SHADY GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH REV. DR. REGINALD WOULLARD, PASTOR
SGBC | 2Pastor Reginald Woullard THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JESUS' RESURRECTION WHY IT MATTERS TODAY!The resurrection of Jesus (alongside his crucifixion) is the central historical event in the Christian faith. Without the Resurrection, there would be no Christianity. “If Christ has not been raised,” wrote St. Paul, “then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:14).I am a Christian because I believe in the resurrection. I am convinced that after dying a violent death on a Roman cross on a Friday afternoon in 30 A.D., Jesus of Nazareth came back to life and emerged from the tomb on Sunday morning.This is not easy to believe. But if it is true, it is the most pivotal event in human history. What is unquestionable is that the first generation of Jesus’ followers did believe he had risen and were convinced that everything had changed as a result.The Significance of Christ's ResurrectionConsider just three ways the New Testament highlights the significance of the resurrection.1. Jesus’ Resurrection means that his sacrificial death on the cross was sufficient, and therefore our sins can be forgiven.Paul emphasizes this in 1 Corinthians 15, reminding us that “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (vv. 3-4). Then, in verse 17, he argues that “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.”2. Jesus’ Resurrection means that death is defeated once and for all.As Peter proclaimed on the Day of Pentecost, “God raised [Jesus] from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him” (Acts 2:24). Death lost its grip on Jesus!But the resurrection means that Jesus not only defeated death for himself, but that he defeated it for us. He died and rose as a new representative for humanity, as the Second Adam. “The New Testament writers speak as if Christ’s achievement in rising from the dead was the first event of its kind in the whole history of the universe. He is the ‘first fruits,’ the ‘pioneer of life.’ He has forced open a door that has been locked since the death of the first man. He has met, fought, and beaten the King of Death. Everything is different because He has done so. This is the beginning of the New Creation: a new chapter in cosmic history has been opened.”The empty tomb assures us that sickness and suffering, death and disease will not have the final word.3. Jesus’ Resurrection means that the material world matters.Lest there be any misunderstanding, when the apostles said that Jesus rose again, they meant that his physical body came back to life. The risen Jesus wasn’t a phantom or ghost, but a breakfast-eating, flesh-and-bone, human being (see Luke 24:36-43 and John 21:10-14).When Jesus came out of the tomb in a physical body, it was God’s definitive stamp of approval on the creation project with all of its materiality. The resurrection shows us that matter matters. And this is why the early Christians looked to the future with confidence that the created order itself would be redeemed (see Romans 8:18-25).What the Resurrection Means For Us[The Resurrection] should make all the difference. In the New Testament, we see a number of ways in which the reality you have Jesus’ resurrection is applied to us as Christians. As we trust in Jesus, we are united to him by faith. And Paul says, therefore, there’s a connection between what has happened to Jesus and what happens to us. So Jesus didn’t just die and rise, but in Him, we died with Him. We rose with Him and that has massive implications. That's not just symbolic. We actually spiritually have been raised with Christ.And more than that, we're to have actions as those who have new spiritual life. We’re to close ourselves now in this risen life that we've been given in Jesus. So as to affect us in terms of our holiness, we are to be what we are. As those who are raised in Christ, we are to live as risen people.Adapted from: www.christianity.com/wiki/jesus-christ/significance-jesus-resurrection-why-it-matters
