Worship Bulletin For 8:00 & 11:00 A.M.
February 4, 2007
~ Black History Month~

WELCOME TO BETHEL ON THIS BEAUTIFUL BUT CRISP SUNDAY MORNING. God has blessed us with another day and a "brand new" set of new opportunities and we gladly come together to offer thanksgiving and praises for these unmerited blessings. On this last Sunday in January, we celebrate our safe passage through the first month of this year. If we are faithful, God will also lead us successfully through the next eleven months. Every day brings about new gains and new accomplishments according to our faith and our works. Even though there have been some disappointments along the way, God allows us retool following each setback, and then step out on our faith again. Our Theme for Worship today is focused on "Courage that Brings About Results". Our challenge is to persevere in our work, even among stiff odds, understand that God will bring the rewards we need in every endeavor. If you have the faith, God has the Power. When things become difficult in your life and desired outcomes seem far away, just remember the words of the Apostle Paul to the Church at Galatia, in Galatians 6:9 "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall prosper, if we faint not".

A SPECIAL WELCOME IS OFFERED TO EACH OF OUR VISITORS! God brings us together as Brothers and Sisters. It is our responsibility to make ourselves to become one family. No matter how celebrated our accomplishments might be or how limited the resources in our past, we are one in the sight of God and therefore, vital to each other’s future. Here at Bethel, we welcome you to our celebration of worship and the fellowship of our family. We are indeed concerned about your spiritual health. As vital as good physical health, education, safe shelter and economic security are, we encourage Christ above them all. Without Christ, all of these are but empty shells. With Christ, even small symbol of these can become great. Therefore, if you do not have active membership in a Christian Church in the Bay Area, please accept our invitation to join Bethel for Spiritual growth and Christian Fellowship. Come Help Us Make A Difference In Our Community!
WELCOME TO BETHEL!

OUR CHURCH AT WORK

TODAY: 8:00 a.m. Early Morning Worship
9:30 a.m. Sunday School

MON: 7:00 p.m. Up From Darkness

TUES: 6:00 p.m. Bethel's Credit Union
6:00 p.m. Singles Ministry (Every 1st and Third Tuesday)
6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

WED: 12 Noon Bible Study
6:00 p.m. Sunday School

Teacher's Meeting
7:00 p.m. Bible Study
7:00 p.m. Up From Darkness

THURS: 7:00 p.m. Northern District Police/Community Mtg every
2nd Thursday

FRI: 12 NOON Food Pantry Program
7:00 p.m. Up From Darkness

SAT: 3:00 p.m. Jr. Golf "Fleming Golf Course-1st Tee

FEBURARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH RECOGNITION! As such, we will celebrate the great accomplishments of Black Persons in America and throughout the world. Adults and Youth from the Bethel Community will present biographical information on some of these Black individuals in an effort to increase the understanding and appreciation for our heritage among the young, adults and the elderly alike. All members of the Bethel Family are encouraged to wear African Heritage Wear throughout the month. Let’s celebrate our heritage with joy and excitement!

WOMEN'S DAY 2007. The Women's Day Team will meet with the women of Bethel TODAY, February 4th after the 8:00 and 11:00 am services to provide you with plans for Our Special Day. Please plan to attend. Team Leader, Deborah Ford

BETHEL'S 155TH CHURCH ANNIVERSARY. The Board of Trustees have planned our celebration for Sunday, February 25th at the 8:00 and 11:00 a.m. Worship Services. Pastor Boyd will preach at the 8:00 a.m. service and the Rev. Joseph Nixon, Pastor of Shorter Community AME Church, Denver, CO will preach at the 11:00 a.m. Worship Service. Our Music Department will present a special Anniversary Musical Concert at 4:00 p.m. A Special Southern Style Feast will be offered in Browning Fellowship Hall immediately following the 11:00 a.m. Services. The Anniversary team is asking each member or friend of Bethel to donate $155; $1.00 for each year Bethel has been in existence. Look for more information next week. Your Anniversary Team.

THE MINISTERIAL STAFF OF BETHEL will present "A Blessing for Our Relationships" on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2007. The event is planned for married couples and "Sweetheart Couples" of our beloved Bethel Family. The emphasis is intended to strengthen these relationships, in God’s presence, toward ultimate unity and commitment. If your relationship meets these aims, the Ministerial Staff invite you to sign up on the attendance confirmation sheet in the vestibule today. The event will begin at 7:00 p.m. and a full “sit down” dinner and special entertainment will be provided. We simply ask you to come and to bring a gift for your Sweetheart. Happy Valentine's Day!

MEETING WITH PASTOR BOYD AND THE CHANCEL CHOIR is scheduled for TOMORROW, Monday, February 5, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. All members of the Chancel Choir are encouraged to be present.

MONTHLY LAY MEETING. The regular meeting of the Lay organization will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. All members are asked to be present and on time. Your President, Fannie Robinson

FIFTH DISTRICT'S EDF-FOUNDER'S DAY FOR THE CALIFORNIA ANNUAL CONF. will be held on Sunday, February 11, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. As you are aware, your contributions to this annual event will be used for the ministry of the Economic Development Fund of the Fifth District of the AMEC. Here are the categories: Traditional Developer $36.00; Silver Level Developer $100.00; Diamond Level Developer $500.00; Gold Level Developer $1,000.00; Platinum Level Developer $1,500.00. Please see Dennis Watts or Mary Williams to make your contribution the Economic Development Fund Campaign.

THE BETHEL MASS CHOIR is invited to sing and participate in this year's Economic Development Program which will be held at Parks Chapel AMEC in Oakland, CA on Sunday, February 11, 2007. The Program is sponsored by the CA Annual Conference and will begin at 6:00 p.m. Three other choirs from the Sacramento and Vallejo Areas will sing and all will combine in one closing selection. Member of Bethel are encouraged to be supportive and to be present. For more information, please see Mr. Willis Hickerson.

