Bethel Baptist Church 1 Fisher Court White Plains, NY 10601 949-2792 Church Officials Dr. E.O. Williamson Pastor R. Jackson Deacon Chair M. Andralliski Trustee Co-Chair W. Gibbons Trustee Co-Chair F. Hudson Treasurer Monetta Abraham Church Clerk L. Upshaw Bookkeeper Vol. 15, Issue 6 June 4, 2017 Message from Pastor 1/10 Pastor’s 13th Anniversary 2/3 Birthday, Sick, Calendar 4 Church News 5 Church News 6 Church News 7/12 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: From the Pastor’s Desk… 2017 Theme: “Growing Disciples for Christ” BBC: Building Hope, Building Relationships, and Changing Lives” Our vision: To be a beacon of hope to individuals, families, the community, and the world Foundational Scripture: “Make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them to observe all things that I have command- ed you. And lo I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 Emphasis for June: Joy “Scriptural joy is not only a gift from God, it is also commanded of all those who know Him: ‘Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice!’ (Phil.4:4; cf. 1 Thess. 5:16). Like other vital characteristics of the Christian life (being filled with the Holy Spirit, realizing our spiritual unity, etc.) believers don’t manufacture joy or utilize all kind of gimmicks to find it. They simply need to thank the Lord for the gift and revel in the wonderful blessings joy already affords (see Rom. 14:17). John McArthur, The Pillars of Christian Character Praise God from whom all blessings flow! The Lord is good, His mercy is ev- erlasting, and His truth endures to all generations. (Ps. 100:5) Rev. Deb and I would like to extend a special thank you to the 13 th Pastoral Anniversary Committee, all pro- gram participants, the media ministry, the culinary committee, church ministries and ministry leaders, and our Bethel Baptist Church family for a wonderful program and celebration of 13 years of pastoral ministry. We thank everyone for their prayers, support, gifts, encouragement, and special acts of kindness. You are all loved and greatly appreciated. We thank God for you! To God be the glory! This month our emphasis will be on “Joy”. Joy is a gift from God and a Chris- tian characteristic that should be evident in the life of all believers. In Nehemiah 8:10 we find these words, “Do not sorrow for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Paul in Philippian 4:4 commands, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Let us model godly joy and rejoicing as we witness for Jesus and serve the Lord. “Rejoice!” Join with our church family and the community for the Annual Juneteenth Parade and Festival on Saturday, June 10th. Wear your T-shirts and show your Bethel/BBC spirit by marching with us in the parade and attending the festival cele- brating our African American culture and heritage. Cont’d page 10 Dr. E. O. Williamson Newsletter Editors Barbara Andralliski Pamela Bowe-Tabbs Ruth Rainey Dr. Frozine Reece-Smith, Contributing Editor [email protected]Brenda Johnson, Photographer bbchurch1 @bbc_wp
Transcript
Bethel Baptist Church 1 Fisher Court
White Plains, NY 10601 949-2792
Church Officials
Dr. E.O. Williamson Pastor
R. Jackson Deacon Chair
M. Andralliski Trustee Co-Chair
W. Gibbons Trustee Co-Chair
F. Hudson Treasurer
Monetta Abraham Church Clerk
L. Upshaw Bookkeeper
Vol. 15, Issue 6
June 4, 2017
Message from Pastor 1/10
Pastor’s 13th Anniversary 2/3
Birthday, Sick, Calendar 4
Church News 5
Church News 6
Church News 7/12
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
From the Pastor’s Desk…
2017 Theme: “Growing Disciples for Christ” BBC: Building Hope, Building Relationships, and
Changing Lives”
Our vision: To be a beacon of hope to individuals, families, the community, and the world
Foundational Scripture: “Make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them to observe all things that I have command-ed you. And lo I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
Emphasis for June: Joy
“Scriptural joy is not only a gift from God, it is also commanded of all those who know Him: ‘Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice!’ (Phil.4:4; cf. 1 Thess. 5:16).