JESUS PAID IT ALL RESTING IN THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST’S SACRIFICESGBC | 3“I hear the Savior say, ‘Thy strength indeed is small; child of weakness, watch and pray, find in Me thine all in all.’ Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.”These words have echoed through generations of believers, offering a poignant reminder of the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice. The hymn Jesus Paid It All, originally penned by Elvina M. Hall in 1865, has a powerful simplicity that invites us to reflect on the boundless grace extended to us through the cross.The Story Behind the HymnJesus Paid It All was born in an unexpected way. Elvina Hall, a member of the Monument Street Methodist Church in Baltimore, Maryland, wrote the lyrics during a Sunday service. As she sat in the choir loft, her mind drifted during a prayer, and she began reflecting on the great debt we owe to Christ. With no paper available, she quickly jotted down the words on the flyleaf of a hymnal.Soon after, the church organist, John T. Grape, composed a tune called All to Christ I Owe. When the pastor realized the lyrics and melody fit perfectly, the hymn we now know and love was born. Hall’s simple yet profound words, combined with Grape’s melody, speak to the heart of the Gospel message: Christ’s atoning death covers all our sins, making us white as snow.Devotional ReflectionThe hymn opens with a humbling acknowledgment of our weakness: “Thy strength indeed is small.” It reminds us of our utter dependence on Jesus for salvation. The strength we often try to muster on our own is inadequate. Whether we wrestle with sin, guilt, or fear, this hymn points us to the truth that Christ alone is our sufficiency. In Him, we find not only forgiveness but the strength to live each day in His power.As believers, we are often tempted to bear the weight of our sins or attempt to earn God’s favor. But Jesus Paid It All offers a liberating message: the debt has already been paid. Every failure, every shameful moment, and every sin was laid on Jesus at the cross. In His great love, He took our crimson stain and washed it clean. We are free - not through our own efforts, but by grace.This new arrangement by Travis Cottrell breathes fresh life into the hymn, adding a contemporary worship expression while preserving the rich theological truths. With powerful orchestration and dynamic vocal arrangements, Cottrell captures the triumphant joy of knowing our sins are forgiven and that Jesus’ sacrifice was enough.A Call to WorshipAs you listen to or sing this hymn, consider the weight of Christ’s sacrifice. The cross stands as a reminder that we no longer carry the burden of our sin — Jesus has paid it all. The guilt, the shame, and the consequences of sin have been nailed to the cross. In return, we owe Him our lives, our devotion, and our praise.The final verse resounds with hope: “And when before the throne, I stand in Him complete, Jesus died my soul to save, my lips shall still repeat: Jesus paid it all!” One day, we will stand before the throne of God, clothed in the righteousness of Christ. Until then, we live in the joy and freedom of knowing that our sins have been washed away.Take time today to thank God for the gift of His Son. Let this hymn remind you that Jesus paid the ultimate price so that you can live free. No matter what you face, His grace is enough.PrayerLord, we thank You for the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. We acknowledge that we could never pay the debt of our sin, but in Your mercy, You have washed us clean. Help us to rest in Your grace, knowing that the price has been paid in full. May we live each day in the freedom and joy of Your salvation, giving You all the glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.www.blog.praisecharts.com/jesus-paid-it-all-resting-in-the-fullnessof-christs-sacrifice
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SGBC | 5Nova BryantAva BlakelyKeanna BassJmir BrazielTerry HarrellRaheem BrownKaren RayGaylon RayJaylen JohnsonTerrianna GrayKarson SimsKambreigha SimsWHAT'S EASTER'S ORIGIN AND HISTORY? Easter traces its origins to the central event recorded in the New Testament: the resurrection of Jesus Christ after His crucifixion. According to the Gospels, this event took place around the Jewish festival of Passover (Matthew 26-28, Mark 14-16, Luke 22-24, John 18-20). The burial and resurrection of Jesus are foundational to Christian faith, summarized in the statement: “He is not here; He has risen!” (Luke 24:6). The Apostle Paul, writing in the mid-first century, emphasizes the importance of the resurrection as the core of the gospel message: “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures”(1 Corinthians 15:3-4).Early Christians observed the commemoration of Jesus’ resurrection with great significance. The biblical accounts demonstrate the resurrection