September – November 2014 *Quarter 4 *The Goodnewsletter *Bethlehem Baptist Church *Washington, DC *202-889-1235

HONK FOR THE HOMELESS!!!

GOING OUT TO PROTEST!!!

THE GOODNEWSLETTER

Extending Worship onto the Corners Outside Bethlehem to Witness in Behalf of Homeless Families for a duration of 15 minutes after Worship Service was the undertaking of the Social Action Committee.

The entire church congregation took

part in Corner /Sidewalk Witnessing on

Martin Luther King Avenue and How-

ard Road in front of the church to bring

attention to the plight of Homeless

families in the DC General Homeless

facility. Members of all ages in the

congregation carried flyers, placards

and passed out information to onlook-

ers, as far as the Anacostia Metro Sta-

tion, in an effort to bring attention to

the DC government’s inactiveness in

solving the homeless issue. A focus of

the church’s Social Action Committee

has been rehousing needs and policies

concerning programs to keep families

from entering shelters and making

sure that once they leave shelters they

will not return. The former DC General

Hospital is now the home to the city’s

largest homeless shelter.

This emergency homeless shelter

alleged to be temporary housing

has now been open for a decade.

According to ANC6 chair, “the city’s

goal should be closing DC General

and transitioning homeless families

and individuals to better housing

options.” This has not happened.

The DC Fiscal Policy Institute

(DCFPI) reported that the Depart-

ment of Human Services has a $13

million dollar contract to run or

manage this shelter. Finally, Mayor

Bowser listed closing DC General as

a top priority during her campaign.

Let’s Keep the Pressure On!

Out to Protest

If you want to know, where I am going

Where I am going soon

If anybody ask you, where I am going

Where I am going soon

Chorus

We going out to protest (Going out to protest)

To strike a blow for justice (Strike a blow for justice)

Putting Love in Action

As we are called to do!

Now they’ve endured the pain (they’ve endured the pain)

Sleeping in the snow and rain (in the snow and rain)

Living on the streets

With no food to eat

But Jesus in His teachings (Jesus in His teachings)

Rarely in a human’s preaching

Calls each of us to gather

To protest their plight

Repeat Chorus

By Brother Absalom Jordan, Social Action Committee

Sing to the tune of “Going Up Yonder .

Reverend James E. Coates, Senior Pastor Anne Brown, Editor in Chief

Volume 3 Issue 4

Fourth Quarter

We’re on the Web!

bethlehembaptistdc.org

We’re Committed: Members, No More; Disciples, Forever!

September – November 2014 *Quarter 4 *The Goodnewsletter *Bethlehem Baptist Church *Washington, DC *202-889-1235

Presidential Senior Volunteer

Awards

“If You Are Successful, Somebody Along The Line Gave You Some

Help,” were the words of President

Barack Obama as he announced the Recipients of The Presidential

Awards for Volunteer Service.

The Presidential Senior Volunteer

Service Awards were presented to

Sister Bettie Blount volunteers at the Family Matters of Greater

Washington, while Sister Dorothy

Kennedy serves at the Home Health Care Partners and Sister Edith

Chandler (deceased) volunteered at

the DC Office on Aging.

Collectively these Disciples contrib-

uted more than 500 service hours

at their respective stations. —-

Way to Show—“Love in Action”

three Bethlehem Disciples, Sisters Bettie Blount, Dorothy Kennedy, and

Edith Chandler (deceased).

These three Disciples were recog-

nized for their outstanding dedication

and volunteer service to several Greater Washington DC agencies

during the past year. The honorees

received certificates and plaques.

Sunday, November 2, 2014

All Saints’ Day Worship

Pastor Coates’s Sermon titled

“The Sainted’s Missing

Faces and Unfilled Places”

text was taken from I Samuel 20:18

Ephesians 4:11- 16

Thanksgiving Community Meal Celebration

Worship Service held at 11:00 AM

Thanksgiving Day— November 2014

Reverend Hallie Reeves, Preaching

Dinner served to community and guests from

St. Elizabeth’s’ Hospital Care Facility.

Sponsored by the Resurrection Power Deliverance

Center — Sister Viola Richardson, Center Director

Nutrition Committee and Bethlehem Disciples were Servers and Hosts

OUTSTANDING CHURCH ACTIVITIES, ANNUAL DAYS, GROUP PROGRAMS AND CELEBRATIONS

DISCIPLE SPOTLIGHT SENIOR VOLUNTEERS HONORED

Page 2 THE GOODNEWSLETTER

September Circle Annual Day Arnette Jones Edwards, Mime African Praise Dancer Extraordinary Dance Movements September 2014 Sister Katina C. Johnson, Circle Leader

Brothers’ Club Annual

Male and Youth Activity

October 2014

An exciting day filled

with fellowship, Go Kart

Rides and a scrumptious

buffet dinner at Golden

Corral Restaurant in

Largo Maryland.

Bethlehem Brothers, parents and youth connected and made mem-

ories of a fun time together. Brother Lee Jones, Club President

October Circle Annual Day An Evening of Songs The Moye Ensemble and A Master Teacher, Dr. Moye October 2014 Sister Mary R. Chappell, Circle Leader

Halloween- Oktoberfest October 2014 Brothers’ and Sisters’ Club Presidents Lee Jones and Tonya Williams -Dewitt plus committee members sponsored Thrilling event.

