​ 2412 Griffith Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011  

Phone: (213)-677-2784  Email: info@secondbaptistchurchla.org

Second Baptist Church LA

A WORD FROM THE PASTOR



MARCH 25, 2020

The liturgical calendar year is a reflection of life experiences and situations in their cyclic variety.  We begin with joy (Advent), and move quickly to be awakened to the challenging reality of living with a growing awareness about life (Epiphany), through the development of  life which requires discipline (Lent), that forty day period prior to Easter that begins on Ash Wednesday.  We are in the Lenten season now.  Interestingly, during this season we find ourselves facing a pandemic panic occasioned by the corona virus (Covid-19). 

Lent is that time of the year where we realign our allegiances / reassess our commitments / refresh our memories / reorder our priorities / and refocus our direction.  Life is about allegiances, commitments, memories, priorities and direction.  We are now reminded of the essentials of life and well-being and what is really important.  We recognize that we are a global family and there is only one race, the human race.  What threatens one threatens all.  With the pandemic panic we are made aware that we have taken so much for granted.  Now we have been brought to the awareness that we are not self-sufficient, but a globally interdependent as one community and one family, the human family, regardless of race, creed, color, class, orientation etc.   We are all interdependent on one another for our existence, survival and well-being.

One of my favorite passages from the Psalms is Psalm 42:11 which say, “Why are you cast down on my soul, why are you disquieted in me?  Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance and my God.”  It is repeated in Psalm 43:5.  

We have the assurance of an abiding presence to neutralize our anxiety.
We have a faith in a constant presence to diminish our fears.
We have hope in an enduring presence to transcend our helplessness.
We have enthusiasm about being encouraged to praise the One who is the health of our countenance.  

Thank you for sending in your contributions by mail (2419 Griffith Avenue, LA, CA 90012).  You make also bring your contribution if you want to get out of the house to the office between the hours of 10:00 am and 3:00 pm Monday – Friday.  And you can give through Givelify.  Thanks to the 17 who did that.  Be sure to continue with your commitment so that we can get through this crises courageously and plan for the maintenance of our fellowship of faith with renewed vigor. 

“God bless you and keep you: The Lord make his face to shine on you and be gracious to you: The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.”  (Numbers 6:24-26)

Teleconference bible study at 7:00pm on Wednesday / dial in number :605-475-3220 / access code 1029200#
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