as a literal, historical event, consistently affirmed from the earliest manuscripts. This conviction empowered the apostles to spread the gospel worldwide despite significant persecution, highlighting the profound impact that the event, later recognized as “Easter,” has had on Christian life and worship.Modern Practices and MeaningToday, Easter (or Resurrection Sunday) is observed by many households and church traditions through diverse cultural customs. At the heart of these practices, however, is a remembrance of Christ’s triumph over death. Christians gather in services to worship, reflect, and proclaim that the tomb was found empty on the third day.Hymns and readings from the Gospels frame the event as the defining moment in Christian faith, connecting the believer to Christ’s victory and affirming hope in eternal life. Modern approaches may also include sunrise services, symbolizing the dawn when the resurrection was first discovered (Luke 24:1).ConclusionEaster’s biblical origins are entwined with the Passover calendar, anchored in the resurrection of Christ as recorded in the New Testament. Early Christian communities preserved this celebration, mindful of its life-changing implications. Despite variations in how Easter is practiced around the world, it consistently remains a proclamation of the resurrection of Jesus - an event central to Christian belief and transformative for those who receive it. In every language, custom, and context, the essence of Easter can be traced back to the angel’s declaration at the tomb: “He is not here; He has risen!” (Luke 24:6).Adapted from: biblehub.com/q/at's_easter's_origin_and_history
SGBC | 6Remembering Events At ... PASTOR & FIRST LADY 21ST ANNIVERSARY SERVICE
SGBC | 7Remembering Events At ... BLACK HISTORY MONTH
SGBC | 8Remembering Events At ... PICKLEBALLYOUTH BIBLE STUDY LEARNING FROM GUEST SPEAKERS MADATA OKAFOR AND DANYELLA BERRY
1. What is the name of the island where John wrote the book of Revelation?A) Island of CreteB) Island of MaltaC) The island of PatmosD) The island of Pergamon2. Whom did Paul call “our fellow soldier”?A) ApollosB) ArchippusC) ApphiaD) Luke3. To which tribe did Saul belong?A) NaphtaliB) LeviC) BenjaminD) Dan4. What happened when the Lamb broke the seventh seal?A) The devil was imprisoned for 2000 years.B) A sign that caught up the believers in Christ.C) Silence in heaven for about half an hour.D) Twelve angels begin sounding the trumpet.5. Which book of the Bible ends with a question mark?A) JobB) JoelC) JudeD) Jonah www.bibliaon.comSGBC | 9(Answers on Page 16)If you will graduate from high school or college, please contact Maxine Coleman by May 3rd. We need your:• Name (include parent’s names)• School (are you a honor student?)• Graduation picture (if possible)• Future plan (college/military/work force)• Aspiration• Degree (college graduates)BACCALAUREATE SERVICE IS MAY 24TH! WE HAVE STARTED OUR EARLY VACATION BIBLESCHOOL PLANNING. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER TO SERVE IN ANY CAPACITY, PLEASESEE CHELSA FAIRLEY-RICHARDSON.VBS IS JUNE 22ND - 25TH FROM 6 PM TO 8 PM
DO YOU KNOW PATRICIA KEYS? HAVE YOU MET THIS NEW MEMBER? SGBC | 10__MEET TRISH!__ _MEET KALAZIA JONES! _ • Trish has been a member of Shady Grove for 30 years• She serves as the co-leader of the Uplifters Ministry• Trish also serves in several ministries, including the Helping Hands, the Inspirational Choir and the Homecoming Ministry• Her favorite Bible verse is Joshua 24:15 “… But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” • Trish is the mother to Ray; the Lord blessed her with three grandchildren - Rayshard, Brianna and Jordin; two great-grandchildren - Rae'lynl and Alani• Her entire career was spent at Forrest General Hospital; she retired after serving 45 years, her last years were spent working as the Well Baby and NICU secretary • Trish loves to decorate and shop• She said, “I love my SGBC family and I love sending encouraging cards when families are going through.” • Kalazia is a certified nursing assistant• She is currently in nursing school at Pearl River Community College, she will complete her degree requirements in July 2026• Kalazia’s favorite verse is Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” • Kalazia said she decided to join Shady Grove because the spiritual atmosphere is very welcoming and Pastor Woullard makes her feel like family; she stated she knew the church was for her the first time she cameWe welcome Kalazia Jones!
