For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities His Eternal Power and Divine Nature have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
As the school year draws to a close and the long days of summer unfold, families find themselves presented with a unique opportunity to reconnect with each other and strengthen their bond with Christ. During these months of June, July, and August, it's crucial for parents, whether co-parenting, husband and wife, guardians, or foster parents, to intentionally create a nurturing environment at home. This season of togetherness can serve as a foundation for your children, preparing them spiritually and emotionally for the challenges of the upcoming school year.
The Bible offers timeless wisdom that encourages families to draw closer to one another and to God. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, we are reminded, "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. " This verse underscores the importance of daily interactions that are infused with faith and love. Similarly, Proverbs 22:6 advises, "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." By dedicating time to spiritual discussions and family activities, we plant seeds of faith that will grow and sustain our children throughout their lives.
Summer is a season of renewal and growth, not just for nature, but for our families as well. Take this time to engage in activities that foster deeper connections, such as family prayers, Bible study sessions, and outdoor adventures that celebrate God's creation. Ephesians 6:4 encourages parents, "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." By investing in your family's spiritual foundation now, you equip your children to face the trials and tribulations of the school year ahead with resilience and faith. Let this summer be a season where your family grows closer to each other and to Christ, creating lasting memories and a stronger, united home.
Chris ian Symb l
BELL — A bell symbolizes the Call to Worship, reflected in the ringing of bells in many churches to announce or open a service. A bell also symbolizes the proclamation of the Gospel to the world: hence, the ringing of church bells at the close of some services as worshipers depart to spread Christ’s Good News in their daily lives.
The Scope:
Our Father’ s Arms
As a young boy, J. Ellsworth Kalas had to visit the Mayo Clinic for tests. His parents, knowing their son was safe in the hospital overnight, slept at a nearby hotel But Kalas was so lonely and scared that a nurse called his folks. Kalas, who later became a pastor, recalled what it was like to have his father arrive. “I remember his dressing me there in the darkness,” he said. “Then I remember getting on a streetcar, sitting way at the back as we rode to the hotel He held me very close to him, his long, ungainly arm wrapped around me. And the little boy who had been so frightened was now at peace. ” We all face trials that can seem overwhelming. “How good, then, to draw deeply on the resources of God!” Kalas said “In him there is a peace which is greater than the trouble. How good, indeed, to burrow into a place of security, and to feel an arm wrapping strong about us and to know that it is the arm of our Heavenly Father.”
While you ’ re away
Taking regular vacations is key to our well-being. It’s important to spend time with loved ones, experience physical and mental refreshment, enjoy changes in scenery and routine, and prepare for future productivity.
Just remember: God’s work goes on all summer long. When you’re on vacation, your friends at church miss you. No one else can fill your unique role in the congregation. Your presence and gifts help the church thrive. So please give your regular offerings before you leave for vacation. And if you have the opportunity, try to attend church while you’re away. Have a wonderful summer!
Christian Lifestyle
Keys to Community
While searching for youth group resources, Stan Purdum once found a board game called Community. It was like Monopoly, but instead of promoting greed and winning, Community required you to help other players win too The key to everyone winning was a Community Meeting Square, akin to Monopoly’s “Go Directly to Jail ”
As you moved around the board, you’d periodically land on “Go to Meeting.” Then you had to remain there until at least one other player arrived so you could meet. Before that could happen, someone at the meeting had to play a Plain-Speaking card
The point? Before people can accomplish anything worthwhile when uniting for community purposes, they need straightforward statements of truth, even if those are sometimes painful That’s certainly true in the communities called family, church and friendship And in life, the plain-speaking sometimes requires rebuke. Scripture calls these well-meaning words, intended for learning and healing, “the wounds a friend inflicts” (Proverbs 27:6, NRSV) adapted from The Wired Word
Need Fast relief? Slow down!
Actor Lily Tomlin reportedly said, “For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.” Summer doesn’t seem to be the “slow season ” it once was if indeed it ever truly was. But perhaps we can use it as incentive to take some “downtime” around the plethora of activities, travel and always-busy work schedules Pause and accept Jesus’ invitation: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31, NIV).
It may be a refreshing spot at a lake, a hike in the woods, an early-morning fishing trip Maybe, around your work schedule, you can reserve time for a few days of church camp, a picnic at the city park, a nap on a blanket in the backyard sun Help the kids in your life discover what it’s like to not be on the go and to take a screen-time sabbath even to experience boredom and see what creativity blossoms Do art projects together, ride bikes, paint with water or chalk on the sidewalk, pick berries, bake cookies, solve puzzles, sing songs!
Try slowing down, as Lily Tomlin and even Jesus advised In summer, and any time, it’s good for the soul!
Don’t Fail to Try
A woman once criticized Evangelist Dwight L Moody for his methods in attempting to win people to the Lord “I agree with you, ” Moody said “I don’t like the way I do it either. Tell me, how do you do it?” “I don’t do it,” the woman answered. To which Moody replied, “I like my way of doing it better than your way of not doing it ”
Forgiveness does not mean ignoring what has been done or putting a false label on an evil act. It means, rather, that the evil act no longer remains as a barrier to the relationship. Forgiveness is a catalyst creating the atmosphere necessary for a fresh start and a new beginning. It is the lifting of a burden or the canceling of a debt.