CLASS LEADER'S COUNCIL MEETING. The meeting will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2007 at 12 noon in the Choir Room. All unit chairs and members, please plan ion attending as important activities will be discussed. Thank You, Co-Presidents, Dorothy Cox and Rita Lee.

WMS CELEBRITY COOK OFF. Greetings in the Name of the Lord!! Mark your calendar for Saturday February 24, 2007 at 5:00 pm. That's the date for the 2007 Celebrity Cook Off, "A Soulful Affair - Celebrating Our Heritage" at St. Paul AME Church in Berkeley California. This year's event promises to be a culinary wonder and even better than last year. Deadline for entry is February 11th. Please see Flyer and entry form in today’s bulletin. For additional information, please contact, Dorothy Gleaves.

MID-YEAR CONVOCATION ~ MARCH 14-16, 2007. THE 2007 Mid-Year Convocation will be hosted by the New Philadelphia AME Church in Long Beach, California. Please see the Flyer in today’s bulletin.

"ERADICATE" The 5th District invites clergy and laity to attend the first annual HIV/AIDS Benefit during the Mid-Year convocation on March 16, 2007. Ticket Price is $100. All proceeds will be used to provide educational and testing materials in the 5th Dist and South Africa. For additional information, please contact Dorothy Gleaves.

YPD ACTIVITIES

NEW BASKETBALL TEAM FOR BETHEL. If you are interested in participating as a team member, assisting or have resources related to the organization or funding, please sign-up with Cynthia Scott or call the Church Office. Practice will be EVERY Friday at Hamilton Gym, 1900 Geary Blvd, at 5:30 p.m.

SALADS GALORE!! Our yearly SALAD FEAST is here! It will be held on next Sunday February 11, 2007 immediately following the 11am services. So come and support our youth on Economic Development Day. The donation is $8.00 to eat all you want. So come have fun with the youth and Eat, Eat, Eat.....

JAM FOR JESUS. CCYPD Jam 4 Jesus will be held Saturday, Feb.10th at St. Paul AME, Berkeley, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. There will be fun workshops and concert featuring our very own Willis Hickerson with special guest. If you want to attend, registration forms will be due today. For more information, please see Idella Hill immediately after service today. Transportation will be provided. See Flyer

YPD BIBLE STUDY. Monthly Bible study will be held February 18th immediately following the 11am service. It will be hosted by Julanda Griffin and Rev. Cynthia Robinson at the home of Julanda Griffin. All youth are encouraged to come. Please remember to bring your Bibles.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS & OTHER CHURCHES ACTIVITIES

CREATIONS BY DORIS. Please stop by my tables on Sunday, February 11th in Honor of Black History Month and Valentine’s Day to pick up your special Gift for That Special Someone. Items available: Gift Baskets, Presentation Bouquets, Silk Floral Arrangements, Custom Dolls and Much More!! Stop BY!!!!

ANNUAL CREDIT UNION MEETING. The Annual Meeting of Bethel’s Credit Union will be held on Friday, February 23, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. in Browning Fellowship Hall. Please sign up with the Credit Union if you plan to attend.

THE COVENANT WITH BLACK AMERICA FOLLOW-UP MEETING. Everyone is invited to a follow-up meeting of the "Covenant With Black America" immediately following the 11:00 a.m. services on Sunday, February 25, 2007 in Browning Fellowship Hall. This meeting will last thirty-forty minutes and will focus upon actions that can be taken to improve the quality of life in the Black Community. Light refreshments will be served.

PRAYERS

Your Prayers are requested for the Boyd Family in the loss of Rev. Boyd's Niece, Lorie Boyd. Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at St. Paul AME Church, Blountown, FL. Please ask God to surround this family with His Comforting Spirit.

Please remember to Pray for all of our members on the Sick & Shut-in List and those in the Convalescent Homes.

To Pastor & Mrs. Boyd, & My Bethel Family: My Sincere Thanks and Appreciation for your prayers, cards, telephone calls, and your words of sympathy, concerning the passing of My Aunt, Annie Louise Avington of Los Angeles, CA. May God Continue To Shower You With His Blessing. Sharron Jacobs & Family.

To Pastor & Mrs. Boyd, & To Bethel AME Church: Whatever you did to console our hearts, during the passing of my Grandmother, We Thank You so Much. May God Bless You. April Wright & The Burrus Family

To Pastor & Mrs. Boyd, The Ministerial Staff & The Members & Friends of Bethel: Words cannot convey the comfort I received from your kind expressions of Love and Sympathy on the loss of my Brother. Thank you for your love and caring, and May God Bless and Keep Each of You. Doris Long & Family.

MEMBERS CELEBRATING BIRTHDAYS
1/21: Chantalle Allen, Sammie Cobb, James Whitley & Lisa Butler
1/22: Marianna McDevitt
1/23: Katrina Keith
1/24: Latonya Harris & Lillian Robinson
1/25: Joseph Miller
1/26: Curtis Bryant & Francine Howard
1/27: Latara Harris2/4: Verna Clark
2/5: Marguerite Coleman & Helen Robinson
2/6: Charles Anderson, George Hawkins, Helen Kinder, Anita Mayo, & Lois Bell
2/7: Velma Landers & Esterelene Williams
2/8: Leslie Lyons
2/9: Verna Domingo
2/10: Erma Fuller

BULLETIN DEADLINE! All information to be included in the Bulletin must be approved by the Sr. Pastor and must be in the Church Office by Wednesday, 12:00 Noon in order to appear in the following Sunday’s Bulletin. You may use the following methods: