Bethel Baptist Church 1 Fisher Court

White Plains, NY 10601 949-2792

Church Officials

Dr. E.O. Williamson Pastor

R. Jackson Deacon Chair

M. Andralliski Trustee Co-Chair

W. Gibbons Trustee Co-Chair

F. Hudson Treasurer

B. High Church Clerk

L. Upshaw Bookkeeper

Vol. 18, Issue 1

January 6, 2019

Message from Pastor 1

Annual Missionary Day 2

Birthday, Sick, Calendar 3

Church News 4

Church News 5

Church News 6-8

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Offering My Time

Key Question: How do I best use my time to serve God and others?

Key Idea: I offer my time to fulfill God’s purposes. Key Verse: Whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the

name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

Randy Frazee Believe Chapter 18

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! The Lord is good, His mercy is ever-lasting, and His truth endures to all generations. It is a matter of divine providence that as we enter the New Year, our Believe Bible Study focuses on our use of time. In the companion book to Believe entitled Think, Act, Be Like Jesus; Randy Frazee states the fol-lowing:

How will we use our time this year? Our theme for 2019 is “A Time To Rebuild”. As I look around, I see signs of brokenness. I see broken individuals, broken families, broken communities, and a broken world. In the midst of the brokenness around us, I see our church as a beacon of hope. Our mission is to build hope, build relationships, and change lives. We have been called by God and invited to join him in his mission of redemption, reconciliation, and restoration. There can be no better use of our time than to join God in fulfilling His purposes and to serve others. Join with us as we continue our study of Believe and experience life changing power of God’s Word. The Believe Bi-ble Study will resume on January 9th.

We also invite all members to join us for our Seven Days of Prayer and Consecra-tion beginning January 1st through January 7th. Each night leaders and members of our church family will gather for one hour of prayer and consecration at 7 p.m. This is also a time to practice the spiritual disciplines of fasting, study, and meditation to seek God’s guidance and direction for the New Year. Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.” Let us individually and collectively decide to put God first throughout this year. I believe God has great bless-ings in store for us both individually and collectively. We’re all in this together. Have a blessed and prosperous New Year. To God be the glory!

Peace and blessings, Dr. Edward O. Williamson, Pastor-Teacher

Dr. E. O. Williamson

Newsletter Editors Barbara Andralliski

Pamela Bowe-Tabbs

Ruth Rainey

Website: wwwBethelBaptistChurchWP.org Livestream.com:/BethelBaptistChurchWP

Dr. Frozine Reece-Smith,

Contributing Editor

Brenda Johnson, Photographer

Brenda Harris,

Contributing Photographer

bethelbaptistchurchnews@gmail.com

bbchurch1 @bbc_wp

Next Issue: February 3, 2019

“Here is a quite interesting fact about our time, which is different from so many other resources in our lives: We all are given exactly the same amount of the gift! There are seven days in a week and there are 24 hours in each day – 7 x 24 = 168. We all get 168 hours every single week. We have no choice. We

can’t buy or barter for more time, and we can’t decide to take less. We do, however, have the choice as to how we use each hour. For this reason, time is,

indeed, a precious commodity, as well as an equalizing factor, for all of mankind. None of us can offer any excuse for productivity or any priority for having less

or more. The real question then becomes this: How do we use this finite resource called time?”

Bethel Baptist Church Page 2

The 106th

Missionary Anniversary

On the 2nd Sunday in December, the Missionaries of Bethel celebrated 106

years of service in the vineyard. Rev. Virginia Young served as the Chair-

person along with her committee: Sisters Janet Allen, Barbara Andralliski,

Susan Harrison, Lola Hunter, Victoria Johnson-Taylor, and Lillie Louissaint.

