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 BAPTISM Sunday, December 23, 2018

10:00 AM

“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

Ramon Bryant Braxton, Director of Music and Fine Arts Ministries

Call to Worship

Leader: In a world filled with war, brutality, corruption, and hunger, God came

down to us.

People: Not as a judge, but as a Savior. Not in power, but as a servant.

Leader: In our lives, filled with heartache, heartbreak, frustrations and

disappointment, God came down to us.

People: Not in silence, but in the Word made flesh; not in a shadow, but

bringing light.

Leader: His name shall be called Emmanuel,

All: For God is with us! Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Processional Joy to the World #197

Invocation and Chant

Responsive Reading “Christmas” #102

Gloria Patri

Anthem

The United Voices of Abyssinian “And He Shall Purify” from

A Soulful Celebration by Michael O. Jackson | Sheimyrah Mighty, Soprano

Pastoral Emphasis

Scripture

Meditation

The United Voices of Abyssinian “Comfort Ye My People” from

A Soulful Celebration by Mervyn Warren | Keesha Gumbs, Soprano ▪

Carlton Ellen, Tenor

Sermon and Invitation Invitational

Offertory:

Offertory Sentences & Selections

Doxology

Offertory Prayer

Baptism

Benediction and Amen

Choral Benediction: “Hallelujah” from A Soulful Celebration by

G. F. Händel/Arr. M.Warren/ M. Kibble/ M. Jackson

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 – January 6

Class #2 Faith Foundations: Baptist Polity and Practices – January 13

Class #3 The Abyssinian Baptist Church: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow – January 20

Class #4 Giving God Our Best: Worship & Stewardship – December 23

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: January 16, 2019

PRAYER REQUESTS Bereavement • Deaconess Earnestine Wallace Adams (sister), Daniel White (father), Wendy Hilliard

(mother), Keith & Valerie Davis (cousin), Family of Evelyn Francis. Renee King (mother, Pauline Anglin-

King), Katherine Massenberg (son), Diana Dykes (mother).

Members Sick/Shut-In, Recovering • Robin Martin (recovering from surgery), Julian Lockhart (son of

Jennifer Miles), Shelley Westbrook Lassiter (Mt. Sinai Hospital), Constance Lilly (recovering at home),

Loretta Donaldson and son, Thomas Donaldson, William Highsmith (NYU Hospital), Jeannette Barcene,

Mrs. Isabelle Boston (mother of Aby Church Clerk, Sheila Boston Robinson), John Johnson (brother of

Trustee Stephen Johnson), Jean Ray (St. Luke’s Hospital, 114th Street/Amsterdam Ave.), Maureen Wren

(Sister of Hortense Walker), Susan Eddington, Alfreda Gatling and Family, Elder Abraham Gowan,

LueEthel Forrest, Adrianna Yepez, Deacons Douglas Solomon, Harold Sawyer, and Augustus Sam.

Deaconesses Jessie Green, Mattie Copeland, Aykailey Jackson, and Eva Vinson. Sister of Dea. Paul Brady,

Martha Goodman, Greg Graves, Inez Alexander, Brucie Smith, Marilyn Oliver, Doris Brunson, Louis &

Bernice Hardy (parents of Trustee Alexis Thomas), former Trustee Rich Mitchell (Assisted Living), Martha

Nichols (Mother of Ann Sheriff), Tom Stevens, Ernestine Burgess.

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!

Wishing You A Blessed Christmas from Reverend Dr. & Mrs. Calvin O. Butts, III

and the Butts family

ABYWEST

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

ABYSSINIAN INSTITUTE FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

2019 Winter Series

Letter From A Birmingham Jail: Martin Luther King, Jr. (Vestry)

Instructor: Rev. Rashad R. Moore | Saturdays 1/12, 1/19, 1/26 - 10 AM – 11:30 AM

“Letter from A Birmingham Jail" is considered a timeless, classic work of spiritual writing.

Penned in a jail cell on newspaper margins and toilet paper, Martin Luther King’s words

continue to call us into the creative tension that is necessary for personal growth and

social change. This course will investigate the historical context of Dr. King’s public

witness in Birmingham and explore what it takes to become ‘co-workers with God’ in

building the Beloved Community here on earth as it is in Heaven.

God’s Leading Ladies: Speaking Words of Godly Instruction Revisited (1st Fl. Conf Rm.)

Instructor: Rev. Pamela D. Mason | Tuesdays 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5 - 7 PM - 8:30 PM

For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ… Romans 1:16a KJV. While evangelism is a

spiritual gift for some, it is also an essential part of the believers’ faith walk. 1 Peter 3:15

reminds us that we should always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks

for the reason of the hope we have. This on-going women’s study is designed to assist

you in finding your voice when engaged in a dialogue with those who want to know the

love of Christ. Participants are given scriptures to evaluate before working through case

studies that contain questions about salvation, faith, transformation, suffering and

strength. Learn how to talk about your faith to those yearning for “Truth.”

The Milk, The Meat, and The Mystery of God’s Word (1st Fl. Conf Rm.)

