December 20, 2020
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Scripture:
Luke 2:8-14
Sermon:
"And He Shall Be Called, Pt. 4:
Prince of Peace"
Rev. Timothy L. Adkins-Jones, Ph.D.
Senior Pastor
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VIRTUAL WORSHIP CONTINUES |
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Thank you for worshipping with us during our special Virtual Candlelight Service! Above is a replay of yesterday's service. The sermon begins at 55:30 (55 minutes and 30 seconds).
Join us LIVE on Sunday mornings at 8 A.M. and 11 A.M. for our weekly worship services. You can watch us on YouTube or on our website. Visit bethany-newark.org/liveservice/.
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Prayer Requests
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." --Matt. 5:4
Please keep the following members of our extended community in prayer:
Sister Trish Brown's brother-in-law, Alan, was diagnosed with COVID-19.
Sister Brown's sister Tracy and her cousin Tony, who are looking for employment.
Those with pre-existing illnesses and those who have been diagnosed with new illnesses.
Brother Roger Waddy, the husband of Sister Naima Waddy, tested positive for COVID-19. Sister Waddy is also feeling unwell.
Please pray for Sister Mildred Crump's nephew, Keith Abernathy. He was diagnosed with COVID-19.
Please keep Sister Beverly Pollard-Smith in prayer. Sister Pollard lost her niece Tameka Pollard on Wednesday morning.
Sister Constance Napier’s older sister Mary L. Malone of Neptune, NJ passed away on Saturday, December 12th. Her viewing and funeral took place this past Friday afternoon. Please keep Sister Napier and her family in prayer.
We continue to keep in prayer all individuals and communities that have been affected by the Coronavirus. We pray for caregivers, individuals who are waiting for test results, and all who have lost loved ones in this season. We also pray that all leaders will seek wisdom as they prepare to reopen their communities.
Rev. Timothy L. Adkins-Jones, Ph.D., Senior Pastor
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ADVENT PRAYER CALL AND BIBLE READING PLAN |
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As we anticipate the celebration of Jesus's birth, join us for a special edition of our weekday evening prayer calls with an accompanying reading plan.
Attached is the last week of readings.
You can dial 1-425-436-6372, and when asked, enter 146003 as the access code. We hope you will join us on weekdays at 6:09 pm.
(As always, you can also use this conference line to listen to our Sunday morning worship services).
"In this manner, therefore, pray: "Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name." -- Matt. 6:9, NKJV
*After December 23, the prayer call will return on Monday, January 4, 2021*
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COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
You are invited to be a part of the Count Your Blessings Challenge. Your testimony could be featured during our "Count Your Blessings" Digital Testimony Period. We would like you to:
- List five things that you or your family are thankful for in this season.
- Record a video, no longer than 30 seconds, telling the world the five things that you are THANKFUL for this season.
- Submit the video to the following link:
WAYS TO GIVE
Thank you all for giving faithfully and sustaining our ministry during this time. As a reminder, you can give in the following ways:
ONLINE:
BY TEXT:
Text the "AMOUNT" to 973-339-0329
BY MAIL:
Bethany Baptist Church
275 West Market Street
Newark, NJ 07103
NEW: Give using CASHAPP:
*NOTE: When using CashApp, please put your name and purpose (tithe, offering, etc.) in the description.
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UPDATE MEMBER CONTACT INFORMATION
Members: Please call or submit your contact information (address, phone number, email address, birth date, etc.) so we can keep communicating essential information to you. In times like these, having the correct contact information for you all is incredibly important. You may call the church office at 973-623-8161 or email Alice Turner at [email protected] or Brenda Galarza at [email protected]. You may also submit the following form:
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 7 PM:
"WONDERFUL: AN ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION"
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On Wednesday, December 23, our Advent celebrations culminate with the production “Wonderful: An Advent and Christmas Celebration” at 7 pm. Tune in to our YouTube premiere for an intergenerational program featuring Bethany’s many ministries. Stay tuned for the link to watch the premiere. |
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27:
SPECIAL "HOLIDAY CHEERS" JOINT EVENT FOR YOUTH HOSTED BY SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE, BLACK COLLEGE COMMITTEE, AND BETHANY YOUTH COUNCIL
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You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout I’m telling you why: Holiday Cheers are coming to town!
Sunday, December 27th at 2pm, the Scholarship Committee, Black College Committee and Youth Council are partnering to host a virtual “Holiday Cheers” fellowship event for our current High School students, our Bethany College Scholars, their parents AND our Bethany Scholar Alumni.
Important information will be shared from each of the committees that students and parents of students will NOT WANT TO MISS! We will also be celebrating the end of a challenging year and kicking off the New Year with a toast, soooooo… Join us online for about 45 mins of celebration and fun next Sunday, and BYOS (bring your own soda)!
And for our High School Seniors and Returning College Scholarship recipients, there will be a special delivery coming your way prior to the event, so watch your doorsteps for a little something extra around mid-week!
Check your email, the Bethany Newsletter, the Bethany Website or The Example’s IG page for the zoom link and further info.
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SEASONAL DEVOTION BOOKS NOW AVAILABLE
The winter Sunday School books, "Our Daily Bread," and "The Secret Place" devotionals are available. You may pick up a copy at the church.