SGBC | 11IN-PERSONDropboxCashCheckCredit/Debit CardsCASH APP$sgbchburgONLINE GIVINGshadygrove-church.org/give VENMO@[email protected] PAID IT ALL!“Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.” (Hebrews 10:18 ESV)Jesus paid it all. We’ve heard it said many times that I think we lose touch with the depth and power of those words. Jesus paid it all. Not some, but all. By God’s grace, we are invited to live within the bounds of this truth. Jesus paid it all. He has forever covered the cost of each one of our sins—not in part, but in whole. We know this truth, but are we living in the freedom such unparalleled forgiveness provides?If Jesus paid it all, there’s no cost left for us to cover. Any attempt on our behalf to pay for our sin through our own version of selfsacrifice or self-punishment is evidence we do not yet understand this truth. Jesus paid it all because we could not. Our sin created a cost that we could not afford to pay. The good news of the gospel is Jesus lovingly did what we could not.If Jesus paid it all, then there is no punishment left for our sin. Jesus already took our punishment and didn’t leave us any leftovers. No doubt we still presentlyexperience the consequences of our sin, but those consequences are the tools of God’s discipline in our lives to lead us along the path of life. The pains of those consequences are not an exacting of payment for our sin, but rather an ongoing reminder that sin is a departure from our design. These consequences are lovingly given by God to help us remember the way in which we should go.If Jesus paid it all, then sin no longer defines us. If Jesus has redeemed us and broken sin’s reigning power in our lives, then sin no longer has a say in who we are. We have been purchased through Christ’s sacrifice and made new by His grace. The old is gone and the new has come.These truths are foundational for the counsel and care we provide our clients. Our clients will regularly need help seeing the beautiful and deep truth of what Christ has done and recognizing what this means for them in their struggles. When they fall into patterns of trying to pay for their sins, feeling like God is punishing them, or allowing sin to set the frame of their identity, we have the joyful responsibility of reminding them of this simple truth—Jesus paid it all.www.austinstone.org/articles/jesuspaid-it-all
SGBC | 12Pastor Reginald Woullard Happenings at The Y of Hattiesburg April 18th CHEER CAMP Ages 5-12 8:30 am to 10 amFree to the First 40 Girls (YMCA Backpack & Pom Poms Included)Led by the William Carey CheerleadersHealthy Kids Day Free To The Public 10 am to 12 pm For more info, call 601-583-4000 Hattiesburg Little League BaseballVernon Dahmer Park1000 Country Club RoadAccepting applications Monday, Tuesday and Thursday Tee Ball Ages 4-5 years old Coach Pitch Ages 6-8 years old Little League Baseball Ages 9-12 years old For more info, call 601-270-5106 or 601-408-7576NAME LIST GRADEJazmyne Polk Academic H of F Soph.Jackson McClure A-B Honor Roll 3rdCurtis Poole Jr. A-Honor Roll 12thChristopher Poole A-Honor Roll 10thAubrie Caraway A-B Honor Roll 7th Amari Caraway A-B Honor Roll 10thJessica McGilberry A-B Honor Roll 2ndShiza Carter Superintendent 4thMcKenzie Gardner A-Honor Roll 12thWe will have Holy Baptism Sunday, April 26th at 10 am. If you would like to be baptized, please see Deborah Woullard or Sandra Thompson.Baby dedication will be held Sunday, April 26th during 10:45 AM Service. If you would like to dedicate your baby, please see Maxine Coleman.
