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101st Issue * Version 7
September, 2017 Second Baptist Church, Inc. Evangelical Orthodox Communion Bishop Wm. La Rue Dillard, PhD 925 So. Shamrock Monrovia, CA 91016
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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.
How's Your Path? Nadine O. Harris, MBA, Founder/Chief Editor Ferrari Y. Green, Production & Design Dr. Precious Flemings, Writing Editor Sherry Joiner, Operations & Distribution Contributing Consultants: Peggy LaBon / Eric Johnson Jessie Anderson / Vera Reeves / James Ella Harvey Betty Thomas / Anita J. McCulloch/ Felicia Dickson Photographers: Robert Anderson Robert Hamilton Rasheedah Ruffin Children’s Church Staff: Jaylyn A. Harris
Second’s Gazette is published and T h e
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ome Christian converts in an African village were diligent about daily prayer. In fact, they each had a special place in the thicket outside town where they prayed in solitude. Over time, they wore pathways through the brush to their private prayer areas. If someone neglected his or her prayer life, it was evident because fresh grass started growing on that particular footpath. Out of concern, fellow Christians offered this loving reminder: “Friend, there’s grass growing on your path.” How worn is your own path to prayer? Are you persistent when answers don’t seem to come? Do you trust that God will answer your prayers, according to his good and gracious will? Don’t abandon your pathway to prayer. When you grow weary, remember Galatians 6:9 (NIV), which promises that “at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
distributed monthly, every First Sunday, to provide parishioners with information about our church, the community, and the world. We welcome your comments. Contact us at Secondsnewsletter@gmail.com
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
SAVE THE DATE, SEPTEMBER 17, 2017
to celebrate publishing 100 issues of Second Baptist Church monthly newsletters with us. This milestone gives Second’s Gazette a chance to give the SBC Parishioners its ‘Just Desserts’. We plan to show you all a sweet time in the Fannie Mae Goodwin Hall, after service, to thank you for your support and helping us to maintain the history of this great church. See you there! I Corinthians 10:31 ‘Whatever you do, do it all for the Glory of God.’
Bishop’s Epistle
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Spirit Baptized to Become Christ-like!
Precious Souls of My Flock, Grace to You!
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he Lord Jesus says: “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household?” (Matthew 10:24-25).
Those of you of my parish flock, I pray that you all are Spirit-baptized Christians. May I say there is no other type of Christian! The sublime example of the beauty of sharing Jesus Christ who came to reveal His Father “Yahweh” of what He is like and what Christians are meant to be. Jesus, (Yeshua) as the Son of God and reveals God’s nature as the Son of Man, makes known the potential person each of us is called to become. But the new person you and I are to be cannot be realized by our trying harder, or striving for perfection. The Holy Bible says; “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27b). When Christ Jesus takes up residence in us, He makes us like Himself. You may say, “I must try to do better in giving myself away.” This will only result in continued failure and self-incrimination. What the Lord wants is a real sincere invitation. Something like this: “Almighty God, I have tried to think of myself less and more of others; I have made repeated attempts to be a sharing saint, really caring for others, but I have failed miserably. Take control of my words, actions, and involvements. Lord God, “You are the only hope of glory.” To quote a celebrated Christian author, “To become Christ-like is the only thing in the whole world worth caring for; the thing before which every ambition of mankind is folly and lower achievements vain” says Henry Drummond. So, say I! I know that the inadvertent result will be the gift of Christlikeness. Amen.
Until He Comes, I Am Serving Christ Joyfully, Bishop Dr. Wm. LaRue 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
H— Thelma Jones, George and Tamara Lewis
B—Dennis and JoAnne Craig Betty Brown, Arlethia Craig Rodney Bough
I-J—Ellis and Thelma Johnson Eva McLaurin, Walter McDonald
C—A. G. Harrison, Shirley Robinson Larry and Deborah Hayes
K-L-N-O-T—Lonnie and Josephine Stokes, Terrence Williams
D—James and James Ella Harvey Venda Hawkins
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 Ellen Clark, Eric Johnson
Second’s Gazette
R-S—Larry Willis, Oscar Woodard UVWXYZ—Robert Hamilton, Ron Demps, Michael Dickson
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The Bishop’s Epistle
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Spirit Baptized to Become Christ-like!
Features
Every Month 2 4 5 6,7 EXTRAS 8, 10, 11
12, 13 14, 15 16, 17 18, 19
Editor’s Comments Diakonos Praying with You Contents Blast from the Past/Footprints /Birthdays Mist of the Storm/Movie Pick/Poems Baby Dedication / Mission Corner
Birth Announcement / Community News Diakona Workshop/ Grandparents Health / Spirit Buzz
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Labor Day! “What Does It Really Mean for Black Americans of African Decent?”
