132 Odell Clark Place Reverend New York, New York 10030 Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III

(T) 212.862.7474 Pastor (F) 212.862.3255 abyssinian.org Ramón Bryant Braxton

Director, Music & Fine Arts Ministries

Worship Service COMMUNION December 15, 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.

Prelude

Samuel Kuffuor-Afriyie, Guest Organist In dulci Jubilo BWV 729 Johann S. Bach Call to Worship

Leader: God comes! So don't let go of all the reasons to rejoice.

People: We will sing while we wait for the One who fills our lives with joy.

Leader: God comes! So don't stop lifting your prayers with thanksgiving.

People: We will worship while we wait for the One who hears our words

and sees our tears.

Leader: God comes! So let us not grow weary in well-doing.

All: We will praise you, O Lord, while we wait. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Congregational Hymn The First Noel

Invocation and Choral Response

Anthem

The Cathedral Choir There Shall a Star from Jacob Come Forth

from Christus F. Mendelssohn

Pastoral Emphasis

Offertory:

Offertory Sentences & Selections

The Cathedral Choir Rise Up, Shepherd and Follow Arr. R Bryant Braxton

Scripture

Meditation

The Cathedral Choir Lamb of God Twila Paris Brittany Robinson, Soprano

Sermon and Invitation

Invitational

The Supper:

A) Hymn

B) New Members

C) Witnessing

D) Consecration

E) The Bread What Child Is This? Arr. R Bryant Braxton | Sherman Modeste, Tenor

F) The Cup Hallelujah to the Lamb of God #179

Closing Hymn Messiah Now Has Come #203

Postlude Go Tell It On the Mountain Arr. Richard Elliot

The First Noel I.

The first Noel the angel did say, was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay

In fields where they lay keeping their sheep, on a cold winter's night that was so deep

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel

II.

They looked up and saw a star, shining in the east, beyond them far,

And to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel

III.

Then let us all with one accord sing praises to our heav'nly Lord,

that hath made heav'n and earth of naught, and with His blood mankind hath bought

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel

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 BLESSINGS 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 – January 5, 2020 Class #2 Faith Foundations: Baptist Polity and Practices – January 12

Class #3 The Abyssinian Baptist Church: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow – December 15

Class #4 Giving God Our Best: Worship & Stewardship – December 22

BABY BLESSINGS Babies are blessed on the 2nd Sunday of each month in the 10 AM 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: December 18, 2019, 6:30 PM.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Bereavement • Rev. Reginald Bachus (Grandmother, Mrs. Wilma Bachus), Families of Deacon

Mattie Copeland, Leona E. Brown, and Vera McIntosh. Trustee Lamonda Williams (Uncle), Trustee Jose

Zenon (Aunt), Cecil Mullins (Uncle), DeBora Jones (Mother), Saundra Parks (Mother).

Members Sick/Shut-In, Recovering • Susie Drayton (Recovering), Forrest Murphy (Hospitalized),

Sabrina Cartern (recovering from hip surgery), Reverend Reginald Bachus (Grandmother), Edith Brookes

(Recovering from accident), Hazel Rosetta Smith (Recovering), Annie Mae Calhoun (Mother of Ethel

Calhoun), Ernestine Stroud and Augusta Grubb (Greater Harlem Center for Rehabilitation), Pamela Bray-

Bilal (Mother, LuEthel Forrest in Mt. Sinai Neuro Care Unit), Yvonne Pannell, Percy Hylton, Jr. (Brother of

Estelle Hylton Khanna), Sabrina Brown, Dolores Jeffries (Mother of Arlene Leyba), Leona Elizabeth Brown,

James Edward Shaw, John Johnson (brother of Trustee Stephen Johnson), Elijah Gray (grandson of Muriel

Goods), Dea. Mattie Copeland, Dea. Keith Hines (Mother), Hastie Lowther, Cassie James (Father), Diane

McDaniel Jackson (Sister of Patricia McDaniel), Diane Liotta (Brother), Ernestine Burgess, Alma Warren,

