132 Odell Clark Place Reverend

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

(T) 212.862.7474 Pastor (F) 646.870.0856

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

Worship Service March 1, 2020

“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 Nathaniel Gumbs, Organist Priere a Notre Dame Leon Boellmann

Call to Worship

Leader: Who is allowed to ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may go and stand in His holy place?

People: Those who have clean hands and a pure heart

Leader: In this season of Lent, we pray for the love and mercy of God to be upon us.

People: Cleanse us and refresh us from every transgression, O God

Leader: In this season of prayer and fasting, may we grow in faith, wisdom, and discipline for the cause of Christ.

All: Recreate us, O God, and make us new in your name. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Congregational Hymn Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me #460

Invocation and Choral Response

Anthem The Cathedral Choir The Lord Is My Light F. Allitsen Dimery Mowery, Soprano Pastoral Emphasis

Scripture

Meditation The Cathedral Choir I Must Tell Jesus Mattie Roberson

Sermon and Invitation

Offertory Finale from Sonata No. 1 Florence Price Offertory Sentences & Selections

Doxology & Offertory Prayer

Closing Hymn Blessed Assurance #508

Benediction

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 – March 1 Class #2 Faith Foundations: Baptist Polity and Practices – March 8 Thank you to everyone who supported the Thank you to everyone who supported the $3.0 in 24MO! Class #3 The Abyssinian Baptist Church: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow – March 15 Campaign and to those who attended the reception. This two year campaign officially ended on Class #4 Giving God Our Best: Worship & Stewardship – March 22 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. BABY BLESSINGS nd Babies are blessed on the 2 Sunday of each month in the 10 AM service. Parents planning As you can see, we still have a way to go. For those who have not completed their pledge, we want to have their child blessed at Abyssinian must attend the Baby Blessing Class. For you to continue your payments even though the campaign has ended from an accounting point of details/registration, contact Reverend Pamela D. Mason, 212.862.7474 Ext. 204. Next view. All of your future payments will be noted to your pledge. We ask you to continue to support Class: March 19, 2020, 6:30 PM. 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. PRAYER REQUESTS

Bereavement • Deacon Leroy Charles (Wife, Deacon Michelle Charles), Trustee Stephen We continue to strive to attain 100% participation because we want others to know our membership Johnson (Brother), Cynthia Wade (Brother), Family of Durita “Stormy” Bonner, Joy Singleton is committed to this effort. Your support is greatly appreciated! (Mother), Family of Melrose West, Dea. Gwenette Reese (Father), C. Virginia Fields (Brother),

Alvin Bowles (Father), Dea. Charles Marche (Cousin), Families of Dea. Augustus Sam, Dea. Andrew Morrison (Mother), Dea. Peter Holden Sr., Cassie James (Father), Sherell Moore (Son), Michael Deas (Father), Dr. Louis Ray (Mother), Eunice Newkirk (Nephew).

Members Sick/Shut-In, Recovering • Imari Deas (daughter of Bro. Michael and Sister Charisse Deas recovering from car accident), Michael Reddick (Hospice), Barbara Fuller (Mother), Estelle Hylton Khanna(recovering), Karen Phillips (Father), Nancy Inman, Lucy Garcia (Mother of Luis Medina), Adella Cooper (Mother of Cecil Mullins), Jacqueline Fellers, Deacon Ivonne Keels, Jackie Fife, Alma Warren, Annie Mae Calhoun (Mother of Ethel Calhoun), Leola Linnen (Mother of Naomi Graham), Martha Nichols (Mother of Ann Sheriff), Sabrina Carten, Edith Brookes, Augusta Grubb, Pamela Bray-Bilal (Mother, LuEthel Forrest in Mt. Sinai Neuro Care Unit), Dolores Jeffries (Mother of Arlene Leyba), James Edward Shaw, Elijah Gray (grandson of Muriel Goods), Hastie Lowther, Ernestine Burgess, Elizabeth Jackson, Brenda Morgan, Rether Parker, Judge Donna Mills, Sylvester Oliver, Min. Janine Myrick (Father), Deborah and Samuel Young (daughter and son-in-law of Dr. Marcella Maxwell), Shelley Westbrook Lassiter, Jeanette Barcene, Susan Eddington, Alfreda Gatling, Elder Abraham Gowan, Dea. Harold Sawyer, 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).

ABYWEST IS HERE!

