SUNDAY APRIL 30, 2017 - Greater Bethesda Missionary...

SUNDAY, APRIL 30, 2017

Greater Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church 5301 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60615-3303

The Rev. David W. Watkins, III – Senior Pastor

WELCOME TO BETHESDA! Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool,

in Aramaic called Bethesda…(John 5:2 ESV)

Greater Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church - Loving Our God, Living Our Name

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Enter His Gates With Thanksgiving! Greetings! We are excited to have you worship with us today. We hope you can sense our enthusiasm about what God is doing here at Bethesda. Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, we believe the Word of God has the power to touch and transform your life. As we worship together today, we pray that you experience the love of God through the people and ministries of Bethesda, where we are “Loving Our God, Living Our Name!” Feel free to use your cell phone, tablet, PDA, or electronic device during worship. Check-in on Facebook and follow the conversation online via Twitter @GreaterBethesda, use hagtag #GBMBCoC. However, we respectfully request that your electronic device be used in “Manner Mode” during the worship service. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Again, welcome to Greater Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church. We’re glad you are here!!

Belong. Believe. Become. Rev. David W. Watkins, III – Senior Pastor

Bethesda is…

Glorifying God Becoming Disciples of Christ Making an Impact in the Community Building the Kingdom of God Changing the World

Loving Our God, Living Our Name!

STILL I RISE! “ ‘After three days I will rise again.’”(Matthew 27:63)


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It’s spring again. Trees are budding, birds are chirping, and the grass is growing after months of being covered with ice, snow and cold. A new beginning is at hand. As we celebrate Easter and this new season, I encourage you to pay close attention to the rhythms of nature.

Recently, as I was driving down Stony Island, Jadon and Jonathan were excited to see the beautiful tulips, daffodils, and other flowers lining the street. As we marveled at the colorful array of blossoms, I reminded them of winter: long nights, harsh winds, bitter cold, and

freezing snow. In a real sense, I reminded them of the difficulties that the flowers went through before they experienced their breakthrough.

You see, the flowers that we marveled at were not planted at the Chicago Botanic Garden, but are planted on the Stony Island Avenue. “South Side Flowers” are not treated the same way as “North Side / Suburban Flowers” are. “North Side / Suburban Flowers” have access to abundant resources: their grounds are maintained and their soil beds are raked. On the other hand, because of neglect, budget cuts and outright discrimination, “South Side Flowers” must fight for resources by themselves to ensure their survival for themselves. Nevertheless, there they were. Though no one had cleared their path; though no one had made it easy for them to grow, there they were…on Stony Island Avenue… rising up for the world to see. The “South Side Flowers,” even though they had been forgotten about and their fate seemed to be to suffer by themselves, hidden, buried and left to die, there they were, budding, beautiful, alive and strong. Can I tell you why? They were created to rise! Something in those beautiful, budding flowers would not be denied. They persevered the long nights, harsh winds, and bitter cold. They propelled themselves against the odds and broke through the ground to achieve their purpose. Why, because it is in their nature to rise despite difficult circumstances!

On that first resurrection Sunday, early in the morning on that first Easter day, it was in Jesus’ nature to rise. Despite the unjust treatment, the lies, and the dysfunctional criminal justice system, Jesus arose with all power in his hand. Beloved, the resurrection of Jesus is proof that we are created to rise! Because Jesus rose, the ability to rise above all that would keep us down, is in our nature too. In her poem entitled: “Still I Rise,” the prolific and prophetic poet Maya Angelou captures this sentiment of resilience and determination despite neglect and discrimination:

You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Easter is not just about Jesus, it’s about you! Will you rise up above what tries to keep you down? Join us. Consider making Jesus your Lord and Bethesda your church. Together, as disciples of a Risen Savior, we are bringing the Easter message to life. Happy Easter. May God Bless you all!