Like other vital characteristics of the Christian life (being filled with the Holy Spirit, realizing our spiritual unity, etc.) believers don’t manufacture joy or utilize all kind of gimmicks
to find it. They simply need to thank the Lord for the gift and revel in the wonderful blessings joy already affords (see Rom. 14:17).
John McArthur, The Pillars of Christian Character
Praise God from whom all blessings flow! The Lord is good, His mercy is ev-erlasting, and His truth endures to all generations. (Ps. 100:5) Rev. Deb and I would like to extend a special thank you to the 13th Pastoral Anniversary Committee, all pro-gram participants, the media ministry, the culinary committee, church ministries and ministry leaders, and our Bethel Baptist Church family for a wonderful program and celebration of 13 years of pastoral ministry. We thank everyone for their prayers, support, gifts, encouragement, and special acts of kindness. You are all loved and greatly appreciated. We thank God for you! To God be the glory!
This month our emphasis will be on “Joy”. Joy is a gift from God and a Chris-tian characteristic that should be evident in the life of all believers. In Nehemiah 8:10 we find these words, “Do not sorrow for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Paul in Philippian 4:4 commands, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Let us model godly joy and rejoicing as we witness for Jesus and serve the Lord. “Rejoice!” Join with our church family and the community for the Annual Juneteenth Parade and Festival on Saturday, June 10th. Wear your T-shirts and show your Bethel/BBC spirit by marching with us in the parade and attending the festival cele-brating our African American culture and heritage.
“And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding” (Jeremiah 3:15, KJV).
Our Pastor, Dr. Edward O. Williamson with first lady Rev. Deborah Williamson by his side, celebrated his 13th Anniversary at Bethel Baptist Church on Sunday, May 21, 2017. Rev. Gary Gaston of the St. Paul Baptist Church in East St. Louis, Illinois was the guest preacher. Rev. Gaston delivered a very simplistic, “to the point”, powerful message and charged our congregation to “Pray for Your Pastor”. The scripture was taken from (1Thessalonians 5:25 KJV): “Brethren, pray for us”.
Our Pastor continues to expand his par excellent teaching skills by serv-ing in the following areas: Certified Instructor and Certified Dean of Christian Education for the Sunday School Publishing Board of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., President of Christian Education for the Central Hudson Baptist District Association, Assistant State Dean for the Empire Missionary Baptist State Convention of New York and the Regional Coordinator of the Northeast Region of the Sunday School Publishing Board.
Dr. & Rev. Williamson are the proud parents of two beautiful happily married daughters, Stefanie (Michael) Powell and Jennifer (Oliver) Vigille II. The newest addition to the family is little Oliver III who just turned one year old in April 2017.
Bro. and Sis. Mills escorted Pastor and First Lady into the sanctuary for the divine worship service. The service was well planned and included an extensive list of participants from our vast congrega-tion. Jemal Mosley did a video presentation which heralded “The Past Twelve Years”. The chil-dren’s choir, followed by the Mass Choir, rendered special selections for the service. A delicious meal was prepared by Geneva Benton and the Culinary Ministry which concluded with a beautiful
anniversary cake for dessert.
As a congregation, our aim is to keep in step with updates and changes in this new century. We will continue to march forward with our Pastor; rejoicing with him in the accomplishments of the past, assessing the here and now of the present, and strategically planning by faith for the unknown territory of the future. We celebrate our Pastor’s 13th Anniversary with humble apprecia-
tion to God for His many blessings to our congregation.
To God Be The Glory!
Submitted by: Dr. Frozine Reece-Smith
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Deaconess Seay & Rev. Deb Rev. Gaston, Rev. Deb & Pastor Williamson
Rev. Deb, Pastor Williamson
Raquel Cheney & Children
Anniversary Choir Rev. Deb & Children of Bethel
A True Pastor-Teacher
Tips for a Healthy and Happy Summer
Eat small meals frequently. Increase fresh seasonal
fruits and vegetables.
Exercise regularly, swimming and walking.
Exercise keeps the heart strong and healthy.
Get at least 8 hours of sleep
Wear light colored clothing
Avoid intense activities between 12-3pm.
