The Communicator "What looks like Crazy on an Ordinary Day." by Reverend Dr. Michael C. R. Nabors Second Baptist Church 1717 Benson Avenue Evanston, IL 60201 Reverend Dr. Michael C. R. Nabors Pastor Official Newsletter Vision A Beacon of Light: A Christ-centered Church celebrating faith, freedom, fellowship, stewardship and the social responsibility of caring for souls. Mission The Spirit of the Lord has anointed us to care for souls; experience the joy of celebrating God’s goodness; and work collaboratively to accomplish much to the glory of God. February 2017 Volume 13, No. 2 Inside this issue: Order of Worship 3 Hymn of Celebration 3 Health & Wellness Corner 4 Welcome New Members 5 February Bible Study 7 The Beloved Community Business Expo 7 SBC Members In, Out & About 8-9 February Birthdays 10 Prayer Calendar 11 CYT Youth Sunday 12 We have made it to February 5th in what has proven for many to be the most perplexing, frustrating and disconcerting times in over fifty years. I thank God that our faith tradition has provided us an anchor against the prevailing winds blowing across our nation’s landscape. A wider view would suggest these winds are blowing across our entire globe. Unrest, unease and un- certainty have combined to create a climate of instability. In the past seven days since we last gathered together for worship on January 29th, so much has happened. Last Sunday afternoon, I was fortunate to be a guest speaker at a rally held at the Mus- lim Education Center in Morton Grove, just off Dempster. The rally had been sched- uled weeks prior, and no one could have possibly known that an Executive Order would be signed in Washington in an attempt to ban Muslims from entering the United States. Organizers expected about 200 participants, but an hour before the rally began, 1,500 people were trying to find a place to stand. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, State Senator Daniel Biss and Rabbi Andrea London spoke about the urgency of uniting as a community of brothers and sisters. I have rarely seen and felt the Word of God come to life as much as it did during those moments. Let Justice roll down as rivers and Right- eousness as an ever flowing stream. The next morning, I was at Evanston Township High School as they prepared a “kick- off” program for Black History Month. I was the guest speaker. It was invigorating to know that many of these same students had observed their constitutional right to peace- ful assembly by marching out of school and holding a rally at Fountain Square the week before. The rally was to announce their displeasure at Executive Orders intended to identify immigrants living, working and going to school in the United States, for the purpose of sending them back to their countries of origin. Part of my heart swelled when I noticed the power of God’s Word at work in our town. I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and in prison and you visited me. On Tuesday evening, I attended the play Faceless at Northlight Theatre in Skokie. I was honored to be part of an interfaith panel held on the stage immediately after the produc- tion. The play was about the complex relations, politics and religions surrounding Israe- li-American-Palestinian relationships. The panel also included the president of the In- terfaith Clergy Council, Muhammad Saiduzzuman and Rabbi London. With the myriad of differences so evident in our three communities, it was astounding how we had so much in common. We all agreed that the urgency of the times is so explosive, that we must put our differences aside and support the marginalized and suffering minorities in our community. Once again, I felt the Word of God in the room: with just one blood, God has made all nations to dwell on the face of the earth. On Wednesday, I met with ministers on two occasions to discuss how we might be able to make our churches “sanctuaries” for at-risk immigrant families, Muslims, Latinos (Mexicans in particular) and members of the LGBTQ community who may be confront- ed by law enforcement because of potential Executive Orders. The conversation was deeply painful as several pastors actually had members in their congregations who are part of the at-risk groups. “What to do?”, the question arose. This question was fol- lowed by many others. Are we called to defy an Executive Order, judicial requirements Continues on page 2
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The Communicator
"What looks like Crazy on an Ordinary Day."
by Reverend Dr. Michael C. R. Nabors
Second
Baptist
Church 1717 Benson Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201
Reverend Dr. Michael C. R. Nabors
Pastor
Official
Newsletter
Vision A Beacon of Light:
A Christ-centered Church
celebrating faith, freedom,
fellowship, stewardship
and the social responsibility
of caring for souls.
Mission
The Spirit of the Lord has
anointed us to care for souls;
experience the joy of
celebrating God’s goodness;
and work collaboratively to
accomplish much to
the glory of God.
