132 Odell Clark Place Reverend

New York, New York 10030 Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III

212.862.7474 - T Pastor 212.862.3255 - F

abyssinian.org Ramón Bryant Braxton Director, Music & Fine Arts

Ministries

Worship Service COMMUNION March 17, 2019

“To all those who enter here: Be thoughtful, be silent, be reverent. Before the service, speak

to God. During the service, let God speak to you. After the service, speak to others.

9:00 AM Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III

11:30 AM

Prelude

9:00 AM

11:30 AM Victor Simonson, Guest Organist Rondo con imitazione de campanelli

Giovanni Morandi

Call to Worship

Leader: We come this day seeking healing, so we bring you our pain.

People: We come this day seeking answers, so we bring you our

questions.

Leader: We come this day seeking comfort, so we bring you our dis-ease

People: We come this day seeking freedom, so we bring you our

insecurities

Leader: We come this day seeking peace, so we bring you our conflicts.

People: We come this day seeking love, so we bring you our pride

Leader: We come this day seeking forgiveness, so we bring you our sins

People: We come this day seeking success, so we bring you our fears.

All: We come to you, O God, who makes a way out of no way. We

come seeking to be in your presence one more time. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Congregational Hymn Come Thou Fount #175

Prayer and Choral Response

Anthem

9:00 AM

11:30 AM The Cathedral Choir My Eternal King Jane Marshall

Pastoral Emphasis

Offertory:

Offertory Sentences & Selections

9:00 AM

11:30 AM The Cathedral Choir I Will Sing Praises Richard Smallwood

Scripture

Meditation

9:00 AM

11:30 AM The Cathedral Choir Dwell in the House Gale Jones Murphy

Soloist: Rebecca Hargrove, Soprano

Sermon and Invitation

Invitational

The Supper:

A) Hymn

B) New Members

C) Witnessing

D) Consecration

E) The Bread This Little Light of Mine Arr. R. Bryant Braxton Soloists: Brandie Sutton, Soprano & Brittany Robinson, Soprano

F) The Cup Near The Cross Piano Solo: Victor Simonson

Choral Benediction The Lord Bless You and Keep You John Rutter

Postlude Variations on Nettleton V. Simonson

CHURCH COVENANT

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our

Saviour; and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father,

and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God, angels and this

assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in

Christ.

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to

strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge and holiness; to give it a place in our

affections, prayers and services above every organization of human origin; to sustain its

worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrine; to contribute cheerfully and regularly, as God

has prospered us, towards its expenses, for the support of a faithful and evangelical ministry

among us, the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. In case

of difference of opinion in the church, we will strive to avoid a contentious spirit, and if we

cannot unanimously agree, we will cheerfully recognize the right of the majority to govern.

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to study diligently the word of God,

to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintance; to

walk circumspectly in the world; to be kind and just to those in our employ, and faithful in the

service we promise others; endeavoring in the purity of heart and good will towards all men

to exemplify and commend our holy faith.

We further engage to watch over, to pray for, to exhort and stir up each other unto every

good word and work; to guard each other’s reputation, not needlessly exposing the

infirmities of others; to participate in each other’s joys, and with tender sympathy bear one

another’s burdens and sorrows; to cultivate Christian courtesy; to be slow to give or take

offense, but always ready for reconciliation, being mindful of the rules of the Saviour in the

eighteenth chapter of Matthew, to secure it without delay; and through life, amid evil report,

and good report, to seek to live to the glory of God, who hath called us out of darkness into

his marvelous light.

When we remove from this place, we engage as soon as possible to unite with some other

church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s word.