Stay cool and hydrated. Drink plenty of water
Protect yourself from over exposure to sunlight. Wear a hat and use sunscreens
Check on your family, friends and neighbors who have chronic health conditions
Have a healthy and fun filled summer.
Plan a vacation that incorporates new interests and provide
you with time to read relax, contemplate and breathe.
Catherine Bennett
Henry Bonam
Morris Brown
Ernestine Bryant
Mildred Carelock
Marie Cochrane
Charlene Coram
Pattie Dunston
Cornelia Evans
Glenda Felder
Bennie Foster
Lolita Glover
James Goode
Ann Hadley
Gertrude Hipp
Dorothy Hudson
Bobby Jenkins
Dorothy Jenkins
Sammie Jenkins
Zennie Johnson
Samuel Leary
Sherita Lee
Luvenia Lunn
Thomas Miller
Aaron Nixon
Learis Palmer
Joseph Pendelton
Callie Rhames
Priscilla Robinson
Mae Sanders
Emory Watson
Mary Watson
Cotella Williams
Dora Williamson
WE’RE PRAYING FOR YOU CALENDAR HAPPY BIRTHDAY Page 4
June 5 Men’s Ministry, 6:00 pm
Male Chorus, 7:00 pm
June 6 New Creation Choir, 7:00 pm
Senior Ushers, 7:30 pm
June 10 Juneteenth Parade/Festival,
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
June 11 Hospitality Ministry Day,
10:00 am
June 13 Senior Ministry, 6:00 pm
June 22 Passage to Excellence, 6:00 pm
June 24 Senior Ministry presents; Pre
Planning and Legal Seminar,
10:00 am - 12 noon
June 25 Education and Scholarship Ministry
sponsors Graduate Recognition Day,
10:00 am
Gerald Jones June 1
Clotella Williams June 3
Cheryl Chase June 4
Dennis Holland June 5
Raquel Cheney June 5
Joi Culler June 7
Catherine Ashe June 7
Stacey Y. Dingle June 8
Roxene Fernandez June 10
Isaiah Graham June 12
Latia Jackson June 12
Dwight Young June 13
Trazana Magdaleno June 13
Rhonda Gordon June 14
Deacon Patricia Simpson June 15
Bennie Foster June 16
Emily Williams June 18
Deaconess Rosy McMillan June 22
Herbert Strobert June 22
Willie Marie Butler June 23
Theodore Jay Lee, III June 23
Etta T. Peterson June 23
Julius Walker June 23
India Newman June 25
Sandra Jefferson-Hadley June 26
Asjea Bowry June 26
Valerie Johnstone June 28
Derrick Bennett June 30
Talia Jackson June 30
Charles & Earlean Robinson June 5
(46 yrs.)
Myron & Yvonne Avant June 21
(31 yrs.)
Rowland & Felecia Hudson June 22
(16 yrs.)
Michael & Pamela Tabbs June 28
(37 years)
Better Health Advisory Ministry
Bethel Baptist Church
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BBC Youth Community Service Award
The following BBC youth received honors for their dedication/
hours completed through various community service assign-
Calvary Baptist Church of White Plains, New York was the setting for the 98th year celebration of The Working Churches of Westches-ter County & Vicinity on Thursday, May 18, 2017. The organiza-tion’s history is centered around a group of African-American wom-en who worked in the homes of very wealthy Westchesterites. Since the women had the same “day off”, (Thursdays), they had a strong desire to meet for a church service and a time of fellowship over a meal. Thus, The Working Churches was born in May of 1919 by Mrs. Georgiana Richardson of Elmsford, N.Y. and Mrs. Lucy Eman-
uel of White Plains, N.Y.
At present, the organization has a total participation of nine churches. They are the following Baptist Churches: Bethel, Calvary, First Community, and Union of White Plains, N.Y.; First Baptist, Elmsford, N.Y.; Mt. Lebanon and Mt. Olivet, Peekskill, N.Y.; Shiloh, Tarrytown, N.Y.; and Star of Bethlehem, Ossining, N.Y. Sis. Charlotte Gordon, Union Baptist Church, was the only member to pass this year. Deacon Dewitt Roy Smith of Bethel Baptist Church serves as President.