February 2017 Volume 13, No. 2
Inside this issue:
Order of Worship 3
Hymn of Celebration 3
Health & Wellness Corner 4
Welcome New Members 5
February Bible Study 7
The Beloved Community
Business Expo 7
SBC Members In, Out &
About 8-9
February Birthdays 10
Prayer Calendar 11
CYT Youth Sunday 12
We have made it to February 5th in what has proven for many to be the
most perplexing, frustrating and disconcerting times in over fifty years. I
thank God that our faith tradition has provided us an anchor against the
prevailing winds blowing across our nation’s landscape. A wider view
would suggest these winds are blowing across our entire globe. Unrest, unease and un-
certainty have combined to create a climate of instability. In the past seven days since
we last gathered together for worship on January 29th, so much has happened.
Last Sunday afternoon, I was fortunate to be a guest speaker at a rally held at the Mus-
lim Education Center in Morton Grove, just off Dempster. The rally had been sched-
uled weeks prior, and no one could have possibly known that an Executive Order would
be signed in Washington in an attempt to ban Muslims from entering the United States.
Organizers expected about 200 participants, but an hour before the rally began, 1,500
people were trying to find a place to stand. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, State
Senator Daniel Biss and Rabbi Andrea London spoke about the urgency of uniting as a
community of brothers and sisters. I have rarely seen and felt the Word of God come to
life as much as it did during those moments. Let Justice roll down as rivers and Right-
eousness as an ever flowing stream.
The next morning, I was at Evanston Township High School as they prepared a “kick-
off” program for Black History Month. I was the guest speaker. It was invigorating to
know that many of these same students had observed their constitutional right to peace-ful assembly by marching out of school and holding a rally at Fountain Square the week
before. The rally was to announce their displeasure at Executive Orders intended to
identify immigrants living, working and going to school in the United States, for the
purpose of sending them back to their countries of origin. Part of my heart swelled
when I noticed the power of God’s Word at work in our town. I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was naked and you clothed
me. I was sick and in prison and you visited me.
On Tuesday evening, I attended the play Faceless at Northlight Theatre in Skokie. I was
honored to be part of an interfaith panel held on the stage immediately after the produc-
tion. The play was about the complex relations, politics and religions surrounding Israe-
li-American-Palestinian relationships. The panel also included the president of the In-
terfaith Clergy Council, Muhammad Saiduzzuman and Rabbi London. With the myriad
of differences so evident in our three communities, it was astounding how we had so
much in common. We all agreed that the urgency of the times is so explosive, that we
must put our differences aside and support the marginalized and suffering minorities in
our community. Once again, I felt the Word of God in the room: with just one blood,
God has made all nations to dwell on the face of the earth.
On Wednesday, I met with ministers on two occasions to discuss how we might be able
to make our churches “sanctuaries” for at-risk immigrant families, Muslims, Latinos
(Mexicans in particular) and members of the LGBTQ community who may be confront-
ed by law enforcement because of potential Executive Orders. The conversation was deeply painful as several pastors actually had members in their congregations who are
part of the at-risk groups. “What to do?”, the question arose. This question was fol-
lowed by many others. Are we called to defy an Executive Order, judicial requirements
Continues on page 2
Please observe the Sanctity of
the Sanctuary! Please turn off
all cell phones and pagers, and
refrain from eating and drink-
ing in the Sanctuary.
Thank you.
and law enforcement? What will our congregations think? What will happen to our houses of worship? What will happen to us? Once again the Word of God became
evident: The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor…liberate the oppressed…to set the captives free.
I was thanking God for a reprieve on Thursday, but I responded too soon. A confer-
ence call with Open Communities revealed even more. On February 12th, St. Nicho-
las Roman Catholic Church will be hosting an event, “State of Our Community”.
I’ve been asked to be one of several speakers to offer words of encouragement and a
call to action. The faith community in Evanston is seeking to offer reassurance to the
residents that we cannot stand idly by. We cannot accept orders or laws that we be-
lieve go against civil and human rights. We cannot turn our backs on our neighbors.
We cannot ignore the cries of our brothers and sisters seeking support and solace
from the wave of hatred rising on the horizon. And there the Word of God was once
again: What does the Lord require of you except to do justice, love mercy and walk
humbly with God?