September – November 2014 *Quarter 4 *The Goodnewsletter *Bethlehem Baptist Church *Washington, DC *202-889-1235

Baptism and Celebration Party with

Makalah Bynum "Go therefore and make disciples of all

nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”

English Version Matthew 28:19

After church Right Hand Of Fellowship, Bethlehem Family, Relatives and Friends celebrated occasion with a Baptism Party.

“Everybody born comes

from the Creator with

trailing wisps of glory.

We come from the Creator

with creativity. I think that

each one of us is born

with creativity.”

Photo © 1969 Chester Higgins Jr. All Rights Reserved

DR. MAYA ANGELOU 1928 — 2014

Fall Evangelistic Campaign — October 2014 Church -Wide Visitation, Training, Kick Off Rally, Prayer, Praise Preaching The Reverend Walter Pettiford, Guest Preacher New Monumental Baptist Church, Forest Heights, Maryland Sister Beverly Henry, Evangelism Committee Chair

over-coming poverty, seeking high-er education, creating wealth, living through and participating in the civil rights movement. In later years, she would embrace popular culture working with rap-pers, poets, musicians, and filmmakers. Writing about her experience with eloquence and detail, Dr. Angelou recorded history through poetry, biographies, journalism, children’s books, cookbooks, and essays painting a picture of the American landscape for generations to come.

Dr. Maya Angelou - celebrated poet, memoirist, educator, drama-tist, producer, actress, historian,

filmmaker, and civil rights activist.

Dr. Maya Angelou was an African -American author, poet, dancer, ac-tress, and singer. She published sev-en autobiographies, three books of essays, and several books of poetry, and was credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows span-ning over 50 years. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees. She is best known for her series of seven autobiographies, which focus on her

childhood and early adult experienc-es. The first, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, tells of her life up to the age of 17 and brought her interna-tional recognition and acclaim. As a teenager, Dr. Angelou’s love for the arts won her a scholarship to study dance and drama at San Fran-cisco’s Labor School. She dropped out and later finished high school, giving birth to her son, Guy, a few weeks after graduation. Dr. Maya Angelou’s life continued to mirror the American landscape pav-ing the way for a firsthand experi-ence with racism, single parenting,

OUTSTANDING CHURCH ACTIVITIES, ANNUAL DAYS, GROUP PROGRAMS AND CELEBRATIONS

Page 3 Volume 3 Issue 4

November Circle Annual Day Sister Dorothy Wylie, Acting Circle Leader November 2014 Elder Boykin and the Ministers of Praise, presented an evening of enjoyable gospel music with songs of Praise.

Church’s 142nd Anniversary Worship and Brunch

“Preparing to Do God’s Work:

Serving the One Who Serves You”

The Reverend Delonte’ Reeves,

Guest Preacher and Congregation

Greater Faith Baptist Church,

Melvern, Pennsylvania

November 2014

Sister Cecilia Richardson-Parker, Anniversary Chair

September – November 2014 *Quarter 4 *The Goodnewsletter *Bethlehem Baptist Church *Washington, DC *202-889-1235

God can use ordinary flawed peo-

ple to change the course of history.

Read Genesis 31: 33-35.

Rebekah, God rewarded her

risks and sacrifices. Rebekah

sensed true fulfillment lay far be-

yond her comfort zone and took a

giant leap of faith. Her sense of

adventure led her not only to the

love of her life but also to playing a

key part in God’s plan –His ways

are not our ways, but they are al-

ways good.

Read Genesis 24.

Keturah, How could any other wom-

an hope to measure up? To become the

second wife – to replace someone’s

spouse of many years is difficult in the

best of circumstances. Keturah had the

unenviable task of following Sarah as

Abraham’s wife yet still managed to

carve her own niche in life –

Read Genesis 25:1-6.

Leah, the woman who overcame

her husband’s rejection to play a

central role in his family and in the

formation of Israel. She recognized

her value in God’s eyes and used that

as a foundation for her self-image -

Read Genesis 29: 21- 25.

Rachel, was the beloved wife of

Jacob, whose competitive nature

impacted her entire family- the

choices she made changed history -

EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN OF THE BIBLE PART II by Anne Brown

R e ve re n d Ja m e s E . Co a t es , Se n io r P a s to r

FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES OF PARENTING by Sylvia Rimm, PHD

Although times and family make-up have changed dramatically, the foundational principles of intelligent parenting

survive. Below is a summary of some principles of parenting recommended by the Harambee Life Center:

Take charge: don’t overempower your children—children require leadership and limits to feel secure.

Praise moderately to avoid pressure; postpone SUPERPRAISE—expectations become pressures when children

find they can’t achieve those high and impossible goals.

Don’t discuss children’s problem behaviors within their earshot (referential speaking)— in contrast adult

talk about their positive behaviors will increase their confidence.

Build resiliency: don’t rescue child from reality--overprotection encourages dependency and over sensitivity

Stay united, be willing to compromise, and try to say good things about your child’s other parent—

disrespect among adults in the family will be interpreted by children as parent permission to be disrespectful.

Hold teachers, education, and learning in high regard –set children’s education as your first priority.

Be a role model of ethics, activity, and hard work. Locate other good role models for

your children—children watch parents, grandparents and other adult role models.

Enjoy learning experiences with your child –make time for learning and fun with your

children create wonderful memories.

Keep a separate fun time and adult status without giving your children adult status

too soon – enjoy some adult life without your children. Permit them the security of growing

gradually toward adulthood.