The following were honored for dedicated Christian service in giving back to their communities: Sis. Nancy Bowser – Bethel Baptist; Sis. Eleanor Sanders – Union Baptist; Sis. Delores Holloman- Star of Bethlehem; Sis. Rebbie Harris – Calvary Baptist; and Deacon Jacob Paige – Mt. Lebanon. The Church of the Year award was presented to Bethel Bap-tist Church’s Missionary Ministry for going beyond the call of duty as a body of Christian servants. Sis. Barbara An-dralliski, President of the Ministry, accepted the award for the group. This year’s scholarship recipient is Alexis Penn of Union Baptist Church. She will be attending my alma mater: VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY in the fall!!
Rev. E. Lee Trollinger, Pastor of Calvary, delivered a powerful, challenging sermon. He urged the group to consider new and more creative ways to perform mission duties. “Westchester County is filled with agencies that could use the Working Churches’ services.” Our own Pastor, Dr. Edward O. Williamson and Pastor Shaun Jones of Star of Bethle-hem were also present.
Calvary Baptist’s Culinary Ministry served a delicious meal. Sisters Dorothy Sims (Mt. Lebanon) and Mollie Branci-forte (Mt. Olivet) were the co-chairs.
God took the strength of a mountain, The majesty of a tree, The warmth of a summer sun, The calm of a quiet sea, The generous soul of nature, The comforting arm of night, The wisdom of the ages, The power of the eagle's flight, The joy of a morning in spring, The faith of a mustard seed, The patience of eternity, The depth of a family need, Then God combined these qualities, When there was nothing more to add, He knew His masterpiece was complete, And so, He called it ... Dad
Education & Scholarship Ministry
Part 3 - Parental School Involvement
There are many families who attend Bethel Baptist Church. In a discussion with another attendee
their experiences were shared to offer encouragement to the parents and extended families of
children and youth.
It is important to support your children's educational experience. When you are blessed to be
a parent, you have an idea of the trials and tribulations that kids go through. It is important to
convey some of the hurdles you experienced so they can avoid certain pitfalls. Most parents want
to see their children have a better future than they did. Secondly, show interest and be present whenever possible. Also, assist them
when it's appropriate. For example, attend school programs. Next, develop a consistent routine so they will know the expecta-
tions. Provide and nurture a wholesome environment that stimulates positive activity. Something that they want to come home
to. This way it's not drudgery and it allows the child to look forward to homework or reading and fun activities. Finally, be discerning
to know what's appropriate and what is not. Lay the foundation and continue to build and/or improve on it.
Rev. Virginia Mebane Young
Bethel Baptist Church
A Mother’s Day Performance by Joyful Praise
Mothers have played a very vital role in the church for many years. It
was the vision of Asjea Bowry (Director of Joyful Praise) to create an
intergenerational piece that would pay tribute to all the inspirational
women on Mother’s Day. The song chosen for this dance was War by
Heavenly Joy (original version by Charles Jenkins). This song was selected
as a representation of the warfare we are facing daily.
On Sunday, May 15th, the children of Joyful Praise and Mothers of Bethel
Baptist Church joined for a special performance. This presentation in-
volved days of practice and dedication from everyone involved. It was a
labor of love that will always be remembered.
In addition to creating this memorable dance Asjea also gathered photos
of the Mothers of Bethel and made the beautiful collage pictured below.
Page 8
Submitted by: Andrea Manigault
Bethel Baptist Church
Youth Sunday
Page 9
Sunday, May 28, 2017 Bethel celebrated Youth Sunday. Dorshelle Guillaume gave s very inspiring message to the children and
youth. Along with scripture references, she incorporated her own personal struggles and achievements.
This was followed by a sermon from our pastor which was geared toward the children. He sat on the floor and surrounded him-
self with the children as he explained the scripture as it pertained to sin and forgiveness. He used an egg as an example as to how
one can break the shell and get cleaned up.
One of the highlights of the service was the baptism of five youth. God is good!