BIBLE STUDY • NEW MEMBERS CLASS • PRAYER • BABY BLESSING Sunday Morning Praying Band – Sundays - 7:00 AM

Sunday Morning Bible Study – 8:45 AM

Monday Afternoon Bible Class – 12:00 PM

Wednesday Mid-Week Manna Service – 7:00 PM

NEW MEMBERS CLASS SCHEDULE • Meets Sundays, 8:30 AM | Blue Room Class #1 At the Cross: Jesus and Salvation – April 7

Class #2 Faith Foundations: Baptist Polity and Practices – April 14

Class #3 The Abyssinian Baptist Church: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow – March 17

Class #4 Giving God Our Best: Worship & Stewardship – March 24

BABY BLESSINGS • Babies are blessed on the 2nd Sunday of each month in the 11:30

AM worship service. Parents planning to have their child blessed at Abyssinian must attend

the Baby Blessing Class. For details/registration, contact Reverend Pamela D. Mason, 212.862.7474

Ext. 204. Next Class: March 20, 2019.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Bereavement • Family of Brucie Smith, Diane Simmons (Mother), Dea. Kimberly Vinson (Mother,

Mrs. Lois Hinds), Trustee Alexs Thomas (Mother, Mrs. Bernice Hardy), Barry Cox (Brother-in-law).

Members Sick/Shut-In, Recovering • Dea. Martha Swint (recovering at Mount Sinai Hospital),

Mike Adams, Judge Donna Mills, Sylvester Oliver (Harlem Center for Nursing and Rehab – 30 W. 138th

Street), Dea. Major Keels and Douglas Solomon. Tom Stevens (New Jewish Home - 106th Street), Min.

Janine Myrick (Father), Louis Hardy (father of Trustee Alexis Thomas), Rether Parker, Augusta Grubb,

Forrest Murphy, Deborah Young (daughter of Dr. Marcella Maxwell), Robin Martin, Julian Lockhart,

Shelley Westbrook Lassiter, Constance Lilly, Loretta Donaldson and Thomas Donaldson, William

Highsmith, Jeannette Barcene, Mrs. Isabelle Boston, John Johnson (brother of Trustee Stephen Johnson),

Susan Eddington, Alfreda Gatling, Elder Abraham Gowan, Deacons Harold Sawyer, Augustus Sam, Jessie

Green, Mattie Copeland, Aykailey Jackson, and Eva Vinson. Sister of Dea. Paul Brady, Martha Goodman,

Greg Graves, Doris Brunson, former Trustee Rich Mitchell (Assisted Living), Martha Nichols (Mother of

Ann Sheriff), Ernestine Burgess.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Thank you to everyone who supported the Thank you to everyone who supported the $3.0 in 24MO! Campaign and to those who attended the reception. This two year campaign officially ended

on October 31, 2016. To date, the campaign allowed us to pay for the cost of nearly two of the five floors. Your generosity has been overwhelming.

As you can see, we still have a way to go. For those who have not completed their pledge, we want

you to continue your payments even though the campaign has ended from an accounting point of view. All of your future payments will be noted to your pledge. We ask you to continue to support AbyWest. New initiatives will roll out soon as we continue to forge ahead to reach our goal of

$8MM to complete the entire five floor community center.

We continue to strive to attain 100% participation because we want others to know our membership is committed to this effort. Your support is greatly appreciated!

ABYWEST

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

ABYSSINIAN INSTITUTE FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 2019 Spring Series

Understanding Depression | Instructor: Dr. Henry McCurtis – Blue Rm.

Tue. 3/19, 4/2, 4/16, 4/30 | 7 PM – 8:30 PM

Although we often say we are depressed when we are having a bad day, disappointing

events or circumstances are a normal part of life and frequently result in passing feelings of

sadness. Depression, on the other hand, is a medical illness that can be associated with

problems at school and/or work, in relationships, and quality of life. It can be precipitated

by an adverse life event or simply occur out of the blue. The good news is that treatment

is available, and recovery is possible. Come learn more about depression.

Storm Tracking: Navigating the Storms of Life | 1st Fl. Conf. Rm.

