Bulletin. Sunday, January 5, 2014 MATTHEW 5:14 THE CHURCH ON THE HILL, NEAR THE CROSS, IN THE WORD, AND ON THE MOVE FOR CHRIST.

Transcription

1 Bulletin Sunday, January 5, 2014 THE CHURCH ON THE HILL, NEAR THE CROSS, IN THE WORD, AND ON THE MOVE FOR CHRIST. MATTHEW 5:14

2 It s Epiphany Sunday! Since ancient times, the day of the Epiphany has been celebrated on the first Sunday in January. What does the word epiphany mean? The word epiphany comes from two Greek words, the preposition epi and the verb phainen, and can variously mean, "to shine upon," "to reveal," or "to appear, manifest."at times the word is used to refer to the first appearing or revealing of Jesus either at his birth or the beginning of his Messianic ministry. For some, this revealing took place when the Magi brought Jesus gifts, recognizing him as the Messiah. For others it is when Jesus was baptized, came out of the water, and God revealed him as the Messiah by saying, This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased and yet for others similar revealing or manifestations of Christ as the Son of God are acknowledged. Nevertheless, Epiphany celebrates God's revealing or manifesting of Jesus' identity as true God, Messiah, and Savior of the world. It not only commemorates the fact that Jesus appeared to save us, but that God revealed the identity of Jesus to the world. The day of the Epiphany of our Lord is an important and ancient Christian holy day. Unfortunately, it is little understood and seldom celebrated by many Christians and pales in comparison to the popularity of Advent, Christmas and Easter. Why is Epiphany worth celebrating or recognizing? The Season of Epiphany reminds us that Christ made his home among us; this should make us mindful of those without homes. Furthermore, God s enriching grace and empowering strength during this season reminds us that we are witnesses like the Magi. Following the theme of hospitality that is resonant in the story of the Magi and in Paul s writings in Ephesians 3, we are to invite others to come and see the one who has revealed the plan of God for us and the world. Epiphany is worth celebrating or recognizing because, regardless of which epiphany is commemorated (the event of the Magi, the revelation of Christ as the Messiah by biblical characters, Christ's baptism, or some other revelation), all are permeated with grace and Gospel in that God took the initiative by grace and revealed Jesus as eternal God as well as man. Remembering the Epiphany reminds us that we also have been sought out. God has come looking for us through God s Word. Through God s Word, God s Son, Jesus, has been revealed to us personally, so that through faith we know Jesus to be the Mighty God, the Savior of the world; and we believe him to be our God and our Savior. The King has come; Maranatha (O' Lord, come!). Have a blessed Epiphany celebration! Pastor ST. PAUL S BAPTIST CHURCH Page 1

3 The Lord is in His holy temple Please enter the sanctuary in reverence. Sister Sheila Cassidy Minister of Music Order of Worship Sunday, January 5, :45 A.M. The Epiphany of Our Lord Minister James Mack Worship Leader Baptismal Service :30 A.M. Baptizing Today Candace Croft Darlene Croft Wayne Croft, Jr. Stephanie Walton Praise and Worship The Call to Worship The Hymn of Invocation... Holy, Holy, Holy The Prayer of Invocation Congregational Prayer Chant.... The Lord s Prayer The Hymn of Consecration... To God Be the Glory... #27 Greeting Our Visitors Sister Kate Goree Pastoral Emphasis Dr. Croft, Sr. ST. PAUL S BAPTIST CHURCH Page 2

4 Scripture Lesson Prayer of Intercession Deacon-In-Training Joseph Younge Prayer Response Ministry In Music Inspirational Choir Hymn of Preparation He is Lord, He is Lord, He is risen from the dead and He is Lord. Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. The Ministry of Preaching The Rev. Dr. Wayne E. Croft, Sr. Anna s Song: A Song of Thanksgiving Luke 2:21-24; The Call to Discipleship The Ministry of Giving Offertory Prayer Trustee Ellen Richardson Receiving of Tithes and Offerings We give thee but thine own. Whate re the gift may be. All that we have is Thine alone. A trust O Lord from Thee. Amen Reading of Church Covenant Congregation Holy Communion The Words of Institution The Purpose of our Gathering The Prayer of Confession and Thanksgiving The Distribution of the Elements (The Bread and The Cup) Closing Prayer And They Sung A Hymn Departing to Serve Please Stand. Ushers May Seat Worshippers. Congregation Be Seated. ST. PAUL S BAPTIST CHURCH Page 3