—MartinLutherKingJr.
MarriageAdviceAcrosstheAges
Gazette June 30th 2024 5 min read
June is the beginning of a popular wedding season. So here’s some marriage advice from across the centuries. Clearly, sometimes it depends on context.
“It is impossible to keep peace between man and woman in family life if they do not condone and overlook each other’s faults but watch everything to the smallest point For who does not at times offend?” (Martin Luther, 16th century)
“Watch yourself, be the first to ask pardon if you both err, and guard against the little piques, misunderstandings, and hasty words that often pave the way for bitter sorrow and regret.” (Louisa May Alcott, 19th century)
“The ear is the center of all relationships. It’s not the heart, it’s not the mind, it’s the ear. Listening is the beginning and the end ” (Henry Winkler, 21st century)
On the other hand
“In every good marriage, it helps sometimes to be a little deaf.” (Evelyn Ginsburg, mother-in-law of a Supreme Court justice, 20th century)
And above all:
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth (St Paul, 1st century, in 1 Corinthians 13:4-6, ESV)
SpringConcertRecap~2024
The 2024 Second Baptist Church Children’s Ministry (SBCCM), under the leadership of Dr. John Harris and his dedicated team, including Apryl Harris, Kathleen Dantzler, Deacon Larry Willis, Keith Holmes, Deacon Ron Husband, Avian Westby, Blanche James, Arika Craft, and newcomers Sharon Durall and Toulonne Thomas, along with the nursery staff Victoria Johnson, Kathy Jackson, Brianna Collins, Diane Robinson, Vaughn McClure, Stacy Thomas, and Marie Handley, orchestrated an outstanding Spring Concert on Sunday, May 19, 2024, following the 10:00 AM worship service.
The Spring Concert was once again a resounding success. The children understood their assignment and executed it flawlessly. The theme this year was "I Am," with Scripture references from Exodus 3:14, John 8:58, and John 10:30.
The worship leaders, King and Queen of Children’s Church, Daryl Jones and Keirah Holmes, began the program with the children’s ministry dancing to Eddie James’ "I Am." Each step, swirl, walk, and arm movement was perfectly in sync with the music, and the raised hand claps at the end sealed the deal on a great opening.
Teens in Progress (TIP) member Makeo Green led both the Scripture reading and prayer, followed by Neveah Jones with a warm welcome. The nursery children then recited "I Am" Scriptures and sang a song that fit well with the program theme.
The choir opened with "Because of Who You Are," led by the expressive Kaliyah Stovall, followed by "I’ve Got Peace Like a River." We were then treated to two budding musicians on the piano: Abby Hight played "Jesus Loves Me," and Kaliyah Stovall played "Old McDonald Had a Farm" and "Chopsticks." Both were quite impressive.
Next, young Boaz Simpson captivated everyone with his uncanny impersonation of Michael Jackson, performing "Man in the Mirror." His rendition of the King of Pop left the audience riveted.
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Graduate
Graduate
This year, the Graduates’ Recognition at Second Baptist Monrovia, traditionally held on the second Sunday in June to coincide with Children’s Day, took place ahead of Pastor Chris’ sermon and Holy Communion on the first Sunday.
A total of 39 graduates, from Pre-Kindergarten through post-college, who registered with SBC’s Scholarship Commission, were honored. Each received a certificate and a gift from SBC.
Second Baptist Church, along with the Anna H. Jones Club and the Joseph H. Smith Memorial Scholarship Foundation, awarded $20,050 in scholarships. These funds will be disbursed to 20 students upon proof of their student enrollment.
John Harris III was the proud recipient of the prestigious G.G. Bailey Scholarship. Lailah Spicer received the Wm. LaRue Dillard Continuing Education Scholarship. Their names will be added to the historical records of SBC.
Breana McDonald, a senior at Prairie View in Texas, and Jeffrey Partridge, a senior at UC Fullerton, shared the special honor of presenting the Class of 2024.
We're excited to invite you to be a part of something special in our church community! Your talents, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit have always been an inspiration to us. That's why we're introducing a new opportunity for you to showcase your small business in our church newsletter.
WHYSHOWCASEYOURSMALL BUSINESS?
At our church, we're more than just a congregation; we're a family We believe in supporting one another and celebrating each other's successes. By featuring your small business in our newsletter, you not only gain exposure within our tight-knit community but also receive the support and encouragement of your fellow church members.
ADVERTISINGOPTIONSANDPRICING
(Pricingreflectionperissuetocarryad)
Business Card - $10: A cost-effective way to get your business name and contact information in front of our congregation.
Quarter of a Page - $25: A little more space for you to share your business's mission, products, or services
Half of a Page - $50: Double the exposure, perfect for showcasing product images or customer testimonials.
Whole Page - $100: Maximize your visibility with a full page to tell your business's story and reach our entire congregation.
Mrs. Nadine Orlando Harris, was the Founder and Editor in Chief of Second’s Gazette, established in 2009. Mrs. Harris had an anointing of pulling talented individuals together to capture and maintain the monthly publication history and Christian living. Mrs. Harris’ 15 years of dedication, love and creativity will forever be demonstrated with each page turn of the Second’s Gazette Newsletter.
