January 2023 Volume 4, Edition 1 April 2023 Volume 4 Edition 4 2023 CHURCH THEME: “TURN BACK TO GOD” 2 CHRONICLES 7:14 101 WARREN MOTT PARKWAY * HATTIESBURG, MS 39401 * 601-583-9243 EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: WWW.SHADYGROVE-CHURCH.ORG SHADY GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH REV. DR. REGINALD WOULLARD, PASTOR
A series of miracles. Each one different: dead raised, sick healed, the water turned into wine, storms stilled. But each one the same – pointing us to the identity of the one who held the power to perform it. Each miracle intended to reveal that Jesus is not simply another prophet or teacher, but the Son of God, God incarnate. The greatest miracle of all is the one we celebrate each year on Easter, the resurrection. The resurrection proves Jesus is who He says He is. But how do we prove the resurrection? Well, first, His body was never found. For years, then decades, centuries, even millennia, scholars and atheists would have been glad to put an end to this story of a resurrected savior. All they needed was a body. But in spite of armed guards and a stone weighing more than 3,000 pounds in front of the tomb, no body could be found. Because that body rose from the dead and walked the earth, and then ascended to Heaven. And then there’s the Disciples and other followers of Jesus. They had given up their lives to follow Jesus, believing He was the prophesied Messiah and expecting Him to establish a kingdom. (Which He did, but not the earthly kingdom they hoped He would establish to overthrow the Roman Empire.) After the crucifixion they scattered. They went into hiding. They had already given up much, and they now feared for their lives. But once Jesus appeared to them (Luke 24:35) all that changed. They emerged from hiding and boldly proclaimed the message of Jesus and the news of His resurrection. There are also eye-witness accounts. More than 500 people are on record as having seen the resurrected Jesus. If someone sets out to prove a sequence of events true, he looks for an eye witness. In the case of the resurrection, eye witness testimony is so plentiful it would take days and days to comb through it all. So with the truth of the resurrection, and therefore the identity of Jesus not in doubt, what does it all mean? Well, we can believe Jesus is who He says He is because of the resurrection. The resurrection isn’t just the signature event of Christianity. It is that, as prior to the resurrection Christianity didn’t exist. But it’s also the hallmark event of human history. He walked them through the prophecies from scripture that foretold His coming, His life, His death, and His resurrection. He brought them to the most important point, that because He is the fulfillment of the prophecies, He is here to offer forgiveness from sin and repentance. The resurrection is the key to understanding Christianity. Without the bodily resurrection of a crucified savior, Jesus’ followers would not have proclaimed the gospel, would not have offered salvation and eternal life to those all over the world. Many of Jesus’ followers, and all of the Disciples died painful deaths because of their efforts to share the gospel. Many were imprisoned. Choosing to share the story of Jesus didn’t provide any earthly gain, as a matter of fact, it brought about much loss and suffering. And yet, it spread. These people would not have gone through that suffering for a lie, they would not have died or faced prison time to spread a story of a resurrection that didn’t happen. Maybe Chuck Colson, former White House special counsel during Watergate, a convicted felon, and born-again Christian said it best: “I know the resurrection is a fact, and Watergate proved it to me. How? Because 12 men testified they had seen Jesus raised from the dead, then they proclaimed that truth for 40 years, never once denying it. Everyone was beaten, tortured, stoned and put in prison. They would not have endured that if it weren’t true. Watergate embroiled 12 of the most powerful men in the world and they couldn’t keep a lie for three weeks. You’re telling me 12 apostles could keep a lie for 40 years? Absolutely impossible.” But because there was indeed a risen savior, Jesus’ followers did share their story, enabling the Christian faith to spread throughout the known world and providing for it the foothold it needed to persevere for all of time. The resurrection is the hope of all who follow Christ. It proves to us the power of our God. It enables us to trust Him for all things in this life. And more importantly, it tells us that this life is not all there is. It guarantees that those who believe, who place their faith and hope in Christ, who trust in Him to deliver them to eternity, will experience a spiritual and a physical resurrection. It assures us that while we get small tastes of His goodness and glory in this life, that the best is indeed yet to come. It promises an eternity of joy unspeakable. And that promise is available to everyone. To all who believe. It requires only that we move our trust from self to Christ, moving our souls from death to life. Submitted by Maxine Coleman | Read more at https://rockpointechurch.org/the-resurrection MIRACLES | THE RESURRECTION 2
