Shiloh Baptist Church

It has been written that when Gabriel appeared to Mary of Nazareth (Luke 1:26-38), she was perhaps no more than 15 years old. His starting announcement – that she would soon bear the very Son of the Highest – meant the end of a normal life. Mary’s name would forever be on the lips of gossips and rumor-mongers. Joseph, her husband-to-be, could decide to end their betrothal through a public, humiliating divorce. Betrothal (Luke 1:27) was a mutual promise or contract for a future marriage (De. 20:7; Jer. 2:2). Not to be entirely equated with the modern concept of engagement, betrothal followed the selection of brined by the prospective husband. The contract was negotiated by a friend or agent representing the bridegroom, and by the parents representing the bride. In Hebrew custom, betrothal was actually part of the marriage process.

Even if he “put her away secretly” (Matt 1:19), she would still have to return in shame to her father’s home or else survive on her own by whatever means she could. Faced with these ruinous prospects that she had neither caused or sought., Mary would have had plenty of reason to balk at Gabriel’s message. Instead she accepted her assignment: “Let it be to me according to word” (Luke 1:38). Her response was submissive obedience to the clearly revealed will of God. After Gabriel’s departure, Mary took practical action by visiting her relative, Elizabeth, during the third trimester before John’s birth (Luke 1:39-56). Mary’s journey into the Judean hill country was no leisurely stroll. Her support network, Elizabeth and family was probably very valuable to her. The route was an area fit for fugitives, rebels and hermits – but certainly not for a pregnant woman. But the maidservant of the Lord honored the Lord in her obedience to Him for the benefit of us all. 

Submitted Deaconess Irene Gardon

As we celebrate and partake in Clergy Appreciation festivities, in the month of October, we wish to express these words of gratitude to our Pastor, Ministries, and Ministerial Staff. Ministry is a full-time service, and job. The hours are not so clearly defined as our life’s work, and much of what is done goes unseen, unrewarded, and sometimes unappreciated, and we recognize that it’s not just the Pastor’s job to visit the sick, pray for the needs of the people, and to encourage the down-trodden, or to be a light in a dark world. It is the duty of all who seek to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus speaks, and says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you to go and bear fruit- fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” John 15:16.

Our Clergy and Pulpit ministry, spiritually-led by Pastor Washington, is ably assisted by Rev. Dr. Kelvin Redmond, Bro. Vincent Golston, Bro Julius Jones, and Marshall A. Washington. Together with Pastor Washington, they all serve us in so many ways. Following a call to serve the Lord, as a pastor is a wonderful testament of your faith. God bless you richly as you serve Him in the years ahead. Our Administrative staff performs many tasks on our behalf, on duty during the week, taking care of the business of the church, in the person of Sis. Lee Quinones, Sis. Martha Everette, Deacon Craig Mitchell, and Bro. Marlon Washington. Whether it’s answering the phone, or cleaning the building, they have provided a place where we can come in and go out with great pride. Our Worship & Arts Ministry sets the atmosphere right whenever we gather. Whether it’s a Hymn of the Month, or just fresh, raw worship, the praise is always high, and reaches outside of our walls into the streets for all surrounding us to hear. Together with Sis. Carol D. Antrom, and Professor David James, Sis. Mercedes Golston, and Sis. Eniola Armoogan, our Choir’s, our Praise team, our Praise Dance Ministry, and our Drama Ministry gives definition to our praise, and we are always taken to higher heights, and deeper depths when you minister. This multi-faceted ministry is not just song, drama and dance, it’s the heartbeat of us all coming together in an unspoken language to Almighty God, expressing itself in movement of a heart that longs worship. Our Stewardship, Ministry of Trustees also serve us well, under the leadership of Trustee James Eason, and his team. They are diligent to make sure that our resources through our tithes, offerings and sacrificial funds are used for the upkeep and maintenance of our building, and for the edifying of the body of Christ here and outwardly. We hold them accountable and they are doing a great work in our behalf.