June-July 2012 (.pdf) - Bethesda Baptist Church

BETHESDA BAPTIST CHURCH OF NEW ROCHELLE
INTERCHANGE
NEWS MAGAZINE
Rev. Edward Johnson
1900—1905
Deacon Janice Francis
Deacon Barbara Dillard
Dr. J. B. Boddie
1907—1936
Deaconess Valerie Sweeney
Deacon Randolph Seward
Dr. J. Raymond Henderson
1938—1941
Amber Long
Deacon Helena Osinloye
Dr. C. M. Long, Sr
1942—1967
Deaconess Sadie Pulley
June |July 2012
124 th Anniversary
Celebrating Our Rich Heritage
Theme: “We Are One in The Body of Christ”
Rev. Roy L. Thompson
1969—1979
Deaconess Mary C. Taylor Deaconess Maebell Lewis Rev. Louis J. Waddell
Minister Xavier Hutcherson
Dr. Allen P. Weaver, Jr.
1980—
Deaconess-Elect Imore Long Deaconess Estelle Brown
William Holden
Trustee Bertina Clark Doris Keys Deacon Alex S. Toone
Mother Emma Jefferies

Dr. Allen Paul Weaver, Jr.
Senior Pastor
Rev. Donna Owusu-Ansah
Assistant To the Pastor
Rev. Tamara Kabemba
Minister of Religious Education
Minister Jack Thatcher
Minister of Youth
Minister Sabrina Trent
Minister of Evangelism
Minister Anthony Blackman
Minister of Christian Education
Minister Kimmie McEachin
Minister of Singles
Minister David Bishop
Minister of Sick Visitation
Minister Paul Weather
Minister of Couples
Minister Christopher Tuck
Minister of Youth Counselling
Minister Timothy McKnight
Minister of Community Outreach
Minister Xavier Hutchinson
Rev. Denise English
BETHESDA BAPTIST CHURCH OF NEW ROCHELLE
INTERCHANGE
NEWS MAGAZINE
June | July 2012
Volume 1
Number 5
Psalm of The Month
Psalm 96
O sing unto the lord a new song:
sing unto the lord, all the
earth. Sing unto the Lord, bless His
name; shew forth His salvation from
day to day. Declare His glory among
the heathen, His wonders among
all people. For the Lord is great,
and greatly to be praised: He is to
be feared above all gods. For all the
gods of the nations are idols: but the
Lord made the heavens. Honour and
majesty are before Him; strength
and beauty are in His sanctuary.
Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of
the people, give unto the Lord glory
and strength. Give unto the Lord the
glory due unto His name: bring an
offering, and come into His courts.
O worship the Lord in the beauty
of holiness: fear before Him, all the
earth. Say among the heathen that
the Lord reigneth: the world also
shall be established that it shall not
be moved: He shall judge the people
righteously. Let the heavens rejoice,
and let the earth be glad; let the sea
roar, and the fulness thereof. Let
the field be joyful, and all that is
therein: then shall all the trees of
the wood rejoice before the Lord: for
He cometh, for He cometh to judge
the earth: He shall judge the world
with righteousness, and the people
with His truth.
124th Church Anniversary Celebration
July 8th and 13th, 2012
Rev. Norman Coleman, President of the
Empire Baptist Congress of Christian Education
and Pastor of Burke Ave Baptist
Church , Bronx, NY
7:30 A.M. Preacher
Dr. Ronald Grant, President of the Empire
Baptist Missionary State Convention and
Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church, Hudson, NY
Anniversary Celebration Concert
Friday, July 13, 2012
Brothers In Christ
Soul Converters
Male Chorus of Bethesda