Belong. Believe. Become. Rev. David W. Watkins, III - Pastor

MONTHLY CALENDAR – AT A GLANCE May 2017


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Sunday, April 2, 2017 10:00 a.m. – Celebration of the Lord’s Supper Wednesday, April 5, 2017 12:00 p.m. – “Power Hour of Praise, Preaching and Prayer”, Beth Eden Baptist Church, 11121 S. Loomis 7:00 p.m. – Wednesday Night Bible Study Thursday, April 6, 2017 2:00 p.m. – Food Pantry @ St. Elizabeth Church Saturday, April 8, 2017 12:00 p.m. – T.A.L.K.S. Mentoring Program 5:30 p.m. – SISTERHOOD Meeting, hosted by Paving the Way Project Palm Sunday, April 9, 2017 Holy Week 2017 Begins 10:00 a.m. – Palm Sunday Worship Experience 12:00 noon – Conversation on the Corner; presented by Paving the Way Project. Tuesday, April 11, 2017 5:30 p.m. – Dinner Theater, “It’s All Right Now” 7:15 p.m. - Showtime Wednesday, April 12, 2017 12:00 p.m. – “Power Hour of Praise, Preaching and Prayer”, Beth Eden Baptist Church, 11121 S. Loomis 7:00 p.m. – Wednesday Night Bible Study “Journey with Jesus to the Cross” Good Friday, April 14, 2017 12:00 p.m. – “Seven Last Words of Christ”, First Baptist Church of Chicago, 935 E 50th St. (Joint Service with Fellowship Meal immediately following service)

Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017 8:00 a.m. – “Sunrise” Easter Celebration Service 9:00 a.m. – Resurrection Breakfast: All Are Welcome 10:00 a.m. - Easter Celebration Service (No Fellowship Hour after Service) Wednesday, April 19, 2017 6:00 p.m. – 3

rd Ward Town Hall Meeting with Ald.

Dowell, Greater Harvest MBC, 5141 S. State St. 6:00 p.m. – “Sweet Hour of Prayer” Meeting 7:00 p.m. – Wednesday Night Bible Study Saturday, April 22, 2017 Clean & Green - Washington Park Edition 9:00 a.m. – Council of Servants Meeting 11:30 a.m. – Council of Elders Meeting Sunday, April 23, 2017 2:00 p.m. – Church Outing @ Living Water MBC 6511 Jefferson Avenue, Hammond, IN 46324 Rev. Dr. Homer Walker, Jr. – Senior Pastor Rev. Veronica M. Johnson – Preaching Sunday, April 30, 2017 12:00 p.m. – Quarterly Churchwide Meeting (Subject to Change as led by the Holy Spirit)

ANNOUNCEMENTS Here is What’s Happening @ The Pool


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TODAY’S CHURCHWIDE MEETING – SUNDAY, APRIL 30, 2017 @ 12:00 P.M. (CONTINUED NEXT SUNDAY)

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!! Calling all church members! Please join us for our quarterly churchwide meeting today which will be continued on the first Sunday, May 7, 2017 @ 12:00 p.m. (immediately following 10:00 a.m. worship service). We need your input and support as we prepare, plan, and present committee/ministry updates; 2017 Congregational Priorities, and other vital matters. Join us for an informative and productive meeting. Thank you for your ongoing spiritual and financial support!



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COUNCIL OF SERVANTS MEETING - SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2017 @ 9:00 A.M.

Calling All Council of Servants members! We will meet on Saturday, May 6 at 9:00 a.m. for our monthly meeting. We will be preparing for the Quarterly Meeting; planning the Ordination Service, and discussing vital and urgent matters concerning the church. A light breakfast will be provided (suggested donation $5.00/person). If you cannot attend, please call Sis. Avis Abernathy at 773.373.3188 to express your regrets. God Bless You.

