BETHLEHEM TODAY

WWW.BBC1867.ORG

NO. 11/NOVEMBER 2013

Bethlehem Baptist Church4 Harrison Bridge RoadSimpsonville, SC Ph: 864.963.3527 | Fax: 864.228.1887bbc@bbc1867.org | www.bbc1867.org

IN EVERY THING GIVETHANKS1 Thessalonians 5:18

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Happy Thanksgiving from the Baldwin Family

Welcome New Members

A Message from the Pastor

New Members receive the Right Hand of Fellowship

Doing It God’s Way06

“He Did It Again!” Bethlehem’s Youth Choir 37th Anniversary Celebration08

Circle of Seasons Book Club News12

Bethlehem Children’s Church Highlights:“Running the Race Of Life”15

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ContentNo.11 | Nov 2013

Bethlehem TodayA Monthly Publication

PastorDr. Phillip M. Baldwin

Minister of MusicBro. Tony Griffin

Director of Operations & EventsSis. Lyshedra “Netta” Williams

Church TreasurerBro. Derrick Brown Administrative AssistantBro. Daniel “DJ” McKelvey

Youth Ministry DirectorMin. Lamont Sullivan

Academy Executive DirectorSis. P. Sloan Joseph

After-School AdministratorSis. Brenda G. Baldwin

Newsletter Art & LayoutSis. Lyshedra A. Williams

PhotographyBro. Derrick BrownBro. Sherman TolbertBro. Calvin Kelley

OfficeBethlehem Baptist Church4 Harrison Bridge RoadSimpsonville, SC 29681United States

Phone 864.963.3527Fax 864.228.1887

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ContentNo.11 | November 2013

The church newsletter, Bethlehem Today, serves as a vehicle designed to increase the Bethlehem church family awareness of all church related news. To increase the familiarity of church members with one another by acknowledging the achieve-ments, successes and other memorable events in our members’ lives.

Highlight the various church related activities and programs that take place throughout the year. Inform all members of auxiliary news.

Introduce new members and their families to the congregation. Bethlehem Today is a monthly publication for members of Bethlehem Baptist Church.

If you would like to share your news with the Bethlehem Church family, please submit your in-formation by the 18th of each month to the News-letter Editor via email: bbc1867.org or drop infor-mation off at the Bethlehem church office during business hours

Bethlehem Baptist ChurchOffice Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am until 6:00pm

4 Harrison Bridge RoadSimpsonville, SC 29681

Telephone 864.963.3527 Facsimile 864.228.1887Email: bbc@bbc1867.org Website: www.bbc1867.org

Bethlehem Today

Newsletter Established in 1994

CHAIRMANDea. Heyward Smith, Sr. (864) 862-3476

VICE CHAIRMANDea. Don McCullough (864) 962-9670

SECRETARYDea. Richard Robinson (864) 967-4126

ASSISTANT SECRETARYDea. Bernard Barksdale (864) 967-4138

Dea. Robert Anthony (864) 862-5027Dea. James Bailey, Jr. (864) 277–2354Dea. Kevin Branch (864) 286-0962Dea. Eddie Barnes (864) 284-9214Dea. Dunnel Brooks (864) 908-7355Dea. James Brown (864) 675-6061Dea. Horace Butler (864) 297-9470Dea. Ken Cummings (864) 706-8899Dea. Curtis Douglas (864) 228-8868Dea. Brian Griffin (864) 963-2711Dea. Toy Lee Kilgore, Jr. (864) 862-6370Dea. Harold Sullivan (864) 277-7054Dea. Aaron Woods (864) 277-6031

Bethlehem Deacon ministry

The deacons’ mission is to be the guardian of those actions that ensure the church is aligned with the direction Christ has commanded. To sustain the vision by using as I Timothy 3: 1-16 as a guiding light. We commit to vigorously sup-port meeting the mission of the Bethlehem Bap-tist Church while growing spiritually. We strive to meet some of the needs of the church such as visiting the sick, praying for others, maintaining contact with the congregation, conducting the church ordinances, and providing leadership within the church.

