mountain, That Jesus Christ is born.

The humble Christ was born.

FOOTPRINTS

By Pegguy LaBon

Finally, Fall!!!

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t seems like it took forever to begin to see cool weather here in Southern California. Other parts of our great nation are having extreme weather; snow blizzards, and everything that goes along with it. I sometimes wonder why are we having droughts, and other parts of the U.S. are flooding from rain, hurricanes and such.

The same goes for why some of us have minor physical challenges and others are crippled for life, or are facing incurable diseases (which makes a little problem not so bad).

Isaiah 55:8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and My ways are not your ways says the Lord.” Ezekiel, Chapter 18, talks about the evil ways of man and the ways of the Lord are not fair (as we see it), but who are we? We are merely sheep, guided and protected by our Shepherd. The Shepherd asks us to follow, to have faith, and to believe that He will guide us safely home.

Now it is time for us to celebrate the birth of our SHEPHERD. Let us show how grateful we are.

Whatever state we may be in, we are still being guided by the SHEPHERD! And God sent us salvation That blessed Christmas morn.

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Teach me to love, this is my prayer, may the compassion of Thy heart I share; ready a cup of water to give, may I unselfishly for others live. ~Peterson

A bald man needing a heart transplant is told by his doctor that the only heart available is that of a lion. The man finally agrees and the doctor transplants the lion’s heart into the man.

A few days after the operation, the man comes in for a checkup.

The doctor asks him "How are you feeling?" The man replies "I feel great but this mane is getting in the way.”

Awards Accolades and More

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By: Gregory D. Smith

erry Christmas, This month we’re featuring Shirley Caesar one of gospels great accomplished artist.

She’s an iconic Gospel artist who has traveled the world spreading the Gospel and breaking down barriers. She’s known in the music industry as the “First Lady of Gospel”. Shirley Ann Caesar – Williams, born October 13. 1938, Durham, North Carolina is a recording artist whose career has spanned over six decades.

This very “first Lady of Gospel” started her first recording at the age of 13 in 1951. Mrs. Caesar has released over forty albums, exploring her gift and spreading messages of faith. She has participated in over 16 compilations and three Gospel Musicals.

Shirley Caesar has an array of accomplishments; she’s a multi-award winning artist with eleven Grammy awards and seven Dove awards to her credit.

She’s introduced us to songs such as “Don’t be Afraid”, “I’m getting ready”, and “Soul Salvation” and many many more. She’s made Holiday inspirational Spiritual Christmas albums, (Christmas with Shirley Caesar), (Giving and sharing: A Christmas Collection), (A Christmas Prayer), and my favorite (“Won’t you come a Christmasing” by Shirley Caesar & the Clark Sisters.

So this season continue to spread Joy and Holiday cheer.

THE BOOKSHELF

By Ferrari Green More than 5000 cardiac transplants occur each year around the world, although it is estimated that up to 50,000 people are candidates for transplantation.

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his is a first edition, 112 page hardback book (about 5 x 8) written by Bishop William LaRue Dillard, and published by Carlton Press (1983).

What else can I say?

English: We love our Bishop!

Spanish: Nos encanta nuestro Obispo!

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This Christmas

his Christmas is a movie about the meaning of Christmas which makes a family reunion special for one family. Directed by Preston A. Whitmore II, the cast includes Chris Brown, Loretta Devine, Idris Elba, Regina King, and Delroy Lindo. The story unfolds when an estranged family gathers together, under one roof, for the first time in seven years to celebrate Christmas. The family rediscovers long-forgotten bonds during this holiday celebration. This is a wonderful, heartwarming Christmas movie that everyone can watch. View it online by typing www.thischristmas.com/view movie, or purchase it from Barnes & Noble official web-site, BN.com or on-ground stores. Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays! ~Precious~

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SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH, INC. Bishop Wm. La Rue Dillard, Ph.D. Parish-Shepherd 925 South Shamrock Monrovia, CA.

Worship Services New Sunday Morning Services Sunday School 10:45 AM 9:45 AM Ordinance of the Lord’s Supper Celebration 4:45 PM Every First Sunday of the month, the Lord’s Communion Supper is served After 10:45 am worship service if you are unable to attend the 4:45 pm service Wednesday Services Bible Study, Prayer, Praise, and Testimonials at 10:45 AM & 6:45 pm Show us how to receive you always with delight, Jesus, as Simeon and Anna received you in the temple.

(Luke 2:25-38).

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