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abor Day was first passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. Since then, it has been celebrated on the First Monday in September after being enacted by legislative law by four other states, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York making it an observed national holiday.
But what does Labor Day really mean to Black Americans of African Decent? Labor Day should mean a right to celebrate our right to work and play any where in these United States of America. It should mean our right to pray, attend a place of worship, and live anywhere we want to. But we all know that Black Americans have not always been afforded these privileges. For decades, Blacks were paid below market value for work performed which prevented us from investing in resources needed to own a piece of the “American pie.” Therefore, Labor Day should have a different meaning for Black Americans of Decent. One day off from work can never compensate for the hundreds of years of unpaid work our ancestors performed on plantations, farms, and in kitchens. Many opportunities forever lost to pass on the value of what we contributed to the labor market. But for Christians, we know that any day of our labor is not in vain because the Bible says, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (I Corinthians 15:58). Amen! Reference: https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history
Dr. Precious
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ecently, the Lancaster Homeless Shelter has been closed; whether it was for funding, or staffing, or whatever reason the officials came up with, IT WAS WRONG! I have strong feelings about this because there is an epidemic of homelessness in Los Angeles County. There are stories from anyone with their eyes open about the homeless camps, RV’s parked in businesses and residential communities, and people walking the streets. It can break your heart if you don’t know what the Word says, and see what that politicians are doing! I don’t know how Politics work in this area, but they certainly are not reading the BIBLE. We, as children of God have to do what we can to help this community; they need us! Second Baptist Monrovia, has been feeding the homeless community and offering other services for decades, and continues to help where it’s needed. Agape Community Church in Lancaster recently held a Musical fund raiser (along with what’s already being done) to assist the homeless community with vouchers for a motel room, food, and even gift cards to fast food restaurants. Many churches are the resource of help for this community; because the churches are teaching and living the BIBLE! Deuteronomy 15:7 says, “If there is among you a poor man of your brethren, within any of the gates in your land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother.” Deuteronomy 15:11: “For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.” Proverbs 29:14: “The king who judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever.” Matthew 26:11: “For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always.” These are just a few scriptures that tell us how we should treat those who are less fortunate than us. The Lord is watching…
Peggy LaBon Second’s Gazette
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I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4: 13
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orking with individuals with alcohol and drug addiction problems can be challenging. My constant prayer is that I would be guided by the Holy Spirit in all that I attempt to do. I pray for a a servant's heart. As a counselor we see and deal with individuals whose lives have become real disasters. Many individuals have lost everything including a sense of self. Alcohol and drugs use is an equal opportunity destroyer. In an effort to assist individuals with their drug dependency it is necessary to fully understand what my job is. Alcohol and Drug Counselors are agents of change. The following poem truly states what are jobs consists of. WHY ARE WE HERE ? We are here to LISTEN, not to work miracles We are here to help people IDENTIFY their options; not to decide for them what they should do. We are here to DISCUSS STEPS with the person; not to take the steps for them. We are here to HELP a person discover their own STRENGTHS; not to rescue them and leave them still vulnerable. We are here to HELP a person discover that they can HELP THEMSELVES; not take responsibility for them. We are here to HELP a person LEARN to CHOOSE; not to make it unnecessary for them to make difficult choices.
WE ARE HERE TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR CHANGE WE ARE CHANGE AGENTS Inter Coast Colleges Career Institute Stephanie Porter BS, MS, MFTI Email stphnporter0@gmail.com
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ysterious Ways is a movie that will make you think about healing and forgiveness all in the name of faith. Released in February 2015, the leading lady, Marilyn, played by Wendy Raquel Robinson, loses her will to go on with her life after her little son is killed by a hit and run driver. Not even the love of a devoted husband can bring her back to life. However, and encounter with a homeless man by the name of Mozart, played by Gary Dourdan, will change her world and let her see that there are no accidents with God. I give it “Four Stars!” Watch it on Netflix! Second’s Gazette
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Second’s Gazette Welcomes donations of any size. Please make checks payable to
You Are My Life
Fred Hammond
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he evening now in sight I earnestly contend To just stay grounded With the absence of the light The enemy moves in And I am surrounded With a weary heart The battle goes on Lord I will rest in the Words That You spoke to me
You are my Life You are my Strength My Faithful Defense and my Cover My Shield and Shelter Savior and Shepherd You're my Life and my Strength Jesus You Are The warfare rages on The toll it takes is that My heart is tender My spirit yet is strong But as usual my flesh Wants to surrender Though it's hard to wait On Your Word I'll depend And believe with my heart Until the end
Second Baptist Church SUPPORTERS
You are my Life You are my Strength My Faithful Defense and my Cover My Shield and Shelter Savior and Shepherd You're my Life and my Strength Jesus You Are.... In my distress I called on You And from Your throne You heard me and saved me.