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Bethlehem’s First Family

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM THE BALDWIN FAMILY

My family and I wish to say to each and everyone one of you; “Happy Thanksgiving” . 2013 has been a challenging year for many of us. We have witnessed continued upheav-

al from politicians in Washington, D.C. as much of the resistance to our President has at least as much to do with resistance to the President’s skin as much as it has to do with his policies. The lingering effects of the Great Recession still impact our daily lives as well as our ability to support the ministry here at Bethlehem. Transitions at church, in our Academy, as well as many our personal lives add to the challenges we face.

Yet I still must say I am thankful. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says “in all things give thanks”. While I may not be thankful for all things, I must give thanks in all things. There is still

room to be thankful. God has brought us this far and He won’t leave us. We are thankful that tomorrow brings a brighter day. I am thankful that for over 20 years my family and I have been blessed to serve at Bethlehem. Our daughter Jazz grew up in this church. I have wit-nessed both this church and Jazz grow and develop. Those early days were exciting, and un-sure both with Jazz and the church, they both turned out fine.

This will be my first Thanksgiving without the physical presence of my mother. When Jazz was a toddler she and I started a tradition that lasted several years. Thanksgiving would

be the holiday daddy and daughter would travel to North Carolina just the two of us. Sis-ter Baldwin celebrated with her family and I went with Jazz to North Carolina to be with my family. It was terrifying. As a young father at the time I had Jazz by myself for the 3.5 hour trip to N.C. which includes the changing, feeding, car seat and everything else all by myself. I was terrified she would get sick on the way up there or back and I would not know what to do. When I got home of course my mother would handle most of the child care duties especially at night, but I was responsible for caring for Jazz during the day. Those trips help develop a bond between us that exists to this day. Those memories of mama in the kitchen and Jasmine “assisting” her will also last a lifetime. Even in the home-going of my mother I am thankful for the memories.

Bethlehem is always as source of thanksgiving for me. This church always has something going on that lifts the spirit and stirs the soul. The Adult Choir will celebrate their An-

niversary during the morning services on the 2nd Sunday in November. This will be an awe-some time of praise and glory given to God. Bethlehem will again be reaching out to help the less fortunate with our Angel Tree As you begin this holiday season may God’s provision enable you to have a happy, healthy, and holy celebration. Don’t stress the small things but give thanks, I promise you being thank-ful may well add years to your life; and life to your years.

Yours In Christ

Dr. Phillip M. Baldwin

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Doing it God’s Way One of the quickest ways to find out if you have contracted the disease of dissatisfaction is to listen to the words that come out of your mouth. If complaining and grumbling is a part of your regular conversation, LOOK OUT!

Despite deliverance from Egyptian slavery and miraculous provision from above, the Israelites constantly complained. They were never content. Over and over again they whined. They complained about the food in the wilderness and it was man-na from heaven food that God provided. They wanted to return to Egypt-a form of bondage. God took their complaining personal, because their complaining was not only against Moses and Aaron, but against the God that had delivered them from slavery. (Numbers 11; 14: 2-4; 16:11, 41; 20:2-5; 21:4-7)

In many ways we are like the Israelites. When we complain about our circumstances, our lack of resources, the people on our jobs, members of our family, our conditions.

It’s not wrong to want nice things, a better way of living, or even a higher income, or to have better conditions. The prob-lem begins when we forget to thank God for what we do have and focus with discontent at what we don’t have.

Imagine if the Israelites had conversations in their camps that went like this; “Thank God we don’t have to make bricks out of straws anymore.” “Isn’t it amazing how God provides just the right amount of manna for our families each day?” “Moses is doing an awesome job! Did you see how God moved when Moses lifted his staff?” “I still can’t figure out how our children did not out grow their clothes and all the adults clothes didn’t wear out.” Now doesn’t that sound much better than com-plaining?

