Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church Reverend John Foster Ph.D., Senior Pastor

Sunday, March 5, 2017 7:45AM & 11:00AM

HOLY COMMUNION

Prelude Phillip Skerritt, Jr.

Processional Ministers, Choir, Stewards and Acolytes

*Doxology #647

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below;

Praise Him above ye heavenly host, Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

*Call to Worship

Minister: I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” Our feet have been

standing within your gates, O Jerusalem!

People: For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper

in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

Minister: For the sake of the house of the Lord our God; I will seek your good.

People: They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God.

Minister: O Lord, I love the habitation of your house, and the place where your glory dwells.

People: But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him.

Minister: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight,

O Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer.

People: O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things! I will sing of loyalty and of

justice, to you, O Lord, I will sing.

Hymn of Praise AMEC Hymn #403 — What A Wonderful Change in My Life

1. What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought Since Jesus came into my heart! I have light in my soul for

which long I have sought, Since Jesus came into my heart!

~REFRAIN~ Since Jesus came into my heart! Since Jesus came into my heart! Floods of joy o’er my soul

like the sea billows roll, Since Jesus came into my heart!

2. I have ceased from my wandering and going astray, Since Jesus came into my heart! And my sins, which were

many, are all washed away, Since Jesus came into my heart!

~REFRAIN~ Since Jesus came into my heart! Since Jesus came into my heart! Floods of joy o’er my soul

like the sea billows roll, Since Jesus came into my heart!

3. I’m possessed of a hope that is steadfast and sure, Since Jesus came into my heart! And no dark clouds of doubt

now my pathway obscure, Since Jesus came into my heart!

~REFRAIN~ Since Jesus came into my heart! Since Jesus came into my heart! Floods of joy o’er my soul

like the sea billows roll, Since Jesus came into my heart!

Invocation Choral Response

Worship Through Music Babcock-Young Voices of Unity

The Responsive Scripture Matthew 4:1-7 Minister: 1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

People: 2 He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished.

Minister: 3 The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to

become loaves of bread.

People: 4 But he answered, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that

comes from the mouth of God.'"

Minister: 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple,

People: 6 saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, 'He will

command his angels concerning you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'" ALL: 7 Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"

*Preface to the Decalogue (in the tune of #258)

“From all that dwell below the skies, let the Creator’s praise arise; let the

Redeemer’s name be sung, through every land by every tongue.”

*Summary of the Decalogue

Gloria Patri #xvii-xviii

Welcome to Big Bethel Philippian Ministry

The Pastor’s Words

Big Bethel Ministry Moment Habitat 4 Humanity

Worship through Giving: tithes & offering

The Choral Response

The Altar Call

Worship Through Music Babcock-Young Voices of Unity

The Sermon Pastor Foster

Invitation to Christian Discipleship

PRAYER OF SALVATION

Dear Lord, I recognize that I am a sinner. Lord, I am sorry for my sins, and I am ready to change my life. I ac-

cept your forgiveness. I confess with my mouth that you are Lord, and I believe in my heart that God raised

you from the dead; therefore, according to the word I am saved. The Bible says “if any person be in Christ he

or she is a new creation, the old is passed away and behold all things become new.” Lord, I thank you for my

salvation.

†Affirmation of Faith

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ His only son our Lord who

was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead; and

buried. The third day he arose from the dead; he ascended into heaven and sitteth at the right hand of God the

Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the

Church Universal, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sin, the resurrection of the body and the life ever-

lasting. Amen.

†Holy Communion

THE GENERAL CONFESSION

Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all people, we acknowledge and bewail

our manifold sin and wickedness which we from time to time most grievously have committed by thought, word and

deed against Your divine Majesty, provoking most justly Your wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly

repent and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous unto us. Have mercy up-

on us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father for Your Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake; forgive us all that is past,

and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please You in newness of life, to the honor and glory of Your name,

through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Recessional

Doxology

†Benediction

SERVING IN TODAY’S WORSHIP EXPERIENCE 7:45 11:00 Acolytes Kayla Jenkins & Ross Turner

Choir Babcock-Young Voices of Unity Babcock-Young Voices of Unity

Philippians Racquel Battle & Jerome Crawl Olivia Alston & StaceyAnn Taylor

Stewardesses R.T. Bussey & Eva Watson Stewardess Ministry R.T. Bussey & Eva Watson Stewardess Ministry

Stewards Stan Foster and Everett Jolly Leslie Egbarin and Shirley Simmons

Trustee Rosaland Thomas & James Rudd Bettieanne Hart & Khamisi Walters

Ushers Usherette Ministry #2 Usherette Ministry #2

AV Ministry Marvin Fleming and SirRyan May Marvin Fleming and SirRyan May

Finance Team Team 2-A Team 2-B

WEEKLY SCRIPTURE READINGS

First Reading Psalm Second Reading Gospel

First Sunday in Lent

March 5, 2017

Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 Psalm 32 Romans 5:12-19 Matthew 4:1-11

- Hearing God’s Word in the Sermon – Since we forget 90% of what we hear, it has been suggested that note taking will

double the percentage of our take home response. Why not try it and see?