The theme, “Missions Matter and is Evidenced as We Reach Out to Others

for Christ”, was scripturally affirmed in Philippians 2:4. The guest preacher

for the occasion was Rev. Gregory J. Jackson, newly elected President of the

Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Missions Convention. Rev. Jackson is the Pastor

of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Hackensack, New Jersey. Rev. Jackson de-

livered a powerful thought provoking sermon about what it means to be a missionary from the chosen

scripture in Philippians. He made it ‘crystal clear’ that you have to get your mind right because doing mis-

sions is not from the palace but from the stable. He said “you have to have courage.” He stated John

Wayne’s definition of courage: “being scared to death, but saddling up anyway!” Rev. Jackson encouraged us to become in-

volved in some of the many mission trips and endeavors in Lott Carey.

Rev. Jackson was accompanied by his lovely wife, Mrs. Barbara Rose Jackson and Rev. Ella Lynk Hayes. Rev. Hayes is an As-

sociate Minister at Mt. Olive. She grew up in White Plains, New York and was a member of Bethel. Surprisingly, she was the

driver for the Jacksons. There was no way they could get lost because Rev. Hayes was driving them to her “first home” church.

Mrs. Victoria Johnson-Taylor did a marvelous job as the Worship Leader. Other participants were: Sisters Lillie Louissaint,

Shirley Johnson, Sheryl Franklin, Tasha Pine, Emory Watson, Helen Callaway, Carolyn Brown-Johnson, Min. Latisha Robinson,

and Rev. Virginia Young. Trustee Monica Andralliski and Bro. Michael Young gave echoes from Lott Carey. Asa Jackson intro-

duced Rev. Jackson. The Male Chorus served as the choir under the direction of Deacon Donald Stevens.

Dr. Smith recognized our guest missionaries. Geneva Benton was presented with an honorary Missionary Ministry membership

plaque for her untiring efforts of service to Bethel and the community at-large. Our immediate past President, Barbara An-

dralliski, and our director of the Junior Missionaries, Fay Watson, were also recognized for their service. Pastor Williamson gave

the final remarks and thanked everyone for their participation. The entire day was a mountaintop experience of worship to God.

Our meal, prepared by Sis. Benton, was a perfect closure for the 106th year Missionary Anniversary Celebration!!

Submitted by: Dr. F. Reece-Smith

Pastor Williamson, Rev. Jackson

Dr. Reece-Smith

Jan. 8 Homeless Ministry, 7:00 pm

Jan. 13 Annual Officers Day, 3:30 pm

Jan. 15 Ministers Fellowship Council Dr. Martin

Luther King, Jr. Service, Calvary Baptist

Church, 7:00 pm

Jan. 21 26th Annual Martin Luther, Jr. Breakfast,

Crowne Plaza, contact Slater Center for

tickets at 948-6211

Strength Quotes for Encouragement

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in

dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He

will not leave you or forsake you.”

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am

your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with

my righteous right hand.

Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one

who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you

by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not

common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted

beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the

way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer

self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For

this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of

glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are

seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen

are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Sandra Abraham

Morris Brown

Ernestine Bryant

Mildred Carelock

Charlene Coram

Pattie Dunston

Pam Earl

Cornelia Evans

Lolita Glover

James Goode

Ann Hadley

Evelyn Hudson

Sylvia Jacobs

Dorothy Jenkins

Zennie Johnson

Gladys Jones

Deacon Ben Latimer

Learis Palmer

Mae Sanders

Lyndora Upshaw

Emory Watson

Mary Watson

Cotella Williams

Deborah Williams

Dora Williamson

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WE’RE PRAYING FOR YOU CALENDAR Page 3