Gary Lee Hayes Sr.Kimora KeysCorey AbramsAlicia LathamJames E. McLemore Sr.Cameron TaylorShinece McSwainRicky SpannVivian StewardLavatious CurrieKwamane WalkerLaShyla AllenKendall BoltonHoward DillonKamery EarlMarcus JeffersonAdrian NewbyAyvah WilsonKevin WaltersRoderick DavisApril HudsonAngelle WalkerBently O. EvansImiya BiasDondrell MatthewsMary VarnadoDorothy WashingtonMichael CarterNorma CrosbyMichael HarrisElaine HartfieldRoy C. StrahanRaychele ColemanCrashona DuffDea. Maurice EatonKathy Alicia GilmoreChance WhiteMercedes JohnsonSamantha JonesNoelle WilliamsAmber TravisLorin Brown AddisonJohnny A. Henry Jr.Carrington PughJazmine MoodyEmeesha RobinsonNariade Taylor-JonesShantrell TravisMarvin L. WatkinsJessie HornRico RobertsKendrick McIntyreDeborah WoullardAugust WilliamsLatonia WilsonTravis JohnsonArleon DuplessisEric McCullum Sr.Kristy OrangeNolana A. ReesePatricia SlaughterTasha DahmerWanda MoyeCynthia AltmanDeloris FosterTomora HarrisLaryssa KellenKendall CurrieDeloris McLainJalen ReasorAlexis AdamsLequisa EvansDea. Jonathan HarrisJeremiah HollimanRichard C. JonesTyler McLaurinJylah ArringtonAPRIL 1ST—APRIL 15THAPRIL 1ST—APRIL 15THReginald & Tashonia Lewis Eugene & Kimberly ThigpenWayne Jr. & Sonya Duncan Felts Robert & Marilyn Buckley Dea. Johnathan Sr. & Janice Robinson Matthew & Nykela JacksonAnthony & Edith Stallings Mitchell & Earnestine RobertsSGBC | 13
Shontyeria BurksAngelica FairleyGregory M Keyes IIMichael McLendonBettina WattsEmoni BoltonMollie GlassPauline HardyJasmine L. ShelbyIsaac Leon WoodlandStory EnglandJarrad HenrySarieta HolmesDeborah O. MillerIcy SatcherJaden HayesRione HughesKendra MageeThomas SturdavantRev. Marcus ThorntonLaTayia AllenWayne NewberryCeVaughn WhiteJasmyne HenryTyler HicksPatricia KeysWayne NewberryApril Nicole PortisPatrick SmithTracey McKeller TarvinJoshua BarnesDemaja CallowayWillie ClarkBronson EvansYakeisha ForemanJohn MartinMatthew WolfeLawana Y. CarsonTina BushSalenna HayesJemiah JohnsonColby Nicole StallingsFelicia WattsMarkiz WootenChara YoungChris AdamsTony DavisLaKendra FairleyChimene FountainFaith PooleLaTerrance SimmonsCarlus WilliamsRev. Cathy Ross WoulardJasmine CookeLakita DavisLemond JordanKarlon BurkettCelester M. BrownKarly KennedyJazmyne GriffithJasmine AbramChristine HilliardOra B. McLemoreWillie M. Wagger-PriceTamyra GrearJustin DozierMeco JohnsonMariah JonesDaquashia StrahanRosanna TravisAudria Walker BoodieDoreunna RuffinSaroya Crowell-HarrisRussell GholarSenetra MoodyDea. Fred WoullardAPRIL 16TH—APRIL 30THAPRIL 16TH—APRIL 30THSGBC | 14 SGBC | 14Julius & Jennifer Gray Bolivar & Deborah CherryCharles III & Tangela Gray Sean & Tarsha WilsonJames & Eddie Dean Smith Detrick & Samarion Pitts-Marshall
SGBC | 15Pastor Reginald Woullard
SGBC | 16There is a song titled Jesus Paid It All, All to Him I owe. Sin has left a chrism stain, and He washed it white as snow.What does this mean? How did Jesus pay it all for all of us? He did it through His sacrifice on the cross. This act of love and atonement allows believers to receive forgiveness and eternal lifeSome Key Points are:REDEMPTION - Jesus’ sacrifice redeems humanity from consequences of sin, offering salvation and eternal life (Romans 6:23).GRACE - This payment is not earned but given freely through God’s grace emphasizing the depth of His love (Colossians 2:14).FORGIVENESS - All are forgiven because Jesus has paid the full price making believers eternally secure in Him (Hebrews 10:14).