This past Homecoming Sunday, Abyssinians were able to tour our new Educational & Cultural Community Center, and many observed that the building is beautiful! Very soon we will make final payments to take ownership and occupancy. After this step, we’ll start “buildout “of the Fellowship Hall as it presents strong revenue generating potential to support our programmatic efforts. We could not have come “this far” without the Lord on our side, and the unwavering support of Abyssinian members.

As we finalize AbyWest, members are encouraged to visit the Trustees table in the Lobby Bookstore to complete your commitments. If you would like to review your payment balance, stop by the Bookstore after Sunday worship service.

Sincerest thanks to everyone as we advance toward the grand moment of accomplishment!

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress; I will never be shaken.” Psalm 62:1-2

Lent 2020 – Spiritual Awakening - Let this Lenten Season awaken your spiritual connection and communion with God. It only requires that you be intentional about stilling your heart and mind to receive the Good News that He has for you.

What is Lent? - The Lenten season marks the 40-day period that Jesus walked through the wilderness as he prepared for the moment of His ultimate sacrifice— death on the cross. It was during this wilderness journey that Jesus experienced the challenges of temptation, worry, fear, anxiety that are common to us all. The Lenten season is a reminder that the wilderness is an essential experience in the life of every believer. As we persevere, we are drawn into an awakening that strips us away from the creature cravings and comforts, that can become barriers and impediments to our personal and spiritual growth.

What is Fasting? What Should I Give Up? - Fasting is a part of the wilderness journey. As we turn our plates down, step away from social media, abstain from excessive spending, and cease from unhealthy overworking, it’s important to remember that fasting is more than abstaining from food or familiar habits. It is a discipline that strengthens us spiritually. Through prayer and fasting, God has given us the power and ability to overcome our most pressing desires and temptations, that we may grow in faith and find grace in the wilderness. When we fast, we are giving up something and replacing it with a deeper prayer life.

LENTEN SEASON DEVOTIONS - Daily Meditations and Prayer Starters SUNDAY MARCH 1 • Scripture: Romans 8:31 – “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Prayer Starter: Dear Lord, in this season of Lent, fill our mouths with victorious declarations, that if God is for us, who can be against us.

Monday March 2 • Scripture: Philippians 4:14 – “Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.”

Prayer Starter: Dear Lord, in this season of Lent, remind us that the prerequisite to our ability to do all things, is if we do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

Tuesday March 3 • Scripture: Romans 6:14 - “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.”

Prayer Starter: Dear Lord, remind us that sin has no dominion over us because we are not under the law, but under grace, therefore we have the power to choose victory over sin.

Wednesday March 4 • Scripture: Romans 8:39 - “Nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Prayer Starter: Dear Lord, in this season of lent, remind us that nothing in creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus and the resultant victory.”

Thursday March 5 • Scripture: Ephesians 6:10 – “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”

Prayer Starter: Dear Lord, in this season of Lent, help us to be strong in You and in the strength of Your might that we may experience new levels of victory.

Friday March 6 • Scripture: Isaiah 55:11 – “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”

Prayer Starter: Dear Lord, in this season of Lent, help us to meditate on Your word, because You have declared Your Word shall victoriously accomplish that which you purpose.

Saturday March 7 • Scripture: Romans 8:1 – “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who[a] do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”

Prayer Starter: Dear Lord, in this season of Lent, remind us that if You loved us while we were yet sinners, we can’t imagine how much You love us now as believers.

These weekly scriptures will be placed in the bulletin during this 2020 Lenten Season. You can also participate by using your cell phone Just text ABYPRAY to 41400

MINISTRY

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ The Sister-to-Sister Book Ministry is currently reading, "The Wife's Tale" by Aida Edemariam. Ministry’s next gathering takes place on Saturday, March 14th, 10:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall. All are welcome to attend!

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ 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 st PM – 8:30 PM in the 1 Floor Nursery. See below 2020 session dates:

2020 - 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 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted - MATTHEW 5:4

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ THE ABYSSINIAN CENTER FOR CARE AND ADVOCACY (CCA) is accepting new appointments. CCA meets weekly on Thursday, 6 PM – 9 PM. To schedule an appointment, pick-up and complete intake form located in the Lobby, or visit Abyssinian Church website and complete an intake form under the CCA ministry banner. For appointment and further information, call CCA 212-865-7474 x304 and leave a message. An appointment will be scheduled shortly thereafter. If you work in the social service sector, health care, housing, senior services, children services or your organization seeks to assist those in need, call CCA today and leave a detailed message. ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

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 2019 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

For Wi-Fi Access in Aby Sanctuary and Vestry Use Network ID: AbyChurchGuest Password: welcome!

