“

GEBC Update for 5/13/2021

Schedule of Events

 Sunday Worship 

10:00 A.M.

Facebook Live/Zoom

Bible Study

Tuesday at 5:45 P.M.

Zoom

Prayer Time

Wednesday 12:00 Noon

Zoom

 MESSAGE FROM PASTOR BRANDON

Good afternoon,

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

                                                                                                                                                                                                John 14:27 (NKJV)

I trust and pray that all of you are doing well, and God is blessing you and your families with continued health during this challenging time. Without a doubt, we are truly living in unprecedented times. 

Last week, Colonial Pipeline,  the country's largest fuel pipeline was hacked and threatened, which caused a shut down and led to fuel shortages, long gas lines and increase in gas prices along the East coast( particularly in the southern states). It has been reported, that Colonial Pipeline paid millions in extortion fees to Eastern European hackers to restore and re-activate the east coast pipeline.

The Pandemic, which has gripped us for months, has turned into over a year of challenges for our families, churches, nation and the world.

The nation is in the process of easing Covid-19 restrictions as a growing number of the population has received vaccines across the country. Philadelphia's projected date for re-opening as declared by Mayor Jim Kenney and Health Commissioner Dr.Thomas Farley is tentatively set for June 11th, two weeks after Memorial Day. In the meantime, more restrictions are being eased beginning May 21, 2021. Please know that the Pandemic is not yet over. This stealth virus can rise up again at any point if we are not diligent. I urge everyone to be smart, to continue to be cautious and continue to wear masks around others and maintain social distances just a little longer.

The Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church has been blessed to continue to operate safely, under an adjusted calendar, over the last year.While the adjustments do not afford us the opportunity to traditionally celebrate all annual days, Women's Day, Men's Day etc..., in the same fashion as previous years, we have not had any incidences of Covid-19 infecting our gatherings.

We will continue with God's grace and mercy to have virtual Sunday Worship on Facebook; as well as our Prayer and Bible Study on Conference Call and Zoom formats. The leadership of the church will have discussions and prayerful planning of safe events  for the future.

 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:6-7

In just a week, the events of the world have changed. Yet, in reality, change is inevitable as we live from day to day. We are reminded once again that our circumstances should not govern the peace we have in our hearts, especially as Christians. There is peace that surpasses all understanding, which is the Lord Jesus Christ, the wisdom of God, in the heart of the redeemed. One can only have peace with himself, if he has  peace with God.

Remember that the circumstances  around you should not dictate your peace. God is our peace giver.

On next Tuesday, May 18, 2021 the city of Philadelphia will conduct the primary elections for district attorney, city controller, common pleas judges and municipal court judges; and there will be a series of five ballot questions. While many may think that a primary election is not a major event, please understand that your opportunity to vote is a major event! Your vote is your voice in government. Your participation is a major event! 

You have an obligation and a responsibility that "must not" be ignored. You have an obligation and a responsibility to research and make good decisions, to distinguish good candidates from bad candidates, as well as not so bad candidates from the truly bad candidates. Particularly for the district attorney,  who serves as the chief prosecutor for the city of Philadelphia, and decides whether to bring criminal charges against arrested people, prosecute criminal cases in court and determine the severity of punishment of some crimes. 

You must consider the candidate's track record, affiliations and associations that support him or her. The bible says in Proverbs 4:7 "with wisdom get understanding." This principle is vitally important when you make your voting choice and when you face the five ballot questions. 

Three questions propose constitutional amendments. You must pay attention and prepare to answer the questions that weakens the present governor's power. Pay attention and prepare to answer the question regarding amendments to Equal Rights regardless of Race or Ethnicity amendment. Pay attention and prepare to answer the question regarding the referendum on the Municipal Fire and EMS services loan measure; and the question to amend Philadelphia's Home Rule Charter.

COVID-19 INFORMATION

Yesterday, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 12-15. This follows an expanded emergency use authorization issued by the Food and Drug Administration earlier this week. 

Parents can now begin to schedule their children ages 12 and up through any vaccine provider administering Pfizer. You can find a vaccine provider administering Pfizer near you at www.vaccines.gov. More information about the Pfizer vaccine’s extended emergency authorization is available from the FDA and through a fact sheet for recipients and caregivers.

Vaccines at Canaan Baptist Church 

Lehigh Pharmacy will be at Canaan Baptist Church on May 22^nd to administer the Pfizer vaccine.  This vaccine is targeted for ages 16 and over.  If you know someone who has not yet received their shot please pass on this important information.

If you or someone you know would like to receive this vaccine, please call Canaan’s office to register at 215-848-6311 between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM.

Please add Sister Naomi Smalls to your Prayerful Concern list. She lost her sister-in law,( Elaine) Eloise Bernier Smalls. The services are as follows:

Friday, May 14, 2021

Egizi Funeral Home

119 Ganttown Road

Turnersville, N.J.

Viewing 9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.

Services 10:00 A.M.

PRAYERFUL CONCERN LIST

We are now using  GIVELIFY (click here to download the app) for our online giving. You will need to download the app and register in order to use this means of donating.

Contact Us

Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church

3200 N. Broad Street

Philadelphia, PA  19140

Rev. Otis V. Brandon, Pastor

215-227-7310 (Office) 

When leaving a message, please speak slowly and repeat the telephone number.

www.gembc3200.org

gebc3200@verizon.net

Renee Coleman
coleman.renee@aol.com