5 In Nursing Homes and Hospitals Brandywine Hall 800 W. Miner Street ~ West Chester, PA Sister Loretta Brown ~ Room 223 Cadia Silverside 3322 Silverside Road ~ Wilmington, DE { } Sister Alice Watson ~ Room 172A Fairview Care Center 184 Bethlehem Pike ~ Philadelphia, PA { } Sister Bernice Boyd ~ Room 131D Franciscan Care Center at Brackenville 100 Saint Claire Drive ~ Hockessin, DE { } Deaconess Frances Fisher Pocopson Nursing Home 1695 Lenape Road ~ West Chester, PA { } Sister Betty Marie Grant ~ Room 405 St. Martha Manor 470 Manor Avenue ~ Downingtown, PA { } Sister Beatrice Willings ~ Room 214A Sunrise of Exton 200 Sunrise Blvd. ~ Exton, PA { } Brother Harold Cochran ~ Room 106 The Meadows at Shannondell 6000 Shannondell Drive ~ Audubon, PA { } Sister Theresa Battaglia ~ Room 224 Our Members Convalescing At Home [Please let us know when names should be removed from or added to the list] Friends and Relatives Convalescing Chester Valley Rehab 283 E. Lancaster Avenue, Malvern, PA Ms. Elizabeth Thompson ~ Room 303 (Mother of Sister Maxine Thomas and Cousin to Deaconess Frances Fisher) Mrs. Alice M. Covert ~ Room 110 (Mother of Sister Janet Fowlkes) Life Care Center 400 E. Marshall Street, West Chester, PA Ms. Beverly Brown ~ Room 3208 (Daughter of Sister Loretta Brown) Pembrooke 1130 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA Mrs. Clara Mitchell ~ Room 300 (Mother of Deaconess Phyllis Stewart) At Home 7889 Bobolink Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio Mrs. Angela Dawson Thomson (Daughter of Sister Loretta Dawson) 217 N. New Street, West Chester, PA Mr. Maurice Loper (Grandson of Sister Eleanor Forte) Church Office Hours 9:00 AM 3:00 PM Monday-Friday DVD s & CD s of Sunday Service now available [$7.00] Radio re-broadcast Sunday 10:00 A.M. - WCHE 1520 A.M. Please turn off all pagers and cell phones before entering the sanctuary ST. PAUL S BAPTIST CHURCH Page 4

6 The Nursery is located on the second floor and is available at 9:30 A.M. To all Department Chairperson and Ministry Leaders please check you mailbox weekly for mail. "The Children of Promise" You re invited to share your gifts in a ministry that works with children to build relationships through reading, art and many other fun and exciting ways. We meet at Kindred House weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays; 9:15-10:15am. Saturday schedules have not been put in place. If you believe your gift is working with children ages 3-12 prayerfully consider joining us. Contact: Min. Karen L. Johnson church office: We Need Your Help.St. Paul s is now registered at Swiss Farms. You can make purchases and receive a 5% discount. At the end of each month the church will receive a 3% check for all purchases made for that month. Please see any Arts and Craft Ministry member to get a card to use when purchasing from Swiss Farms. Proceeds will support the Scholarship and Mission Ministries. The Yada Yada Book Ministry next book is The Truth is the Light by Vanessa Davis Griggs. The book discussion leaders are Sister Drema Benson and Sister Grace Kelly. Come out on January 10, 2014 for a lively discussion. Find out about the newest member of the Followers of Jesus Faith Worship Center. Save the Date: African American Historical and Cultural Ministry presents their annual Gospel Brunch on Saturday, February 8th 11:00am-1:00pm The Church Business Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, February 9, 2014 immediately after Morning Worship. This meeting will be on finance and light refreshments will be served in the Fellowship Hall. The Installation of Church Officers will take place on Sunday, February 16 th during morning worship. All Church Officers please plan to attend. Baptism Service is the first Sunday of each month if there are candidates to be baptized. The service will begin at 10:30 am. Please govern yourself accordingly in order to be admitted to the sanctuary in a timely manner. ST. PAUL S BAPTIST CHURCH Page 5