SERVANT LEADER ORDINATION PREPARATION RESUMES – SUNDAY, MAY 7, 2017 @ 9:00 A.M. L.I.F.T. (Leaders in Formation and Training) classes will resume next Sunday morning from 9:00 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. All Council of Servants Members, who are preparing for Ordination, are required to complete L.I.F.T. class series. If you have not already done so, please complete the Spiritual Gifts Inventory online at https://gifts.churchgrowth.org/cgi-cg/gifts.cgi?intro=1 AND provide a copy of your results to Pastor Watkins or Reverend Johnson. Additionally, continue reading Deacons in Today’s Black Baptist Church by Marvin A. McMickle. The next two (2) sessions we will do a comprehensive review of the material. Lastly, please see Pastor Watkins, Gloria Elam Norris, or Selina White-Vicks if you have any questions, comments or concerns. Thanks.

MOTHER’S DAY 2017 / PIN-A-SISTER SUNDAY This Mother’s Day, May 14, GBMBC will join thousands of women across the state of Illinois and surrounding states to participate in what has become a hallmark event of the Access Community Health Network-led Pin-A-Sister™/Examinate Comadre™ initiative. Pin-A-Sister™/Examinate Comadre™ is a faith-based campaign using the “power of the pulpit” to encourage women to get mammography screenings. As you know, the church plays a vital role in the lives of African-Americans and Hispanics—mobilizing, informing and raising awareness about pertinent issues in our communities. Join us as we recognize and salute cancer survivors. Please see Dr. Grace Dawson for additional information and details.

2017 STRIDES FOR PEACE WALK/RUN – SIGN UP TODAY (NEW DATE / NEW LOCATION)

Join the Paving the Way Project and our partners, Strides for Peace, and help eliminate gun violence by participating in the 2017 Chicago Strides for Peace 5k/10k Run or 2k walk. The fun and festivities continue this year on a new date (Thursday, June 1, 2017) and new location (Grant Park). Join us again this year. This run/walk is for the entire family. It is not too early to sign-up. Please see Antonio Davis or Philip Kingsley to sign-up/for additional information.

https://gifts.churchgrowth.org/cgi-cg/gifts.cgi?intro=1



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GIVE HONOR TO WHOM HONOR – DO IT TODAY! Each year during the American Baptist Churches of Metro Chicago’s Annual Meeting, we extend our gratitude and thanks to members through the offering of Discipleship Awards. We welcome churches and organizations of the Region to nominate person in Region-wide Categories and we welcome churches to nominate a person in the category of Daily Disciple. Previous awardees include Karen Barbee Dixon, Addie Epps, and Antonio Davis who received an award for their commitment to Greater Bethesda and their discipleship to Jesus Christ. Nomination forms are available in the church lobbies (53rd Street and Michigan Avenue). When a form is completed, please return it to Sis. Addie Epps or Pastor Watkins. It is our hope that you will honor those whom you believe have merited any of these awards. The forms must be received no later than TODAY. The Discipleship Banquet Dinner Saturday evening, May 20, 2017. Please see flyer in the bulletin. Thank you in advance. Blessings!

CONGRATULATIONS DR. GLORIA ELAM NORRIS & LADY LATASHA M. WATKINS We are pleased to announce that our very own Moderator Dr. Gloria

Elam Norris and our First Lady Latasha M. Watkins are bona fide, published authors. Their work appears in the book entitled Hold On to Hope: Stories of Black Women's Fertility, Faith, & Fight to Become Mommies, by Stacey L. Edwards-Dunn.

One in eight U.S. couples has trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy. Infertility strikes at the core of what it means to be a woman or man, tests marriages, and shakes faith. Hold On To Hope is a rich treasure of heartfelt, real, and inspirational stories of courageous Black women who have fought emphatically against infertility to become mothers. Their stories offer humor, hope, and practical advice that can be incorporated in one’s infertility journey. This book is highly recommended as a helpful and

hopeful companion for anyone coping with infertility. You are not alone! Dr. Gloria Elam Norris provides practical help for the journey in her chapter entitled: “The Geritol Didn’t Work and Standing on My Head Hurts: What Do I Do Now?” and Lady Latasha Watkins shares the spiritual shock, emotional roller-coaster and personal testimony in her chapter entitled: “You’re Infertile.” Thank you for sharing your personal stories and practical wisdom to help encourage other African-American women to Hold On To Hope. Congratulations!