All through the Bible there are scriptures recording the thankfulness of the Saints. The one Bible hero that stands out the most is David. I believe one of the reasons David was so blessed was because he trusted God, but also because he had a thankful heart. David’s thankfulness was evident in his praise! Psalms 106:1 Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalms 23 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Psalms 37:3-4 Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Have you been grumbling a lot lately? What are the areas of your life you find the most dissatisfaction?

Begin by doing 5 things:

1. Tell God you are sorry for the times you complained.

2. Ask Him to help you change your focus.

3. Invite a friend to study the topic contentment with you.

4. Memorize 1 Timothy 6:6

5. Look around and thank God for some of the things you do possess.

Philippians 2:14 Encourages us to do everything without

complaining and arguing.

That’s doing it God’s way!

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Bethlehem Adult Choir’s 35th Anniversary

Sunday, November 10, 20138:15AM & 10:45AM

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Bethlehem Youth Choir’s 37th Anniversary Celebration…….”He Did It Again!!!”On Sunday, October 20, the Bethlehem Youth Choir celebrated 37 years in the music ministry during the two morning worship services. The choir processed in with a rousing rendition of Ty Tribbett’s “Same God” with the slogan, “If He did it before…….He can do it again!”

The choir’s attire consisted of khaki bottoms and white shirts with royal blue accessories. The young ladies wore earrings and necklaces designed by one of the advisors, Stacey Barksdale and her mother Catherine Smith. They also made the bow-ties that the young men wore, along with the ladies’ sashes.

Praise and Worship was conducted at 8:15am by Min. Johnny Sizemore and One Accord with a stirring rendition of “Every Praise” recorded by Hezekiah Walker. Praise and Worship was conducted by Beth-lehem’s very own Dance Ministry at 10:45am. One of their selections was VaShawn Mitchell’s “Turning Around For Me”. After the processional, some of the Youth Choir’s selections included, “Excellent”, “Alpha & Omega”/”Psalms 19”, “Greater Is Coming” and many, many more selections. The songs were directed by the choir’s president, Bro. Jarod Barksdale, and two of their advisors, Sis. Shonette Sullivan and Sis. Stacey Barksdale. Bro. Griffin recognized the dedicated musicians, Bro. Leander Jones, Bro. Ben Alston and Bro. Caleb Tucker for their outstanding sacrifices and hard work. He also recognized the dedicated advisors, Sis. Sally Webb (long-time advisor), Sis. Stacey Barksdale and the newest advisor, Sis. Shonette Sullivan. Special thanks was

He DiD it AgAin!!BetHleHem YoutH CHoir’s 37tH AnniversArY CeleBrAtion

given to those parents who continue to volunteer behind the scenes.

It was announced by the Minister of Music, Bro. Tony Griffin, that the direc-tion of the choir will be shifted to Bro. Leander Jones. Bro. Jones also gave some remarks. The anniversary was culminated with Dr. Phillip Baldwin delivering two powerful sermons. The Bethlehem Youth Choir was established in 1976 by Deacon Clyde Moore.

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A Greater MinistryBethlehem Vision Builders 2017Diamond Builders - $5,200 and up

Anonymous Donor

Platinum Builders ($2,500 - $5,199)Bro. Charles Singley, Jr. Bro. Andrew Shigg, Jr. Bro. Ernest Aaron Shiver

Gold Builders ($1,800 - $2,499)Dr. Phillip M. Baldwin, Pastor

Dea. Donald & Sis. Betty McCulloughDea..Horace & Sis. Lynn Butler, Jr.

Sis. Janel MaySis. Dianthius Miles

Bro. Raymond Griffin

Silver Builders ($1,000 - $1,799)Bro. John & Sis. Geraldine Williams, Jr.

Bro. Jovan & Sis. Jenica DungeeSis. Valerie Clinkscales

Bro. Henry BaldwinDea. Toy Lee & Sis. Minnie Kilgore

Sis. Sellestine McLainBro. Matthew & Sis. Ann Irby, Jr.