Points/Topics:

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Let us remember our sick and shut-in with our cards & calls.

Sis. Mildred Whalen,(770) 603-8266

MARCH BIRTHDAYS

Happy Birthday to all members celebrating birthdays during

the month of March!!!

Sun Mon Tue Wed

1 ASH WEDNESDAY6:00AM Prayer Call

(712) 432-3100, Code 440772

12:00PM BBC ASH WEDNESDAY SVC

7:00PM Auburn Avenue Collaborative

Ash Wednesday Service

Ebenezer Baptist Church

101 Jackson St. Atlanta, GA 30312

5 7:45AM Worship Service (S)

9:45AM Church School (FH)

9:45AM New Members (FH)

11:00AM Worship Service (S)

8:00-10:00 Kwanzaa Sol Breakfast {FH}

6 6:00AM Prayer Call

(712) 432-3100, Code 440772

Access Code- 440772

7:00PM Male Chorus (CR)

7 4:00PM Bag Lunches (FH)

6:30PM CS & F Meeting (A)

7:00PM BYVOU (CR)

8 6:00AM Prayer Call

(712) 432-3100, Code 440772

9:00AM Bethel Towers Board Mtg.

12:00PM Bible Study/(FH)

7:00PM Bible Study (FH)

12 7:45AM Worship Service (S)

9:45AM Church School (FH)

9:45AM New Members (FH)

11:00AM Worship Service (S)

WMS & YPD

ANNUAL DAY 9:00-11:00 Young Adult Fundraiser {FH}

13 6:00AM Prayer Call

Prayer Call #1-712-432-3100

Access Code- 440772

7:00pm MOBB MTG Conf

Call

14 4:00PM Bag Lunches (FH)

7:00PM BYVOU (CR)

15 6:00AM Prayer Call

(712) 432-3100, Code 440772

12:00PM Bible Study (FH)

7:00PM Bible Study (FH)

19

7:45AM Worship Service (S) 9:45AM Church School (FH)

9:45AM New Members (FH)

11:00AM Worship Service (S)

8:00-10:00 Kwanzaa Sol Breakfast {FH}

20 6:00AM Prayer Call (712) 432-3100,

Code 440772

7:00PM Male Chorus (CR)

4th Quarterly Conference 7:00pm

21 4:00PM Bag Lunches (FH)

6:30PM CS & F Meeting (A)

7:00PM BYVOUC (CR)

22 6:00AM Prayer Call

(712) 432-3100, Code 440772

12:00PM Bible Study (FH)

7:00PM Bible Study (FH)

26

7:45AM Worship Service (S) 9:45AM Church School (FH)

9:45AM New Members (FH)

11:00AM Worship Service (S)

4:00PM ANGC Concert:

Vickie Winans

27 6:00AM Prayer Call

(712) 432-3100, Code 440772

7:00PM Male Chorus (CR)

28 4:00PM Bag Lunches (FH)

7:00PM BYVOUC (CR)

11:00AM—Digital Inclusion Program

(YRC)

29 6:00AM Prayer Call

(712) 432-3100, Code 440772

12:00PM Bible Study (FH)

7:00PM Bible Study (FH)

Big Bethel's MARCH 2017 Events Calendar

Southwest Georgia Annual Conference

Georgia Annual Conference—Bethel AME Church 233 N. Gause Street, Hinesville, GA 31313

South Georgia Annual Conference—St. Paul AME Church 419 S. Ashley Street

Wed Thu Fri Sat

ASH WEDNESDAY 6:00AM Prayer Call

3100, Code 440772

BBC ASH WEDNESDAY SVC

Auburn Avenue Collaborative

Ash Wednesday Service —

Ebenezer Baptist Church

101 Jackson St. Atlanta, GA 30312

2 7:00PM Signs of Praise (FH)

7:00PM Praise Team (CR)

7:00PM Big Bethel Chorale (S)

3 6:00AM Prayer Call

(712) 432-3100, Code 440772

4

8:00—Love Feast—Trustees

9:00AM Ministerial Staff Meeting

10:00AM Saturday School Initiative (YRC)

6:00AM Prayer Call

3100, Code 440772

9:00AM Bethel Towers Board Mtg.