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PRAYER CONCERNS The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous [person] availeth much. (James 5:16b KJV)


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NURSING HOME / HOSPITAL

Lula Edwards Symphony of Morgan Park 10935 S. Halsted, Chgo, IL Essie Luster Bronzeville 3400 S. Indiana, Chgo, IL

SICK and/or SHUT-IN

Frances Allen Daisy Blount Matthew Bonds Tonya Chambers Carl Dawson Melvin Dowell Bennie Hall Pastor Carl Lyke Mattye B. Mingo

Ethel Robie Ira Robinson Lucinda Rogers Sophia Spears (travel) Rachel Towns Estelle Johns Watkins Norma White Marvline Williams Shirley White

PRAYER REQUESTS

Lula Bandy Family of Margaret Barbee Linda Brown & Family The Family of Clifford Davis Roelisia Dawkins Hicks & Family Herbert Ellis Howard Felder Juanita Floyd

Edith Green & Family “Little Torey” - Harris Grandson Ruth Hiley Geneva Kimber & Family Philip Kingsley & Family Marjorie Mims John Nichols

ARE YOU SICK? DO YOU STAND IN THE NEED OF PRAYER?

Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church… (James 5:14) Please call the church office for prayer requests, inclusion on the prayer list, communion visitations, bereavement concerns and/or a visit from Pastor Watkins. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

ORDER OF SERVICE Month of April 2017

10:00 a.m. Worship Service

Subject to Change as led by the Holy Spirit


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THE ORGAN PRELUDE: DANIEL SCOTT, JR.

We begin with the majestic sounds of the organ and our melodious music ministry preparing our hearts and minds for worship!

THE MINISTRY OF MUSIC: MUSIC MINISTRY Praise Team – 8:00 a.m. (Easter Sunday)

Sanctuary Choir & Praise Team – 10:00 a.m. (Easter Sunday)

THE CALL TO WORSHIP: LEADER THE WELCOME & FELLOWSHIP: WELCOME MINISTRY

Worshippers, Please Greet One Another in Christian Love

THE ALTAR CALL: LEADER "God Has Smiled On Me" - 1st, 2nd & 4th Sundays

“He’s An On Time God” – 3rd

& 5th

Sundays

THE MINISTRY OF MUSIC: MUSIC MINISTRY THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD: PULPIT

THE INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP: CLERGY & SERVANTS

Worshippers, Please Do Not Walk and/or Leave During This Serious Time of Commitment!

THE CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER: CLERGY & SERVANTS 1st Sunday of the Month

THE RIGHT HAND OF FELLOWSHIP: CLERGY & SERVANTS 4th Sunday of the Month

THE TITHES AND OFFERTORY SERVICE: CONGREGATION (Give Online at GBMBC.org/egiving ; Mobile via Givelify App; Otherwise, Please Use an Offering Envelope)

THE WORSHIP HYMN: CONGREGATION "If It Had Not Been For The Lord On My Side" 1st, 2nd & 4th Sundays

“Victory Is Mine” - 3rd & 5th Sundays

THE FINAL REMARKS & REMINDERS: PASTOR WATKINS Birthday & Anniversary Recognition - 1st Sunday of the Month

THE BENEDICTION: LEADER Worshippers, Please Stand for the Benediction. Don’t Leave Before the Final Blessing!

CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS Month of April 2017



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THE ALTAR CALL: CONGREGATION

“God Has Smiled On Me" God has smiled on me, He has set me free

God has smiled on me He’s been good to me

“He’s An On Time God” He’s an on time God, yes He is; Oh, Oh, Oh, on time God, yes He is;

He may not come when you want Him, But He’ll be there right on time

He’s an on time God yes He is.