7 T.G.I.W. [Thank God It s Wednesday] 6:00 P.M. - Prayer Meeting 7:00 P.M. - Bible Study WELCOME TO EVERYONE HOUR OF PRAYER EVERY TUESDAY MORNING 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 A.M. IN THE PRAYER ROOM Prayer Meeting Wednesday 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Inclement Weather.Please check the church web site, your or call the church office to check if services will be canceled due to inclement weather. Parking.St. Paul s will run a shuttle to and from the upper level parking lot of ANRO (the company at Matlack and route 202) each Sunday until 11:30 AM and for 30 minutes after worship. We are asking that the congregation be courteous and not block in other vehicles or park in the Omni Cable Company driveway. Thank you for your assistance, The Safety & Security Ministry. Wanted Van Drivers: If you would like to serve with the Transportation Ministry as a van driver please contact the church office at You may purchase Dr. Croft s book Unexpected Calls to Unexpected Places: Sermons on Jonah after morning worship in the elevator lobby today. Dr. Croft will sign your book at the book signing Sunday, January 12 th in the Fellowship Hall after worship service. Please join Rev. Dr. Wayne E. Croft, Sr. Guest Preacher and St. Paul s Inspirational Choir Tuesday, January 7, :00 PM Sharon Baptist Church 3955 Conshohocken Avenue Philadelphia, PA ST. PAUL S BAPTIST CHURCH Page 6

8 WELCOME TO EVERYONE HOUR OF PRAYER EVERY TUESDAY MORNING 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 A.M. IN THE PRAYER ROOM Prayer Meeting Wednesday 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Inclement Weather.Please check the church web site, your or call the church office to check if services will be canceled due to inclement weather. Parking.St. Paul s will run a shuttle to and from the upper level parking lot of ANRO (the company at Matlack and route 202) each Sunday until 11:30 AM and for 30 minutes after worship. We are asking that the congregation be courteous and not block in other vehicles or park in the Omni Cable Company driveway. Thank you for your assistance, The Safety & Security Ministry. Wanted Van Drivers: If you would like to serve with the Transportation Ministry as a van driver please contact the church office at Please join Rev. Dr. Wayne E. Croft, Sr. Guest Preacher and St. Paul s Inspirational Choir Tuesday, January 7, :00 PM Sharon Baptist Church 3955 Conshohocken Avenue Philadelphia, PA ST. PAUL S BAPTIST CHURCH Page 7

9 St. Paul s extends sincere sympathy to Deacon Kevin Tucker at the loss of his father, Joe H. Tucker, Sr. Thank you so much for your many prayers, phone calls, texts, and visits during my recent hospitalization at Chester County Hospital. I am currently recuperating at home to regain my health and strength. Please continue to keep my family and me in your prayers for a full and healthy recovery..yours in Christ, Deacon Jesse L. Craig To my St. Paul s Church family.thank you for your prayers, calls, visits, and cards for my recovery. I am feeling much better and pray that I will return home soon.sister Theresa Battaglia To Our St. Paul's Family..Thank you for your prayers, love and words of comfort upon the passing of our beloved Tyrone. May God bless each and every one of you..the Richardson Family Thank you to Dr. Croft and Church Family for all of your prayers, visits, cards and calls during my recent illness and fall. GOD loves you and so do I Deacon Judith Harris FREE Professional Development and Financial Workshops at Chester County OIC! The Job Search is the Job Wednesday, January 8 th 10:30am 12:00pm Presented by Cynthia Ericson, Owner of Ericson Strategic Marketing Solutions and Past President of the Greater West Chester Sunrise Rotary Learn the essential tips, tricks and techniques of job searching so that you can land the job that you desire! Please Contact to register Location: 790 East Market Street, West Chester, PA ST. PAUL S BAPTIST CHURCH Page 8