The Pastor’s View Point
A Servant of the Most High God
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain.” Psalm 127:1
124 years ago, a small band of Negroes through faith that God exists and that He is to life based upon that faith alone. Abraham
called upon the name of the Lord, asking for a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. is a prime example. Called from a pagan
His directions as they united to establish a Therefore, because of our relationship land, asked to leave his homeland and kin-
new House of God, specifically for reach- with God, how He has intervened in our dred behind and to journey to a land God
ing the growing Negro population of New lives and provided for our every need, and promised to give to him and his descendants
Rochelle. None of them could foresee the fu- responded to us in times of crisis, we allow in a not to distant future, Abraham left Ur
ture, to know whether the work would sur- Him to build up our Faith, to establish His behind him as he followed the directions
vive; all of them trusted the Lord, because house of Faith within our souls. We give of his God.
they believed the Word that says, “Unless Him permission, we surrender our will to We generally believe that Abraham had
the Lord builds the house, those who build His, and with great excitement and antici- a long term relationship with God prior to
it labour in vain.” Time has testified that pation, we watch as He lays the foundation responding to His call to leave his homeland.
God built the house called Bethesda and and places each brick as He builds a house But a careful reading of the narrative reveals
those early founders had not labored in vain. that will be able to withstand the storms of that Abraham had to learn what God was
It is important that the Lord builds your life and every force Satan uses against us. capable of; therefore it is safe to say that
house. I speak not about the place where God does not intend for you and I to we have the narrative of a man such as we
you live, although God should be in charge struggle all of our lives. He has provided are, who when God approached was willing
of the household there. I speak about your adequate resources for us. He does not want to allow God to build his House of Faith.
house of Faith, your residence where the us to struggle from week to week to pay Abraham, in responding to God, did not
Holy Spirit resides. Unless the Lord designs, our bills, to buy the necessities of life, like fully comply to God’s command. He left
lays out, and builds your house of faith, you groceries or gas to get to work, or our Metro Ur with his father and nephew, along with
labor in vain trying to build it yourself. card to use the bus or the train. God wants the members of his household. His aged
Although we know that “without faith it us to witnesses to the fact that He is able to father’s poor health slowed him down and
is impossible to please God”, we constantly sustain us, to make a way for us, to provide caused him to settle in Haran until his fa-
struggle with our faith. We say we believe, above the level of subsistence. Although ther’s death. (During that twelve year period
but sometimes the visible and the harsh money is not everything, God wants you to God was silent, not speaking to Abraham.)
reality of our situations challenge our faith know that He knows how to be good to His His nephew Lot created problems for him
and we succumb to the temptation of not servants and how to make them profitable later after the death of his father and they
believing that God can handle our situa- in a world that values a man’s success. had to part company. Lot going towards the
tions. We enter into panic mode and rely on So, when God builds your House of land of Sodom and Gomorrah while Abra-
our own ingenuity and skills to attempt to Faith, He does so with you in mind. He ham ventured towards the Promised Land.
find a resolution to our dilemma.
removes every shade of doubt existing in After the death of Abraham’s father and
This occurs when we attempt to build your mind. He plants a reassuring word in the separation of Abraham and Lot, God
our house of faith on our own abilities. But your heart that not only can you trust Him, spoke a fresh word to Abraham and again
when God builds our house of Faith, it can but that you can depend upon Him to meet directed Him toward the land of promise.
withstand any and every temptation Satan every need you have, as long as you walk On his way there, Abraham underwent two
throws its way. How is this possible? before Him as His servant.
other test where he responded by lying and
The writer to the Hebrews defines faith Examine the life of any Biblical charac- compelling his wife to join in the lie. God
for us. He says, “Now faith is the assurance ter and see what their House of Faith looks intervened and definitively showed Abra-
of things hoped for, the conviction of things like. You will discover that these were men ham that He was able to provide for His
not seen” (Hebrew 11:1) NRSV Anglicized and women with issues just like you have, every need. It was only then that Abraham
Edition.
but the difference is that they put their trust allowed God to build his House of Faith.
Although you and I have never seen God in God, they believed the words God spoke Don’t think you are any different. Once
or have heard His audible voice, we believe, into their souls, they walked and responded
– 1 –
God proves Himself, let Him to get work!

ii Psalm of The Month
ii 124th Church Anniversary Celebration
1 The Pastor’s View Point
2 Congratulations To the Class of 2012
3 TAKE A PRAISE PAUSE!
3 Let The Seedlings Grow!
3 Worship In The Park
4 The First Fifteen Founding Members
4 124th Anniversary Celebration
5 THE LIFESTYLE ‘DIET
Table of Content
Congratulations To the Class of 2012
– 2 –
8 Laura’s Letters ©
9 Word Search
10 The Gospel Alphabet
10 Words of Thanks
10 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2012
11 Advanced Adult Day
12 SPIRITUAL FORMATION GROUPS
13 Can We Blast Off?
Shamari Hanson, Angelina Ellis, Brewston Bradshaw, Ashley Cornelius, Amber Long, Xavier Hutcherson, Ashley Bey, Nick Barr