THE WORSHIP HYMN: CONGREGATION

If It Had Not Been For The Lord On My Side" If it had not been for the Lord on my side; Where would I be? Where would I be?

If it had not been for the Lord on my side; Where would I be? Where would I be?

He kept my enemies away, He let the sun shine though a cloudy day

Oh He wrapped me in the cradle of His arms, When He knew I've been battered and

torn, So.....

“Victory Is Mine” 1. Victory is mine, Victory is mine, Victory today is mine. I told Satan to get thee behind,

Victory today is mine. 2. Joy is mine, Joy is mine, Joy today is mine, I told Satan to get thee behind. I know that joy is

mine. 3. Happiness is mine, Happiness is mine, Happiness today is mine. I told Satan to get thee

behind, Happiness today is mine. 4. Peace is mine: Peace is mine; Peace today is mine; I told Satan get thee behind me;

Peace today is mine.

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. (Psalm 100:1-2)

SERMON TEXT Sunday, April 30, 2017



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1 Peter 1:1–12 (NRSV) A Living Hope

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia,

Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen and destined by God the Father and

sanctified by the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ and to be sprinkled with his blood: May

grace and peace be yours in abundance.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us

a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into

an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who are

being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the

last time. 6 In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials,

7 so that the genuineness of your faith—being more precious than gold that, though perishable,

is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is

revealed. 8 Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him

now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, 9 for you are

receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

“The Word of God, For the People of God” (and the people of God said, “Thanks Be to God”)

SERMON NOTES How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of

whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? …So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:14,17)


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Date:_______________________________________ Scripture:____________________________

Subject:_____________________________________________________________________________ Speaker:____________________________________________________________________________ Main Points of the Message / Notes:

This sermon applies to me because:

In response to hearing this sermon, I WILL:

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (James 1:22)

NEWS YOU CAN USE Here’s What’s Happening in Our Community & City


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EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS MONTH From Advocate Health Care


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Is your family prepared for an emergency?

Tornado. Flood. Acts of Violence. Zika or Ebola virus. It seems like we are being affected by disasters of some kind more than ever before. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges citizens to follow key steps to prepare for future emergencies.

1. Get a kit. Start building your own disaster supply kit. Include basic items such as food and water, medications, first aid supplies, pet food, and important papers. Keep your kit in a safe location in your home and update it every now and then.

2. Make a plan. Families and workplaces should get involved in efforts to prepare a plan of action in the case of different emergencies. Where will you take shelter? How will you make sure everyone who needs to be there is out of harm’s way? How will you contact each other?

3. Know before you go. Plan for how you will address the 5 P’s in case you need to evacuate: People, Prescriptions, Papers, Personal Needs, Priceless Items.

4. Be proactive! Before an emergency occurs, learn about what can be helpful when different disasters hit. Do you need the same things for a flood as you would for a tornado? Know the signs of different disasters so in the event of an emergency, you are prepared to act quickly.

5. Get involved. Volunteer to support disaster relief efforts in your community, start a preparedness project, or donate money and goods to organizations that assist in these emergency relief efforts.

6. Prepare Child ID kits. Email digital photos of all family members to extended relatives and/or friends. Update photos of children every 6 months. Make copies of important documents (e.g. birth certificates) and mail them to a friend or relative, and give your children identification information to carry with them in case of an emergency. If your child has special health care needs, prepare an emergency information form that lists important meds, treatments and care guidelines that may be needed if evacuated or sheltered away from primary caregivers.

You can never fully prepare for everything that might happen, but taking some simple steps ahead of time can make a big difference in your ability to cope and bounce back if a disaster every happens. Prayer: God, keep us safe and give us the wisdom and strength to prepare for emergencies that may affect our family and our community.