Well, I’m completing this pastor’s pen on Thursday night. Let me see…I don’t have
any meetings scheduled tomorrow to address any of these issues. It appears like Fri-
day and Saturday may be ordinary days. But let me tell you something, Second Bap-
tist—I am now convinced there will not be another ordinary day into the foreseeable
future. What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day (a wonderful book by author,
Pearl Cleage) will be par for the course. We are living in such a day and age. But
hold fast and remember, as we are empowered to build God’s beloved community
here in Evanston, we have God and we have one another.
I hope you had a good week. And I pray the month of February will bring us closer
together than we have ever been.
(Continued from page 1)
Sermon Notes
IN THE GREAT
PHYSICIAN’S CARE
Please remember our Sick
and Shut-in in your daily prayers.
HOME
Mary Conley
Joseph Doyle Sr.
Deacon John Frazier
Trustee Pat Hudson
Nellie Jackson
Lela Johnson
Trustee Elsie Liddell
Deaconess Johnnie Mitchell
Theresa Murray
Carolyne Owen
Beatrice Sewell
Barbara Stewart
NURSING HOME/
REHAB CENTER
Alden Lakeland
Paul Williams
Citadel Care Center
(ManorCare) Bernice Cherry
The Grove
Dellean Houston
Highland Health Care Center
Mildred Moore
Symphony of Evanston
Irene Grier
Frances Robinson
The Communicator Page 3
FEBRUARY 2017
February 5
(Third Sunday after Epiphany)
Psalm 46:1-11
“The Greatness of God”
February 12
(Fourth Sunday after Epiphany)
Exodus 3:1-6
“Seeing and Serving”
February 19
(Fifth Sunday after Epiphany)
“You Are All One”
Galatians 3:23-29
February 26
(Sixth Sunday after Epiphany)
Youth Annual Day
GUEST PREACHER
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
ORDER OF WORSHIP 10:00 a.m.
Opportunities for Service Pat Savage-Williams
**Deaconess Stephanie Quan
Praise and Worship Reverend Vernon Clark and
Music Ministry
*Call to Worship and Invocation Reverend Linnette Hill
*Hymn of Celebration “Because He Lives” Hymn #106
*Altar Call and Pastoral Prayer Minister Sharon Weeks
Musical Selection Mass Choir
Pastoral Observations and Minister Diane Johnson
Acknowledgement of Guests **Lauren Davis
**Children’s Message Minister Natalie Ferguson
Stewardship Message Minister Brian Smith
Offertory Mass Choir
*Prayer of Thanksgiving Minister Smith
**Reverend Clarence Weaver
Reading of Scripture Psalm 46:1-11 Reverend Hill
**Reverend Dr. Michael James
Musical Celebration Mass Choir
Sermon “The Greatness of God” Pastor Nabors
*Invitation to Discipleship Minister Johnson
Holy Communion All Believers
*Sending Forth and Benediction Pastor Nabors
“Doxology”
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below.
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen, Amen, Amen.
*Congregation — please stand if you are able.
HYMN OF CELEBRATION
BECAUSE HE LIVES (W.J.G. and Gloria Gaither)
Verse 1 God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal, and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my
Savior lives.
Refrain
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because
He lives.
Verse 3 And then one day I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain.
And then as death gives way to victory,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know
He lives.
Repeat Refrain
Page 4 The Communicator
Bereavement Notice - Please keep SBC member
Mrs. Bessie White in your prayers as she mourns
the passing of her mother, Mrs. Myrtle Penn Gib-
son, in Terry, MS. Funeral services have been
held. Condolences may be sent to the Gibson
Family at P.O. Box 115, Terry, MS 39170. Thank You - To Pastor Nabors and the Second
Baptist Church family, words cannot express our
gratefulness for all of your prayers, phone calls
and words of encouragement expressed after the
passing of my mother, Virginia Griffin. We thank
each of you from the bottom of our hearts. Dudley
and Marie Fair
We would like to thank SBC members for their
love in the passing of Sandra Chavis. We espe-
cially want to thank Pastor Nabors and the ministe-
rial staff for their support and words of encourage-
ment. Their words were inspirational and a com-
fort to all who attended.