10 Church School Corner HOW TO LIVE AS GOD S PEOPLE Luke 6:17-31 DAILY BIBLE READINGS M: Judged by the Righteous God (Psalm 7:7-17) T: The Righteous and Upright (Proverbs 11:3-11) W: Enslaved to God (Romans 6:16-23) T: Living as God s Servants (1 Peter 2:11-17) F: Forgiveness and Mercy (Matthew 18:21-35) S: Blessings and Woes (Luke 6:20-26) S: Do Not Judge (Luke 6:27-42) CHURCH SCHOOL YOUTH RECOGNITION The St. Paul s Baptist Church School Ministry is dedicated to the spiritual growth of our youth. Therefore, we are excited to announce a Church School Recognition program that celebrates their journey through the bible and spiritual strides in learning the following: The Lord s Prayer The Ten Commandments The Beatitudes The Books of the Bible The Church Covenant It is important to have your child in attendance at Church School on Sunday mornings (9:30am to 10:45am) and during Children s Church Service (2 nd and 3 rd Sundays during worship service) so that they can commit these principles to heart and be recognized accordingly. If you have any questions, please see Bro. Vaughn I. Jennings (Church School Superintendent) or Sis. Yolanda Allen (Youth Ministry Director). Be Blessed! ST. PAUL S BAPTIST CHURCH Page 9

11 January 5, 2014 Good Morning St. Paul s, what a beautiful Sunday morning. Jesus is in heaven all is right with the world. Today the second Sunday after Christmas, Jesus came, He saw, and He conquered, what a might God we serve! Today the first Sunday in the New Year, today Holy Communion Sunday, today is the day of getting rid of the old and taken on the new. Today is the day of resolutions and promises. Today is the day in this New Year to get right with God and do it now, tomorrow may be too late. Today is the day of thanksgiving, thanking our heavenly Father for this first Sunday in this New Year that he has allowed us to see. So many did not make it to see today this first Sunday in the New Year. Let our New Year resolution be in Jesus name. A charge to keep I have, a God to glorify, who gave His Son my soul to save, and fit it for the sky. Down at the cross where my Savior died, down where for cleansing from sin I cried, there to my heart was the blood applied. Glory to His name, Jesus. Let us go to God in prayer as David did, in Psalm 139: and the hymn writers Charlotte Elliott and William B. Brandbury wrote, Just as I am. Just as I am waiting not to rid my soul of one dark blot, to thee whose blood can cleanse each O Lamb of God I come! I come! Just as I am thou wilt receives, wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve, because thy promise, I believe,o Lamb of God I come! I come! You may wonder what part you will play in maturing spiritually. You can t mature spiritually but God can mature you spiritually, physically, mentally and financially. God can do what he wants to do, when He wants to do and how He wants to do. He is our God Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Hallelujah! David is coming to tell us how he came to God telling Him all about how he need Him and how he wanted Him in his life. All we have to do is come, weary, worn and sad. Jesus will give us a resting place and He will make us glad. Thank you Jesus! Maybe your spiritual growth has slowed or even stopped or perhaps you simply want to make sure your heart is clean before the Father. In either case, pray as David did that God would reveal anything that block a close friendship with Him. Happy New Year. Amen Amen Amen Members from the Prayer Ministries will be available Sunday mornings after worship service in the Prayer Chapel for anyone who desires prayer for self or others. Ye Olde Tract Rack St. Paul s Baptist Church Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza One Hagerty Boulevard West Chester, PA ST. PAUL S BAPTIST CHURCH Page 10

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