APRIL/MAY BIRTHDAYS "Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you,

even as your soul is getting along well." (3 John 1:2 NIV)


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Willie White (4-30)

Weleatha Davis (5/01)

Mae Jenkins (5/02)

Vernice Holloway (5/04)

Reginald Scott (5/05)

Frances Carroll (5/08)

Grace Dawson (5/08)

Marjorie Billinger (5/10)

Kim Willis – Green (5/11)

Juanita Floyd (5/21)

Barry Jones (5/23)

Phyllis Hayes (5/24)

Henrine Sloss (5/26)

Edward Scott (5/27)

Lavonne Burleigh (5/28)

Susan Carroll (5/29)

Annie Chambers (5/29)

Marcus Smith (5/29)

Minnie Howell (5/13)

Arthur Bell (5/14)

Linda Brown (5/14)

Matt Bandow (5/18)

Kevin Green (5/18)

David W. Watkins III (5/18)

Irene Davis (5/19)

Mattye Mingo (5/19)

Clark Dawson (5/20)

JOIN US! GET ON BOARD! I was glad when they said unto me,

Let us go into the house of the Lord. (Psalm 122:1 KJV)


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DYNAMIC WORSHIP Engage in Spirit-filled worship that glorifies God and ushers people into God’s presence

(Psalm 100:1-5)

COMMITTED DISCIPLESHIP Grow a flourishing spirituality and a vibrant walk with Jesus Christ through study and prayer

(Psalm 25:4-5)

FAITHFUL APOSTLESHIP Demonstrate your faith and share God’s love by serving the church and sharing Christ in our

community in relevant, life transforming ways. (Matthew 28:19-20)

ENRICHING FELLOWSHIP

Enjoy authentic, loving relationships with new people and friends who are passionate for Christ and compassionate toward you

(Matthew 22:37-39)

WELCOMING MEMBERSHIP Connect with God’s family through faith in Jesus Christ

(Galatians 4:4-7)

SERVANT LEADERSHIP Exemplify Christ and develop your leadership by serving the church with integrity and humility

(Mark 10:45)

COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIP Embrace and uplift the community with like-minded people who are holistically meeting the

needs of the community through ministry and missions. (Luke 4:16-18)

Greater Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church 109 E. 53rd Street; Chicago, Illinois 60615-3303

Office: (773) 373-3188, 3189; Fax: (773) 373-3863

Rev. David W. Watkins, III – Senior Pastor Email: [email protected]; Cell: 773-916-7665

Rev. Veronica M. Johnson – Associate Pastor for Discipleship

Email: [email protected]; Cell: (773) 720-8371

Rev. Saeed Richardson, Associate Pastor for Partnership Email: [email protected]; Call: (773) 373-3188

Min. Mosea L. Harris, Pastoral Intern

Email: [email protected]; Call: (773) 373-3188

Visit us online at http://GBMBC.org or email us at [email protected]

(Check-in on Facebook; Follow the Conversation online via Twitter @GreaterBethesda, use hagtag #GBMBCoC)

WEEKLY MINISTRIES @ BETHESDA Early Morning Worship Each Sunday – 8:00 a.m.

Breakfast Fellowship

Each Sunday – 9:00 a.m.

Hour of Power (Sunday School) Each Sunday – 9:00 a.m.

Morning Worship

Each Sunday – 10:00 a.m.

Youth Church Each Sunday – 10:00 a.m.

Wednesdays in the Word (Bible Study)

Each Wednesday – 7:00 p.m.

Praise Team Rehearsal

Select Thursdays – Call Office for Details

Bethesdan Choir Rehearsal Each Thursday – 7:00 p.m.

O.W.L.S. Ministry

(Older, Wiser, Loving, Saints) Each Friday – 1:00 p.m.

Youth Mentoring & Enrichment

Each Saturday – 12:00 noon

Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal Call Office for Details

Welcome to the Pool of Bethesda!

SUNDAY APRIL 30, 2017 - Greater Bethesda Missionary...

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