Dea. Ronnie & Sis. Tijuana Brock, Sr.Bro. Sammie Sims

Sis. Cynthia Durham

Dea. Heyward Smith, Sr.Rev. Jesse & Dr. Martha Evans

Sis. Vivian HolidaySis. Pequita McKelveyDea. Willie C. Durham

Bronze Builders ($600 - $999)Lady Wynell H. Baldwin

Sis. Karen BranchBro. Anthony & Min. Mona Cunningham

Bro. Roosevelt EaddySis. Carolyn Bluford

Sis. Delores ToddBro. Keith Gray

Sis. Ruthia TolbertBro. Sherman Tolbert

Bro. George & Sis. Yvonne LloydSis. Kathleen Wright

Dea. James BrownSis. Bessie KilgoreBro. Rufus Perry

Bro. Horace & Sis. Sarah ThomasBro. Shone & Sis. Tyshia Phelps

Sis. Maggie JonesDea. Robert & Sis. Miriam Anthony

Sis. Linda Mingo-WoodBro. Cornell Sweeney, Jr.

Bro. Geno JacksonSis. Sonya Jackson

Bro. Peter & Sis. Elaine MangrumBro. Stefainda Hunt

Sis. Lyshedra “Netta” Williams

Friends Builders ($300 - $599)Dea. Aaron & Sis. Frieda Woods

Sis. EuGenia WebbSis. Brenda Baldwin

Sis. Audrey DavisBro. Bernard Steadman

Sis. Judy SteadmanSis. Bobbie Sullivan

Bro. Anthony & Sis. Laverne GoldsmithBro. Gregory WynderSis. Regina Wynder

Bro. Billy & Sis. Catrele HouseBro. Gerald Davenport

Sis. Adrienne DavenportSis. Rachel Putman

Sis. Georgia HawkinsSis. Ruth Tutt

Bro. Willie Durham, JrBro. Clayton & Sis. Deborah Perry

Bro. Timothy & Sis. Veronica BrownDea. Brian & Sis. Gina GriffinSis. Natasha Eaddy-Sherman

Sis. Audrey & Bro. John HendersonBro. Christopher PooleDeacon Curtis Douglas

Sis. Wanda DouglasBro. James Byrd

Bro. Willie BlufordSis. Valerie Brown

Bro. Wayne & Sis. Patricia Tucker, Sr.Sis. Virginia Calwile

Bro. Ralph Morton, Jr.Sis. Todasha Jones

Bro. Albert GillispieSis. Christine Mangle

Sis. Lillie Ann WilliamsBro. Gregory Williams, Sr.

Sis. Karen Brock-McKinneyBro. Robert & Tameko Colbert

Sis. Shurdell WilliamsBro. Rodney & Sis. Norma Smith

Sis. Wanda WilliamsSis. Mary GregoryBro. Israel GreeneBro. George GreerSis. Colette Huff

Sis. Topeka SimpsonDea. Bernard Barksdale

Sis. Lisa HuntBro. Terry & Sis. Jacqueline Casey

Bro. Duane & Sis. Beverly NealSis. Ann Griffin

Sis. Mary Ann Blakely

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Kierra houstonResides in Greenville County. After completion of the

Bethlehem New Member classes, she was baptized and received the right hand of fellowship on

Sunday, October 6, 2013.

JaDa WilliamsResides in Simpsonville, SC. After completion of the Bethlehem New Member classes, she was baptized and received the right hand of fellowship on Sunday, October 6, 2013.

Barney BlacKResides in Greenville County with his wive Vivette & son

Bracey. He relocated from Greensboro, NC. He is cur-rently employed at BMW. His hobbies & interests are

photography, RC modeling & computers. He heard about Bethlehem from a friend of 18 years. Bro. Black received

the right hand of fellowship on Sunday, October 6, 2013.