Busy Day? Things just don’t seem to being
going right? Running late for an appointment
or meeting? Have to give a presentation
today? Will the job be done on time?
Stuck in traffic? Missed the train, bus or
carpool? Husband, wife, kids making you
crazy? Headed to a doctor’s appointment?
Troubled relationships? Serving God’s
people? And the list can go on and on……
I don’t think anything blesses God more
than when we stop right in the middle of
what we’re doing, anywhere or anytime and
lift our hands to worship Him or take a moment
to bow down before Him and say, “I
love You, Lord.” The psalmist said “Seven
times a day I praise You, Because of Your righteous
judgments.” (Psalm 119:164) Therefore,
we should be praising God all day long as
well.
Take for example -
The Businessman: Wouldn’t it be
wonderful if two or three times a day, he
would close the door to his office, kneel, and
say.....”God, I just want to take some time
to worship You. Father, all these things You
are giving me - the business, the money,
the success - are great, but I just want to
worship You.”
The School Teacher before entering the
classroom would take time to worship God
and say...”God, I just want to take time to
TAKE A PRAISE PAUSE!
by Deacon Debbi Ewell-Thompson
Hallelujah! Thank You Jesus!
worship You. I magnify You. You are so
wonderful. I love You. You are all I need.
Nurture me so that I may nurture others.”
The Commuter (who rides the bus and
train) would take time to worship God while
riding to work and say....”Father, I worship
You. Jesus, I worship You. Holy Spirit, I
worship You. You equip me to do all that I
need to do. Let all things done be pleasing
to You. I love You Lord.”
The Doctor before reading reports, entering
the operating room, visiting patients
would take time to worship God saying
“thank you God for giving me the skills and
ability to help others. I praise and worship
You God for Who You are. I love You Lord.”
The Believer in the Lord Jesus Christ
would take time to worship and praise God,
telling Him how much you love Him, how
much you need Him, how thankful you are
for His never-ending love. Just simply saying
“I love You, Lord.”
Remember at all times bless the Lord
and for EVERYTHING “But seek ye first the
kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and
all these things shall be added unto you.”
(Matthew 6:33)
So, when you need a quick pick me
up - TAKE A PRAISE PAUSE!
Let The Seedlings Grow!
– 3 –
Worship In The Park
Mark your calendars: Sunday, July 22,
our congregation will hold one service,
at 10:00 A.M. at Glen Island Park. Join
us for this open air worship service,
where we will allow the sweet melodious
words of our awe inspiring songs to float
through the park witnessing to those
gathered for a time of relaxation and fun.
Following Worship In The Park
we will hold our Annual Church Picnic.
We are asking every covenant-disciple
to bring a dish and to share in the fun.
This is truly a time of fellowship as well
of worship. The church will provide
the meats, the baked beans and other
assorted food items.
Join us as we celebrate our Lord in
the first ever service of Worship In The
Park.
Don’t forget to mark your calendars.
Sunday, July 22, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.
Bethesda Baptist Church will worship
as a congregation in an open air service
at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle. Our
choirs will be singing and Pastor will be
preaching. Come and bring a friend.
“Jesus said to His disciples: I am the True Vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts
away every branch of Mine that doesn’t produce fruit. But He trims clean every branch
that does produce fruit, so that it will produce even more fruit. You are already clean
because of what I have said to you. Stay joined to Me, and I will stay joined to you. Just
as a branch cannot produce fruit unless it stays joined to the vine, you cannot produce
fruit unless you stay joined to Me. I am the Vine you are the branches. If you stay joined
to Me, and I stay joined to you, then you will produce lots of fruit. But you cannot do
anything without Me. If you don’t stay joined to Me, you will be thrown away. You will
be like dry branches that are gathered up and burned in a fire. Stay joined to Me and
let my teachings become part of you. Then you can pray for whatever you want, and
your prayer will be answered. When you become fruitful disciples of Mine, My Father
will be honored.” John 15:1-8

The First
Fifteen
Founding
Members
Jacobs Owens
Israel King
Carrie Jones
Sarah Owens
Bessie Carter
Lizzie Randolph
Ann Robinson
Richard Palmer
Jennie Jones
George Brown
Nannie Green
Mary Pettis
William Fountain
Winnie Gaskin
Lucy Morice
Bethesda Baptist Church 124th
Anniversary Celebration
We are joyful and ever grateful to God for allowing
us to celebrate the 124 th anniversary
of the Bethesda Baptist Church. On behalf
of the Anniversary Committee, we welcome
you and invite everyone to participate in
this special celebration for Bethesda.
We want to take this opportunity to
reflect on Bethesda’s rich heritage here in
New Rochelle. God has continued to bless
Bethesda over the years and we are aware
that so many gave so much to make this a
great place to worship. We want to give
thanks to God almighty for providing us
with leadership that is dedicated to the
growth of our church and the spiritual development
of the members. Their strong
support enables us to look to the future
with enthusiasm as we continue to serve
God by developing our youth programs,
expanding our partnership with the community,
utilizing
technology to enhance our ministries
– 4 –
and supporting the spiritual education of
our members. With God’s blessing Bethesda
has been able to accomplish a great deal
and we are encouraged to continue doing
his work.
Our theme this year is: “We Are One in
the Body of Christ.” Romans 12:5.
God has blessed each of us with a special
gift. It might be a smile, a special talent,
effort or skill. We must continue to share
our gift and work together as one in Christ.
Our shared love for Jesus Christ will allow
Bethesda to continue to grow spiritually
and accomplish great things in the future.
We are glad that you chose to join us
for Bethesda’s 124 th Anniversary celebration
and we thank you for sharing your gift.
God bless you,
Bill and Schevon Holden

