Stretching Your Dollar During Covid -19

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Covid - 19 has resulted in financial hardships for many individuals. As God’s children, we must remember the words of the bible as found in Psalm 37:25, “I have been young and now am old; yet never have I seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread”. The first thing that matters is that we maintain our spiritual relationship with God no matter what comes our way. We are to covenant with Him and be true and honest with Him. Secondly, we must remain faithful in returning to Him His tithes and freewill offerings. This should be set aside before any other spending takes place. In Malachi 11:3, the Lord says to us, “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts”. He has promised to take care of His own.

After we have kept our covenant with the Lord, He also expects that we will be our brothers’ keeper. There are many among us who are hurting. Yes, we all are experiencing loss and having to cope with less, but there are those who genuinely are in need. God has placed many of us in a position that we are able to render assistance and we should do no less.

There is also an economic side to COVID-19. A realistic budget has become very necessary. Sit down and create a budget that will reflect the true picture of your situation. Prioritize your bills. There are some that you may be able to delay and others that must be paid. Do not be afraid to go into your lending institution and make proper arrangements for payments.

You will need to take a complete inventory of what you have. Be sure to include everything, savings, fixed accounts, annuities etc. Check your cupboards before making a grocery list. This is the time to use all those items that are there.

Also, look for sale items and in-store bargains but check for expiry dates. Never go to the grocery store when you are hungry. Remember that a “special” is not a special if it was not on your “need to purchase” list.

Try as much as possible to eliminate or minimize waste. Families and friends should consider wholesale purchasing to reduce spending and acquire better unit pricing. Items can be subdivided later. This also reduces the time spent, standing on lines at the supermarket and the number of persons that you will encounter.

Finally, eat foods that will boost your immune system, that will fight off certain bacteria and potential viruses and diseases. You must do whatever you can to remain in optimum health.

The gyms are closed but that should not prevent you from getting your exercise. Get outside and start a garden, mow your lawn, and wash your vehicle. You will burn the calories and feel great as a result of doing it for yourself.

Finally, we should remain grateful and thankful for what God continues to do for us. Philippians 4:11-13 says, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

May we continue to be faithful as we live in one of the most stressful time in earth’s history.

--Elder Anthony Burrows, Stewardship Director


CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2020
November
7: AY Mission Transform 242: RBDF/RBPF Officer (Local Church/District)
7 – 14: Week of Prayer (Local Churches)
7 – 28: Softball Tournament
8: Remembrance Day March
9-11: IAD Year End Meetings (ATCU)
14 – 20: E-Week of Prayer for Youth and Young Adults
16 – 27: Holy Land Visit
19: International Men’s Day
18 – 21: Bible Conference
21: Children’s Sabbath, 25th Anniversary – 11a.m (Joint) Speaker: Mrs. Linda Koh, GC CHAM Director. Agape Praise (Afternoon - Joint)
23-24: ATCU YEAR-END MEETINGS
27-29: SBC Men’s Conference
28: HIV/AIDS Awareness Day & LTM/TMI Baptisms

December 
5: World Stewardship Day
4-5: Youth Congressoree-Speaker (Joint Youth Services)
5: Adventist Men Chorale Concert
6: CHAM Fun Day (Joint)
6 – 7: ATCU Session
6 – 7: Youth Choir Christmas Concert7
11 – 12: 4th Quarter Youth Day (Local Church/District)
11 – 12: Winter Youth Retreats (Local Church/District)
12: Youth Emphasis Day/Meistersinger Annual Christmas Concert (p.m.)
13: Youth Banquets (Local Churches/District)
14: Health Emphasis Day/Choir Day
18: Office Closes for the Holiday
19: Christmas Sabbath
19: Music Day (Local Churches, a.m.)/Festival of Carols (Joint, p.m.)
31: Year End Service


CHILDREN & ADOLESCENT MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT
Celebrating 25th Anniversary
Thank You!
Last weekend was the CHAM Week of Prayer was held where many of our children took part in daily challenges under the theme ‘Jesus Covers Me.’ We witnessed our children praying for their teachers, pastors, church members, and friends; sharing tutorials and learning from lessons of answered prayers and forgiveness. I hope that as a result, the children and teens developed a better understanding of the scriptures and prayer. I would like to thank Mrs. Cindy Stuart, the Week of Prayer planning committee, Mr. John Garcia, Mr. Franco Moncur & Felecity Moncur along with the parents and children of the South Bahamas Conference for the part played in making this initiative a memorable and successful one.

Save the Date
We look forward to our local Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Children Ministries for our World Church where we will host a joint service on Saturday, November 21st, 2020 at 11:00 a.m with special guest speaker Mrs. Linda Koh, CHAM Director, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Also, in attendance will be our Directors from the Inter-American Division and Atlantic Caribbean Union. The combined children’s choir for the South Bahamas Conference will minister in music at the virtual service.

In the afternoon of November 21st at 4o’clock the Agape Praise will be held where children from all our churches will be represented in a time of inspiration.

–Mrs. Lavern Sturrup, Children & Adolescent Ministries Director


COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT
Job Opening
The Communication Department of the South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is seeking an audio-visual technician.

Requirements: A bachelor's degree in journalism, broadcasting, communications, or credentialing such as Certified Technology Specialist (CTS).