3 Remembering Events At ... PASTOR’S ANNIVERSARY
4 Remembering Events At ... PASTOR’S ANNIVERSARY
5 Remembering Events At ... JERSEY SUNDAY WILLIAM CAREY UNIVERSITY MEDICAL STUDENTS OFFER MEDICAL SCREENINGS WOMEN IN THE MAKING MINISTRY VISITS THE CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM
6 Remembering Events At ... BLACK HISTORY PROGRAM POPCORN WITH A PURPOSE MINISTRY MOVIE NIGHT
JESUS | OUR RISEN SAVIOR Philippians 4:8 states: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy— think about such things. When you read this scripture what do you think? Does Jesus come to mind? Well, if not today, am I putting Him on your mind? Our theme for this month is “Jesus-Our Risen Savior” and we are concentrating on this passage. In this passage of scripture all I see is Jesus. All of us should long to be more like Jesus. We serve a Risen Savior. We sing “He arose, He arose He arose from the grave.” We sing and say this, but has He risen in you? Is Jesus in your heart, body, and soul? I ask these questions because we must realize what all this means. In times like these we need Jesus our Savior. Scripture teaches us that Jesus was born to die, to save us from our sin. James 4:8 reminds us to draw near to God and He will draw near to you. It also says cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded. Therefore, we have a lot to do to be worthy of the Lord. In spite of it all, HE LOVES US! Let us be mindful of who we serve and who cares for us. He was crucified for our sins, buried in a tomb that was not His own, rose on the third day, and now sits on the right hand of the Father interceding on our behalf. This is really Good News. Just love the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding, and in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. We serve the only savior. The risen savior and He lives forever! Praise His Holy Name! Prayer time: Father God because of who you are, what You stand for and what you are teaching us through Your Word of Promise, we give you all of the glory, honor and praise. Because of you sending Jesus to save us we are a better people. We want to be the ones called to do your will. Continue to instill in us who you are and your desire for us. We will be still and see the salvation of the Lord. Our Lord Jesus Christ. In the Mighty Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen! And it is so! Glory Hallelujah to Our Risen Savior Forever! Humbly submitted by Rev. Cathy Ross Woulard Congratulations to Lt. Commander Myron L. Evans , USN, retired, his wife, Jackie and family. yen.com.gh/108749-20-bible-quiz-questions (Answers on p. 10) Encouragement For April 7 Q1: What did Jesus say would cry out as He rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday? A: the stones B: the angels C: the earth D: the animals Q2: What did the people say when Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday? A: Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth and sing for joy and sing praises B: Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him C: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come D: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Q3: Who dressed Jesus with an elegant robe before sending Him back to Pilate? A. Pilate B. Herod and his soldiers C. Caesar D. His disciples Q4: Who did Jesus say was the father of lies? A: The harlot B: The antichrist C: The devil D: Sinners Q5: What is the name of the prayer which Jesus taught his disciples? A: A Prayer of Supplication B: The Lord’s Prayer C: Intercessory Prayer D: A Prayer of Thanksgiving https://triviafaithblog.com/easter-bibletrivia-questions-and-answers/ (Answers on Page 12)
8 Congratulations to Dre Smith for winning 1st place Gold Medal for Science Robotics and 3rd place Bronze Medal for test out of the county for S.T.E.M. Robotics. Eggs have been seen as ancient symbol of fertility, while springtime is considered to bring new life and rebirth. Americans spend $1.9 billion on Easter candy. That’s the second biggest candy holiday after Halloween. 70% of Easter candy purchased is chocolate. 76% of Americans think the ears of a chocolate bunny should be the first to be eaten. Egg dyes were once made out of natural items such as onion peels, tree bark, flower petals, and juices. https://www.dosomething.org FEBRUARY - NEW MEMBERS MINISTRY MARCH - SPORTS/RECREATION MINISTRY CONGRATULATIONS TO COACH SHARON MURRAY AND THE STATE CHAMPIONS WEST JONES GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM
