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June 2, 2024
I address you as Paul addressed the believers in Christ at Philippi. “Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you. Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy. For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.” Philippians 1:2-5.
June is my birth month and this is my 79th year. Thank you for your expressions of best wishes through the past 36 years as your pastor. I appreciate your patience and perseverance with me and my personal challenges with health as I prepare to retire as your Senior Pastor. I will keep you updated with telephone tree messages how I am coming along.
I appreciate your commitment and faithfulness as we manage the inconveniences we have navigated this year with structural damage and returning to our sacred space for worship for the 8:00 am in person worship opportunity. Thank you for continuing to give commensurate with your capacity to support the work of this fellowship of faith. Commendations go to each of you for all that you do in your respective roles, whether in leadership, fellowship, service with your skill sets to maintain our connectivity as a congregation, for your cooperation, camaraderie and consecration.
Following are the special days this month and how we are going to observe them.
Sunday, June 9th, 2024 is observed as Children's Day. “A little Child Shall Lead Them.” Isaiah 11:6. Our children will be leading us in worship for the broadcast and in person service. Olivia Carter is bringing the message and sharing music.
Our graduates at all levels will be remembered with a gift card from the church as their acknowledgment and picture that are available will be in the newsletter.
Sunday June 16th, 2024 is Father’s Day. Our fathers will be leading us in worship for the broadcast. Pastor will prepare a prerecorded message for the broadcast.
Wednesday June 19th, 2024 is Juneteenth. While the American Civil War ended in 1865 with President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation freed enslaved people in the Southern states back in 1863, but it took to the end of the war to turn the words into law. The end of slavery in America is still celebrated today in the form of the Juneteenth celebration.
Juneteenth is an American Holiday that commemorates the June 19, 1865 announcement of the abolition of slavery in the state of Texas and more generally the emancipation of enslaved African Americans throughout the former Confederate States of America. The name is a portmanteau, (port-man-teau), which is a combination of "June" and "nineteenth," the date of its celebration. Juneteenth is recognized as a state holiday or special day of observance in forty-five states.
Juneteenth (short for June Nineteenth) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end of slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday.
Sunday June 23rd, 2024 is Youth Emphasis Sunday. Our youth will be leading in worship. Ian Sims is bringing the message as well as providing music.
Sunday, June 30th, 2024 is observed as Missions Emphasis at Second Baptist. Our Missions Commission will be leading in worship.
Love and peace beloved,
-Pastor
Dr. William S. Epps, Senior Pastor
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