Gail Gregg Jan. 2

Lisa Bennett Jan. 4

Seriana R. Bennett Jan. 4

Shinea Smith Jan. 4

Leonard Hadley Jan. 5

Audrey Hardy Jan. 6

Marisa Marquis Jan. 6

Barbara Hudson-Roberts Jan. 9

Sheran Lyons Jan. 9

Rosemary Young Jan. 11

Ashley Petion Jan. 12

Martha Rogers Jan. 13

Ann W. Miller Jan. 15

Brandon Moore Jan. 15

Beverly Powerful Jan. 17

Faye Gordon Jan. 17

Samuel Taylor Jan. 17

Mildred Patricia Blackwell Jan. 18

Desiree Smith Jan. 19

Steven Schmidt Jan. 19

Anthony Smith, Jr. Jan. 20

Debbie Alvarez-Brown Jan. 20

Rahem Urguhart Jan. 21

Dominique Hudson Jan. 22

Natasha Jackson Jan. 23

Stefanie Williamson Jan. 27

Min. Latisha Robinson Jan. 27

Schneider Thompson Jan. 30

Betsy Mitchell Jan. 30

Janeen Perkins Jan. 31

Jocelyn Perkins Jan. 31

Bertha Keller Jan. 31

Dolores Manigault Jan. 31

Don't Worry About What Is To Come

God is with us in the new year, and we don't need to worry about anything when we focus on Him. He is our strength, He is with us and we have nothing to fear.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by

prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do

not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares

for you. 1 Peter 5:7

So, we say with confidence, “The Lord is my

helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Hebrews 13:6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not

on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

THESE WOMEN ARE NOT BEHIND BARS BUT ARE IN PRISON!!

Kairos Outside NYC, chartered in 2009 is the local chapter of Kairos Prison

Ministry International, designed for women impacted by incarceration. Someone

in their life is or was in prison. In many ways the families are “doing time” right

along with the incarcerated. This ministry is also for women that were previously incar-

cerated. Mass Incarceration, is described as the new Jim Crow, from 1970 to 2005 the number

of inmates increased 700%. The U.S. has the highest incarceration rate in the world.

Each year Kairos Outside NYC offers two Weekend Retreats, for women. These women referred

to as “Guest’s” have an opportunity to get to know other’s that share similar struggles and

concerns. The goal of this ministry is to provide a loving, safe, supportive environment while

addressing the Guest’s spiritual needs. The next Retreat Weekend will take place May 17-19, 2019.

JoAnne Edwards, Sharon Gilham, Yvonne Harris, Crystal Murray, Janice Robinson, Dr. Frozine Reece-

Smith and Stephanie Ward are members of Bethel Baptist Church and this Kairos ministry.

KONYC is seeking males that would like to become involved with this ministry.

Kairos Outside NYC is thankful to Bethel members Pat Richards, Martha Rogers and Diana Bason for

volunteering during the November 2018 Retreat Weekend.

It cost approximately $15,000 to carry out the Retreat Weekend. ALL expenses are covered by

donations, Guest’s do not pay a fee. If you would like to make a monetary donation…… please speak to

Pastor Williamson or one of the members mentioned above. Donations can also be made to: Kairos Out-

side NYC, P.O. Box One, Larchmont, N.Y. 10538. Website: www.kairosoutsidenyc.org / kon-

yc2009@gmail.com. If you would like to participate in Kairos in any way, please speak with Pastor Wil-

liamson or Sharon Gilham (shaham@optonline.net).

Page 4 Bethel Baptist Church

Green Christmas Concert

2018

The 2018 Green Christmas Concert was presented by the Voices of Inspiration on Saturday, December 15, at 6:00 p.m.

The theme was Jesus is…”The Reason for The Season”. Sis. Joann Edwards served as the Worship Leader and Present-

er for the concert. The following participated in the opening: Isaiah McSwain, Asa Jackson, and Sis. Brenda Mills.

After a period of Praise & Worship, the Voices of Inspiration & Friends processed into the sanctuary. The first two se-

lections were rendered by the VOI: “Now Behold The Lamb” and “Emmanuel”. After the VOI, the first invited friends

was a guest choir named “The Partakers”. Their selections were: “Hosanna in The Highest” and “He Reigns Forever”.

The BBC Mime Ministry added a different art form and genre of music with their two renditions of “Jacob’s Song” and

“Love Came Down”. The group consisted of Dieulane Philogene, Sherleen Saintil, Marc Toribio, Tayevaughn Wil-

liams, and Marian Bobian. Marian is also the Director/Choreographer of the group.

The second guest choir was the Westchester Fellowship Choir under the direction of Bro. Mark Murray. The choir ren-

dered a medley of familiar gospel songs and closed with an arrangement of “Total Praise” by Richard Smallwood.