9 Easter has become a strange time of year, with such a mixture of the sacred and the secular that the lines of paganism and Christianity are blurred for all but the most knowledgeable people. For example, what does the word Easter mean? It comes from a Latin word (estre) which means "goddess of light”. It is a purely secular term which referred to an ancient Anglo-Saxon religious recognition of the spring solstice. The days were growing longer and that meant more sunlight through the coming months. The people called the time of spring "estre" in honor of a pagan goddess of light. Very few people even know what the word means when they use it. To the Christian, however, the word Easter has come to refer to that time when we celebrate the risen Christ. Pray tell then, what do eggs and rabbits have to do with Easter? There are several stories in history as to the meaning of eggs and rabbits at Easter. Eggs are a symbol of fertility. Spring is the time when the animal world is very productive. Thus, eggs came to be a symbol of fertility and springtime. The egg has nothing to do with the Christian celebration of the resurrection of Christ. Is it wrong for children to hide Easter eggs or have Easter baskets containing Easter eggs? Certainly not, but it is important for children in Christian homes to be taught the real meaning of Easter. If this is not done, the child may grow up very confused as to the real meaning and purpose of Easter. You can use the Easter egg very effectively as a Christian witness. Jesus is the Light of the World. When He died on the cross the Light of the World was shut up in a tomb. On the third day He rose from the dead to bring the light of life to all who would come to Him. Open a boiled egg to show your child the yellow center. Point out that Christ was hidden in the tomb for three days, but the Savior rose from the dead. The yoke of an egg is yellow like light and shaped like the sun. Let that yoke represent Jesus, the Son of Righteousness, who has risen with healing in His wings. Perhaps, then, your child will grow up to remember that every Easter egg is a picture of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. But what about rabbits and Easter? It is reported that Egyptians used the rabbit as a symbol of birth in their hieroglyphic alphabet. One does not have to guess why they chose the rabbit, which is a very prolific reproducer of its kind. The rabbit is a symbol of life, fertility and productivity. I know of absolutely no correlation between a rabbit and Christ, with the exception that Christ is the greatest producer of life, since He gives Life Eternal to all who come to Him. Actually, it is important for us in the Kingdom of God to keep the focus on the real meaning of Easter - the resurrection of Jesus from the dead! A bank in Binghamton, New York, had some flowers sent to a competitor who had recently moved into a new building. There was a mix-up at the flower shop, and the card sent with the arrangement read, "With our deepest sympathy." The florist, who was greatly embarrassed, apologized but he was even more embarrassed when he realized that the card intended for the bank was attached to a floral arrangement sent to a funeral home in honor of a deceased person. That card read, "Congratulations on your new location!" A sentiment like that is appropriate for Christians who die, because they move to a wonderful new location with Christ. They go to be with Jesus, and the sorrows and heartaches of this earthly existence are gone forever. To see just how important this was to the early church, I want you to turn with me to Acts 2:22-42. Here you will note that the first sermon delivered in by a New Testament preacher was a message on the resurrection. That day many people placed their faith in a risen Savior and it made all the difference in the world and in the world to come! Submitted by Maxine Coleman | Article taken from: https:// www.pastorlife.com/members/sermon.asp? REJOICING IN THE RISEN SAVIOR