12:00PM Bible Study/(FH)

7:00PM Bible Study (FH)

9 7:00PM Signs of Praise (FH)

7:00PM Praise Team (CR)

7:00PM Big Bethel Chorale (S)

10:00 Seniors Ministry Outing:

The Temple Bombing@ Alliance

Theater\

6:30pm NEW BEGINNINGS

EXPERIENCE8:00-10:00

10 6:00AM Prayer Call

(712) 432-3100, Code 440772

11

8:30AM-2:00PM New Members

Super Saturday (A)

9:00AM Steward Board Meeting

10:00AM Saturday School Initiative (YRC)

11:00AM Laura L. Turner WMS Meeting

6:00AM Prayer Call

3100, Code 440772

12:00PM Bible Study (FH)

7:00PM Bible Study (FH)

16 7:00PM Signs of Praise (FH)

7:00PM Praise Team (CR)

7:00PM Big Bethel Chorale (S)

17 6:00AM Prayer Call

(712) 432-3100, Code 440772

18

10:00AM Worship & Arts Ministry (FH)

10:00AM Big Bethel Chorale (S)

6:00AM Prayer Call

3100, Code 440772

12:00PM Bible Study (FH)

7:00PM Bible Study (FH)

23 6:30PM Trustee Board Meeting

7:00PM Signs of Praise (FH)

7:00PM Praise Team (CR)

7:00PM Big Bethel Chorale (S)

6:30pm NEW BEGINNINGS

EXPERIENCE

24 6:00AM Prayer Call

(712) 432-3100, Code 440772

6:00PM BBTH TEAM Dinner

25

10:00AM Saturday School Initiative (YRC)

10:00AM Edge-Cannon Lay Organization (FH/TS)

10:00AM Worship & Arts Ministry (FH)

10:30AM Youth Choir (S)

10:00A-1:00P DMC Training & Luncheon

6:00AM Prayer Call

3100, Code 440772

12:00PM Bible Study (FH)

7:00PM Bible Study (FH)

30 31

Big Bethel's MARCH 2017 Events Calendar

Legend (A) Annex/Conference Room

(RM) Robert Mason Conference Room

(FH) Fellowship Hall (S) Sanctuary

(YRC) Youth Rec. Center (CR) Choir Room

Southwest Georgia Annual Conference—St. James AME Church 1002 6th Avenue Columbus, GA 31901

Bethel AME Church 233 N. Gause Street, Hinesville, GA 31313

St. Paul AME Church 419 S. Ashley Street Valdosta, GA 31601

CLASS MEETING: Tuesday, March 28. 2017 11:00AM Youth Rec Center

February 2016

Operational

Balance Forward $ 152,059.00

Tithes & Offering $ 63,430.00

Other Receipts $ 24,730.00

Total Available $ 240,219.00

Disbursements $(115,781.00)

Ending Balance $ 124,438.00

FOCUS: To Date $ 142,617.00

February Receipts $ 2,378.00 Disbursements (Mortgage) $(144,995.00)

Balance - FOCUS $ - Amount Due Others (2/28/17) $ 135,236.00

Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, Presiding Prelate, 6th Episcopal District

Mrs. Christy Davis Jackson ESQ., Episcopal Supervisor, 6th District

The Reverend Dr. Larry W. Hudson Sr., Presiding Elder, North Atlanta District

The Reverend John Foster Ph.D., Senior Pastor

The Reverend Charmain Purvis, Special Assistant to the Senior Pastor

The Reverend Monica Jones Ph.D., Director of Christian Education

The Reverend Willie L. Langley, Minister to the Sick & Shut-In/Nursing Care

The Reverend Rosie Hunter, Big Bethel Village

Rev. Chuck Lyons, Jr., Interim Minister of Worship & Arts

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Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church Vision Statement

A spirit-filled fellowship engaging in fervent worship, Bible-based teaching and preaching, and

compassionate missions driven to be the miracle in downtown Atlanta.

Mission StatemenT

The mission of Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ; and to

communicate to the world through preaching, teaching, evangelizing, worshipping, and stewardship, that “Jesus

Saves!”

Values Statement:

We are a God centered, people-oriented Christian community operating in an environment of excellence and

love. All that we do is undergirded by prayer.