January 7, 2024

The year 2023 has been a tumultuous year to say the least world-wide. We presently have two wars as Russia invaded Ukraine and Hamas attacked Israel, killing an unprecedented number of persons since the Holocaust. Israel has retaliated to protect itself while hostages have been taken and innocent Palestinians used as shields. On the home front in America, we have a candidate for President who provoked an insurrection at home, with a lie of a stolen election which is continuing to be perpetuated. At least the person responsible has been impeached twice, even though his party would not sign on to it. The person has also been indicted 91 times and yet his popularity with his constituencies continue to increase his support to be President again. This is an indication that no one is above the law and will be held accountable. However, we are waiting with uncertainty about the outcome with the judicial system.  

Our country is on the precipice of becoming an autocracy, losing its status as the most accomplished democracy in the world as a shining example. Remember from its inception, having a democratic republic is fragile at best and worth the struggle at best. Ben Franklin at the time of the signing of the declaration of independence said, “We must all hang together, or most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.” In framing The Constitution, Ben Franklin was asked, “What have you given us, a republic or a monarchy?” He responded, “A republic, if you can keep it.”  

No victory is final and no failure is fatal. You must continue to reinforce the gains, successes, and victories of life continually or else you will lose what you won. I repeat it often to remind us of the challenges, opportunities, and struggles ahead, given the current circumstances we face. James Russell Lowell, in a poem entitled, Present Crisis, reminds us that the crisis is always the same in every epoch, situation, or time. 

“Once to every man and nation comes the moment to decide,           

In the strife of Truth with Falsehood, for the good or evil side;       

Some great cause, God's new Messiah, offering each the bloom or blight,  

Parts the goats upon the left hand, and the sheep upon the right,      

And the choice goes by forever 'twixt that darkness and that light.”   

“For last year's words belong to last year's language

And next year's words await another voice.

And to make an end is to make a beginning." T.S. Eliot (English author)

As I muse on those words, I want to ask us, What voice are we going to use moving forward through the uncharted terrain of the uncertainty we face? I suggest, A voice of assurance for adversity, a voice of courage for our circumstances, a voice of healing for our hurts, a voice of faith for our frustration, a voice of strength for our situation.  

Trust in God and Do the Right. Norman MacLeod 

Courage, brother! do not stumble,

Though thy path is dark as night;

There's a star to guide the humble—

Trust in God and do the right.

Let the road be long and dreary,

And its ending out of sight;

Foot it bravely—strong or weary—

Trust in God and do the right.

The decision you make will shape the life you create. Choose wisely.   

Following are dates that require your presence and participation.  

Sunday, January 14th is the 98th Observance of being at 2412 Griffith Avenue. We have been worshipping in our sacred space, after Covid-19 and the structural damage repair, since the first Sunday, October 1st, 2023. We also observed this Sunday as the Sunday to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We continue to struggle with the question, “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?” We can either make the choice to create more chaos or we can make the choice to become the beloved community. A litany will be shared in the Radio Broadcast about Dr. King’s life and legacy.

Sunday, January 21st Pastor’s Chat will be held at 1:00 pm via Zoom.

Sunday, January 28th is the Annual Church Meeting at 1:00 pm. A zoom link will be sent to church members via email.



Agenda/ Prayer / Verification of Quorum / Minutes of the Year End Church Meeting, December 2023 / Pastoral Reflections / Presentation of the projected amendments to the Church Constitution, as requested by the accountants / Diaconate Ministry Reflections, Announcement of the Pulpit Committee/Trustee Ministry Reflections / Budget and Finance Ministry Presentation of the Budget for 2024 / Calendar for 2024 /Nominating Committee Report / Announcements / Conclusion.

All ministry leaders should submit their 2023 Annual Report to Lisa Ly, SBCLA Administrative Assistant, by January 31, 2024.

Let us continue with our commitment, faith, and hope as we fulfill our God given purpose to be faithful to what God intends for our lives.   

Happy New Year, blessings, love, and grace,

-Pastor  

Dr. William S. Epps, Senior Pastor