10 Corey Abrams Alexis Adams Lorin Brown Addison Lashyla Allen Cynthia Altman Travis Johnson Kendall Bolton Michael Carter Raychele Coleman Norma Crosby Tasha Dahmer Roderick Davis Howard Dillon Crashona Duff Arleon Duplessis Kamery Earl Maurice Eaton Elsie Epheim Bently O. Evans Lequisa Evans Deloris Foster Kathy Alicia Gilmore Jonathan Harris Michael Harris Tomora Harris Gary Lee Hayes Johnny A. Henry Jessie Horn April Hudson Imiya Bias Marcus Jefferson Mercedes Johnson Richard C. Jones Samantha Jones Laryssa Kellen Alicia Latham Kendall Currie Lavatious Currie Dondrell Matthews Eric McCullum Deloris McLain James E. McLemore Kwamane Walker Cameron Taylor Shinece McSwain Wanda Moye Andrae Nelson Adrian Newby Kristy Orange Carrington Pugh Jalen Reasor Nolana A. Reese Rico Roberts Jazmine Moody Emeesha Robinson Noelle Williams James Sims Patricia Slaughter Ricky Spann Vivian Steward Roy C. Strahan Angelle Walker Nariade Taylor-Jones Amber Travis Shantrell Travis Mary Varnado Kendrick McIntyre Kevin Walters Dorothy Griffin Washington Marvin L. Watkins Latonia Wilson Deborah Woullard APRIL 1ST—APRIL15TH APRIL 1ST—APRIL15TH Reginald & Tashonia Lewis Eugene & Kimberly Thigpen Wayne Jr. & Sonya Duncan Felts Robert & Marilyn Buckley Johnathan Sr. & Janice Robinson Jim Jr. & Elsie Epheim Matthew & Nykela Jackson Anthony & Edith Stallings Mitchell & Earnestine Roberts
Jasmine Abram Chris Adams LaTayia Allen Joshua Barnes Emoni Bolton Celester M. Brown Doreunna Ruffin Shontyeria Burks Tina Bush Demaja Calloway Lawana Y. Carson Willie Clark Jasmine Cooke Saroya Crowell Lakita Davis Tony Davis Bronson Evans Karly Kennedy Yakeisha Foreman Chimene Fountain Russell Gholar Mollie Glass Tamyra Grear Pauline Hardy Salenna Hayes Jarrad Henry Jasmyne Henry Christine Hilliard Sarieta Holmes Justin Dozier Rione Hughes Jemiah Johnson Meco Johnson Lemond Jordan Angelica Fairley Rev. Gregory M. Keyes Patricia Keys Kendra Magee John Martin Ora B. McLemore Michael McLendon Terald McNeil Deborah O. Miller Senetra Moody Faith Poole April Nicole Portis Mariah Jones Willie Maggie Wagger-Price Karlon Burkett Icy Satcher Jasmine L. Shelby Laterrance Simmons Patrick Smith Colby Nicole Stallings Daquashia Strahan Thomas Sturdavant Tracey McKeller Tarvin Marcus Thornton Rosanna Travis Audria Walker Boodie Bettina Watts Felicia Watts Story England Carlus Williams Jazmyne Griffith Isaac Leon Woodland Markiz Wooten Rev. Cathy Ross Woulard Dea. Fred Woullard Chara Young APRIL 16TH—APRIL 30TH APRIL 16TH—APRIL 30TH 11 Julius & Jennifer Gray Bolivar & Deborah Cherry Charles III & Tangela Gray Sean & Tarsha Wilson James & Eddie Dean Smith Detrick & Samarion Pitts-Marshall
12 MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS IN BLACK MEN Black men have a higher rate of depression and anxiety than white men, but here’s the catch; we very rarely get the help we need. “The little bit of research that we do have says that things have gotten exponentially worse and when it comes to things like suicide attempts and suicide completions, Black men, Black boys in particular, are one of the fastest growing groups in that space,” Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble said. Breland-Noble specializes in mental health issues surrounding communities of colors. She finds that Black men are exposed to negative stereotypes about themselves that push them further to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and even suicide. “Black men hear that they are criminals that they don’t take care of their children. Even though we have data that says Black men are most likely, most highly engaged non-custodial parents across all racial ethnic groups,” Breland-Noble said. According to the American Psychological Association, only 26.4% of Black men ages 18 to 44 who experience daily feelings of anxiety or depression get help. And when they do seek help, they prefer a same race provider. We also know across different mental health professions less than 5% of mental health professional with any type of degree are Black. There are also economic reasons and deep-rooted trust issues. “So, when you think historically, who doesn’t know about the Tuskegee experiments at this point?” Breland-Noble said. “And if that’s part of your history and those are the things that you hear in your families and in your communities, you would be apprehensive, and rightly so. It’s justifiable apprehension.” Rashad Donaldson is uncommon. “It saved my life. Man, I would have been the next victim if I didn’t have therapy,” Donaldson said. “You see what I’m saying. I wouldn’t be here to raise my children if I didn’t have therapy because what hit me was so heavy and all I had was the tools to pick myself back up.” After trying to take his own life back in 2019, he started therapy. The help he received for his stress and depression prepared him for the unthinkable. In August 2022, Donaldson’s wife and mother were both stabbed to death. The man charged with their murders, his own brother. Therapy helped the healing process for Donaldson and his kids. “I thought about my daughter. She already lost her mom. She can’t lose her dad. She can’t,” Donaldson said as tears streamed down his face. “And if her dad loses his mind, she will too. And I was like, ‘OK you already had the strength to kill yourself. Do you have the strength to stay alive? Are you that strong? I think I am.” Donaldson said he and his kids have been putting in the work therapy demands to help with their mental health. Submitted by: Dr. Stacey Blalock Henry |Read Full Article by Marius Payton at https://www.wsmv.com Q1: (B) The Stone (Luke 19:40 – “He answered, I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”) Q2: ((D) Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! (Zechariah 9:9) Q3: (B) Herod and his soldiers (Luke 23:11 – “Then Herod and his soldiers began mocking and ridiculing Jesus. Finally, they put a royal robe on him and sent him back to Pilate.”) Q4: (C) The devil (John 8:44 – “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”) Q5: (B) The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)