Instructor: Rev. Pamela D. Mason | Thurs –1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21 - 7 PM – 8:30 PM

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God” - II Timothy 2:15a KJV. This foundational offering

is an introduction to the Bible. It provides basic Bible knowledge needed to navigate

through the scriptures and explores God’s salvation plan for humanity from Genesis to

Revelation. Whether you are reading God’s Word for the first time or in need of a

refresher, join us as we journey through the Old and New Testament writings for a

deeper understanding of our relationship with a relational God.

BIBLE QUEST

The Miraculous Work of God! Strengthen your awareness of biblical facts taken from

the Book of Luke. Respond to as many questions as possible before checking the

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. Who was the man that blessed baby Jesus in the temple courts and told Mary

that a sword would pierce her soul?

2. In what chapter of Luke can you find the genealogy of Jesus?

3. Who told a crowd that out of stones God can raise up children for Abraham?

4. What scroll of a prophet was handed to Jesus to read when he entered the

synagogue in Nazareth?

“Letter from A Birmingham Jail" is considered a timeless. classic work of spiritual

writing. Penned in a jail cell on newspaper margins and toilet paper, Martin Luther King’s words continue to call us into the creative tension that is necessary for

personal growth and social change. This course will investigate the historical context of Dr. King’s public witness in Birmingham, and explore what it takes to become

‘co-workers with God’ in building the Beloved Community here on earth as it is in Heaven.

MINISTRY

The Monday Noon Bible Study will be in recess, Monday, December 24, 2018

to Monday, January 21, 2019. Sessions resume Monday, January 28, 2019

The Abyssinian Sunday Praying Band will meet on Sunday, December 30th at

8:00 AM. Praying Band returns to its regular schedule on Sunday, January 6, 2019.

THE ABYSSINIAN BAPTIST CHURCH 210TH ANNIVERSARY

“Keep the Faith” T-shirts and Sweatshirts are now available for pick-up

in the lobby bookstore following today’s worship services.

The Sister to Sister Book Ministry is currently reading "Wild Seed" by Octavia Butler.

The Ministry’s next gathering will take place on January 12, 2019 at 10:30 AM in the

Fellowship Hall.

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

loss and bereavement. Group-setting meeting takes place Tuesdays, 7:00 PM in

the 1st Floor Nursery (unless otherwise noted on schedule). Sessions are facilitated by

Deacon Dr. Henry McCurtis & Deaconess Dr. Sydney Bush.

WINTER & SPRING 2019 SESSIONS AT-A-GLANCE

Tuesday, January 8, 2019 Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Tuesday, January 22, 2019 Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Tuesday, February 5, 2019 Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Tuesday, February 19, 2019 Abyssinian Towers Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Tuesday, March 5, 2019 Tuesday, May 28, 2019 Abyssinian Towers

Tuesday, March 19, 2019 Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Summer Sabbatical – No Sessions in July and August

Sessions resume September 17, 2019

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

ABY AFFILIATE NEWS

If you are interested in

joining the Thurgood

Marshall Academy Lower

School family, Kindergarten

online applications are open

until January 14th. Complete

application for Kindergarten by

January 14th, or contact TMALS

212-368-8731 for information

regarding our open house.

Access application Link via:

https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/kindergarten

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 55469.

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

THE ABY 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.

Thank you in advance for your support of The Abyssinian Baptist Church

Ministry and the work of the Church Trustee Board.

ARTS ▪ CULTURE ▪ COMMUNITY

Now playing, CHOIR BOY, a Gospel music play that tells the story about boys

becoming men, the truth becoming a trial, and one singer finding his voice. CHOIR

BOY, by Tarell Alvin McCraney (Oscar-winning screenwriter of Moonlight) makes its

Broadway premiere at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, 261 W. 47th Street. Tickets

$49 with code TARELL (Reg. $109-$149). For tickets visit: telechargeoffers.com,

212.947.8844, or at Samuel J. Friedman Box Office. Limited engagement. For more

information go to www.choirboybroadway.com.

CIRCUS ABYSSINIA:

ETHIOPIAN DREAMS

AT NEW VICTORY THEATER

IN THE HEART OF TIMES

SQUARE!

209 W. 42nd Street (between 7th &

8th Aves) NYC 10036

Runs to December 30, 2018

This holiday season, discover the

infectious joy and effervescent

energy of Ethiopia’s astonishing CIRCUS ABYSSINIA in the U.S. premiere of

ETHIOPIAN DREAMS. Watch in amazement as agile tumblers ricochet around the

stage, elastic contortionists twist into unfathomable shapes and expert jugglers exchange

an endless array of objects. Perfect for the whole family! Full price tickets are $22-$64.

Special offer extended to The Abyssinian Baptist Church family: Use code

KOJO18 to save 20% on Orchestra & Front Mezzanine seats for 7 PM

performances through December 22nd, and 5 PM performance on December

23rd. To purchase tickets, visit NewVictory.org or call 646.223.3010. Groups of 15 or

more save 20% on all performances. No code needed. Call Group Sales at 646.223.3014.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from Harlem Chocolate Factory! Visit us at 2363 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd (between 139th & 138th Streets) and receive a special discount using code ABY10 until December 25th.

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

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 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