I think it is safe to say that everyone wants
to live a healthy vibrant life!! As disciples of
Jesus Christ who trust in our omnipotent
Father, we understand that our times are in
God’s hands. I do believe that we, however,
have some say in what we do to improve the
quality of our lives.
When we think about improving our
health, we often speak only about food and
exercise, but in this article, I want to introduce
another area we need to improve in
order to add quality to our years. In fact,
some say this should be our number one priority
in the quest for optimal physical health.
I am using the word “diet” in a way that
may be new to many people. I know, I put
diet in the title and your thoughts immediately
went to images of deprivation, struggle
and failure. The word “diet” means a lot
more that we have come to understand. The
Dictionary of Word Origins says that “diet”
comes via Old French diete and Latin dieta
meaning “mode or way of life”. Medical
writers such as Hippocrates, used the word
in that sense as a “prescribed mode of life”.
Therefore our “diet” includes everything we
do on a daily basis, not only what we eat.
In her book “The Kind Diet”, author Alicia
Silverstone said “returning the word to its
original definition is about changing how we
think and live, one day at a time”.
THE LIFESTYLE ‘DIET
by Dr. Janice Francis, M.D.
This article will address the first lifestyle
“diet” change, future articles will build
on this foundation. So what should be the
number one change in our “diet”? Breathing
in air brings in fresh oxygen while at
the same time releasing carbon dioxide.
Insufficient, shallow breathing over time
leads to premature aging with many chronic
diseases along the way. Without going to
too much detail, a measurement called the
vital capacity of the lung, is thought to be
the number one predictor of longevity. Vital
capacity is a measurement of how much
air you can breathe out, after a maximal
inhalation. A well known study, the Framingham
Study, showed that vital capacity
decreases in direct relationship with age
in men and women. Think about how the
elderly acquire life-threatening pneumonias,
decreased vital capacity is part of the reason.
If we continuously invest in increasing our
vital capacity, we can effectively increase our
longevity quality. What I am suggesting is
that deeper, more efficient breathing is the
#1 factor that can improve our health, therefore
the biomechanics of breathing must be
correct. The diaphragm is our main breathing
muscle and every breath should begin
with a full belly inhalation followed by a
full chest inhalation. Next let the breath go
completely out allowing your lung’s natural
elasticity to contract and exhale, then pull
your navel into your spine to complete the
full exhalation, then we start all over again.
Most people know the ABC’s of CPR
(cardiopulmonary resuscitation): airway,
breathing and circulation. These are lifesaving
techniques employed in cases of cardiac
arrest or other life-threatening emergencies.
Since these are so essential for maintaining
life in acute situations, it is reasonable to
think that they are important in supporting
life in every moment of our existence.
So how do we improve our vital capacity?
One of the things we can include in
“Deeper, more efficient breathing is the #1 factor that can improve our
health, therefore the biomechanics of breathing must be correct.”
– 5 –
our daily “diet” is the following exercise 5-8
times per day.
After a full in-breath, take three small
extra sips of air. This extra volume of air
gently stretches the lungs and chest cavity
and expands lung capacity over time.
Exhale three extra puffs at the end of a
full exhalation. These extra expiratory efforts
strengthen chest and diaphragmatic
muscles, enabling them to get rid of stale
air at the end of each breath.
By doing this exercise 5-8+ times every
day, respiratory efficiency is increased, helping
us regain some of our lost Vital Capacity
and increasing our vitality and reducing our
physiologic age!!