“Jesus Paid it All” signifies that nothing more is required from believers to be saved highlighting the completeness of His Word (Colossians 2:15).The concept of “Jesus Paid it All” is rooted in the Bible’s teaching that humanity’s sin carried a debt we could never repay. Through His death and resurrection Jesus fully satisfied that debt, offering forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life. The scriptures affirm that salvation is a gift not earned by works and that believers are freed from the penalty of sin because Jesus’ sacrifice was complete and sufficient.PRAYER: Thank You Jesus for paying it all on the cross for all of us. You sacrificed Your life for our sins and allowed all who believe to have eternal life. You are the Greatest Love of all. Although You knew what Your destiny was to be, we are grateful for Your sacrifice for all humanity. We will try very hard to live a life that is pleasing to you. In the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen. It Is So.Humbly Submitted by Rev. Cathy Ross Woulard(Ref. Bible study Tools)Encouragement For April1. Answer C - On the island of Patmos, John saw a vision of what will happen at the end of time. See Revelation 1:92. ANSWER B - Archippus. See Philemon 1:2.3. ANSWER C - Benjamin. Saul was a Benjamite. His father was Kish, a man of standing, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bekorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin. See 1 Samuel 9:1.4. Answer C - When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. (Revelation 8:1)5. Answer D - Jonah. It is God speaking to the prophet Jonah after Jonah became angry that God did not destroy Nineveh. See Jonah 4:11.Shady Grove Inspirational Choir will present a Friday Night Live Time of Praising with Guest Choirs, Praise Teams and Dancers Friday, April 24th at 6 pm in the Woullard Life Center. This is your special invitation, please bring your family, friends and co-workers.
SGBC | 17Pastor Reginald Woullard
SGBC | 18The 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] Coleman, Publisher/EditorSICKMarcella EllisKimberly B. TanksleyTerrell CarsonJoyce Hunt HOME BOUNDBEREAVEDNURSING HOMEMary Dean Lee Kathy Wallace Joe Lee Jessica Hibbler Linda Bourn Leona WoullardAlbert BarnettJosie DavisCelia GrantAngela Thames Linda Bourn Saroya Crowell-HarrisFelecia Robinson BrownReginald EllisTamiko CooleyPlease pray for: Stacy Dismuke and her family; her father, Willie Dismuke passed Velvet Pendarvis, Sharon Murray and their family; Velvet’s husband and Sharon Murray’s brother, Eric Pendarvis passed Mary and Jocelyn Hibbler and their family; Mary’s father and Jocelyn’s grandfather, E.W. Barlow passed Jackie McLemore and her family; her cousin, Kisha Oliphant passedWEEKLY SCHEDULESUNDAYWorship Service - 7:45 am and 10:45 amSunday School - 9:45 am MONDAYDance Weekly - 6 pm TUESDAYSenior Citizen Luncheon 1st Week - 10 amWise Encouragers 3rd Week - 6 pm WEDNESDAYAdult and Youth Bible Study - 7 pm(Adult-Life Center; Youth-Sanctuary)Brotherhood Bible Study, 2nd & 4th Week - 6 pm Choir Rehearsal - 6 pmSisterhood, 2nd & 4th Week - 6 pm THURSDAYDance (Adult) ~ 6 pm - 8 pm (announced) SATURDAYCorporate Prayer - 8 am Join by dialing 720-740-9642 access code 4402008 Boyz2Men Ministry 2nd & 4th Week - 11 am Girl Scouts 2nd Week - 11 amIron Sharpeners 2nd Week - 10 am Women In The Making 3rd Week - 11 am Witness 4th Week - 9 am (announced)Youth Ushers - 1 pm (quarterly)SGBC NEWSLETTER ~ BIRTHED AUGUST 2020 ISSUE 4 ~ VOLUME 7 ~ APRIL 2026APRIL1 Easter Program3 Good Friday5 Easter7 Senior Citizens Luncheon11 Youth Explosion (cancelled)24 Friday Night Live (Choir)26 Baptism & Baby Dedication