Dorshelle Guillaume
Annual Spring Revival
Annual Spring Revival has held May, 8-10. Rev. Gary Colter,
pastor, Mt. Lebanon Baptist in Peekskill was the guest preach-
er. All who attended came away feeling spiritually revived and
wanting more.
Rev. Colter, Pastor Williamson
Children listening attentively
Bethel Baptist Church
Pastor’s Message Cont’d from page 1 We will acknowledge and recognize our outstanding Hospitality Ministry during our 10:00 a.m. worship service on
Sunday, June 11th. On Sunday, June 25th, we will celebrate our Graduate Recognition Sunday. This is a special day hon-oring students and their families. All are encouraged to attend the special day of worship and recognition.
Special Announcement: Calling all Bethel members and friends!!! Our congregation will celebrate 132 years of worshipping and serving in this community on Sunday, July 16th. The celebration will be held during our 10:00 a.m. wor-ship service with a collation and church fellowship following. Our guest preacher will be the Rev. Erwin Trollinger, pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church. Please support with your prayers, presence, and a sacrificial gift of $132. A way to make the financial goal – 7 weeks x $18.76, 6 weeks x $22, 3 x $44, 2x $66, and 1x $132. We can do this! “I (We) can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. ”(Phil. 4:13)
Also in July, the Central Hudson Baptist Association will be celebrating its 95th Annual Session July 8th – 12th. The event will be held at the Baptist Temple Baptist Church in Newburgh, New York. Rev. Dr. Byron Williams is the host pastor and Rev. Julius Collins is the moderator. The 95th Annual Session will feature youth services and workshops, certi-fied classes, worship services, and annual addresses by the auxiliary leaders. I will deliver my first address as the con-gress president on Tuesday, July 11th. I am inviting my church family to attend and support. The 38th Annual Fellowship and Awards Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, July12th at Anthony’s Pier Nine in New Windsor, New York. We will recognize four Persons-of-the-Year from our congregation. Tickets are available, adults $55 and children 12 and under $25. Help us make the annual session a great success this year. Remember our motto: “We’re all in this together, being the church God has called us to be.”
Be Blessed,
Pastor Williamson
Join us for Sunday School and Bible Study Weekly Adult Sunday School Lessons Summer Quarter – “God Urgent Call” Unit I – “Called To Be Strong” 6/4 Without a Doubt – Judges 4:1-10 6/11 Wrestling with Doubt – Judges 6:11-18 6/18 Building Trust – Judges 11:4-11, 29-31 6/25 Destined for Greatness – Judges 13:1-7, 24-25 Bible Study & Spiritual Development – Topic: “Christian Character and How It Develops” Chapter 6 – Living Holy Lives – Ephesians 4:17-5:7-26 Chapter 7 – Showing Compassion – Luke 10:25-37 Chapter 8 – Serving Others – Philippians 2 Chapter 9 – Developing A Godly Self Image – Exodus 3:1-15; 4:1-17
Page 10
A Catechism for New Believers
By Pastor Williamson
“Growing Disciples for Christ”
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and
of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded; and lo, I am with you always
even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
A catechism is a summary of the principles of Christian religion in the form of questions and answers used for the instruc-tion of Christians. As we seek to “Grow Disciples for Christ”, I am including the following questions and answers from “The West-minster Shorter Catechism”. Use these questions to begin laying foundations of Christian beliefs for children, youth, and newer members of our congregation. The use of catechism is a longstanding tradition for training and disciple making in the church. Let us be blessed by rediscovering and utilizing this method of teaching. Q. 1. What is man’s primary purpose? A. Man’s primary purpose is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. Q. 2. What authority from God directs us how to glorify and enjoy Him? A. The only authority for glorifying and enjoying Him is the bible, which is the word of God and is made up of the Old and New Testaments. Q. 3. What does the bible primarily teach? A. The Bible primarily teaches what man must believe about God and what God requires of man. Q. 4. Who is God? A. God is a spirit, whose being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth are infinite, eternal, and unchangeable. Q. 5. Is there more than one God? A. There is only one, the living and true God. Remember Paul’s instruction to Timothy, “Be diligent (study) to present yourself approved to God a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15 Be Blessed Pastor Williamson