Elizabeth Jackson, Melissa Potter-Ix (friend/colleague of Karen Phillips and John Reddick), Brenda Morgan,

Rether Parker, Judge Donna Mills, Sylvester Oliver, Tom Stevens, Min. Janine Myrick (Father), Deborah

Young (daughter of Dr. Marcella Maxwell), Shelley Westbrook Lassiter, Constance Lilly, Loretta Donaldson

and Thomas Donaldson, William Highsmith, Jeanette Barcene, Susan Eddington, Alfreda Gatling, Elder

Abraham Gowan, Dea. Harold Sawyer, Dea. Augustus Sam, Dea. Jessie Green, Dea. Aykailey Jackson,

Dea. 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).

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 IS HERE!

This past Homecoming Sunday, Abyssinians were able to tour our new

Educational & Cultural Community Center, and many observed that the

Blessed Christmas To All from Reverend & Mrs. Calvin O. Butts, III

and the Butts family

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

BIBLE QUEST

In this season of Advent, we prepare for the celebration of the Nativity with exceeding

joy. So, continue to strengthen your awareness of biblical facts by responding to as

many questions as possible before checking the scripture reference points provided.

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

education/ Be intentional about taking time to center yourself as you read the entire

chapter where the answers are found. Blessed Holidays!

1. What advice did Moses give his people in the Book of Deuteronomy 18:15 when he

said, “…God will raise up a prophet like me…?”

2. Where was Zechariah when an angel told him that he and his wife, Elizabeth, were

going to have a son?

3. What were the first lines of “Mary’s Song” found in the Gospel of Luke?

4. By what name did Isaiah the prophet refer to Jesus when prophesying about His birth?

ABYSSINIAN INSTITUTE FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION (AICE)

2019 FALL COURSES

SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY - Deacon Gwenette Reese

Sundays: 9 AM-10 AM - 1st Fl. Conf Rm.

This study of God’s Word is designed to expand its reach to those who are interested

in applying practical solutions to everyday issues. It helps members focus on the will of

God, as they read the Bible through the lens of the African-American experience.

UNDERSTANDING DEPRESSION | Instructor: Deacon Dr. Henry McCurtis

Tuesdays – 7 PM – 8:30 PM | 1/7, 1/21, 2/4, 2/25, 3/17 - Blue Rm.

Although we often say we’re 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 with school and/or work, 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.

PAIN, POWER AND PURPOSE | Instructor: Reverend Pamela D. Mason

Tuesdays – 7 PM – 8:30 PM | 1/28, 2/04, 2/11, 2/18 - 1st Fl. Conf. Rm.

“And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who

are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). There are times in life when the

enemy places a stumbling block in our path to throw us off course and separate us from

our belief in Christ. However, there lives a force within us that takes what the enemy

sends forth and uses it for God’s glory. This force is triggered when we trust God

through Christ and the completed work of the Cross. It is called faith in practice and it

has the power to transform lives. As we enter 2020, let us take back power we

surrendered to the enemy and begin to walk in our purpose. Learn how to wait on

God and how to use scriptures as affirmations for renewed strength. The enemy only

wins when we participate, so join this study to learn practical solutions for managing

earthly challenges. Fight the good fight of faith a watch the strongholds dissolve.

MINISTRY

The American Baptist Women Ministry’s 9th Annual “Gift

of Giving” Christmas Celebration for children takes place on

Saturday December 21st, 12 PM- 4 PM in the Vestry. Support this

effort by donating gifts for boys and girls ages 3-16. Donated gifts

may be left after Sunday worship service in the American Baptist

Women BOX in elevator lobby.

Abyssinian’s GOOD GRIEF MINISTRY offers support to members in seasons of

loss and bereavement. Group-setting meeting takes place every other Tuesday,

7:00 PM – 8:30 PM in the 1st Floor Nursery. See below remaining 2019 and upcoming

2020 session dates:

2019 - Dec. 17, 31 • 2020 - Jan 14, 28; Feb. 11, 25; Mar. 10, 24; Apr. 7, 21; May 5, 19;

June 2, 16, 30; July 14, 28.