We would also like to thank Reverend Clark, Ber-
lenda and the Second Baptist Church Choir for the
beautiful music and wonderful praising voices in
honor of Sandra. It was truly beautiful, and they
honored her memory well. The Praise Dancers
were glorious and we appreciate their expres-
sions of love as well.
We want to personally thank the Bereavement
Committee for the delicious food preparations/
meals they provided for our family. This token
of love was greatly appreciated by each one of
us during our time of loss. Rodric & Michelle
Mitchell and Family
Daily Prayer - Join us for Second Baptist
Church’s daily prayer ministry, Monday through
Friday, at 6:00 a.m. To access the prayer line, call
712-432-1500. The access code is 846183#.
The Children, Youth and Teens Ministry
(CYTM) is excited to announce that Children's
Church is expanding its ministry by one hour to
begin at 9:30 a.m. and end at 12 noon in the Fel-
lowship Hall.
Scholarship Sunday - The Ladies Auxiliary will acknowledge those students from Kindergarten
through college who have earned Perfect Attend-
ance, Honor Roll, or are on the Dean’s List with
Certificates and a small reception on Sunday,
ANNOUNCEMENTS Save the Date Upcoming 1st Quarter Events/Activities
Sunday, February 19 - CM - Beloved Community Business Expo
February, 26 - Youth Sunday
Sunday, March 12 - Scholarship Sunday
Sunday, March 19 - Ushers Annual Sermon
Real Men, Real Talk
M e n ’ s B o o k C l u b
Wednesday morning @ 6:15 - 7:00 A.M.
All Men are welcome!! We are reading
"The Other Wes Moore" by Wes Moore.
Books are available at the Evanston Public Library,
1703 Orrington Avenue.
March 12, after the 10:30 a.m. worship
service in the Dining Room. Sign-up
sheets will be in the church lobby through Sunday, February 26.
The Children, Youth and Teens Ministry (CYTM) is pleased to an-
Family Ministries Annual Christmas and Toy Giveaway
Thank you for making our2016 Christmas Give-Away project a Tremendous Success.
It is almost impossible to count the number of hours of work
that went into helping our neighbors and their children have a Merry Christmas. If you helped plan, maintain records, attend an orientation session, interview guests, collect coats, wrap toys, purchase toys, pack food baskets, load or unload food, distribute items, or a multitude of other efforts, you demonstrated your part in “Empowering God’s People for Building Beloved Community”.
God Bless you, one and all!
How to Reach Us
SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH 1717 Benson Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201
p 847 869 6955 | f 847 869 6599
www.secondbaptistevanston.org
BUSINESS OFFICE Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
HOURS OF WORSHIP Sunday Worship 8:00 & 10:30 a.m.
Sunday School
9:15 a.m.
Children’s Church
(2nd, 3rd & 4th Sundays)
9:30 a.m.
New Members Orientation 2nd Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
Weekly Bible Study Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
WiFi User Id: 2ndBaptist-Guest
Password:2BCEGuest
Follow us on:
SBC Members Out & About
Left: Pastor Nabors, first Lady Sydni Craig Nabors, Parker and Pierce at the NAACP In-stallation Service of Officers held at the Unitarian Church of Evanston.
Left: Minister Taurean Webb at Courageous Conversations Meeting Below Left Deacon Lorraine Morton, Mayor Elizabeth Tis-dahl, Alexis Harris and Alderman Delores Holmes and (below right) Chloe Smith at MLK event at Fleet-wood Jourdain.
Far Left: Minister Brian Smith, Deacon Margaret Walker and James Starks as she received a special recognition for her years of service at the Tuesday Soup Kitchen; Left: Reverend Dr. Velda Love on her last Sunday at SBC before her move to Cleveland, OH as the Minister for Social Justice with the Unit-ed Church of Christ.
Above: Pastor Nabors, the newly installed president of the Evanston Northshore Branch of the NAACP
Second Baptist Church Diaconate Ministry
To ensure that we know when our members are ill, hospital-
ized or in need of prayer, the SBC Diaconate Ministry has a
voice mailbox available after church office hours and on
weekends.
Please call the church office at 847-869-6955. When you
hear the prompt “The Visitation Ministry”, leave a message and some-
one will contact you as soon as possible.
Happy Birthday! Birthdays in the Month of February