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You are cordially invited to......Bethlehem Christmas Cantata 2013featuring

the Cantata Mass Choir &(under the direction of Bro. Tony Griffin)

Cantata Youth Choir(under the direction of Sis. Monica Jenkins)

Sunday, December 22, 2013 5:00PMBethlehem Christian Life Center

4 Harrison Bridge RoadSimpsonville, SC

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OUR BOOK OF THE YEAR IS “STILL THE KING’S DAUGHTER”

The Circle of Season Book Club would like to announce “Still The King’s Daughter” by Evan-gelist Patricia D. Pitt as the book of the year. This book is an essential read for all women in all seasons of life. It highlights the story of Tamar, David’s daughter. As you read, you will explore your worth through the eyes of the Heavenly Father. Allow your spirit to be reju-venated as you learn from this book

Circle of Seasons Book Club NewsMinistry News

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Last month we came together early so that we could have a spa moment. We made bath salts and sugar bath rubs. We had a special lunch provided by Stephanie to fit our spa theme. The book we discussed was “Coming Home” by Stacey Hawkins Adams another awesome read! If you enjoy reading and laughing and love to fellowship come and join us, we meet most months the 2nd Saturday of every month.

Check your church bulletin or Calendar for any changes. Here is the next book we will be discussing December 14, 2013 at 2:00 pm in the fellowship hallOur special guest will be K.T. Richey and the book is “The Veil”

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Join Us for Come As You Are Worship Service

Wednesday, November 20, 20136:00PM Church Sanctuary

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Sports and athletic events help children experience competition, completion of a race, the sense of winning, the im-portance of being a team player, the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat. In the natural only one team wins the Super Bowl, the Playoffs, or the Stanley Cup. Likewise, only one person wins the Masters, the French Open, or the Indy 500. However, it is quite different in the Christian race. You see the Christian race is designed so we may all run to obtain. There is room for all to get the prize. Thus we have great encouragement to persist constantly, diligently, and vigorously, in our course.

I Corinthians 9: 24-25 says, 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

For the next 12 months in Children’s Church-Bethlehem’s Little Lambs will discover that God wants all children to be winners. They will learn what the Christian race is about and how God measures success. They will encounter bibli-cal heroes such as Daniel, Samuel, The tax Collector, and the one who won the victory for all-Jesus. The Children’s Church messages will teach them to learn to value obedience, the power of trusting God, and how to finish strong in the race of life.

For the month of October they learned that winners give their best in the race of life. The Biblical hero was Paul who considered everything in his life prior to Christ as a waste. Christian athletes have a special diet-The Word of God and prayer. In the race of life, runners train to win by their obedience, encouraging others, being patient, and kind.

Finally, in the Christian race you never give up. Most races that have awards at the end also have crowds. Crowds that consist of family and friends of the runners, well the Christian Race of Life is the same in that we have others cheering us to the finish. Hebrews 12:1 says, “since we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses let us run this race with perseverance.” Our crowd of family members and friends consist of faith champions such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Enoch, Abel, Noah, Rahab, Gideon, and the list goes on. They are cheering us on and reminding us to run with perseverance. We are to lay aside, in other words take it off and put it down-anything (heavy or sinful) that is hindering us in this race. Fix our eyes on Jesus who was at the beginning of the race and will be at the end of the journey. He’s already mapped out the course for us in fact He ran it before we ever entered to the race. He knows your struggles, your issues, and your pain. So therefore we don’t grow weary and give up.

Everyone between the age’s ofK-5 and 5th grade can come and board the Discipleship Junction. Meet us on the 2nd Sunday of each month in the Life Center Choir Room at 10:45am. Please see Rev. Lamont Sullivan, The Dungee’s, Sis. Audrey Davis, or Minister Brooks or if God is leading you to work with Children’s Church and you are interested in helping please contact Rev. Sullivan at 864 386-2152 or Minister Brooks 864 354-5637

Parents bring your children and children bring your praise!

Ministry Scripture: Matthew 21:16 And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

Bethlehem Children’s Church Highlights

“Running the Race of Life”by

Minister LaRita Brooks

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