Min. Garnet Walters, gifted guest pianist of the evening, tickled the ivory with his renditions of “Hark The Herald An-

gels Sing”, “Do You Hear What I Hear?”, and “Standing In The Need of Prayer”. His selections were done with spec-

tacular precision and grace. What an artist!

The concert was under the direction of Deacon Donald Stevens with Bros. Michael Dent and James Patterson on the or-

gan. Bro. Lloyd Richards was the drummer. At the close of the program, words of thanks and gratitude were offered by

Sis. Laurie Bennett for the Voices of Inspiration, Dr. Frozine Reece-Smith for the Missionary Ministry of Bethel, and

Pastor Williamson.

The Green Christmas Concert is a fund-raising event sponsored by a joint effort between the Missionary Ministry and

the Voices of Inspiration. Each year we enjoy working together to usher in the Christmas season with music for our

church. Sisters Esther Johnson and Sheryl Franklin were the Co-Chairs for the beautiful reception that followed the con-

cert. We are grateful to all who took part in making this venture a success! The concert was awesome!

Submitted by:

Dr. F. Reece-Smith

Bethel Baptist Church Page 5

THE SENIORS HALL OF FAME

2018 INDUCTEE:

DEACONESS SYLVIA WOMACK-LATIMER

The 36th Annual Westchester County Senior Citizens Hall of Fame was held at the

Westchester Marriott on December 7, 2018. Bethel’s honoree was Deaconess Sylvia

Womack-Latimer. A total of three tables of guests were there to honor her and witness

the auspicious occasion. The room was filled to capacity with more than 800 people in

attendance to honor 71 Senior Hall of Fame recipients.

Deaconess Latimer has done so much for our church and community in her own quiet

way. She ranks at the top of the list, when it comes to giving, serving, and helping oth-

ers. One of the statements from the criteria for nomination fits Deaconess Latimer per-

fectly:

Have done professional work that reflects innovative solutions to fulfill unmet commu-

nity needs.

As President of the Senior Ministry here at Bethel, Deaconess Latimer has worked hard

to bring innovative and stimulating events to our Seniors.

Janine Rose, of News 12 and Cablevision fame, served as the Emcee for the luncheon. Words of welcome

and presentations of top honors were done by Mae Carpenter, Commissioner Department of Senior Programs

and Services and George Latimer our Westchester County Executive.

The Hall of Fame luncheon is the epitome of the heart of the Senior Programs and Services of Westchester’s

mission: To develop and support “Livable Communities” – places where people of all ages and abilities can

age with independence, dignity, and social engagement.

During the luncheon, continuous music was played by the Gerard Carelli Orchestra. The Hall of Fame Class

of 2018 was introduced as their pictures were displayed on the screens. The event closes each year with the

Hall of Fame Pledge and Song “When You’re Smiling”. As always, the affair is so organized and meticu-

lously put together! We look forward each year for the new honorees and especially the one(s) who will be

honored from Bethel!

This year all the honors go to Deaconess Latimer. God bless you Deaconess Sylvia Womack-Latimer. You

have definitely made us proud to be a Bethelite!

Submitted by: Dr. Frozine Reece-Smith

Deaconess Latimer,

Pastor Williamson

Bethel Baptist Church Page 6

“Missionaries On The Move”

The Missionary Ministry of Bethel Baptist Church finished the year 2018 with a

renewed sense of vigor and vitality in the service of the Lord. The members are

“on board” with our special projects that have finally come to fruition. On Sat-

urday, December 8, we started our dress making class with Sis. Lorna Williams.

Sis. Williams is quite an expert in fashion and design. In fact, she let us know

that she is a designer. It was a pleasure and an honor to sit under her tutelage.

She taught us how to begin the steps in the making of pillowcase dresses for lit-

tle girls in need around the world. The goal she has set for our group is to make

100 dresses and/or garments for women and girls. We are excited about this project. We will share the re-

sults with our Bethel family when the project is completed.