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: [email protected] (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 646-760-3339 steps will take only 5 minutes.

1.Click the link. 100 tithes

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 20 tithes confirming receipt of your gift.

20 tithes

Happy Birthday to Abyssinians Born in March

Carmeta AlbarusLindo 31 Lisa Durham 29 Sandra Allen Lesibu 22 Patrice Eaton 24 Lisa Andujar-Ray 23 Rosalind Eddy 18 Jeanine Ballard 17 John Edington 24 William Batista 9 Danisha Edwards 10 Vincent Battle 30 Lataya Edwards 10 Carole Beckford 30 C. Michael Ellison 2 Tamara B Green 11 Lorean Ellis-Reliford 22 Sandra Benn 28 LaSaundra Estelle 31 Lydia B Pearson 16 Theresa Ferguson 30 Madison Blake 15 Jacqueline Fife 24 Aurora Brice 14 Qadir Forbes 14 Ghurron Briscoe 20 Kathleen Francis 28 Milton Brown 7 Herman Fraser 18 Norma Brown 21 Annie Friend 23 William Brummell 24 Melquan Ganzy 16 Michael Bryant 29 Michael Garrett 30 Joseph Bunn 30 Ivette Gillum 9 Kyla Butts 30 Eleanor Giveand 12 Mary Caper 31 Kelvin Glover 22 Melvin Carey 24 Frances Gooden 21 Wylene Carter 4 Edwin Gordon 31 Charisse Castillo 2 Carole Gregory 18 Messengeir Christian 15 Demetria HShomala 7 Dawn Collins 20 Lisa Hayes 20 Una Coughman 29 Mary L Henderson 2 Nicholas Crawford 25 Andrew Henry 26 Constance Daglis 21 Riza H Printup 20 Larik Dais 28 Keith Hines 23 Jean De Wees 9 Laura H Williams 15 Ganeen Dean 18 Donna Holder 22 Raven Dennis 17 Latrena Holder 2 John Denson 13 Joanne Horsham 17 Betina Dowdell 20 Candace Howell 1 Calvin Duncan 27 Ruth Inniss 25 Chequita Jackson 30 Tanya Packer 9 Eleanor Jackson 6 Elijah Patterson 29 Dorothea Jackson 23 Villard Petit 2 D. Michelle James 21 Felicia Pierce 1 Sherita J Cuffee 20 W.Randall Pinkston 3 Crystal Johnson 26 Johari P Yeiser 19 Sidney Johnson 27 Lynn Reed 28 Glenn Johnson 17 Fred Royall 26 Dawn Johnston 5 Kenneth Sally 6 Jewell Jones 20 Otise Schuk 6 Rochelle Jordan 16 Ramona Scott 1 Grace J- Mon Paibo 1 JoAnn Scott 27 Mary Kirby 22 Lenora Sharpe 6 Sheena Lawton 18 Ashunta Sheriff 3 Kenneth Leacock 23 Laurita Shields 19 Nancy Leonard 31 Tiersa Smith 9 NiKimya Ligon 14 Lacole Spraggins 21 Arron Lloyd 16 Sherry Stephens 23 Kevin Long 1 Thomas Stevens 18 Samuel Lyons, III 20 Darrell Stinchcomb 1 Patricia Mabry 12 Betty Anne Syphrette 25 Pamela Mason 12 Demetria Thomas 27 Valeria Mason 13 Tracey Thomas, Jr. 20 Carol McHenry 16 Jyll Townes 18 Crystal McKay 7 Liduvina Travieso 6 Jennifer McManus 12 LaVergne Trawick 25 Sandra McNeill 2 Myrtle Tully 17 Mellissa McShay 25 Randreta Ward -Evans 8 Tiara Meriweather 1 Doretha Webb 18 Leon Merrick 21 Sharon Wedderburn 20 Johnnie Middleton 27 Craig Wesley 25 Ronald Moore 17 Vivian Westbrook 24 Kanika Morgan 22 Helen Whaley 19 Clyde Moyler 20 Zenobia W DaCruz 24 Poppie Mphuthing 23 Jean Williams 15 Nadirah Muhammad 12 Robin Williams 30 Timothy Nash 6 Christopher Williams 18 Evelyn Neal 31 Latasha Williams 16 Rachel Nicks 19 Jordan Woods 4 SAVE THE DATE

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

Date: Sermon Title: Biblical Text: Points to Note:

PULPIT FLOWERS

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 | 646.870.0856 – F abyssinian.org