Board of Mission Annual Spr
Jacqueline White, Deaconess Norma Ifill, Deacon Nettie
Weaver, Rev. & Mrs. Allen Paul Weaver, III
– 6 –
Priscilla Harris, Deacon Brigette McLeod, Deacon Nettie
Weaver, Deaconess Karen Soltau

ing Luncheon - May 19, 2012
Honoree Nancy B. Claiborne
Honoree - First Lady Deloranzo Sampson
– 7 –
Honoree Joan E. Martin
Honoree Deaconess Eliza J. McKeever-Received by Grandson
Luncheon Preacher - Rev. Naomi Tyler-Lloyd

Dear Bethesda Family,
Enduring transitions is never easy. The
month of May usually marks the end of an
academic calendar where some people are
graduating college and preparing to begin
their professional lives. Others may just
be preparing to pilot the next chapter of
their academic careers with going to college;
either way a congratulations is due no matter
what side of the spectrum you might be
standing on.
However, transitioning from one stage
to the next is never easy. If you’ve graduated
college, it means you’ve stuck the course
and endured trials necessary to achieving
your goals, but your transition now involves
trying to establish yourself professionally. If
you are getting ready to start college, you’ve
decided to embark on one of the most challenging
phases of life. While my intention
is not to scare anyone, sugar-coating things
wouldn’t be fair. Having stood on both sides
of the spectrum myself, I think it’s necessary
to highlight that challenges may include
losing friends, enduring heartbreak, facing
Laura’s Letters ©
By: Laura Eustache
uncertainty with choosing a career path and
having to be an adult. However, the good
news, because there always is good news,
is that God promises never to give us more
than we can bear. His word never said life
would be easy, but if we pressed on toward
the mark, we would receive our crown of
glory [ Philippians 3:14].
For you college grads, this means not
becoming discouraged should you not get
employment right away. You might be looking
at this sloppy economy and wondering
how to rise above. My advice besides pounding
the pavement, would be to pound out
some prayer. It will become easy to look at
figures and disparaging reports but you have
to remember there is a God who is above
financial constraints. He promised to never
leave or forsake us [Hebrews 13:5]. Keep
that in mind and in your heart if you find the
waves of discouragement sweeping over; in
life that’s sure to happen, particularly when
you are transitioning and entering unknown
territory. But just remember, it’s all about
being prepared. Here are 3 extra tips you
can take with you. And again, congrats to
all the graduates of 2012!
1. Stay Active: The summertime can
Elisa Maame Afia Owusu-Ansah (see below for explanation)
Morristown Memorial Hospital, Morristown, NJ
Friday, May 4, 2012
8:43 a.m.
7lbs, 15oz
20 1/4 inches
mean lots of travelling, sleeping, unwinding,
eating and possibly partying. While all
these activities are merited after all the hard
work you’ve done, try to stay active within
the realms of your purpose, particularly
if you are job-hunting. Don’t get lazy and
forget September is coming.
2. Network: I used to hate this word
and the activity it represents. I always
thought selling myself and working with
others around my talent seemed superficial.
FYI: it’s NOT! When you network,
it permits you to meet new people, build
on your craft and learn new things. This is
important especially when you’re sending
resumes around.
3. Be Open-minded: So you wanted
to work in a law office, but there’s an opening
as an executive assistant at a prominent
company. Before you jump and say
“no,” think about what skills you already
have that may be refined through accepting
something else. It’s all about staying open
to the possibility for blessings!
In Ghana, most children are called by their “day name” hence why we call her Afia. Her first
name, Elisa, means “Consecrated to God” and is a derivative of Elizabeth (which is my sister’s
name). Maame is a title, literally meaning “Mother” and Afia is a “Girl Born on Friday.” We
decided we were going to name her for his mother, Maame Afia, regardless of what day she
was born. She did us one better and although I was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday,
she came on Friday so she is “Friday Born” in her own right!
– 8 –

Word Search
by Martha Mitchell
The Anatomy Of A Servant
S M T D O P I H S W O L L E F O T N I O J O I T
U O C H U R C H I T S I R H E C I O J E R R R L
E P S A L M S U N E R S T A N D I N G I R O W M
C G U S E M O W N O I S S I M B U S Z J F R S I
I N T U K E T U B I R T N O C A E S H M J U D L
F P S O B E D S E R V A N T S F U H O J S B U Y
I I T R S Y M P A T H Y F I E R S C E E S F B R
R H U E H H C O V E N A N T E K A A J F H I B A
C S D N T O U Y E L U F E T A R G E H T B L L N
A R Y E R I E D E M R O F S N A R T I D E R O O
S O E G N I V O L U S E O E U E Y A R S M E A I
Y W E L B I B E R T R A N U R Y F S S E X H D S
Y O J R E O G L O R I F Y E T I M E E H Y T Y S
C I P O R E A O P R A I S E W E D B I T B A O I
R E R E Y N L U F D N I M F O I R A O B R F R M
E C A X A F C I O V C D L E G N N M I N I U T P
M R U T R E U N A D E S E A R P S G C I O J O R
B R O T H E R L Y I R T S V N I M L N R A E L C
I M G S G E V E I L E B B L A U T H E L P S P R
Y E T S H D E A D S E H T E B S T N E R A P E Q
Words to find
ANATOMY SERVANT LORD TRANSFORMED
SAVED COMFORT PRAISE LEARN
BROTHERLY MINDFUL PRAYER UNDERSTANDING
RENEWING JOYFUL FELLOWSHIP GENEROUS
BETHESDA BELIEVE CONTRIBUTE COURTESY
MISSIONARY SYMPATHY FAITHFUL SUBMISSION
WORSHIP CHURCH BIBLE SACRIFICE
COVENANT STUDY REJOICE GLORIFY
JESUS GRATEFUL BLESSED TEACH
MERCY PSALMS HELP LOVING
– 9 –