Instructor: Sis. Charisse Nelson | Fri. 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/10 | 7 PM – 8:30 PM

In Romans 5:3-5 the Apostle Paul boldly states, “suffering produces endurance, and endurance

produces character, and character hope, and hope does not disappoint us…” but what happens

when the storm is longer than anticipated and what is to be learned during the midst of the

storm. This course will take a look at what the Bible teaches about perseverance. It will

provide both spiritual and practical guidance for storm preparation, navigation, analysis, and

application. It will explore how information gathered during a storm can provide future

testimonies which can aid in navigating future storms as well as help others make it

through their present sufferings.

Spiritual Gifts Workshop | Instructor: Rev. Pamela D. Mason 1st Fl. Conf. Rm.

Thur. 4/25, 5/2, 5/9 | 7 PM – 8:30 PM

Have your spiritual gifts led you to the right ministry? The Holy Spirit is the power source for

all spiritual gifts. By grace these gifts are designed to complement and strengthen the Body

of Christ when they work in harmony together to edify God and fulfill the Great

Commission. Whether you are worshiping, teaching, serving or witnessing to others; the

Holy Spirit has gifted you to be a blessing in someone’s life. Become aware of your spiritual

gifts and gain a deeper understanding of how the Holy Spirit operates through the heart of

believers to build God’s kingdom on earth. Course explores how the gifts bestowed upon

you can enhance your ministry work and assist you in winning more souls for Christ

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This month, strengthen your awareness of biblical

facts taken from the book of Exodus. Respond to as

many questions as possible before checking Abyssinian website:

http://abyssinian.org/ministry/christian-education/abyssinian-

institute-for-christian-education/ for the correct Bible

reference points. Remember to be intentional about taking

time to center yourself, as you read the entire chapter where

the answers are found.

1. For how many years did the Israelites live in Egypt? [Exodus12:40–41]

2. Why did Egypt enslave the Israelites? [Exodus 1: 8-14]

3. How did Moses meet his wife Zipporah? [Exodus 2: 11-22]

4. What mountain was Moses on when God called to him from the burning

bush? [Exodus 3:1-5]

WOMEN’S MONTH

MINISTRY

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This summer, EXPLORE SIZZLING CHICAGO with The Abyssinian Mattie

Fletcher Powell-Satellite-Laura B. Thomas Ministry, July 28 - August 3,

2019. Trip includes R/T transportation, hotel, tours and meals (ten). Trip Cost

$745.00 for double occupancy, triple and single rates also available. A deposit of $75

required to reserve space. Hurry, seats going fast! Pick-up trip flyer available at front

desk or call Minnie Davis 212-862-7474 x 225 or Minnie Mott, 917-515-4055 for more

information. ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

THE ABYSSINIAN FOOD PANTRY MINISTRY

extends deep appreciation to ALL who’ve made donations to

our church’s Food Distribution effort. There remains a need

for non-perishables such as: canned vegetables, canned

fruits, and canned soup. Please leave donations of these

items at the lobby reception desk any weekday during office

hours: (10 AM – 6 PM), and/or on Sundays following worship

services. We thank God for your Spirit of generosity!

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave

me something to drink” MATTHEW 25:35

ABYSSINIAN TECHNOLOGY UPDATE

As part of our ongoing efforts to keep The Abyssinian Baptist Church membership on

the cusp of the digital age, we invite you to revisit some our church’s key tech options

and drivers that have been tailored specifically for our congregation:

ABYSSINIAN.ORG

Our website is a living breathing entity that the entire

congregation can use as a tool for engaging in ministry

life at Abyssinian. Ministries and Members are invited

to send information for placement on our website to:

webmaster@abyssinian.org (send info regarding

church events, ministry activities, photos, key

accomplishments or milestones for the “REJOICE”

page, and happenings in our community).

ABY TEXT ALERTS

We use text alerts to inform and remind members of events,

change in service times, special worship opportunities, weather

updates etc. Here’s how you can sign up to receive Aby Text

Alerts: TEXT ABY TO 70100.

ABY TEXT TO GIVE

Currently, Abyssinian offers the option to “give” during the

worship service offertory, by mail, online, during livestream, and

through the kiosk located on the church lobby level. We offer

the Option to Give via Text. You can now TEXT TO GIVE

anytime from anywhere!