Good Grief meetings are on hiatus throughout the month of August, 2020. Sessions

resume the first Tuesday after Homecoming Sunday.

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted - MATTHEW 5:4

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.

ABYSSINIAN TECHNOLOGY

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 41400.

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.

ABYSSINIAN AFFILATE NEWS

646-760-3339

20 tithes

100 tithes

20 tithes

For Wi-Fi Access in Aby Sanctuary and Vestry

Use Network ID: AbyChurchGuest

Password: welcome!

Abyssinian Development Corporation, a community

development corporation based in Harlem is seeking

a high impactful highly independent, motivated

individual for the position of the Harlem Renaissance

Education Pipeline, HREP College Counselor.

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing college-focused counseling

and support to students in both group and one- on-one/family sessions in District 5 of

New York City, with an initial focus on students in the Early College High School

Program sponsored by SUNY College at Old Westbury and implementing district-wide

college preparatory activities that will foster a college-going culture amongst

participating schools in HREP’s College and Career Readiness Collaborative Action

Network (CAN). S/he will partner with identified school personnel (e.g. Guidance

Counselor, Parent Organizer, Principal, other school faculty) to plan and execute college

awareness and access activities and services for all students grades 6-12 in selected

public schools in District 5.

If you know of anyone who’s interested in applying for the HREP College

Counselor position, share below email. Salary: $45,000-$55,000 annually, depending on

experience. View full position description and apply by copying the address below into

your address bar:

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs?clientkey=C5671D0241EA2F6

7669ED0268C237550

INTERN OPPORTUNITY

DIGITAL MARKETING INTERNS WANTED

Looking for graphic designers, writers and video/after effects editors who can help

strategize across social media platforms and create content that celebrates the

importance of fatherhood, community and family. Candidates must be responsible and

passionate about the topic, and capable of presenting creative ideas around the

subject. Submit brief blurb about yourself, plus three (3) samples of your best work,

and email to itskobie@gmail.com (list your area(s) of expertise and/or interest in subject

line). SUBMIT BY DECEMBER 22, 2019 (6 PM) DEADLINE.

From Fatherless to Fatherhood™ explores the importance of fatherhood; what it

looks like, what it means, and why it matters. https://www.tofatherhood.com/

[tofatherhood.com];https://www.instagram.com/tofatherhood/ [instagram.com]

2019 HOLIDAY SEASON ABYSSINIAN CHURCH & OFFICE CLOSINGS

SERMON NOTES

Take personal notes while listening to the Word of God

The Abyssinian Baptist Church and Administrative Offices will be closed on Christmas

Day, Wednesday, December 25th and Thursday, December 26th, as well as on

New Year’s Day, Wednesday, January 1, 2020. The Abyssinian Federal Credit Union

will also be closed on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25 and on New Year’s

Day, Wednesday, January 1st.

Date:

Sermon Title:

Biblical Text:

Points to Note:

PULPIT FLOWERS & CHRISTMAS DÉCOR

by Saundra Parks 212 529.5000

ABYSSINIAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

212.368.4471 | adcorp.org

THE ABYSSINIAN BAPTIST CHURCH OFFICERS

Gerald Barbour Chair, Diaconate Board

Eleanor E. Olive Chair, Diaconate Board

Alexis Thomas Chair, Board of Trustees

Walter Douglas Treasurer

Sheila S. Boston Robinson Church Clerk

MINISTERIAL STAFF Reginald L. Bachus Associate Pastor Ext. 203

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

10:00 AM Worship Service/Sanctuary

10:00 AM-12:15 PM WE Youth Worship Experience/Vestry & Fellowship Hall

2nd Sunday Babies Blessed

3rd Sunday Communion/Right Hand of Fellowship

4th Sunday Baptism

5th Sunday 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