|
February 4, 2024
February 4th is the first Sunday of the month and Communion Sunday.
The second month of the year is labeled African American History Month. African American History Month celebrates the legacy of the past with its impetus for our involvement in the present to give us a vision for the future. Our country and our world are experiencing challenges which require commitment and courage, faith and fortitude, and resolve and resistance. We have been here before as history reminds us. I need not recant the sacrifices, struggles, and sufferings we experienced and overcame.
February is Black History Month, when the achievements of Black Americans are recognized and celebrated.
Although the United States has come a long way in working toward equity in the workplace and recognizing the work and contributions of Black Americans, there is still a long way to go to achieve equality. This can be seen in figures like the Black-white wealth gap, Black-white wage gap, high unemployment rates for Black Americans even before the pandemic, and low representation in the c-suites of America's largest companies.
The pandemic also amplified many of those inequities. For instance, the unemployment rate for both Black men and women spiked to rates higher than the rates of white men and women when businesses closed and employers laid off staff. Although it has been almost four years since the start of the pandemic, the unemployment rate for Black Americans is still higher than that of white and Asian Americans — even though the rate has fallen from its pandemic high.
Business Insider lists 13 charts which shows the inequities Black American still face, reminding us that the struggle continues. (Google Business Insider African Americans Disparity.)
Wednesday, February 14th is Ash Wednesday and also Valentine's Day. We are scheduling an Ash Wednesday Service at 7:00 pm via Zoom, for those who can participate, as well as observing Valentine’s Day. The Lenten Season of the Christian Calendar Year begins on Ash Wednesday. The liturgical calendar gives us a way of ordering our lives cyclically with an awareness of practicing our faith consistently. We begin with the birth of Christ coming as God's presence in our lives to save us from the destruction we cause ourselves (Advent). Secondly, there is the awakening that occurs with embracing the gift of God in Christ (Epiphany). Then comes the third season, Lent, reminding us of the discipline required to fulfill our destiny and direct our devotion. Be sure to use your Lenten Offering folders as you use your Lenten Calendar for reading the scriptures.
Thursday, February 15th and Friday, February 16th
Second Baptist is hosting the Progressive Baptist State Convention of California, Mid-Winter Board Meeting on Thursday February 15th and Friday 16th, 2024 from 8:30 am to 9:00 PM both days. I am preaching at the evening worship service on Thursday at 7:00 PM. You are invited to attend.
Sunday, February 18th is Installation of Officers Sunday. All officers elected to serve this year are requested to be present and to sit in the center aisle so that they may be installed into the position to which they were elected. During the 8:00 am in person worship service, we will have a litany for the officers who are present to accept and acknowledge being installed.
Sunday, February 28th the Sunday School Black History Program will be held during the 8:00 am worship service.
It is my privilege to be paired with you on this journey of faith as we continue "to serve this present age our calling to fulfill."
Let us consider the commitment we are willing to make to continue through this year as we have in years past to develop our discipline, foster our faith, and put weight in our witness to the reality of the Lord’s presence in our lives.
-Pastor Epps
Dr. William S. Epps, Senior Pastor
| 