How to set up Text to Give: In the “Recipient Box” type in 646-760-3339. In

Message box, enter dollar amount, space, and one of the following key words (for

example: 200 tithes or 10 offerings, or 75 abywest).

Initially you will receive a message with instructions to click to a

link to setup your device for text giving to Abyssinian. The

following steps will take only 5 minutes.

1.Click the link.

2.Login to your SecureGive account

3.Add the information for credit card you want to use for text giving

Next, you’ll receive another message instructing you to reply Y to

receive messages from that number, then another text asking you

to confirm the transaction. You will receive an email confirmation

that your phone number is authorized, as well as an email

confirming receipt of your gift.

646-760-3339

20 tithes

100 tithes

20 tithes

TRUSTEE’S CORNER

ARE YOU RECEIVING PROPER

CREDIT FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS?

Please assist the Trustees in our weekly tally process by including your membership

numbers with your contributions. The membership number is the key element for

accurate recording of your gifts, and should be noted on all of your contributions for

proper credit. Please Remember:

➢ When placing your Tithe/Offering/Contribution in an envelope, make sure

that your assigned Abyssinian Baptist Church member number is visible

on the top right-hand side;

➢ If you are writing a check, please include your Church member number in

the memo line or at top of the check;

➢ Make sure to inform us of your intentions by noting amount for tithes,

offering, or AbyWest on the envelope, or in the memo section of your

check.

Proper notations, membership numbers, and clear intentions

will help to ensure accurate year-end reporting of your contributions.

MATCHING GIFT OPPORTUNITIES

Did you know that you can increase your gift to The Abyssinian Baptist Church by

simply notifying your company?

In 2018 we received a

strong response from our

membership for the

Matching Gift Program

which resulted in additional

contributions ranging from

25% - 100%.

Find out if your employer is one of more than 1,400 U.S. companies that participates

in the MATCHING GIFT PROGRAMS. Companies with a MATCHING GIFT

PROGRAM will make a donation to a nonprofit organization that their employees

support. Please check with your company's Human Resources Department to see if it

has a Matching Gift Program and applicable policies, then contact the Abyssinian

Development Committee, through Trustee Alexis Thomas, 212.862.7474 x210.

Every gift we receive helps us manage our Church's many programs. 2019 Donations can be

used to match your tithes, offerings and AbyWest contributions.

EVENTS

“Lighting the Fires of Freedom: African American Women

in the Civil Rights Movement”

Sunday, March 24, 2019 ▪ 3:00 PM At Grace Congregational Church

310 West 139th Street (Eighth & Edgecombe Aves)

The event is free and open to the public

Book-Signing by Sister's Uptown Bookstore

immediately following the Program

SCHOLARSHIP

The Pearls of Service Foundation, Inc., philanthropic arm of Alpha

Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Pi Kappa Omega Chapter will award

four scholarships to deserving students: Three undergraduate

college scholarships to an African-American or Latino American student who will

enroll full-time in an accredited four year college or university commencing in summer

or fall2019 and The Jimmia Joy Blakely-Woodyard Memorial Medical Scholarship to an

African-American or Latina woman currently pursuing a degree in the field of

medicine (i.e. nursing, medicine, pharmacology, etc.). All Applications must be

postmarked by 4.15.2019. For applications, visit: www.pikappaomega.org. Go

to: scholarship@pikappaomega.org for questions.

ARTS & CULTURE

THE MOREHOUSE COLLEGE GLEE CLUB presents Annual Spring Concert

TODAY Sunday, March 17th at Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Church (101 W.

123rd St.), 7 PM. Free concert is open to the public (free-will offering). For info, call

Roscoe Boyd, 718.755.2063.