The Gospel Alphabet
A All have sinned and come short of
the glory of God. Romans 3:23
B Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh
away the sin of the world. John 1:29
C Come unto Me, all ye that labor and
are heavy laden, and I will give you
rest. Matt. 11:28
D Draw nigh to God, and He will draw
nigh to you. James 4:8
E Even so, it is not the will of your
Father which is in heaven that one
of these little ones should perish.
Matt. 18:14
F For by grace are ye saved through
faith, and that not of yourselves: it
is the gift of God. Eph. 2:8
G God so loved the world that He
gave His only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in Him should
not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16
H Him that cometh to Me I will in no
wise cast out. John 6:37
I I am the way, the truth and the life;
no man cometh unto the Father, but
my Me. John 14:6
J Jesus answered and said unto them,
This is the work of God, that ye
believe on Him whom He hath sent.
John 6:20
K Knock, and it shall be opened unto
you. Matt. 7:7
L Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all
the ends of the earth. Isa. 45:22
M My grace is sufficient for thee. II
Cor. 12:9
N Now is the accepted time; behold,
now is the day of salvation. II Cor.
6:2
O Open Thou mine eyes, that I may
behold wondrous things out of Thy
law. Ps. 119:18
P Peace I leave with you; My peace
I give unto you: not as the world
giveth, give I unto you. Let not your
heart be troubled, neither let it be
afraid. John 14:27
Q Quicken me according to Thy Word.
Ps. 119:154
R Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently
for Him. Ps. 37:7
S Seek, and ye shall find. Matt. 7:7
T The blood of Jesus Christ His Son
cleanseth us from all sin. I John 1:7
U Unto you is born this day in the city
of David a Saviour which is Christ
the Lord. Luke 2:11
V Verily, verily I say unto you, He that
believeth on Me hath everlasting
life. John 6:47
W What shall it profit a man, if he shall
gain the whole world and lose his
own soul? Mark 8:36
X Except a man be born again, he
cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:3
Y Ye are not your own; ye are brought
with a price. I Cor. 6:19, 20
Z Zealous of good works. Titus 2:14.
The Bible and the State
The foundations of our society and our
Government rest so much on the teachings
of the Bible that it would be difficult to
support them if faith in these teachings
should cease to be practically universal in
our country. – President Coolidge
Words of Thanks
President Nettie Weaver extends words of thanks to: Rev. Dr. Naomi Tyler-Lloyd for her inspiring message; the Honorees for their continued
commitment and contribution to the work of Missions; the program participants for their contribution; Sis. Antoinette Thompson
for another beautiful hat show; Flavorful Creations for the delicious meal; the men of Bethesda who so aptly served us; the young
ladies who so graciously directed us; our guests for joining us at our Annual Spring Luncheon; the donors who donated free tickets for
our senior citizens and others to attend; Sis. Belinda Miller for your ceaseless assistance; Sis. Kim Jones for providing the Luncheon
favors; Deacon-Elect Daniel Moxey for serving as our photographer; to Ticket Chairperson, Sis. Norma Ifill; to our Chairpersons Sis.
Priscilla Harris and Rosalyn Fisher, and to our Pastor for your continued support and direction.
– 10 –
VaCaTION BIBlE sCHOOl 2012
The Vacation Bible School crew is busy
preparing to launch out - “Fishin’ on
a Mission with Jesus.” Dates: Monday,
July 9th – Friday, July 20th , 8:30 am – 1:30
pm (Breakfast and lunch provided). This
voyage is absolutely free of charge to willing
participants 2 through 18 years of age.
A fun-filled, exciting adventure is
in store for all who come aboard - Arts &
Crafts, Bible Study, Recreation and Music.
We are happy to accept two-year
olds with the provision they are potty
trained. Busy staff members simply do not
have time to change youngsters.
Transportation will be provided to
and from VBS if requested.
Fun and safety should go hand in
hand, so our foremost concern is for
the safety of the children entrusted
to this ministry. Discipline is necessary
in creating an environment of respect
for all. Those embarking on this journey
must be willing to adhere to the rules of
conduct. Corrective measures will be taken
for physical violence or fighting, for leaving
the VBS premises and for being in remote,
unsupervised areas of the building.
Disciplinary measures will be
commensurate with the offense,
ranging from verbal warnings to
expulsion, depending upon the gravity
of the offense. All parents enrolling
youth are required to sign our VBS
Discipline Policy Statement upon
registration.
Discipline is not simply punishment
for wrong actions; it is Biblical,
loving correction that leads to a
change in thought and behavior. We
want students to feel safe and
protected and parents to feel
secure in the knowledge that VBS is
taking seriously our responsibility in
protecting our children.
We are looking forward to a smooth
voyage, many new discoveries to be
shared and new friends to be gained.
Deacon Paula Russell,
Director Vacation Bible School

