The Christian Mother
Mother is half of the Father/Mother team, the one who gave birth to you as a child. When she first held you in her arms, she fell madly in love with you! She is the one that changed your diaper, gave you your bottle, bathed and dressed you. She is the one who tended to you when you were sick, wishes she could have bore your pain, but unable to even share it with you. There is none like a Mother. If you have children, then you know what it's like to be a Mother. Often, it's a tough job, with unruly children, and many heartaches before they are grown. Sometimes a Mother is lucky that she has well-disciplined children, but only because she has done her best in order for them to be well-adjusted teenagers and later adults. Mostly, Mother sits and worries that she hasn't done her best with her children, especially if they don't turn out as she thought they should, with all the training she had given them. Mother is a human being, capable of making mistakes. She is not perfect, just as none of us are perfect. But she is the one that we picture as being perfect during our childhood. As we become older, we realize that Mothers are capable of right and wrong ways of doing things, missing the mark, just as much as the next person. But she is still Mother. The thing that sets her apart is her everlasting love for her children and her intent that they lead normal, well-adjusted lives. Not until we become adults, do we really begin to appreciate WHO Mother really is. She has nurtured you through your childhood, put up with your sassy ways and times of being lazy during your teenage years, and cried through your becoming an adult. But Mother was always there to encourage you when you made a mistake, although sometimes it's hard not to show disappointment. As we grow older and have our own children, we realize that Mother was a very strong person, and we begin to wonder can we ever fit into her shoes. No, we wear our 'own shoes'........we can never do things the same as our Mother, although she has given us the pattern from which to build. IF we have a Godly Mother {I did!}, then we can bring up our children in the ways of God, so that when they grow older we have the assurance that some day they will live for God. After all, Proverbs 22:6 says "Train up a child in the ways he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." —Beverly Mazzella YONKERS SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURC H MAY 2004
Pastor’s Corner
wider selection of "other mother" and it really cards, appropriate to recognize caring isn't "just like" f r i e n d s . L i k e s t e p m o m s . any of them. So, if you're among those recognized The job is Also like most advice about surviving and appreciated souls, mazel tov; you stepmother, stepparenting, this is easier said than probably aren't reading this! For all the and it's legitidone. But controlling the factors you rest, getting through Mothers' Day is mate. If stepcan helps smooth a road filled with pretty much like getting through any day parents keep obstacles, as Mothers Day can be for as a stepparent, just with more weight. telling each Don't let it bring you down. If your other that, eventually the sentiment many stepmothers. may break through to the world. Maybe you're among the fortunate mother is alive and nearby, you can sideones who have negotiated a peaceful, step the Me issue by focusing on her. Some churches honor all women on even fruitful coexistence with your Many sensitive husbands/dads recog- Mother's Day, which is a validation stepchildren (and their maternal rela- nize a stepmother for her contribu- of stepmothers. You can do a little tives). Maybe, although your stepchil- tion. If you wish he would, say so; damage control and consciousnessdren spend Mothers' Day with their otherwise, he may downplay the holi- raising by talking with teachers or biological mother, you receive some day rather than risk rubbing it in. administrators to ensure schools reappropriate acknowledgment of your Just as you should try not to look to member to recognize "other" matercontribution to their lives - not mercurial stepchildren for approval nal influences in their students' lives. eclipsing their mom, because she is and validation - don't hold your And whether you take the high road their mom, and you are not. But breath! - you don't need the florist in- and help stepchildren buy Mothers' something that recognizes you. dustry to validate your role as a parent. Day cards or gifts for mom is up to Hallmark recognizes you. Each year, It's OK to be a stepparent. This job you; I say, delegate that to Dad. -continued on pg. 4 the Mothers' Day card racks offer a isn't mother or sister or grandmother, Like just about everything about stepparenting, living through Mothers' Day as a stepmother can make you crazy if you let it. Don't let it!
Steve Darmody in Concert
istic productions. He has also been heard on the Voice of Prophecy radio broadcast and Family Reunion Videos, the It Is Written telecast and Net Satellite broadcasts, and on the Breath of Life Evangelistic video series. Steve has released five CDs, with number six scheduled for release this summer. Steve shared reflective testimony and anecdotes from his twenty-five years as a recording artist and twelve year pastoral experience. He informed the congregation that the focus of his sixth album will be the Word of God. “God’s word is the most powerful gift ever given to man,” he stated. Our church received a special surprise by his presenting new songs from the upcoming album for the first time to an audience. The upbeat and positive message of these songs encouraged everyone to follow God’s Word in faith and service. Our church was truly blessed by this inspiring concert. For further information on the music ministry of Steve Darmody, please visit www. morningsong.org.