Second Baptist Church Nadine O. Harris Mother Deloris K. Bridges Ferrari Green Dr. Precious Flemings Lady Betty G. Dillard Melva Hill Barbara Jean Grant Shirley Towler –Hayes Elder Robert & Arlethia Craig Geneva Ward-Douglas Larry & Debra Hayes Christine Mathis Marva E. Hogan Ophelia M. Harris Barbara M. Harris Mildred Cross Carrie Walker
There is room for you too, Donate! Today!
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Be Yourself for God
abbi Joseph Liebermann describes a dream where he dies and goes to stand before God’s judgment seat. As he waits, the rabbi fears that the Lord will ask him, “Why weren’t you a Moses … or a David ... or a Solomon?” Instead, God surprises him by simply asking, “Why weren’t you Rabbi Liebermann?” When our lives are over, God won’t ask us why we weren’t a Mother Teresa or another saintly soul. He simply wants us to be who he created us to be. “We are his workmanship,” St. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:10. In Greek, workmanship means “a piece of art.” You are God’s masterpiece. Life isn’t a game of comparison. It’s a journey of discovery of how God has uniquely created you to perform specific tasks in this life. Your life is God’s canvas. Don’t hinder the painting process. Be yourself for God!
Mike Paulison
A Sign Of What’s To Come
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hen God is about to do something great, he starts with a difficulty. When he is about to do something truly magnificent, he starts with an impossibility. —Armin Gesswein
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Second’s Gazette
Activist, Trailblazer, Pioneer, and Volunteer SBC’s Own Mother Lois Gaston
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he City of Duarte will be honoring Mother Lois Gaston as a “Community Hero” for her dedication and endless hours of volunteer work in the community. The ceremony will be held at the Los Angeles County Fair on Wednesday, September 24, 2017 at 3:00 P. M. The Los Angeles County Fairgrounds are located at 1101 West McKinley Avenue, Pomona, CA 91768. The Community Heroes Ceremony will be followed by the Monrovia, Duarte, and Arcadia Day Parade. Please come out to support Mother Gaston in this honorable and outstanding recognition.
September 12th, 13th, and 14th At Second Baptist Church Monrovia
Guest Clergymen:
Pastor Terry Brown, Liberty Baptist Church, L.A.
Pastor Christopher A. Bourne, Bethlehem Church, Pasadena
Pastor Dr. L.A. Kessee, Bethany Baptist Church, L.A.
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Second’s Gazette
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ou probably know someone who has had shingles. So is it contagious? How do you get it? How do you protect yourself?
Shingles is an infection that is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. The infection causes a painful skin rash and fluid filled blisters, which eventually break open, crust over and heal. Most people who get shingles will get better and will not get it again. But it is possible have shingles more than once. Shingles can occur in any area of the body, but it usually affects only one side of the body or face. The pain usually lasts about 1 month. However, some people can have chronic (long-term) pain in the affected area of the body. Shingles often occurs many years after a person have had chickenpox because the virus can lay dormant in the body for many years in an inactive state. Shingles is common in people who have these characteristics: Over 50 years Have weak immune systems Are taking medicines that weaken the immune system Are under great stress Exposure to shingles will not cause you to get shingles. But if you have not had chickenpox and have not gotten the chickenpox vaccine, you can get chickenpox if you are exposed to shingles. The virus can spread from person to person through contact with open blisters, and it will only spread to people who have not had chickenpox. Once the blisters scab over, the person is no longer contagious and cannot spread the virus to others. If you think you have shingles, see a doctor as soon as possible, because delaying or not getting medical treatment may increase your risk for complications. There is no cure for shingles, but treatment may shorten the length of illness and prevent other complications. Early treatment with antiviral medicines may help reduce pain and prevent complications such as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). If you still feel intense pain for more than 1 month after the skin heals, see your doctor to find out whether you have PHN. Getting your pain under control right away may prevent nerve damage which can cause more pain that can lasts for months or even years. http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/ shingles/tc/shingles-topic-overview Exit-Care information provided by Mother Lois Gaston
Live Life Healthy
Jessie M Anderson , RN BS Second’s Gazette
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Mary & Joseph’s oldest child was Jesus.
"Christians belong in churches--the only places where we can thrive and grow spiritually. In Why Church Matters, Joshua Harris makes this case with wisdom, clarity, and graciousness." -
-Charles W. Colson
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Second’s Gazette
ACTS OF FAITH CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2017 12:30—1 PM CHILDREN’S CHURCH
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I love the house in which You dwell. Psalm 26:8, NRSV https://livestream.com/accounts/10332936
Call 626-358-2136 or 359-7188 Fax 626-357-2477 –Email: secondsnewsletter@gmail.com / sbcmon@aol.com / Visit us at: www.Secondbaptistmonrovia.org
Second’s Gazette