Necessary Skills
The Audio-Visual Technician must be able to transport, assemble, maintain, and repair equipment used in multimedia production. Knowledge of camera and lighting techniques is essential, and knowledge of editing software for audio and video is required.

The individual must also be creative and flexible with strong communication skills and the ability to interact with coworkers and clients, often under deadline pressure. In addition to being proficient with computer systems used in multimedia production, the employers require word processing skills. The individual must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time and have good hearing and eyesight.

–Mrs. Lavern Sturrup, Communication Director


BIBLE CLASS
Bible Class continues Sunday@ 6:30 via Zoom.

--Pastor Lynden Williams, Coordinator

 

HEALTH MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT
Upcoming Events
November 15 - Cooking Class (Hillview)
December 5 - Panel Discussion (Centreville)
December 20 - Cooking Class (Hillview)

Health Tip: What Can I Do to Prevent COVID-19?

Just a gentle reminder. To help prevent spreading the infection, wash your hands often for a minimum of 20 seconds. When hand washing is not possible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Because there is no vaccine yet, the best prevention is to not have contact with the virus.

The pandemic is not over yet. To keep yourself and others safe, keep practicing the following preventative measures:

-Wash your hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
-Wear a mask that fully covers your mouth and nose.
-Avoid visiting crowded public areas when possible.
-Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
-Cover coughs and sneezes.
-Avoid contact with people who are sick.
-Clean surfaces often with disinfectant

STAY HOME. DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE IN YOUR HOUSE WHO DO NOT LIVE THERE - family, church members, neighbors, relatives, or friends.

--Mrs. Nathelyn LaCroix, Health Ministries Director


MEN’S MINISTRIES
Adventist Men Weekend. November 27-28, 2020
Theme: ‘Men-Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies’ Friday Vesper – Guest Speaker, Elder Israel Leito

Sabbath Afternoon Symposium - Presenters: Pastor Reinaldo Dracket, Pastor Michael Smith, Director Lester Stuart and Dr. Alpheaus Allick. Music will be provided by Adventist men from around the Conference.

--Elder Curtis Bryan, Men’s Ministries Coordinator


THE CURE EVANGELISTIC CAMPAIGN
A Time To Say Thanks
It would be a fatal blunder for us to overlook or even underestimate the significant contribution that the churches of the South Bahamas Conference made to Let’s Talk About Him and its signature event, The Cure: Are you ready for it? In fact, the essential labor of love and your remarkable support have contributed to the unparalleled success of our first digital evangelism series. I believe that your consistent presence on the various virtual platforms, along with your invited guests shook the foundations of the kingdom of darkness. The Holy Spirit from whom every good and perfect gift descends enabled you to serve as valiant soldiers of the cross of Jesus Christ. Hence, over one hundred persons surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ in baptism. This is a time to say heartfelt thanks. On behalf of the Administration and the Evangelism arm of the organization, I express thanks. Let us continue to talk about Him.

--Dr. Peter Joseph, Personal Ministries Director

 

STEWARDSHIP DEPARTMENT
The Stewardship Department of the South Bahamas Conference presents, 21st Century Stewardship, on Sunday November 8, 2020 from 4:00p.m. to 5:30 p.m. All members are encouraged to attend and hear Dr. Leslie McMillan present on “Coping strategies for the pandemic and beyond”. You will not be disappointed. There will also be time for questions at the end of the presentation. The meeting ID is 992 4848 8062 and the passcode is 892212.

–Elder Anthony Burrows, Stewardship Director


WOMEN’S MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT
Ladies, do you have a testimony that you wished you could share with the whole world? Maybe it’s a scripture that means so much to you that you would like to share why. Do you have a story that you think would inspire your sisters in the faith? Well, here is your opportunity.

The Women’s Ministries Department of the South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is pleased to announce the publishing of the first local Women’s Devotional, and we are seeking your help in making this become a reality. We ask that you make this a matter of prayer and if you are led to make a contribution to the devotional, we invite you to submit your story.

Each submission should range between 450 – 500 words, in totality, with a title and a scripture text. Please also note that you may use your name or a Pseudonym, whichever makes you more comfortable. All stories should be sent to SBCwomensministries@sbcadventist.org.bs. Deadline for submissions is June 2021.

As we embark on this journey together, we ask that you pray for the successful launch of this Devotional and that many lives will be enriched by its readers.

Upcoming Events
Pumpkin Roll Baking Bread Tutorial
Sunday, November 8, 2020 10:45 a.m. We Care, so we will Share. Bake two and give one away as a Random Act of Kindness - “God in Shoes” Initiative.

Meeting ID: 988 5034 1779
Passcode: 546015

Pause and Pray Wednesday
Don’t forget our weekly Pause and Pray appointment on Wednesdays at noon.

Donation Request: Used, But In Good Condition Devotionals
Kindly donate to your local Women’s Ministries Leader for distribution during our community outreach projects this year.

--Mrs. Jacqueline Gibson, Women’s Ministries Director


Please Email Weekly Announcements
To: sbclogos@gmail.com
Or logos@sbcadventist.org.bs
By Tuesday at 3:00p.m.
CALL 341-4021

SUN SETS NEXT SABBATH
November 14, 2020 5:22p.m.
Happy Sabbath!