On Sabbath, May 1st, the Yonkers SDA Church was favored by an unplifting concert of song and testimony, given by renowned vocalist, Steve Darmody. Steve is one of the most prominent artists in Adventist music today, appearing as a regular on the 3ABN Satellite Network and being featured in numerous evangel-
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Partners In Ministry— Deaconesses
Our team of Deaconesses consist of thirteen wonderful ladies who have dedicated themselves to serve the Lord. Their duties range from personal care to service at the altar. These ladies have demonstrated their commitment to the Lord by their willingness to serve and their faithfulness to duty. Deacons and Deaconesses are a vital team to the church. Both are working together to make a difference in meeting the needs of our congregation at the Yonkers SDA Church. We have put in place a prayer box that is displayed in the Sanctuary on every Sabbath. Through this medium, temporal and spiritual needs are made known. As a result, we have organized teams through which we work to meet those needs. The setting up of a prayer room, to be known as “The Upper Room,” is also in progress. It will be a place of retreat, where one can pray, meditate, read, and be alone with the Lord. The room will be accessible and open to all who feed the need As a team, the Deaconesses meet for a quiet place. with the Deacons on the fourth SabWe would like to bring our first aid bath of every month. We fellowship, kit to your attention. This kit is kept discuss plans, and review the proat the room to the right of the altar. gress we have made. Any deacon or deaconess will be The importance of the role of the happy to assist anyone in need of Deaconess was commented upon by the Apostle Paul. In Romans 16:1-2, this service. On April 9th, we celebrated the res- he wrote, “I commend to you our urrection of our Lord Jesus Christ sister Phoebe, a deaconess of the by preparing an “Agape Feast.” This church at Cenchreae, that you may event included a short skit and a receive her in the Lord as befits the wonderful musical program. Our saints, and help her in whatever she thanks go to everyone for their par- may require from you, for she has been a helper of many and of myself ticipation and support. as well.” (RSV) We are grateful to God who has given us the grace to carry on thus As Deaconesses, we are committed far. We are thankful that He has pro- to serve the church and its members. vided us with a great counselor and Among our varied duties, we are reguide in the person of Pastor sponsible for arrangements for the Mazzella, who is very supportive of ordinances of communion and footthis ministry. Pastor Mazzella is pre- washing, assisting at baptisms and sent at all of our meetings and gives caring for the sick and the needy. us the inspiration to continue to We hope to keep you informed on strive for excellence in the service the progress we are making, as we that we endeavor to provide to the strive to reach our goals. -Lola Benabe, Head Deaconess church and to the community.
Deaconess Team: (back) Lola Benabe, Padmini Yesuratnan, Ann Cammerano (front) Malou Panes, Iona Smith, Jeya Albert, Nancy Cabasaan, Ilda Lopez, Reetha Selvadas
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Pastor’s Corner continued Self-preserving tactics, a philosophical attitude and spiritual power from above are key to surviving any tough times. Mothers' Day after one's mother is deceased is worse. Being a motherless and childless stepmother on Mothers’ Day could be emotionally difficult enough to warrant drastic distractions. Don't save the day to brood. Take charge: Make your weekend feel emotionally safe. Do something nice with a friend who has lost her mother. Stay away from brunches. And consider this: the stepchild who forgets you at Mothers' Day might forget the biological mother, in the scatterbrained spirit of childhood. –Pastor Mazzella
Bible Instructor Graduation
Graduates include: Nancy Cabasaan, Malou Panes, Padmini Yesuratnan, Jaan Rank, Andel Brown, Peter Nance, Allen Ashe, Carol Ashe, Martha Covi, Alrick Lothian, Victor Bishara, Edward Paradiso. Missing from the above photo are: Robert Giordano, Baldwin During the course, the students were Mitchell and Rose Bascon. taught practical and effective methods The next training class will begin on to better share the Christ-centered Sabbath, May 15th directly following truths of the Bible with friends and the Divine Service. The class will run neighbors. Pastor Mazzella emphasized for seven weeks. If you would like the importance of this by saying, “To more information or to enroll in the study the Bible with people is one of class, please speak with Pastor the most gratifying things a Christian Mazzella. This is an “investment for eternity” that provides a wonderful opcan do.” Each graduate received a ready- portunity to learn and develop the skills referenced Bible handbook and busi- of friendship evangelism. -Kim McDonald-Bishara ness cards designating them as official The graduates of the first Bible Instructor Training Course at the Yonkers SDA Church were recognized by Pastor Mazzella on May 1st. The goal of this course is to train and equip church members to individually win people to the love of Jesus Christ. Bible Instructor Specialists.
MEMBERS EXCHANGE
Photo/Video Services for Weddings, Special Events, Portraits, etc. Film and Digital Photo Processing. Video Editing Winston Allen 914-403-8995. Licensed 4th Generation SDA Funeral Director Specialized personal services. Edward Paradiso 914-428-3653/358-2436 Beeper– 914-535-0539. Pastoral Counseling and Psychotherapy Services Pastor Anthony Mazzella, M.A., M.S.W., C.S.W. 914-739-5216. Financial Planning/Investment/ Insurance Victor Bishara, LUTCF, CLTC. Registered Representative.-NASD Licensed NY/CT/NJ 914-372-2960 Fax. 914-3722929 email. vbishara@metlife.com. For Sale– EIKI LC-6000 multimedia projector. Power zoom and focus. Built-in sound. PC and Apple compatible. $1000.00 or best offer. Pastor Mazzella 914-963-6776. Wanted– Car for sale? Service to offer? Job opening? Apartment for rent? Looking to buy? Place your ad here. Advertisements are free to church members. Ads may be edited for space. Editor reserves the right to reject any ad. To place an advertisement please contact the editor. Advertisements are the sole responsibility of the individual advertisers. The Yonkers SDA Church does not warrant or assume any legal liability for the services, products or information contained herein.
BLESSED HOPE
Editor
Kim McDonald-Bishara Yonkers SDA Church 793 N. Broadway Yonkers, NY 10701 914-963-6776 Visit Us On The Web: www.yonkerssdachurch.org email: info@yonkerssdachurch.org
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