Our knitting and crocheting project will kick-off sometime this month. Sisters Dorothy Hudson and Diana

Bason will be our instructors. Sister Pat Blackwell is moving us forward in our involvement with the MLK

library at the Slater Center.

We closed the year in a festive mood with a luncheon meeting in the Christine Mitchell Fellowship Hall.

Deaconess Ridgway led us in the singing of the Christmas carol, “O Come All Ye Faithful.” Sis. Tasha Pine

gave the December highlights from our study guide, THE WORKER. Our December quote was from Joshua

Enck, producer/director of the musical/play “JESUS” at the Sight and Sound Theater in Pennsylvania. The

quote is:

“As we read and reread the stories of the Savior,

an overwhelming sense of God’s love filled our

hearts…love that rescues…that was it.

That was the anchor that kept this portrayal of Jesus

from drifting into the waters of endless possibilities.”

Our membership is growing on a monthly basis. Sis. Janice Perser joined our ranks at this meeting. She let

us know that she is ready, willing, and able to work in the vineyard. We have so much work before us in the

church, the community, and the world.

Chef Chris Howard prepared a delicious light lunch of salads (chicken, pasta, seafood, and tossed) for our

meeting. Everything was delicious! We had a wonderful “working” session over lunch to ring in the beauti-

ful season of Christmas!

We are preparing to host the annual Working Churches’ annual Black History Month program when they

meet at Bethel in February. We will have a sign-up sheet in the fellowship hall in Feb-

ruary, if you would like to attend. In May of this year, the Working Churches of

Westchester and Vicinity will celebrate their 100th Anniversary. Deacon Dewitt Roy

Smith is the President of this organization. Save-the-Date fliers are located in the vesti-

bule.

As always, our Missionaries are On The Move!

Submitted by: Dr. F. Reece-Smith

Bethel Baptist Church

Sunday School Christmas Program

The children of Bethel Baptist Sunday School put on a little

skit about Christmas on December 23, 2018 called “The Jess Tree

“ The children ranged from ages 4 -10. This was the first time in

three years that the children have performed for the church. I would

like to thank all the parents and grandparents that helped with re-

hearsal and helped the children to learn their lines for the skit. A big

thank you to Sis. Tasha Pine for all her help and support with the

show. Submitted by: Penny Hilliard

Gingerbread Event

On Saturday Dec. 15th, Bethel had its annu-al Gingerbread Event. The ages ranged from 3 to 12 years old. It's wonderful to see the kids come out with their parents, grandparents or guardian and put their craft skills to work. The smaller children had the task of decorating gingerbread men while the older kids got to build their own ginger-bread house. The children and their parents also had lunch while listening to Christmas songs; it was a wonderful event. I would like to thank everyone who participated, the parents, grandparents and volunteers for making this event so wonderful for our kids.

Submitted by: Schneider Thompson

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: old things have passed away: behold, all things have become new. 2 Cor. 5:17 NKJV

Submitted by the Education Ministry

Page 7

Harmonee Christine Miller

Born: November 1, 2018

Proud Mother: Dornella Johnson Proud Grandmother: Shirley Johnson

Dr. E. O. Williamson Bethel Baptist Church

1 Fisher Court White Plains, NY 10601

What is Martin Luther King Day?

Martin Luther King Day is a United States federal holiday. It is celebrated annually on the third Monday of January and is also

known as King Day or MLK Day. In some states it is also commonly referred to as Civil Rights Day or Human Rights Day. In recent

years it is increasingly seen to be a 'Day of Service' when Americans are encouraged to volunteer to help others less fortunate than

themselves.

Martin Luther King Day commemorates the birthday of American civil rights leader Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and cele-

brates his life, achievements and legacy.

King was hugely influential in the American Civil Rights Movement (despite never holding public office) and was a major advocate of non-violent activism

in the struggle for the end of racial discrimination under US law. He was assassinated in 1968.

This federal holiday in King's honor was created in 1983, during the presidency of Ronald Reagan, and first observed in January 1986.