Drummer WILL CALHOUN of legendary band, LIVING COLOUR, presents

“Jazz Rhythms: Africa to the Bronx” featuring Christian McBride, Kevin

Eubanks, Marcus Strickland, and Abyssinian’s own ETHEL CALHOUN as guest

vocalist. Show takes place at Bluenote 131 West 3rd Street tomorrow, Monday

March 18th, 8:00 PM and 10:30 PM. For Reservations, call 212 475-8592

SURELY GOODNESS AND MERCY, a new play Gutsy Enough To Be Generous

by rising playwright Chisa Hutchinson and directed by Jessi D. Hill, runs now to

APRIL 13, 2019 at THEATRE ROW. Set in a Newark public school, Surely

Goodness and Mercy tells the story of a bible-toting boy with a photographic memory

who befriends a cantankerous old lunch lady. Against all odds, Tino and Bernadette

help each other through the mess of growing up and growing old. Use code TRKBTP

for $38 tickets to all Weds-Sun performances, and save 42% off full price. Redeem

online at www.telechargeoffers.com, by phone at 221-947-8844, or in person at the

Theatre Row box office on 410 W 42nd Street. All offers are subject to availability.

THE LIGHT - A new play by Loy A. Webb. Directed by Logan Vaughn.

Can a relationship between two people survive the growing divide between them over

who–and what–to believe? The Light is a reckoning that unfolds in real-time and peels

away the layers of truth, doubt, pain, and ultimately the power of love. Playing now to

March 17 at MCC Theater, 511 W. 52nd Street. Tickets $45/$75 with code

MCCWTGP (Reg. $69/$99). For tickets www.mcctheater.org or 646.506.9393.

MIRACLE IN RWANDA -- A play by Leslie Lewis & Paul Vilga, and directed by

George Drance features Malaika Uwamahoro as Rwandan Genocide survivor

Immaculee Ilibagiza. MIRACLE IN RWANDA is a story of personal empowerment,

faith, and finding peace of mind in the face of unbelievable hardship. The true miracle

of Immaculee's story is her ability to forgive. Play runs April 4 - 21, at Lion Theatre,

410 W. 42nd Street, NYC Tickets: $39-$59 via telecharge.com, or call 212-239-6200,

at Theatre Row Box Office. For groups of 10+ contact Marcia Pendelton, Walk Tall

Girl Productions, 917.334.6492, marcia@walktallgirlproductions.com.

SERMON NOTES Take personal notes while listening to the Word of God

Date:

Sermon Title:

Biblical Text:

Points to Note:

PULPIT FLOWERS

Courtesy of Saundra Parks 212 529.5000

ABYSSINIAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 212.368.4471 | adcorp.org

THE ABYSSINIAN BAPTIST CHURCH OFFICERS

Gerald Barbour Chairman, Board of Deacons

Eleanor E. Olive Chair, Board of Deaconess

Alexis Thomas Chair, Board of Trustees

Walter Douglas Treasurer

Sheila S. Boston Robinson Church Clerk

MINISTERIAL STAFF Reginald L. Bachus Associate Pastor Ext. 203

Rashad R. Moore Assistant Minister Ext. 212

Itang H. Young Assistant Minister for Youth Ext. 220

Pamela D. Mason Assistant Minister for Christian Education Ext. 204

MUSIC MINISTRY

Ramón Bryant Braxton Director, Music & Fine Arts Ministries Ext. 261

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES

Finance Ext. 245

Building, Grounds & Maintenance Ext. 244

WORSHIP SERVICES

Sunday

7:00 am The Praying Band

9:00 am Bible Class

9:00 am Sunday School

9:00 am Worship Service

9:15 am -11:00 am WE Youth Worship Experience

11:30 am Worship Service

2nd Sunday 11:30 am Babies Blessed

3rd Sunday 9:00 am & 11:30 am Communion/Right Hand of Fellowship (11:30 am)

4th Sunday 11:30 am Baptism

5th Sunday 11:30 am Youth Sunday

Wednesday

7:00 pm Mid-Week Manna

THE ABYSSINIAN BAPTIST CHURCH

132 Odell Clark Place • NY, NY 10030 | 212.862.7474 - T | 212.862.3255 – F

abyssinian.org