13 In-person (Dropbox, Cash, Check, Credit/Debit Cards) CASH APP ($sgbchburg) Online Giving (secure.accessacs.com/access/login.aspx) VENMO (@sgbchburg | PAYPAL ([email protected])
14 1. Who in the Bible had the greatest business plans? The prophets. 2. Which book of the major prophets is the easiest to understand? EZekiel. 3. Which minor prophet is wellknown thanks to cookies? Famous Amos. 4. What do you call a prophet who's also a chef? Habakkuk. 5. What did Adam say to Eve when handing her something to wear? " Take it or leaf it." 6. When someone needed a boat made, what did the people in town say? "We Noah guy." 7. What did Zachariah do when he and Elizabeth had disagreements? He gave the silent treatment. 8. How did Paul greet his friend? "Give me Phi-lemon!" 9. What did the lawyer ask when someone started talking about God's will? "Was it notarized?" 10. What's a miracle that can be done by a complainer? Turning anything into whine. https://parade.com/1196835/ kelseypelzer/christian-jokes/ Upcoming Events At ... Shady Grove is proud to share Rev. Terry K. Anderson will bring the Word during our upcoming revival Monday, May 15th through Wednesday, May 17th beginning at 7 pm. Rev. Anderson is the Pastor at Lilly Grove Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. Please plan to join us and bring others to be blessed. SPRING REVIVAL Rev. Terry K. Anderson Join us Wednesday, April 5th at 7 pm as we remember the sacrifice of our Risen Savior at our Annual Easter Program. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Join leaders Maria Beach, Karis Griffin and Rev. Mary Carter every Saturday during the month of May from 10 am to 12 pm in the Fellowship Hall for a group discussion. Stress is the topic for May. After May the group will meet every 3rd Saturday. Refreshments will be served! Baccalaureate Service is Sunday, May 28th during the 10:45 service. If you will graduate from high school or college, please contact Maxine Coleman at 601-818-8682 to let us know: the name of your school, your plan, major/degree, aspiration and we need your picture.
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SICK WEEKLY SCHEDULE SUNDAY Sunday School at 9:30 am Worship Service at 7:45 am and 10:45 am MONDAY Wise Encouragers Third Monday at 6 pm WEDNESDAY Adult Men’s Bible Study at 6 pm Brotherhood at 6 pm Sisterhood at 6 pm Adult and Youth Bible Study at 7 pm (Adult-Life Center; Youth-Sanctuary) SATURDAY Corporate Prayer at 8 am Join by dialing 720-740-9642 - access code 4402008 Boys2Men Ministry 2nd & 4th at 11 am Girl Scouts 2nd Week at 11 am Women In The Making Third Week at 11 am Early planning for Vacation Bible School is underway. If you would like to serve, please see Chelsa Fairley Richardson. VBS is June 19th - 23rd. Baptism and Baby Dedication is Sunday, April 30th. If you would like to be baptized, please see Deborah Woullard or Sandra Thompson. If you would like to dedicate your baby, please see Maxine Coleman. Youth Movie Night is Wednesday, May 31st at 6 pm in the Life Center. ANNOUNCEMENTS The SGBC Newsletter is a publication of the Shady Grove Baptist Church. It is published once a month on the 1st of each month. Contact us at [email protected]. 16 Mary Dean Lee Kathy Wallace Joe Lee Leah Sampson Roscoe McDonald Sr. Jessica Hibbler Please be prayerful for our members in their time of bereavement! Pray for: Richard Jones and his family; his mother, Sarah White passed. Rev. Mary Carter and her family in the loss of her brother’s mother, Agnes Smith. Katrina Sanders and her family, her dad, John Sanders passed. Sandra Thompson and her children, Jelisa and Mychal. Sandra’s husband and their father, Deforrest passed. Remember Vickie Scott’s family in your prayers. Vickie was on the homebound list and passed. NURSING HOME BEREAVED Thomas Evans Donnie Sue Drane Thelma Floyd Linda Jordan HOME BOUND Monique Crosby Terry Harris Jackie Evans Leona Woullard Albert Barnett Josie Davis Dea. Ben Ellis Celia Grant Angela Thames Leroy Wolfe Vernon Dahmer Jr. Lue Dahmer Dorothy Dismuke Darlene Dantzler Ben Beach Veronica Beach