Deacon Elect Rodrick Long, Deacon Elect Earl Hanson Deaconess Elect Imore Long, Deacon Paula Russell
Signs Of Worship
The Male Chorus of Bethesda
Advanced Adult Day
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Bethesda was proud to honor 21 persons who have been members of the
church for more than 50 years.
50 - 59 years
Thomas G. McKnight
Thelma Ferguson
Larcenia Petty
Stanley Wilson
Maebell Lewis
Cheryl Fortune
Paula Russell
60-69 years
Margaret Long
Cornelius Umstead
Rose Lee Umstead
Josephine Umstead Gardner
Elizabeth Morgan
– 11 –
70-79 years
George Anderson
Rosetta Brown
80-89 years
Charles Pulley
C. Lillian Alexander
Daniel Boddie
Barbara Dillard
Virginia Toone
90-99 years
Elcener Jones
Beatrice Flemister

SPIRITUAL FORMATION GROUPS
It is difficult to become a disciple of Jesus Christ by yourself. The foundation of our Christian
religion is founded upon creating a sense community: a group of believers joining together,
forming an unbreakable bond of fellowship in order to strengthen each other in the Faith. Luke
presents us with a startling portrait of Christian Community in Acts 2:42: “And they continued
stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” We need
each other as we grow spiritually, not just for fellowship, but also for the power we must possess
to become genuine disciples of Jesus Christ.
Luke paints us a picture of the first believers
being intentional about their spiritual
formation. Four elements are necessary
for spiritual growth, which results in our
becoming disciples of Jesus: (1) Teaching –
“Apostles’ Doctrine; (2) Fellowship – formation
of Christian community; (3) Observing
the Lord’s Supper; and (4) Prayer – collective
conversation with God. These four elements
are necessary ingredients, which are found
in the lives of those who are serious about
their commitment to Christ, because the
believers of the first church continued stedfastly
in them; they would not allow anyone
or anything to hinder their spiritual progress,
not even the initial periods of hostility
and persecution.
Here at Bethesda, we seek to be intentional
about creating an atmosphere where
Christian community can thrive. Nothing
for us is left to chance! Over fifteen years
ago we created a Small Group Ministry to
supplement what we do in Sunday School
and our regular Bible Study classes. We recognized
the disjointed nature of the church,
where each covenant-disciple was seeking
to foster their own spiritual growth with
no real help from the body. Therefore we
began to create the atmosphere where we
could realize astounding spiritual growth
as we interact with each other, as we pray
together, as we have all things common,
and as we fellowship through the breaking
of bread. God has richly blessed our minis-
– 12 –
try. Many covenant disciples have shown
great signs of spiritual growth and maturity.
However, our challenge remains: how do we
motivate all of our fellow covenant disciples
to knowthat this trip of spiritual formation
is worth taking?
The next step in our spiritual evolution,
in creating an atmosphere where community
thrives is to create Spiritual Formation
Groups, designed to assist each covenant
disciple in establishing a balanced vision of
Christian Faith and Practice and presenting
them with a practical strategy for spiritual
growth.
Here are seven reasons why you should
be a part of a Spiritual Formation Group:
• Living in community with each
continued on page 13