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UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS CHARTER SCHOOL ACCEPTING FALL 2021 APPLICATIONS |
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SUPPORT THE GREATER NEWARK CONSERVANCY HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE |
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MESSAGES FROM THE FOOD PANTRY
Dear Friends of The Food Pantry,
Thank YOU for your generosity and support of the BBC Pantry during this difficult time. Your ongoing donations are truly appreciated and continue to assist us in our mission. Because of your continuing efforts, donations and concern we have been able to serve our community with dignity and love these last 17 years. This year we have thus far served 3,845 families, meaning 14,481 adults and children. What a blessing! On behalf of those we serve, please accept our sincere gratitude and thanks. Most sincerely, JLee, Volunteer Director, BBCFP/CC
MALE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The Food Pantry needs male volunteers on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. For further information, please call Jon Lee at 201-396-0857.
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2021 ELECTION OF OFFICERS
All church organizations are being asked to elect their officers for the New Year. Your Deacon Advisor must be present for the election. One copy of the new officers should be shared with your advisor and another copy with the office staff. The deadline to submit your elected officers and anniversary date is December 18, 2020.
You can schedule your meeting by way of a conference call or Zoom. Please speak to the office staff. You may call the office at 973-623-8161.
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CRISIS COUNSELING FOR ANYONE
EMOTIONALLY STRUGGLING WITH COVID-19
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REMINDER FROM THE EXAMPLE YOUTH MINISTRY
Parents and youth, please email [email protected] and provide your name, child's name, Date of Birth, phone numbers for parent and youth, address, and email address. Thank you!
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A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT FROM THE BLACK HISTORY COMMITTEE |
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BETHANY CARES IN SEARCH OF VOLUNTEERS
Bethany Cares is looking for volunteers with grant writing experience to assist in seeking funding as BCI will soon celebrate its 20th year of operation. For more information, contact Bill Lee at [email protected] or the church office ([email protected]).
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YOUTH AND ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
There are two Adult Sunday School classes. The Contemporary Sunday School class is taught by Deacon Linda Caldwell Epps at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom. The Traditional Sunday School class is taught by Brother Ronnie Walker via conference call immediately following the 8 a.m. service. Please contact the church office for login information.
There are also two Youth Sunday School classes. Children ages 11 and younger meet at 9:30 a.m. and teens between the ages of 12 and 18 meet at 10:00 a.m. Please contact the church office for login information. Teen Sunday School Zoom information is below:
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EVICTION MORATORIUM DEADLINE:
DECEMBER 31
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The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has instituted a federal order establishing a moratorium on evictions for the remainder of this year.
In order for tenants to qualify for eviction moratorium protection, they must submit this form to their landlords. The renter must attest in the form that they cannot pay rent or find government assistance and that an eviction would likely render them homeless.
Tenants will still be required to pay the rent owed and owners may collect fees as a result of the failure to pay rent although residents will be allowed to stay in their residence through the end of the year.
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ADDRESSING THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
Dear Bethany family,
As the COVID-19 strain of the Coronavirus spreads, it is in our interest to keep you informed and protected. We encourage you to practice proper hygiene habits and be careful when interacting with others. Here are some precautions to take:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or cough or sneeze into your elbow.
- If you are sick, stay home.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Instead of shaking hands, greet others with a fist bump, elbow bump, "Wakanda Forever," or anything that does not require direct physical contact.
- Do not use your fingertips to touch shared surfaces. For example, you may use paper towels to open doors, press elevator buttons, etc.
- Keep hand sanitizer and disinfectants within reach and in locations you frequently access, such as the entrance to your home, your car, and any personal bags that you carry.
- Stock up on medications and other essentials you may need in the event of quarantine, such as nonperishable food items.
We especially encourage our Seniors to take extra precautions, as data has proven that they are most at risk of catching the Coronavirus.
In addition, we as a church have taken steps to increase the availability of hand sanitizers in common spaces.
Although we are no longer having in-person meetings, please join us live in worship on our YouTube channel and at bethany-newark.org. You may also give securely online through our website. In the midst of these uncertain times, we want you to be able to worship with us as you always do, except from the comfort of your own home. Please be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel, and click the icon that looks like a bell in order to receive all notifications in real time.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation. We pray for your protection during this time, and for a safe and full recovery for anyone who has been infected.
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NEWARK URGES RESIDENTS WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT CORONAVIRUS TO CALL NEW JERSEY HOTLINE AT 1-800-222-1222. Hotline is staffed 24 hours a day. More information at https://www.njpies.org/
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ANNOUNCEMENT AND COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES
Due to the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, all announcements must be submitted by tomorrow, Tuesday, at noon.
If you would like to submit a graphic (flyer, poster, etc.) for the newsletter or video announcements, please ensure that it is an image file with the suffix .png or .jpg affixed to the end. PDF files are also acceptable. However, Microsoft Word documents may be resized or otherwise damaged in the process of conversion. PDF files and image files are preferred. Video submissions should be approximately 30 seconds long.
We would also appreciate if all announcements are proofread and edited before submission, as it would make the writing and distribution of our newsletter much more expedient.
In addition, if you know someone who is not receiving the biweekly email newsletters, please encourage them to follow these steps in order:
- Check your spam email folder.
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Add "[email protected]" to your contacts.
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If you still do not receive our emails, you may sign up for the newsletter by scrolling to the bottom of our homepage (bethany-newark.org) and typing your email address under "Newsletter Sign-Up", OR
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Email our Director of Media and Communications, Min. H. Rebekah Keazer, at [email protected] with your name, preferred email address, and any other relevant contact information.
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