Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church Reverend John Foster Ph.D., Senior Pastor ANNUAL WOMEN’S DAY Sunday, September 27, 2020 10:00 AM “Jewels of A Crown” ~ Zechariah 9:16 NRSV~ Worship Leader: Rev. Andrea Lewis, Ph.D. The Prelude * The Doxology AME Hymn #647 Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below; Praise Him above ye heavenly host, Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen. The Call to Worship Leader: Heavenly Mother Father God, we give thanks today for the women of Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. From the humble beginnings of our church until today and into the future, women of Big Bethel sparkle as jewels of a crown carrying out our call to work for justice and peace for all. For Eve, mother of us all, sinful and beloved, we say: All: Thank you, Lord! Leader: For Miriam, who danced beside the Red Sea, we say: All: Thank you, Lord! Leader: For Mary, mother of Jesus, who carried the angel's words in her heart and baby Jesus in her womb, we say: All: Thank you, Lord! Leader: For Mary Magdalene, first to hear the voice of the Risen Christ, we say: All: Thank you, Lord! Leader: For Ruth and Naomi, who journeyed together with a commitment to each other, we say: All: Thank you, Lord! Leader: For Mary and Martha of Bethany, who served the Lord together in their different ways, we say: All: Thank you, Lord! Leader: For the determined widow, who would not rest until she won justice, we say: All: Thank you, Lord! Leader: For Reverend Jarena Lee, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, and Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams who persisted to knock down barriers in our connectional church, we say: All: Thank you, Lord! Leader: For the witness of all women of Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, yesterday, today, and tomorrow, Lord our God, we thank you and we praise you. Let our bold faith flourish in our hearts as we live out our purpose to serve you and our neighbors, with all our hearts, with all our minds, and with all our strength. All: Thank you, Lord! Amen and Amen! The Hymn of Praise AMEC Hymn #112 “We’ll Walk In The Light” 1. Hark the herald angels sing Jesus the light of the world, Glory to the risen king Jesus the light of the world REFRAIN: We'll walk in the light… beautiful light… come where the dewdrops of mercy are bright…Shine all around us by day and by night… Jesus the light of the world. 2 Big Bethel A.M.E. Church The Hymn of Praise (Continued) AMEC Hymn #112 “We’ll Walk In The Light” 2. Joyful all ye nations rise, Jesus the light of the world, Join the triumph of the skies Jesus the light of the world. REFRAIN: We'll walk in the light… beautiful light… come where the dewdrops of mercy are bright…Shine all around us by day and by night… Jesus the light of the world. 3. Christ, by highest heaven adored, Jesus the light of the world, Christ the everlasting Lord, Jesus the light of the world REFRAIN: We'll walk in the light… beautiful light… come where the dewdrops of mercy are bright…Shine all around us by day and by night… Jesus the light of the world. The Invocation Rev. Andrea Lewis, Ph.D. The Worship Through Music Bearden- Scott Youth Choir The Scripture Zechariah 9:14-17 (NIV) Sis. Karon Stephens 14Then the Lord will appear over them; his arrow will flash like lightning. The Sovereign Lord will sound the trumpet; he will march in the storms of the south, 15and the Lord Almighty will shield them. They will destroy and overcome with sling stones. They will drink and roar as with wine; they will be full like a bowl used for sprinkling[c] the corners of the altar. 16The Lord their God will save his people on that day as a shepherd saves his flock. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown. 17How attractive and beautiful they will be! Grain will make the young men thrive, and new wine the young women. *The Preface to the Decalogue (in the tune of #258) “From all that dwell below the skies, let the Creator’s praise arise; let the Redeemer’s name be sung, through every land by every tongue.” *The Summary of The Decalogue Sis. Karon Stephens The Gloria Patri AME HYMNAL #627 The Welcome and Remarks The Introduction of the Speaker The Worship Through Music Kwanza Sol Dance Ministry The Women’s Day Message Rev. Dr. Susan Hillary Buckson Senior Pastor —Allen Temple AMEC, Atlanta GA Invitation to Christian Discipleship Pastor John Foster The Benediction Worship through Giving: tithes & offering On Exit Jesus Saves 3 Rev. Dr. Susan Hillary Buckson is the daughter of Joseph E. and the late Gwendolyn Beasley Buckson. Her professional education began at The University of Maryland Eastern Shore where, as an honor scholar-athlete, she received a Bachelor of Arts in English Education (1992). Her advanced degrees include a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from Coppin State College (2001), a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Theology from The Interdenominational Theological Center (2004), and a Doctor of Ministry with a concentration on Adaptive Leadership in the Church and Community from Payne Theological Seminary (2019). Susan is a gifted educator. She has enjoyed a productive career in public education starting in Baltimore City Public Schools. Since 2001, Susan has served in the Atlanta Public Schools and has been recognized as both the APS System-wide High School Teacher of the Year and as a Milken Family Foundation National Honor Teacher. Civically, Susan is the Chief Financial Officer of Higher Standards Foundation, Inc., a 501c3, faith- based organization whose continuous effort is to serve as a liaison with community and businesses to address issues pressing those who have been incarcerated or otherwise impacted by the legal justice system with a smoother reentry into society. Susan answered God’s call to the preaching ministry in 1999 at Waters A. M. E. Church in the Baltimore Annual Conference under then pastor, Rev. Ronald E. Braxton. She is the author of two Lenten devotionals, The Lenten Experience: A 40- Day Revival and Preparing the Soil. She has also published My Praise Is My S.W.A.G: A Bible-based Curriculum For Youth And Young Adults. She is currently writing a devotional for young women: That was Then…This is Now: My Daily Diary Journey toward Womanhood. Susan has served as a workshop presenter for the A.M.E. Church on both the district and conference levels with a critical focus on empowering components toward innovative, practical ministry. She has served Bellview A. M. E. Church in Aragon, GA. In May 2019, Bishop Reginald T. Jackson appointed Susan to serve the phenomenal people of Allen Temple A. M. E. Church where she endeavors to lead with integrity of heart and skill of hand. (Psalm 78:72) Therefore, she works diligently to be a servant to God’s people, and a seeker of God’s presence. WEEKLY SCRIPTURE READINGS Seventeenth Sunday First* reading and Alternate* First reading Second reading Gospel after Pentecost Psalm and Psalm September 27, 2020 Exodus 17:1-7 Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 Psalm Philippians 2:1-13 Matthew 21:23-32 Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 25:1-9 Let us remember our sick and shut-in with our calls. Sis. Thelma Berry (404) 884-7085 Sis. Brenda Queen (404) 274-0705 Sis. Patricia Coles (404) 254-4806 Bro. Jack Shannon (404) 691-4590 Bro. Horace Ford (770) 478-3013 Sis. Joyce Spearman (404) 286-4891 Sis. Ernestine Johnson (404) 629-0984 Bro. Don Stewart (678) 289-2579 Rev. Betty Miley (770) 323-6841 Sis. Lillian Taylor (404) 284-6414 Sis. Elizabeth Parks (Liz) (404) 691-4590 4 Big Bethel A.M.E. Church Jesus Saves 5 HISTORIC BIG BETHEL AME CHURCH REMEMBERING OUR ANCESTORS AT OAKLAND CEMETERY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2020 12:00 NOON PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE LIBATION CEREMONY AT THE GRAVE SITES OF REV. JOSEPH WOOD—FIRST PASTOR OF BIG BETHEL AMEC BISHOP WESLEY JOHN GAINES—LEADER BUILDER, BROTHER JAMES TATE VISIONARY TEACHER, BUSINESSMAN 6 Big Bethel A.M.E. Church Jesus Saves 7 .