continued from page 12
other. None of us is supposed to
live the Christian life alone. We
gain strength and help from others.
• Nurturing one another. The rule
for developing Christian nurturing
is: give encouragement as often
as possible; advice, once in a great
while; reproof, only when absolutely
necessary; and judgment, never.
• Intentional about spiritual growth.
Our purpose is to become better
disciples of Jesus Christ. Everything
we do is oriented around this
single goal.
• Experiencing loving accountability.
Being accountable helps develop
my prayer experiences, overcome
and resist my temptations, find
strength to handle my struggles,
and assist in developing my plans
for spiritual growth.
• Having a balanced vision. To be
baptized into the great streams of
Christian Faith and Practice helps
free me from my many narrowminded
attitudes.
• Developing practical strategies. I
want and need realistic handles
that actually move me forward into
Christlikeness.
• Fellowshipping leads to freedom.
Spiritual formation groups will encourage
discipline without rigidity,
accountability without manipulation
and having fun together as
we grow.
Bethesda continues in her commitment
to helping every covenant disciple experience
the depths and heights of a genuine
relationship with God. Spiritual Formation
Groups will provide three necessary ingredients
for helping us become disciples of Jesus
Christ. The first is balance. To be spiritually
healthy, we need balance in our spiritual
lives, just as physical health needs balance
in diet and exercise. The second ingredient
is knowledge. Many of us do not become
a disciple of Jesus for one reason: we lack
information about how to do the spiritual
disciplines. We dream about being true followers,
imagine ourselves being committed
disciples, but what do we actually do? What
steps do we take? What activities do we
Can We Blast Off?
We are determined to create The New
Rochelle Theological Center!
Let me share with you the reasons why?
First, we know the importance of creating
an atmosphere where studying the Word
of God is the norm and not the exception.
Second, we are aware of the hunger and
thirst in the hearts of ordinary Christians
to become more knowledgeable about the
Bible and God. Third, theological education
is the missing piece that must be supplied
to the local church. Fourth, we here at
Bethesda value the spiritual disciplines and
one of them emphasizes the importance of
spiritual growth.
Having said all of this, what then is our
plan? For the past year we have stressed the
fact that we are working in cooperation with
New York Theological Seminary to open up
a theological center here in Westchester. But
to date, we have not been able to successfully
launch our new Theological Center.
All of this is about to change. I understand
that there are concerns about cost.
Unfortunately we don’t set the prices, but
if you are interested, we will work with you
in developing an affordable payment plan.
We do not want money to be an issue
and we will do all within our power to see
that you can have this theological training
that will equip you for doing a greater work
for the kingdom.
In the lobbies of the Family Life Center
and the Church there are applications for
enrollment in the New Rochelle Theological
Center.
Tell your friends in other churches
about the New Rochelle Theological Center
being housed here at Bethesda. We need
twenty people to sign up in order to conduct
classes here.
Who should consider signing up? I believe
all officers of the church ought to be the
first ones to sign up. Their involvement will
encourage others to sign up. Also, I believe
those who serve as leaders of each ministry
should sign up. Additionally, I believe any
covenant-disciple out to sign up so as to
increase their knowledge of the Bible.
engage in that will help us grow closer to
God? We are like travelers looking across
a great chasm, longing for the other side,
discontent with where we are, yet unable
to cross the bridge because we do not know
how to start. The third ingredient is mutual
encouragement and accountability. Once we
find a balanced plan and gain knowledge of
how to use it, the only thing left for us is to
do it. Unfortunately, for most of us this is
the hardest part. Ingrained habits hamper
us from changing the way we are. The secret
to breaking these ingrained habits is the
strength found in joining forces with others
who have a similar mission. They provide
the encouragement we need to start across
the chasm and the accountability we need
to keep us on the bridge.
(Taken from: A Spiritual Formation Workbook
by James Bryan Smith and Richard J. Foster)
Sign up today and begin taking this
journey with us. Pray about your involvement.
Call and set up an appointment and
talk it over with Pastor so that you will have
a good understanding of what Spiritual Formation
Groups are. Then take the plunge
and avail yourself for intense training so
that this Fall you will be able to start your
own Spiritual Formation Group.

Bethesda Baptist Church of New Rochelle
71 Lincoln Avenue
New Rochelle, New York 10801
(914) 632-6713
www.bethesdabaptistny.org
New Rochelle
Theological
ceNTeR
or lay ministers, and other concerned Christians who are currently involved
or interested in ministry. This is a unique and dynamic learning
experience because of the rich diversity of participants in the program.
Our students are Christian, young and old, from all walks of life and different
denominations. Some have had limited educational opportunities,
while others have college or advanced degrees.
New Rochelle Theological Center, in partnership with New York
Theological Seminary will offer The Certificate Program in Christian
Ministry beginning in September, 2011. The program is a
two year program, divided in four semesters.
The Certificate Program in Christian Ministry provides an introduction
to theological disciplines for laity, as well as ordained
New YoRk
Theological
SemiNaRY